A.N.A. Bulletin, 16/07/96

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

Athens News Agency Directory

ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No 938), July 16, 1996

Greek Press & Information Office

Ottawa, Canada

E-Mail Address: grnewsca@sympatico.ca

CONTENTS

[1] Greece satisfied with EU Council's declaration, unblocks MEDA programme

The European Union's Council of Foreign Ministers yesterday endorsed the regulation of the Euro-Mediterranean Co-operation Programme (MEDA), at the same time issuing a declaration with which, among others, it expresses concern over the problem caused by Turkey concerning Imia.

At the same time the Council called on Ankara to commit itself to complying with principles set out by the EU for the smooth continuation of its relations with the Community.

Speaking to Greek and foreign journalists yesterday, Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos expressed his satisfaction over the "spirit of solidarity and commitment displayed by all for principles which must support the EU's political actions," adding that "the political message of the day is that Turkey cannot contravene international law with impunity and the international community's established rules of behavior."

Mr. Pangalos recalled that for a long time Greece had strong political reservations over endorsement of MEDA and explained at length the reasons leading to the lifting of those objections.

In principle, Mr. Pangalos stressed that the Council accepted two amendments submitted by the European Parliament, which stated that "the Community's Mediterranean policy should contribute to the general aim of developing and consolidating democracy and a state of justice, as well as an aim for respect for human rights and fundamental liberties and promoting relations of good neighborliness as part of observance of international law and respect for the territorial integrity and external borders of member-states and third countries in the Mediterranean."

He underlined the importance of the Europarliament's amendment, also endorsed by the Council, concerning rules of transparency which should characterize Community funding to third Mediterranean countries.

Mr. Pangalos pointed to the significance of the Council's decision to entrust the Irish EU presidency with calling on Turkey to declare "if it commits itself on the basis of the aforementioned principles, adding that the European Commission, with a statement to be included in the Council's records, will state "that no funding can take place until MEDA's regulation is published and in any case not until Sept. 15."

On the question of the Commission's commitment not to have any funding granted by Sept. 15 and replying to questions if the endorsement of MEDA by yesterday's Council meeting was conditional, Mr. Pangalos said "the Council is sovereign and can take any decision whenever it so wishes and it can also overturn any previous decision it has taken."

Mr. Pangalos expressed the hope that yesterday's message "will be understood by Ankara", adding that "a Community programme is completed when money flows into state funds and that until then many things can happen. Ireland and Greece, which have both be en funded by the Community in a similar way, know very well what this means."

He referred to a meeting Turkish Foreign Minister Tansu Ciller will have in Dublin tomorrow with Council President and Irish Foreign Minister Dick Spring, saying the latter will present her with the EU's position and will begin consultations with the Turkish minister, which were imposed by the Council's decision.

Mr. Pangalos said Mr. Spring will report his conclusions at the Council of Foreign Ministers, which will convene informally in early September in Dublin and it will be assessed there if Turkey was prepared to comply with principles set by the EU and on how its relationship with the EU will continue.

On the question of the EU-Turkey Association Council, Mr. Pangalos said it was not a topic of discussion at yesterday's meeting.

[2] The text of the Council's declaration is as follows:

The European Union has followed with serious concern the situation that has emerged as a consequence of the issue raised by Turkey concerning the Imia islet.

The resulting frictions involve, on the one hand, a Member State with which a natural solidarity exists and, on the other hand, a neighboring country with which the European Community wishes to develop further a relationship of dialogue and co-operation in all the fields resulting from the Customs Union.

The Council recalls its attachment to the development of good neighborly relations among all countries of the region. In this context, the Council recalls that relations between Turkey and the European Union have to be based on a clear commitment to the principle of respect for international law and agreements, the relevant international practice, and the sovereignty and the territorial integrity of the Member States and of Turkey.

The Council considers that disputes should be settled solely on the basis of international law. Therefore, the Council calls for restraint and avoidance of any action liable to increase tensions, and specifically the use or threat of force, and consider s appropriate that dialogue should be pursued along the lines which have emerged in previous contacts between the interested parties which may contribute to the improvement of bilateral relations as well as to the establishment of a crisis prevention mechanism.

The Council further underlines that the cases of disputes created by territorial claims, such as the Imia islet issue, should be submitted to the International Court of Justice.

The Council requests the Presidency to invite Turkey to indicate whether she commits herself to the aforementioned principles.

[3] Opposition remarks

The Communist Party of Greece (KKE) said in a statement issued yesterday regarding the lifting of Athens objections to the MEDA funding that "once again the PASOK government pretended to believe the declarations and took the veto back, as it did in the ca se of the acceptance of the EU-Turkey customs union.

"The most serious problem arising is not the lifting of caution in itself, but the systematic cheating of the Greek people, the hiding of true dangers from the plotting of imperialist powers in the areas of the Aegean and the Middle East.

"Life has shown that the leading powers of the European Union corrode the national independence of peoples, threaten borders, as all are subjugated to the distribution of markets, to common foreign policy with the United States and NATO," the KKE announcement read.

Coalition of the Left and Progress party (Synaspismos) representative Nikos Bistis characterized the decision as a compromise solution, which does not isolate Greece and does not detract from the country's permanent aim to cultivate friendly relations wit h Mediterranean countries.

Mr. Bistis said the development proves that the path of constant political and diplomatic initiatives is more effective than the one which declares that the dominant doctrine is that of military deterrence and of excessive armaments.

Democratic Social Movement (DHKKI) president Dimitris Tsovolas said yesterday that with the lifting of the veto, the government backs down once again without protecting Greek national rights.

[4] Ankara wants unconditional lifting of veto

Turkey on Monday called on the European Union to ensure that Athens unconditionally lift a veto of EU funds that has held back billions of dollars from the southern Mediterranean region.

"We do not deal just a single member-country on this issue, but the European Union as a whole," a foreign ministry official said. "The European Union should convince Athens to lift the veto," he said.

"That is just an excuse to play to Greek domestic opinion. Turkey does abide by international law," the Turkish official added.

He said the EU had a legal obligation to release the funds to Turkey under a customs union between Ankara and the EU that was ratified last December.

[5] Livestock in Evros Delta ordered destroyed

Agriculture Under-secretary Apostolos Fotiadis yesterday ordered the slaughter of all livestock in the Evros Delta region bordering Turkey in an effort to contain the spread of foot-and-mouth disease.

The order affects roughly 4,000 cattle and 3,000 sheep and goats in the marshy delta between Alexandroupolis and the Evros River. Estimated damages from the disease in the region will reach 1.5 billion drachmas, officials said.

Any stock-breeder that does not comply with the order will not receive compensation and will be brought up before a prosecutor, a ministry announcement said.

Cattle breeders reacted against the decision. In a meeting with Evros Prefect Giorgos Dolios yesterday, cattle breeders opposed the set rate of compensation (250,000 drachmas) for the slaughter of each animal (cattle), asking for 400,000 drachmas per he ad, which they said would cover lost profits.

Stock-breeders also said they will sustain severe damage if their herds are destroyed, as many have no other means of income. They added that it will be difficult to breed another herd under the permanent threat of foot-and-mouth disease, which they said is rife on the Turkish border.

Meanwhile, the agriculture under-secretary met in Athens with two European Union veterinary experts yesterday morning. The two EU officials are due to visit the region today in order to ascertain the extent of the problem. They described the measures already taken in the area by the agriculture ministry as "particularly severe". Based on the two officials report, the EU's Permanent Veterinary Committee on Friday is expected to make its final decision on measures concerning the exports from Greece of live animals, fresh meat and by-products.

Athens said yesterday that the Standing Veterinary Committee's recommended eight-day ban on the export of live animals from Greece was "excessive, unjustified and harsh".

The temporary ban, decided last Friday, came after two cases of foot-and-mouth disease were reported earlier this month in the northeastern Evros prefecture.

Reports stated that veterinary services in the Evros region had destroyed a further 30 animals as a precautionary measure following the detection of other instances of the disease, which does not affect humans.

Investigations are continuing in the Evros prefecture in order to detect other possible cases of the costly disease.

In a related development, the agriculture ministry yesterday indefinitely banned imports of live animals from neighboring Bulgaria, which is suffering an epidemic of variola affecting sheep.

The measure was taken after a flock of 110 sheep in the village of Kanadas, Evros were found to be suffering from the disease.

Veterinarians have been posted to customs points in the area to ensure comprehensive checks.

On Friday, the northern Greek prefectures of Drama, Kavala and Serres stepped up measures to prevent the spread of the disease.

In a related matter, a main opposition New Democracy delegation will visit the area affected by the disease, following a decision by ND president Miltiades Evert.

[6] Simitis, Albright expected to discuss Cyprus issue, Greek-Turkish relations

Washington's permanent representative to the United Nations Madeleine Albright is expected to raise the issues of Cyprus and a start to a Greek-Turkish dialogue, which could possibly lead to confidence-building measures (CBMs) in the Aegean, during her high-level talks in Athens, Nicosia and Ankara.

The first stop for Ms Albright will be Athens, where she will meet with Prime Minister Costas Simitis and Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos tomorrow morning, government spokesman Dimitris Reppas announced yesterday.

In addition, she will head a US delegation that will visit main opposition New Democracy leader Miltiades Evert at ND headquarters this afternoon.

On her tour, Ms Albright will be accompanied by US President Bill Clinton's special envoy for Cyprus, Richard Beattie. She will also be accompanied by the State Department's special coordinator on Cyprus James Williams as well as the director of the Southern Europe office and Pentagon experts.

Ms Albright's visit is taking place in the wake of a flurry of interventions in the region by Washington, such as a recent letter President Clinton addressed to Mr. Simitis, in which the United States appears to accept Greek positions on referring the issue of the Imia islets to the International Court of Justice at The Hague; agreement between Athens and Ankara not to conduct exercises in the Aegean in July and August, following mediation by NATO, and the "expression of concern" by Washington over Greek fighters' flyingovers of Cyprus.

A statement by US Assistant Secretary of State John Kornblum that there was no proof that the people missing after the Turkish invasion of Cyprus were still alive was also noted, particularly in Cyprus.

In a related story, according to a report in the Sunday edition of the Athens daily "Kathimerini", Ms Albright was reportedly one of the founders in 1977 of the so-called Turkish lobby in Washington.

[7] Turkish defense minister says arming of uninhabited Greek isles 'unacceptable'

New Turkish Defense Minister Turan Tayan has described the possibility of the arming of uninhabited Greek islands opposite the Turkish coast in the Aegean as "unacceptable".

Speaking in the city of Bursa over the weekend, the new minister, who belongs to Tansu Ciller's True Path party (DYP), said that the status of the islands has been determined by the Treaty of Lausanne, and "any act concerning the status of the islands constitutes a violation of the agreement".

"We often warn our neighbor, we reiterate that the arming of the islands is opposite to the principles of good neighborly relations and the Treaty of Lausanne, and we categorically reject any kind of action on this issue," he said.

Regarding NATO Secretary General Javier Solana's initiative for both countries to abstain from military exercises in the Aegean over the summer months, Mr. Tayan said: "We hope that this understanding will be shown in every sector and on every issue".

[8] Romeos: Common EU foreign, security policy, vital for successful Maastricht Treaty revision

European Union foreign ministers yesterday held the first meeting of the intergovernmental conference on revising the Maastricht Treaty under the present Irish EU presidency.

In outlining Greek positions, Alternate Foreign Minister George Romeos stressed the emphasis attributed by the Irish presidency to the participation of the Europarliament in the discussion on the intergovernmental conference.

He said positions backed by European Parliament President Klaus Haensch on common foreign policy and security policy as well as flexibility placed the discussion on its right basis.

Mr. Romeos said that as far as Greece was concerned, these issues constituted the main criteria for the revision's success, adding that many common points existed between the positions of Mr. Haensch and those of Athens.

He referred to two main points in the relevant Greek memorandum: The first concerns the need to enrich the principles on which common foreign policy is based, as included in Article 1 of the Treaty.

The principle of preventing crises and of resolving disputes in a peaceful manner, observance of the principles of international law, inviolability of borders and the territorial integrity and political independence of member-states should constitute clear targets for common foreign policy if one wanted this policy to acquire credibility and legitimacy, basing itself on a satisfactory framework of common pursuits.

The second element is linked to the importance of developing the identity of Europe in the sector of defense and security. On our part, we consider a commitment by the Intragovernmental Conference on a specific timetable concerning the incorporation of the West European Union (WEU) in the Union necessary, he said.

On the question of flexibility, Mr. Romeos said "we fully share the need for a careful rapprochement and we are opposed to the ideas for an overall tackling of the issue through the initiation of a general clause on flexibility in the Treaty. As far as Greece is concerned, the concept of flexibility requires further clarification and, in any way, it cannot find implementation in the Treaty on the European Community."

Referring to the further course of work, Mr. Romeos said the Greek target was for submission of the first general draft Treaty at the European Council in Dublin, scheduled for December. The content of the plan will depend on progress achieved by then.

[9] EU, Mercosur capital city mayors call for increased development, co-operation between the two blocs

An informal meeting of European Union and Mercosur (South America's common market) capital city mayors was held in Paris on Saturday.

During the meeting, which ended with the adoption of the Paris Resolution, EU and Mercosur capital city mayors reaffirmed their will for development of exchange and co-operation between the EU and Mercosur as well as the capital cities.

Delegates also expressed their concern over "problems which harm the quality of life and the social improvement of residents, particularly poverty and social exclusion, destruction of the environment, drugs, insecurity, town planning and migration of populations".

In addition, mayors decided on the creation of a permanent joint secretariat based in Paris and Asuncion, Paraguay.

Due to an unforeseen problem, the mayor of Athens was represented by his advisor Fotis Papathanasiou.

The informal meeting was presided over by Paris Mayor Jean Tiberi.

[10] Arsenis views military exercise in Albania

National Defense Minister Gerassimos Arsenis yesterday observed the "Peaceful Eagle 96" military exercise taking place in the Albanian region of Bize, some 50 kilometers from Tirana.

The military exercise includes participation of forces from Italy, Bulgaria, Greece, Albania, the United States, Romania, Slovenia, FYROM and Turkey.

Mr. Arsenis later met with his Albanian counterpart Alfred Zhulali, who according to sources, stated his satisfaction with the two countries' co-operation in the military sector, inviting Mr. Arsenis to attend the opening of a military clinic being built in Tirana with a significant contribution from the Greek defense ministry and scheduled to open next March.

The same sources said Mr. Zulali expressed his country's desire to participate as an observer in all Greek military exercises.

[11] Expanded economic co-operation between Athens, Belgrade discussed

The possibilities of promoting economic co-operation between Greece and the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia were discussed yesterday during a meeting between Athens' ambassador to Belgrade, Panayiotis Vlassopoulos, and president of t he Yugoslav Chamber of Commerce Stoyilkovic.

Speaking after the meeting, both men said economic co-operation is lagging behind political co-operation between the two countries, while Mr. Stogilkovic said he expects more activity on the part of Greece within the European Union in order for Yugoslavia to regain its previous export privileges of live animals and textile products.

Mr. Vlassopoulos said economic co-operation should be based on strong foundations, adding that regulations must be improved for the avoidance of double taxation and protection of foreign investors.

The ambassador suggested a one-day seminar be held for businessmen and politicians from both countries in order to discuss the issue.

[12] Reppas doesn't rule out co-operation with the left

Government spokesman Dimitris Reppas yesterday did not rule out the likelihood of dialogue and political co-operation between the ruling PASOK and left-wing parties.

Referring to a statement by Development Minister Vasso Papandreou regarding such co-operation, he said it was most sincere, noting that "we were entering a new political era regarding the functioning of political life, and nobody will oppose co-operation or programmatic agreements if they are worked out."

Commenting on the statements during an interview to the "Skai" radio station, Coalition of the Left leader Nikos Constantopoulos said his party was not interested in "behind-the-scenes deliberations at the top; the public relations of any members of the government or the country's political life.

"What we are interested in is the government's policy commitments, which will change the circumstances of political decline," he added.

Communist Party of Greece (KKE) Secretary-General Aleka Papariga said the possible establishment of a center-left pole by PASOK, the Coalition and elements of New Democracy would mean "a new turn toward "reaction and authoritarianism".

She added that such a political alliance would "express monopolies and imperialism," and that its aim would be "the re-adjustments and modernization, which the capitalist system needs," describing the recent election of Prime Minister Costas Simitis to the leadership of the ruling party as a victory for industrialists and foreign influences, who are interested in "clear solutions in favor of big capital".

Commenting on statements by National Defense Minister Gerassimos Arsenis to the "Ethnos" newspaper, that PASOK has alienated itself from people, Mr. Reppas said the minister expressed his own views, as it was his right to do, and that the government did not feel alienated, but upgraded.

Referring to Mr. Arsenis' statement that his non-participation in the party's recently formed political secretariat amounted to an "exclusion", Mr. Reppas said the body was set up on criteria previously formulated by the prime minister, which were impersonal and objective, and thus not allowing the drawing of conclusions about supposed biased options.

With regards to the nation's armaments programme, Mr. Reppas said there was no going back on the option, and relevant decisions would be made at a future meeting of the government's Council for Foreign Affairs and Defense (KYSEA).

[13] Gov't spokesman harshly criticizes ND leader

Government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said yesterday that main opposition New Democracy party leader Miltiades Evert caused "hilarity" and had exceeded the bounds of credibility long ago.

The government spokesman adding that Mr. Evert was an "election maniac", who was in a hurry to refute himself and was trying to play the role of the "rainman" who thought he could speed up developments with waffle.

Commenting on Mr. Evert's statement last week that ND would be a government "operating with helicopters," Mr. Reppas said yesterday the government had its feet on the ground and was pre-occupying itself with the country's problems.

Mr. Reppas said Mr. Evert was continuing inconsistencies and contradictions, adding that "it remains to be seen if he will hold out and will not collapse under the weight of his long-standing self-trapping."

[14] Premier meets with education minister

Prime Minister Costas Simitis met yesterday with Education Minister George Papandreou and PASOK youth secretary Tonia Antoniou.

Discussions with the education minister focused on party and education issues, while after the meeting, Mr. Papandreou said he did not discuss a cabinet reshuffling or any issues regarding elections.

Replying to reporters' questions, Mr. Papandreou said he agrees with the organizational changes in PASOK being promoted by Mr. Simitis, adding that he supports these changes and others which will be discussed by the central committee.

During the prime minister's meeting with Ms Antoniou, the latter presented proposals by the party's youth movement and stressed the government must take bold decisions without considering political cost in order to find solutions to problems being faced by the Greek people and the younger generation in general.

Replying to a question as to whether the PASOK youth movement agrees with the changes taking place in the party, Ms Antoniou said they are decisions taken by the party congress and that "we are all obliged, as the central committee, to implement these decisions."

[15] Measures taken for forest fire defense on Crete

Speaking at a press conference in Iraklio yesterday, Forestry Secretary-General Yiannis Sbokos said two Canadair fire-fighting aircraft are aiding Crete's defense against forest fires this year.

Mr. Sbokos, who also attended a meeting of local officials on fire protection on the island, said "negligence was the greatest cause of fire."

He said the air fire-fighting system had been strengthened this year, adding that two helicopters and forest commando bases operated in Hania and Iraklio, and as of yesterday the heavy duty base with the two Canadairs was operating in Iraklio.

Mr. Sbokos said seasonal staff for combating forest fires would amount to 500 people from around the island, while by decision of the agriculture minister, some 220 million drachmas would be allocated from the public investment programme for forestry projects on Crete.

He called on civilians to participate in volunteer groups, either forestry associations or in local administration bodies, in order to safeguard and protect forests.

[16] Tourism in a slump but season not over yet, Papandreou says

Development Minister Vasso Papandreou admitted yesterday that this year's tourist season had been hit by a slump but called on opposition parties and the tourist sector to not "compete with one another in pessimism".

The same things were said last year, she told a press conference, but the final result proved to be better than expected.

Creating a climate of pessimism harms Greek tourism further, she said, adding that foreign tour operators were still booking Greek hotels at this time and prices were expected to fall due to market pressure.

She stressed that reduced tourism was a feature of most of European countries this year. "We must wait for the end of the season to see how things went," she added.

Nevertheless, she said that the "era of easy and abundant tourism for Greece is over," and both state and citizen must look at increasing the quality of Greece's tourist product, which she said has been poor recently and, along with the 'hard' drachma policy, has undermined the competitiveness of Greece as a potential holiday destination.

She criticized the frequency of profiteering and overcharging of tourists and said that the price of hotel rooms and services were generally too high. "The ministry is planning a series of measures which include the briefing of consumers and the inclusion of checks by prefectural bodies," she said. "These measures, apart from protecting the tourist, will also help in keeping inflation down".

The Greek National Tourist Organization (EOT) is facing problems and we are planning changes to its structure with the creation of new departments, such as marketing and others, she added.

Referring to the reduction of airport tax (spatosimo), she said, that as of December 31, 1996, it will be paid only by group tours on external charter and regular flights and not by individual passengers.

[17] Tourism investment programs adopted

A series of investment programs in Greece were examined and adopted by the first overview committee of the "Tourism - Civilization" programme, held under the auspices of the Community Support Framework.

The committee, which convened last Friday and was made up of EU and Greek representatives, approved projects totaling 58.9 billion drachmas, of which public spending amounts to 19.55 billion drachmas and private spending to 39.4 billion drachmas.

The list of approved projects were publicized yesterday by Development Minister Vasso Papandreou, who said the next committee meeting will take place in October and will approve new projects. This is expected to cover lost ground in the delay of funding tourist investments from Community sources.

The European Union's energy directorate has approved a two-year 200,000 ECU renewable sources of energy pilot programme for the Eastern Macedonia and Thrace region.

The programme is expected to make Thrace and Eastern Macedonia the country's energy 'hub'. The Development Ministry, Public Power Corporation, and local government organizations are supporting the programme, which will also receive funding from the state.

[18] Gov't says successful budget implementation vindicates economic policy

Government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said the successful implementation of this year's budget for the third consecutive year, which he said was unprecedented by Greek standards, vindicated the government's efforts.

Mr. Reppas, who was referring to an announcement by the main opposition New Democracy party on the government's economic policy, said the government would continue its policy for stabilization and development and would handle activities and circles opposing public interests effectively.

He called on ND "to land on the reality of its opposition quagmire" instead of seeking excuses to criticize the government.

[19] Athens mayor confident city's 2004 Olympic bid promising

Athens Mayor Dimitris Avramopoulos yesterday expressed his optimism and belief that the city's bid for the 2004 Olympiad was on a good course.

"The initial presentation of Athens' candidacy in Atlanta (on Friday) is considered successful, which, along with the entire effort being undertaken, make us believe that we are on a good course," he said during a press conference in the presence of Sports Under-secretary Andreas Fouras and the Athens Candidacy Committee director Marton Simicek.

Announcing the establishment of a comprehensive coordinating body to oversee the effort, Mr. Avramopoulos said "the municipal authority will not allow the mistakes of the past to be repeated."

On his part, Mr. Fouras said the cause "is neither governmental nor inter-party - it is national, and this must be understood by everyone. We need organization and unity in order to achieve our goal".

Referring to the finances of the endeavor, Mr. Fouras said the assumption of the 2004 Olympiad would mean neither a new form of austerity nor additional taxes.

"Infrastructure projects in the city - metro, Spata airport, athletic grounds - are evolving independently of the 2004 Olympics," he said, before stressing that if "we win the games, we shall make a profit, as the International Olympic Committee (IOC) will give us $700 million on top of the revenue from tickets and the commercial package of the event."

Mr. Simicek said the presentation of Athens' candidacy, which he attended in Atlanta, was excellent, adding it was "documented and based on the certainty that we can organize the games in the best way possible."

[20] Commemorative coins honoring 1996 Olympics to be issued

A series of commemorative coins will be issued on the occasion of this summer's Olympic Games in Atlanta, the finance ministry announced yesterday.

The series of Greek Olympic coins will be circulated within the framework of the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) numismatic programme, in which Greece is participating, along with Australia, Austria, Canada and France.

Coins will depict scenes inspired from ancient Greek themes. They will be released for circulation at the end of December by the Bank of Greece and commercial banks at a price of 130,000 drachmas for the gold coin and 30,000 drachmas for silver coins.

[21] Lorry drivers charged with transporting illegal immigrants

Five lorry drivers found transporting a total of 61 illegal immigrants were charged yesterday with violating Greece's immigration laws.

If found guilty, they face a total of up to five years imprisonment and accumulated fines of 60 million drachmas ($250,000), one million drachmas for each illegal immigrant.

The illegal immigrants, mostly of Iraqi and Pakistani origin, were found hiding in lorries parked in a petrol station in the Patissia district, on the outskirts of Athens. Authorities were alerted by local residents who heard voices coming from the trucks.

The vehicles were confiscated, while procedures to deport the illegal immigrants have also begun.

In a separate development, some 16 Albanian illegal immigrants arrested after being found working illegally in the Kavala area will be deported.

Authorities deported 130 illegal immigrants arrested in the Kavala prefecture last week. Of those, 115 were Albanian.

End of English language section.