NEWS IN DETAIL

[01] CONCERN OVER THE BIDS FOR THE PURCHASE OF THE IONIAN BANK

The bidding for the sale of the Ionian Bank is expected to possibly be declared fruitless as there are not enough facts to guarantee the reliability of the investors who placed the biggest offers. At noon today, prime minister Kostas Simitis will meet with minister of national economy and finance Yiannos Papantoniou. Right-wing main opposition party of New Democracy leader Kostas Karamanlis characterized the whole affair as a "fiasco", while the Coalition of the Left party underlined that the government sells off the state property.

[02] THE GOVERNMENT'S STANCE TOWARD THE ARCHBISHOP IS TONED DOWN

The government tones down its stance in the war of statements with Archbishop Christodoulos of Athens and All of Greece. Government spokesman Dimitris Reppas stated that the government is not disturbed by the statements of the Archbishop and pointed out that they do not create an issue in the state-Church relations as they are defined by the Constitution. From his part, Christodoulos pointed out that he has not started yet to speak about national issues.

[03] CYPRUS'S EU ACCESSION NEGOTIATIONS WILL START ON NOVEMBER 10

Cyprus's EU accession negotiations, as well as the accession negotiations of the other 5 candidate for EU membership states, will effectively start on November 10 when the EU Council of Ministers meeting will be held. The announcement was made by the Austrian special negotiator.

[04] TURKS FIRED AGAINST A GREEK CYPRIOT FISHING BOAT

Turks fired against Greek Cypriots who were on board a fishing boat at the sea region of Kapari in the free part of Famagusta. According to the Cypriot police, currently conducting an investigation in the region, no injuries were reported.

However, it has not been known how many people were on board the boat and no official interpretation of the causes of the incident has been given.

[05] PUBLIC REVENUES INCREASED BY 19% IN AUGUST

The public revenues increased by 19% in the first 20 days of August reflecting the upward trend observed in the past 7 months. This positive course creates expectations that by the end of the month revenues will exceed by 10 billion drachmas last year's profits in the same period of time.

Moreover, the government's economic staff predicts an overall surplus of 150 billion drachmas for the current year.

[06] THE CYPRUS ISSUE WILL CREATE AN INTERNATIONAL CRISIS IF IT IS NOT RESOLVED SOON

A resolution submitted by American Senator Lou Papan and approved on August 17 by the Senate of the state of California in the United States, warns that there is a likelihood of an international crisis in case no fair solution to the Cyprus issue is reached soon.

In the resolution it is pointed out that the Cyprus issue should be resolved as soon as possible, while at the same time it is mentioned that the United States can not allow the Turkish government to continue to block every effort aimed at reaching a solution. Mr. Papan, who visited Cyprus recently, stated that if there is no fair solution soon the present animosity could easily spread leading to an international crisis. Mr. Papan characterized the situation on the island as very unstable and mentioned that the Cypriot government decided to buy the S-300 missiles for self-defense purposes.

[07] THE UN SECURITY COUNCIL CALLS FOR THE END OF HOSTILITIES IN KOSSOVO

The UN Security Council issued an appeal for the end of hostilities in Kossovo suggesting the immediate opening of talks between the Yugoslav authorities and the leaders of the ethnic Albanians. In a statement issued by the Security Council it is stressed that if hostilities continue throughout winter they could lead to a tragedy of great dimensions. UN officials estimate that about 250 thousand people have been forced to leave their homes to avoid the armed clashes in the region. However, the United Nations have made it clear that they do not support a declaration of independence for Kossovo.

[08] REACTIONS OVER THE SALE OF THE IONIAN BANK

Right-wing main opposition party of New Democracy Parliament deputy Ms. Dora Bakoyianni stressed that the sale price of the Ionian Bank should not have been linked with the bank's stock market value and added that the whole development is a failure which puts at risk the structural changes program.

Meanwhile, the Ionian Bank employees association president Yiannis Markakis stated that the bidding for the sale of the bank should be declared fruitless.

[09] UN INVESTIGATION ON THE INCIDENT IN CYPRUS

The United Nations are in continuous contact with the two communities in Cyprus to shed light on today's incident at the sea region of Kapari, in Famagusta where Turks opened fire against the fishing boat of a Greek Cypriot.

The incident was confirmed by UNFICYP press spokesman Valdemar Rokosewski who clarified that at the present stage there is no further information available.

[10] KOSTOV: GREECE IS FOR BULGARIA THE DOOR THAT LEADS TO NATO AND THE EU

Bulgarian prime minister Ivan Kostov, in an interview with the Bulgarian state radio, underlined the significance of his visit to Athens tomorrow which will take place at the invitation of his Greek counterpart.

Mr. Kostov stated that Greece is for Bulgaria the door that will lead to NATO and the EU. The Bulgarian prime minister regards the border crossings of Rudozen-Xanthi, Gotse Deltsev-Drama and Kirtzali-Komotini as well as, the two countries' custom offices computer link, as very important for the development of bilateral relations.

The Bulgarian prime minister also pointed out the significance of the issue of the Burgas-Alexandroupolis oil pipe line which will be discussed during his contacts in the Greek capital. He underlined that the issue is very important for Bulgaria because of the large number of new job positions that will be created.

Also, according to the statements made by Bulgarian government vice-president Evgeni Bakartziev, Mr. Kostov will present to the Greek government officials the findings of an investigation that prove the safe operation of the Kozlodui nuclear power plant. Mr. Bakartziev also stated that no western specialists' findings have produced alarming facts over Kozlodui's condition.

[11] THE SHOTS FIRED AGAINST THE GREEK CYPRIOT FISHING BOAT CAME FROM A TURKISH PATROL BOAT

The eight shots fired against the Greek Cypriot fishing boat of Antonis Tamenou at the sea region of Kapari, near Famagusta came from a Turkish patrol boat. No injuries were reported.

According to the Cypriot News Agency, a police spokesman stated that on board the Turkish patrol boat were 5 armed Turkish soldiers.

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