A.N.A. Bulletin, 25/06/96

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

Athens News Agency Directory

ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No. 920), June 25, 1996

Greek Press & Information Office

Ottawa, Canada

E-Mail Address: grnewsca@sympatico.ca

CONTENTS

[1] World leaders pay tribute to Andreas Papandreou

Messages of condolences yesterday continued to pour in from around the world in tribute to Andreas Papandreou, Greece's first socialist leader, who died early Sunday morning at the age of 77.

Russian President Boris Yeltsin sent a telegram to President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos expressing grief over "Greece's deep loss".

"A political leader has died who did much for the good and prosperity of his country, who contributed to the strengthening of peace, security and co-operation in Europe and made a decisive contribution to the development of Greek-Russian relations, to the strengthening of trust and mutual affection between the peoples of Russia and Greece," Mr. Yeltsin added.

An ANA dispatch from Moscow earlier said Communist Party presidential candidate Gennady Zyuganov had also expressed his condolences to the Papandreou family in a telegram to PASOK's central committee.

Mr. Zyuganov noted Papandreou's "exceptional contribution" to strengthening Greece's role in the resolving of problems of international and regional politics and described him as "one of the most important figures of the socialist and social democrat movement."

Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, during a speech Sunday evening at a dinner held in honor of Syrian President Hafez al-Assad said: "Tonight, a historic figure, a charismatic leader and a great and sincere friend of Egypt, Syria, the Palestinians and t he other Arabs, Andreas Papandreou, is no longer alive, but he will continue to exist, alive, in our thoughts and in our hearts."

[2] Western reaction

According to an ANA dispatch from Bonn, German President Roman Herzog sent a telegram of condolence to Papandreou's widow, Dimitra.

According to sources, the telegram stressed that "we have all lost an important leader and politician who fought with all his strength for the interests of his country and Europe.

German Chancellor Helmut Kohl sent condolences to Prime Minister Costas Simitis, expressing his sorrow at the death of the former three-time prime minister.

"Andreas Papandreou, with his political visions and his power of persuasion, contributed during the past decades as almost no-one else to the formation of modern Greece after the end of the military regime," Mr. Kohl's telegram read.

"During his long political career he always fought with great zest and great personal sacrifice for democracy, human rights and social justice ... With the (death of) Andreas Papandreou, Greece and Europe have lost a great politician, a political leader o f great influence."

German Foreign Minister Klaus Kinkel in his condolences to his Greek counterpart Theodoros Pangalos said "the influence of (Papandreou's) strong personality contributed to moderation and compromise during the difficult times of the conflict in the former Yugoslavia. The political achievements of Andreas Papandreou will not be forgotten."

British Prime Minister John Major and Foreign Secretary Malcolm Rifkind both sent messages of condolences to Papandreou's widow, Dimitra.

Mr. Major described Papandreou as "a remarkable figure in Greece's political history," adding that "his courage in the face of ill health during his last term of office was admired by his colleagues in Europe."

In a message to Mr. Simitis, the British prime minister said Papandreou was "a charismatic leader who contributed much to the development of modern Greece ... and who will be remembered well beyond Greece."

In a similar message from Mr. Rifkind to the Greek prime minister, the British foreign secretary called Papandreou "a remarkable leader who had already won a sure place in the history of Greece before returning to office in 1993."

British Labor Party leader Tony Blair also sent a message to PASOK secretary Costas Skandalidis.

"Andreas Papandreou will be remembered for more many remarkable achievements: His principled opposition to the Greek dictatorship in the period from 1967 to 1974, the creation of PASOK in 1974 and its election victories of 1981, 1985 and 1993, and the programme of transformation that those governments introduced, particularly in the areas of welfare, health and women's rights, and in their support for greater co-operation with Europe," Mr. Blair's message read.

Austrian Chancellor Franz Vranitzky in a telegram of condolences to Mr. Simitis said the former premier's death "has left a great void not only in your party, but in our entire movement and in the world of international politics," underlining that Papandreou was a charismatic leader and outstanding personality. "A confirmed European and citizen of the world, Andreas Papandreou played a leading role in developments in the European Union and international politics in general," Mr. Vranitzky said.

Austria will be represented at the funeral by the president of the Federal Parliament and Vice-President of the Social Democrat party Heinz Fischer. The party's international relations secretary will also attend the funeral.

European Democratic Union (UDE) President and former Austrian foreign minister Alois Mock expressed his participation in the mourning for "the great loss suffered by Greece."

Mr. Mock said Papandreou had always shown great understanding for Austria's international position and particularly its role as a bridge between west and east.

Dutch Prime Minister Wim Kok expressed his and his government's sorrow over the death of Papandreou in a message sent to Mr. Simitis. Mr. Kok characterized Papandreou as being a great personality in Greek politics who will always be remembered for his courage.

The Dutch prime minister spoke of Papandreou's significant contribution to the founding of democracy and stressed that Papandreou's contribution to Greece's development and prosperity will remain as one of the most important periods in the country's long history.

Mr. Kok said he will personally attend the funeral Wednesday.

In his message of condolences sent from Brussels, European Parliament President Klaus Haensch said "the European Parliament and I personally share the sadness of the Greek people."

"Andreas Papandreou contributed to the forming of Greece's European destiny. His place is among the great leaders of modern Greece," Mr. Haensch concluded.

Norwegian Prime Minister Gro Harlem Brundtland noted in statements Papandreou's "historic role in the struggle for democracy and freedom in Greece," while stressing the enormous importance of his political work for the modernization of Greek society and Greece's active participation in European co-operation.

Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chretien sent a message of condolences on behalf of the Canadian government and people to President Kostis Stephanopoulos, expressing his sympathy.

"We recognize Andreas Papandreou as a great leader who dedicated his life to the principles of democracy. We are proud to have been able to host him in our country during the years of his exile. All Canadians today with myself are paying homage to the leader whom many Greeks affectionately referred to as 'our Andreas'."

[3] Turkey

Turkish Foreign Minister Emre Gonensay expressed his deepest regrets over Papandreou's death in a letter to his Greek counterpart.

"I learned with great sadness of the death of Andreas Papandreou who during his entire life was an outstanding personality on the Greek political scene," Mr. Gonensay said in the letter.

Turkish President Suleyman Demirel and Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz sent messages of condolences yesterday.

Turkish foreign ministry spokesman Omer Akbel told a press conference yesterday that Mr. Gonensay would probably represent Turkey at Papandreou's state funeral.

[4] Bulgaria

An ANA dispatch from Sofia said Bulgarian Prime Minister Zhan Videnov will also attend the funeral, who in a message described Papandreou as "a very good friend of Bulgaria, of the great symbols of the European socialist movement and one of the most important men of the European states."

In Belgrade, the entire political leadership paid tribute to Papandreou, stressing that Yugoslavia had lost a great friend who had made an enormous personal contribution to the consolidation of traditionally friendly ties with Greece. Yugoslav Foreign Minister Milan Milutinovic, Belgrade's former ambassador to Athens, sent his condolences to Mr. Pangalos and Prime Minister Simitis. He told Yugoslav state television that Papandreou had been a true friend of Yugoslavia and a fighter for peace and democracy.

"The assistance provided by Andreas Papandreou to Yugoslavia was indeed considerable and valuable, particularly during the past three years of the civil conflict in former Yugoslavia," Mr. Milutinovic said.

In his message of condolences sent to Mr. Simitis, Albanian Prime Minister Aleksandr Meksi described Papandreou as "an outstanding figure and a great personality in Greek politics."

Mr. Meksi said the late PASOK president "offered valuable contribution to the development of modern Greece and the policy of good neighborliness with Albania."

Greek diplomatic services in Albania, the Greek Embassy in Tirana and the Greek consulate in Gjirokastr will open books of condolences today.

In Beirut, Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri's political office announced that he will be present at the funeral, according to an AFP dispatch.

[5] Australian statements

Australia's federal parliament yesterday held a minute's silence in honor of Andreas Papandreou.

Prime Minister John Howard and other federal deputies stressed the loss of a great leader from both the Greek and European political scene.

Mr. Howard announced that Australia would be represented at Papandreou's state funeral by Victoria State Premier Jeff Kennett, who is noted for his support of Greek national issues, and will make his third visit in as many years to Greece. He received the 'Niki' award from the Victorian Greek community for his services on Sunday.

The opposition Labor Party will also be represented at the funeral, with leader Kim Beazley saying that Andreas Papandreou and PASOK had close links with the Australian party.

On Wednesday, the day of the funeral, Melbourne's Greek community will hold a memorial service at the Evangelismos Orthodox Church.

[6] Thousands pay homage to PASOK's founder, leader

Thousands of citizens and hosts of prominent public figures have been flocking to the Athens Metropolitan Cathedral to pay their last respects to the late PASOK leader Andreas Papandreou.

Athens Mayor Dimitris Avramopoulos said "Athens will honor his memory in the best possible way befitting this moment," adding that "Andreas Papandreou had the fortune to be loved under his first name."

Former Coalition of the Left president Maria Damanaki stated upon exiting the Cathedral that "Andreas Papandreou's long presence in the country's political life will be judged by the historian of the future, but I believe that history will provide a positive appraisal of the fact that he was able to bring into the political fold half of Greece that was cut off by the hatred of the civil war. He was also able to allow social classes that were excluded to come nearer to power, to manage it and enter the operation of institutions."

One of those who also arrived to pay their last respects was Andreas Papandreou's long-time and often bitter adversary, former New Democracy prime minister Constantine Mitsotakis, accompanied by his daughter and ND deputy Dora Bakoyianni.

Meanwhile, dozens of ambassadors and diplomats arrived in Parliament to sign the book of condolences opened in the prime minister's office.

Mr. Simitis was the first one to sign the book, as follows: "To the leader Andreas Papandreou, who lost the only battle he could not win, the battle with death. Andreas will live on through his work. We have to give this work continuity and prospect."

The book of condolences was also signed by the ambassadors of 36 countries, including the United States, Russia, Canada, Japan, Cuba, Italy and Australia.

US Ambassador Thomas Niles wrote: "One of the greatest personalities in public life worldwide in the last 30 years. On behalf of the American people, my government and myself, my most sincere condolences to the people and the government of Greece."

Russian Ambassador Valery Nikolayenko wrote: "On behalf of the people, the government of Russia, and myself, I express our deep condolences for the death of the distinguished statesman, friend of Russia. His work and pleasant memories from our close collaboration will always remain in our hearts."

[7] Nation remembers Papandreou the leader

Government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said Papandreou's political presence had not only defined a political period but had determined political developments in Greece for several decades.

"This historic leader inspired and guided an unprecedented popular movement," Mr. Reppas said, adding that now, after his death, "Papandreou's memory will be an element in the personal lives of all of us".

History was turning a page, he said, stressing that the government and PASOK cadres had a duty to face the challenges of the times "and fulfill our obligations emanating from the visions of Andreas Papandreou for a great and unified PASOK, for a Greece of national dignity, of social justice and prosperity".

Meanwhile, Archbishop Serapheim of Athens and All Greece sent a telegram of condolence to Papandreou's family expressing his own deep regrets and those of the Church. He said Papandreou's work had been "extremely beneficial for the Nation and the country."

The ruling PASOK's Parliamentary group presidium in an emergency session yesterday morning decided to convene the group this evening to honor the memory of the party's founder.

Presidium member Lazaros Latidis stressed that there would be a successor to the presidency of PASOK, but that no one could succeed Andreas Papandreou.

[8] Foreign minister lays wreath

Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos and foreign ministry officials, meanwhile, laid a wreath at Papandreou's bier at Athens Metropolitan Cathedral. In a statement yesterday, the foreign ministry praised Papandreou both for his approach to international relations and as a worthy leader of Greece for a lengthy period.

"Andreas Papandreou introduced a new morality to international relations, particularly concerning the need to bridge inequalities at a world level, a bridge which is a prerequisite for peace, stability and development in the world," the statement said.

[9] Thessaloniki

All political activity is grinding to a halt in the country's northern capital as the city awaits Andreas Papandreou's funeral.

Thousands of men and women from Macedonia and Thrace are expected to converge on Athens to pay their last respects to the man who considered the northern city to be the "barometer" of political developments.

One of the reasons for the colonels seizing power in 1967 was a planned rally in Thessaloniki, with Andreas Papandreou as one of the main speakers.

In addition, the Communist Party's (KKE) scheduled meeting in Thessaloniki, to be addressed by honorary president Harilaos Florakis, has been canceled, while Coalition of the Left and Progress party events previously planned have already been postponed.

Thousands of PASOK supporters have gathered at the party's local headquarters in the city and at regional centers to sign books of condolences.

[10] Pol.An delegation to attend funeral

Political Spring party leader Antonis Samaras will head a party delegation attending the funeral of former prime minister Andreas Papandreou, while the party will suspend activities over a three-day period of mourning.

In a statement, Mr. Samaras said Mr. Papandreou was a great political leader with international acclaim and a charismatic popular leader, particularly for a large portion of the Greek people who honored him so many times.

[11] Cyprus politicians and people sign book of condolences for Papandreou

Dozens of politicians and people from all walks of life signed here yesterday a book of condolences for the death of former prime minister of Greece Andreas Papandreou, opened at the Greek Embassy in Nicosia.

Leader of the ruling right-wing Democratic Rally (DISY) party Yiannakis Matsis described Papandreou as an "outstanding political figure". He said Cyprus is grateful for everything the late politician has done for the Cyprus cause.

Left-wing AKEL party MP Andreas Philippou said Papandreou's death is a "great loss" for Greeks worldwide and described the late politician as "the greatest Greek politician since Eleftherios Venizelos," and as a "revolutionary, a scientist and an intellectual."

Grief for the loss of Papandreou was also expressed by socialist EDEK party Vice-President Yiannakis Omirou, who also stressed his party's strong ties with the Panhellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK) founded by Papandreou.

Former Cyprus president George Vassiliou, leader of the Free Democrats Movement, said Papandreou was "a true friend of Cyprus", and called all those who had worked together with Papandreou in the past to co-operate in the future.

Acting president of ADISOK party, Costas Themistocleous described Papandreou as a "great leader" who "showed great support to the struggle of the Cyprus people and has won their hearts."

Nicos Rolandis, leader of the Liberal Party, said the late politician was "undoubtedly a great man who tried his best to upgrade the Cyprus problem and Cyprus internationally."

Nicosia Mayor Lellos Demetriades wrote in the book that Papandreou's death is a "great loss for Hellenism, and even greater for Cyprus." Commerce, Industry and Tourism Minister Kyriakos Christophi described Papandreou's death as a "national loss".

Interior Minister Dinos Michaelides stressed that Cyprus has lost its most staunch supporter.

Israeli ambassador Shemi Tzur described him as a "great leader of our times" and a "giant leader" in Europe, the Middle East and the Mediterranean.

Many foreign diplomats, including Russian ambassador Boris Zenkov and officials of the US embassy in Nicosia also signed the book.

President Glafcos Clerides and all political party leaders will attend Papandreou's funeral tomorrow.

[12] EDEK Politbureau convenes session

The socialist EDEK party's Politbureau convened an extraordinary session focusing exclusively on the death of Andreas Papandreou and deciding to have flags flying at half mast at all the party's offices and premises until the day of the funeral.

It was also decided that a representation of EDEK, headed by party leader Vassos Lysarides, would leave for Athens to attend the funeral.

The Politbureau decided to devote the annual event on condemning the coup d'etat and the ensuing invasion to the memory of Andreas Papandreou. The event will be held on July 17.

In Larnaca, Leftist AKEL party Secretary-General Dimitris Christofias will represent his party at the funeral of former Greek prime minister Andreas Papandreou.

Mr. Christofias announced his decision on his return from London yesterday afternoon where he attended a meeting of AKEL's branch in Britain.

Called on to comment on Mr. Papandreou's death, Mr. Christofias said "the Greek people have lost one of their greatest political children from WWII until today."

He added that Mr. Papandreou was a politician with a national and international caliber, who sealed post-war developments in Greece.

"We in Cyprus will remember Andreas Papandreou as a great friend of Cyprus, a fighter and comrade in completing the independence of the island and ridding from occupation, Turkish troops and the settlers," he added.

Mr. Christofias said he would represent his party both at the funeral of Andreas Papandreou and at PASOK's congress which starts on Thursday.

[13] State Department reaction

A US State Department spokesman commented yesterday on the death of Andreas Papandreou and Washington's plans for representation at the state funeral.

"We express our sorrow over the death of former Greek prime minister Andreas Papandreou. We worked closely with him for many years. We have no comment on the forthcoming ruling party's congress and the choice of leadership. We will wait and see what will happen in the PASOK congress scheduled for the next few days and what decisions will be taken," spokesman Glyn Davis said.

He added that the US government is in contact with the Greek government regarding details of the US representation at the funeral.

Mr. Davis said Athens has requested "delegations from all countries to be as small as possible and we will move within the framework they have given us, and the White House will take the final decisions as to who will represent the United States."

[14] Expatriates' mourn late PASOK founder

The American Hellenic Education Progressive Association (AHEPA) yesterday sent its condolences to the people of Greece and the Papandreou family.

"Andreas Papandreou was a giant in the modern democratic history of Greece," AHEPA Supreme President Spiro Macris said.

The ethnic Greek community in Albania mourned the loss of Papandreou yesterday, remembering him for his "courageous role" in fighting for their rights.

They recalled his historic statement in Ioannina in 1985 when he said that Greece was tied to northern Epirus, the home to Albania's 300,000-strong Greek minority, with "an umbilical cord".

The head of the ethnic Greek's organization "Omonia" sent messages of condolences to Mr. Stephanopoulos and Mr. Skandalidis.

Ethnic Greek deputy V. Doules said the ethnic Greeks of Albania mourn for the loss of Andreas Papandreou, a charismatic leader and tireless supporter of the rights of the ethnic Greek minority in Albania.

In Alexandria, representatives of the local Greek community held a minute's silence in memory of the late prime minister at the start of the first regional Asia-Africa World Hellenism Council conference.

"Greece owes Andreas Papandreou a great deal because he left his mark on recent history, and the expatriates have lost a great supporter," Stefanos Tambakis, the regional Council head said.

Alexandria Patriarch Parthenios said Andreas Papandreou was a talented and charismatic politician who created a new line in the course of the homeland.

"Andreas Papandreou was able to carve out a line different to the one that prevailed in Greece," he said. "He gave it a social course. He had courage in critical moments and his death is a great loss."

Canada's sizable Greek community mourned Andreas Papandreou and joined with Canadians in signing a book of condolences at the Greek embassy and consulates, according to an ANA dispatch from Montreal.

Media outlets stressed Papandreou's great presence on the political scene and his ties with Canada, having lived in Toronto and lectured at the University of York during the military dictatorship in Greece.

[15] Int'l press devotes lengthy coverage to Papandreou

Papandreou's death was front-page news not only in Greece but around the world.

In Germany, the papers devoted extensive articles to Papandreou's work and contributions, although many also concentrated on the issue of his successor to PASOK's leadership. Many stressed his role as a historic parameter in the course of modern Greece.

The Italian press also devoted space to the news with "Republica" referring to him as "the leader which gave life to Greek socialism" under the front-page headline "Athens cries for Papandreou".

"He was loved as no other leader in Europe," Republica said in its editorial. "The only man who could stop a strike by making an appeal for the good of the nation, the only one the electorate excused the inexcusable.

A "Corriere de la Serre" article stated that he was "proud and haughty, as are all those who know their worth ... In '74-'75, the winds of democracy blew away the dictatorship. Today, 20 years later, of those figures to whom we owe the restoration of democracy, Andreas Papandreou is the first to die. Let us give him grateful thanks and honor."

In the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, the press devoted entire front-page spreads to the death of Greece's first socialist leader and a man the Yugoslavs called the most charismatic political figure in modern-day Greece, a fighter for peace and democracy and "a true friend of Yugoslavia."

"Politika" said Papandreou's heart betrayed the legend of Greece, who, it added, dominated the political scene for 35 years and appeared to have nine political lives but only one mortal one.

The paper referred to the beginning of a countdown between Prime Minister Costas Simitis and Interior Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos, who are leading contenders to take the post of president of the party at the congress on Thursday. Politika called the battle "all or nothing", saying that whoever succeeds Andreas Papandreou at the congress would have the upper hand in the party.

"Nasa Borba" wrote that the Greek political scene was forever changed with the death of Papandreou, saying his demise was a relief for the opposition which would no longer have to battle with his dynamic personality and following. The paper added, however, that the relief would be only temporary; PASOK was, it said, ready to regroup and attack.

Turkey's press and television led with Papandreou's death at length, with titles such as "The end of an era" (Sabah), "The death of the 'Old Wolf'" (Cumhurriyet) and "Gre-ece loses its leader" (Aksam).

The Australian press also gave the news wi-despread coverage.

The Belgian press provided front-page headlines and extensive reporting of Andreas Papandreou's death. All papers, both Fre-nch- and Flemish-speaking referred to his tumultuous life, which included two exiles - in 1939 and 1967 - his academic career, an d his political history. They also stressed his contribution to the stabilization of democracy after the fall of the dictatorship in 1974, his struggles for the modernization of Greek society and his wide popularity.

"Le Soir" headlined "Papandreou, the old lion has gone. A political animal, he resisted all upheavals and scandals."

"De Standard" headlined "Greeks mourn A. Papandreou. The end of the controversial popular rouser."

"Libre Belgique" led with "Democracy and nationalism, two themes that marked A. Papandreou's life."

Austria's press was no exception, with newspapers giving extensive coverage of Papandreou's death.

Reports included considerable biographical background and almost without exception stressed his personality, international prestige and catalytic presence in post-war Greece.

The conservative "Die Presse" refers extensively to Papandreou's academic and political career, and stresses that his death signifies the end of an era marked by the charismatic leader.

"This politician with the tremendous education and international recognition had a catalytic effect, giving and taking illusions from the Greeks," it said.

The liberal "Der Standard" led a long report with "From the third road (to socialism) to Europe - Greece mourns Andreas Papandreou". The paper points out that during 10 years in power, Papandreou brought about the modernization and democratization of Greek society, the improvement in the living standards of the underprivileged, and the bridging of the post-civil war cleavage.

[16] State funeral's schedule announced

Archbishop of Athens and all Greece Serapheim will officiate at the funeral service for the late PASOK leader and former premier Andreas Papandreou at the Athens Metropolitan Cathedral tomorrow at 2:30 p.m.

Following the service eulogies will be given by political leaders.

According to a schedule announced yesterday, the funeral procession will follow the route Mitropoleos Street, Syntagma Square, Vasileos Georgiou, Amalias, Syngrou, Athanasiou Diakou, Ardittou, Anapafseos to Athens' First Cemetery. A minute's silence in front of Parliament will be observed, followed by the firing of a 21-gun salute from Lycabettus. In addition, air force formations of F-16 and Mirage 2000 fighters will fly over the capital's center during the procession.

Apart from the current and former presidents of the republic, prime minister, Parliament president, main opposition leader and ministers, the list of dignitaries invited to attend also includes the heads of the judiciary, ambassadors as well as foreign heads of state and party leaders. At a meeting yesterday morning, foreign ministry officials discussed the details of the presence of foreign dignitaries.

According to the schedule, party leaders will arrive at 1:55 p.m., foreign heads of state and delegations at 14.00, ministers at 2:05 p.m., the main opposition leader at 2:10 p.m., Parliament president at 2:15 p.m., the prime minister at 2:20 p.m. and t he president of the republic at 2:25 p.m.

Athens Mayor Dimitris Avramopoulos stated yesterday the Union of Local Government organizations will decide tomorrow morning on the events in honor of the memory of the late prime minister.

All archaeological sites and museums will remain closed tomorrow.

[17] US Embassy

The United States Embassy in Athens will remain closed tomorrow on the occasion of the Papandreou funeral. In addition, the US consuls in Athens and Thessaloniki will also remain closed as will the American Library at the capital's Hellenic-American Union and the American Center in Thessaloniki.

[18] PASOK cadres scramble to find acceptable successor scenario

Feverish deliberations inside PASOK were underway yesterday for finding of a commonly acceptable solution for Andreas Papandreou's succession.

According to sources, no such solution had been found until last night, as all sides remained steadfast in their original positions.

The party's executive bureau, which convened for four hours at midday, discussed the issue without arriving at a decision. A new session is expected to be held after the funeral of Papandreou tomorrow, only hours before the opening of the party congress the following day.

Reliable sources said that in yesterday's session there was extensive discussion on the basis of a proposal submitted by Environment Minister Costas Laliotis, European Commissioner Christos Papoutsis and executive bureau member Yiannis Souladakis, which although not stipulating the term "distinct roles" for the heads of government and party, envisages the election of three vice-presidents and a collective leadership scheme.

The same sources said the proposal was conveyed to Prime Minister Costas Simitis, who was said to have rejected it, being resolved to contest the position of party president in the belief that it is a "clear" solution, and that any other would lead to fractionalization.

Interior Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos is said to be insisting on his proposal for distinct roles and persons in the posts of party president and prime minister. His proposal includes the election of one or more vice-presidents, and the setting up of a political council with the participation of the party president, the prime minister, one or more vice-presidents, the central committee secretary, the Parliament president and two or three members of the executive bureau.

Mr. Tsohatzopoulos is said to be willing to provide all guarantees to Mr. Simitis that he will be prime minister until the end of the next four-year term if PASOK wins the elections.

[19] SEB expresses its condolences, praise for former premier

Federation of Greek Industries (SEB) President Iason Stratos told the ANA yesterday that Papandreou had been responsible for strengthening dialogue between employers and workers without state intervention, "as well as for the creation of political parties which alternate in power."

He added that if the government maintained its economic policies, which SEB believed, then there would be no detrimental effects on the economy due to Papandreou's death.

"We expect that the country's existing economic problems will be handled with audacity," Mr. Stratos said.

Observers said the expectation of a faster structural adjustment of the Greek economy currently prevailed in the country's business sector, whose majority wanted future developments in PASOK to lead to a stronger political desire for incisions and policies in the direction of a timely fulfillment of conditions set out in the Maastricht Treaty.

He stressed his sorrow over Papandreou's death on behalf of SEB, as well as his condolences to his family (SEB will issue a relevant resolution).

[20] Bilateral agreement on seasonal workers ratified by Albania

The Albanian government yesterday ratified a bilateral agreement concluded between Greece and Albania on seasonal laborers.

An announcement by the Tirana government's press bureau said all details concerning the rights and obligations of individuals considered seasonal workers were being regulated, while organizing processes were anticipated in two additional regulations.

In the event of a lack of a labor force to fulfill needs of a seasonal character, the agreement anticipates that the corresponding sides will take suitable measures to employ citizens of the other country after relevant information has been provided on employment possibilities.

[21] Swiss paper details systematic elimination of Hellenism on islands handed to Turkey

In a rare article concerning uprooted Hellenism, a European newspaper referred to the islands of Imvros and Tenedos in the northeastern Aegean Sea, given to Turkey by the Lausanne Treaty, describing the isles' present image as one of "destroyed schools, uprooted villages, uprooted families and padlocked houses."

The Swiss paper "Neue Zircher Zeitung" in a full-page article stressed that the demographic structure of the islands' population had illegally changed, adding that the ratio of 9,000 Greeks for 100 Turks has changed to 250 Greeks for 7,500 Turks today.

The German-language Swiss publication also referred to a report by the Helsinki Committee on the fate of the ethnic Greek population of the two islands and to landmark dates - 1964, closure of Greek-language schools and 1965, the establishment of agricultural prisons with the forced expropriation of the most fertile land belonging to ethnic Greeks.

The newspaper said that from 1960 to 1990, 200 churches and monasteries were destroyed, highlighting the history of these predominately Greek-populated islands given to Turkey in 1923 for geostrategical reasons.

[22] Conference examines lack of policies for EU children by Union

The absence of substantive policies for children and young people in a treaty resulting from the intergovernmental conference and the current Maastricht Treaty was stressed yesterday during a conference on the subject of "A Voice for Children and Young People: Intergovernmental Conference in 1996."

The event took place at the foreign ministry's amphitheater under the sponsorship of the European Forum for Care for the Child and EURONET.

The conference was organized by the National Welfare Organization (EOP), the Children's Health Institute, the society for social support for young people "Arsis", the Family and Children's Care Center and the "Save the Children" organization.

The conference highlighted what it described as inadequacy in implementing specific policies for defending the rights of the 120 million young people in Europe in relation to the vocational sector and the United Nations agreement on children's rights or the Council of Europe's agreement.

[23] Two dead in air force plane crash

A Hellenic Air Force T-2 training aircraft crashed late yesterday afternoon in the Meligala area of Messinia prefecture, killing its two crew-members.

The plane had taken off from a nearby airport on a low-altitude training flight.

[24] World Council of Overseas Hellenism conference for Asia-Africa underway

Sessions of the first-ever conference of the World Council of Overseas Hellenism covering the Asia-Africa region were officially opened yesterday in Alexandria.

A message read at the conference from Alternate Foreign Minister George Romeos stressed that government policy regarding expatriate Greeks is stable and constitutes the basis for developing ties between Greece and Greeks around the world, saying the Council of Overseas Hellenism plays a major role in the defense of national interests abroad.

He said the government will continue its efforts in this sector and told delegates that draft legislation regarding the Council is ready and will be voted on in July.

Alexandria Patriarch Parthenios said everyone, both those living in Greece and Greeks abroad, must contribute in order for the Greek nation to be able to create.

Council president Andrew Athens also spoke at the conference.

[25] North American Indian representatives arrive for multi-cultural exhibition

Some fifty representatives of native American tribes have arrived in Athens to take part in a multi-cultural exhibition entitled "Carni-val 2000" at the Peace and Friendship Stadium in Faliro between June 27 and July 7.

Events features traditions of North American Indian tribes, modern forms of art expression, international folk art and exotic cuisine.

"May the creator and the spirit of the four sacred directions: east, west, north and south, embrace the one who has just crossed the threshold. May Andreas Papandreou rest in peace," a native American representative said.

End of English language section.