Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 00-02-18

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

CONTENTS

[01] Foreign minister outlines next steps in Greek-Turkish rapprochement

[02] Developments in Austria discussed by Greek FM, deputy British minister

[03] Greek minister, FYROM deputy Prime Minister inaugurate exhibition

[04] Premier promises solutions for the upgrading of Piraeus

[05] Athens, Istanbul mayors sign friendship pact

[06] Cruises between Antalya and Rhodes to begin soon

[07] Bill on construction of Olympic Village tabled in Parliament

[08] Gov't rejects Karamanlis claims over ERT favoritism

[09] Program to tackle gypsies' housing problem

[10] PASOK poised to win April elections, defense minister says

[11] Education minister receives Muslim leadership

[12] US ambassador visits NATO headquarters in Tyrnavos

[13] National Council outlines views regarding Cyprus proximity talks

[14] European Parliament requests increased funds for Cyprus

[15] Olympic Airways reconsidering Melbourne flights

[16] Windows 2000 in Greek for launch by May

[17] Greek stocks plunge, market finds support at 5,200 level

[18] Anomeritis presents new CSF program for agriculture

[19] Intracom signs deal with Mexican firm

[20] Marble, building material trade fairs in February

[21] Building costs unchanged in January

[22] Local government workers on strike; no rubbish collection

[23] State goes guarantor for 14 bln Dr loan to buy Costakis collection

[24] UNESCO Center to host women's festival in Thessaloniki in September

[25] Events honoring Nobel laureate Seferis in Germany, Britain

[26] Rare mosaic found in Philippoi

[01] Foreign minister outlines next steps in Greek-Turkish rapprochement

Athens, 18/02/2000 (ANA)

"We insisted on a Turkish candidacy of substance rather than a virtual candidacy for the EU, so that Turkey would have both the rights and the obligations of a candidate country," Papandreou said, addressing the opening session of an annual foreign policy conference organized by the Greek Defense and Foreign Policy Institute (ELIAMEP) and the University of Athens' Department of Political Sciences.

"The EU sets out conditions on the Cyprus issue as well as on Greek-Turkish relations. The associate relationship with Turkey creates a dynamic that enables settlement of the problems," he added.

Turkey's European prospect shapes a framework for a solution to the problem of Cyprus, which would no longer be the hostage of a situation, and the Turkish Cypriots would not remain hostages of the (present) status quo, Papandreou said.

Referring to the recent low-impact talks between Athens and Ankara, Papandreou said "we have repeatedly expressed our desire for improvement of relations and the gradual establishment of a climate of calm".

"Greece is prepared to discuss anything that does not affect its sovereign rights," he said.

Papandreou said the next steps in Greek-Turkish relations were:

First of all, implementation of the agreements that have been signed on cooperation in several sectors.

Second, expansion of the confidence-building measures, based on the agreements between former Greek and Turkish foreign ministers Karolos Papoulias and Mesut Yilmaz.

Third, cooperation at regional level -- Balkans, Caucasus, Middle East.

Fourth, support for Turkey's European prospect with assistance in its incorporation of the 'acquis Communautaire' in its legislation.

And fifth, boosting the efforts for improvement of bilateral relations within the framework of the EU.

Other speakers at the event included development minister Evangelos Venizelos, Liberals leader Stephanos Manos and main opposition New Democracy MP and former minister Dora Bakoyianni.

Venizelos said that if one reviewed Greek-Turkish relations over the past 25 years, one saw that results were achieved whenever efforts were made for their resolution at multilateral level.

"There are two criteria for judging whether a policy is effective: The first is the safeguarding of sovereign rights and the second is protection of Cyprus. This framework constitutes a firm and uniform foreign policy tenet followed by both (the late Greek statesmen) Constantine Karamanlis (the New Democracy founder and former Prime Minister and president) and Andreas Papandreou (the PASOK founder and former premier)," Venizelos said.

"With a policy of immobility, we did not avoid new incidents or tension, he said. "Conversely, when we had specific targets at multilateral level, we were able to place Greek-Turkish relations in a framework that was beneficial to the Greek interests. This is what occurred in 1995b with the Turkey-EU customs union and again in December 1999 at the EU summit in Helsinki with the granting of candidate status to Turkey."

Manos said that although he agreed with the policy being followed, the danger of a return to tension in Greek-Turkish relations had not been left behind. "This is why specific moves must be made so that the good climate will be widened, particularly at the level of formulating public opinion".

He noted that any government in any country and political system was influenced by the public opinion, which up until recently was mutually negative, and to a great degree, in Greece and Turkey.

Manos reiterated a proposal he had made two years ago for a revision of school textbooks in the two countries to make references to the history and relations between the two countries more objective, encouraging the establishment of Turkish and Islamic Studies departments in Greek universities, supporting Turkey's course to Europe, and a balanced reduction of armaments in the two countries.

Bakoyianni said the recent turn-about in Greek-Turkish relations was "very important".

"We should not underestimate the 'earthquake diplomacy', but rather, proceed in that climate," she said, referring to the dramatic thaw in relations between the two countries and improvement in public opinion when Greece and Turkey rushed to each other's assistance after killer earthquakes in the two countries last year.

"But caution is necessary from here on, as we do not have indications of a clear-cut change from Turkey. It is therefore necessary to have a defined framework in Greek-Turkish relations that includes respect of international law, the sovereignty of each country, and respect of the international agreements," Bakoyianni explained.

She reiterated the call for setting up a foreign policy council since "forging a national strategy" was imperative.

Bakoyianni said the Cyprus issue was the crux of Greek-Turkish relations. "That is where the depth of the rapprochement and progress achieved -- if it has been achieved -- will be seen".

She also said the EU must remain true to the policy line on the Cyprus issue it agreed at the Helsinki summit.

[02] Developments in Austria discussed by Greek FM, deputy British minister

Athens, 18/02/2000 (ANA)

Afterwards, Papandreou told reporters that the rise of the Austrian far right and its participation in a Vienna government coalition were discussed in a phone conversation he had recently with British Foreign Secretary Robin Cook.

Papandreou and Quinn first met and cooperated when the latter served as Britain's minister for European affairs in the past.

On her part, Quinn noted that Europe must continue to be concerned over the political developments in Austria. Both officials said their respective governments also share the same views on the issue.

Additionally, several bilateral issues were discussed along with European matters, including results from the recent EU summit in Helsinki, the 'euro zone' and the economy.

Issues dealing with the agriculture sector dominated, as expected, talk between Quinn and Greek Agriculture Minister George Anomeritis.

[03] Greek minister, FYROM deputy Prime Minister inaugurate exhibition

SKOPJE, 18/02/2000 (ANA - B. Yiannakidis)

The exhibition was organized by the International Thessaloniki Trade Fair and is taking place at the Skopje exhibition center, with the participation of more than 100 Greek enterprises.

The Greek minister noted that since 1995 the economic relations of the two countries have developed rapidly, adding that the business communities of the two countries can develop further cooperation for their mutual benefit.

"There is no reason to look back. We must look forward, only forward and move ahead to success," Magriotis said.

On his part, Tupurkovski agreed that the two countries should look forward, noting that trade with Greece and Italy account for more than half of FYROM's international trade.

[04] Premier promises solutions for the upgrading of Piraeus

Athens, 18/02/2000 (ANA)

Piraeus Mayor Christos Agrapidis requested the government's support to help Piraeus change its image and added that he will cooperate with the government for the benefit of the people of Piraeus.

"Our aim is to make Piraeus a modern port and a city which is friendly to its inhabitants. Our aim is to make Piraeus a big shipping and commercial center and widen its international scope. In this way it will be able to play an important role both in the framework of European unification and as the main intersection serving and linking regional economies," Simitis said about the city, which has been electing him to Parliament since 1985.

Simitis further said that the development of Piraeus "will primarily benefit its very own people. Its development into an important shipping and commercial center will strengthen employment with the continuous absorption of new working people. The qualitative upgrading of the city's infrastructures and services will change the citizen's daily life for the better."

"The upgrading of Piraeus is linked to the prospects presented to the wider Attica region by the Olympic Games in 2004. It is an opportunity to attract international activities in the wider region of southeastern Europe and the Mediterranean, with the contemporary utilization of the Spata international airport, the port of Piraeus and the upgraded railway and road links which are being built all over the country and in the (Attica) basin in particular," Simitis said.

[05] Athens, Istanbul mayors sign friendship pact

ISTANBUL, 18/02/2000 (ANA-A. Kourkoulas)

"This is a historical event which seals the first cycle of contacts between the two cities which began with the earthquakes in Greece and Turkey," Athens Mayor Dimitris Avramopoulos said, referring to the twin quakes which caused an outpouring of sympathy and support from both countries to the other in August and September. Avramopoulos said the protocol created an institutional framework, which would lead to strengthening of ties between the two cities, and that it had the blessing of UN Secretary General Kofi Annan.

"The people have shown the way of friendship, the cities have responded, it is now time for governments to continue," Ali Mufit Gurduna, his Turkish counterpart, said.

"Our friendship began in difficult times and this is why it is a steady and sincere friendship."

He said that the ties between the two cities have developed beyond all expectations and that the "architects" of the "bridge of cooperation" would be business.

The protocol outlines action to ensure the cultural heritage of each city lends support to Greek and Turkish entrepreneurs and supports tourist programs between the two cities.

Also provided for is the establishment of a seven-member joint committee to ensure the protocol is applied.

Earlier, Avramopoulos, Gurduna and the Turkish tourism minister had inaugurated the International Eastern Mediterranean Tourism and Travel Exhibition being held in the city.

Greek companies are also taking part in the exhibition. Avramopoulos is leading a delegation of Greek businessmen.

Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos who underlined the importance the Patriarchate placed on stronger ties between Greece and Turkey also attended the ceremony. "Our presence here today gives us especial joy because the Ecumenical Patriarchate places great importance on friendship and cooperation between Greece and Turkey," he said.

Avramopoulos and Gurduna also bestowed watches on two students - Greek student Vassilis Topidis from Athens, and Turkish student Aladin Tsarikci, from Izmir - who become pen pals and met for the first time on Thursday.

"Each time that Vassilis and Aladin look at the time, they will remember how important time is for Greek-Turkish relations," Avramopoulos said.

Athens mayor visits Patriarchate: The Ecumenical Orthodox Patriarchate supports the peaceful coexistence of the Greek and Turkish people, Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos said on Thursday, during the reception of a delegation from Greece, headed by Athens Mayor Dimitris Avramopoulos. "We always supported the peaceful coexistence between the peoples of the two neighboring countries, and for this reason our sincere joy is apparent for every step in that direction," Vartholomeos said.

The delegation, which included businessmen, arrived in Istanbul to visit the Eastern Mediterranean International Tourist and Travelers Fair.

[06] Cruises between Antalya and Rhodes to begin soon

ANKARA, 18/02/2000 (ANA)

Turkish news agency Anadolu quoted Turkish officials as saying on Thursday.

The same sources said that the tourism sectors of both countries started plans to launch cruises between Antalya and Rhodes following the two countries' agreement for free movement.

[07] Bill on construction of Olympic Village tabled in Parliament

Athens, 18/02/2000 (ANA)

The bill, submitted jointly by the labor and culture ministries, projects construction of the Olympic Village at the Lekanes site, located in the municipality of Acharnes, northwest of central Athens.

According to plans, the complex will serve as a model residential area following the Athens 2004 Olympics.

In response to opposition criticism earlier in the month over delays in tendering and beginning the project, Labor Minister Miltiades Papaioannou said the project will be ready for the Athens Games and will include 2,500 individual residences, which in turn will be sold to low-income beneficiaries under procedures used in other state-run OEK housing projects.

[08] Gov't rejects Karamanlis claims over ERT favoritism

Athens, 18/02/2000 (ANA)

Government spokesman Dimitris Reppas, who also holds the press and mass media portfolio, stressed that ERT news programs treat all political parties equally within the framework of journalistic ethics.

With the pre-election period heating up in light of April 9 general elections, Karamanlis charged this week that ERT's three channels are overly promoting the ruling PASOK government and not covering developments in other parties in a satisfactory manner. The ND leader also met this week with the board of the Radio-Television Council (ERS) - a body whose members are appointed by the government and political parties to regulate broadcasters and supervise licensing issues.

Addressing ND cadres a few weeks ago, Karamanlis charged that ERT has been turned into an element of the ruling party apparatus.

On his part, Reppas rejected the sum of the ND leader's allegations towards the ERS board.

[09] Program to tackle gypsies' housing problem

Athens, 18/02/2000 (ANA)

The agency convened to make an account of the 1996-1999 period and to make plans for the coming years. It was decided that a final solution to the gypsies' housing problem will be pursued and based on a study by the DEPOS company and alternative proposals by municipalities and other agencies.

[10] PASOK poised to win April elections, defense minister says

Athens, 18/02/2000 (ANA)

Tsohatzopoulos also expressed his concern over PASOK's pre-election course in the rural areas of Greece, stressing the need for the PASOK party to promote a "policy of solidarity and cohesion in Greek society, which was and remains PASOK's dogma".

Tsohatzopoulos discussed his tenure in the defense ministry, Greek-Turkish relations, military conscription and arms acquisition programs.

[11] Education minister receives Muslim leadership

Athens, 18/02/2000 (ANA)

Arsenis received Sinikoglou Mehmet Emin, the religious leader of the Muslim community of Xanthi prefecture, and Serif Damatoglou Mehmet, religious leader of the Didimoticho region in Evros prefecture.

Following the meeting the minister said that they reached specific conclusions and announced that he will visit those regions at which time final decisions will be taken on issues discussed.

On their part, the two Muslim leaders expressed their satisfaction over their cooperation with the minister.

[12] US ambassador visits NATO headquarters in Tyrnavos

Athens, 18/02/2000 (ANA)

Burns, who visited installations of the NATO headquarters in Tyrnavos, referred at length to relations between the two countries during a speech organized by local Hellenic-American societies. He said that the US wishes to improve its cooperation in southeastern Europe, adding that Greece can become an economic force in the area.

He said the US will continue to help Greece and Turkey to find ways of resolving their differences in the framework of respect for international laws and agreements. On the question of Cyprus, he said it would continue to support the solution of a bizonal and bicommunal federation. Burns also said the US wishes to improve contacts between citizens of the two countries and that in this direction Greece has approached the criteria for participation in the pilot program concerning the abolition of entry visas to enable Greek citizens not to require visas for three-month tourism in the US.

[13] National Council outlines views regarding Cyprus proximity talks

NICOSIA, 18/02/2000 (CNA/ANA)

Arotis, who refrained from disclosing anything about the content of the discussions, also said the Council would meet again after visits to the island by representatives of various countries dealing with the Cyprus problem.

"Today's meeting was very helpful for President Glafcos Clerides. The Council heard various views on how to handle different eventualities that may emerge." with regard to the UN-led proximity talks, Arotis said.

Replying to questions, he said at present it is not known how the third round of talks will develop (due to begin on May 23 in New York).

Asked if the Greek Cypriot side has settled on the procedure that should be followed, Arotis said more discussions will follow after talks with the foreign envoys planning to visit Cyprus in the next two months and decisions may be taken then.

British, American, European Union and other envoys are scheduled to visit Cyprus between now and the beginning of the third round of talks.

This is the second meeting of the National Council after the adjournment of the UN-led proximity talks until May.

[14] European Parliament requests increased funds for Cyprus

NICOSIA, 18/02/2000 (CNA/ANA)

By adopting the report of German EuroMP, Elmar Brok, the European Parliament furthermore supports the need to register the funds for Cyprus and Malta in Chapter 7 of the bloc's budget, which refers to its pre-accession strategy.

The European Parliament requests that the funds for Cyprus and Malta are greater than the 95 million euros proposed by the European Commission, with which the European Council agrees.

[15] Olympic Airways reconsidering Melbourne flights

Athens, 18/02/2000 (ANA)

Mantelis said Olympic is obliged to function as a private company and compete against the global air transport giants, adding that not only has it not shrunk its routes but also it has created new ones, such as those to Tehran, Benghazi and Manchester.

Mantelis conceded that Olympic's option to fly only to Sydney caused reaction by the Greek community in Melbourne and said that the airline is reconsidering the issue with them, as well as with local travel agents.

[16] Windows 2000 in Greek for launch by May

Athens, 18/02/2000 (ANA)

The new software will have all menus, functions and applications in Greek, a Microsoft official told a presentation in Athens.

Greek is one of only 10 languages around the world to receive this comprehensive treatment.

"The investment in the Greek language shows the importance Microsoft places on the Greek market" a Microsoft official told the Athens News Agency. "Greek was upgraded from a simply supported language to a fully supported language".

The official added that even software system messages were translated into Greek, allowing users with no knowledge of the English language to use the system to its full potential.

Microsoft Hellas General Manager Yiannis Rontiris presented the software's four different packages to more than 2000 business executives and reporters.

Microsoft hired several Greek language experts to work in its Ireland laboratories to translate and localize the new software version.

[17] Greek stocks plunge, market finds support at 5,200 level

Athens, 18/02/2000 (ANA)

Lack of fresh capital combined with worries over the impact of rising oil prices in international markets discouraged sentiment in the market, with analysts unable to explain Thursday's extent of losses.

The general index ended at 5,222.78 points, off 105.71 points or 1.98 percent. The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks fell 1.83 percent to 2,822.40 while the FTSE/ASE MID 40 index dropped 2.13 percent to 859.83 points.

Turnover was a low 197.6 billion drachmas.

Sector indices ended as follows: Banks: 9,872.78

-2.03% Leasing: 1,291.69 -0.75% Insurance: 3,476.44 -1.61% Investment: 2,569.56 -1.10% Construction: 3,148.33 -2.51% Industrials: 3,053.64

-2.18% Miscellaneous: 6,460.24 -2.00% Holding: 5,841.09 -1.38%

The parallel market index for smaller capitalization stocks ended at 1,392.80 points, off 2.05 percent.

Broadly, decliners led advancers by 276 to 58 with another seven issues unchanged.

Fanco, Doudos, Mouriadis, Petzetakis, Daring, NEL Lines and Dias scored the biggest percentage gains.

Athinea, Electra, Texapret, Ippotour and Macedonian Plastics ended at the day's 10.0 percent limit down. Crete Building Material and ETBAbank were the most heavily traded stocks.

Leading shares' closing prices (in Drs): Alpha Credit: 25,860 National Bank: 24,600 Commercial Bank: 23,260 Ergobank: 28,850 Eurobank: 13,105 Heracles Cement: 10,300 Hellenic Petroleum: 4,190

Intracom: 14,615 Minoan Lines: 8,210 Hellenic Telecoms: 9,500 Panafon: 5,100 Titan Cement: 16,110

Equity futures finish down: Equity futures on the Athens Derivatives Exchange finished lower on Thursday in line with the stock indices on which they are based.

On the Athens bourse, the FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavily traded stocks ended 1.83 percent lower; and the FTSE/ASE Mid 40 for medium capitalization stocks closed 2.13 percent down.

Turnover from equity futures rose to 9.4 billion drachmas from 7.8 billion drachmas a day earlier and 7.7 billion drachmas on Tuesday.

A total of 1,094 contracts were traded on the FTSE/ASE 20, showing turnover of 6.4 billion drachmas.

The contracts ended as follows: expiring February at 2,840; expiring March at 2,902; expiring April at 2,921; and expiring June at 2,950.

Futures traded on the FTSE/ASE Mid 40 numbered 842, posting turnover of 3.0 billion drachmas.

Contracts closed as follows: expiring February at 872; expiring March at 908; expiring April at 915; and expiring June at 930.

Bonds lackluster in thin trade: Bonds in the domestic secondary market ended mixed in light turnover on Thursday with trade remaining direction-less.

The benchmark 10-year bond showed a yield of 6.52-6.56 percent from 6.56 percent in the last two sessions and 6.51-6.53 percent on Monday.

The paper's yield spread over German bunds was 95-98 basis points from 96 basis points a day earlier and 98 basis points for several sessions before that.

Trade through the central bank's electronic system totalled 38 billion drachmas from 36 billion drachmas in the previous trading day and 50 billion drachmas on Tuesday.

In Thursday's trade, buy and sell orders were roughly equal.

Analysts said there was little room for the yield spread over bunds to fall further, and that even a central bank rate cut of 75-100 basis points would have little impact on the market.

The only factor that the market had yet to discount was the extent of the rate cut, expected in March, itself a reason for the market's fatigue, the analysts said.

Drachma surges vs. dollar, drops vs. euro: The drachma on Thursday dropped against the euro but surged versus the US dollar in the domestic foreign exchange market, in line with the greenback's slump abroad.

Players sought the European single currency, prompting the Bank of Greece, or central bank, to sell more than 200 million euros in order to meet demand. The euro had hit 334.21 to the drachma before the demand eased.

At the central bank's daily fixing, the euro was set at 333.500 drachmas from 333.280 drachmas a day earlier and 333.200 drachmas on Tuesday.

Also at the fixing, the dollar was set at 336.060 drachmas from 339.790 drachmas in the previous session and 339.800 drachmas on Tuesday.

[18] Anomeritis presents new CSF program for agriculture

Athens, 18/02/2000 (ANA)

"The main aim of the program is the improvement in the competitiveness of farm regions and a contribution to increasing employment in these areas. The Agriculture ministry has a comprehensive development proposal and is in a position to achieve high growth rates in implementing its initiatives from the first year of the new period," he said.

The program totals 1043 billion drachmas, of which 627 billion represents EU subsidies and 416 billion drachmas the national Greek contribution (from both private and public sources). One third of resources will be devoted to the industrial processing of farm products.

The improvement in competitiveness is to be sought mainly through upgrading the quality of agricultural produce, a restructuring of production in the direction of those which are in greater demand, supporting cooperative schemes in production and distribution, and better training for farmers.

[19] Intracom signs deal with Mexican firm

Athens, 18/02/2000 (ANA)

The value of the deal is expected to top 10 million euros by the end of the year, the Greek firm said in a statement.

Intracom, a blue chip on Athens bourse, plans to set up a subsidiary in Mexico that will handle Intracom's business in central and Latin America.

The firm is to be named Intracom Centro-Americana.

[20] Marble, building material trade fairs in February

Athens, 18/02/2000 (ANA)

Both events are held at the installations of the Thessaloniki international trade fair and will last until Sunday, February 20.

Infacoma spans building materials, insulation, door and window frames, bathroom fixtures, heating and air-conditioning, solar energy and technology.

Displaying their wares at the 17th Infacoma are 384 exhibitors from 23 other countries and 392 from Greece.

The 25th Marmin covers marble, minerals and sector equipment. Of 129 exhibitors, 73 are from Greece and 56 from abroad.

[21] Building costs unchanged in January

Athens, 18/02/2000 (ANA)

The NSS said that the index rose 2.1 percent in January compared with the same month last year.

[22] Local government workers on strike; no rubbish collection

Athens, 18/02/2000 (ANA)

The strikers, who are demanding a range of pay-related demands, marched to the interior ministry on Thursday morning.

In a related development, the municipality of Athens called an administrative inquiry into the summary closure of the Ano Liosia landfill by municipal workers.

[23] State goes guarantor for 14 bln Dr loan to buy Costakis collection

Athens, 18/02/2000 (ANA)

The loan is being taken out by the State Museum of Modern Art of Thessaloniki. The museum on Wednesday called on six banks National Bank of Greece, Commercial Bank of Greece, Agricultural Bank of Greece, EFG Eurobank, Alpha Credit Bank and ETVA Bank - to put forward terms and conditions.

The approval for the loan to go ahead was taken at a meeting on Wednesday by the national economy and finance, culture and deputy finance ministers.

The 10-year loan will be for some $US35 million and 2.5 billion drachmas.

Art lover George Costakis, a Muscovite of Greek descent, built up his collection between 1930 and 1960 by exchanging works by western artists for paintings dating from the period 1910-1930 by then unknown Russian avant-garde artists.

In 1977, he donated a substantial part of the collection to the Tretiakov Art Gallery in Moscow. He later expressed the wish that the works he had held on to be brought to and remain in Greece.

In 1997, then Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos announced that a final agreement had been reached between the state and the Costakis family to purchase the main part of the collection.

The collection, which now belongs to the granddaughter of the famous collector Aliki Costakis, includes works by Malevic, founder of the Supremacist school, Tatlin, the founder of constructivism, Popova, Rozanova and Mathyushin.

The 1270 works of art have been in storage for the past two years in the basement of the former Lazarist Monastery in Thessaloniki, due to the failure as yet to begin the planned renovation of the YFANET factory into the headquarters and main exhibition area of the state museum of modern art.

So far only 25 of the works of art have been put on public display - on the day of the collection's arrival in the northern Greek city. Plans to display 80 of the works have been tentatively scheduled for the summer of 2001.

The Greek public had the opportunity to see 450 works of the Costakis collection from Cologne in 1995 when they were put on display at the National Gallery in Athens, along with works from the Tretiakov Gallery

[24] UNESCO Center to host women's festival in Thessaloniki in September

Athens, 18/02/2000 (ANA)

Tzitzicosta said UNESCO included the festival among the 15 most important official events in celebration of the new millennium and will contribute significantly to the "cultivation of peace".

She added that the festival constitutes an institution of the UNESCO Center following the successful organization of a corresponding event in 1997 within the framework of Cultural Capital of Europe "Thessaloniki '97".

Representatives of 30 countries (Europe, Asia and Africa) will take part in the festival which aims at promoting inter-cultural dialogue between women creators and help cultivate the spirit of peace.

Taking part in the event will be women from such sectors as architecture, painting, dance, music, cinema, literature, theatre and photography.

Present at the press conference given at the Foreign Ministry's amphitheater were representatives from the Foreign and Culture ministries, UNESCO, personalities from the cultural world and members of non-governmental organizations.

[25] Events honoring Nobel laureate Seferis in Germany, Britain

Athens, 18/02/2000 (ANA)

Specifically, the Hellenic Culture Foundation chapters in both Germany and Britain have scheduled a series of events, with three to take place in Germany on Feb. 29, the anniversary of the one-time Greek diplomat's birth.

A reading of several of Seferis' best-known poems will take place at the Leteratur-Werkstatt in Berlin, while an exhibition of the first Greek-, English- and German-language editions of his works and a photo exhibition will also be inaugurated on that day. The Athens-based Gennadios Library and the National Bank of Greece's Education Foundation are among the sponsors of these events.

In Munich, a trio of contemporary Greek writers will present Seferis' works at the city Literaturhaus, to be followed by a musical program featuring well-known scores based on the Asia Minor Greek writer's poems. Other events in Germany are scheduled in the autumn.

In London, Seferis biographer Roddy Beaton and translator Edmund Keeley, along with the BBC's Greek-language program, will organize events in May. Entitled "George Seferis in London", the events will be hosted at the Greek ambassador's residence, the Purcell Room South Bank Center and the Hellenic Center.

Seferis won the Nobel Prize for literature in 1963, a few years before his death.

[26] Rare mosaic found in Philippoi

Athens, 18/02/2000 (ANA)

The find, measuring 10x4 meters and estimated to date to the second half of AD 3rd century, has sustained considerable damage but clearly depicts various aspects of the sport, including the scene of an accident with falling jockeys and horses.

The mosaic has been discovered during excavations under professor of Byzantine Studies at the Aristotelian University of Thessaloniki Georgios Gounaris, who presented the details at the annual conference on archaeological work in Macedonia and Thrace. The find was located next to what was a cistern or a pool and is thought to have been part of a hallway to a nobleman's house.

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