Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 98-12-04

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From: The Athens News Agency at <http://www.ana.gr/>

CONTENTS

[01] Gov't says it will take action if customs strike continues

[02] Gov't to press hard for fresh EU funding, minister says

[03] Stocks slump on state telecom's plunge on Wall Street

[04] Water board workers stage stoppage against privatisation

[05] Gov't gets Dr 100 bln from savings bonds

[06] Drachma jumps against most foreign currencies in November

[07] Gov't names winner of Dr 60 bln road, rail tender

[08] Spending on media advertising rises 11.78 pct Jan-Nov

[09] Athens bourse okays share capital rise for Bank of Piraeus

[10] Greece needs massive investment in tourism, minister says

[11] State controllers of casinos warn of 24-hour strike

[12] Karamanlis meeting with funds' boards

[13] Greek fish farming unit in Emirates

[14] US embassy announces April event on int'l tourism infrastructure

[15] Athens Foreign Exchange

[16] Students rally outside education ministry

[17] UNESCO-sponsored Palestinian Media Forum in Jerusalem

[18] 'Week of Egypt' in Athens

[19] Pangalos-Fischer meeeting in Oslo

[20] FM details Athens' relations with Balkan nations, Turkey

[21] Europarliament: Occupation of Cyprus impedes Ankara's EU accession course

[22] Pangalos-Vedrine meeting

[23] SAE ratifies resolution regarding Turkey's compliance with int'l law

[24] Congratulations from Greek FM to new FYROM FM

[25] FYROM's Topurkovski expected in Thessaloniki

[26] Kaklamanis on state of handicapped in Greece

[27] Greek participation at int'l conference on detecting WWII-era stolen wealth

[28] Protesters clash with police over DEH pylons in Kryoneri

[29] Karamanlis labels gov't policies as failed, Simitis 'detached'

[30] Court employees strike

[31] Closed museum results in director's sacking

[32] Euro-elections the focus of gov't, PASOK meeting

[33] FYROM calls for more Greek investments in former Yugoslav republic

[34] Europe, EU enlargement the focus of conference

[35] Exchange programme with Sydney university

[01] Gov't says it will take action if customs strike continues

Athens 04/12/1998 (ANA)

"If customs officers do not call off their strike, then the government will be obliged to take measures," Labour and Welfare Minister Miltiades Papaioannou said after a meeting yesterday morning with Prime Minister Costas Simitis.

Meanwhile, Interior Minister Alekos Papadopoulos told reporters late last night that the government would take action today after a court decision on the legality of the strike action. He was speaking after a meeting of the special government committee set up to handle crises.

In earlier statements to reporters, National Economy and Finance Minister Yiannos Papantoniou indicated that a civil mobilisation of the strikers had not been ruled out.

He called on the strikers to return to work and allow the economy to operate again "other-wise, the government will take the decisions it has to."

He echoed the prime minister's statement on Wednesday that no pension fund would be exempted from government plans for reform and rationalisation.

Customs officers began striking on Monday to protest plans to merge their capital-rich pension fund with other less well-off funds. The customs officers' supplementary fund receives proceeds collected as a percentage of duties paid on exports and imports. They unanimously decided on Wednesday to continue their strike with different demands each day to bypass a court ruling declaring the action illegal.

The labour ministry and unionists on Tuesday forged an initial deal, according to which customs officers hired before Jan. 1, 1993, would have received a supplementary pension to the tune of 40 per cent of their regular pension benefits.

Deputy Finance Minister George Drys said the strike was costing the state 6- 8 billion drachmas a day in lost revenue.

In another side-effect of the strike, Albanian newspapers reported this week that the south of the country, which receives its supplies exclusively from Greece, was suffering. The price of most goods had risen due to shortages stemming from the strike.

According to estimates by Albanian customs authorities, losses to the state from the strike are estimated at around 140-150 million lek, or 300 million drachmas, per day.

Gov't spokesman : Government spokesman Dimitris Reppas stressed that it was unacceptable for one group of employees "to cause hardship for society as a whole and hold the country hostage".

Mr. Reppas said the government had gained the impression after talks between customs officers' representatives and the labour minister that the strike should have been suspended.

He added that the government was now awaiting a second court ruling on the legality of the strike, stressing that if it is again judged to be unlawful, customs workers must respect the decision.

Asked whether the government intended to proceed with civil mobilisation - which would force the striking employees back to work - Mr. Reppas said it was too early to say anything before the court ruling.

The spokesman said also that the strike and its repercussions were being examined by the committee.

SBBE : The Association of Industries of Northern Greece (SBBE) yesterday expressed concern about the repercussions of the ongoing strike and called on the state to take all the necessary measures to normalise the situation and avert any further damage to the cou ntry's economic development.

"The damage resulting from the strike will be borne primarily by export- oriented enterprises and those which import raw materials, but the national economy as a whole will suffer," SBBE said in a statement.

SBBE in particular cited the major difficulties caused by fuel shortages as well as the general problems for import/export companies and the movement of goods.

The association said the continuation of the strike would have "catastrophic" consequences for perishable goods which remain blocked at the country's borders and underlined the negative repercussions for the credibility of Greek export firms which were in danger of having their orders cancelled.

Prosecutor action : Later yesterday, the head of the Athens pu-blic prosecutor's office, Georgios Koliokostas, initiated ex officio proceedings against customs officers at the loading/unloading area of the Aspropyrgos fuel refinery for "obstructing the operation of a public facility". The move was prompted by the fact that about 100 tanker trucks loaded with fuel which has already been custom cleared are unable to leave the refinery because the premises have been sealed by striking customs officers.

Mr. Koliokostas asked Aspropyrgos police to learn the identity of the competent customs officers, summon them immediately to the refinery and order them to remove the seals so that the fuel trucks can leave.

If the competent officers cannot be found, Mr. Koliokostas has instructed the police to order the skeleton staff of customs workers appointed by their federation to unseal the premises.

In the event that the skeleton staff cannot be located, the financial crimes squad will be instructed to ensure the unhindered operation of the refinery with the cooperation of the local police.

If the competent customs officers are located but refuse to comply with the public prosecutor's instructions and unseal the facility, they will be arrested and sent for trial in flagrante delicto.

Athens News Agency

[02] Gov't to press hard for fresh EU funding, minister says

Athens 04/12/1998 (ANA)

Speking parliament during the 1999 budget's committee stage,Mr. Papantoniou said that the goverment's public investment programme, worht 2.5 trillion drachmas,required high EU inflows.

Athens would battle to secure the monies,which were of major national importance,he said.

The minister's tone and wording recalled statements by the late Andreas Papandreou, the ruling PASOK party's founder and former premier, in 1984 when he fought for the EU's Integrated Mediterranean Programmes, delaying EU entry for Spain and Portugal by six months.

Mr. Papantoniou said that cuts in indirect taxes and the price of key consumer goods this year would help the economy in 1999, in turn allowing the government to introduce tax cuts for wages and pensions in the budget for 2000. He also said that the state's portfolio management company (DEKA), which is handling privatisation stock for the government, would publish a balance sheet for distribution to deputies.

Athens News Agency

[03] Stocks slump on state telecom's plunge on Wall Street

Athens 04/12/1998 (ANA)

George Chryssolouris on Wednesday announced his resignation from Hellenic Telecommunications Organisation (OTE) citing personal reasons, and the communications ministry later proposed the executive vice president of London-based Inmarsat, George Symeoni dis, to replace him.

OTE's stock on Wall Street plunged around 8.0 percent on news of Mr. Chryssolouris' resignation.

Traders said sentiment was also affected by a new decline in major European markets.

The general index ended 3.46 percent off at 2,413.45 points in heavy turnover of 185.1 billion drachmas and volume of 24,712,000 shares.

Fifty five billion drachmas of total turnover represented trade in Hellenic Telecommunications Organisation.

OTE ended 7.5 percent lower at 6,690 drachmas in heavy volume of 8,300,000 shares, slightly up on the day's low early in the session when it lost 8.0 percent. Sector indices suffered losses.

Banks fell 2.50 percent, Leasing dropped 4.34 percent, Insurance eased 2.59 percent, Investment ended 2.65 percent off, Construction fell 2.75 percent, Industrials plunged 3.13 percent, Miscellaneous ended 4.57 percent off and Holding lost 5.52 percent.

The parallel market index for small cap companies ended 1.42 percent off. The FTSE/ASE 20 index dropped 3.85 percent to 1,495.96 points.

Broadly, decliners led advancers by 210 to 40 with another 12 issues unchanged.

Hellenic Telecommunications Organisation, Thessaliki, Ergobank and Alpha Credit Bank were the most heavily traded stocks. Eskimo, Thessaliki, Xylemporia, Lanacam, Klaoudatos, Intertek, Dimitriadis and Viosol scored the biggest percentage gains.

Ionian Invest, Corinth Spinning Mills, Halyps Cement, Terna, Elfico, Bank of Athens, Vis, Ridenco and Attica Bank suffered the heaviest losses.

National Bank of Greece ended at 49,390 drachmas, Ergobank at 27,190, Alpha Credit Bank at 26,040, Ionian Bank at 13,080, Hellenic Telecommunications Organisation at 6,690, Delta Dairy at 3,450, Intracom at 13,110, Titan Cement at 19,695, Hellenic Petroleum at 2,280 and Minoan Lines at 6,510 drachmas.

Athens News Agency

[04] Water board workers stage stoppage against privatisation

Athens 04/12/1998 (ANA)

EYDAP workers marched to the national economy ministry and met the minister, Yiannos Papantoniou.

Union leaders said Mr. Papantoniou asked for some time in order to examine their demands.

EYDAP workers are determined to resist any government effort to privatise the company, saying the move will mean a drop in the quality of water and of drainage services, higher rates for consumers, an opportunity for speculative profits at the expense of the public, and higher unemployment.

Athens News Agency

[05] Gov't gets Dr 100 bln from savings bonds

Athens 04/12/1998 (ANA)

The bonds at 10.3 percent, which were available on December 2 and 3, have a two-year term and are tax free if held until maturity.

It was the last issue of savings bonds for 1998.

The government has raised the 300 billion drachmas it needed until the end of the year from this type of security.

Athens News Agency

[06] Drachma jumps against most foreign currencies in November

Athens 04/12/1998 (ANA)

The report, released yesterday, said that the drachma gained 2.5 percent against the Ecu in November.

The central bank's average fixing rate for the Ecu against the drachma dropped 7.3 percent against the drachma's 357 central parity versus the Ecu in the European Union's exchange rate mechanism.

The DMark fell 2.29 percent against the drachma in November from the previous month to post an average central bank fixing rate of 168.190 drachmas.

The French franc eased 2.32 percent against the drachma to record an average rate at the central bank's fix of 50.153 drachmas.

The British pound fell 1.64 percent against the drachma to post an average rate of 469.832 drachmas in November.

The average fixing rates of the US dollar versus the drachma and Yen versus the drachma were 282.694 and 234.906 (100 units) respectively in November.

Athens News Agency

[07] Gov't names winner of Dr 60 bln road, rail tender

Athens 04/12/1998 (ANA)

The construction project to bypass Kakia Skala will greatly reduce travelling time between Athens and Corinth, and completion is due in three and a half years.

The project involves construction of an eight kilometre stretch of motorway, four tunnels totalling 1.5 kilometres, and flyovers totalling 3.0 kilometres.

In addition, a 2.7 kilometre stretch of double-track railway is to be built, accompanied by three tunnels and flyovers.

Athens News Agency

[08] Spending on media advertising rises 11.78 pct Jan-Nov

Athens 04/12/1998 (ANA)

The monthly report showed that television again accounted for the lion's share of spending, totalling 154 billion drachmas, or 47.06 percent of the market.

Spending on TV commercials posted an 8.20 percent increase from the same period in 1997.

Ranking second was spending on advertisements in magazines at 97 billion drachmas, or 29.70 percent of the market, showing a 19.41 percent rise against the previous year.

Newspapers and radio stations followed with spending totalling 59 billion drachmas and 16 billion drachmas respectively, or an 18.15 percent and 5.09 percent share of the market.

Spending on advertising in the month of October rose 8.49 percent to 45.4 billion drachmas from 41.9 billion drachmas in the same month last year.

The products that drew the biggest spending on advertising were Panafon, the mobile phone operator, Cosmote Cosmocarta, One Way Technostores, Bodyline health and beauty centres, and Hyundai cars.

Athens News Agency

[09] Athens bourse okays share capital rise for Bank of Piraeus

Athens 04/12/1998 (ANA)

Bank of Piraeus will use the proceeds of the share capital rise to help fund investment plans including the acquisition of banks and creation of a venture capital fund and bancassurance firm.

The funds will also aid expansion of the bank's branch network, buy more Automated Teller Machines and provide capital backup for subsidiaries.

Athens News Agency

[10] Greece needs massive investment in tourism, minister says

Athens 04/12/1998 (ANA)

Addressing a conference on domestic tourism held by the international Economist magazine, Ms Papandreou also announced that in coming weeks the internationally accepted system of stars to denote the standard of hotels would be ready for use in Greece.

Deputy National Economy Minister Christos Pachtas told the same conference that funds for domestic tourism from the European Union's Santer Package of funds spanning 2000-2006 would focus on cultural tourism.

The move would bring to the fore the country's heritage ahead of the 2004 Olympic Games to be hosted by Athens, Mr. Pachtas said.

Athens News Agency

[11] State controllers of casinos warn of 24-hour strike

Athens 04/12/1998 (ANA)

Speaking at a press conference at the offices of the National Tourism Organisation (EOT) yesterday, officials' representatives said that they are hoping for large participation in the strike and added that, according to legislation, if a controller does not turn up at a casino it must not open its doors to the public.

The development ministry, on its part, with a letter addressed to employees by the Casinos Department, said the strike was unjustified. Replying to a question from the press, the attending head of the Casinos Department, Nikos Dandolos, said that an opinion by the Casino Committee (chaired by a supreme court judge) on whether or not casinos can open without the presence of a controller must come first.

According to figures presented during a controllers' press conference yesterday, the turnover at all casinos in the country amounted to 347 billion drachmas (290 billion drachmas from table games and 57 billion drachmas from electronic games) during the January-November period this year. Mixed profits totalled 90 billion drachmas, of which 60 billion drachmas were state budget revenues.

Athens News Agency

[12] Karamanlis meeting with funds' boards

Athens 04/12/1998 (ANA)

The directors expressed their support for a merger of the three funds, in principle, but expressed concerns regarding the viability of the new fund to be created.

Mr. Karamanlis shared the concerns and noted that self-employed professionals are a basic force of development and creativity, so they should be supported by the state accordingly.

In a related development, ND issued a press release noting that although it considers the new insurance fund bill inadequate and lacking planning, it will work in Parliament on efforts of improving it.

Athens News Agency

[13] Greek fish farming unit in Emirates

Athens 04/12/1998 (ANA)

Nireus officials said the firm will expand the range of products it sells in Europe and the Far East.

The company will produce fish and shrimps in the Persian Gulf region of Oman for international markets.

The new company's turnover, after the completion of investments and the full operation of units, will amount annually to $85 million.

Athens News Agency

[14] US embassy announces April event on int'l tourism infrastructure

Athens 04/12/1998 (ANA)

The purpose of the conference, with the participation of 24 countries, targets development and application of business plans for tourism infrastructure in Europe, the Balkans, the Caspian Sea region and the Mediterranean basin.

Athens News Agency

[15] Athens Foreign Exchange

Athens 04/12/1998 (ANA)

Parities in Drachmas

Banknotes            Buying  Selling
US Dollar            279.774 286.260
Can.Dollar           181.933 186.151
Australian Dlr       174.751 178.802
Pound Sterling       466.280 477.091
Irish Punt           415.846 425.488
Pound Cyprus         562.464 575.505
Pound Malta          693.737 722.643
Turkish pound (100)    0.081   0.084
French franc          49.888  51.044
Swiss franc          204.987 209.740
Belgian franc          8.110   8.298
German Mark          167.271 171.149
Finnish Mark          55.026  56.302
Dutch Guilder        148.398 151.839
Danish Kr.            43.995  45.015
Swedish Kr.           34.660  35.464
Norwegian Kr.         37.696  38.570
Austrian Sh.          23.780  24.332
Italian lira (100)    16.895  17.286
Yen (100)            235.798 241.265
Spanish Peseta         1.966   2.012
Port. Escudo           1.632   1.670

Foreign Exchange     Buying  Selling
New York             279.774 286.260
Montreal             181.933 186.151
Sydney               174.751 178.802
London               466.280 477.091
Dublin               415.846 425.488
Nicosia              562.464 575.505
Paris                 49.888  51.044
Zurich               204.987 209.740
Brussels               8.110   8.298
Frankfurt            167.271 171.149
Helsinki              55.026  56.302
Amsterdam            148.398 151.839
Copenhagen            43.995  45.015
Stockholm             34.660  35.464
Oslo                  37.696  38.570
Vienna                23.780  24.332
Milan                 16.895  17.286
Tokyo                235.798 241.265
Madrid                 1.966   2.012
Lisbon                 1.632   1.670

Athens News Agency

[16] Students rally outside education ministry

Athens 04/12/1998 (ANA)

The march was monitored by police following some violence at a similar march in Athens last week, in which a number of cars were torched and bank windows smashed. There were no incidents reported at yesterday's march.

More than 300 high schools around the country are under occupation by students, with a representative of university students saying yesterday that they would begin occupations of university buildings as well. Students, teachers and parents are protesting against a number of issues, including teacher shortages, education ministry changes to grading and examinations at the primary, secondary and tertiary levels, the introduction of open university type programmes and changes to procedures for appointing n ew teachers.

Also the focus of discontent are budget allocations for education, private schooling and the prosecution of those involved in occupations or vandalism of school property.

Athens News Agency

[17] UNESCO-sponsored Palestinian Media Forum in Jerusalem

Athens 04/12/1998 (ANA)

The IPMF was created as a direct result of the Rhodes media conference four months ago, which was organised by the International Centre for Peace in the Middle East, Athens and the European Union.

Co-directors Nabhan Khraishi and Shaul Zadka issued a press release noting that the secretariat of the organisation will be based at the American Colony Hotel in Jerusalem.

Athens News Agency

[18] 'Week of Egypt' in Athens

Athens 04/12/1998 (ANA)

Athens News Agency

[19] Pangalos-Fischer meeeting in Oslo

OSLO 04/12/1998 (ANA - A. Podimata)

The meeting, held in a very friendly atmosphere, was dedicated to European issues in light of the European Council in Vienna, as well as to bilateral Greek-German relations which the two ministers expressed the desire to have further strengthened and de veloped.

Mr. Pangalos invited his German counterpart to visit Greece after Mr. Fischer's arrival in Greece on Dec. 14 in the framework of his tour of European capitals on the occasion of the start to the European Union's German presidency.

The two ministers discussed issues concerning the "Agenda 2000", while Mr. Fischer explained his government's positions to Mr. Pangalos on Germany's contribution to the EU budget, pointing out that the situation in his country has changed considerably a fter unification.

Mr. Fischer said that a compromise "package" solution must be found regarding resources which will satisfy all sides.

Mr. Pangalos agreed to the need for a compromise to be sought and assured Mr. Fischer of Greece's constructive stance in relevant discussions. However, he reiterated that the two countries have different approaches and priorities on the issue.

The two ministers exchanged views on the issue of relations between Turkey and the European Union also on the occasion of the European Council in Vienna. According to reports, Mr. Fischer stressed the need for the release of EU funds destined for Ankara and requested the lifting of Greece's relevant reservations.

However, he conceded that serious problems exist with Turkey, particularly in the human rights sector.

According to authoritative sources, Mr. Fischer agreed with Greek positions concerning the resolution of bilateral problems between Greece and Turkey through the International Court at The Hague.

On the question of granting Turkey candidate status for EU accession, Mr. Fischer did not raise the issue with Mr. Pangalos but, according to authoritative sources, listened with interest to the Greek minister explaining Greece's position.

The sources said that Mr. Pangalos told Mr. Fischer that Greece will not accept Turkey's proclamation as a candidate country for accession, stressing that such a thing would mean the overturning of the strategy decided by the EU on its enlargement at the European Council in Luxembourg.

Mr. Pangalos reiterated that this strategy is composed of the "6+5 European Conference" formation and pointed out that candidate countries which have accepted to join the second wave of enlargement will certainly have objections to being identified with Turkey.

Lastly, the two ministers discussed issues concerning the "leftist-leaning" policies of the EU and both agreed for the need for the EU to place greater emphasis on social policies and strengthen the society of citizens.

Gov't adamant over forced Nazi loan issue : The government confirmed yesterday that Greece's demand that Bonn repay a wartime loan seized during WWII by Nazi forces will be one of the issues raised by Prime Minister Costas Simitis at a meeting with new German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder on Dec. 7.

Mr. Simitis himself told foreign correspondents at a recent luncheon that the issue of German reparations was still open for Athens.

"It is an issue that is brought up at all meetings between Greek and German officials," he said, adding that his meeting with Mr. Schroeder would be no different.

Government spokesman Dimitris Reppas yesterday said that in addition to the issue of war reparations, Mr. Simitis' talks in Germany would focus on bilateral issues, not necessarily within the framework of the European Union, as well as Greek-Turkish relations and the Cyprus problem.

Germany has repeatedly rejected Athens' demand for the repayment of a loan that Greece's central bank was forced to extend to German occupation forces during World War II, maintaining that the issue of war reparations to Greece closed by virtue of a 1960 agreement.

The Greek position, as set out in a recent foreign ministry announcement, is quite different.

"It was a specific amount taken from the Greek economy at gunpoint and used by the German state for its own purposes. According to every rule of law, its ret urn is imperative," the announcement said.

Athens News Agency

[20] FM details Athens' relations with Balkan nations, Turkey

OSLO 04/12/1998 (ANA - A. Podimata)

Mr. Pangalos delivered his address, entitled "Southeastern Europe-The Greek prospect", at the Norwegian Foreign Policy Institute.

The minister, referring to Albania, said there is very good cooperation between the two countries in many sectors, noting that the problems of the past have been totally overcome.

Mr. Pangalos added that relations with Bulgaria and Romania are good, while cooperation on the political, economic and cultural levels is upgraded continually.

He also said there is close cooperation between Greece and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), and that the political relations are continually improving.

He added that during the last elections in FYROM, political parties competed amongst themselves over which one was in a better position to further strengthen cooperation with Greece.

He added that he will visit Skopje within the "the next weeks".

Speaking on Kosovo, Mr. Pangalos reiterated that a wide-ranging autonomous status should be given to the region, since the vast majority of its population is Albanian and underlined once again that "the principle of the inviolability of borders must def initely be valid and enforced."

Mr. Pangalos addressing Greek-Turkish relations reiterated that Turkey does not recognise Greece's right to expand its territorial waters to 12 nautical miles, disputes Greece's 10-mile airspace and disputes that the Aegean islands have a continental shelf, as recognised by the Law of the Sea.

He added that after the Imia incident, Turkey invented a new theory according to which all islets and rock-islets not named in treaties do not belong to Greece, rather they are of contested ownership.

Mr. Pangalos reiterated that we do not accept this approach and insist on the judicial resolution of the problems noting that Turkey is the only European country that does not recognise the mandatory jurisdiction of the International Court of The Hague.

Athens News Agency

[21] Europarliament: Occupation of Cyprus impedes Ankara's EU accession course

BRUSSELS 04/12/1998 (ANA - H. Haralambopoulos/CNA)

The European Parliament plenary yesterday adopted a resolution, containing a reference to Cyprus, that accompanies the report prepared by Austrian Euro-MP Hannes Swoboda regarding the development of a European strategy towards Turkey.

In the paragraph referring to Cyprus, the European Parliament reconfirms that an additional political obstacle for Turkey's accession to the EU is its continuing occupation of the northern areas of Cyprus.

Turkey invaded Cyprus in July 1974 occupying 37 per cent of the island's territory. It still maintains a 35,000 strong army in Cyprus, despite UN resolutions calling for its withdrawal.

The European Parliament also referred to Turkey's stance towards Cyprus' EU accession course, noting Ankara's trying to delay the accession of a candidate country.

Turkey supports that Cyprus cannot join the EU, if it is not also a member, a position rejected by the Union itself.

The European Parliament also called on Turkey to actively contribute towards efforts for a political settlement to the Cyprus problem, based on UN resolutions, and to stop threatening that it will integrate the occupied areas.

It also encourages Ankara to back contact between Cyprus' Greek and Turkish communities.

Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash does not allow Turkish Cypriots to participate in most bicommunal events, since December last year, after the EU reconfirmed it would begin accession talks with Cyprus in March 1998.

Mr. Swoboda described Turkey as an important country for the EU, but said it had to satisfy the criteria set out by the EU if it wants to join its ranks.

The Austrian Euro-MP noted that at the moment Turkey does not satisfy the criteria and said Ankara should provide the EU with a time schedule on its harmonisation with European criteria.

He also asked Turkey to cooperate in a Cyprus settlement and backed the Republic's accession to the EU.

Athens News Agency

[22] Pangalos-Vedrine meeting

OSLO 04/12/1998 (ANA - A. Podimata)

Yesterday's final day of the OSCE's meetings signalled the end of the organisation's Polish presidency.

Mr. Pangalos today is to meet with his Norwegian counterpart, while later in the day the King of Norway, Harald V, will receive the Greek foreign minister.

Mr. Pangalos will then depart for Brussels to participate at the EU's foreign ministers' "Conclave", which will prepare the Vienna European Council.

Athens News Agency

[23] SAE ratifies resolution regarding Turkey's compliance with int'l law

Athens 04/12/1998 (ANA)

The resolution refers to the defence of Cyprus but not to the Russian-made S-300 defence missile system that the Cypriot government has purchased to boost its air defence and it stresses the "inalienable right of Cyprus to boost its defence and preserve the national security and the independence of the Cypriot state", simultaneously supporting Cyprus' proposal for demilitarisation.

In its resolution the Council classified the Cypriot problem as "first priority among the national issues and calls on Hellenes throughout the world to actively mobilise at the countries of their residence, in order to join forces and political word to decisively assist in ending the suffering of the Cypriot people caused by the Turkish invasion and occupation of the island."

The conference is concluded today with discussions maily focusing on organisational as well as procedural issues regarding the Youth Olympic Games to be held in Greece.

Athens News Agency

[24] Congratulations from Greek FM to new FYROM FM

SKOPJE 04/12/1998 (ANA - M. Vihou)

Greek envoy Alexandros Mallias handed Mr. Pangalos' telegram to Mr. Dimitrov.

After the meeting, Mr. Mallias said there is "special attention paid to relations with Greece, for which Mr. Dimitrov has worked in the past."

Athens News Agency

[25] FYROM's Topurkovski expected in Thessaloniki

Athens 04/12/1998 (ANA)

According to business officials visiting Skopje these days, Mr. Topurkovski is planning to come to Greece to discuss issues concerning the port of Thessaloniki.

Athens News Agency

[26] Kaklamanis on state of handicapped in Greece

Athens 04/12/1998 (ANA)

Mr. Kaklamanis was speaking shortly after receiving the annual report of the National Confederation of Handicapped People (ESAEA) on the state of about 400,000 registered handicapped people in the country.

However, he said that due to corruption in public administration part of the handicapped people registered do not belong to this category, while many handicapped people have not been included among the 400,000 registered.

ESAEA President Yiannis Vardakastanis said that being handicapped is not an individual but a social problem. Referring to the country's effort to join Economic and Monetary Union (EMU), he said that it must also coincide with a convergence programme of the country for social indicators.

Athens News Agency

[27] Greek participation at int'l conference on detecting WWII-era stolen wealth

WASHINGTON 04/12/1998 (ANA - T. Ellis)

In his concluding statement at the conference, US Assistant Secretary of State Stewart Eizenstat said: "I would like to take note of the fact that Greece, one of the first countries in post-war Europe to restitute property to Holocaust survivors and the ir heirs, has undertaken another crucial aspect of uncovering history. The Greek government is funding the publication of a collection of Greek foreign ministry documents, which shed new light not only on the history of Thessaloniki, the largest Sephardic community in Europe, but also on the creation of the state of Israel. I would also like to take note of the contribution made by Belarus on developing a book on Holocaust-era assets in their country. We appreciate the spirit in which the Swiss government has made its proposal on 'Internet racism' and anti-Semitism."

Athens News Agency

[28] Protesters clash with police over DEH pylons in Kryoneri

Athens 04/12/1998 (ANA)

Kryoneri residents have been blocking the installation of the pylons for the past two years, and had appealed to the Council of State, the country's highest administrative authority to stop the pylons being installed in their town, saying the ultra-high voltage threatened their health, including increased risk of cancer.

Government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said later that it was unacceptable that a small number of people could hold four million residents of the Attica prefecture hostage.

"The third line must be installed and the plant must begin operating as soon as possible," Mr. Reppas said. He said that residents faced no health risk from the pylons and that the police were forced to disperse the protestors to allow the DEH crews work safely.

The main opposition New Democracy party severely criticised the government yesterday over its handling of the Kryoneri issue.

"With a very great delay and in an unacceptable way, the government is trying to coerce the citizens of Kryoneri into accepting DEH's projects being carried out in their region...The PASOK government remembered the necessity for the third high voltage line very late.

"It is the very same party which agitated the citizens of the region and assured them that it would not allow their (pylons) construction in their region," ND spokesman Aris Spiliotopoulos stressed.

Athens News Agency

[29] Karamanlis labels gov't policies as failed, Simitis 'detached'

Athens 04/12/1998 (ANA)

Mr. Karamanlis said that "educational reforms were not studied" and were applied without dialogue, while he referred to "unprecedented ambiguity, confusion and populist slogans..."

The ND leader also accused Prime Minister Simitis of being "detached from society's problems", adding that Mr. Simitis "should stop patching 'would- be' policies and start a dialogue, and we are willing to assist".

Mr. Karamanlis expressed concern over "the spread of social unrest" and accused the government of "doing everything possible to undermine the future of the young people."

He said that the security of the citizens was a top priority for ND and accused the PASOK government of failure to proceed even with minor privatisations attempted, while he spoke of an "absence of transparency in the public sector".

Referring to the Russian-made S-300 missile system, Mr. Karamanlis referred to a "disorderly national retreat and defeat".

"The prime minister is weakened by the outcome of local government elections", Mr. Karamanlis said, adding that "PASOK's party mechanism is in a state of confusion and it is using all means to hang on to power".

He said that his party was "on a victory course and this is why there is a furious reaction on the part of the government, which ND must combat", adding that ND should "present its government positions while rallying for a positive citizens' vote, since it did not intend to merely replace a tottering government."

Athens News Agency

[30] Court employees strike

Athens 04/12/1998 (ANA)

Athens News Agency

[31] Closed museum results in director's sacking

Athens 04/12/1998 (ANA)

The director of the First Department of Prehistoric and Classical Antiquities, Ismini Trianti, who is also responsible for the Acropolis, was quoted as telling the Athens daily "Eleftherotypia" that Athens' Ancient Agora Museum would be closed because there was no guard or cleaning staff available, due to staff shortages and vacation leave.

It had already been closed for two days.

Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos named archaeologist Liana Parlama, the head of the Third Department of Prehistoric and Classical Antiquities, as Ms. Trianti's successor.

"My decision today is a strong message which reiterates my standing and clear directions. Guarding, cleanliness, clear directions and better operation of sites and museums - particularly those that are the most central ones - are priorities in our work, equal to excavations and restoration," Mr. Venizelos said in a statement.

He noted that the decision to close the museum had been taken on Dec. 1, on Ms Trianti's initative, and that she informed the central service on Dec. 2. He said he was informed of the decision by reading the newspaper.

Athens News Agency

[32] Euro-elections the focus of gov't, PASOK meeting

Athens 04/12/1998 (ANA)

It was maintained at the meeting that the Euro-elections do not have the character of a political confrontation at a European level, but in reality they are national elections since issues having an impact on elections for the national Parliament will be judged by them. National issues, Economic and Monetary Union, the Community Support Framework and Common Agricultural Policy were mentioned in this respect.

Athens News Agency

[33] FYROM calls for more Greek investments in former Yugoslav republic

SKOPJE 04/12/1998 (ANA - M. Vihou)

Discussions took place within the framework of a Greek products exhibition taking place in Skopje.

Mr. Georgievski said that the new government is showing particular goodwill towards Greek investors and in the next few months it will publicise economic facilities (tax exemptions in companies' profits, etc) which will contribute towards attracting foreign capital to the country.

Once again, Mr. Georgievski referred to the new policy of cooperation in the Balkans set out by Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis and termed the Conference of Crete the beginning to a new spirit in the Balkans.

On his part, Mr. Topurkovski said that the new government does not fear regional cooperation and believes that the activity of the Inter-Balkan and Black Sea Business Centre (DIPEK) will give FYROM the opportunity to join these processes and will contri bute to the country's incorporation to European institutions.

He further said that his country is in an economic crisis but the new government proposes a different philosophy on the economy which citizens have accepted and whose focal point is the creation of an attractive economic atmosphere to enable a new circle of investments to get underway in three months' time.

Athens News Agency

[34] Europe, EU enlargement the focus of conference

Athens 04/12/1998 (ANA)

Key issues that will be put under the microscope are economic reform, unemployment, foreign and security policy and how to bring the EU closer to the person in the street and how these major issues can be tackled against the background of the EU's large st ever enlargement.

Guest speakers include Deputy Foreign Minister Yiannos Kranidiotis; Deputy Finance Minister Nikos Christodoulakis and PM economic adviser Tassos Gianitsis, among others.

The seminar, being held as part of the ongoing Britain and Greece Festival, is jointly organised by the Hellenic Foundation for European and Foreign Policy (ELIAMEP) and the Royal Institute for International Affairs (Chatham House), in cooperation with the Institute of Strategic and Development Studies (ISTAME).

Speakers from the United Kingdom include Baroness Jay, leader of the House of Lords and minister for women, who will speak on unemployment, and Anthony Giddens, the director of the London Schoool of Economics, who will speak on the subject of his recent book "The Third Way".

Athens News Agency

[35] Exchange programme with Sydney university

MELBOURNE 04/12/1998 (ANA - S. Hatzimanolis)

The group is expected to graduate in 1999, a year before the Sydney 2000 Olympics and in time to be able to assist with the Athens 2004 Olympics. The group is expected to gain hands-on experience during the 2000 Games.

The agreement was forged after talks between the UTS professor Paul Johnson, who is of Greek origin, and Prof. Gargalianos from the University of Thrace.

2004 official in Australia : Meanwhile, Athens 2004 Olympic Games organising committee president Stratis Stratigis arrives in Sydney for talks with Games officials on Dec. 16.

Mr. Stratigis' visit comes almost a month to the day after Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos' 10-day trip to Australia where he met with Sydney 2000 Olympic Games officials.

Mr. Venizelos said he agreed in talks with Australia's competent minister for the Olympics that Greek officials would visit Australia to observe preparations for the 2000 Games.

Australian support would continue up to 2004, he said.

Athens News Agency

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