Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 99-03-30

Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

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

CONTENTS

[01] Greece ready to assume initiative for political solution in Kosovo

[02] Alpha Credit Bank wins Ionian Bank privatisation tender

[03] Stocks drop in Yugoslavia gloom

[04] Mytilineos says its Yugoslav mines working normally

[05] Intracom shareholders to vote on share cap rise in May

[06] Mutual funds had Dr 9.02 trillion in 1998

[07] Alpha Finance to give Dr 350 dividend

[08] Athens Foreign Exchange

[09] Stephanopoulos briefed at military headquarters

[10] Draskovic thanks Greece for support

[11] Vartholomeos calls for universal ceasefire

[12] Israeli Institute Yad Vashem posthumously honours 15 Greeks

[13] Papandreou-Holbrooke phone contact

[14] Karamanlis regarding Yugoslav bombings

[15] Skandalidis re-elected as PASOK secretary

[01] Greece ready to assume initiative for political solution in Kosovo

Athens, 30/03/1999 (ANA)

"Diplomacy must return to the centre of the efforts," Mr. Simitis said, adding Greece's opposition to the ongoing Serb operations in Kosovo, calling for an immediate halt to them.

Speaking on the crisis during the first meeting of the ruling PASOK party's new central committee, Mr. Simitis said Greece had its own interests in the wider region, and that was what it must defend.

He said that the government had formulated "firm foreign policy principles" on which its Balkan policy was also founded.

"These principles are respect of the territorial integrity of countries, the inviolability of borders, respect of human and minority rights, and the peaceful resolution of differences," Mr. Simitis said.

As a NATO member-state, Greece sought to consolidate its interests, avoiding incalculable consequences, such as the substantial reinforcement of Turkey's role that Ankara has been pursuing since the breakout of the crisis, he added.

At the same time, Greece had from the outset declared that it would not take part in military operations in Yugoslavia as a neighbouring country and because it did not believe that solutions could be found outside the political and diplomatic field, he said.

Greece, he added, in the EU framework had from the beginning endorsed wide- ranging autonomy for Kosovo, but within the borders of Yugoslavia, with respect for Yugoslavia's territorial integrity and respect for the region's minorities, the prime minister continued.

"We oppose any action that could lead to a change of borders in the region, " he added.

Mr. Simitis warned that the continuing crisis created concern and dangers for its spillover in the region first of all because there were indications of a wave of refugees that would increase and spread as the attacks continued.

"This issue entails human cost and suffering," Mr. Simitis stressed, and expressed regret to all sides concerned.

The premier added the Greek people were friends with the Serbian people, who were suffering just as the Kosovo inhabitants were suffering.

"No solution can be found through continuation of the military violence," he said, adding that it was urgent that a peaceful dialogue should begin.

Mr. Simitis stressed that the international community must realise that Greece had particularities and that it was not, nor would become, a part of the region's problems.

Regarding rumours of a possible Greek-Turkish war, Mr. Simitis said there was no such danger whatsoever, adding that "everyone must be clear" (on their positions) as "vagueness can bring about negative results."

"There is no issue between Greece and Turkey in this case," he said, adding that, in any event, Greece was taking "all the necessary measures".

The premier said Greece was prepared at any given point to assume diplomatic initiatives in cooperation with the countries of the region and the EU to seek solutions in the framework of the Rambouillet decisions and the Contact Group's conclusions.

"Diplomacy must return to the centre of the efforts," Mr. Simitis said, adding Greece's opposition to the ongoing Serb operations in Kosovo, and called for an immediate halt to them.

He further announced that Greece would send humanitarian assistance to the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) and Albania to help them confront the refugees problem, as well as medical supplies to Serbia.

He added that Greece was moving to activate Balkan cooperation to tackle the refugees problem.

In addition to the military complication, the crisis would also have economic repercussions, since communication between the country's northern borders with central Europe had been disrupted, Mr. Simitis said.

After the crisis ended, he added, Greece would undertake initiatives in the context of the EU for the more general development of the region.

"The Balkans' future is in Europe, and for this reason Greece backed the Balkan member states' applications in the process of EU enlargement," the premier said.

Athens proposes five-point initiative : Foreign Minister George Papandreou yesterday announced a five-point cooperation initiative for finding a political solution to the Kosovo crisis and granting humanitarian aid.

Mr. Papandreou told a press conference that the Greek government "is prepared to undertake an initiative for a political solution, in cooperation with allies and bordering countries".

Mr. Papandreou announced a five-point initiative on confronting the humanitarian and economic aspects of the Yugoslav crisis at both bilateral and multilateral level.

He said Greece was prepared to undertake any diplomatic initiative, in agreement with its NATO allies and European Union partners as well as the neighbouring Balkan countries.

Mr. Papandreou reiterated that the fundamental principles of Greece's positions on the Kosovo problem were the consolidation of democracy, respect of human and minority rights, and respect of the borders and territorial integrity of all countries.

The foreign minister condemned the recent developments in Kosovo, stressing that Greece condemned any "ethnic cleansing operation in the Balkans" and in this respect it condemned the incidents taking place today in Kosovo, as military operations by the Serbs create "significant problems at humanitarian and political level."

Mr. Papandreou stressed the importance of further strengthening of Balkan cooperation in order to avert a spread of the crisis in the Balkans and also to impress the fact that cooperation among the Balkan countries was the only way for peace, stability and cooperation in the region.

The Greek foreign minister further reaffirmed Greece's devotion to the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia's (FYROM) territorial integrity, and announced that Greece would assume initiatives in that direction.

In a related development, Parliament will hold an off-the-agenda discussion of the Kosovo developments tomorrow at the government's initiative.

The first point of the initiative, he said, concerns the provision of Greek humanitarian aid to neighbouring countries - FYROM, Albania and Serbia - in accordance with decisions taken at Sunday's meeting of the Government Council for Foreign Affairs and Defence (KYSEA).

The second focuses on coordinating humanitarian aid within the framework of cooperation between the Balkan countries and with international organisations.

On the refugee problem, Mr. Papandreou announced that Greece will request the holding of a conference to deal with the issue at both an international and European level.The third point, he continued, concerns the coordination of Balkan countries at a political level, in an effort to avert any spread of the crisis.

The fourth involves the formulation of a coordinated strategy within the framework of the EU and beyond in order to restore areas hit by the conflict.

Mr. Papandreou said the fifth point had to do with Greece being in a constant state of readiness to undertake any diplomatic initiatives in cooperation with its NATO and EU partners in consultation with its Balkan neighbours, the ultimate objective being to find a political solution to the Kosovo problem.

Underlining the importance of further strengthening inter-Balkan cooperation, he referred to Greece's dual role as a member of NATO but also a Balkan country, "which explains Greece's decision not to take part in NATO military operations in Yugoslavia and its readiness to participate in a peace force which may be formed to implement any agreements reached on Kosovo".

Mr. Papandreou also referred to the need to safeguard Greece's relations with Albania, saying Athens and Tirana enjoyed "very good" bilateral ties "and we are also linked by vital interests owing to the presence of the ethnic Greek minority in the neigh bouring country".

Replying to questions on Yugoslavia's request for Greece to represent its interests in the United States and Germany, Mr. Papandreou said Athens was examining the matter.

A precondition for Greece to accept, he added, is that both the US and Germany agree.Asked where responsibility lay for the present crisis, he said "first of all, ours, that is, the Balkan countries and their leaderships, for failing to project a single , multi-cultural Balkan voice".

Mr. Papandreou said nationalism was dominant in the Balkans and "anything different" was seen as being hostile, particularly with regard to minorities.

He also referred to the "conside-rable responsibility" of the international community, especially when Yugoslavia was in the process of splitting up.

Summing up Athens' position, Mr. Papandreou said "the sooner the crisis is over, on the basis of the Rambouillet process, the better for all."

Gov't spokesman : On his part, government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said Greece will fulfill its conventional obligations as a NATO member, but this did not mean that Athens' foreign policy would not follow its own path. He again reiterated that Greece would not take part in any prospective NATO land operation in Yugoslavia.

Replying to press questions, he clarified that the NATO forces had passed through Greek territory for deployment in FYROM via the northern port city of Thessaloniki had a peace-keeping mission in the event of agreement being reached at the Rambouillet n egotiations.

Asked whether Greece had undertaken the diplomatic representation of Yugoslavia in countries with which the latter had broken off diplomatic ties, Mr. Reppas said Athens was awaiting the agreement of those countries so that it would formally undertake Yugoslavia's representation.

He also added that Greece would assist in every way possible the countries receiving waves of refugees from Kosovo, as it desired that the refugees remain close to their homes.

Athens reiterates its positions to US envoy : Athens yesterday reiterated to US ambassador Nicholas Burns that it condemned any instances of ethnic cleansing in Kosovo and all forms of human rights abuses.

Greece's position was relayed to Mr. Burns by Alternate Foreign Minister Yiannos Kranidiotis as the two met briefly yesterday morning. According to diplomatic sources, Mr. Burns briefed Kranidiotis on Washington's position regarding "ethnic cleansing be ing carried out in Kosovo".

Mr. Kranidiotis also reiterated to the US envoy Athens' position that a change of existing borders in the Balkans through unilateral actions was not acceptable.

Greece also condemned any acts directed against fundamental human rights, he added.

Mr. Burns, according to the same sources, relayed to the Greek minister the US position that the bombing should continue until Slobodan Milosevic withdraws forces from the Yugoslavian province of Kosovo and signs the Rambouillet agreements, opening the door for NATO forces to patrol in the province.

Papandreou-Dimitrov meeting focuses on NATO bombing repercussions: Foreign Minister George Papandreou yesterday met in Athens with his counterpart from the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), Aleksander Dimitrov, for talks focusing on the repercussions NATO bombings in Yugoslavia will have on other Balkan countries.

The two men also discussed Greek aid, both on a bilateral and a multi- lateral level, to FYROM, Albania and Serbia.

Speaking to reporters, Mr. Papandreou said Greece will help FYROM to confront any refugee problem, initially providing 120 million drachmas worth of humanitarian aid. He also promised to table the issue at the European Union, as well as international or ganisations such as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund.

Both men agreed on the need for Balkan countries to coordinate their humanitarian aid efforts.

Athens News Agency

[02] Alpha Credit Bank wins Ionian Bank privatisation tender

Athens, 30/03/1999 (ANA)

Commercial Bank of Greece, Ionian's parent, and J.P. Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York, the consultant in the sale, announced Alpha as the winner of the tender on Sunday evening.

The other bidder was Piraeus Bank, which offered 254 billion drachmas for Ionian.

The government's first attempt to privatise Ionian had fallen flat as the bids were too low.

Commercial Bank's statement said that the two prospective buyers had initialled each other's offers to ensure transparancy.

Alpha Credit Bank is to pay for Ionian in cash on transfer of the share package.

It accepted the terms of a sale contract proposed by Commercial Bank and its advisers, the statement said.

EFG Eurobank with Ergobank had submitted a non-binding offer in an earlier stage in the tender but did not take part in the final phase, whose deadline was on Friday.

Commercial Bank board of directors approved the deal. The sale contract may now be signed.

Piraeus Bank challenges outcome : Piraeus Bank launched a last-minute effort to acquire Ionian, with a counter-bid of 290 billion drachmas in cash.

The bank also sent a legal notice to Commercial Bank's board asking for details of evaluation of the bids.

The recommendation to opt for Alpha Credit Bank as the tender's winner was made by JP Morgan and accepted by Commercial.

Piraeus sent the legal notice to Commercial Bank's board members and its chairman, Costas Georgoutsakos.

Copies also went to National Economy and Finance Minister Yiannos Papantoniou and to JP Morgan.

Piraeus Bank argued that the procedure followed in evaluation of the bids breached the terms of the tender. It had not been approached to discuss raising its bid, but talks had been held with Alpha Credit Bank.

Piraeus asked to see the documents that JP Morgan used in order to make its recommendation in Alpha's favour.

A public prosecutor later accepted Piraeus Bank's request for the documentation to be handed over by order. At the same time, the tender had to be completed and the papers in the possession of Commercial Bank, the prosecutor said.

JP Morgan is based in London.

Papantoniou welcomes sale : National Economy and Finance Minister Yiannos Papantoniou expressed satisfaction at Ionian's sale, which he said was the largest privatisation in Greece to date.

Mr. Papantoniou predicted that the sale heralded similar mergers and acquisitions in the future.

He said there was no doubt that the sale procedure was credible and transparent, and the sale price reasonable.

"JP Morgan, the adviser to the sale, is one of the most reliable international investment consultants and its recommendation was adopted by Commercial Bank's management," Mr. Papantoniou said.

He declined to comment on Piraeus Bank's reaction, saying: "I do not want to comment on the legal aspect". The minister predicted that the privatisation of Ionian Bank would help to spur new directions for domestic banks.

"A restructuring of the banking system is advancing, and we are heading towards the creation of powerful groups able to compete on a European and global level", he said.

Mr. Papantoniou noted that Commercial Bank would use the proceeds of Ionian's sale to strengthen its position before Greece's entry into the euro zone.

Athens News Agency

[03] Stocks drop in Yugoslavia gloom

Athens, 30/03/1999 (ANA)

Sentiment was also undermined by conflicting information about the sale of Ionian Bank, and by renewed pressure on the drachma and domestic bond prices.

The general index ended 1.47 percent down at 3,496.3 points, reversing an early 2.55 percent advance.

Turnover was 175.2 billion drachmas and volume 21,565,910 shares.

Traders said the market largely ignored positive comments on the domestic economy by the European Commission, and last week's EU agreement on Agenda 2000, which will benefit the country.

Sector indices were mixed.

Banks fell 1.43 percent, Leasing rose 2.94 percent, Insurance increased 0.14 percent, Investment soared 4.39 percent, Construction fell 1.19 percent, Industrials plunged 3.19 percent, Miscellaneous ended 0.75 percent off and Holding dropped 0.25 percent .

The parallel market index for small cap companies fell 4.12 percent.

Bank shares led the market's volatility with Alpha Credit Bank rising 5.5 percent, Commercial Bank gaining 2.6 percent, Ionian Bank ending 0.32 percent higher and Piraeus Bank suffering an 8.0 percent loss at limit down.

Broadly, decliners led advancers by 197 to 74 with another 12 issues unchanged.

Alpha Credit Bank, Nafpaktos Textiles, National Bank and Commercial Bank were the most heavily traded stocks.

Athens Medical, Alpha Finance, Tasoglou, Benroubi, General Trade and Ionian Invest hit the day's 8.0 percent limit up, followed by Proodeftiki, Nafpaktos, Sigalas and Atemke which scored big percentage gains.

Petzetakis, Bitros, Katselis, Plaisio, Piraeus Bank, Lanacam, Xiosbank, Sportsman, Metrolife and Giannousis hit the day's 8.0 percent limit down.

The FTSE/ASE 20 index ended 1.75 percent off at 2,171.59 points.

National Bank of Greece ended at 21,300 drachmas, Alpha Credit Bank at 40, 825, Ergobank at 23,510, Ionian Bank at 24,225, Titan Cement at 23,550, Hellenic Petroleum at 2,350, Intracom at 19,790, Minoan Lines at 7,250, Panafon at 7,900 and Hellenic Telecoms at 7,050.

Drachma, bonds hit by Balkan fears : The drachma slumped and secondary bond market prices plunged yesterday on fears that the Yugoslavia crisis will spread throughout the Balkans.

The latest 10-year bond was 102.05, showing a yield of 6.01 percent. The yield spread between the paper and Germany bunds rose to 2.0 percent.

The price of 10-year paper fell 140-180 basis points and 15-year bonds by 175-195 basis points.

Electronic trade was 180 billion drachmas.

The drachma fell sharply against the euro in the foreign currency market, prompting the central bank to place around 500 million euros on the market during the fix to prop up the national currency.

Nevertheless, the euro still ended high at 326.000 drachmas at the fix from 322.950 drachmas in the previous session.

In late afternoon trade after the fix the euro rose further to 326.40 drachmas, dealers said.

Athens News Agency

[04] Mytilineos says its Yugoslav mines working normally

Athens, 30/03/1999 (ANA)

The company, which has long-term mining concessions for copper, zinc and lead, has invested heavily in operations in the neighbouring country.

Among the units are the Bor mines in Serbia and Trepca in Kosovo, Mytilineos said in a statement.

The firm added that its long-term policy of operating in the Balkans remained intact, and would not be upset by temporary adverse conditions.

Athens News Agency

[05] Intracom shareholders to vote on share cap rise in May

Athens, 30/03/1999 (ANA)

Two more companies in the Intracom group are to seek entry into the Athens bourse. They are Intracom Construction and Intramet.

Athens News Agency

[06] Mutual funds had Dr 9.02 trillion in 1998

Athens, 30/03/1999 (ANA)

The capital was invested in domestic fixed income paper (31.8 percent), synthetic swaps (38.1 percent), time deposits (8.7 percent), domestic shares (6.8 percent), other categories (4.5 percent) and international fixed-income paper, repos and other inve stments (10 percent).

Athens News Agency

[07] Alpha Finance to give Dr 350 dividend

Athens, 30/03/1999 (ANA)

Its net pre-tax profits totalled 5.325 million drachmas while returns on equity capital after tax were 41 percent.

The one-for-one rights issue means a drop in the nominal share value from 600 drachmas to 300 drachmas per share. The number of shares will rise from 8,500,000 to 17,000,000.

Athens News Agency

[08] Athens Foreign Exchange

Athens, 30/03/1999 (ANA)

Parities in Drachmas

Banknotes             Buying  Selling
US Dollar             301.578 308.570
Can.Dollar            198.559 203.162
Australian Dlr        190.256 194.667
Pound Sterling        488.183 499.502
Irish Punt            410.624 420.144
Pound Cyprus          557.266 570.186
Pound Malta           727.435 757.745
Turkish pound (100)     0.074   0.077
French franc           49.300  50.443
Swiss franc           202.720 207.420
Belgian franc           8.017   8.203
German Mark           165.348 169.181
Finnish Mark           54.390  55.651
Dutch Guilder         146.749 150.151
Danish Kr.             43.628  44.640
Swedish Kr.            36.158  36.997
Norwegian Kr.          38.676  39.573
Austrian Sh.           23.501  24.046
Italian lira (100)     16.701  17.089
Yen (100)             250.738 256.551
Spanish Peseta          1.943   1.988
Port. Escudo            1.613   1.650

Foreign Exchange      Buying  Selling
New York              301.578 308.570
Montreal              198.559 203.162
Sydney                190.256 194.667
London                488.183 499.502
Dublin                410.624 420.144
Nicosia               557.266 570.186
Paris                  49.300  50.443
Zurich                202.720 207.420
Brussels                8.017   8.203
Frankfurt             165.348 169.181
Helsinki               54.390  55.651
Amsterdam             146.749 150.151
Copenhagen             43.628  44.640
Stockholm              36.158  36.997
Oslo                   38.676  39.573
Vienna                 23.501  24.046
Milan                  16.701  17.089
Tokyo                 250.738 256.551
Madrid                  1.943   1.988
Lisbon                  1.613   1.650

Athens News Agency

[09] Stephanopoulos briefed at military headquarters

Athens, 30/03/1999 (ANA)

"As everyone else, I am concerned but I am not worried about a Greek involvement (in the military operations)," he said.

He made the statement after being briefed at the Greek defence ministry on the operational capabilities of the Hellenic armed forces.

Mr. Stephanopoulos said his visit to the ministry had been previously arranged during his acquaintance meeting with the new defence ministry leadership and was not prompted by the dire developments in Yugoslavia.

Afterwards, he attended a special forces demonstration by commandos at a western Attica base.

Mr. Stephanopoulos was escorted by National Defence Deputy Minister Dimitris Apostolakis as well as the leadership of the armed forces.

Athens News Agency

[10] Draskovic thanks Greece for support

BELGRADE, 30/03/1999 (ANA - M. Mouratidis)

Mr. Draskovic was speaking after meeting Athens' ambassador to Belgrade, Panayiotis Vlassopoulos. He underlined that Yugoslavia, "even now under attacks by NATO planes is ready for a political solution to the Kosovo problem, which will allow for reinfor ced autonomy and self-administration but within Serbia's borders and on the basis of equality between all citizens and all ethnic minorities."

Athens News Agency

[11] Vartholomeos calls for universal ceasefire

ISTANBUL, 30/03/1999 (ANA - A. Kourkoulas)

"Kneeling, we request of the Earth's leaders and the military chiefs of the world, of those who carry weapons anywhere on the planet, to adhere to a ceasefire during these (holy) days and for ever.

"We request of the polical leaderships to peacefully solve by mutual understanding and mutual concessions all local and international problems," he added.

Albanian Orthodox Church support for Kosovo refugees : KOUXI, Albania (ANA - P. Haritos) - The Autocephalus Orthodox Church of Albania yesterday issued an announcement expressing its deep concern over conditions in Kosovo, following the latest developments.

"We participate with all our heart in the pain of those who suffer by the injustice and violence due to the crisis in KosovoIWe have already helped to a great extent and continue to do so as our ability allows us in efforts to help for the relief of the refugees, who shought safety in Albania," the announcement of the Church's Holy Synod read. The Albanian Orthodox Church has already delivered 1,300 packages of humanitarian aid to women from Kosovo and 6,273 packages with supplies for children, covering only about 13 per cent of the refugees' needs, the announcement noted.

Archbishop of Tirana and All Albania Anastasios, in efforts to further aid the refugees, met on Sunday with Albanian Vice-President Ilir Meta, while he was expected to meet with the mayor of Tirana for the same purpose.

The Orthodox Chruch of Albania - in coordination with churches from Norway, Denmark, Sweden, England, Germany and the United States - has promoted a series of initiatives for the support of the refugees.

Holy Synod support for Orthodox Yugoslavia : The Autocephalus Orthodox Church of Greece's Holy Synod yesterday convened to discuss the Kosovo crisis, expressing its sorrow over the NATO bombings of Yugoslavia.

The meeting was chaired by Archbishop of Athens and All Greece Christodoulos.

Synod representative, the Metropolitan Xanthi Pandeleimon, told reporters after the meeting that a delegation comprised of the Metropolitans of Veria, Lesvos and Xanthi would travel to Belgrade later this week to express the Church's support for counter part, Orthodox Church of Serbia.

Pandeleimon said the delegation might also deliver pharmaceuticals, bedding and cash.

In view of the upcoming Orthodox Easter feast, he added, the Holy Synod was issuing an appeal to the United Nations, NATO, the European Union and the heads of all Churches for every effort to be made to stop the NATO air strikes.

Underlining what it called the "hypocrisy" of the attackers, the Holy Synod said Greece should avoid becoming directly or indirectly involved (through NATO) in the ongoing military operations against Yugoslavia.

It also asked for a collection to be taken in the churches of all dioceses on Sunday, the proceeds of which will be given to the Serb people.

Pandeleimon added that the Holy Synod had been in contact with representatives of the Church of Serbia this morning and was informed that an Orthodox monastery in Kosovo had been destroyed in the NATO attacks.

Athens News Agency

[12] Israeli Institute Yad Vashem posthumously honours 15 Greeks

Athens, 30/03/1999 (ANA)

The 15 Greek citizens were honoured for risking their lives to save Greek Jews from the Nazis during the war by being given the title of "righteous among nations."

Several officials from Greece, Greek-Jewish community representatives and the Israeli ambassador to Athens attended the event.

Athens News Agency

[13] Papandreou-Holbrooke phone contact

Athens, 30/03/1999 (ANA)

Diplomatic sources said the two men exchanged views on the situation in Yugoslavia and the crisis in Kosovo, although no hopeful sign for disengagement was produced, according to reports.

The Greek foreign minister also spoke on the phone with his Canadian counterpart, who expressed a desire to coordinate with Athens for humanitarian aid relief in the region, the sources said. Mr. Papandreou has called a meeting today with several former

PASOK foreign ministers to discuss developments in Yugoslavia, while he extended an invitation to former New Democracy foreign ministers for a similar meeting on Wednesday.

Athens News Agency

[14] Karamanlis regarding Yugoslav bombings

Athens, 30/03/1999 (ANA)

"In this region nobody plays around with the borders," Mr. Karamanlis said, speaking at a ND conference on local government.

"I am afraid that, even unitentionally, we are driven to an uncontrolled situation that may lead to a change in borders, the creation of an independent state and its accession to another state, something that will act like a fuse in the region."

Mr. Karamanlis said the political view on the issue coincides, however, he criticised the government for not taking an inititative to explain to its allies that the risk of destabilisation becomes greater through resorting to violence than through seeking a political solution.

The ND leader clarified that "Greece cannot impose solutions, but this does not mean that it cannot have a voice or that it should drag behind events," while he proposed a peace mission be formed from the Organisation for Cooperation and Security in Europe (OSCE) instead of NATO as well as full autonomy for Kosovo after the deletion of the Rambouillet clause regarding a referendum in three years.

Mr. Karamanlis demanded an end to NATO bombings in Yugoslavia, stressing that a peaceful solution be found, the minority's rights be respected and the territorial integrity of states maintained.

KKE : On its part, the Communist Party of Greece (KKE) called on the government not to provide airports and facilities for the passage of foreign troops which, through the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) will strike Yugoslavia, as it warned.

KKE further urged the government to close NATO bases in Greece and not to sign an agreement for the alliance's new operation structure.

"The Greek government, which is hypocritically pretending not to be involved, is an accomplice in the drama the people of Yugoslavia are going through," the KKE announcement said. The party also said Greece's presence in NATO is no guarantee for the nation's sovereignty.

Constantopoulos meeting with Yugoslav ambassador : Coalition of the Left and Progress (Synaspismos)leader Nikos Constantopoulos yesterday requested from Yugoslav ambassador to Athens Dragomir Vucicevic to facilitate a visit to Belgrade by a Synaspismos delegation headed by himself.

In a statement after the meeting, Mr. Constantopoulos said he wanted to tour other Balkan countries as well with the purpose of activating the "Balkan left on peace in the region."

Mr. Constantopoulos called for a stop to the NATO bombings and procedures to be set in motion for negotiating a solution to the Kosovo problem.

Protest concert : Greek artists yesterday announced plans for an all-night silent protest outside the US embassy on March 30, the first of a series of acts planned to underline their objections to the NATO offensive on Yugoslavia.

Also planned is an anti-war concert in the northern city of Thessaloniki on Friday evening and letters of protest to be sent to the embassies of European nations.

The "Citizens' Initiative of March 1" is a group of actors, singers, journalists, academics and celebrities who organised last month's six-hour concert for the Kurds in downtown Athens and in the wake of the arrest of Kurd rebel leader Abdullah Ocalan.

Meanwhile, residents of Drama on Monday began a drive to collect packaged foodstuffs to send to Serbia, the city's mayor said.

Mayor Margaritis Tzimas said the town's central square would be the drop- off point for any residents wanting to donate canned or packaged foods.

"Drama suffered aerial bombing during the (Nazi) occupation. We understand better than others the dramatic and desperate situation the people of Serbia are going through," he said.

Athens News Agency

[15] Skandalidis re-elected as PASOK secretary

Athens, 30/03/1999 (ANA)

In addition, the central committee members also voted for PASOK's 11-member executive bureau are: Apostolos Kaklamanis (106 votes), Vasso Papandreou (106), Costas Laliotis (105), Theodoros Pangalos (92), Alekos Papadopoulos (90), Evangelos Venizelos (88 ), George Papandreou (87), Akis Tsohatzopoulos (79), Christos Papoutsis (71), Tonia Antoniou (64) and George Moraitis (60).

Following the elections, PM and PASOK president Costas Simitis said party cadres should immediately begin work so that PASOK wins the upcoming Euroelections.

The Greek premier also said Mr. Skandalidis should undertake a project of restructuring the party.

On his part, Mr. Skandalidis said he will be a "real secretary of the central committee, a secretary of all of PASOK", adding that he believes in a "major, united PASOK as majority movement as was established and brought to success by Andreas Papandreou and continues under Mr. Simitis."

Mr. Skandalidis also announced that he is willing to soon undertake an initiative on behalf of PASOK to brief and exchange views with the rest of the European socialist parties regarding the Balkans and the Kosovo crisis.

Finally, he said his second aim is to mobilise the party's organisation for the successful allocation of European Union structural funds, while his third aim is to lead a successful pre-Euroelection battle.

Athens News Agency

Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article