Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 96-12-11
From: The Greek Press & Information Office, Ottawa Canada <grnewsca@sympatico.ca>
ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No 1063), December 11, 1996
Greek Press & Information Office
Ottawa, Canada
E-Mail Address: grnewsca@sympatico.ca
CONTENTS
[01] Gov't ready to discuss farmers' problems if blockades lifted
[02] Farmers' reactions
[03] New Democracy criticism
[04] No shortages on Christmas market, minister promises
[05] British Foreign Office appeal
[06] Avramopoulos pledges the support of local Gov't as he receives
Turkish businessmen
[07] Meeting with Niles
[08] 'Greece will not accept Turkey's entry to EU, WEU' through the
window
[09] US State Department spokesman refers to central Aegean islet
[10] Simitis in The Hague on last stop before Dublin summit
[11] Greek, Cypriot defense ministers to continue talks today
[12] Academic claims Turkey has already settled sovereignty of Imia
[13] Striking diplomats to meet finance under-secretary today
[14] Skopje to propose name to Greece
[15] Greek issues to be promoted in Congress
[16] Farmers' blockade and flooding threaten livelihood of 4.000
workers in Xanthi
[17] 2,000 workers laid off
[18] GSEE to stage rally outside Parliament on December 17
[19] Seminar on the National Land Registry
[20] Premier meets with pensioners during Cabinet meeting
[21] Demonstrations around the country
[22] Teachers, education ministry employees, join strike action
[23] EIB approves funding for Rio-Antirrio bridge
[24] Fifteenth century topographical guide of Greek islands auctioned
at Sotheby's
[01] Gov't ready to discuss farmers' problems if blockades lifted
Athens, 11/12/1996 (ANA)
The government and farmers yesterday dug their heels in over the
blocking of national and provincial highways, which is now
evolving into a drawn-out stand-off likely to run well into the
holiday season.
Prime Minister Costas Simitis yesterday stood firm in the face
of farmers' demands, setting as a prerequisite for an
"institutional dialogue" their lifting of nation-wide road
blocks which have caused widespread disruption to domestic and
international traffic for almost two weeks.
Speaking on television after a four-hour cabinet meeting on the
subject, Mr. Simitis said that both he and Agriculture Minister
Stephanos Tzoumakas wished to have a discussion with the
farmers' official representative bodies.
"But there can be no such dialogue when extreme forms of
struggle are being used and the country's road network remains
blocked," Mr. Simitis said, promising that as soon as the
roadblocks were lifted, the government would take initiatives
for "an institutional dialogue with all."
The subjects for discussion, Mr. Simitis said, would be inter
alia the timetable for the realization of the national register
of farmers, the determining of Greek policy towards the European
Union and a price ceiling for cotton, the restructuring of the
Greek Agricultural Insurance Organization (ELGA) and "the
charting of parameters f or a national agricultural policy."
Earlier, Mr. Simitis said the government was taking measures "at
the limits of the economy's capacity" while acknowledging that
problems had accumulated for some years in the agricultural
sector.
"Which is why the government took a series of measures,
exhausting every possibility which existed," he added.
Referring to the repercussions of the farmers' protests, Mr.
Simitis said the possibilities for tackling the structural
problems of the agricultural sector were being diminished, the
export of farm produce was being obstructed, a problem was being
created for the economic life of towns and cities, the
distribution of livestock products and supplies to enterprises
were being impeded and "citizens with health problems are being
prevented from traveling."
The prime minister reiterated that the government had only
recently been given a mandate from the Greek people and called
on all concerned "to assume their responsibilities."
Meanwhile, Government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said the upshot
of the cabinet meeting was the reconfirmation of the position in
favor of dialogue with the farmers. Mr. Reppas noted however
that Transport and Communications Minister Haris Kastanidis had
proposed that the government seek a vote of confidence in
Parliament.
The spokesman said that Mr. Simitis had replied to the proposal
underlining that the confidence of Parliament was a given fact,
since the government had not yet completed three months in power
since general elections in September and "the popular mandate is
still fresh."
Replying to reporters' questions, Mr. Reppas said that the issue
of using the police to remove the farmers' blockades had not
been raised at the cabinet meeting, adding that the government
was not even considering such an eventuality.
Commenting on a proposal by ruling PASOK party Executive
Committee member Pantelis Economou who has called for the
formation of an inter-party committee to assume the role of
intermediary between the government and the farmers, Mr. Reppas
said "We are not at war to need peace keepers."
[02] Farmers' reactions
Athens, 11/12/1996 (ANA)
Responding to the premier's statements, the farmers decided to
intensify their protest action and called on their colleagues
throughout the country to "join the fight" and buttress
roadblocks.
A statement issued after a meeting of the Struggle Coordinating
Committee at the large Viokarpet roadblock near Larissa said
farmers would not give in before being vindicated, and called on
party leaders to visit the region and discuss their problem s.
The Committee's chairman, Mr. Patakis, said during a large rally
held under torrential rain in Karditsa earlier in the day that
the farmers would not give in if the government did not meet at
least six of their 14 demands.
The Coordinating Committee is to meet anew today to determine
any further course of action.
[03] New Democracy criticism
Athens, 11/12/1996 (ANA)
Main opposition New Democracy party leader Miltiades Evert later
criticized the premier's attitude towards the farmers' issue.
Referring to what he termed "inhuman behavior," Mr. Evert said
that Mr. Simitis should have embraced the farmers from the
beginning and should fly to Larissa in order to explain to them
that the economy cannot afford to grant their requests.
The ND leader said that with his statements earlier in the day,
the premier tried to turn one group of farmers against the
other, adding that "Mr. Simitis will be morally defeated in this
case."
Mr. Evert said the best way to handle the farmers' issue was
through direct communication instead of threats and
proclamations, leaving the possibility open to meet in person
with the farmers.
"If the farmers' coordinating committee wants to meet with me
then I will go (to Larissa) or I will be available to them in
Athens," he said.
"We politicians have the obligation to engage in dialogue with
social groups," he added.
[04] No shortages on Christmas market, minister promises
Athens, 11/12/1996 (ANA)
Meanwhile, Development Under-secretary Michalis Chrysohoidis
provided assurances yesterday that the Christmas market would
not face shortages, and that supplies and prices were continuing
at normal levels.
Minor problems were observed in the distribution of fuels, milk
and a number of raw materials.
Farmers who had blockaded the Irakleion to Hania highway on
Crete on Monday, suspended their mobilizations and lifted the
blockades at midnight yesterday.
The Patras Port Authority announced yesterday that extra ferry
routes to Corinth and Piraeus are taking place at unscheduled
times, depending on the evolving situation. Anyone interested
should contact STRINTZIS LINES, tel. (01)- 622602, and MINOAN
LINE S, tel. (01)- 427100.
The Panhellenic Exporters' Association said yesterday that
according to its estimates, 80 per cent of the daily seven
billion drachmas worth of Greek exports had been practically
suspended, half of them being agricultural produce, and with a
significant amount of them being perishable.
[05] British Foreign Office appeal
London, 11/12/1996 (ANA - L. Tsirigotakis)
The British Foreign Office, speaking in relation to 100 British
transport lorries blocked in northern Greece, said it had
contacted all sides involved in the dispute, appealing for a
quick end to it.
"It is regrettable that 100 British lorry drivers have been
entangled in an internal dispute," the statement said.
In a travel directive issued, the Foreign Office warned that the
strike began by port workers yesterday is likely to have an
immediate affect on the Patras - Italy route.
[06] Avramopoulos pledges the support of local Gov't as he receives
Turkish businessmen
Athens, 11/12/1996 (ANA)
Athens Mayor Dimitris Avramopoulos yesterday told a visiting
delegation of Turkish businessmen that local government in
Greece and Turkey could play an important role in the creation
of "a new atmosphere" in both countries.
Mr. Avramopoulos received the delegation at the town hall this
morning. The 60-member delegation is one of the largest of
Turkish businessmen ever to travel abroad.
The delegates are attending a two-day conference of the
Greek-Turkish Business Co-operation Council which opened here on
Monday.
"The time has come to pave the way for closer co-operation," Mr.
Avramopoulos said, calling on the business world to act as a
"channel" for closer bilateral relations.
He stressed in particular the need to overcome the problem of
what he called "the psychological factor" which impedes closer
ties between the two neighbors.
Mr. Avramopoulos asked the Turkish delegates to try and
understand that there were specific political problems which
must be resolved, the "key", as he put it, being the continuing
Turkish occupation of Cyprus.
"The Turkish government must at long last provide a solution, in
order to substantially open the way for an improvement in
bilateral relations," he said.
At the same time, Mr. Avramopoulos urged "the raising of the
flag for better co-operation in the economic sector", as well as
for common interests and common areas for action to be
identified "in order to place yet another brick in the wall
which will protect us".
During the meeting, which took place in a good atmosphere, Mr.
Avramopoulos described the Turkish businessmen as "the European
expression of contemporary Turkey." He urged them to unceasingly
link the future of their country with the European Union and
expressed the hope for even closer co-operation with his local
government counterparts in Turkey.
The head of the Turkish delegation, Rahmi Koc, who is the
president of Turkey's biggest business conglomerate and also
president of the Turkish-Greek Business Council, said he was
convinced that rapprochement between the two countries would be
reality " in the not too distant future".
[07] Meeting with Niles
Athens, 11/12/1996 (ANA)
Before the meeting with Mr. Avramopoulos, the Turkish delegation
was received by US Ambassador in Athens Thomas Niles.
According to informed sources, Mr. Niles urged the businessmen
of both countries to implement specific business plans,
expressing the view that this would undoubtedly lead to a
substantial improvement in the political climate prevailing
between Greece and Turkey.
[08] 'Greece will not accept Turkey's entry to EU, WEU' through the
window
Brussels, 11/12/1996 (ANA - M. Spinthourakis)
NATO's Council of Foreign Ministers session, which ended
yesterday, focused on the alliance's enlargement eastwards and
on its restructuring, Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos told
reporters after the meeting.
Mr. Pangalos also spoke of Turkey's attempts to use NATO's
ministerial session to impose the upgrading of its participation
in the European Union's defense wing, the West European Union.
Taking the floor yesterday, Turkish Foreign Minister Tansu
Ciller referred to the WEU's ministerial session in Ostend on
November 19, saying a member-state (Greece) had not accepted
Turkey's participation with full rights in planning and
implementing WEU missions and for which the use of NATO's
infrastructures is required.
In a statement to the press in Ostend on November 19, Ms. Ciller
had said that if the WEU does not decide to accept the Turkish
claim, then it will refer the issue to NATO and prevent whatever
logistical support for WEU missions by NATO.
Turkey recently threatened to not accept any reference to
relations between the WEU and NATO in the ministerial session's
final communiqui unless its positions are accepted.
However, noting that most of NATO's member-states disagreed with
its methods, the Turkish government reduced its demands.
Thus NATO's final communiqui, issued yesterday, "expresses its
satisfaction over the constant intensification of its
co-operation with the WEU".
The communiqui also said that at the Ostend session, WEU
ministers had stated that WEU "is ready to participate actively"
in NATO's defense planning and that "the WEU is pursuing the
attainment of an agreement at present on the issue of the
participation of all of NATO's European members in planning and
implementing operations carried out by the WEU, using NATO's
means and potential."
Commenting on the final communiqui, Mr. Pangalos said NATO's
institutional segregation from the WEU is clear, adding that
Greece will not accept Turkey's entry "to the European Union and
the WEU through the window."
The foreign minister said that in his address at the ministerial
session, he reiterated the proposal submitted by Greece for the
creation of a conventional mechanism as part of NATO to resolve
possible differences among member-states.
"Greece will continue to support and promote its proposal and
soon we will submit a draft protocol on the creation of a
conventional mechanism, attaching it to the course towards
enlargement," he said.
Speaking at a press conference at the end of the session, NATO
Secretary-General Javier Solana referred to the problem of
NATO's mediating activities when differences exist between
member-states.
Mr. Solana avoided comment on the essence of the Greek proposal,
but said that in general, NATO has procedures for resolving
problems among member-states.
Diplomatic sources in Brussels said yesterday that the issue
might be discussed in January in the framework of Mr. Solana's
visit to Athens.
Mr. Pangalos said that references were made during yesterday's
talks to the issue of allied headquarters. He said Greece did
not accept a proposal by Turkey according to which the duties of
either NATO's air or naval subheadquarters could be transferred
from Naples, Italy, to Izmir and in exchange Turkey accept the
creation of an allied inter-branch regional headquarters in
Larisa, Greece, on condition of an alternating Turkish and Greek
commander.
Mr. Pangalos said that this proposal had been made in the past,
making it clear that Greece will not consider it, particularly
considering the current tension in Greek-Turkish relations.
Strong objections were also voiced by Italy, Mr. Pangalos said,
which stressed that there is no question of NATO's present
balances being changed.
A decision was taken for NATO's summit to take place in Madrid
in July 1997, the foreign minister said, adding that Greece
agreed with the choice and that it supports the creation of "a
special relationship" between NATO, Russia and Ukraine.
Mr. Pangalos said briefly met Ms. Ciller, but no private
discussions took place.
[09] US State Department spokesman refers to central Aegean islet
Washington, 11/12/1996 (ANA - T. Ellis)
US State Department spokesman Glyn Davis yesterday referred to
the sovereignty of the central Aegean islet of Kalogiroi.
Replying to a question, Mr. Davis said the islet "on maps of the
US government, appears as being Greek. This is the perception we
have concerning the status of the island. This does not
constitute a great political statement further than that it
appears as Greek on US maps.
"However, in general in these cases of disputed islets, we do
not take a position and it is up to the Greeks and the Turks to
solve their differences. The US has no reason to take a position
over the sovereignty of territories which do not belong to us or
we do not have claims on".
[10] Simitis in The Hague on last stop before Dublin summit
Athens, 11/12/1996 (ANA)
Prime Minister Costas Simitis is scheduled to leave for The
Hague today on the last stop of his tour of European capitals
before the Dublin summit.
Mr. Simitis has already visited other European countries as part
of his tour and has met representatives of the Irish European
Union presidency in Athens. Similar trips have also been
undertaken by Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos and Alternate
Foreign Minister George Papandreou.
The prime minister arrives in Dublin tomorrow to represent
Greece at the European Council which signals the end of the
Irish EU presidency.
[11] Greek, Cypriot defense ministers to continue talks today
Athens, 11/12/1996 (ANA)
National Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos had two hours of
talks yesterday morning with his Cyprus counterpart Costas
Eliades which, according to informed sources, focused on the
implementation of the two countries' joint defense doctrine.
After the meeting, both ministers declined to make any
statement. Mr. Tsohatzopoulos and Mr. Eliades, who met for talks
recently in Cyprus, are expected to continue their discussion at
the national defense ministry today.
[12] Academic claims Turkey has already settled sovereignty of Imia
Athens, 11/12/1996 (ANA)
A distinguished academic yesterday shed further light on the
background to the Imia issue, announcing that he had discovered
evidence that Turkey had in the past agreed to refer the matter
to the International Court at the Hague.
The announcement serves as further proof of the groundlessness
of Ankara's disputing of Greece's sovereignty of the Aegean
islets, which brought the two countries to the brink of war in
January this year.
In an interview with the Macedonian Press Agency (MPA),
Professor of International Law Dimitris Constantopoulos said he
had discovered a 1929 agreement between Turkey and Italy to
refer the Imia issue to the International Court, in order for
the latter to decide whether the islets belonged to Greece or
Turkey.
"Meanwhile, Italy and Turkey signed a treaty in 1932 and a
protocol in December the same year which clearly state which
islets belong to Turkey and which to Greece. So, in 1933 Italy
and Turkey withdrew their recourse to the International Court,"
Mr. Constantopoulos said, stressing that the 1932 treaty and
protocol both recognized Greek sovereignty of Imia.
"This has not been announced in the past. Perhaps apart from the
Turkish government it was known only to the Italian foreign
ministry," Mr. Constantopoulos added.
[13] Striking diplomats to meet finance under-secretary today
Athens, 11/12/1996 (ANA)
Finance Under-secretary Nikos Christodoulakis is to meet with
the Union of Diplomatic Employees today in an effort to find a
solution to financial demands made by diplomats, who have been
striking since last week after the government decided to tax
overseas bonuses. The diplomats are expected to turn up for work
as normal today in view of the meeting.
In a recent statement, Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos
stressed his understanding for the diplomats' demands, saying
that Greek diplomatic employees are paid less than their
European colleagues.
The outcome of the meeting will determine whether the strike
will continue. With all diplomats participating in the strike,
the Greek delegation for the Dublin summit risks being without
diplomatic support if no solution is found during today's
meeting.
[14] Skopje to propose name to Greece
Sofia, 11/12/1996 (ANA-N.Hios)
According to the Skopje newspaper "Dvevnik" the Skopje
government will propose the name "Macedonia Republic-Skopje
Capital" for discussion with the Greek government at talks in
New York on the issue of the state's name.
Quoting foreign diplomatic circles, the newspaper says the fresh
proposal could easily be endorsed by the Skopjan government and
has been accepted in past consultations.
According to the report, Athens is seeking to submit the name of
"Slavomacedonia" for discussion, a proposal which in the past
has been rejected by Skopje.
[15] Greek issues to be promoted in Congress
Washington, 11/12/1996 (ANA - A. Ellis)
The American Hellenic Institute Public Affairs Committee
(AHIPAC) announced three one-day conferences focusing on
promoting Greek issues in Congress.
The three conferences will be held immediately after the opening
of the new Congress in early January and will be organized by
AHIPAC in co-operation with AHEPA and the Hellenic American
National Council (HANC), with support by the Cypriot,
Panepirotic, Pancretan and Panchian Federation of America.
The first conference will be held in New York on January 11, the
second in Los Angeles on January 25 and the third in Chicago on
February 8.
The conferences will discuss issues concerning the
Greek-American community and will adopt common positions on
individual issues which will then be forwarded to Congress.
[16] Farmers' blockade and flooding threaten livelihood of 4.000
workers in Xanthi
Athens, 11/12/1996 (ANA)
An industry representative in Xanthi warned yesterday that over
4,000 workers, craftsmen and employees would be out of a job if
a solution was not found within the week to problems caused in
Thrace by recent floods and the farmers' blockade of roads.
"We have no raw materials to operate our enterprises. Orders
worth millions of drachmas have been canceled. Exports have come
to a halt because the borders with Turkey and Bulgaria are
closed," Dimitris Bezermelis, president of the Industrialists'
Association of Xanthi told the ANA.
"Though no fault of our own, we have been labeled insolvent by
the importers with whom we co-operate. If the state does not
help us immediately, we shall be forced to close our businesses
and this will be a particularly severe blow for our region which
already has a high rate of unemployment," Mr. Bezermelis added.
The presidents of industrial and commercial associations of
Xanthi have meanwhile sent a memorandum to Prime Minister Costas
Simitis requesting immediate financial assistance amounting to
50 per cent of the total losses incurred from the floods.
They are also requesting favorable bank loans by the end of the
year to cope with the other 50 per cent of losses, a two-year
suspension of undertakings' outstanding debts to banks without
the calculation of default interest and other accommodations.
[17] 2,000 workers laid off
Athens, 11/12/1996 (ANA)
In a related development, the Vice-President of the Panhellenic
Association of Fruit and Vegetable Exporters, Dimitris
Maratzidis told the ANA that over 2,000 workers in fruit
standardization and export companies had been temporarily laid
off since the start of the farmers' protests almost two weeks
ago.
Mr. Maratzidis said many businessmen in the branch were
considering taking legal action against "all persons
responsible" for the financial losses they have incurred. "Each
day that passes, we are losing orders from major supermarkets in
Germany, the Netherlands and Austria. Meanwhile, the Spanish are
rushing to fill the gap. The situation is so bad that many
companies will not be able to pay their employees the Christmas
bonus," Mr. Maratzidis said.
He maintained that the farmers' protests were not only hitting
companies active in the processing, standardization and export
of fruit and vegetables but also the producers themselves.
"This is because the refrigerated trucks stranded (by the
farmers' blockades) in northern Greece which were headed for
abroad are loaded with fruit and vegetables which will reach
European markets at a considerably increased cost, due to the
delays, and also because of the higher freight charges since in
some cases the trucks have had to travel from Piraeus to
Thessaloniki by ferry-boat," Mr. Martatzidis said.
Most of the workers laid off are believed to be in the
prefectures of Imathia and Pella, where many of the fruit
standardization and export companies are based.
[18] GSEE to stage rally outside Parliament on December 17
Athens, 11/12/1996 (ANA)
The General Confederation of Workers of Greece (GSEE) yesterday
decided to call a rally outside Parliament on December 17, the
day the new state budget is to be ratified.
The Confederation also decided to hold a three-hour work
stoppage in the Attica region and in nearby towns at the end of
the morning shift.
The decisions taken were based on votes by the PASKE union
(affiliated to the ruling socialists) and the Autonomous
Intervention (affiliated to the Coalition of the Left and
Progress party). The ESAK union group, affiliated to the
Communist Party of Greece (KKE), supported an escalation of
mobilizations with a 24-hour nationwide strike and a rally on
January 17.
The DAKE union group (affiliated to the conservative New
Democracy party) walked out of the meeting after accusing PASKE
of "government unionism", although some unionists interpreted
the move as helping PASKE through a difficult meeting.
The farmers' mobilizations were discussed in a tense atmosphere,
with PASKE unionists criticizing the policy of blockading
national roads.
Unionists affiliated to opposition parties said that a defeat of
the farmers would have negative consequences for the labor union
movement.
[19] Seminar on the National Land Registry
Athens, 11/12/1996 (ANA)
The Athens Bar Association has organized a seminar on the
National Land Register for tonight at 7 p.m. at its offices at
Akadimias 60.
The seminar will be addressed by Bar Association President
Antonis Roubakiotis and others and will address issues such as
the advice lawyers can give clients, legal issues and the
experience gained from the drafting of the register in Rhodes
and Kos.
[20] Premier meets with pensioners during Cabinet meeting
Athens, 11/12/1996 (ANA)
Prime Minister Costas Simitis interrupted a Cabinet meeting he
was chairing yesterday to meet with representatives of
protesting pensioners who had stood in the rain for two hours
outside Parliament.
After the meeting, pensioners' representative Christos Triantis
and Under-secretary to the Prime Minister's Office George
Paschalidis told reporters that the dialogue between pensioners
and the competent minister, Miltiades Papaioannou would continue
at the labor and social security ministry.
Mr. Triantis said the prime minister had reiterated that the
state of the economy did not allow the satisfaction of
pensioners' demands for higher benefits.
He said he had responded by pointing out that the government had
"given away" hundreds of billions of drachmas to oil companies
and football clubs.
Mr. Paschalidis underlined that "the road to dialogue" was that
which would bring results.
[21] Demonstrations around the country
Athens, 11/12/1996 (ANA)
Pensioners demonstrated around the country yesterday in support
of their demands for parity with 20 daily wages of an unskilled
worker, improved health care and others.
In Thessaloniki, hundreds marched through the streets to the
Macedonia-Thrace ministry after a rally at the Thessaloniki
Labor Center, while Larissa was the venue for pensioners from
Volos, Trikala and Karditsa.
[22] Teachers, education ministry employees, join strike action
Athens, 11/12/1996 (ANA)
Education ministry employees yesterday decided to hold two
three-hour work stoppages and to participate in the 24-hour
strike called by the Civil Servants' Supreme Administrative
Council (ADEDY) on December 17, calling for their salaries to be
incorporate d in the uniform pay scale for civil servants.
The work stoppages will be held from noon to 3 pm on Thursday
and on December 19, while protest rallies outside the ministry
building will also be held on those days.
Meanwhile, teachers at state secondary schools begin a three-day
strike today while private school teachers are holding a 24-hour
strike to support demands for higher salaries.
[23] EIB approves funding for Rio-Antirrio bridge
Athens, 11/12/1996 (ANA)
The European Investment Bank (EIB) has approved 370 million ECU
for the Rio-Antirrio bridge project, which will connect the
Peloponnese with mainland Greece, National Economy Minister
Yiannos Papantoniou announced yesterday.
This brings the total amount approved by EIB for projects in
Greece this year to 2.500 million ECU, compared to amounts up to
500 million in past years.
The other most important projects approved are the new Athens
airport at Spata (1,000 million ECU), natural gas (300 million)
and the Stavros-Elefsina east-west highway north of Athens (875
million).
[24] Fifteenth century topographical guide of Greek islands auctioned
at Sotheby's
London, 11/12/1996 (ANA - L. Tsirigotakis)
The first tourist and topographical guide of the Greek islands,
made by the Italian traveler Cristoforo Boldemonti in the early
15th century, was sold at Sotheby's yesterday for 150,000 pounds
sterling, at three times the initial appraisal. The identity of
the buyer was not disclosed.
Boldemonti, influenced by classical Greece, arrived on the
island of Rhodes in 1415 to learn the Greek language and stayed
there for eight years. He then made a six-year tour of all the
islands of the Greek archipelago, starting from the Ionian
islands, the Cyclades and the Dodecanese and, after a stop in
Constantinople, went on to Samothrace, Thasos, Evoia and Aigina.
The historical book's last owners were an Italian family living
in Switzerland.
End of English language section.
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