A.N.A. Bulletin, 19/03/96

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

Athens News Agency Directory

ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No. 841), March 19, 1996

Greek Press & Information Office

Ottawa, Canada

E-Mail Address: grnewsca@sympatico.ca

CONTENTS

[1] Greece mourns passing of Odysseus Elytis, poet of 'the Aegean and light'

Greece went into mourning yesterday when one of its most celebrated poets, Nobel laureate Odysseus Elytis, died of heart failure at his Athens home at the age of 84.

Elytis was renowned for giving a particularly Greek feel to his poetry, being inspired by Greece's tradition and recent history and the Aegean and light.

"To Axion Esti" (Dignum Est), written in 1959, a lyrical recounting of Hellenism through history, was called "one of 20th century literature's most concentrated and richly faceted poems" by the Swedish Academy when it awarded him the Nobel Prize in 1979.

Many of his works were put to music by internationally renowned composers Mikis Theodorakis and Manos Hatzidakis.

Odysseus Elytis will be buried today at Athens First Cemetery in a small family ceremony.

"I pass on his last wish: that his death be wrapped in a deep Christian silence," his lawyer George Stephanakis said.

Born Odysseus Alepoudelis in Iraklion, Crete in 1911, Elytis left the Athens University Law School in 1936 to join the army.

In 1939, he published his first collection of poems entitled 'Prosanatolismoi' (Orientations), marking the beginning of what would be a prolific career. Many more collections were to follow, until his last one which was published late last year.

Following the end of World War II, during which he served in the Command of the 1st Army, Elytis was appointed program manager at the National Radio Foundation. It was during this period, that he also wrote for the 'Eleftheria' newspaper and 'Tetradio ' magazine.

In 1948, Elytis left Greece for Paris where he established ties with the French modernist poets and artists. He returned to Greece in 1951 after spending three years traveling through France, Spain, Britain and Italy.

Although his first influences came from the French surrealistic movement, he soon developed his own forms of poetic expression, giving a Greek "identity" to his surrealism. His poetry is inspired by Greece's tradition and recent history and the Aegean and light. His works are characterized by a modern lyricism through the use of strong language and images, with which he recreates the world, inviting his readers to share a metaphysical vision with him.

From 1967 until the fall of the Greek junta in 1974, Elytis traveled abroad, writing and publishing poetry.

Upon returning to Greece, he was appointed president of the governing board of the National Television and Radio Foundation, and a member of the board of the National Theater.

His most important works include "To Axion Esti" (Dignum Est) "Prosanatolismoi" (Orientations) "Maria Nefeli" and "Ilios o Iliatoras."

He had suffered heart problems for 10 years.

In accordance with his wishes, his funeral will be a low-key affair. Elytis wanted to "avoid eulogies from state representatives and academics," his lawyer George Stephanakis said.

[2] Greek leaders pay tribute

President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos expressed his sadness at the poet's death, "who, with his exquisite poetic word, succeeded in making the voice of Greece reverberate around the world. The poet who was honored by the Nobel Prize for Literature, 'the singer of the Aegean', always remained close to the dreams, the desires and the passions of Greeks." "Greece is in mourning," Prime Minister Costas Simitis said. "His poetry was full of the joy of life, beauty, love, sun and Greece."

"Greece today mourns the intellectual that loved it, put it to poetry, and showed its beauty," an announcement from ruling PASOK president Andreas Papandreou said.

"Odysseus Elytis gave sense and content to Greekness, the special attitude to life and the value of the contemporary Greek civilization," he added.

Former president Constantine Karamanlis mourned the loss of a "true friend".

"The death of the poet of Hellenism and the light came at a moment where his absence will be sorely felt," he said.

Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis said Elytis was the "poet of life, passion and beauty".

"His life and work constitute a shining part of our cultural heritage," he said.

The Secretary-General of the culture ministry, George Thomas, said the loss of the poet "left an unbearable emptiness in our hearts".

Main opposition New Democracy party leader Miltiades Evert, Political Spring party leader Antonis Samaras, Communist Party of Greece (KKE) leader Aleka Papariga and Coalition of the Left and Progress leader Nikos Constantopoulos also all paid tribute to the poet.

Mikis Theodorakis, who put Elytis's poetry to music, said "he made his name synonymous with Greece and poetry. He proved that there can be beauty in a world of transactions and lies."

"He leaves behind an invaluable heritage, for his poetry embraces the course of the nation, and his verses echo our classical past," said an announcement of the Athens Daily Newspapers Press Union.

[3] More comprehensive common foreign, security policy is Greece's aim at IGC

The Greek government will push the European Union to forge a common foreign and security policy during this month's inter-governmental conference (IGC) to revise the Maastricht Treaty.

Prime Minister Costas Simitis told a Parliament debate on the forthcoming IGC yesterday that Athens' positions at the IGC would revolve on four axes: formation of a common foreign and security policy; reinforcement of European integration; confronting t he lack of social solidarity; and an effort to minimize or eliminate the distance between ordinary citizens and the European Union.

Mr. Simitis called for enlargement of the European Commission's powers in the sector of common foreign policy and security policy, stressing that "as time goes by we feel more and more that unanimity in taking positions, from being a steadfast defense weapon for us, can turn against us."

Citing the Yugoslav and Imia crises, Mr. Simitis said Athens would push for the scope of common foreign and security policy to cover the protection of external borders and incorporate rules of solidarity, mutual assistance and timely intervention.

Mr. Simitis added that in the debate on Imia, 13 EU member-states shared Greece's position but the refusal of one country (Britain) to agree averted the taking of a relevant decision, adding that the EU's policies (particularly Economic and Monetary Union) would also determine the viability of unification. To serve this purpose, the premier added, a framework for peace missions should be adopted and the Western European Union incorporated into the European Union.

"As long as our vital interests are not ensured by respective commitments at an EU level, Greece's right to veto will always remain active," Mr. Simitis said. He added that Greece aimed to "blunt" the current regime of decision-making, where understanding was reached between a few powerful nations.

The prime minister said that Greece's options should be made in accordance with today's realities, which are "defined by the fact that, first, we belong institutionally to the most important organization..."

"Secondly, we live in a world where the economy knows fewer and fewer borders

Thirdly, he continued, "around us exists an unstable world, but one of hopeful challenges. The Balkans, eastern Europe and Russia and to our east, Turkish aggressiveness is developing, which coincides with wider instability in the Middle East".

"Greek reality," he added, "is characterized by an effort to distance itself from decades-old institutions, rules and attitudes and an effort to adapt to speedy international political and economic developments."

[4] Evert

New Democracy party leader Miltiades Evert said in his speech that the final aim of European integration should be "the creation of a federal Europe, in which each member-state will maintain its personality unaffected".

"We must build a European Union near the citizen, democratic and transparent in its functions, with rights and common obligations on the part of all member-states. We want a Europe based on cohesion and solidarity," he stressed.

"Greece, more than any other country of the European Union, must permanently pursue the promotion of a common external and defense policy," he said. Apart from the recognition of national borders as European borders, it must also fight for the recognition of and respect for the rights and obligations of mutual assistance, he said.

He noted that although direct assistance and active solidarity for safeguarding the borders of member-states was a rather difficult affair at this phase, it might be possible to aim at the provision of automatic assistance in terms of material necessary for defending a member-state whose national integrity was in danger.

Mr. Evert made special reference to social solidarity, because as he said, the course towards a united Europe depended on the social consensus of Europeans.

"Europe of social cohesion and of the single market must not reject or downgrade social solidarity. We need to apply fiscal discipline, development policy, and social solidarity," he said.

Mr. Evert's remark that the Greek economy's growth rates were below the Community average, drew a response from the prime minister, who said that last year's rate was satisfactory, this year's would be in the order of 2 per cent, with the prospect being for a 2.5 per cent rate thereafter.

[5] Political Spring, KKE

Political Spring leader Antonis Samaras told Parliament that the adoption of common security and defense provisions that would safeguard all EU countries was the logical outcome of a reliable common foreign policy.

Under the present conditions, Mr. Samaras said, "we say no to the abolition of unanimity. When we reach the point of discussing the other Europe of complete political union that we are aspiring to, then we will be able to talk about the matter of unanimity. But not now."

Mr. Samaras added that in matters of the utmost national importance, Greece is obliged to maintain the right to veto. "Political Spring's position is entirely clear. The (right to) veto must be maintained".

The Political Spring leader said Greece's aims within the framework of the IGC must be the flexible implementation of the Maastricht criteria and a review of the time-frame for EMU so that all EU countries will be able to proceed together.

Communist Party of Greece (KKE) Secretary-General Aleka Papariga, meanwhile, expressed the view that the discussion was not about the people's problems, and that on the occasion of the IGC, the government ought to hold a referendum which would show if t he people had a negative or a positive opinion of Greece's experience in the European Union.

[6] Simitis meets with Niles

Prime Minister Costas Simitis met yesterday with US Ambassador in Athens Thomas Niles.

No statements were made after the hour-long meeting. Sources said the talks were in preparation of Mr. Simitis' visit to the United States on April 9.

[7] News in Brief

Press Minister Dimitris Reppas, replying to a question yesterday as to why Greece is not participating in the meeting of defense ministers in Tirana, said that he considers a better preparation and the participation of all countries in the region to be essential in such a case.

The press minister added that the Greek government intends to hold a conference of this kind soon in Greece, adding that every discussion on the security of the wider Balkan region is important and crucial.

[8] Reppas comments on Imia status quo

Government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said yesterday that Greece exercised its full national and sovereign rights in Imia and the broader region. He was commenting on the alleged prevention of a Greek shepherd by a Turkish coast guard vessel from landing on the Aegean islet on Saturday.

According to Mr. Reppas, the shepherd "got scared and returned without anybody preventing or disturbing him."

He added that the description of the incident was "contradictory" and of "low credibility."

Mr. Reppas said, however, that the government was investigating the incident and would take appropriate action.

The spokesman reiterated the government's position that the status quo regarding the Imia islets was "clear, specific and undisputed," adding that if Turkey had any doubts "there is only one road and it leads to the (International Court at) The Hague."

[9] Holbrooke says Cyprus the key to regional stability

Former United States Assistant Secretary of State Richard Holbrooke said yesterday that the solution of the Cyprus problem was a precondition for strategic stability in the Eastern Mediterranean.

"If the Cyprus problem is not solved, strategic instability in the Eastern Mediterranean will never end, and there will be damage to NATO," he told the 'Milliyet' newspaper in an interview.

"The international Law of the Sea convention, the Aegean islands, and other problems all depend on the Cyprus issue," he added.

Mr. Holbrooke denied claims that the United States had permitted the landing of Turkish commandos on the Imia islets during the recent Greek-Turkish crisis.

"It was exclusively Turkey's idea," he said.

"I was shocked to see Turkish journalists planting the Turkish flag (on Imia). It is an entirely irresponsible and provocative action, but then again, American history is full of such nationalist actions by the press," he added.

[10] PASOK united, Skandalidis says

PASOK Secretary Costas Skandalidis denied rumors of the likelihood of a split in the ruling party, during a speech yesterday in Lamia.

"Nowhere on the horizon is there a danger or any worry that PASOK could ever break up. PASOK will push forward united with all its cadres," he said.

"When the (party's) base is unified, the top will unite, like it or not," he added after the meeting.

He called on PASOK's organization to "open horizons" and highlighted the need for dialogue with democratic powers at a local level.

Mr. Skandalidis added: "We are being transferred from a system where we had our president (Andreas Papandreou) to a new era where we must give our answer to new requests in a collective and most democratic manner..."

The PASOK secretary called Turkey a permanent threat to the nation, saying Ankara was continuously intensifying its expansionist policy. "Besides disputing our sovereign rights, whether it goes by the name of joint exploitation of the Aegean or joint control of airspace or consolidating and applying faits accomplis of Cyprus' occupation or demilitarization of the (Aegean) islands, today we are seeing the intensification of this expansionist policy by the seeking of territorial claims," he said.

[11] Pangalos, Primakov agree to speed up

Greece and Russia said yesterday they would go full speed ahead with joint energy projects and support further economic co-operation after talks here between visiting Greek Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos and his Russian counterpart Yevgeny Primakov.

The two held talks on bilateral and international issues, telling a joint press conference that they were held in the spirit of "tradi-tional friendship and co-operation which is usual in relations between the two countries."

"Relations between our peoples are long-standing and not merely political," Mr. Pangalos said.

The two ministers expressed a mutual desire to speed up the three major Greek-Russian projects, namely, the supply of natural gas to Greece, construction of the alumina plant and the oil pipeline linking Burgas to Alexandroupolis.

They said instructions would be given to promote issues concerning economic co-operation at technical level, particularly regarding the financing aspects of common investment plans.

On the question of the gas project for Greece, Mr. Pangalos said "it has gone very well", adding that he would convey to Greek officials the question of some Greek delays in payments raised by his Russian counterpart.

Replying to a questioner on differences with Bulgaria on the Burgas-Alexandroupolis oil pipeline, Mr. Pangalos said there was a different conception on funding.

"What we must see primarily is what state participation will be in funding, and if there will be, and what private participation will be which, of course, is an issue primarily concerning Bulgaria and Greece," Mr. Pangalos said. He said the issue would be examined during a tripartite technical meeting in Athens focusing on the creation of a tripartite consortium on the oil pipeline.

Mr. Primakov said Russia was interested in stability in the eastern Mediterranean and "supports Greek efforts for a peaceful and just solution to the Cyprus issue."

Mr. Pangalos referred to the continuing occupation of a part of Cyprus by Turkey and the violations of human rights by the Turkish regime, stressing that the end of the cold war signaled the end of the superpower era. "In contrast to Russia, which abandoned the role of superpower with great moderation, Turkey unfortunately wants to play the role of a small superpower in the region, imposing its hegemony on the countries bordering it and destabilizing the Caucasus," he said.

After referring to Turkey's recent questioning of the status of the Dodecanese and the dangerous consequences the prevalence of Turkish views would have for all of Europe, Mr. Pangalos said "we will not finance Turkey for as long as it shows it does not respect international law and international accords." He called on Ankara to bring any disagreements it might have to the International Court.

"I would like to warn all those flattering Turkish nationalism and encouraging it in its various conspiracies, whether in Chechnya or elsewhere, not to play with fire," Mr. Pangalos added.

Mr. Pangalos and Mr. Primakov discussed the most important international issues on which, Mr. Primakov said, the two countries had "many common views" and "are both interested in maximum stability in the Balkans."

Agreement was also ascertained between Athens and Moscow that the 'architecture of European security' should not be built without the views of all European countries being taken into consideration.

"Greece traditionally holds the view, and will continue to set it out, that Russia is a major European power playing an important role in international affairs in general and in European affairs in particular and its views and interests should be heeded with due respect," Mr. Pangalos said. "On the question of the enlargement of NATO, we consider the approach of trying to achieve the isolation of Russia absolutely mistaken and we hope these ideas will be abandoned."

Mr. Pangalos reiterated that Russia and Greece aimed at maintaining friendly relations of good co-operation with all countries, relations to be based on respect for the inviolability of borders, the imposition of international law on resolving difference s and reference to processes anticipated for the application of international law.

Mr. Pangalos conceded that the ratification of the agreement between Russia and the European Union had been delayed by certain countries and said that Athens had already raised and would raise the issue again with its partners.

He said the two sides agreed to give businessmen from the two countries wishing to exchange visits multiple entry visas valid for one year.

[12] Joint communique

The joint communique issued after the end of the talks between the two foreign ministers included the following points:

"The two sides underlined the need for a fuller utilization of the potential of the rich spiritual and cultural proximity of the peoples of Greece and Russia...

"A convergence of views on current international issues was found. Athens and Moscow support the formulation of a new model of European security architecture, to result from the ongoing dialogue in the framework of the OSCE ... The Russian side reiterated its basic position against NATO enlargement eastwards, which contains the danger of new conflict. The Greek side, not ignoring the difficulties involved in NATO enlargement, is in favor of a careful examination of all of its aspects, taking into account the important role played by Russia in strengthening European security...

"There was also an extensive exchange of views on an older, in-principle, verbal agreement between the two sides for co-operation in the reconstruction of the former Yugoslavia and the termination of the crisis...

"The foreign ministers... reaffirmed the importance of the Russo-Greek initiative for a collective effort towards promotion of security and the development of co-operation in the Balkans...

"The two sides stressed the need for solving all problems in the Balkans and the eastern Mediterranean exclusively through peaceful means, without the use, or the threat of using violence, on the basis of the precise application of international law through the competent international organs, and strict observance of the international treaties and agreements in force, including the provisions concerning the status of navigation through the Straits. They also stressed the need for respecting the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and inviolability of the existing borders of nations...

"The two ministers stressed that the maintenance of the present state of affairs on Cyprus is unacceptable, and reiterated their support for a just and viable solution of the Cyprus problem, based on the relevant resolutions of the United Nations and the high-level agreements, which must secure the independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and unity of the Republic of Cyprus. They stressed the special role and the special responsibility of the Security Council and of the UN Secretary-General in promoting a solution to the problem. They also hold the view that the implementation of the proposal for demilitarizing the Republic of Cyprus could contribute substantially to the creation of a positive climate on the island, conditions of security, confidence and co-operation between the two communities on Cyprus...

"Mr. Primakov was pleased to accept Mr. Pangalos' invitation to visit Greece."

[13] Doctors near deciding on discharge date for Papandreou

There were indications yesterday that PASOK leader and former premier Andreas Papandreou was beginning what might be his final week at the Onassion Cardiosurgical Hospital. Currently, the 77-year-old former premier is being tested for respiratory function in order to ensure that his hospital discharge will not produce any complications, medical sources said. One of Mr. Papandreou's doctors said yesterday that estimates and information leaked by certain medical circles saying Mr. Papandreou could be released Wednesday, or at the latest Thursday, may not materialize if his medical indicators are not satisfactory. Barring any last-minute complications, medical circles point to Saturday as the most likely day for the ex-premier's release, given the fact that h e is scheduled to undergo dialysis tomorrow. Doctors reiterated that Mr. Papandreou's general condition is very good, adding that over the past three days he has been anxious to leave the Onassion. An intensive physical therapy and kinesiotherapy program are also continuing.

[14] Papadimas calls for a pragmatic approach to FYROM name issue

Interior Under-secretary Lambros Papadimas stressed the need yesterday for a speedy settlement to the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) name issue, saying that it was an obstacle to Greece playing the role it should in the Balkans.

Describing the discussion of whether a composite name should be adopted as "a small detail," Mr. Papadimas told reporters in Lamia that "pragmatism should prevail".

"Pragmatism, I think, calls for a settlement," he said. "We cannot play a role in the Balkans while we are consumed by petty details."

"Nobody should remain trapped in what he said at times," he said commenting on PASOK deputies reactions concerning the name issue.

"One should have the political courage and maturity to revise one's positions when these do not serve national goals," he added, adding that the issue should be debated in PASOK's Parliamentary Group and Parliament.

Meanwhile, commenting on information that PASOK deputies were collecting signatures in order to convene the party's Parliamentary Group on the issue, government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said that "deputies have the right and freedom to speak as they wish".

[15] Varvitisiotis: Gov't showing its hand

Main opposition New Democracy party vice-president Ioannis Varvitsiotis said in an interview with 'To Ethnos' newspaper that the government was making "a criminal mistake by showing its cards on Skopje," noting that this "tactic deprives the government o f its ability for diplomatic manoeuvres."

"The Skopje government has not yet announced its positions and under those circumstances it is too premature, even dangerous I would say, to express our view, here in Greece," Mr. Varvitsiotis said.

Mr. Varvitsiotis said ND deputies should vote according to conscience if the issue came to Parliament, adding that ND leader Miltiades Evert has not yet expressed his position on the issue, while some leading party officials, including honorary president Constantine Mitsotakis, have publicly stated they were in favor of the adoption of a composite name.

Honorary president of the Communist Party of Greece (KKE) Harilaos Florakis said the party agreed to any name for FYROM.

"The problem is not the name but the protection of the borders and the development of friendly and economic ties between the two countries," he said.

He reiterated the KKE's firm position for direct talks between Athens and Skopje.

[16] Agnelli says issue must be worked out on bilateral level

Italian foreign minister and current EU Council President Susanna Agnelli, who made a brief visit to Skopje yesterday, said that the dispute over the name does not concern the European Union, and that it is a matter that "must be solved between Greece and 'Macedonia'."

Ms. Agnelli said her visit was "constructive" and that an improvement in relations between Skopje and Belgrade was "important and necessary", expressing the belief that an agreement of co-operation between FYROM and the EU will be signed while Italy holds the EU presidency.

[17] Milosevic

There has been neither confirmation nor denial that Serbian President Slobodan Milosevic will visit Skopje this week to meet FYROM President Kiro Gligorov.

The Belgrade press, citing reports from Skopje, said obstacles to mutual recognition had been overcome and that it will be a matter of days before an official announcement is made.

There has been no reference to the name with which Belgrade will recognize Skopje, although diplomatic circles estimate that this will be "Republic of Macedonia".

[18] Northern Greek businessmen in Skopje for trade talks

A large business mission, organized by the Federation of Exporters of Northern Greece (SEBE), left yesterday for Skopje for a two-day visit which will include talks with business and government officials to promote bilateral co-operation.

Taking part in the delegation, which is headed by SEBE and Piraeus Port Authority President Apostolos Yenitsaris, are representatives of about 60 enterprises and cooperative unions as well as representatives of the federation of agricultural organizations of Greece, PASEGES, the Ionian Bank and SEBE.

The Greek businessmen will also be briefed on the economic framework in FYROM and investment opportunities.

[19] Laliotis slams efforts to block funding for Spata airport

Environment, Town Planning and Public Works Minister Costas Laliotis reacted angrily yesterday to an appeal lodged with the European Commission by the losing bidder for the lucrative Spata airport contract, the French consortium 'Athens Airport Association' (AAA).

The AAA has called for a block on funds, citing recent allegations by the small-circulation Athens tabloid 'To Onoma' that Mr. Laliotis received kickbacks to grant the contract to the successful airport bidder, a consortium led by the German Hochtief group.

At a press conference yesterday, Mr. Laliotis condemned the French consortium, saying it was behind 'To Onoma's' articles.

"The masks have fallen. Several of the protagonists behind this conspiracy have begun to surface. Day by day, connections between Greece's underworld and international consortiums' interests are being uncovered," Mr. Laliotis said.

He called 'To Onoma' a purveyor of disinformation and a "for-hire" slander sheet.

Mr. Laliotis said a representative of the French consortium had sent a letter to European Commission President Jacques Santer and to the other EU commissioners with clippings of 'To Onoma's' controversial articles, asking that the Union withdraw funding for the airport project.

However, a report out of the Commission's headquarters yesterday evening said that Mr. Santer has rejected the AAA request to stop funding for the Spata project.

According to well-informed Community sources, an AAA representative asked to meet with Mr. Santer, who referred the matter to his chief of staff. The AAA request was subsequently rejected on the European Commission president's directive in a "clear and categorical" manner, according to reports.

According to the same sources, the AAA representative has appealed to the European Investment Bank (EIB). A judgment on that appeal has not been returned by EIB officials.

Mr. Laliotis called AAA's intervention to the European Commission "unethical and selfish". He reiterated that "the truth will shine" in the courts, where he has filed a libel suit against 'To Onoma'.

[20] Gov't to look at new rates policy for DEH

Government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said yesterday that the government was obliged to examine the issue of a new rates policy for the Public Power Corporation (DEH) in light of a Supreme Court decision to reinstate roughly 6,000 DEH employees.

Replying to a statement that the employees in question have been receiving salaries for the past three years, since they were dismissed from their positions, Mr. Reppas said that after the Supreme Court's decision, funds for the salaries must be incorporated into the budget.

National Economy Minister Yiannos Papantoniou said that any suggestions made by the development ministry on the matter of DEH rates will be examined by the inner cabinet.

The General Confederation of Workers of Greece (GSEE) has expressed concern over the matter of DEH rates and the "contradictory" statements by representatives of the government and DEH's administration.

GSEE called for discussions to be held between the government and the public utilities' administration and unions for the formulation of a rates policy, in order to ensure the corporations' social character and to protect low wage-earners.

Meanwhile, president of main opposition New Democracy's national economy parliamentary task group Dimitris Kostopoulos characterized the increased public utilities rates as being a "campaign of over-taxation."

Mr. Kostopoulos noted that if these increases were calculated into the official inflation rate, they would cause an increase of one per cent. He said that New Democracy "will protect the Greek citizen from this ... government raid."

[21] 8 trillion allocated for projects, Papantoniou says

National Economy Minister Yiannos Papantoniou said yesterday that 7.9 trillion drachmas would be spent on infrastructure projects in the 1994-99 period, adding that 1996 would be the first year in which there would be complete absorption of Community fund s.

Following a Economic and Social Policy Committee (OKE) meeting at the national economy ministry, Mr. Papantoniou said 6.4 trillion drachmas would come from state and Community contributions, with the remaining sum being raised through private financing.

He said 1.02 trillion drachmas was spent on Community Support Framework projects during 1994-95 and that the aim for 1996 was 1.277 trillion, of which 900 billion would be disbursed through the Public Investment Programme, and the rest mainly through public utilities and organizations.

Mr. Papantoniou said he would be meeting with other ministers in the next two months to promote the necessary coordination to ensure the full absorption of EU funds this year.

[22] Bosnian reconstruction efforts discussed at Varna meeting

Businessmen from Greece, Bulgaria and Romania discussed the potential for co-operation in the reconstruction of Bosnia at the second tripartite meeting of foreign ministers in Varna, March 16-17.

They also held a joint session with the three ministers on Sunday, an indication of the importance of the matter.

The Greek companies represented included Elliniki Technodomiki, Michaniki, S.I. Sarantopoulos, Beton-Eter, Intrakom, Hellascom, and Xios Bank.

An equally important subject of discussions was possible co-operation in the implementation of European Union-supported programmes in Bulgaria and Romania, which are related to Greece.

End of English language section.