A.N.A. Bulletin, 18/05/96

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

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ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No 889), May 18, 1996

Greek Press & Information Office

Ottawa, Canada

E-Mail Address: grnewsca@sympatico.ca

CONTENTS

[1] Country and citizen come above internal party considerations, Simitis tells Central Committee meeting

Prime Minister Costas Simitis yesterday said there was no justification in internal PASOK problems being placed above the problems of the country and its citizens, in a speech to his ruling PASOK party's Central Committee.

"It is not permissible, even for a moment, for the impression to be given that we are governing in suspended animation in view of the (June party) congress," Mr. Simitis said. "We must not allow personal problems to be conveyed to the level of government operations."

Mr. Simitis stressed that the 'post-Papandreou' era is not a post-PASOK era, but a time of a united PASOK which has the power of renewal and of modernization, and will lead the country into a new era.

He launched a stinging attack against what he called "interwoven interests" and at the leadership of the main opposition New Democracy (ND) party.

Mr. Simitis said a "sick climate" and a "war between interests" were currently prevailing in the public life of the country, stressing, however, that this was in no way connected with the government.

The premier charged that "in this sick climate, some may want the government to be unable to take decisions and to perform its task, so that certain political aspirations may be served."

Underlining that the government would not bow to pressure from the prevailing climate, Mr. Simitis said there were two ways to deal with what he described as "this new power."

"One is for politics to negotiate and do business with these forces, a path which the neo-conservative parties have adopted," Mr. Simitis said, noting however, that this leads to abolition of democracy and a decline of the society of free and responsible citizens.

"By contrast, the socialists respect democracy and do not accept that the institutions of representation can be placed under restriction or tutelage," he said.

The government's target, the premier continued, is to create a strong Greece and meet the two major challenges of the times - that of European integration and the threat against the country's territorial integrity and sovereign rights.

Referring to the latter issue, Mr. Simitis said the government placed particular emphasis on deterrence, announcing that the inner cabinet would examine a new programme for the supply of weapons systems within the next few weeks.

The premier said only PASOK was capable of making Greece strong, while the ND leadership was unable to formulate a comprehensive and coherent proposal, being concerned only with enhancing the image of its leader, Miltiades Evert.

He also accused ND of "trying to destabilize the economic climate by spreading fears and a feeling of insecurity every so often." "

"It is an opposition without any moral qualms from which the face of authoritarianism, nationalistic outbursts, racist persecution, social and political division is gradually emerging once again," Mr. Simitis said.

Referring to PASOK's forthcoming party conference, Mr. Simitis reiterated his position in favor of "clear-cut solutions."

"We must give clear-cut and decisive solutions so that the only victor at the conference will be the unity and renewal of the party," he added.

Secretary Costas Skandalidis presented the Executive Bureau's recommendation to the Central Committee, which contained proposals for certain important changes in the party charter, most prominent being the institution of the post of Vice-President, who will be elected by the party congress, and will assist and stand in for the president in his absence or incapacity.

Regarding the role of the Central Committee secretary, it is proposed that he have the political responsibility for the direction, administration and operation of the party organs.

It is also proposed that the party president will "exercise policy in the framework of the decisions of the congress and the Central Committee". This, Mr. Skandalidis said, means upgrading the role of the Central Committee.

Referring to the party congress, he said that it will either be purely political, determining PASOK's new course, or it will be transformed into a clash of mechanisms.

He stressed that the party be renewed, and honor its history and correct options under the leadership of Andreas Papandreou.

He added that PASOK will go to the congress in political unity, fully consolidated democratic and transparent procedures.

At the end of the first day of the session, three tendencies appeared to being formed:

First, one favoring the adoption of the Executive Bureau recommendation, supported by members considered to be leaning towards of Mr. Tsohatzopoulos.

Secondly, a view supported by the prime minister's supporters, favoring increased responsibilities for the Vice-President.

Thirdly, a view rejecting the instituting of the post of Vice-President.

Interior Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos said before yesterday's session, "we shall conclude in a democratic synthetic proposal," while Labor Minister Evangelos Yiannopoulos expressed hope there would be unity in the interests of the Greek people.

The Central Committee will wind up its deliberations this morning.

[2] ND response

Commenting on the prime minister's speech, the New Democracy party said in a statement that Mr. Simitis tried to unload his own and his ministers' great responsibilities for the country's miserable situation.

The attempt is in vain, and the people know those responsible, and the kind and size of their responsibilities.

Political Spring party spokesman Notis Martakis accused both major parties of hypocrisy, and reiterated his party's proposal for a special probe into the tax statements of political party leaders, present and former ministers, and party balanced sheets .

He also called for a special debate in Parliament and the setting up of a parliamentary committee of inquiry on state procurements and public works.

[3] Greece, Albania put an end to contentious issue of illegal immigrant workers

The foreign ministers of Greece and Albania, Theodoros Pangalos and Alfred Serreqi, yesterday signed two bilateral agreements, one of which legalizes hundreds of thousands of Albanian illegal immigrants in Greece as seasonal workers.

The second agreement provides for establishment of a Greek consulate in the southern Albanian city of Korce.

Both agreements constitute a continuation of a friendship and co-operation pact recently signed in Tirana by the two countries, during the visit of President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos.

In statements after the signing, Mr. Pangalos described the agreement legalizing the Albanian illegal immigrants in Greece as "useful" for both the Greek and Albanian economies, noting that it would fill "gaps" in agricultural production in Greece, especially during the summer months, while at the same time assisting the economic development of the neighboring country. Mr. Pangalos said it was unacceptable for existing Greek immigration legislation to by definition characterize all foreigners working in the country as illegal immigrants.

"Greece receives foreign immigrants, whose rights must be safeguarded as is dictated by our country's history, culture and European orientation," Mr. Pangalos said. He added that the agreement signed yesterday was just the first in a series of legislative acts, and that others would follow in order to shape a comprehensive legislative framework for immigrants to Greece.

Turning to the consulate agreement, Mr. Pangalos said it would considerably help the further development of economic and trade relations between the two countries since the second main road artery between Greece and Albania passed through Korce.

He said it would also contribute to a revival of the Greek presence in an area which was once an important center of economic activity and culture.

Mr. Pangalos described the agreement as "historic" because Greeks and Albanians had lived together for many years in the area.

In replying to questions, Mr. Pangalos said the procedure for issuing visas to Albanians wishing to come to Greece had been simplified, resulting in more visas being issued in less time.

He stressed that with the two agreements "and the brotherly co-operation which exists between the two countries" a new period was opening up during which Greece and Albania will be able to further develop their relations and go forward in a spirit of peace, friendship and democracy.

In speaking to reporters, Mr. Serreqi said the friendship between the two countries was "tried and tested" and had historical roots. He noted that politicians in both countries had proved to be "tardy" in view of the friendship which existed between the two peoples.

Following the signing of the friendship and co-operation pact, Mr. Serreqi said Greek-Albanian relations had acquired fresh impetus and a new pace. He thanked the Greek people for the assistance they have given to Albanian immigrants.

Mr. Serreqi, too, described the agreements signed as important and beneficial, observing that they opened up new prospects for Greek-Albanian co-operation.

"Albania places great weight on the development of Greek-Albanian relations, which are important for the greater region of the Balkans," he said, adding that "Greece, as a member of NATO and the European Union, plays an important role in incorporating t he entire region into European institutions."

[4] Kokkalis, former Athens prosecutor called to Intracom-Siemens inquiry

Former chief of the Athens appeals prosecuting authority Christoforos Tzanakakis has been called to testify on Monday before prosecutor Anastasios Kanellopoulos, who is carrying out the preliminary investigation into allegations of irregularities in the contract for the supply of one million digital telephones to the Hellenic Telecommunications Organization by the Intracom and Siemens companies.

Specifically, Mr. Tzanakakis will be questioned on a statement made last year and repeated recently that if he spoke on the case, many people would lose their sleep.

Mr. Kanellopoulos has also called Intracom boss Socrates Kokkalis to testify on May 28.

In a statement earlier in the week, Mr. Kokkalis referred to entanglement of political figures, publishers and journalists in "unlawful networks of politico-economic dealings, blackmail, and other dependencies".

[5] Evert slams interwoven business, media interests as a 'danger to democracy'

Main opposition New Democracy party leader Miltiades Evert launched a strong attack against interwoven business and media interests yesterday.

Speaking in Parliament during a discussion of a question tabled by ND on the share registration issue, Mr. Evert underlined that "the time has come to get to the root of the problem," maintaining that the situation was becoming dangerous for democracy.

"We cannot accept the charge of dishonesty for deputies and remain silent because we are afraid of the media. Enough is enough. This must be well understood by publishers wherever they may be," he said.

He asked for the submission of a list of journalists who are also employed in the public sector, and accused "interwoven interests" for bringing down the last New Democracy government for refusing to award a contract to a particular businessman. Calling on the government to take "drastic measures," he named prominent businessmen with mass media interests who at the same time have companies which undertake state projects or supply the public sector.

Mr. Evert in particular singled out Messrs. Bobolas, Kokkalis, Sarantopoulos, Liakounakos and the Vardinoyannis family, saying that they should either shut down their newspapers and media ventures or stop participating in public sector tenders.

Also for the first time, Mr. Evert attributed the fall of the most recent ND government to these "interwoven interests."

Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis intervened in the debate, saying, "for two and a half years I have been saying these things about the media, about the businessmen who have profitable businesses from which they cover the deficits in the media, and are not interested in properly informing the people, but blackmail and have shady dealings with governments and ministers".

Mr. Kaklamanis was applauded by deputies of all parties, and congratulated by Mr. Evert for having first raised with such persistence the issue of transparency in public life, thereby provoking the anger of publishers.

Speaking on behalf of the government, Press and Media Minister Dimitris Reppas said he shared the concern of the main opposition leader and the Speaker about the relationships between certain media businessmen and public works and state procurements.

[6] Evert confident ND will win outright in 'imminent elections'

New Democracy party leader Miltiades Evert yesterday warned there were apparent efforts being made abroad to bring about weak coalition governments "so that foreigners may be able to impose solutions which serve them best".

Speaking to the newly-elected chairpersons of his party's prefectural committees, he claimed the country was in the final stretch before elections, which may take place anytime between October and May.

He said New Democracy would form a majority government, basing his confidence on opinion polls, adding that those who were promoting scenarios of coalition governments were gravely mistaken.

He said there were inherent weaknesses in the ruling party, adding that "after the non-existent government of Andreas Papandreou, we had the Simitis government which only took 110 days to betray everyone's expectations".

[7] Kaklamanis calls for a change to 'lop-sided' foreign policy perspectives

Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis asked for a reorientation of Greece's foreign policy in order to end the country's lop-sided orientation to the West, during a press conference he held yesterday in Athens on the results of his recent official visit to Warsaw and Moscow.

Mr. Kaklamanis said that for many years, Greek foreign policy has been adapted to seek support and direction from the West, and is making the mistake of not taking Russia, Eastern Europe and the Balkans into consideration.

Mr. Kaklamanis clarified that he was referring to all governments after 1988, and said his views were in line with those expressed in parliament recently by the prime minister.

Speaking on the Cyprus issue, Mr. Kaklamanis said his meetings in Warsaw and in Moscow clarified that both Poland and Russia supported Greek national interests.

During his meeting with Russian government and parliamentary officials, Mr. Kaklamanis raised the issues of the Burgas-Alexandroupolis oil pipeline, the alumina plant and natural gas.

[8] Arsenis meets with foreign correspondents

National Defense Minister Gerassimos Arsenis met a group of foreign journalists at the Pentagon yesterday who have been invited by the Greek government to visit the eastern Aegean.

Mr. Arsenis briefed the foreign journalists on Greek national issues and on the country's defense policy, particularly on the issue of the islets of Imia where Turkey is attempting to question Greek sovereignty.

[9] Estonian church issue resolved, Moscow Patriarchate says

The patriarchates of Moscow and the Phanar have simultaneously taken steps to "overcome the crisis" caused by a dispute over the jurisdiction of the Orthodox Church of Estonia, the Russian Orthodox Patriarchate announced yesterday.

According to the announcement, the Orthodox communities of Estonia can now choose whether they want to be affiliated to Moscow or the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Istanbul. Those who have not already made their decision will have to do so within the next four months, at which time the Ecumenical Patriarchate will reinstate a decree putting the Church of Estonia, apart from those communities who have expressly declared their decision to be affiliated to Moscow, under its jurisdiction.

The Moscow Patriarchate, on its part, has also allowed those clerics who want to be affiliated to the Ecumenical Patriarchate to do so, including those which the Russian Orthodox Church has forbidden from holding services.

The two patriarchates, the announcement said, will work together in presenting their positions to Estonian authorities, with a view to ensuring the equal rights of the Estonian Orthodox community, including equal rights to church property. Delegations from both Moscow and the Phanar will be talking to the Estonian government and will visit those communities that have not yet decided which Patriarchate they want to be affiliated to.

Communications between the two patriarchates have now been fully restored, the announcement concluded.

[10] Greece denies Turkish reports of Greece firing on fishing vessels

Foreign ministry spokesman Costas Bikas yesterday denied Turkish news agency reports that a Greek patrol boat had fired at ten Turkish fishing vessels near the island of Lesvos on Thursday night.

Mr. Bikas said no incident had occurred and added that yesterday morning there was visual contact in international waters in the Aegean between a Greek coast guard patrol boat and Turkish fishing vessels.

Earlier yesterday, the Turkish semi-official Anatolia agency reported the Greek Ambassador to Ankara Dimitris Nezeritis was called to the Turkish foreign ministry to receive a protest by Ankara over the alleged incident.

Anatolia added that the ambassadors of European Union and NATO member countries are to be summoned to the Turkish foreign ministry over the next few days in order to be briefed on the latest developments. The Greek ambassador will not be called on to be present during the briefing.

[11] Border incident

Meanwhile, an ANA dispatch from Alexandroupolis yesterday said a Turkish army patrol reportedly opened fire on a Greek fisherman on the Evros River, which forms the two countries' northeast border.

The incident took place Wednesday in the Tychero area when the Turkish patrol unsuccessfully tried to detain Haralambos Tserkezis, 38, a farmer, amateur fisherman and father of four.

According to Mr. Tserkezis, as he was laying nets near the Greek side of the river, two rounds were fired at him by a five-man Turkish patrol, which ordered him to come over to the Turkish bank.

Feigning obedience, the Greek farmer headed for the patrol, which lost sight of him momentarily as he approached a small islet in the middle of the river, allowing the fisherman to suddenly change course and head back to the Greek side.

The Turkish patrol then fired seven shots at Mr. Tserkezis, without hitting him.

A Greek army patrol arrived soon afterwards from a nearby guard-post and the Turkish troops stopped shooting.

[12] US call

The US State Department called for "better co-operation" between Greece and Turkey in order to diffuse a recent build-up of tension in the Aegean caused by accusations by Ankara that a Greek patrol boat fired against Turkish fishing vessels.

State Department spokesman Nicholas Burns underlined that Washington does not wish to support one particular side, but that it considers "this is additional proof that Turkey and Greece must have better co-operation and we hope that they will be able to resolve their differences."

According to the Turkish Anatolia news agency, Ankara protested to Athens yesterday, claiming that a Greek patrol boat opened fire against Turkish fishing boats in international waters south of the island of Lesvos.

[13] Imia not the real issue for Turkey, Yilmaz admits

Turkish Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz yesterday characterized Turkey's claim on Greek sovereignty in the islets of Imia in the eastern Aegean a "problem of rocks" and let it be understood that others were the real problems.

"We have many problems which must be resolved: problems in the Aegean, the islands, the territorial waters, airspace, the minority problem, and now we also have the problem of the rocks," Mr. Yilmaz told a press conference at the Press Center in Bonn following his talks with German Chancellor Helmut Kohl.

"There are two ways of resolving these problems. Either with negotiations or with war, but the second solution leads nowhere. My offer (referring to a proposal made on March 24 calling for dialogue) does not rule out the International Court at The Hague for those problems which cannot be resolved. We could also go there if there is no acceptable result for certain problems, but our offer must be accepted first," he added.

Replying to a questioner, Mr. Yilmaz insisted that Greece rejected this offer "primarily due to the domestic political situation", adding that despite contacts between foreign ministers Theodoros Pangalos and Emre Gonensay, he does not expect progress before PASOK's congress.

In a prolonged introductory statement to German and foreign journalists before the press conference got underway, Mr. Yilmaz said Greece's obstruction of the implementation of the customs union agreement between the European Union and Turkey was "unacceptable", adding that he ascertained "with satisfaction that Chancellor Helmut Kohl held the same view on this issue."

Referring to what he called the "appeal" to Greece on March 24, Mr. Yilmaz said "we profoundly wish for problems with Greece to be resolved." Mr. Yilmaz said he briefed Mr. Kohl on this "peace initiative" and thanked him for his support.

[14] Premier pays tribute to the 55th anniversary of the Battle of Crete

Events to mark the 55th anniversary of the Battle of Crete began yesterday with the official hoisting of the flags of allied countries in the Firka fort in the island's capital of Hania.

A message issued by Prime Minister Costas Simitis on the occasion characterized the Battle of Crete as one of the outstanding moments of modern world history. "The Battle of Crete was about the greatness of the human soul and of bravery. It was the rising of freedom, of conscience, of virtue and of daring, which resisted submission and obliteration. It was a battle of history against barbarity for the defense of human dignity," said Mr. Simitis' message.

"Fifty-five years later, the ideals for which the Battle of Crete was fought have not yet prevailed in the region. The continued occupation of Cyprus, the fighting in the former Yugoslavia, the difficult course of the peace process in the Middle East continue to remind us that we must do a lot of work to turn the vision of a Mediterranean of peace and prosperity into reality," Mr. Simitis continued.

"This year's celebration of the Battle of Crete is not an event of memory and debt of honor but symbolizes our faith in freedom, peace and democracy. Today, faithful to these ideals, we fight for a strong Greece, a proud Greece, a modern Greece," the p rime minister concluded.

The Battle of Crete took place in May 1941 when Australian, New Zealand, British and Greek forces which had retreated to the island of Crete fought alongside the local population against the invading Nazi forces. Crete was the last part of Greece to come under German occupation, and losses were heavy on both sides during the famous battle, during which Germany used the largest numbers of paratroopers in World War II.

[15] Definite solution to Attica garbage problems expected in July, Laliotis says

Environment, Town Planning and Public Works Minister Costas Laliotis announced yesterday that his ministry would table a draft law in July defining three regions in the Attica prefecture where land-fills will operate.

Mr. Laliotis said that before the decision was taken and the draft law was prepared, the ministry would take into consideration, apart from proposals made by the scientific committee, the views of the prefectural and regional council as well as those of municipalities and communities in eastern Attica.

He said an agreement on eight basic principles to resolve the problem of waste management in Attica, ascertained during his meetings with political party leaders this week, was an "encouraging message."

Referring to mobilization by inhabitants in Avlona tomorrow, who intend to block the railway line for seven hours as of 5pm, Mr. Laliotis said they were "socially arbitrary actions lacking an object and a content."

Replying to a questioner on the possibility of the land-fill at Ano Liosia closing once again, Mr. Laliotis said it was a non-issue since there was a timetable for the problem to be resolved.

In a related development, the administration of the Greek Railways Organization (OSE) said the blocking of the railway line planned by inhabitants in Avlona was an "illegal action" entailing civil and penal responsibilities, called for a prosecutor to intervene and stressed it would seek damages.

Inhabitants in Avlona will also block the Athens-Lamia motorway for three hours on May 26.

Meanwhile, no progress has been achieved in the issue of finding a solution to garbage disposal at a meeting chaired by the Prefect of Eastern Attica in Pallini yesterday and attended by a representative of the environment ministry and local mayors.

Mayors and community leaders in eastern Attica are determined not to accept the environment ministry's proposals and insist on their decision to assign a study to a university on choosing ways of handling and locations of disposing of garbage.

[16] Spirit of co-operation characterizes Athens' 2004 Olympic bid

Athens' bid to host the 2004 Olympic Games was discussed by Prime Minister Costas Simitis and Athens Mayor Dimitris Avramopoulos at a meeting yesterday.

The 50-minute-long meeting was also attended by Culture Minister Stavros Benos and Sports Under-secretary Andreas Fouras. After the meeting, Mr. Benos characterized the results of the meeting as being positive, and said efforts for the bid were being made in a climate of co-operation.

Mr. Fouras said the meeting included a discussion on a series of problems being faced, and added that the Athens Municipality and the committee set up to organize the bid will co-operate closely in order to achieve their aim. He added that there was a feeling of optimism as to the success of the bid.

Meanwhile, Mr. Fouras was awarded with the 'golden seal' of the Italian city of Peruggia by its mayor, Gianfranco Mantoli, who visited the sports under-secretary yesterday in his office.

During the meeting, the Italian mayor said he was in favor of the 2004 Olympic Games being held in Greece, and added that he considered it "unthinkable" for the Games not to be held in Greece.

[17] Tsohatzopoulos stresses problem of illegal immigration at NAA spring session

Interior, Public Administration and Decentralization Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos discussed the issue of illegal immigration and Greece's actions to control the phenomenon at the second day of the five-day spring session of NATO's North Atlantic Assembly (NAA), which is being held in the Athens seaside suburb of Vouliagmeni.

In discussing Greece's experience, Mr. Tsohatzopoulos said the nation faced a huge problem with the flow of illegal immigrants and illegal immigrant smuggling because of the nation's extended borders, adverse economic changes in neighboring countries as well as indifference by neighboring governments, such as Turkey, which he said does not accept deportees from Greece that entered through Turkey.

He added that in 1991 until today, some 1.1 million Albanian nationals had been deported, while 400,000 illegal immigrants live in the country today.

[18] Fears for peace process in Bosnia

The former European Union administrator of Mostar, Hans Koschnick, expressed fears yesterday about the peace process and reconstruction in Bosnia-Herzegovina, casting doubt on whether elections scheduled for later this year in the former Yugoslav republic could be held.

"The opposing sides usually accept conditions only when it is in their interest, while the climate of mistrust continues," Mr. Koschnick said.

Mostar is administered by the European Union on behalf of the international community. Mr. Koschnick, Mostar's first administrator, resigned earlier this year over a disagreement with EU ministers about municipal boundaries in the Bosnian city.

Mr. Koschnick underlined that Bosnians of various ethnic groups were still unable to return to their homes and that the NATO-led peace implementation force (IFOR) was not assisting them when they attempted to do so.

He called on NATO and the EU to impose terms on the opposing sides in Bosnia in order to speed up reconstruction, rather than relying solely on the Dayton Accord for peace.

Also speaking at yesterday's NAA session, Social Affairs Committee rapporteur Javier Ruperez stressed the need for support for the institutional and economic reconstruction of Bosnia-Herzegovina, calling on parliamentarians of the NATO countries to formulate common positions, particularly in view of IFOR's scheduled withdrawal at the end of the year.

"It is important for us to monitor the elections in Bosnia," Mr. Ruperez said, adding that NATO should assist in their organization.

He called on delegates at the NAA session to assist in efforts to secure additional funds for the financial backing of the peace process in Bosnia.

In addition, a top IFOR military commander said it was still too soon to comment on whether the NATO-led force should remain in Bosnia past December, when its mandate expires.

Meanwhile, the head of the Pentagon's Strategic Affairs committee, David Martin, highlighted the progress in relations between Russia and the alliance, adding however, that the issue of completion of discussions for a common area of interest remains.

In addition, Britain's insistence during a vote that a US-Turkish initiative asking Russia not to increase its military presence on its borders with the former Soviet Central Asian countries be included in the Defense and Security Committee's final text was also noted.

[19] Kouris briefs US counterpart on Aegean, Balkan developments

Two days of consultations between Greek Defense Under-secretary Nikos Kouris and his US counterpart Jan Lodal ended in Washington on Thursday.

Matters discussed during the meeting included the tense situation in the Aegean, the role that Greece can play in the Balkans and bilateral defense co-operation issues.

Speaking to the ANA, a US Pentagon official and advisor to Mr. Lodal said the meetings were successful and held in a friendly atmosphere.

Commenting on the results of the meetings, the official said Mr. Lodal was given the opportunity to enhance his understanding of Greek positions on the Aegean, particularly after the recent incident over the Imia islet, and added that Mr. Lodal was also briefed on Greek positions regarding stability in the wider Balkan region.

Lower ranking officials from the two ministries also met over the two days within the framework of the working group.

The bilateral defense agreement signed between Greece and the United States in 1990 foresees an annual meeting between high-ranking officials as well as four meetings a year between delegates of the two defense ministries, which operate as a joint commit tee.

These meetings aim to examine a broad range of issues such as the provision of defense aid, the sale of defense systems and general matters of co-operation in the defense sector.

[20] GSEE outlines demands on pensions, spending cutbacks

The executive committee of the General Confederation of Workers of Greece (GSEE) yesterday set out the proposals of the country's trade unions on a wide range of issues, aimed at protecting what it called the weaker socio-economic classes of the population.

On the issue of pensions, GSEE called on the government to link minimum benefits with 20 days' wages of an unskilled laborer and to abolish what it called "anti-insurance" laws passed by the main opposition New Democracy party when it was in power.

With regard to spending cuts, GSEE said it was prepared to accept cuts in non-productive areas in order to reduce waste in the public sector. It stressed, however, that it would not consider cuts in social expenditures such as health, which it said were already at a low level.

GSEE also called on the government to take special measures to protect the unemployed, particularly in areas of high unemployment. It reiterated its proposal for creation of a special fund to provide "social solidarity" with the unemployed.

In order to press its demands, GSEE decided to support a pensioners' protest rally scheduled for May 23, to seek meetings with National Economy Minister Yiannos Papantoniou and Labor Minister Evangelos Yiannopoulos. At the same time, the labor confederation said it would begin preparations for "militant strike actions."

[21] British embassy announces UK trade mission visit to Greece

Britain's department of trade and industry and the commercial section of the British embassy in Athens will be organizing a trade mission of 17 companies from the United Kingdom from May 19-23, the Embassy announced yesterday.

The mission will cover a wide range of business activities, from woodwork machinery, gas detection equipment, gold and jewelry and medical equipment to steel products, copper wires, water treatment/filtration and marine surveyors. A series of meeting s will be organized between the companies and Greek agents who have expressed interest in further co-operation. The representatives of the British firms will also be briefed about the Greek economy, bilateral trade relations and payment methods.

Meanwhile, a seminar on "attracting foreign equity investment in Greek businesses - Critical success factors" is being organized by the British Embassy in Athens and Coopers and Lybrand, the international accounting and management consulting firm for Ma y 25.

Prominent Greek businessmen from industry, commerce and the services sector as well as senior personnel from government departments and public organizations have been invited to attend. The aim of the seminar is to establish a model process for achieving efficient and successful deals with international investors, and to discuss the critical success factors and risks.

[22] Papantoniou adamant nominalization provision will go ahead

National Economy Minister Yiannos Papantoniou said yesterday that a provision of a draft law requiring the nominalization of shares of companies participating in state procurement contracts worth more than one billion drachmas would stand.

The provision, however, which imposes identification of the individual holders of shares, will not apply to foreign companies, irrespective of whether they participate on their own or in a joint venture.

Also exempt from the share registration provision will be mutual fund companies, portfolio investment companies, banks, social insurance funds, insurance companies, brokerage firms and venture capital companies, provided their stake does not exceed 5 per cent of the total share capital.

This 5 per cent restriction will not apply in the case of banks, provided they have acquired further shares through new issues or forced sales.

Presenting the draft law at a press conference today, Mr. Papantoniou spoke of a "war" being conducted at the present time between "strong financial interests," which he declined to name.

"The government has nothing to do with this war... but it will back the judicial clarification of complaints and support the task of justice, in order to shed ample light on all cases," Mr. Papantoniou said.

"The climate, as it has been shaped, will not obstruct us from doing our job," Mr. Papantoniou added.

The minister said that the draft law on share registration brought about the necessary corrections to the "defects" of article 15 of the law on the press "which left gaps."

He announced that it would be signed next week and tabled in Parliament "at the earliest" but not under the process of "urgent." The solution of a separate law had been chosen, Mr. Papantoniou said, in order to speed up matters and alleviate problems which have been created for trading on the Athens stock exchange and in public works.

In a related development, the Athens bourse said Thursday that it had sent letters to the listed companies subject to the share registration law, asking them by yesterday to be notified about the exact dates on which the registered shares will be delivered to their investors-shareholders.

[23] KKE remarks

The Communist Party of Greece (KKE) also commented on the share registration issue, criticizing the government for its handing of the affair.

KKE deputy Makis Kopsidis criticized the provision allowing for the exception of foreign companies from the registration of shares, adding that the PASOK government is aiding the interwoven interests, especially those controlling the mass media.

Meanwhile, the Coalition of the Left and Progress expressed its opposition to what it called "machinations which, through legal loopholes, hurt transparency and insults the seriousness and reliability of political life," the Coalition stated in reference to Mr. Papantoniou's statements.

[24] UK firm plans 'Woodstock' on Rhodes to see in the new millennium

Over 100,000 young people are expected to descend on the island of Rhodes to celebrate the end of the millennium at a 'Woodstock'-style extravaganza organized by a British company, it was revealed yesterday.

The celebrations will be held in an area of 150 stremmata (roughly 15 hectares).

The proposal made by the British company, GSMF Ltd, which specializes in the organization of concerts and other large events, was expanded upon during the recent meeting of the Rhodes Municipal Council by advisor G. Tsigaros.

GSMF Ltd had originally planned to hold the event in Andalusia in Spain, but changed the venue to Rhodes as the weather will be better at the end of December.

Young people will be able to celebrate the new millennium from December 28, 1999 until January 1, 2000 with concerts by internationally renowned bands. The organizers will erect pre-fabricated houses around the area in order to provide accommodation for the revelers, and the event will be covered by Greek and foreign media.

Apart from the use of the Rhodes airport, plans are being made to use the airports of Athens, Kos, Iraklion and Karpathos in order to facilitate travel. Visitors will then be transported to the island by boat.

Representatives of the British company are expected to arrive in Athens during the next few days in order to discuss the details for the organization of the event.

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