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Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 97-03-22

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,

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


CONTENTS

  • [01] Costas Karamanlis overwhelmingly elected new ND leader
  • [02] Four contenders speak at fourth ND congress
  • [03] Improved co-operation noted in premier's visit to Romania
  • [04] Address to businessmen
  • [05] Meeting with Romanian Patriarch
  • [06] Head of Greece's Skopje liaison office meets FYROM interior minister
  • [07] Constantopoulos to visit Skopje
  • [08] Greece, Armenia sign agriculture agreement
  • [09] Athens to assist in reorganization of Albanian army
  • [10] Question on humanitarian aid
  • [11] Kranidiotis talks with Fino
  • [12] KKE on Albania
  • [13] Fatos Nano in Thessaloniki
  • [14] Pangalos: if Ankara abandons disputes, Athens will help in its European course
  • [15] "Gov't categorically denies press reports of any secret Greek-Turkish deal
  • [16] Ankara welcomes Simitis proposal for meeting of Balkan nations' FMs
  • [17] G. Papandreou calls for joint Greek-Swedish co-operation committee
  • [18] Tsohatzopoulos says no EU foreign policy to deal with problems in Balkans
  • [19] Fouras to meet with Samaranch in Lausanne
  • [20] Lentakis buried
  • [21] Two earthquakes registered in Crete, Alonisos
  • [22] Europarliament committee praises Athens' latest economic indicators
  • [23] Gov't, Olympic Metro consortium dispute
  • [24] V. Papandreou says tourism sector must become more hospitable
  • [25] TEBE pensions increase by 8 per cent
  • [26] Papantoniou addresses new 'economic crime units'
  • [27] Current accounts deficit soars

  • [01] Costas Karamanlis overwhelmingly elected new ND leader

    Athens, 22/3/1997 (ANA)

    Costas Karamanlis, a nephew of the former president of the republic by the same name, was elected late last night as new leader of the main opposition New Democracy party during the party's fourth congress, putting an end to seven months of internal uncertainty sparked by the party's defeat in last September's general election.

    Mr. Karamanlis, who succeeds Miltiades Evert, was elected in a second round ballot by an overwhelming majority of 2,350 out of 3,398 valid votes (70 per cent) cast by party delegates and deputies, against 1,048 for contender George Souflias. Thirty-eight blank ballots were counted.

    In a first statement after his election, Mr. Karamanlis said that there were no victors nor vanquished. Referring to his rival Mr. Souflias, he stressed his respect for the former minister and that he never viewed him as an opponent, "but as a friend and associate."

    Mr. Souflias lost a previous leadership contest to Mr. Evert following ND's electoral defeat last September.

    Mr. Karamanlis was born in Athens on Sept. 14, 1956. He studied at Athens University's Law School and at the private Deree college, continuing with postgraduate studies in the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy in the United States.

    He has been repeatedly elected as a New Democracy deputy for Thessaloniki since 1989.

    The nephew of New Democracy founder and former prime minister Constantine Karamanlis, he is a member of the Macedonian Studies Association and a life member of the council of the Constantine Karamanlis Foundation. He is unmarried.

    He was a leading member of the New Democracy Youth Organization (ONNED) in 1974-1979, and was repeatedly elected to student bodies under ND's student organization.

    Costas Karamanlis continued his education in the US from 1980-84, where he gained a masters degree and a doctorate in political sciences, international relations and diplomatic history.

    From 1985 to 1989, he was a member of ND's organizational secretariat, the information secretariat and the party's Parliamentary work group. In 1986, he became president of the peace organization "KIPAEA" and of the Greek Center for Promotion of European Union "Europe '92".

    From 1987 to 1989, he practiced law while also working with the magazine "Economicos Tachidromos".

    In 1986, he wrote a history book, "Eleftherios Venizelos and Our Foreign Relations - 1928-1932", and edited the compilation "The Gorbachev Spirit and Era".

    On May 5, 1989, he was elected Secretary of Parliament's presidium and on Nov. 14, 1993, he became secretary of ND's Political Planning Secretariat. In ND's third party congress on April 24, 1994, he was elected member of the party's central committee.

    He was appointed member of ND's new political council following a reorganization of the party on Aug. 22 of the same year, keeping the post until April 1996, when he was replaced following a decision by party president Miltiades Evert and was appointed alternate parliamentary representative.

    Mr. Karamanlis was elected president of ND's parliamentary work group for foreign affairs in October last year.

    [02] Four contenders speak at fourth ND congress

    Athens, 22/3/1997 (ANA)

    Main opposition New Democracy party congress opened in Athens' Peace and Friendship Stadium yesterday morning with the resignation of incumbent leader Miltiades Evert, one of the four candidates in yesterday's election for a new ND leader.

    Mr. Evert was first to address the congress, calling for an end to introversion and personal agendas within the party, and a new spirit of collectivity.

    What the party needed now, he said, was a program that inspired credibility.

    He criticized honorary ND president Constantine Mitsotakis and deputy Stephanos Manos for suggesting the party was in danger of splitting, while accusing the government of depending on various vested interests.

    Turning to foreign policy, he declared himself in favor of dialogue with Turkey on three conditions - that Ankara respected territorial integrity, international conventions and the avoidance of force or the threat of force.

    Costas Karamanlis, the eventual winner and ND's new leader, was the second of the four candidates to address the congress, speaking of a new beginning for the party.

    Ruling PASOK had made a conscious choice to "lower the quality of Greek society", he said, adding that PASOK was to blame for the country's decline and that it was a victim of its servility to vested interests.

    It was time for the ND to rid itself of misfortune, misery, introversion and personal vendettas, said Mr. Karamanlis.

    Concluding, he called on everyone to rise to the occasion and do their duty to the country and the party.

    The third candidate to speak, Vyron Polydoras, said he had come in for strong criticism for bidding for the ND leadership, which he did not intend to answer.

    "I am and shall remain a footsoldier of this party," he said.

    "My dream is for the problems to be solved and I believe that they can be solved only through New Democracy. The juggernaut of Maastricht is coming and the state must make the necessary maneuvers to avoid a head-on collision. Because Greece comes first and then Europe," Mr. Polydoras said.

    George Souflias, the fourth and final candidate to address the congress before polls opened yesterday afternoon, said that the person who would be elected to lead the party would have to unite it, to be able to work in a team and to lead the party to victory in the next elections. The next party leader would be the next prime minister, he stressed.

    Mr. Souflias called for a new beginning in the party, so that ND could win the elections, fight for a free economy, for social welfare and to be a responsible force in foreign policy, to make Greece a leading player in the construction of a united Europe.

    [03] Improved co-operation noted in premier's visit to Romania

    Bucharest, 22/3/1997 (ANA - A. Podimata)

    Greece and Romania yesterday declared their determination to step up bilateral co-operation at all levels and work together to make southeast Europe a region of stability, co-operation and economic development.

    Prime Minister Costas Simitis and his Romanian counterpart, Viktor Corbea, were speaking at a joint press conference after a second round of talks in Bucharest yesterday.

    Mr. Simitis, accompanied by Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos and government spokesman Dimitris Reppas, arrived in the Romanian capital on Thursday night for an official two-day visit.

    Replying to questions, Mr. Simitis announced his intention to visit all Balkan capitals, including Skopje, at the earliest opportunity.

    One of the ways Greece and Romania would achieve closer co-operation, Mr. Simitis said, was within the framework of a tripartite collaboration between Athens, Bucharest and Sofia, which would enable the participation of more ministries, such as tourism, transport and education.

    Mr. Simitis announced the signing soon of a bilateral co-operation agreement with Romania covering all sectors. Stressing the need for a common Balkan course, the premier underlined that Greek-Romanian co-operation belonged to the framework of the two countries' common European perspective.

    On the prospects of European Union and NATO membership for other Balkan countries, Mr. Simitis said the same accession criteria should apply for all candidate states "without differentiations and arrangements which would in effect exclude the Balkan countries."

    Relations with the EU "should not be developed at different levels, in other words, closer co-operation with certain countries and looser ties with others, such as the Balkan countries," Mr. Simitis said.

    He added that the same applied with respect to NATO enlargement, stressing that the relevant arrangements and procedures should not leave certain countries on the fringe, through the adoption of different treatment, discrimination and the creation of spheres of influence.

    Both men discussed Greek-Turkish relations and the Cyprus problem, with Mr. Simitis expressing satisfaction for what he called the great importance attached by Bucharest to respect for the principles of international law, the settlement of disputes through recourse to the International Court at the Hague and the implementation of UN resolutions for the settlement of the Cyprus problem.

    Mr. Corbea noted that Mr. Simitis' visit was the first by a foreign leader to Romania since recent elections.

    He also linked its significance to the meeting between the presidents of the United States and Russia in Helsinki, underlining the importance of NATO membership for Romania. Mr. Corbea agreed with Mr. Simitis that Greek-Romanian trade relations had enormous possibilities for further development, with the aim, echoing statements by the Greek premier on Thursday, of the volume of bilateral trade reaching US$500 million.

    Mr. Corbea said it had been decided to convene the Greek-Romanian joint economic committee in Bucharest in April to examine prospects for broadening economic co-operation, adding that this would be facilitated by the economic reforms already under way in

    Romania. He thanked Mr. Simitis for Greece's support in Romania's bid to join the EU and NATO and agreed with the Greek premier that there should be no exclusions or discriminatory treatment of candidate countries.

    Replying to reporters' questions, Mr. Corbea said the Greek premier had invited him to visit Greece, adding that he would do so after the scheduled visit of Romanian President Emil Constantinescu to Athens in May.

    On the crisis in Albania, Mr. Corbea said Romania was closely following developments with concern, adding that the cabinet had recently expressed its readiness to offer any assistance for the normalization of the situation. On the same issue, Mr. Simitis stressed that Greece had from the outset insisted on a political solution to the problem in the neighboring country, which should be provided by all the political forces in Albania.

    Noting that Greece had not asked for the removal of Albanian President Sali Berisha, Mr. Simitis underlined that Athens was in favor of a peaceful settlement of the crisis "but does not want to get directly involved in one scenario or another."

    Asked about the danger of the turmoil in Albania spreading to other countries with ethnic Albanian minorities, Mr. Simitis said Greece had been working since the outset of the crisis to avert such an eventuality and referred in this respect to Mr. Pangalos' visit on Wednesday to Skopje and Belgrade.

    Replying to questions specifically on how Greece intended to back Romania's bid to join NATO, Mr. Simitis said that in the run-up to the alliance summit in July, Greece would intensify its consultations with the NATO member-states "in order to achieve t he desired result."

    Mr. Simitis underlined the need for a plan providing for the membership of all Balkan countries in the alliance, while Mr. Corbea expressed the conviction that Romania would be among the first group of countries to join NATO.

    He also held a meeting later with President Constantinescu, who expressed his gratitude for Greece's support to Romania's request for accession to the Council of Europe, the European Union and NATO.

    The Greek premier said the enlargement of the European Union and NATO's expansion formulated a common prospective for the Balkans and "constitute the great issues which will find us on a common course."

    "My trip to Romania confirms the mutual friendship and will of both countries for co-operation in all sectors," the premier said, adding that Greece and Romania shared common interests.

    "Both countries should co-operate even more closely in the future," Mr. Simitis said, stressing the need for "practical political solutions to problems."

    Mr. Constantinescu said the talks between the Greek and Romanian prime ministers earlier in the day were "fruitful."

    The Romanian President is due to visit Greece in May after the official invitation of his Greek counterpart Kostis Stephanopoulos.

    [04] Address to businessmen

    Bucharest, 22/3/1997 (ANA - A. Podimata)

    Speaking to Greek and Romanian businessmen later in the day, Mr. Simitis said that the Balkan countries should "build a new world," adding that the entrepreneurs should also assume initiatives in order for this goal to be reached."

    Referring to Greek investment interests in Romania, Mr. Simitis said that "the Greek enterprises, which have both the organization and know-how, are looking forward to their substantive participation in the modernization effort currently being held in Romania."

    Stressing the importance of the sectors of transport and telecommunications, Mr. Simitis said that the inter-European road axis and especially the road axis linking Bucharest to Alexandroupolis "open new perspectives for the increase of economic and trade transactions."

    The premier said the participation of both countries in the Black Sea Economic Co-operation was an additional factor in the framework of Greek-Romanian co-operation.

    Stressing that obstacles in the co-operation of the two countries, which existed in the past due to the differences of economic systems between the two countries, no longer exist, Mr. Simitis said his visit to Romania "aims precisely at directing efforts to build a new tomorrow for the Balkans."

    Mr. Simitis also held meetings with former Romanian president and main opposition party leader Ion Iliescu.

    [05] Meeting with Romanian Patriarch

    Bucharest, 22/3/1997 (ANA)

    Mr. Simitis ended his official visit by meeting with Romanian Patriarch Theoktistos.

    The Romanian Patriarch expressed his wishes for the prime minister, the Greek people and Archbishop of Athens and All Greece Serapheim, whom he described as an important friend of the Romanian Church.

    Mr. Simitis described his meeting with the Romanian Patriarch as being useful, saying that "the contact of churches, the exchange of cultural experiences and anything which can contribute to joint tradition is useful."

    "The Orthodox Church has many times contributed to this effort and it is useful for us to be in contact with it," the prime minister said.

    [06] Head of Greece's Skopje liaison office meets FYROM interior minister

    Skopje, 22/3/1997 (ANA - M. Vihou)

    The head of the Greek liaison office here yesterday met with the interior minister of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) Tsokrevski, implementing an agreement made during Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos lightning visit to Skopje on Wednesday.

    It was agreed that a delegation from the FYROM interior ministry headed by Under-secretary Dime Gurev will visit Athens on March 26 for talks with representatives of the public order ministry on issues of mutual concern.

    In the framework of regular contacts between Alexandros Mallias and FYROM Defense Minister Blagoja Hatjinski for an exchange of information and assessments on developments in the region and possible side-effects emanating from the crisis in Albania, the

    Greek diplomat delivered an invitation for the participation of representatives of the FYROM defense ministry in a seminar on the prevention of regional conflicts, to be held in Athens in July.

    [07] Constantopoulos to visit Skopje

    Athens, 22/3/1997 (ANA)

    In another development, Coalition of the Left and Progress (Synaspismos) leader Nikos Constantopoulos will pay a two-day visit to FYROM on Thursday and Friday.

    Mr. Constantopoulos will meet FYROM President Kiro Gligorov, Prime Minister Branko Crvenkovski and Foreign Minister Ljubomir Frckovski.

    Prior to his departure, Mr. Constantopoulos will meet Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos.

    [08] Greece, Armenia sign agriculture agreement

    Yerevan, 22/3/1997 (F. Myrtsidou)

    Greece and Armenia yesterday signed a five-year agriculture co-operation agreement.

    The agreement was signed by Agriculture Under-secretary Vassilis Geranidis and Armenian Agriculture Minister Vladimir Bovshishian. The two countries have agreed to co-operate in stockbreeding, the production of animal feeds, agricultural research, bio-technology, fishing, fishfarms and forestry.

    Mr. Geranidis expressed his understanding for the problems Armenian agriculture is facing and pledged Greece's support both on a bilateral level and relating to the European Union and other international organizations.

    The Armenian minister stressed his country is in urgent need of wheat and of correct management of its water resources. He added that the privatization process for businesses in the agriculture sector has been completed by 90 per cent.

    [09] Athens to assist in reorganization of Albanian army

    Athens, 22/3/1997 (ANA)

    Greece yesterday responded positively to a request by the Albanian government for assistance in restoring its disorganized and antiquated armed forces.

    Tirana made the official request late Thursday night to the Greek national defense ministry.

    Acting government spokesman Nikos Athanasakis yesterday confirmed that the government would approve the Albanian request. However, he added that the issue would require further examination and consultations with the Albanian side.

    Asked whether this request was related to a possible participation by Greece in a multinational force in Albania, the spokesman said this would depend on developments, noting that Albanian Prime Minister Bashkim Fino was to meet shortly with the foreign ministers of the European Union member-states.

    At the moment, he added, there was virtually no army in Albania.

    Tirana has asked for initial assistance in the sectors of military management, including medical supplies, fuel and medical teams.

    On Tuesday, National Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos, referring to the request which had been expected from Albania government, cited Greece's particular responsibility in the Balkans and as a neighbor of Albania, as well as Athens' interest in the safety of the ethnic Greek minority in Albania.

    [10] Question on humanitarian aid

    Athens, 22/3/1997 (ANA)

    In another development, humanitarian aid delivered by Athens Mayor Dimitris Avramopoulos and Corfu Prefect Andreas Pangratis to the Albanian port of Sarande on Wednesday never reached the orphanage it was destined for, according to Sarande's former prefect and current councilor Dimitris Stefos.

    Mr. Stefos told a Corfu radio station that the food and other essential supplies delivered by a Greek naval vessel have been spotted in several of the town's shops. He warned that unless the political situation settles down, all efforts to offer assistance will be wasted.

    Another 40 ton of food from the municipality of Athens is still in storage on Corfu. Following Mr. Stefos' warning and other similar allegations, it was decided to keep the items on Corfu until a means of guaranteeing delivery is found.

    [11] Kranidiotis talks with Fino

    Athens, 22/3/1997 (ANA)

    Meanwhile, Foreign Under-secretary Yiannos Kranidiotis yesterday held a telephone conversation with Mr. Fino.

    According to a foreign ministry announcement, the discussion was particularly friendly, with both men agreeing that "the small diplomatic misunderstanding which arose is considered to be over by both sides."

    Albania had lodged a demarche with the Greek embassy in Tirana last week protesting a series of meetings between Mr. Kranidiotis and representatives of insurgents in southern Albania.

    Athens reacted to the demarche, saying that the Albanian government had been informed about the under-secretary's visit to southern Albania.

    [12] KKE on Albania

    Athens, 22/3/1997 (ANA)

    The Communist Party of Greece (KKE) in an announcement yesterday said both sides are aiming at a political solution, but the substantive difference lies in the fact that solutions sought are moving on different paths.

    KKE said positions concerning a political solution constitute the greatest hypocrisy while the weapons of military intervention are being wielded, threatening, blackmailing and trying to split and terrorize the insurgent Albanians.

    KKE called on the government to distance itself from those supporting the staying on of Albanian President Sali Berisha, because otherwise it will be directly implicated.

    [13] Fatos Nano in Thessaloniki

    Athens, 22/3/1997 (ANA)

    The leader of Albania's Socialist Party, Fatos Nano, yesterday met with Macedonia-Thrace Minister Philippos Petsalnikos, after the former arrived in Thessaloniki to visit his two children, who are studying at a private school here.

    Although Mr. Nano's visit has been described as private, it still bears some political significance as he appears to be playing a leading role in developments in Albania, while reports state that he may meet with other political figures during his three -day visit.

    Neither Mr. Nano nor Mr. Petsalnikos made any statements after the one-hour meeting.

    [14] Pangalos: if Ankara abandons disputes, Athens will help in its European course

    Istanbul, 22/3/1997 (ANA)

    Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos stressed that if Ankara abandoned its counterproductive tactics and disputes of Greece's territorial integrity, Athens would make every effort towards a solution of differences and strengthening Turkey' s European course.

    "We do not insist on Turkey referring disputes to the International Court at The Hague, an announcement of the decision concerning referral will be sufficient," he said in an interview to the "Yeni G0zgil" newspaper, published yesterday.

    "On the issue of the continental shelf, we could, after a certain preparation, ask a third party to examine where justice lies," he added.

    He issued an appeal to the Turkish people "not to permit war, and not to be trapped in the aggressive designs of some of its leaders."

    "In Ankara, they continuously use the threat of war against Greece as a diplomatic weapon. This is an unacceptable situation," he charged, noting that "we expect a statement from the Turkish foreign ministry, the presidency of the republic, or some other official source, clarifying that there is no issue of war between our two countries".

    "We are asking Turkey to confirm it respects international treaties," said Mr. Pangalos, noting that in her letter to European foreign ministers, Turkish Foreign Minister Tansu Ciller referred to "absence of borders in the Aegean."

    "This is a mistaken approach, it is a behavior disputing Greece's territorial integrity and the borders in the Aegean," he added.

    Regarding Cyprus, Mr. Pangalos referred to the need "to break the wall erected in Nicosia between the two communities."

    "Let's abolish the wall in Cyprus, even before talks begin. Every Friday (for instance), let people move as they wish. For those in the north, who face the problem of unemployment, the possibility for temporary work could be given. At the end of the week, people may get together, dance, or even get married," he said.

    He charged that the current European view of Turkey suffered from superficiality, saying characteristically, "this issue of the family photograph is nonsense and it belittles the Turkish people".

    "Islam is part of Europe. We lived together for years, your culture is part of our culture, and our culture has been united with yours. There can be no issue of accepting a cultural distinction," he said, stressing, "Turkey's final goal must be unification with Europe.

    [15] "Gov't categorically denies press reports of any secret Greek-Turkish deal

    Athens, 22/3/1997 (ANA)

    Acting government spokesman Nikos Athanasakis yesterday denied reports in the Turkish daily "Milliyet" that a secret Greek-Turkish meeting was held during which Turkish Foreign Minister Tansu Ciller agreed to refer the Imia issue to the International Court of Justice at The Hague.

    "Milliyet" claimed that in return, Athens agreed to support Turkey's candidacy for full entry into the European Union.

    Replying to a question, Mr. Athanasakis also denied that Greece has been pressured regarding Turkey's relations with the EU, reiterating that it is Turkey that which must be pressured to make the necessary moves.

    The spokesman reiterated that it is Turkey which must refer the Imia issue to the International Court at The Hague, "which is a move it can and must do unilaterally as it does not need an agreement, given Greece's acceptance of the general jurisdiction of the International Court."

    [16] Ankara welcomes Simitis proposal for meeting of Balkan nations' FMs

    Istanbul, 22/3/1997 (ANA)

    Turkish foreign ministry spokesman Omer Akbel said yesterday that a proposal made in Thessaloniki by Prime Minister Costas Simitis concerning a meeting between the foreign ministers of Balkan countries has not yet been officially conveyed to Ankara.

    Commenting on the meeting scheduled in Thessaloniki, Mr. Akbel said "it is not a formal inter-Balkan meeting, but there is no reason why Turkey should not participate in the meeting."

    Earlier, sources at the Turkish foreign ministry had made it clear that the prime minister's proposal would be welcomed in Ankara.

    [17] G. Papandreou calls for joint Greek-Swedish co-operation committee

    Stockholm, 22/3/1997 (ANA - N. Servetas)

    Alternate Foreign Minister George Papandreou yesterday proposed the establishment of a permanent committee for co-operation between the two countries for the purpose of exchanging information in order that Athens may play in the Balkans a role similar to Sweden's among the Baltic states.

    Commenting on Mr. Papandreou's proposal, Swedish Foreign Minister Lean Hjelm-Wallen said the two regions could not be compared, but her country would, nevertheless, do everything possible to assist the Greek initiative.

    The aim of Mr. Papandreou's visit was to discuss with the Swedish government issues of common interest, the prospects of Cyprus' EU membership, the Intergovernmental Conference and the situation in the Balkans, as well as details of Prime Minister Cost as Simitis' official visit to Sweden in June.

    Regarding Cyprus' EU prospects, Mr. Papandreou said there was agreement that the Turkish Cypriot community should be convinced of the benefits of membership.

    Ms Hjelm-Wallen stressed that occasional claims that Sweden viewed the Greek and Turkish Cypriot sides in the same way were not valid, adding that "negotiations for membership must begin, and this concerns the whole island."

    "Both sides must take part in the negotiations. However, we must find solutions to the problem. We know what the solution is and both sides know it. The question is how we get there," she said.

    [18] Tsohatzopoulos says no EU foreign policy to deal with problems in Balkans

    Athens, 22/3/1997 (ANA)

    National Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos spoke yesterday on what he called the European Union's inability to forge a common foreign policy and to deal with problems which arise, such as those faced by countries of eastern Europe and the Balkans.

    Mr. Tsohatzopoulos, speaking during the opening of the Mediterranean conference of the Socialist International Youth yesterday, said the EU is unable to solve the peoples' problems, paying attention exclusively to economic issues and figures.

    [19] Fouras to meet with Samaranch in Lausanne

    Athens, 22/3/1997 (ANA)

    Sports Under-secretary Andreas Fouras is to meet with International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Juan Antonio Samaranch in Lausanne this weekend in order to discuss issues related to Athens' bid to host the 2004 Olympic Games and relations between Greek athletics and the IOC in general.

    Mr. Fouras left for Lausanne yesterday at the personal invitation of Mr. Samaranch, accompanied by Olympic Games Committee President Lambis Nikolaou.

    "Fifteen days ago we returned from Lausanne having secured Athens' candidacy for the final selection (of the 2004 Olympics venue) on September 5. Today, (yesterday) we are going to Lausanne at the invitation of the IOC president. An invitation which is particularly interesting, given that it follows the decision to include Athens in the shortlist of five candidate cities," Mr. Fouras told reporters shortly before leaving for Switzerland.

    The sports under-secretary expressed hope that his meeting with Mr. Samaranch would help Athens succeed in its bid to host the 2004 Olympic Games.

    The IOC shortlist includes Athens, Rome, Buenos Aires, Cape Town and Stockholm, chosen from eleven candidate cities originally bidding for the Games. The final decision for the venue will be made by the IOC plenary on September 5.

    [20] Lentakis buried

    Athens, 22/3/1997 (ANA)

    Andreas Lentakis, the politician, mayor, writer and professor, was buried at the Athens First Cemetery yesterday in the presence of several members of the government, deputies and a large crowd.

    Songs by Mikis Theodorakis were heard while members of Lentakis' family were accompanied by Political Spring (Pol.An) leader Samaras. Lentakis was a founding member of Pol.An.

    Eulogies focused on the character of Andreas Lentakis, his fighting spirit, his writings and his love for those who stood by him.

    Officials attending the funeral included Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis, Health and Welfare Minister Costas Geitonas, Health and Welfare Under-secretary Manolis Skoulakis, Environment, Town Planning and Public Works Minister Costas Laliotis, Athens Mayor Dimitris Avramopoulos and deputies from all political parties.

    [21] Two earthquakes registered in Crete, Alonisos

    Athens, 22/3/1997 (ANA)

    An earthquake measuring 4.9 on the Richter scale shook the Sporades Islands at 8:17 yesterday morning and was felt as far as the mainland prefecture of Magnisia.

    The earthquake's epicenter was located 150 kilometers north-northeast of Athens, north of the island of Alonissos, the Athens Geodynamics Institute said.

    Although the northern Aegean is not considered particularly seismic, a strong quake measuring 6.5 Richter occurred in 1965.

    In another incident, an earthquake measuring 4.7 on the Richter scale was felt in eastern areas of the island of Crete at 1.50 yesterday morning. It's epicenter was in the Gulf of Meramvelo in the prefecture of Lasithi.

    No damages were reported from either earthquake.

    [22] Europarliament committee praises Athens' latest economic indicators

    Athens, 22/3/1997 (ANA)

    A six-member delegation of the European Parliament's economic, monetary and industry committee yesterday expressed satisfaction at Greece's economic indicators, particularly those related to Maastricht Treaty targets.

    The committee, which is currently visiting Greece, is headed by its Vice-President, PASOK party Eurodeputy George Katiforis.

    The Euro-MP noted that according to the competent government ministers with whom the committee has met, the convergence criteria for Greece's participation in Economic and Monetary Union will have been satisfied during 1998.

    This would mean that the Greek drachma will join the single European currency - Euro - together with the second group of EU member-states at the latest by the year 2001.

    Mr. Katiforis' assessment was echoed by British Eurodeputy Alan Donnelly, who referred also to the principle of solidarity among those EU members joining the monetary system later.

    "This European Parliament must safeguard this principle so that apart from economic cohesion, social cohesion may also be attained," Mr. Donnelly said.

    [23] Gov't, Olympic Metro consortium dispute

    Athens, 22/3/1997 (ANA)

    A dispute between the government and Olympic Metro, the consortium building Athens' underground railway, came to a head yesterday after the environment, town planning and public works ministry decided to cancel the agreement with the consortium for the construction of the Syntagma-Keramikos section of the track.

    Minister Costas Laliotis said the consortium is making an "unreasonable demand" of 82 billion drachmas more than agreed upon in the contract, according to an announcement after a meeting between the two sides.

    In November 1994, a supplementary contract was signed under which the consortium was paid 65 billion drachmas. However, eighteen months ago further financial demands were made, causing delays to construction.

    If Olympic Metro does not back down from its demands, a new call for tenders will be announced for the specific section of track.

    [24] V. Papandreou says tourism sector must become more hospitable

    Athens, 22/3/1997 (ANA)

    Development Minister Vasso Papandreou yesterday presented "a tourist conscience campaign" at a downtown Athens hotel aimed at providing foreign visitors with a more hospitable environment during this year's tourist season.

    The central slogan of the campaign, due to start in the country on March 27, will be "The Greek Tourist Organization (EOT) Warns: Smiling is Good for the Health and Our Economy."

    The program was presented in the presence of many publishers and media officials, as well as representatives of all agencies involved either directly or indirectly in tourism.

    Ms Papandreou said employees and managers in the sector must become more professional in their dealings with tourists and look upon them as guests, and not as currency.

    She called on all agencies and the media to help the implementation of the tourist conscience campaign in their own way since "the development ministry cannot achieve many things by itself."

    [25] TEBE pensions increase by 8 per cent

    Athens, 22/3/1997 (ANA)

    Pensions paid by the Professionals and Craftsmen Fund (TEBE) are to increase by 8 per cent retroactively as of Jan. 1, 1997. Following a decision by the labor and social security ministry, the increases will be calculated on the amount of pensions paid a s at Dec. 31, 1996. There will be no increases for the part of pensions exceeding the gross amount of 280,000 drachmas.

    The lowest pensions will be set at 86,770 a month for retirement and disability pensions as of Jan. 1, 1997 and 72,886 drachmas a month for spousal pensions paid due to death.

    [26] Papantoniou addresses new 'economic crime units'

    Athens, 22/3/1997 (ANA)

    Controls by the newly established "economic crime units" (SDOE) will be directed at widespread tax evasion perpetrated by well-known people, National Economy and Finance Minister Yiannos Papantoniou told the members of the units yesterday.

    He said that plans of action are already being prepared for controls concerning VAT-related to fuel and music halls by SDOE officials.

    Mr. Papantoniou sent a message regarding continuous tax controls which will be conducted on the basis of business and scientific expertise. Additionally, he told reporters that lists containing the names of tax evaders will be provided, but only in case s of ascertained tax evasion.

    He said developments in the Balkans contribute towards shaping a climate favoring an increase in smuggling, adding that there is a need to prepare a special plan to handle the phenomenon.

    Earlier, Mr. Papantoniou visited a large tax revenue center in Athens, where he said that the heads of tax revenue offices will be judged on the basis of their effectiveness and that new tax settlements will not be brought about.

    [27] Current accounts deficit soars

    Athens, 22/3/1997 (ANA)

    The current accounts deficit re-ached a record US$ 4.75 billion between January-November 1996, compared to US$ 3 billion in the corresponding eleven-month period of 1995, according to figures released yesterday by the central bank.

    The bank said the record deficit was due to a 5.7 increase in the tra-de balance, resulting from a US$ 872 million rise in imports against a US$ 32 million drop in exports, compared to 1995.

    During the same period of 1996, invisibles also fell by US$ 812 million , the Bank of Greece said.

    End of English language section.


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