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Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 97-01-08

Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

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

ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No 1083), January 8, 1997

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


CONTENTS

  • [01] Greece to undertake efforts to brief int'l community on Cyprus' defense upgrading
  • [02] Moscow rejects criticism
  • [03] Cyprus dismisses criticism over arms deal
  • [04] President Clerides sends message to Russian FM
  • [05] Cavanaugh to visit region
  • [06] Russian Deputy Foreign Minister to visit Cyprus
  • [07] Erbakan response
  • [08] ND leadership agree on framework for party congress at end of March
  • [09] Turkish military exercise reported in Aegean
  • [10] Tsohatzopoulos: Turkish military wants to change Aegean borders
  • [11] EDEK delegation to meet with PASOK leadership, Gov't officials
  • [12] Simitis to participate in Socialist Int'l meeting in Rome
  • [13] Prime Minister back to work on Thursday
  • [14] Art exhibitions slated on Cultural Capital schedule
  • [15] Licenses to be issued for specially adapted taxis
  • [16] Agreement reached on mayors' compensation issue
  • [17] Works at Prinos port near completion
  • [18] Local government workers strike
  • [19] National Bank lowers interest rates
  • [20] Low December turnover prompts early start to sales
  • [21] Popular handicrafts sector posts disappointing '96 performance
  • [22] Tzoumakas to discuss problems with Nestos farmers
  • [23] Greece to participate in Canadian Food Show

  • [01] Greece to undertake efforts to brief int'l community on Cyprus' defense upgrading

    Athens, 08/01/1997 (ANA)

    Athens yesterday reiterated its defense of Cyprus' decision to purchase Russian-made S-300 surface-to-air missiles, saying it constituted "the independent initiative of the Cyprus Republic".

    Government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said that the decision had been dictated by the "unusual conditions" prevailing on the island, namely, the occupation and presence of foreign (Turkish) troops. The multi-million dollar arms deal was signed in Moscow on Saturday.

    Turkish troops, currently estimated at 35,000 men, have occupied 37 per cent of Cyprus since 1974, in violation of repeated UN resolutions calling for their withdrawal.

    Asked to comment on the reaction to the deal from several countries, including the United States, which fear an escalation of armaments programs in the region, Mr. Reppas replied:

    "They who are concerned about armaments should bring their pressure to bear on Turkey, in order for it to accept the proposal of the Cyprus government and withdraw its army of occupation from the island."

    Cyprus' armaments program is being carried out in correlation with the finding of a viable solution to the problem, Mr. Reppas said, adding that in "no case does it discourage initiatives such as the pending US initiative, for the finding of a solution."

    Mr. Reppas said Athens would undertake initiatives to brief the international community on Cyprus' decision to upgrade its defense capability and the government's support for this effort.

    The foreign ministry, on its part, said in a statement that "Cyprus, as an independent state, has every right to bolster the feeling of security of its citizens."

    "This is particularly true when the Turkish occupation of 37 per cent of the island and the presence of 35,000 well-armed Turkish troops continues," the ministry statement added.

    Nicosia had every right to implement programs of a defensive nature, it continued, in tandem with the search for a "just, viable and permanent" settlement of the Cyprus problem, and since the proposal by Cyprus President Glafcos Clerides for the demilitarization of the island had not been accepted by Ankara.

    "Cyprus threatens nobody, it is others who in the past have used armed force," it stated.

    "Greece will use all means at its disposal with international organizations and friendly governments concerning Ankara's efforts -as expressed with a series of threatening statements aimed at the creation of de facto guardianship over Cyprus - not to succeed.

    "What is needed is the essence of the problem to be dealt with so that a solution in line with international law and UN resolutions be found," the ministry added.

    Political Spring party leader Antonis Samaras said it is the duty of all to ensure a continuation of Cyprus' decision to buy the missiles.

    "This can be the only decisive response to Turkey's threats and to the voices of hypocrisy coming from western governments," he said.

    [02] Moscow rejects criticism

    Moscow, 08/01/1997 (ANA - D. Constantakopoulos/Reuter)

    Reactions caused by Ankara's threats against Cyprus regarding the latter's decision to purchase missiles from Russia have been strongly expressed by a Russian foreign ministry official, who said that Cypriot-Russian co-operation in the defense sector was a matter of bilateral relations.

    Stressing that the sale of Russian weapons did not violate international law or any international treaties, Gennady Tarasov, the head of the Russian foreign ministry's information department, said that no third party had the right to interfere.

    Dismissing international criticism of Moscow's sale of anti-aircraft missiles to Cyprus, Mr. Tarasov insisted that the deal would not change the military balance on the divided island.

    "There are no grounds to view the purchases of certain types of defensive weapons by the legal and internationally recognized government of the Republic of Cyprus as a threat to anyone," he added.

    "They do not change the balance of forces," Mr. Tarasov said, calling the arms trade "an inalienable right" of sovereign states and saying Russia wanted to continue its armaments co-operation with Cyprus.

    Mr. Tarasov said Moscow was prepared to co-operate with other interested countries to seek a lasting settlement on the island within the framework laid down by the UN, and based on its gradual demilitarization, he said.

    But he noted that west European countries were also offering arms to Cyprus.

    Meanwhile, the Itar-Tass News Agency quoted defense commentator Gen. Nikolai Leonov as saying: "The main reason for the fuss is an attempt to squeeze Russia out of the world arms market and to strangle the military industrial complex, so that the Russia n defense industry loses its competitiveness."

    Meanwhile, sources close to diplomatic circles in Russia told ANA that Moscow has categorically rejected Turkish demarches over the sale of Russian weapons to Cyprus, citing the 1996 United Nations secretary general's report on Cyprus that the Turkish-occupied north ranks amongst the most heavily militarized zones in the world, and calling upon Turkey to help towards demilitarization of Cyprus.

    Russian Prime Minister Viktor Chernomyrdin also supported the demilitarization of the island during a recent meeting with Turkish Foreign Minister Tansu Ciller.

    In Thessaloniki, Russia's First General Consul to Greece, Oleg Voronkov, told reporters that "Cyprus is an independent state and we will support, as we have done in the past, its territorial integrity."

    [03] Cyprus dismisses criticism over arms deal

    Nicosia, 08/01/1997 (ANA/CNA)

    The government yesterday dismissed accusations, mainly from foreign countries, that its military build-up would hamper the peace process.

    The government has also criticized the US, which strongly opposes the purchase agreement of Russian S300 surface-to-air missiles by Cyprus, for not adopting the same attitude over the years towards Turkey's military presence on the island.

    "Those who react are making a big mistake if they believe that boosting our defense capability is an obstacle to the peace effort for a settlement of the Cyprus question," government spokesman Yiannakis Cassoulides said here yesterday.

    He said the government's desire to see the problem solved "shall not be modified because of the effective upgrading of our defense capability."

    "We consider that boosting our defenses will facilitate the peace process because we see that Turkish intransigence and arrogance stems from its military superiority due to the presence of the Turkish occupation troops in Cyprus", Mr. Cassoulides said.

    The spokesman said the government will not use these arms "unless it is attacked."

    "We know very well what self-restraint means and we are well aware of what reason dictates," he remarked.

    He also said there was no reason for concern and noted that at this stage talk about "either military measures or a Turkish offensive" is unwarranted.

    "No reasonable man would believe that Cyprus will use its armed forces, the National Guard, to launch an offensive. I would also like to assure the Turkish Cypriots that they are in no danger at all," he stressed.

    Referring specifically to American reaction to the agreement for the purchase of the Russian missiles, Mr. Cassoulides pointed out that the US did not react in a similar fashion when Turkey vastly upgraded its occupation troops on the island.

    He said the Turkish occupation troops are armed with US-made and NATO weapons in contravention to US law and NATO principles.

    "Such weapons are meant to be used against possible NATO enemies. Cyprus is certainly not one of them," Mr. Cassoulides noted.

    He also rapped US criticism of the purchase, that it would upset regional stability.

    "Has our region experienced stability with the presence of 35,000 Turkish troops and its 400 armored vehicles in Cyprus or with the absolute air superiority by the Turkish air force?" Mr. Cassoulides wondered.

    He stressed in no uncertain terms that the agreement on the Russian S300 air-defense missiles will not be canceled and said Cyprus went ahead with the arms deal with that country which was ready to sell the necessary armaments to Cyprus at the right price.

    The US, he explained, has an arms sale embargo to Cyprus.

    [04] President Clerides sends message to Russian FM

    Nicosia, 08/01/1997 (ANA/CNA)

    Cyprus President Glafcos Clerides is conveying a message to Russian Foreign Minister Yevgeni Primakov on the Cyprus problem.

    The message, expected to be personally delivered by the leader of the main opposition left-wing party AKEL, Demetris Christofias, is in reply to Mr. Primakov's letter to the Cypriot president in October.

    No details were made available about the contents of either message.

    Speaking on departure for Moscow earlier yesterday, Mr. Christofias did not disclose anything concerning his mission to Moscow, where he is scheduled to meet with Mr. Primakov.

    The AKEL leader fully backed the government's decision to buy the Russian-made S-300 surface-to-air missiles to safeguard Cyprus' defense capability.

    "The Republic, which has been and continues to be under Turkish occupation for the past 22 years, is trying to secure such defenses that would not allow the occupation power to take chances at will," Mr. Christofias said.

    He described the reaction of foreign governments concerning the arms deal as "unacceptable and excessive," and called on the government to evaluate the fuss created over the purchase.

    "Those who are so concerned about the anti-aircraft missiles purchase must move in the direction of Turkey to persuade it to change its tune," Mr. Christofias noted.

    [05] Cavanaugh to visit region

    Nicosia, 08/01/1997 (ANA - G. Leonidas)

    The US government is sending the State Department's official responsible for southern Europe, Carey Cavanaugh, to visit the region this weekend. The official is to make efforts to smooth relations following the signing of the missile sale.

    According to a Cypriot Broadcasting Corporation (CyBC) correspondent in New York, Under-secretary of State John Kornblum told members of the Greek-American community that Mr. Cavanaugh's first stop will be The Hague, where he is to meet with European officials concerned over the situation.

    Mr. Cavanaugh is then scheduled to visit Nicosia, Athens and Ankara.

    In a related development, US Ambassador in Nicosia, Kenneth Brill, yesterday issued a demarche to President Clerides, concerning the missile sale.

    Speaking to CyBC, Mr. Brill said the concerns and demarches of his country's government regarding the sale stems from Washington's friendship toward Cyprus.

    [06] Russian Deputy Foreign Minister to visit Cyprus

    Nicosia, 08/01/1997 (ANA/CNA)

    Russian Deputy Foreign Minister responsible for Balkan and Cyprus affairs, Nikolai Afanasefski, will visit the island in late January.

    According to the Russian news agency Novosti, Mr. Afanasefski's visit is an attempt on the part of Moscow to stress that any initiative launched on Cyprus should be a coordinated effort involving all UN Security Council permanent members.

    Novosti also reports that the Russian official will have meetings with representatives of the two communities in Cyprus.

    The visit is described as a continuation of Moscow's active interest in efforts towards a Cyprus settlement and follows a letter by Russian Foreign Minister Yevgeni Primakov to President Glafcos Clerides.

    [07] Erbakan response

    Istanbul, 08/01/1997(ANA)

    Turkish Prime Minister Necmettin Erbakan yesterday said that the Cyprus issue constituted Turkey's primary concern.

    "The Cyprus issue is Turkey's national issue," Mr. Erbakan said in an address to his party's parliamentary group.

    Mr. Erbakan said "Cyprus's unification with Greece" could not be directly or indirectly accepted by Turkey either through Cyprus' accession to the European Union or in any other way, adding however, that the self-styled "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus" will "be led to unification with Turkey."

    Turkey is the only country that recognizes the Turkish-occupied part of Cyprus as a state.

    In a related development, Republican People's Party (CHP) leader Deniz Baykal forecast a crisis in Cyprus.

    "A new war preparation is in the process in Cyprus. This preparation will be answered. Nobody will remain silent to efforts being made for the creation of faits accomplis in Cyprus," he told his party's parliamentary group.

    [08] ND leadership agree on framework for party congress at end of March

    Athens, 08/01/1997 (ANA)

    Main opposition New Democracy's leadership yesterday reached an agreement on the framework and terms for the holding of an upcoming party congress, despite disagreement on a number of separate points. Party president Miltiades Evert met with ND vi ce-president Ioannis Varvitsiotis and main leadership contender George Souflias to discuss the conditions on which the party's congress will be held.

    Mr. Souflias disagreed with the election of additional delegates from the party's regional organizations by the seven-member presidiums of local committees - which Mr. Evert accepted at the proposal of Mr. Varvitsiotis - insisting that they should be elected directly by party members.

    However, Mr. Souflias indicated that he would participate in the congress, saying it would be held "despite what the prophets of doom claim."

    Additionally, Mr. Evert accepted a proposal put forward by Mr. Souflias and Mr. Varvitsiotis that former premier George Rallis should preside over the congress' organizing committee and also that the heads of the party's five largest secretariats involved in the preparation of the congress should be replaced by "generally accepted" persons one and a half months before the holding of the congress.

    The congress will eventually be held one month later than initially announced, specifically between March 28-30, in order to give time for two pre-congress conferences, which will focus on issues related to the party's charter and program.

    Mr. Souflias and Mr. Varvitsiotis described yesterday's meeting as constructive, a view echoed by a spokesman for the party.

    Meanwhile, 22 ND deputies have sent a letter to the three top cadres asking that the congress be held "on terms and in accordance with procedures that have the broadest possible acceptance."

    [09] Turkish military exercise reported in Aegean

    Athens, 08/01/1997 (ANA)

    Turkey began a small-scale military exercise yesterday in the central and northern Aegean, according to reports.

    The exercise, which is scheduled to be completed tomorrow, is being discreetly followed by Greek military units.

    [10] Tsohatzopoulos: Turkish military wants to change Aegean borders

    Athens, 08/01/1997 (ANA)

    National Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos yesterday accused Turkey of following a policy of "controlled crises" in the Aegean, which aim at creating faits accomplis.

    In an interview with the Athens daily "Ta Nea", Mr. Tsohatzopoulos also revealed that the Turkish armed forces since 1995 "have established as a national interest the change of borders in the Aegean, and have been preparing militarily in this direction" .

    Mr. Tsohatzopoulos stressed that if Greek sovereignty was disputed, "there will be an immediate response, which will be far more effective than Ankara can imagine." In the present phase, he added, Greece has the right and obligation "to condemn Turkey's behavior as a destabilizing force in the region..."

    He also called on Greece's allies in the European Union and NATO to intensify their efforts in the direction of Turkey, "if they want stability to be safeguarded in the region".

    On the issue of armaments, Mr. Tsohatzopoulos expressed his preference for qualitative supremacy as opposed to quantitative competition with Turkey.

    When asked if Greece considered purchasing Russian-made weaponry, he said nothing could be ruled out with respect to any market in terms of defense procurements.

    He also confirmed that the first major procurements in Greece's recently upgraded defense program would take place in 1997.

    Asked to comment on the interview, government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said the government shared the defense minister's views.

    "Turkey's moves are aggressive, challenge our sovereign rights or undermine our national interests," the spokesman said.

    Replying to a question on the nature of Greece's response to any escalation in Turkish aggressiveness, Mr. Reppas said that "anyone can conjecture about the response, however, it will not be to extend the hand of friendship to Turkey."

    Meanwhile, main opposition New Democracy party leader Miltiades Evert yesterday called on Prime Minister Simitis to agree to a meeting of the council of party leaders in order to define what he called a unified and long-term foreign and defense policy.

    Mr. Evert put a question to Mr. Simitis in Parliament yesterday and in light of the views expressed by Mr. Tsohatzopoulos concerning Turkish provocations in the Aegean.

    He noted that political parties "have not been briefed" on these views, and added that necessary demarches have not been made to international organizations, saying that "the president of the republic probably has not been briefed as well."

    [11] EDEK delegation to meet with PASOK leadership, Gov't officials

    Athens, 08/01/1997 (ANA)

    A three-member delegation of the Cypriot EDEK socialist party, headed by its president Vassos Lyssarides, will arrive in Athens for an official three-day visit tomorrow following an invitation by the ruling PASOK party. The invitation was extended within the framework of an exchange of views with island republic political parties on the Cyprus issue.

    The delegation is to meet with Prime Minister and PASOK party President Costas Simitis and have talks with PASOK secretary Costas Skandalidis as well as other party representatives.

    The Cypriot delegation is also scheduled to be received by President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos and Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis, and will also meet with several ministers and the leaders of political parties.

    [12] Simitis to participate in Socialist Int'l meeting in Rome

    Rome, 08/01/1997 (ANA - L. Hatzikyriakos)

    Prime Minister Costas Simitis will arrive here at the end of the month to attend the sessions of the Socialist International.

    The Jan. 21-22 gathering marks the group's first gathering after a conference held in New York last September.

    Leaders and prime ministers of parties belonging to the Socialist International will participate in a general assembly, due to begin on Jan. 21.

    Socialist leaders are expected to focus on the Middle East and support for the on-going peace agreement, implementation of the Dayton Accord, resolving the crisis in Zaire, Rwanda and Burundi, as well as reform and renewal of the Socialist International. The possibility of other issues being discussed also cannot be ruled out, reports state.

    [13] Prime Minister back to work on Thursday

    Athens, 08/01/1997 (ANA)

    Prime Minister Costas Simitis will fully resume his duties on Thursday following a successful gallstone operation at the weekend, government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said yesterday.

    Mr. Reppas said the premier would chair a government meeting on national issues on Thursday morning, adding however that it was not yet known who would be attending.

    On Friday morning, Mr. Simitis will participate in and address the Agricultural Policy Council, while later in the day the premier will receive the leader of the Cypriot socialist EDEK party, Vassos Lyssarides.

    Mr. Reppas also announced that the ruling PASOK party's parliamentary group would meet next Wednesday instead of Monday as originally planned.

    [14] Art exhibitions slated on Cultural Capital schedule

    Athens, 08/01/1997 (ANA)

    Two exhibitions were inaugurated yesterday within the framework of events marking "Thessaloniki '97", the Cultural Capital of Europe.

    One is a sculpture exhibition by Max Ernst at the Municipal Gallery, due to last until Feb. 22, while the other is a photo exhibition by Robert Doisneau on the ground floor of the Cultural Capital Organization's building.

    An engraving exhibition by Georg Baselitz will also be inaugurated at the Goethe Institute today and will last until Jan. 28.

    Meanwhile, an exhibition by sculptor Sarkis will be inaugurated tomorrow. That exhibition will take place at the Archaeological Museum and the French Institute, lasting until Feb. 7.

    [15] Licenses to be issued for specially adapted taxis

    Athens, 08/01/1997 (ANA)

    The transport ministry has announced that it will issue licenses for taxis specially adapted to carry disabled passengers, following the acceptance in Parliament yesterday by the government of an amendment by PASOK deputy I. Konstantinidis.

    According to the amendment, seven taxi licenses are to be issued to the Panhellenic Union of Paraplegics for the Athens and Piraeus regions. Three licenses will be issued for the Thessaloniki area, while two taxi licenses are to be issued to all prefect ures with a population of more than 100,000. All other prefectures will be granted one such taxi license.

    The taxis will have to be specially adapted for the transportation of people with severe mobility problems.

    [16] Agreement reached on mayors' compensation issue

    Athens, 08/01/1997 (ANA)

    Finance Under-secretary George Drys and the president of the Central Union of Municipalities and Communities of Greece (KEDKE) Dimitris Avramopoulos agreed yesterday to the idea of independent taxation as the source of 15 per cent of compensation paid to mayors and community leaders.

    Mr. Drys said the government also has a positive attitude towards the claim put forward by KEDKE on the exemption of garbage trucks and other local administration vehicles from circulation dues.

    [17] Works at Prinos port near completion

    Athens, 08/01/1997 (ANA)

    New works at the port of Prinos in Thassos are being completed, while its pier is expected to be covered with cement over an area of 3,500 square meters.

    The port's main pier has a length of 93 meters and a breadth of 23 meters at present. The project is budgeted at 150 million drachmas.

    Completion of the works will primarily enable passenger ships sailing on the Kavala-Prinos route and vice-versa access to the port with greater speed and ease.

    [18] Local government workers strike

    Athens, 08/01/1997 (ANA)

    Local government workers began a 48-hour strike yesterday morning to press their demands for improved financial and pension-related benefits. The demands include a doubling of the lump sum payment given on retirement, the hiring of more workers throughout the country, retirement at the age of 55 and the conversion of seasonal employment contracts to contracts of indefinite duration.

    The President of the Panhellenic Federation of Local Government Organization Employees, Zafeiris Pierros, told the ANA that if the government failed to resolve the problems, the strike would become of indefinite term.

    [19] National Bank lowers interest rates

    Athens, 08/01/1997 (ANA)

    The National Bank of Greece yesterday announced reductions in its basic interest rates, effective immediately.

    Interest on savings accounts and current accounts are reduced by one-half percentage point, to 10.25 per cent and 8.75 per cent respectively.

    In the area of consumer credit, consumer loans are reduced by one percentage point to 22.75 per cent, personal loans by 0.75 percentage point to 24 per cent and interest on credit cards by 0.25 percentage point to 26 per cent, while car loans (direct purchase) are reduced by one percentage point to 20 per cent and interest on purchases (car and merchandise) via retailer are reduced by 0.5 percentage point to 19.5 per cent.

    Basic lending rates for working capital are reduced by 0.75 percentage point to 16.75 per cent, for fixed installations by 1.25 percentage points to 15 percent, and fluctuating interest on housing loans by 0.5 percentage point to 14.75 per cent.

    [20] Low December turnover prompts early start to sales

    Athens, 08/01/1997 (ANA)

    The winter sales season began yesterday around the country earlier than usual due to a number of supermarkets and department stores jumping the gun and cutting prices on goods immediately after Christmas.

    The sales will run through February 28.

    A representative of merchants said retail turnover in December was down by 15-25 per cent, an added incentive to begin the seasonal sales early.

    There was a marked increase in shopping traffic yesterday in the city center as shoppers competed for bargains in clothing and footwear. The clothing sector has marked the biggest discounts - of up to 60 per cent - while footwear discounts are in the region of 25-40 per cent. Discounts in the region of 10-15 per cent are the norm for kitchen appliances and electrical goods.

    The development ministry's consumer service and the Consumer's Institute (INKA) meanwhile advised shoppers not to fall victim to misleading advertising and buy cheap imitations of brand-name products.

    [21] Popular handicrafts sector posts disappointing '96 performance

    Athens, 08/01/1997 (ANA)

    The year 1996 was one of the worst years for the popular handicrafts sector, with turnover decreasing by 40 per cent and with the closure of many workshops, according to the president of the Union of Popular Art Handicraftsmen of Attica, Odysseas Koumatos .

    He made that announcement during a press conference yesterday.

    Mr. Koumatos said the viability of traditional popular art workshops depends directly on tourism, and particularly the presence in Greece of average-income bracket tourists, who account for the largest segment of the sector's shoppers.

    He also referred to the problem posed for the sector by extensive imports of popular art products, which he claimed created conditions of unfair competition because many are presented as being Greek-made.

    Mr. Koumatos further referred to the significance of the exhibition "Popular Art '97", which is taking place for the 14th consecutive year at the Piraeus Port Authority's (OLP) exhibition center next week.

    [22] Tzoumakas to discuss problems with Nestos farmers

    Athens, 08/01/1997 (ANA)

    Agriculture Minister Stephanos Tzoumakas will have a meeting with representatives of farmers from the region of Nestos in Kavalla, it was announced yesterday.

    The date of the meeting, which is scheduled to take place within the next fortnight, has yet to be confirmed.

    The meeting will focus on a series of problems facing the farmers.

    Thousands of farmers had blocked national roads for 25 days over last month with tractors, causing a transportation chaos and inflicting more than $100 million in damages on the economy.

    Farmers wanted lower fuel prices, higher price supports and US$ 1.3 billion in debts rescheduled. However, the government has maintained that it has no money to give.

    Meanwhile, the Communist Party of Greece issued an announcement yesterday on the occasion of the convening of the National Agricultural Policy Council (ESAP), accusing the government of "deceit," "partition," "disorientation," and "misleading" of the public opinion.

    "Through ESAP's convening, the government is attempting to continue delaying tactics regarding solution to the acute agriculture problems in the country," the announcement said.

    [23] Greece to participate in Canadian Food Show

    Montreal, 08/01/1997 (ANA - J. Frangoulis)

    Greece will participate for the third consecutive year in the Canadian Food and Beverage Show, Canada's premier food and beverage trade fair.

    The fair will be held from February 16-18 in Ontario. Some 20 Greek firms and cooperatives in the food and beverages sector will display their wares at the pavilion organized by the Greek office for trade affairs in Toronto.

    End of English language section.


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