Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 97-10-10

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

ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No. 1311), October 10, 1997

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

CONTENTS

[01] Gov't notes optimistic prospects for 1998 budget

[02] Greek wholesale prices rise to 5.8 pct yr/yr in August

[03] Greek stocks end slightly down, resistance still tough at 1,800pts

[04] Greece has benefited from EU entry

[05] EU Commissioners' group for SMEs created

[06] CoE summit's importance stressed by Greece's ambassador

[07] The new Europe

[08] Simitis prepares for visit to Albania

[09] Gov't says all Balkan states expected to participate at upcoming summit

[10] Athens reiterates support for simultaneous EU candidate-states' negotiations

[11] Europarliament committee freezes EU credits to Ankara

[12] NATO exercise 'Dynamic Mix '97' continues

[13] Rodopi delegation visits Edirne

[14] Jerusalem Patriarch at book launch

[15] Tirana comments on issue of Albanian Orthodox Church Synod

[16] Patriarchate

[17] Dutch royal couple visit Thessaloniki exhibits

[18] Noted anti-dictatorship activist, journalist Yiannis Fatsis dies

[19] PM's readies for busy schedule over the next week

[20] Gov't declines comment on latest Holbrooke statements

[21] Draft bill on transparency in public works assignments unveiled

[22] ND cadre's statements against Karamanlis criticized

[23] Santorini experiment sets sights on planet Mars

[24] US, Russian astronauts to visit

[25] New state-of-the-art ambulances presented

[26] European citizens' rights in local elections

[27] US embassy, consulates closed for Columbus Day

[28] Cyprus president arrives in Strasbourg

[29] Meeting with Fischer

[01] Gov't notes optimistic prospects for 1998 budget

Athens, 10/10/1997 (ANA)

Mr. Papantoniou said the economy was on the right track. He also said the government hoped that if the budget was implemented strictly and along policy guidelines already adopted, economic developments in 1998 would be benefit everyone.

Mr. Papantoniou said that the new budget would be presented before the constitutional deadline of Nov. 30.

Attending the meeting were Development Minister Vasso Papandreou, Finance Undersecretaries George Drys and Nikos Christodoulakis and Bank of Greece Governor Lucas Papademos.

The top-level meeting decided that the state incomes policy for 1998 will be restrained, and so will increases in public utility rates, when approved.

Specifically, the government's hard drachma policy will continue in 1998, while monetary and credit policy will still be restrained.

Expenses will be cut back radically in the public sector while certain taxes will increase and new ones are expected to be introduced by the government.

In public utility rates, selective increases to be carried out will be lower than the expected inflation rate, calculated to just below 3 per cent.

All these were contained in a report by Mr. Papantoniou, which was accepted unanimously.

According to the report, it is expected that the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) will increase from 3.5 per cent it is now to 3.7 per cent. The expected increase is attributed to the following factors:

An increase by 20 per cent of the Public Investment Program, an increase in private investment, an acceleration of the construction pace of large projects such as the Rio-Antirrio bridge and a greater absorption of funds provided by the Second Community Support Framework.

In terms of the deficit for the new state budget, the goal is to restrict it to 2.4 per cent of GDP, exactly as foreseen by the convergence program.

This goal will be achieved by selling shares of profit-making public utilities that will enter the Athens bourse along the Hellenic Telecommunications Organization (OTE) lines, by dissolving or merging public corporations and services, by reducing expenditures and by collecting extra revenue from special taxes, which the government has not yet revealed.

[02] Greek wholesale prices rise to 5.8 pct yr/yr in August

Athens, 10/10/1997 (ANA)

Wholesale Price Index Aug 97 Jul 97 Aug 96

Month-on-month 0.7% 0.2% 0.2%

Year-on-year 5.8% 5.2% 6.2%

Index (1980=100) 896.7 890.1 847.8

[03] Greek stocks end slightly down, resistance still tough at 1,800pts

Athens, 10/10/1997 (ANA)

Traders said the market was nervous above that level and sentiment had been dampened to some extent by news of higher interest rates in Germany and a sharp drop in international markets.

The Athens general index ended at 1,790.60 points, off 0.20 percent, with most sector indices losing ground.

Banks fell 0.02 percent, Insurance dropped 1.44 percent, Leasing was 1.23 percent up, Investment rose 0.85 percent, Construction fell 1.65 percent, Industrials eased 0.30 percent, Miscellaneous ended 0.54 percent and Holding fell 0.69 percent.

The parallel market index for small cap companies ended 1.47 percent down. Trading was heavy and turnover was 25.6 billion drachmas.

Broadly, decliners led advancers by 135 to 112 with another 9 issues unchanged.

Bank of Piraeus, Commercial Invest, Keranis, Papastratos, Altec, Hellenic Biscuits and Ideal scored the biggest percentage gains, while Metrolife, Minerva and Mouzakis suffered the heaviest losses.

National Bank of Greece ended at 32,875 drachmas, Ergobank at 19,500, Alpha Credit at 21,200, Delta Dairy at 4,190, Titan Cement at 16,675, Intracom at 15,500 and Hellenic Telecommunications Organization at 6,900.

[04] Greece has benefited from EU entry

Athens, 10/10/1997 (ANA)

Speaking at a conference on Greece's participation in the EU seventeen years after accession, Mr. Papadopoulos said Greece had progressed from its turbulent history and system based on political favours to a fully democratic, decentralized free-market state.

He stressed that further modernization of the state was needed for the country's continuing success in the EU.

The governor of the National Bank of Greece and president of the Hellenic Banks Union, Theodoros Karatzas, also spoke at the conference. Mr. Karatzas urged an acceleration of modernization especially in transport, telecommunications and banking.

[05] EU Commissioners' group for SMEs created

Brussels, 10/10/1997 (ANA/G. Daratos)

The Commission took the decision to demonstrate the importance it attributes to SMEs, to business policy in general and enterprise which currently constitute main political issues in the European Union.

The group will include Commissioners Martin Bangemann, Monika Wulf-Mathies, Edith Cresson, Mario Monti, Yves-Thibault de Silguy, Karel Van Miert, Padraig Flynn and Ritt Bjerregaard.

[06] CoE summit's importance stressed by Greece's ambassador

Strasbourg, 10/10/1997 (ANA)

"It is particularly significant that the texts of the conference repeatedly express the importance of respect for international law and international treaties," he said, drawing attention to Turkey's strong reaction to a provision concerning respect for international humanitarian law, "a provision that was adopted despite its reactions," the Ambassador said.

"It is a well-known fact that Turkey constantly puts forward obstacles to Red Cross efforts to provide care for the victims of the civil war in eastern Turkey with the Kurds," he said.

Prof. Konstas stressed the importance of the summit meeting with regard to the great challenges faced by the CoE, namely, eastern European regimes' adjustment to the rules of democracy, and also the confrontation of new problems created by the extensive movements of population.

He added that the CoE, which was the only European organization to which Russia and all the former socialist countries of Europe belonged, remained "an outlet and a hope for the future", given that many of those states, and chiefly Russia, were excluded from other European organizations such as the EU and NATO.

Regarding Greece's recent signing of the CoE treaty on the protection of ethnic minorities, the ambassador said this was a significant political act as it proved Greece accepted international principles and rules on the issue.

Questioned on the general significance of the summit, he said:

"Contrary to its operation up until 1990, when in the dispute between the two blocs it defended the ideological arsenal of the West, today it is an institution of unity and common targets. Indeed, in 1989, the CoE had only 22 member-states," he said.

Prof. Konstas said the first summit in 1993 in Vienna signaled a new phase for the organization, in which its main mission was the "adaptation of the new regimes of eastern Europe to the rules of democracy and to the protection of human rights".

However, in the ensuing five years, "a parallel challenge" emerged concerning both old and new members. That challenge "was and still is the confrontation of the new social and economic conditions created by the major population movements among the European countries and also the wave of migration to Europe from northern Africa and other regions," Prof. Konstas explained.

Consequently, he added, today's summit was an opportunity for "reviewing the confrontation of this double challenge and forging policy for the future".

Asked what issues would be discussed and documents signed which would be of particular interest to Greece, he replied:

"Contrary to the EU, where coordination of policies is the result of rapid economic and social convergence of the 15 member states, which have many things in common, in the case of the CoE the obvious lack of homogeneity creates serious problems."

Thus, preparation for the second summit had been a "long and arduous" task.

It was, however, "significant", he said, that the "texts to be signed by the 40 heads of state and government on October 10 express agreement not only on abstract principles but also on specific issues such as the creation of a Human Rights Court, the post of Human Rights Commissioner, abolition of the death penalty, support for refugees as well as the obligation on the part of the state of origin of the refugees to accept them back, protection of children, a ban on the cloning of human beings, the advancement of a new strategy for social cohesion, and combating organized crime, narcotics and terrorism".

As far as Greece was concerned, he added, "the advancement of all the above matters is positive for Europe and also for Greece".

[07] The new Europe

Strasbourg, 10/10/1997 (ANA)

"The feeling of isolation and exclusion already prevalent in several former socialist states could increase in the future instead of abating," he said.

"More particularly, the isolation of Russia could have serious repercussions on the future of not only Europe but the entire world."

"The Council of Europe, the only European organization to which Russia and all the other former socialist states of Europe belong, consequently remains an outlet and a hope for the future," the ambassador said.

"However, with regard to what degree it meets the increased expectations will also depend on its ability to act using the same criteria, without exception, in each and every instance of violation of its principles and not follow a different policy towards Russia or Croatia, for example, and a different policy towards Turkey," he added.

[08] Simitis prepares for visit to Albania

Athens, 10/10/1997 (ANA)

Taking part were Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos, Public Order Minister George Romeos, National Defense Under-secretary Demetris Apostolakis and National Economy Under-secretary Alekos Baltas, all of whom will accompany the premier to Albania.

During his visit, Mr. Simitis will have the opportunity to discuss all aspects of bilateral co-operation, the efforts being made by the neighbouring country towards democratization and economic recovery and next month's Balkan Summit on Crete.

Particular emphasis is expected to be placed on the assistance which Greece can give to the Albanian economy, either at a bilateral level or in co-operation with international organizations.

The premier's talks will also broach matters related to the guarding of the two countries' common border, efforts to combat crime and co-operation in the defense sector.

After the meeting, Mr. Apostolakis said all relevant bilateral agreements were proceeding according to plan.

[09] Gov't says all Balkan states expected to participate at upcoming summit

Athens, 10/10/1997 (ANA)

Replying to a relevant question, Mr. Reppas said that to the best of his knowledge these countries will be represented at the highest level.

[10] Athens reiterates support for simultaneous EU candidate-states' negotiations

Athens, 10/10/1997 (ANA)

Addressing the members of the REX committee, Mr. Kranidiotis referred to the important developments taking place in the European Union, placing particular emphasis on enlargement preparation and the European Commission's proposals which are included in the "Agenda 2000."

Mr. Kranidiotis reiterated that Greece supports the simultaneous start to negotiations for all accession candidate countries for political and economic reasons, and particularly to strengthen the feeling of inclusion and not exclusion or discrimination against certain countries, such as Bulgaria and Romania.

Referring to the "Agenda 2000", Mr. Kranidiotis said the ambitious targets set out in it must be accompanied by suitable economic resources and wondered whether the proposed new funding framework will prove to be adequate to fund enlargement and the EU' s foreign relations.

He reiterated that Greece desires the accession of united Cyprus to the EU, adding that the island's accession to the EU will contribute to its economic development and will strengthen the population's feeling of security, and particularly that of the Turkish Cypriots.

However, he reiterated categorically that the Greek government cannot accept whatever linking of Cyprus' accession to the resolution of the political problem as a precondition, expressing regret over the stance of the Turkish Cypriot community in direct negotiations, saying that it does not contribute to efforts for a just and viable solution.

Mr. Kranidiotis further focused on relations between the EU and Turkey, reminding that Greece has repeatedly expressed its support for the European orientation of Turkey and for its "eligibility" to become a full EU member on the basis of objective criteria.

Mr. Kranidiotis reminded that these preconditions, to which the European Parliament also refers to in its resolutions, concern the improvement of Greek-Turkish relations, the state of human rights and a constructive stand in efforts to resolve the Cyprus issue.

[11] Europarliament committee freezes EU credits to Ankara

Brussels, 10/10/1997 (ANA/M. Savva)

It was decided during the first reading of the new budget that Ecu53 million (about 16.5 billion drachmas) registered by the Commission in the chapter on fiscal co-operation with Turkey will be transferred to the budget's reserve and not be disbursed to Turkey, because this country has not displayed "respect for democratic principles registered in the European treaty of human rights and international law rules, as well as to the clarification of statements by the new Turkish government concerning customs union."

In addition, the budget committee decided to accept yet another amendment by Mr. Christodoulou by which it freezes 10 per cent of funds contained in the MEDA program, amounting to Ecu94 million (about 29.2 billion drachmas), until the EU Commission makes an appropriate assessment of funding plans submitted by Turkey and the Europarliament, as a principle for ratifying and controlling the budget, and agrees with the expediency of funding these plans.

[12] NATO exercise 'Dynamic Mix '97' continues

Athens, 10/10/1997 (ANA)

A C-130 aircraft took the 65 paratroopers to the drop zone for a routine jump. The exercise was to be completed yesterday with the participation also of special forces in central Greece.

The final phase of the exercise begins today in the greater area of Thessaloniki.

"Dynamic Mix '97" began on Sept. 23 and is scheduled to end on Oct. 13. In all, 5,000 troops from 14 countries, 70 vessels and 180 aircraft are taking part in the exercise which is being held in parts of Thessaly, Macedonia and the western Peloponnese.

Greece is participating in the exercise only for the second time after a long absence, while it is the first time that Turkish forces are not taking part.

[13] Rodopi delegation visits Edirne

Ankara, 10/10/1997 (ANA/A. Kourkoulas)

The Greek delegation traveled through the Kipoi border checkpoint and visited the Greek consulate in Edirne.

The Edirne prefect expressed satisfaction over the Greek delegation's visit, saying "we are lucky to be inaugurating a new page in Greek-Turkish relations."

Rodopi Deputy Galip Galip was among the members of the delegation which visited Edirne.

[14] Jerusalem Patriarch at book launch

Athens, 10/10/1997 (ANA)

The Patriarch, who was in Athens specially for the presentation, said that the publication of the book inaugurates celebrations of the 2,000 years since the birth of Christ.

"However, for us it is a double celebration, because it also marks the struggles and sacrifices for the preservation of the Holy Land, with the Greek presence, that of the Patriarchate of Jerusalem, the devoted guardian of the Holy Land," the Patriarch said.

The 320-page tome, published by the Athens-based Militos Editions, records the history of the Jerusalem Patriarchate and is titled "Mother of Churches - Jerusalem, Dwelling Place of God".

George Kontadakis, general director of the publishing firm, said an initial 5,000 copies would be published, accompanied by a magnifying glass to enable readers to discern the intricate details in the illustrations of icons and other relics from the Orthodox churches in Jerusalem.

Last year, the same publishers put out a similar two-volume book on the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople at the Phanar, with high-technology photographs by distinguished photographers.

Both books contain references to texts by travelers of antiquity and rare historical sources, while the prefaces are by Doctor of Theology Alexandros Kariotoglou.

The presentation was also attended by Israeli Ambassador to Greece Ran Curiel and Ambassador Abdullah Abdullah, chief of the Diplomatic Representation of Palestine.

The first leather-bound copy of the book was presented to the Patriarch.

[15] Tirana comments on issue of Albanian Orthodox Church Synod

Tirana, 10/10/1997 (ANA)

He emphasized that the Albanian government remained steadfast to the principles embedded in past constitutions that preclude the appointment of foreign nationals in the leadership of church organizations.

"The position of the Albanian government is that Albanian clergymen must be appointed in the leadership of the Albanian Church," he said.

This, he added, was understood both by Archbishop of Albania Anastasios and the Patriarchate delegation.

"Archbishop Anastasios played an important role in an understanding of the situation. We also made it clear that since a Holy Synod has not been set up, it is the Albanian government which defends the interests of the Autocephalus Albanian Orthodox Church," he said.

He added, nevertheless, that the discussion had not entered into details, but had left margins open for a resolution of the issue through a step-by-step approach in future, and that the Archbishop, considered as a competent representative of the Patriarchate, could assume the role of mediator.

[16] Patriarchate

Athens, 10/10/1997 (ANA)

"The conclusion of the discussion was that a commonly acceptable solution can be found, and the dialogue will be continued in that direction," the statement added.

[17] Dutch royal couple visit Thessaloniki exhibits

Athens, 10/10/1997 (ANA)

The Queen, accompanied by her husband, Prince Klaus, and Dutch Foreign Minister Hans van Mierlo, arrived in the Cultural Capital of Europe for 1997 yesterday morning.

The Dutch royal couple and entourage were welcomed at Macedonia Airport by Thrace Minister Philippos Petsalnikos and later at the Byzantine Cultural Museum by Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos.

Although not on the official agenda, Queen Beatrix also visited the city's Archaeological Museum when she learned that it was adjacent to the Byzantine Cultural Museum.

The Archaeological Museum houses spectacular finds from the Macedonian royal graves.

Queen Beatrix later inaugurated an exhibition of drawings from Amsterdam's Stedelijk Museum, which constitutes the official participation of the Netherlands in "Thessaloniki - Cultural Capital of Europe" events. Prince Klaus was unable to see the exhibition after feeling slightly indisposed.

The royal couple were later driven to the airport from where they flew back to Athens before departing for the Netherlands.

[18] Noted anti-dictatorship activist, journalist Yiannis Fatsis dies

Athens, 10/10/1997 (ANA)

His funeral will take place at the Athens First Cemetery at 3:30 p.m. today.

Fatsis was born in Almyros, Volos, and studied to be a lawyer. He never went into practice, however, turning to journalism instead.

During the dictatorship he was arrested and jailed, eventually to end up in exile on desolate Gyaros island, from where he was released with serious health problems.

His crusade against the seven-year dictatorship's protagonists and torturers landed him in the hospital again, when he was severely beaten into a coma by junta sympathizers and former agents in 1976 as he was reporting for the newspaper "To Vima" on the funeral of a notorious junta torturer.

After a lengthy recovery, he transferred to the staff of "Ta Nea", a position he held until his death. Lately, Fatsis served as a member of the National Radio and Television Council (ERS), on the board of the University of Thessaly and the Athens Journalists Union (ESHEA). Additionally, PASOK had included him on its state deputy list during the last national elections.

He is survived by his wife, Vassiliki Tsiouni-Fatsi, and two sons.

Prime Minister Costas Simitis expressed his condolences in a message to his family and friends, extolling Fatsis' "principles, his devotion to democratic ideals and his indisputable professionalism."

Government spokesman Demetris Reppas, a close friend, also expressed his condolences.

Condolences were also sent by ruling PASOK's executive committee, the Communist Party of Greece (KKE), the Coalition of Left and Progress (Synaspismos), the Democratic Social Movement (DHKKI), ESHEA, the George Papandreou Foundation and the National Federation of Journalists Unions (POESY).

[19] PM's readies for busy schedule over the next week

Athens, 10/10/1997 (ANA)

On Friday, Mr. Simitis will address the ruling PASOK party's nation-wide conference on education, where distinguished academics will also be speaking.

Meanwhile, on Sunday, the premier will address PASOK's nation-wide conference for professionals, handicraftsmen and merchants.

Mr. Simitis will visit Tirana on Wednesday at the head of a government delegation, while at the end of next week he will be touring western Macedonia.

[20] Gov't declines comment on latest Holbrooke statements

Athens, 10/10/1997 (ANA)

The government spokesman added that such proposals would be dealt with when placed on the negotiating table.

[21] Draft bill on transparency in public works assignments unveiled

Athens, 10/10/1997 (ANA)

"The aim is to ensure healthy competition during the auctioning of projects and objectivity in the procedures for assignment," he said.

The draft law tackles basic issues concerning consortia of construction companies, quality control and speedy executive, and extends the provisions regarding transparency in the origins of wealth for members of assignment committees.

Emphasis is given on the quality of construction and on setting limits to possible upward budget revisions.

The bill also provides for the founding of a Construction Economy Institute, which will study issues relating to cost, productivity, financing, quality and assignment of projects.

"Greece's positive response to the challenges of the future needs national planning which will utilize all our potentialities, as well as the resources of the European Union. This national planning requires a modern institutional framework," Mr. Laliotis said.

[22] ND cadre's statements against Karamanlis criticized

Athens, 10/10/1997 (ANA)

Mr. Karamanlis himself, although reportedly strongly annoyed by the statement, was said he was not intending to adopt measures against the deputy at present, saying he was "resolved to proceed on the basis of the policy already carved out".

Commenting, party spokesman Aris Spiliotopoulos said "the party will forge ahead to the 21st century, and whoever wishes can follow."

[23] Santorini experiment sets sights on planet Mars

Athens, 10/10/1997 (ANA)

Ms. Kourtidou said that the society had enlisted the help of high school students on Santorini to conduct an experiment taking advantage of the fact that the composition of the island's earth resembles that of Mars closely.

With training provided by the society and specialist NASA Eleanor Robbins this past summer, the students are examining the ability of a certain microorganism to survive on Mars-like conditions.

This specific organism, a "ferrous bacterium", absorbs carbon dioxide and produces large amounts of oxygen.

Microorganism colonies could be introduced to Mars, if the experiment succeeds, to create conditions that could sustain human life, Ms Kourtidou said.

When this phase is completed, she added, a second one will examine the microorganism's behaviour on a Mars environmental simulator at the University of Thessaloniki, which supervises the project.

Results from both experiments are being recorded by specialists working at the university and will be submitted to NASA in the hope of a grant for the Mars habitation program, Ms Kourtidou said.

The press conference was given on the occasion of the first International Meeting of Aerospace Medicine taking place in Thessaloniki from today to Sunday.

[24] US, Russian astronauts to visit

Athens, 10/10/1997 (ANA)

The three-day meeting, organized by the newly-established Hellenic Aerospace Medical Society, is being held in the context of "Thessaloniki, Cultural Capital of Europe 1997" events and will mark the 40th anniversary of the launching of the first satellite into space.

Attending the October 10-12 meeting will be Russian cosmonaut Valery Polyakov of Russia and American astronauts Fred Haise and Millie Hughes-Fulford.

Mr. Polyakov holds the longest record in space, having spent 14 consecutive months as crew member of the Russian space station MIR.

Mr. Haise was a crew member of the Apollo 13 space shuttle which was almost destroyed following an explosion while traveling to the moon in April 1970. Ms Hughes-Fulford has taken part in several voyages as a space bus crew member, and has organized a number of medical studies on diseases such as cancer and osteoporosis.

[25] New state-of-the-art ambulances presented

Athens, 10/10/1997 (ANA)

Mobile units have already been deployed in Lamia, Patras, Larisa, Volos, Lesvos, Rhodes, Thessaloniki, Athens and other areas.

Equipped with the latest life-saving equipment, the ambulances will be manned by a doctor and paramedical staff. Sixty of the vehicles, valued at 1.6 billion drachmas, were funded by the second Community Support Framework, while the other nine, valued at 250 million drachmas, were paid for by the state.

National ambulance service (EKAB) president N. Tsagarakis said the move was aimed at reducing road deaths by 30 per cent.

It was also announced that in 1998 a training school for ambulance staff will open, while in one month refresher courses for doctors in first aid will commence.

[26] European citizens' rights in local elections

Athens, 10/10/1997 (ANA)

[27] US embassy, consulates closed for Columbus Day

Athens, 10/10/1997 (ANA)

[28] Cyprus president arrives in Strasbourg

Strasbourg, 10/10/1997 (ANA/CNA)

Coming from the US, where he addressed the UN General Assembly, the Cypriot president said the Americans would continue preparations to complement the efforts of the UN secretary general for a Cyprus settlement.

Mr. Clerides reiterated that the US and the United Nations would deal with the Cyprus problem after the February 1998 presidential elections on the island.

"At the same time, their main preoccupation will be to avoid tension to allow for a good climate," which would help their efforts when they intervene. The UN, he added, agree with this strategy.

Asked to comment on the future of the dialogue on security issues, the president said there was a "difference" with Turkish Cypriot Rauf Denktash's position.

"Mr. Denktash considers the issue of security as very restrictive while we want a discussion of the wider meaning of security," he added.

Invited to comment on the latest American efforts to promote commercial transactions between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots, the Cypriot president said "it is wrong to assume that it concerns a new approach to solving the Cyprus problem".

In Strasbourg, Mr. Clerides met Leni Fischer, president of the CoE parliamentary assembly and the president of the Alsace-Cyprus Friendship Group.

This morning he will attend the opening of the summit and later the same day he will have talks with European Commission president Jacques Santer.

He will also meet Daniel Tarschys, the CoE's secretary general.

Tomorrow, the president will chair a session of the proceedings and address the meeting. He leaves Strasbourg later that day.

Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides was due in Strasbourg from Brussels late yesterday and scheduled to hold talks with his counterparts from Denmark, the Netherlands, Moldova, Hungary and Armenia.

The second CoE summit comes at a crucial moment in the process of European unification in the wake of the European Union and NATO and the conclusion of the EU Intergovernmental Conference.

[29] Meeting with Fischer

Strasbourg, 10/10/1997 (ANA/CNA)

In a brief statement to the press, Mr. Clerides said he talked with Fischer about the latest development in Cyprus and added that she is well informed about the problem.

Asked if the role of the CoE in efforts to solve the Cyprus problem was discussed, Mr. Clerides said "We talked about the role which it (the CoE) has played in the past and the role which it can play now".

End of English language section.

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