Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 96-11-21

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

ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No. 1046), November 22, 1996

Greek Press & Information Office
Ottawa, Canada
E-Mail Address: grnewsca@sympatico.ca

CONTENTS

[01] IGC, other EU-related issues dominate Simitis-Prodi talks

[02] EU-Turkey relations

[03] Netherlands visit

[04] Greece's policy aims at rapprochement with Turkey

[05] Tsohatzopoulos

[06] Turkish foreign ministry

[07] Cyprus foreign minister in Athens

[08] Greece comes under strong pressure over EU-Turkey relations

[09] Sofia to host BSEC transport ministers' conference

[10] Turkey issues warning over disbursement of MEDA funds

[11] Van den Broek cites need for improvement in Turkey's human rights situation

[12] Yugoslav foreign under-secretary expands on regional situation

[13] Tsohatzopoulos briefs Evert on new armaments program

[14] ND has objections to details

[15] Tsohatzopoulos meets with Niles and Smith

[16] Gov't rejects Synaspismos proposal for holding political leaders' council

[17] Gov't allocates seven billion to Mount Athos

[18] Yiannopoulos to make final decision on extradition of German woman

[19] Meeting considers details for 3 more Greek-Bulgarian border crossings

[20] High demand noted for next summer's athletics world championship in Athens

[21] Conference focuses on role of Balkan science academies

[22] Merchant marine minister schedules meeting with Greek shipping concerns in London

[23] Investment interest from Quebec

[24] No problems with Gov't economic policies at the labor ministry

[25] Finance ministry releases details on interbank market tax

[26] New licence replacement fees up by 10,000%, consumers' group says

[27] OTE development program announced

[28] Further promotion of Greek-Yugoslav trade examined

[29] UNESCO views documentary on Parthenon friezes

[30] Papoulias to speak on Greek-Albanian relations this Sunday

[01] IGC, other EU-related issues dominate Simitis-Prodi talks

Rome, 21/11/1996 (ANA/S. Aravopoulou/L. Hatzikyriakos)

Italian mass media and the Greek side stressed that the meeting was particularly positive since an identity of views was ascertained, particularly on the IGC and the Balkans.

Regarding the IGC, the two premiers agreed that procedural rules were needed that would simplify matters and lead to quick and effective decisions. Nevertheless, certain differences in approaches were identified, with Mr. Simitis stressing Athens' posit ion in favor of the principle of unanimity on issues of national interest.

On Balkan issues both Rome and Athens almost had identical positions since Mr. Prodi believes that there should be a new Balkan policy.

In the wake of its strong presence in Albania and the major problems faced by Tirana, he accepted many of the ideas and proposals put to him by Mr. Simitis concerning both Albania, and the Balkans in general, reports state.

A broad field of co-operation was agreed for the examination of existing plans, and it was considered expedient to establish six-monthly contacts between the directors general of the ministries of foreign affairs and national economy of the two countries .

Regarding EMU, Mr. Prodi said he considered his country's participation in the first group of countries imperative, while Mr. Simitis said Greece had decided to participate in the second group, with the aim of meeting precondition for convergence in 199 8 through a drastic reduction in deficits, down to 4.2 per cent of GDP.

The two men agreed that the procedure must be open regardless of the number of countries that will participate in the first group.

On another topic, Mr. Prodi assured his Greek counterpart that difficulties in beginning construction of an electric hookup between Greece and Italy would be overcome.

[02] EU-Turkey relations

Rome, 21/11/1996 (ANA/S. Aravopoulou/L. Hatzikyriakos)

"The EU has adopted a decision in relation to these problems. Greece is awaiting Ankara's reply, which has still not been given, and is a basic precondition for any development. Without a move on Turkey's part, the EU must not shift from its views," Mr. Simitis said from the Italian capital.

"Commitments have been entered into on the part of the EU, which must be fulfilled," he said.

On its part, the Italian side stressed the need for an effort at a more general understanding, so that particular difficulties can be overcome. Mr. Prodi explored Greece's willingness to submit any proposals or take a step in the direction of establishing a form of contact with Turkey, with a view to convening the EU-Turkey Association Council in December, Mr. Simitis said.

Regarding Greek-Turkish differences and Cyprus, he stressed that "we are in agreement with Italy that the rules of international law and treaties must be applied".

Finally, Mr. Simitis invited Mr. Prodi to a forum in Athens on developments in European societies, changes in the structure of those societies and the problems that socialist and progressive parties are being called upon to deal with in a new era.

[03] Netherlands visit

Athens, 21/11/1996 (ANA)

According to the same sources, Mr. Simitis apparently enjoys increased respect among the Dutch leadership for his moderate stance during the Imia crisis in January and for his academic background.

The visit is seen within the framework of convergence of the positions between EU member-states on issues concerning the IGC.

[04] Greece's policy aims at rapprochement with Turkey

Athens, 21/11/1996 (ANA)

"In order for there to be a possibility for rapprochement and understanding, all sides must display the same spirit of good intentions and take the appropriate steps. However, not only is Turkey not taking the appropriate steps, its entire behavior leads to the conclusion that it is seeking to exacerbate its relations with Greece," Mr. Reppas said.

He was commenting on statements by Ms. Ciller on the sidelines of a Western European Union (WEU) meeting on Tuesday in Ostend, Belgium, as well as to the English-language "Turkish Daily News".

Ms. Ciller was quoted as stating that Ankara's basic objection to a Council of Ministers call in July for respect for human rights, adherence to international agreements and resolution of Greek-Turkish differences stemmed from her country's refusal to accept a linkage of Turkish-EU relations and bilateral problems it has with Athens.

In addition, Ms. Ciller is reported as having warned that Ankara would block the use of NATO equipment by the WEU because of Greek objections to allowing Turkey a greater say in the defense group's planning.

Although a full member of NATO, Turkey is only an associate member of the WEU and as such, could block the use of Alliance equipment by the union.

"On the one hand Ms. Ciller is criticizing the European Union for taking into consideration Greek-Turkish relations in shaping its relations with Turkey, and on the other, she is threatening to veto NATO decision-making precisely because of prevailing Greek-Turkish relations," Mr. Reppas said.

Stressing that Greece's policy would remain unchanged, Mr. Reppas said that if Turkey wanted rapprochement it should either stop raising disputes related to Greece's sovereign rights concerning the Aegean islets of Imia or have recourse to the International Court at the Hague.

The spokesman reiterated quite categorically that Greece would not respond "in the event that Turkey tries to put forward for discussion a list of issues which merely constitute unilateral claims".

Mr. Reppas said there were only two issues which Greece could discuss with Turkey.

"The first is the Imia islets, regarding which Turkey should either stop disputing (Greek sovereignty) or have recourse to the Hague, and the second is the issue of the Aegean continental shelf," he said.

Greece, the spokesman continued, seeks a climate of stability, security and peace in the region. He called on all parties "which are interested in the same thing" to exert "the appropriate" pressure on Turkey, underlining that Ankara did not have a problem with Greece but with international law and order.

On Ms. Ciller's threat to block NATO decision-making, Mr. Reppas said that "this is the problem of the Alliance which realizes that Ankara is issuing threats, which is why it must give a fitting reply so that (Turkey) understands that a NATO member state has not only rights but obligations also". Asked whether the Imia and Aegean continental shelf issues could be examined by the International Court as a "package", Mr. Reppas did not rule out the possibility.

"If such a proposal is put forward, we shall treat it accordingly," he added.

[05] Tsohatzopoulos

Athens, 21/11/1996 (ANA)

"There has been a very clear institutional framework for decades now - the Treaty of Lausanne - the consistent implementation of which solves many of what Turkey views as problems in the Aegean and this must be understood by all," Mr. Tsohatzopoulos said.

The minister clarified that "at the present time there is no issue of negotiations about the Aegean". "If there are concrete proposals, they must be put forward in a responsible way, via a specific procedure," he added.

Explaining what had happened in Ostend, Mr. Tsohatzopoulos said Turkey had tried to get the meeting to accept that Ankara could participate, together with the WEU full members and moreover on an equal basis, in decision-making on initiatives which may be taken by the defense group concerning the dispatch of troops and humanitarian missions. "Greece made it quite clear that it was in favor of broader co-operation between all WEU members, including associate members and countries with observer status, since this would ensure the effectiveness of missions," Mr. Tsohatzopoulos said.

"However, there can be no change to the institutional framework of the WEU, which must safeguard the credibility of its institutional bodies. These bodies are the only ones competent to take decisions and therefore, the WEU Council is the body which must, in the future also, take the political decisions and have the political responsibility for any operations which are carried out, whether such operations are with the participation of associate members and observers or not," he added.

Asked to comment on the reported threat by Ankara to block NATO decisions concerning the WEU, Mr. Tsohatzopoulos replied that "this was not made known during the (WEU) meeting. It is an issue which concerns Turkey. It does not concern us and we are not worried."

[06] Turkish foreign ministry

Istanbul, 21/11/1996 (ANA)

"It is time for Europe to comprehend the might of Turkey," Ms Ciller told the deputies of her political party.

Foreign ministry spokesman Omer Akbel said that the WEU had already accepted, at its Berlin and Brussels meetings, that if WEU operations were to be supported by NATO forces, then countries which are not full members of the WEU but are of NATO would participate equally in decision-taking.

"Greece is trying to alter this decision," Mr. Akbel said, adding that "we will not accept any decision which is in conflict with that already accepted by the WEU".

"At this stage the problem is not with us, the problem is between Greece and the WEU, (and) it has to be resolved by them," he said.

[07] Cyprus foreign minister in Athens

Athens, 21/11/1996 (ANA)

The Greek minister is scheduled to leave on a four-day visit to Cyprus today. Speaking after the meeting, Mr. Michaelides said the joint defense doctrine between Greece and Cyprus is a pertinent issue for the defense and existence of Cyprus.

"Much has happened. We are expecting more to happen," he said.

Mr. Michaelides arrived in Athens yesterday to address a conference entitled "Cyprus, the European Union and Greece's Role."

The Cypriot minister, one of the key speakers, will make his remarks at the opening of the two-day meeting today, organized by the Athens Economic University, the University of Cyprus and the Bank of Cyprus.

While in Athens, Mr. Michaelides will brief the Parliament's defense and foreign affairs committees on the latest developments in efforts to settle the Cyprus problem, Cyprus' accession course toward the EU and the island republic's relations with the Middle East.

[08] Greece comes under strong pressure over EU-Turkey relations

Brussels, 21/11/1996 (ANA/M. Spinthourakis)

As expected, the Greek side refused any discussion on the above issues, stressing that Turkey is obliged to give persuasive answers on how it intends to smooth over relations with Greece on the basis of a July 15 Council of Ministers' decision, and reiterating that until that occurs, Greece would not lift its reservations.

According to well-informed diplomatic sources, the aim of pressures was to force Greece to abandon its insistence on implementation of the July 15 decision, and consent to exploration of other ways of dealing with the problem of Turkey's relations with the Community and Greece.

According to the same sources, this is precisely the spirit of the Irish presidency's relevant report to be presented on Monday to the General Affairs Council, which will consider Turkey's relations with the Community.

[09] Sofia to host BSEC transport ministers' conference

Sofia, 21/11/1996 (ANA/N. Hios)

Representatives from the United States, France and Japan are also due to participate, as are European Commission and EBRD representatives, among others. The conference will be greeted by Bulgarian Prime Minister Zhan Videnov.

The main issue to be discussed will be "the joining of the approach and the criteria in view of the European transport ministers' conference in Helsinki in 1997," the Bulgarian News Agency (BTA) reported.

The conference will also examine issues concerning the drawing up and construction of road axes of BSEC and CEI countries and the examination of transport networks towards Central Asia and the Middle East.

Examination of border crossing toll policies will also be included in discussions.

[10] Turkey issues warning over disbursement of MEDA funds

Brussels, 21/11/1996 (ANA/F. Stangos)

Ankara's permanent representative to the EU, ambassador Uluk Uzulker, made the announcement during yesterday's session of the Joint EU-Turkey parliamentary committee.

The committee completed its deliberations yesterday without reaching clear-cut conclusions regarding the issues casting shadow on relations between the two sides over the last 12 months.

According to reports, Turkish deputies steadfastly refused to accept criticism by the Europarliament, attributing it to false reports by the media, while Eurodeputies continued drawing attention to violation of human rights, delays in the course towards democratization and Ankara's current negative stand regarding the Kurdish and Cyprus problems.

Dutch Euro-MP Peter Dankert referred to the Turkish press law currently being drafted, expressing concern that "it will worsen the situation further still". Replying to a question on the "complete absence of Turko-Kurdish dialogue, he said that "at the level of society, things have advanced considerably, but the majority of the Turkish political leadership is not managing to follow developments."

[11] Van den Broek cites need for improvement in Turkey's human rights situation

Brussels, 21/11/1996 (ANA/M. Spinthourakis)

Nevertheless, he made it clear that as long as Turkey did not record an improvement in human rights issues, and did not comply with the Council of Ministers' decision in July for the resolution of Greek-Turkish differences, the Commission was not in a position to undertake an initiative in the direction of freeing EU funds for Turkey.

[12] Yugoslav foreign under-secretary expands on regional situation

Athens, 21/11/1996 (ANA)

Mr. Jovanovic stressed that a stabilization of the peace process is needed in Bosnia with the full implementation of the Dayton Accord. However, the Yugoslav foreign under-secretary expressed concern over the fragile situation in Bosnia, saying many are beginning an "arms race", and noting that "each week, ships arrive with equipment destined for one particular side."

He underlined that Yugoslavia wants to develop its relations with other Balkan countries as well as with the European Union, to which he appealed for economic help.

Replying to a question on his country's recent recognition of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), he stressed that "we thought hard about how we could help the problem which exists between Greece and Skopje and, additionally, we definitely wanted to proceed with recognizing the neighboring country for reasons concerning our own safety. We wanted to achieve the best for everyone, including Greece."

Following his speech, Mr. Jovanovic met with Alternate Foreign Minister George Papandreou.

[13] Tsohatzopoulos briefs Evert on new armaments program

Athens, 21/11/1996 (ANA)

Mr. Tsohatzopoulos told reporters that the briefing had been restricted to the logic behind the program, the conditions under which the program will be implemented, including technical, financial and training issues, as well as the decision of the Government Council for Foreign Affairs and Defense (KYSEA) to ensure transparency and inform the opposition parties.

The minister added that he would be meeting with other political party leaders on the defense program, stressing that the issue of armaments was not suitable ground for quarrels between the country's political parties.

"The armaments of the armed forces is a crucial issue which demands the greatest possible transparency and communication and the broadest possible acceptance and support," Mr. Tsohatzopoulos said.

The 90-minute meeting was also attended by ND Vice President Ioannis Varvitsiotis, National Defense Under-secretary Dimitrios Apostolakis and Chief of the National Defense General Staff General (Air) Athanasios Tzoganis.

[14] ND has objections to details

Athens, 21/11/1996 (ANA)

Mr. Varvitsiotis' first point of criticism concerned what he called the "meager" pay given to officers serving with or having retired from the armed forces.

Secondly, according to Mr. Varvitsiotis, the cost of the weapons systems to be procured by the armed forces amounts to two trillion drachmas, not four trillion as estimated by the government.

In addition, Mr. Varvitsiotis claimed that the armaments program "does not appear to have been studied in depth and meet economic and operational criteria".

Mr. Varvitsiotis also criticized the program for not including "necessary supplementary weapons systems which maximize battle strength at a lower cost" and the government for "not trying to acquire second-hand weapons systems gratis or at a much reduced cost".

[15] Tsohatzopoulos meets with Niles and Smith

Athens, 21/11/1996 (ANA)

No statements were made after the meetings.

[16] Gov't rejects Synaspismos proposal for holding political leaders' council

Athens, 21/11/1996 (ANA)

Replying to a question, Mr. Reppas said the government would gladly discuss the issue with party leaders, adding that Mr. Constantopoulos can be briefed on all relevant information from the foreign ministry or other government officials.

Mr. Reppas said that in the event that Mr. Constantopoulos requests a meeting with Prime Minister Costas Simitis, the issue will be handled accordingly.

In a response later in the evening, a Synaspismos spokesman said the government's quick rejection of the proposal was "unprecedented and unacceptable," before charging that the PASOK government was exhibiting an arrogant and one-party self-sufficiency over the issue.

[17] Gov't allocates seven billion to Mount Athos

Athens, 21/11/1996 (ANA)

In the present initial stage, Mr. Reppas said, six billion drachmas will be disbursed, of which 2.5 billion will be given to Mount Athos.

Further funds totaling 4.5 billion drachmas will be given to Mount Athos in the third phase of disbursement, he added.

Mr. Reppas clarified that the funds would be managed by the monasteries of Mount Athos themselves, under the overall supervision of the national economy ministry.

[18] Yiannopoulos to make final decision on extradition of German woman

Athens, 21/11/1996 (ANA)

The extradition of Andrea Hausler to Germany was approved yesterday by a three-member appeals court in Thessaloniki. Mr. Yiannopoulos however has to sign the extradition order before it can be executed.

Hausler, who was arrested while on holiday in Halkidiki last month, is wanted by German police in connection with the 1986 bombing of the La Belle disco in West Berlin, a regular haunt of off-duty US servicemen.

The blast killed two US soldiers and a Turkish woman and injured 255.

Hausler was taken to Thessaloniki from Korydallos prison near Piraeus under strict security provided by about 40 policemen. She was questioned by the appeals court for 30 minutes before being taken back to prison.

Sources said Hausler had asked the court not to approve the extradition, claiming that she was in no way involved with the disco bombing.

[19] Meeting considers details for 3 more Greek-Bulgarian border crossings

Athens, 21/11/1996 (ANA)

The meeting was attended by two delegations of experts headed by Foreign Ministry secretary general Constantinos Georgiou and Bulgarian Alternate Regional Development and Public Works Minister Nikolai Grigorov.

The intention of both countries to co-operate and promote processes for building and operating the three new passages at the Drama-Goce Nelce, Xanthi-Rudozem and Komotini-Makaza points was also reaffirmed.

Mr. Georgiou said the three new border passages confirm the excellent political and economic relations between the two countries, which aim at giving special economic, tourism and cultural development in the region.

He said it is a program of great importance for developing both countries and linking Bulgaria with the European Union, the Middle East and Africa. Greece, he added, strongly supports Bulgaria's linking with European structures and shows tangible interest in this direction.

On his part, Mr. Grigorov said creation of the three new road passages is an important issue because they contribute towards opening the natural space of the two countries and cooperating in cultural and economic relations between two friendly countries .

"We are continuing what was started by the political leadership of the two countries and we will complete the agreement signed by the two foreign ministers with the settlement of individual details," he said, thanking Greece for its help in aiding his country's association with European structures.

[20] High demand noted for next summer's athletics world championship in Athens

Athens, 21/11/1996 (ANA)

The committee has received requests to hold 51,000 tickets, costing a total of 371 million drachmas, and comprising 10 per cent of the total. The majority of requests have been made from Germany, Britain and the United States.

Ticket prices have been fixed at 3,000, 7,000, 8,000 and 10,000 drachmas for afternoon events, and 1,000 drachmas for the upper stands and 2,000 drachmas for the lower stands during the morning events. There will be a discount of 20 per cent on "ticket packages" covering all 10 days of the event if they are reserved by Jan. 31, and a 10 per cent discount from Feb. 1 to May 31.

Representatives of International Amateur Athletics Federation (IAAF) sponsors are currently in Athens in order to discuss issues concerning their promotion during the event.

Meanwhile, all athletes breaking a world record during the championships will receive a 25-million-drachma bonus, IAAF sources stated. An official announcement is expected to be issued after a meeting of the federation's council, due to be held in Monaco next month.

During the meeting, a decision is expected on which city will host the 1999 world championships. Contenders include Helsinki, New Delhi, Seville and Stanford in the United States.

[21] Conference focuses on role of Balkan science academies

Athens, 21/11/1996 (ANA)

Mr. Pesmatzoglou stressed the need for basic research in all scientific fields and the development of closer ties and co-operation with the academies of other countries.

The president of the Romanian Science Academy, Prof. Konstantinescu presented the operation of the academy and a large number of research institutes in his country, saying many have now shut down after strict evaluation, leading a large number of unemployed scientists. Bulgarian Academy secretary general Iakimov outlined similar problems in his country.

[22] Merchant marine minister schedules meeting with Greek shipping concerns in London

Athens, 21/11/1996 (ANA)

Committee president Ioannis Hatzipateras invited Mr. Soumakis to attend a council meeting and an official luncheon in order to meet members of the Greek shipping community in London.

Mr. Soumakis will have the opportunity of being briefed on issues concerning the committee's members and on general issues of interest to Greece's merchant marine fleet.

He will also meet the British transport minister for talks on various maritime issues of concern to the two countries and on Greek positions in the European Union regarding shipping.

In another development, Mr. Soumakis referred to a navigators' strike at a press conference yesterday.

"I consider it strange that two months after the ministry took over, the administration of the Panhellenic Navigators' Union is demanding a prompt solution to a claim lasting for many years and which is not urgent," he said. He also said he will even ex amine the issue of the Union's privatization, since it co-operates with shipping companies with a private agreement. However, major ports in the country might be faced with a strike as of Monday, since the administration of the Panhellenic Navigators' Union has announced staggered mobilizations in the event their pension issue is not resolved.

[23] Investment interest from Quebec

Montreal, 21/11/1996 (ANA/G. Georgiou)

[24] No problems with Gov't economic policies at the labor ministry

Athens, 21/11/1996 (ANA)

"The (1997) budget (approved by Cabinet on Tuesday) has ideological, social and political aspects," Mr. Papaioannou said. "It is the first step in a harsh but just economic policy which is in line with (ruling party) PASOK's election promises."

He said that although he was fully in agreement with the policy announced by the government, there could have been "a different approach" on certain aspects.

The labor minister stressed that there were only two new taxes affecting the public - that on large real estate holdings and on state titles - which did not, however, harm the working people.

The government's other taxes will be imposed on interbank market deposits and derivatives, capital gains of non-listed firms, and an increase in taxation on banks.

The bill to abolish tax breaks and exemptions, Mr. Papaioannou said, was necessary and made the system more just and the restriction of public expenditures was a measure which the country had immediate need of.

"Social policy is evident in this (economic) policy," he said. "The CPI readjustment of low pensions is being pursued, the 'social solidarity' bonus for low pension earners will be financed through the budget and OGA (farmers' pension fund) is being transformed into a major pension fund for farmers with two-thirds of revenues - at least for this year - guaranteed from the budget, while there is a retroactive payment of 4,000 drachmas for farmers pensions."

Mr. Papaioannou stressed that the income of workers had been protected and that there would be a "small but visible" improvement.

Anti-inflationary policy is a leading priority for the government and must, of course, continue, he added.

[25] Finance ministry releases details on interbank market tax

Athens, 21/11/1996 (ANA)

The tax will be collected in advance and begin to be assessed on transactions carried out as of 1 January 1997.

For the purpose of implementing the decision, the present 50 per cent advance payment of banks' income tax will be increased to 60 per cent as of 1 January.

Up to now, income from bank transactions on the interbank market were subject to a special tax regime, according to which profits from such transactions were deductible from the total taxable net profits of banks.

[26] New licence replacement fees up by 10,000%, consumers' group says

The Consumers' Institute (INKA) yesterday strongly criticized a transport and communications ministry decision which sends the cost of replacing a lost or stolen driving licence sky-high.

According to the decision, which without any warning has retroactive effect as of July 1, 1996, drivers applying for a new licence because of loss or theft must now pay 10,000 drachmas - a 2,000 per cent increase on the previous cost of 500 drachmas.

Drivers unfortunate enough to apply for a new licence for a second time due to loss or theft will have to pay 50,000 drachmas - a massive 10,000 per cent increase on the present 500 drachmas.

In addition, if an application had already been submitted for a new driving licence prior to the promulgation of the relevant provision, any subsequent application will be treated as a request for a second, or even third, driving licence accordingly.

"Drivers in Greece have fallen victim to theft, this time by the state itself," an INKA announcement charged.

[27] OTE development program announced

Athens, 21/11/1996 (ANA)

Telecommunications Organization (OTE) officials.

The program aims to keep OTE in touch with competitors in the area of co-operation and to turn Greece into a telecommunications network connecting western Europe to Africa via the Balkans.

Officials said a mobile telephone system to be developed by OTE is scheduled to be completed during summer or autumn 1997. OTE's participation in services, construction programs, technical know-how and its involvement in underwater cables make the organization an active participant in the world telecommunications market.

According to information, next week, a list of three of eight names is to be submitted to Prime Minister Costas Simitis in order for the new OTE consultant director to replace the current one, whose term ends on Dec. 31.

[28] Further promotion of Greek-Yugoslav trade examined

Belgrade, 21/11/1996 (ANA/M. Mouratidis)

An announcement by the Belgrade government said one of the most important areas of co-operation is investment of Greek capital in certain Yugoslavian programs.

Meanwhile, a five-day exhibition of Greek products will open in Belgrade today. Greek businessmen, primarily from northern Greece, will exhibit clothes, footwear, office equipment, sanitary items, vehicle spare parts, chemical products, raw materials for furniture, heating equipment as well as stationery.

[29] UNESCO views documentary on Parthenon friezes

Paris, 21/11/1996 (ANA/J. Zitiounati)

The event was organized by the Greek culture ministry and the permanent Greek representation at UNESCO on the occasion of the 55th Council of the Advisory Committee on the International Convention on Museums (ICOM). Yiannis Tzedakis, head curator of antiquities at the culture ministry, read out a message from Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos which called the return of the friezes "of elementary significance for Greek cultural policy" and refers to the documentary as "important counsel" to the effort s under way to achieve this aim.

Mr. Stewart said he would be pleased if his production contributed in any way to the return of the friezes.

Those in the audience included Greece's ambassador to France Haralambos Korakas, Greece's ambassador to UNESCO Vassilis Vassilikos and other dignitaries.

[30] Papoulias to speak on Greek-Albanian relations this Sunday

Athens, 21/11/1996 (ANA)

Mr. Papoulias's speech will be held in the framework of celebrations marking the 56th anniversary of the liberation of Korytsa, and is organized by the Epirus Society of Thessaloniki.

End of English language section.

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