A.N.A. Bulletin, 24/04/96

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

Athens News Agency Directory

ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No 869), April 24, 1996

Greek Press & Information Office

Ottawa, Canada

E-Mail Address: grnewsca@sympatico.ca

CONTENTS

[1] Major says international court should resolve Imia dispute

British Prime Minister John Major expressed support for referring the issue of the Imia islets in the eastern Aegean to the International Court at The Hague after meeting his Greek counterpart Costas Simitis yesterday.

"We believe this issue should be referred to the International Court," Mr. Major told a questioner.

Mr. Simitis expressed optimism that a solution will be found to the issue of Imia since, as he said, all conceded that in this event international law should be implemented and the issue should be led to a solution through the court at The Hague.

The two prime ministers held hour-long talks focusing on Greek-British relations, the situation in the Balkans and Greek-Turkish relations, as well as the Cyprus issue and Britain's "mad cow" problem. Both leaders said the meeting, also attended b y Alternate Foreign Minister George Romeos, was held in a very good climate and ascertained that bilateral relations were exceptionally good. Both prime ministers spoke to reporters after the meeting despite earlier statements that no briefing was scheduled.

Summing up the results of his visit to London, Mr. Simitis said Greek positions met with a favorable response and that, on this basis, the two countries could have better co-operation.

However, Britain appeared to insist on its position in relating the accession of Cyprus to the European Union to a solution to the Cyprus problem, but Mr. Simitis told a press conference he informed Mr. Major of disagreement by both the Greek and Cyprus governments on this position.

Replying to a question on whether the British prime minister intended to undertake any initiatives on the Cyprus issue, Mr. Simitis said Britain was already playing an important role on the Cyprus question, adding that he believed Mr. Major would support every effort aimed at its resolution.

Greek-Turkish relations were also discussed by the two prime ministers and, according to Mr. Simitis, Mr. Major reiterated the position on a Greek-Turkish dialogue "on issues which have arisen."

Mr. Simitis rejected this position, stressing that such a dialogue would lead nowhere.

On the question of Turkey's customs union with the EU, Mr. Major said Greece should lift its reservations on the funding of Turkey.

Mr. Simitis said that for this to take place Turkey should abandon threats of the use of force, stating this publicly, and resort to the International Court at The Hague on the Imia issue.

Britain and Greece had a different approach to the issue of revising the Maastricht Treaty. Mr. Simitis said Greece wanted a model based on a federal prospect while Britain preferred inter-governmental co-operation.

The two countries agreed on the principle of veto on foreign policy and defense issues, apart from issues concerning national sovereignty.

On the question of the British claim for reconsideration of the "mad cow" question, the Greek side agreed to Community scientists (including Greeks) re-examining data provided by British scientists.

Mr. Simitis told Mr. Major Greece's decision would be finalized primarily on the basis of consumer interests.

[2] Meetings with Blair

Mr. Simitis also held a meeting earlier in the day with Labor leader Tony Blair and shadow foreign secretary Robin Cook which, he told reporters, focused on issues of bilateral issues as well as European Union issues.

The prime minister said he invited both Mr. Blair and Mr. Cook to visit Greece "in order to discuss the problems which concern our parties."

Mr. Blair's office later issued an announcement regarding the meeting saying it centered on center and center-left parties in Europe, European issues, the Balkans and the Cyprus problem.

The announcement said the British Labor Party unreservedly supported Cyprus's accession to the European Union.

Mr. Simitis leaves London for Ireland today for talks with Prime Minister John Bruton.

[3] Heseltine hosts dinner

At the end of his visit to London, Mr. Simitis was invited to a dinner held at Lancaster House by British Deputy Prime Minister Michael Heseltine.

Alternate Foreign Minister George Romeos, government spokesman Dimitris Reppas, Ambassador Filon from the foreign ministry and Greek Ambassador to London Ilias Gounaris were also invited to the dinner.

Welcoming Mr. Simitis, Mr. Heseltine said he could foresee the future improvement in bilateral relations in all sectors, and added that the Greek prime minister's presence in London contributed in a positive way to this.

[4] US hopes '96 to be year of progress in Cyprus problem, Kornblum says

US Assistant Secretary of State for European Affairs John Kornblum reiterated the desire of the US yesterday that 1996 be "a year of progress in resolving the Cyprus issue."

After meeting Turkish Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz and True Path Party leader Tansu Ciller, Mr. Kornblum told a press conference at the US embassy in Ankara that he discussed the Cyprus issue, Greek-Turkish relations, various regional issues and bilateral Turkish-US relations.

"The US desires progress to be achieved in regional problems and primarily the Cyprus issue," he said, adding that "we believe regional developments and the position of the Turkish government create a great opportunity for the Cyprus issue to be resolve d."

Replying to a questioner on whether the interest of the US in the Cyprus issue was linked to this year's presidential elections in the US, Mr. Kornblum said that parallel to the will shown by Turkey, the US was also encouraged by the "political determination in Greece and Cyprus."

Mr. Kornblum said the US was not the only side making an effort to resolve the Cyprus issue, but that the UN and the European Union were also seeking a solution to the problem, adding that "there is no competition in efforts to resolve the problem."

Referring to Greek-Turkish relations, Mr. Kornblum said they were discussed during his contacts and that their target was that "the eastern Mediterranean constitutes a region of co-operation."

He said statements by the Turkish side on Greek-Turkish relations were "positive and constructive" and that "Greece also desires a resolution to problems."

Mr. Kornblum said a convergence of views was reached with Turkey on problems in the region, adding that "we all know that Turkey is in a problematic region."

He is due to meet Turkish Foreign Minister Emre Gonensay this morning before leaving for Athens.

[5] Kornblum meets with Vartholomeos in Istanbul

Mr. Kornblum met with Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos earlier yesterday at the Phanar headquarters.

The US official was accompanied by Washington's ambassador to Ankara Mark Grossman as well as the US consul general in Istanbul.

Mr. Kornblum conveyed to Vartholomeos Washington's particular interest in the Ecumenical Patriarchate's position and mission, while the Patriarch wished the US assistant secretary of state success on his mission.

[6] Gonensay urges Germany to exercise influence on Greece, reiterates call for dialogue

Replying to reporters' questions after his meeting with his German counterpart Klaus Kinkel, Turkish Foreign Minister Emre Gonensay refused to be drawn on the possibility of his country seeking recourse to the International Court at The Hague concerning the Imia islets dispute with Greece, and reiterated his call for a start to dialogue with Athens without preconditions.

He also urged Germany to exercise its "positive influence" on Greece in the matter.

"We did not proceed to details, because this is something we shall discuss with Greece, and we shall have this opportunity with Greek Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos in Bucharest, on the 27th of this month," he said.

"We are ready to begin negotiations on all our problems in the Aegean, with all means of peacefully resolving differences, including the participation of third parties. The specification of this course, however, can begin only after dialogue has begun," he added.

In carefully worded statements, Mr. Kinkel did not conceal his view that Greece's veto of EU financing of Turkey constituted a problem for Germany, and his desire for a resolution of the Greek - Turkish imbroglio.

"We pressed Greece to abandon its resistance," he said.

"Both countries must, with our help, find ways and means of clearing up their relations. The threat of the use of violence is unacceptable , mutual distrust must be overcome...

"We, the other partners in the European Union, wish to help in finding a framework for a reconciliation between Athens and Ankara," he added, also describing Turkish Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz's recent proposals as "very important".

[7] Comments from Athens

In Athens, government spokesman Nikos Athanasakis said that the course of Greek-Turkish relations and Turkey's relations with the European Union were in principle two quite distinct issues.

Because of its actions during the Imia incident in late January, the spokesman said, Ankara had violated the EU-Turkey customs union agreement "and consequently its relations (with the EU) cannot be smooth."

"What is important now," he added, "is for Turkey to accept that the Imia issue is a legal one and to state that it will have recourse to legal bodies."

Lastly, Mr. Athanassakis said that Greece's reservations on the terms for the MEDA financing procedure - a program aimed at allocating ECU 3.4 billion EU aid to non-Community Mediterranean countries, including Turkey - had been expressed prior to the Imia incident and for other reasons.

The fifteen EU foreign ministers who met in Luxembourg Monday failed to agree on the terms for financing.

During the meeting, Greece insisted that the ministers should be able to decide by special majority for EU funding to be suspended for any country which violates human rights.

[8] Baykal criticizes Yilmaz tactics

People's Republican Party (CHP) leader and former foreign minister Deniz Baykal yesterday said that Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz's policy towards Greece meant the abandonment of Turkish claims.

During a discussion on budget, Mr. Baykal, criticized Mr. Yilmaz, saying his policy towards Greece "shows that Turkey have ceased to have claims on the issues (related to Greece)."

[9] Monday's incident 'has nothing to do with fishing', Athens says

The government yesterday described as 'a display of bad faith" on the part of Turkish diplomacy the protest lodged by Ankara with the Greek ambassador Monday over an incident near Kastellorizo in which the Greek coast-guard was forced to fire warning shots in the air.

Government spokesman Nikos Athanasakis said that Ankara itself had termed the protest "very strong" but stressed that Turkey's claims were totally inaccurate.

He said Ankara was now presenting itself as "the protector and champion of slave-traders".

A Greek coast-guard vessel fired warning shots in the air early yesterday to stop a Turkish boat which had just landed eight illegal Iranian immigrants on the island of Strongyli which is adjacent to Kastellorizo. The Greek craft asked the Turkish vessel to stop for a check, as it was obliged, but instead it sped away and reached Turkish territorial waters.

Government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said Monday that the same Turkish speedboat and its captain had been involved in similar incidents in the past.

Coast-guard officers arrested the illegal immigrants - three men, two women and three children - and are holding them on the island.

Ankara claimed that the boat was a fishing vessel inside Turkish waters at the time of the incident and "was followed inside Turkish territorial waters and harassed."

It also claimed that the boat was shot at 10-15 times resulting in the injury of "fisherman" Alijan Genkiz.

Mr. Athanasakis said that there was a problem of illegal immigrants and Turkey refused to enter into a dialogue, adding that Public Order Minister Costas Geitonas had raised the issue of Ankara's refusal at the recent EU council meeting.

The spokesman said that Greece had rejected Turkey's protest.

He further noted that in the period 1992-1995 alone, a total of 22,906 illegal immigrants had entered Greece from Turkey, of whom 5,361 had entered the country from the islands and sea regions.

In 1995 alone, a total of 9,995 illegal immigrants had entered Greece from the neighboring country, he said, of whom 1,890 were from the islands.

Rejecting as "totally inaccurate" the content of the Turkish protest, Mr. Athanasakis said "there was no fishing boat, no catch, nor any pursuit into Turkish territorial waters."

The incident, he continued, had nothing to do with fishing.

Citing an announcement by the Turkish authorities in Antalya, Mr. Athanasakis said it revealed that it was a classic case of transportation of illegal immigrants.

The spokesman rejected criticism from some quarters in Greece that the government had been late in releasing information on the incident. "Turkey informed international public opinion first, but it supplied false information, while Greece was obliged t o thoroughly investigate the true circumstances and provide an accurate picture,' Mr. Athanasakis said.

[10] Figures show some 23,000 illegal immigrants ferried into Greece through Turkish border

Many illegal immigrants, mainly from Asian and African countries, enter Greece each year through Turkey, data released by the public order ministry said yesterday.

Over the past four years, Greek authorities have arrested 22,906 illegal immigrants entering the country from Turkey, but police officials estimate many thousands more evaded arrest and managed to enter Greece.

Greek authorities have arrested numerous Turks who transport the illegal immigrants with boats or other means from their country for exorbitant fees.

The main entry points are the northern border prefecture of Evros, from which 17,545 illegal immigrants have entered during the past four years, the Dodecaneese islands, with 3,055, the islands of Samos, Hios and Lesvos with 913,707 entries and 686 arrested illegal immigrants.

The 22,909 arrested illegal immigrants consisted of 10,317 Iraqis, 5,672 from Pakistan, 2,569 Turks, 1,328 from Bangladesh, while the others were from Syria, Morocco, Algeria, Egypt, India, Rwanda, Tunisia, Nigeria, Liberia, Somalia and Afghanistan amongst other countries.

Forty-six Turkish illegal immigrant smugglers were arrested, as were 15 Pakistanis, 12 Iraqis, two Bulgarians and one Moroccan, according to the public order ministry's statistics.

[11] Tsohatzopoulos replies to Kinkel

Commenting on German Foreign Minister Klaus Kinkel's statement, concerning the exercise of pressure on Greece to lift its veto on EU financing of Turkey, Interior, Public Administration and Decentralization Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos stated the following yesterday:

"Mr. Kinkel knows that any pressures on Greece, at a time when it is defending its sovereign rights and the international treaties applying in the Aegean, are ineffective. The only thing Mr. Kinkel should ensure is that Turkey realizes the terms and principles on the basis of which it can hope to approach the European Union, these being none other than the acceptance of international law and treaties. To the degree that Turkey accepts these, Greece will have no reason to impede the implementation of the customs union agreement".

Mr. Tsohatzopoulos arrived in Bonn to attend a working dinner hosted by European Socialist Party President Rudolf Scharping.

[12] Berisha: Greece, Albania on a course to real friendship, co-operation

In an interview with the Euronews television channel, Albanian President Sali Berisha said the ethnic Greek minority in Albania enjoyed all rights and was a factor of friendship between Greece and Albania.

Attributing disputes between the two countries to "the amassed problems of the past decades," Mr. Berisha said that "now there is a realistic basis for friendship and co-operation between the two countries."

Mr. Berisha said this friendship was very important not only for the two countries but for the entire region.

[13] Inquiry in Imia helicopter crash still in the dark about causes

The helicopter which crashed into the Aegean near the Greek islet of Imia in January was not shot down and no mechanical failure was ascertained, according to the findings of a committee of Greek Navy Staff experts, released yesterday.

In its findings, the committee stressed that the reasons for the crash, in which the helicopter's three-man crew were killed, have not been fully determined.

The crash took place on the night of January 31, during a Greek-Turkish stand-off in the Aegean which took place after Ankara disputed Greece's sovereignty of the uninhabited rocky islet of Imia. "The reasons for the loss of the helicopter and its crew were not ascertained during the investigation. It was, however, ascertained that the helicopter was not shot down and no mechanical failure was discovered which might have been the main cause for the crash," the committee said in its findings.

The committee left open the possibility of the crash being due to human error, but with some reservation, since it clearly praises the skill and experience of the crew members.

It seems clear from the findings that the bad weather played a part in the crash. At the same time, the frigate 'Navarino', from which the helicopter had taken off, was in a state of constant combat readiness "which in combination with the tense situation prevailing in the area may have created stressful conditions."

"The use of a searchlight in conditions of high humidity (rain), which reduces the night vision of pilots and the continuous turns in order to fly over the islet, in combination with the adverse weather conditions described above (low visibility, rain, low cloud), increase the possibility of conditions (hallucinations), which result in a reduced ability to control the helicopter," the committee said.

Only parts of the findings, contained in a lengthy and confidential report, were made public. In a letter to the political party leaders, National Defense Minister Gerassimos Arsenis said that the parties may appoint representatives to be briefed on the full details of the investigation carried out by the committee.

The findings were unanimously adopted by the eight-member investigative committee.

A Navy General Staff announcement said that a ballistics investigation had revealed that the helicopter had not been hit by hostile fire.

Similarly, the autopsies carried out on the three crew members showed that death had in no case been due to bullet or similar wounds, the announcement said.

[14] ND response

President of the New Democracy Defense Parliamentary Committee Alexandros Papadongonas said the findings of the committee of inquiry on the causes of the crash, indirectly but clearly, attributed unproved responsibility to the crew of the helicopter.

Such references were not justified, he added, given the battle readiness and the high morale of the armed forces.

He said ND reserved further judgment until it obtained full knowledge of the details of the findings.

[15] Egyptian foreign minister arrives in Athens

Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr Moussa landed in Athens late yesterday bearing gifts, wishes for a speedy recovery and invitations for a return trip to the Nile nation for the survivors of last week's terrorist strike in Cairo, an attack that left 18 Greek tourists dead.

The Egyptian foreign minister's first port of call on his arrival in Athens was to visit the mostly elderly patients recovering at the Voula and Erythros Stavros hospitals from last Thursday's attack. He was accompanied by Health Under-secretary Franklinos Papadelis and the Egyptian ambassador to Athens.

In statements afterwards, Mr. Moussa reiterated his government's regret at the incident and satisfaction over the recuperation of the wounded.

In reference to the terrorist attack by the radical Islamist group Gama'a al-Islamiya against the Greek tourists and yesterday's deadly shoot-out in southern Egypt, which left seven policemen and two militants dead, he said: "The Egyptian government will strenuously resist terrorist activities."

Mr. Moussa added that the latest incidents are an "indication of the weakness, not the strength of the terrorists, who are trying to prove that they are still powerful. In every case, investigations for the arrest of those responsible will continue."

Mr. Papadelis assured the Egyptian foreign minister that "the friendship between the two peoples will not be disturbed," thanking Mr. Moussa for Cairo's "immediate and effective" assistance and care of the injured tourists following the attack.

Mr. Moussa is in Greece for a previously scheduled official visit.

[16] EU culture ministers meet in Bologna

Culture ministers from the European Union's 15 member-states along with 12 non-Community counterparts from Mediterranean nations concluded a two-day meeting in Bologna yesterday, which dealt with the issue of the Mediterranean basin's cultural heritage protection.

Greece was represented by Culture Minister Stavros Benos.

One of the proposals forwarded by the 27 ministers was for creation of a common European front to coordinate cultural activities of the countries' national programs as well preservation and protection of the Mediterranean region's cultural heritage.

[17] Evert chairs meeting of new political council today

Main opposition New Democracy party leader Miltiades Evert will chair a meeting today with the new nine-member political council he introduced during radical changes in the party over the weekend.

The changes prompted the opposition of honorary party president and former premier Constantine Mitsotakis - who was included in the political council - who criticized Mr. Evert of "shrinking" the party's influence.

Mr. Mitsotakis' statements caused various reactions from party deputies.

Party official Dimitris Costopoulos said Mr. Mitsotakis' decision to remain in the political council "is in the correct direction because he will give his advice and opinion for the party's course" while party official Vassilis Michaloliakos said party supporters were embittered by Mr. Mitsotakis' statements.

[18] Athanasakis denies reports of early elections

Press and Information Secretary-General Nikos Athanasakis yesterday denied claims that there was a possibility of early elections.

He said a view expressed in a paid advertisement in the 'New York Times' did not coincide with those of the government, which planned to exhaust its four-year term and, he added, was supported by a steady and strong majority.

[19] New Secretary-General for sports takes office

The new Secretary-General for Sports George Lyssaridis assumed his duties today.

Mr. Lyssaridis was presented to the press by Sports Under-secretary Andreas Fouras, who said Mr. Lyssaridis would have supervision of all sports federations, including the Greek Soccer Federation (EPO) and the weightlifting federation (EOAV), which used to be controlled directly by the sports under-secretary.

Mr. Fouras spoke of the need for modernization in sports institutions, and said he will soon submit a draft bill on the subject.

"I feel the weight of the responsibility for the difficult task I am undertaking. I am succeeding Mr. Vasilakopoulos, who has offered a lot. I will put all my efforts into serving the interests of Greek sport," Mr. Lyssaridis said.

His predecessor, George Vasilakopoulos, did not attend the handing-over ceremony in the sports undersecretariat.

[20] Army celebrations commemorate patron saint, George

Saint George, patron saint of the army, was commemorated at a special ceremony at the Infantry Academy in Halkida yesterday in the presence of President Kostis Stephanopoulos.

The ceremony was also attended by the national defense ministry's civil and military leadership, main opposition New Democracy party Vice-President Ioannis Varvitsiotis, party deputies and local authorities.

In a statement, National Defense Minister Gerassimos Arsenis said the day was "a day of memory for the heroism of our army which protected Hellenism and our national independence through centuries. Its patron saint Saint George gave the example of courage and insistence in concepts, an example for all soldiers, non-commissioned officers and officers."

[21] President

President Kostis Stephanopoulos expressed certainty yesterday that the virtues of Saint George - stability, determination and courage - are virtues of the country's armed forces. Asked to comment on a statement he made at Easter on national issues, President Stephanopoulos said he did not mean to stress any particular concern but to underline the need for preparation and vigilance. Saint George's Day was also honored in events organized by the 11th Infantry Division in Kavalla and the Fourth Army Corps.

More specifically, events were held at the Natsios army camp in Eleftheroupolis Pangeou, Papargyris in Drama and Analogidis in Stavroupolis Xanthis. Officers referred to the life of Saint George and read the order of the day by the Army General Staff Chief.

[22] Gov't welcomes Italian election results

The government Monday welcomed the victory of the center-left in Italy's general elections on Sunday, expressing satisfaction that "a government with a progressive orientation" would emerge.

Government spokesman Dimitris Reppas added simply that "elections express the position of the majority of the people of each country."

[23] Communist Party expresses support for Cuba

The Communist Party of Greece (KKE) expressed its wholehearted solidarity with Cuba yesterday during a meeting between KKE representatives and a representative delegation of the Cuban national assembly.

According to a KKE announcement, party representative Dimitris Kostopoulos told the Cuban representatives that their country is fighting a tough battle against imperialist powers which are trying to subjugate it with measures of a criminal nature.

Mr. Kostopoulos also briefed the Cuban delegation on his party's preparation for the 15th Congress and on the activities of its parliamentary group.

[24] Greenpeace sounds the alarm over antiquated Kozloduy reactor in Bulgaria

The environmental organization Greenpeace yesterday sounded the alarm over a possible nuclear accident at neighboring Bulgaria's oldest reactor in Kozloduy.

At a press conference on the occasion of the tenth anniversary of the Chernobyl disaster, representatives of the organization's Greek section painted a grim picture of the situation at the Kozloduy plant which Bulgaria recently restarted and is planning to modernize, despite opposition even from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

According to Greenpeace, in the period 1990-93 there were three radioactivity leaks at Kozloduy, while according to an IAEA report, there is a 27 per cent possibility of a nuclear accident taking place at one of the 11 reactors of the same type still operating in eastern Europe.

In the case of Kozloduy, the IAEA has said that the risk of a strong earthquake has been underestimated, since the plant is located in the seismically active Carpathian region.

Greenpeace also cited estimates by the Greek research center "Democritus", according to which an accident at Kozloduy could cause up to 132,000 deaths in Greece from radioactive fallout.

The organization proposed the upgrading of Bulgaria's non-nuclear energy plants with assistance from the international community and in particular the European Union.

Assistance would include imported energy, the provision of know-how and financial support.

Greenpeace criticized the Greek government's stance as being "half-hearted,' saying "although Athens has expressed opposition to the restarting of the Kozloduy plant, it has not firmly pressed this position".

[25] Conference examines effects of Chernobyl 10 years on

Anational conference took place yesterday on the consequences of the Chernobyl nuclear accident, which occurred in 1986, organized by the Greek Atomic Energy Committee and the nuclear technology and radiation protection institute EKEFE "Democritos".

During the conference, it was revealed that the areas of greatest radiation pollution in Greece caused by Chernobyl were Western Macedonia and Thessaly, with radiation amounts equal to those observed in other areas of Europe, such as Scandinavian countries, western Austria, south Germany, northern Italy and the northern Balkans.

The findings conclude that the population was affected most during the first year after the accident, when the additional dose of radiation received by the average Greek was roughly 700 uSv, equal to 0.7 per cent of the typical 50-year dose arising through natural causes in the environment. The amount of radiation in high pollution areas was four times the normal amount. Radiation levels in food returned to normal levels during 1987.

The findings revealed that the chances of being affected by cancer due to the extra radiation over the next 50 years is 0.03 per cent greater than the normal chances over the same time period. The effects of the Chernobyl accident on public health was revealed to be negligible in relation to other existing sources of carcinogens.

[26] Increase in foreign exchange loans heightens concern for inflationary pressures

Approximately 80 per cent of loans approved during the first two-month period this year were in foreign exchange, while the total amount of foreign exchange loans approved by commercial banks this year was greater than the whole of 1995, according to figures by the Bank of Greece.

Drachma loans showed a slight decrease, while lending continues to rapidly increase.

The increase in foreign exchange loans, however, is a source of concern along with the expansion in credit, both of which heighten inflationary pressures. It is noteworthy that the increasing trend towards currency exchange loans is related to the strong drachma and low interest rates in foreign currencies, which has again been noticed.

Bank of Greece Governor Lucas Papademos will refer extensively to the issue in his upcoming annual report, scheduled to be released on Monday. He is also expected to highlight the issue of expanded credit, which must be cut back in order to restrain inflation.

The central bank's general policy is to contain inflationary pressures, both in foreign exchange policy and in controlling credit expansion.

End of English language section.