Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 97-04-19
From: The Greek Press & Information Office, Ottawa Canada <grnewsca@sympatico.ca>
ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No 1168), April 19, 1997
Greek Press & Information Office
Ottawa, Canada
E-Mail Address: grnewsca@sympatico.ca
CONTENTS
[01] Cyprus, Aegean two separate issues, Pangalos says
[02] Vassiliou meets with Papariga, Constantopoulos
[03] Commission report on EU economies to cite progress in Greece;
calls for additional efforts
[04] Domestic tourism program by EOT
[05] Stephanopoulos briefed by Pangalos on recent developments on
national issues
[06] ND concerned over Gov't plans for 'expert' committee
[07] Reppas
[08] Samaras
[09] Austrian Chancellor Klima on upcoming Simitis' visit
[10] Simitis to visit Bonn for talks
[11] KYSEA briefed on Albanian mission, Greek troops land at Durres
[12] 'Samos' redirected to Durres
[13] Theodorakis-Livaneli concerts in Germany
[14] Tzoganis to represent Athens at 126th meeting of NATO military
committee
[15] Navy chief to visit
[16] German military cadets to visit Greece next week
[17] Medecins sans Frontieres to set up mock 'refugee camp' in
Thessaloniki
[18] Papantoniou promotes Greek economy in the US
[19] Spiliotopoulos replaces Pavlopoulos as ND's spokesman
[20] Tsovolas criticizes Gov't, ND concerning national issues
[21] Santer to visit Greece in early May
[22] Milosevic in Greece on private visit
[23] Stephanopoulos to address Council of Europe's Parliamentary
Assembly
[24] Restructuring of Greek Expatriates Foundation
[25] Second Papandreou will found
[26] Simitis-Skandalidis meeting
[27] Cunsumers Institute says fake shortages plaguing Greek market
[28] Greek department store in Pristina
[29] Civil Aviation work stoppages canceled
[30] Karamanlis on agriculture policy
[31] Personalities honored in Sweden for efforts against Greek junta
[01] Cyprus, Aegean two separate issues, Pangalos says
Athens, 19/04/1997 (ANA)
Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos yesterday denied any
knowledge of a US initiative for a "package deal" regarding the
Aegean and Cyprus, saying any such approach on two separate
issues, which concerns two different countries, was unacceptable.
He was replying to reporters' questions after a meeting at the
foreign ministry on the Cyprus issue, also attended by Alternate
Foreign Minister George Papandreou, Under-secretary Yiannos
Kranidiotis, and a delegation of Cypriot officials headed by
newly appointed Foreign Minister Yiannakis Cassoulides.
Mr. Cassoulides confirmed that there have been absolutely no
contacts with Washington connecting the two issues. He said he
had briefed his Greek counterpart on the current UN-led
proximity talks in Cyprus for the finding of common ground, and
the goodwill gestures that might be made during substantive
negotiations. He also reiterated that the Cypriot government
intends to avoid during this period of consultations any actions
that might upset the climate of tranquillity.
Referring to the idea of a moratorium of military flights over
Cyprus, Mr. Cassoulides said his government had rejected the
proposal because such any such moratorium equated illegal
Turkish overflights with legally sanctioned flights by Greek
planes, but noted that Nicosia was prepared not to act on the
basis of "unilateral decisions".
Finally, Mr. Cassoulides said it was not yet clear whether the
current proximity talks on the finding of common ground would
yield any results.
"This will become apparent in three weeks time," he said.
[02] Vassiliou meets with Papariga, Constantopoulos
Athens, 19/04/1997 (ANA)
Visiting former Cypriot president George Vassiliou held separate
meetings yesterday with Communist Party of Greece (KKE)
Secretary General Aleka Papariga and the president of the
Coalition of the Left and Progress, Nikos Constantopoulos.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Mr. Vassiliou said all
Greek political parties agreed on the need to reduce tension and
promote dialogue on Cyprus based on the UN resolutions.
On her part, Ms Papariga said the framework for a just solution
to the Cyprus issue had already been formulated by the United
Nations, but added that the United States "are nurturing a plan,
within the NATO framework, for the Balkans, Cyprus and the
Aegean."
Ms Papariga asked for what she termed "people's intervention" in
order to cancel or introduce obstacles to the realization of the
plan "leading to the partition of the Aegean and of Cyprus."
Mr. Constantopoulos said certain initiatives should be taken in
order to "transform current mobility on Cyprus and the
Greek-Turkish relations into concrete steps..."
[03] Commission report on EU economies to cite progress in Greece;
calls for additional efforts
Brussels, (ANA - M. Spinthourakis)
The European Commission on Wednesday will release its annual
report on the guidelines of economic policy for EU member-states.
According to a copy obtained by the ANA, regarding the Greek
economy the Commission acknowledges that "steps of progress have
been made in recent years," particularly in reducing inflation,
but stresses that "reinforced efforts are needed in order to
bring inflation to the official targets of 4.5 per cent at the
end of 1997 and to below 3 per cent by the end of 1998."
With respect to public finances, the report states that
"sustained efforts on a wide range of fronts are required,
including reinforced efforts to widen the tax base, to increase
the efficiency of tax administration and of the tax collection
system, to curb government spending and to pursue and extend
privatization plans."
[04] Domestic tourism program by EOT
Athens, 19/04/1997 (ANA)
The Greek National Tourism Organization (EOT) yesterday
presented its "April 1997-March 1998" domestic tourism program,
offering Greeks and expatriate Greeks the possibility for
low-cost vacations within Greece.
The program, according to EOT Secretary General Nikos Skoulas,
is aimed at bringing the people closer to the "(natural)
beauties of their homeland," as well as keeping Greek tourists
in Greece and extending the tourist season.
[05] Stephanopoulos briefed by Pangalos on recent developments on
national issues
Athens, 19/04/1997 (ANA)
Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos yesterday briefed President
of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos on recent developments in
Greek-Turkish relations, the Greek contingent in the
multinational protection force in Albania and his recent talks
with his Bulgarian counterpart.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Mr. Pangalos said he
had also briefed Mr. Stephanopoulos on Alternate Foreign
Minister George Papandreou's talks with his Turkish counterpart
Onur Oymen in Malta, "and the discussion with the Dutch
presidency on clarifying procedural prerequisites for a judicial
settlement of certain Greek-Turkish differences".
Replying to questions, Mr. Pangalos said there had been no
"reaction" from Ankara concerning the proposed "committee of
experts", adding he did not know of any letter from Turkish
Foreign Minister Tansu Ciller to the Dutch EU presidency on the
same issue. Mr. Pangalos may meet with Ms Ciller within the
framework of the Black Sea Economic Co-operation (BSEC)
organization meeting in Istanbul on April 28-30.
He underlined yesterday, however, that the subject of the
Istanbul meeting was not Greek-Turkish matters but rather
economic and technological co-operation.
"Ms Ciller will host the meeting and I will accept any informal
contact with her," Mr. Pangalos said. Commenting on concern
expressed by the main opposition New Democracy party that the
proposed committee of experts would develop into an informal
political dialogue, Mr. Pangalos said that this would not happen
since the committee would be of a specific nature.
Announcing a meeting with ND leader Costas Karamanlis next week,
Mr. Pangalos said he would try to reassure the main opposition
party.
[06] ND concerned over Gov't plans for 'expert' committee
Athens, 19/04/1997 (ANA)
The main opposition New Democracy party yesterday criticized the
government over its handling of Greek-Turkish relations, saying
that the formation of a committee of experts to study bilateral
problems gave rise to "concern and fears".
"There is an obvious danger that the committee will become the
agent of an unconditional dialogue without any specific legal
framework. Then the government will be faced with the dilemma of
whether to make unacceptable concessions or to break off the
dialogue, inevitably resulting in a deterioration of
Greek-Turkish relations," said an announcement.
It added that the government was being led into a dialogue with
Turkey without even knowing its exact content or prospects, and
referred to what it called conditions of secrecy, as well as
dissent within the government.
Athens, 19/04/1997 (ANA)
Government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said yesterday that the
Government Council for Foreign Affairs and Defense and inner
cabinet which convened yesterday did not discuss Greek-Turkish
relations. Mr. Reppas said Greece's positions would be relayed
to the Dutch EU presidency.
He said press coverage of recent developments was misleading and
that there had not yet been a decision made on the establishment
of a committee of experts.
Athens, 19/04/1997 (ANA)
Political Spring (Pol.An) party leader Antonis Samaras yesterday
expressed amazement at what he called the government's attempt
to present its "secret dialogue" with Turkey as "harmless". "It
is obvious that Greece is being sucked down into the depths of a
national blunder which has been thought up by others. It is
being led to making concessions such as giving the green light
to Turkish products in European markets, even though Turkey has
not withdrawn even one of its unacceptable claims to Aegean
(territory)," Mr. Samaras said.
[09] Austrian Chancellor Klima on upcoming Simitis' visit
Vienna, 19/04/1997 (ANA - D. Dimitrakoudis)
Austrian Chancellor Viktor Klima said yesterday that he was
looking forward to the forthcoming visit of Prime Minister
Costas Simitis to the Austrian capital.
Mr. Simitis will arrive in Vienna on Sunday for talks with
Austria's leadership, the first visit by a Greek prime minister
in the central European country after 14 years.
Chancellor Klima, during an interview with ANA, said bilateral
relations between Greece and Austria should be enhanced further,
particularly with the creation of joint business ventures in
eastern European and other markets.
"Small countries such as Greece and Austria can play a very
specific and important role in the management of crises," he
said, noting that these countries are often important partners
of international organizations in peace-keeping missions and
supervision of humanitarian aid missions.
Noting Austria's more than 30-year participation to the UN
peace-keeping force in Cyprus, Mr. Klima said "the common goal
should be a lasting and viable solution to the Cyprus problem."
The chancellor said Austria would be positive to an EU
enlargement. The Austrian government supports the European
Council's decision for the commencement of talks for a Cyprus-EU
accession six months after the end of the Intergovernmental
Conference.
Vienna also supports and would participate in the formulation of
a common foreign policy and political security for the European
Union.
"Until now, the Austrian government has taken an active role in
the making of a program for a European security structure within
the framework of OSCE, NATO's program 'Partnership for Peace' or
as an observer in the Western European Union," he said.
Mr. Simitis will meet with Mr. Klima on Monday.
Talks are expected to focus on international political
developments, Greek-Austrian relations, EU-related issues,
co-operation between the two countries in international
organizations and the situation in the Balkans.
[10] Simitis to visit Bonn for talks
Bonn, 19/04/1997 (ANA - P. Stangos)
Prime Minister Costas Simitis will visit Bonn on April 24 at the
invitation of German Chancellor Helmut Kohl. German government
spokesman Peter Hausmann said Mr. Simitis and Mr. Kohl would
have an approximately two-hour meeting which would focus on
"issues of European and security policy in view of the serious
decisions pending for the European Union and NATO".
Mr. Hausmann however did not rule out other issues also being
discussed, since the agenda would be open.
Later the same day, after his talks with Mr. Kohl, Mr. Simitis
will meet with the leader of Germany's opposition Social
Democrats (SPD) Oskar Lafontaine.
The following day, April 25, Mr. Simitis will be awarded an
honorary doctorate by the University of Marburg in the state of
Hesse for his contribution to jurisprudence.
Mr. Simitis graduated with distinction from Marburg University
in 1959. His thesis was on the subject "Good morals and public
life". Mr. Simitis later lectured in Commercial and Civil Law at
Giessen University from 1971 to the fall of the military junta
in Greece in 1974.
On 28 April, during his visit to Hesse, Mr. Simitis will have
talks with the state's Social Democrat premier Hans Eichel. The
rest of the premier's visit to Germany will be of a private
nature.
[11] KYSEA briefed on Albanian mission, Greek troops land at Durres
Athens, 19/04/1997 (ANA)
Prime Minister Costas Simitis yesterday chaired a meeting of the
Government Council for Foreign Affairs and Defense (KYSEA),
which focused on the government's handling of the crisis in
neighboring Albania.
Government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said Foreign Minister
Theodoros Pangalos and National Defense Minister Akis
Tsohatzopoulos had briefed KYSEA on the political and diplomatic
steps taken so far and the dispatch of the Greek contingent to
Albania as part of the UN-mandated and Italian-led multinational
protection force.
Mr. Reppas said Athens' position had been confirmed, namely,
that in a subsequent stage Greek troops would be sent to the
border posts of Kakavia and Krystallopigi as well as southern
Albania in order to secure the distribution of humanitarian aid.
According to sources, Mr. Tsohatzopoulos told KYSEA that Greece
could propose the formation of a committee made up of
representatives from Greece, Italy and France to assist the OSCE
special envoy for Albania, former Austrian chancellor Franz
Vranitzky.
[12] 'Samos' redirected to Durres
Athens, 19/04/1997 (ANA)
Meanwhile, the Hellenic Navy landing craft "Samos" was
redirected by the multinational force's Italian command to dock
at the Albanian port of Durres, instead of Vlore, as originally
scheduled.
The decision was made due to the fact that the security
operations in Vlore had not yet been completed.
The 120-man Greek unit later arrived at the Adriatic port
without incident. After landing in Durres, the Greek company
reached the town of Fieri by mid afternoon.
According to reports, the Greek troops were expected to stay in
the town for 24 hours before moving on.
[13] Theodorakis-Livaneli concerts in Germany
Bonn, 19/07/1997 (ANA - P. Stangos)
German Foreign Minister Klaus Kinkel will host composer Mikis
Theodorakis and his Turkish counterpart Zulfi Livaneli to an
official dinner on April 29, ahead of a joint tour of the
country by the two artists, both of whom have been active in the
goal of Greek-Turkish friendship in 1987.
The political side of the two artists' presence in Germany is
financially supported by the FDP-affiliated Naumann Foundation
and the German foreign ministry, while some of the concerts have
been placed under the aegis of Social Democrat political figures
and affiliated organizations.
SPD president Oscar Lafontaine will attend the concert in Berlin
on May 4, and will host a reception for the artists at Willy
Brandt House, in the party's new offices.
The concert at Hanover on May 5 has been placed under the aegis
of the IG-Metall trade union.
During their two-day stay in Bonn on April 29-30, the two
artists will hold talks with German deputies of the joint
German-Greek and German - Turkish parliamentary committees, and
the Christian Democratic Party's head of foreign policy issues
Karl Lammers, and will hold a joint press conference.
The political side of the tour will be based on a declaration
entitled "Under the constellation of Greek-Turkish friendship",
in which it is stated that "today's problems must be resolved
peacefully, recognizing the existing borders and the principles
of international law".
It is also added that "tensions between the two countries can
have catastrophic consequences, while helping others makes
profits and satisfies shameless interests."
[14] Tzoganis to represent Athens at 126th meeting of NATO military
committee
Athens, 19/04/1997 (ANA)
The Chief of the National Defense General Staff, Gen. Athanasios
Tzoganis, will represent Greece at the scheduled 126th meeting
of NATO's military committee, which will convene from April
22-25 in Brussels.
According to a general staff announcement, the meeting will be
attended by the military chiefs of NATO member-states, who will
discuss alliance issues.
Gen. Tzoganis will also be taking part in a map exercise,
codenamed "Shapex."
[15] Navy chief to visit
Athens, 19/04/1997 (ANA)
Italy Hellenic Navy General Staff Chief, Vice-Adm. Paliogiorgos,
will visit Italy from April 21-23 at the invitation of his
Italian counterpart, Adm. Angelo Mariani, according to an
announcement by the navy general staff.
During his visit, Vice-Adm. Paliogiorgos will be briefed at
Italy's navy general staff and will discuss issues jointly
concerning the Greek and Italian navies.
[16] German military cadets to visit Greece next week
Athens, 19/04/1997 (ANA)
Officer cadets from Germany's military academy will pay an
official visit to Greece from April 20-25 within the framework
of a training program, it was announced yesterday.
During their stay, cadets will have meetings with the military
leadership of the national defense ministry and be briefed by
Hellenic armed forces' general staff officers and foreign
ministry officials on various issues.
They will also visit military units and installations of the
three military branches, as well as a number of archaeological
sites and museums.
[17] Medecins sans Frontieres to set up mock 'refugee camp' in
Thessaloniki
Athens, 19/04/1997 (ANA)
The international Medecins sans Frontieres organization is to
set up a mock refugee camp in downtown Thessaloniki from April
23 to May 4, in order to display the daily life of millions of
refugees worldwide who have found sanctuary in the
organization's camps.
The same exhibition will then go to Irakleio, Crete (May 8-11),
Ioannina (May 15-18) and Patra (May 21-25).
[18] Papantoniou promotes Greek economy in the US
N. York, 19/07/1997 (ANA)
National Economy Minister Yiannos Papantoniou concluded the
official portion of his US trip yesterday with an address before
a group of businessmen and personalities of New York's financial
and social community.
The event was organized by the Harvard Business School of the
wider New York area at the Plaza hotel and was sponsored by the
Commercial Bank of Greece.
Mr. Papantoniou promoted Greece's role as a pole of stability
and its investment environment as well as joint Greek-US
business initiatives in the Balkans and Black Sea region.
Speaking to reporters after the address, he referred to the
significance of his contacts with officials of major stock
market firms, such as Salomon Brothers and Morgan Stanley, as
well as representatives of institutional investors, all of whom
expressed interest in the Greek initiative for the
reconstruction of the Balkans.
Mr. Papantoniou is going to visit Washington this week to
promote Greece as a catalyst for development in the Balkans and
the Black Sea region, according to a comment in the daily
"Washington Post" yesterday.
"These are economies where there can be substantial growth if we
work on financing, investment and infrastructure with private
capital, government assistance and international monetary
institutions," the newspaper quoted Mr. Papantoniou as saying.
"It is a no lose-situation, it would be better than doing
nothing," Mr. Papantoniou added.
The Greek minister said Turkey could contribute to this large
collective effort, adding that "we could agree under elementary
political conditions, such as Turkey's dropping territorial
claims and finding a solution to Cyprus."
[19] Spiliotopoulos replaces Pavlopoulos as ND's spokesman
Athens, 19/04/1997 (ANA)
Main opposition New Democracy party leader Costas Karamanlis
yesterday appointed Aris Spiliotopoulos as the party's new press
spokesman in the place of Prokopis Pavlopoulos.
Mihalis Liapis was appointed as head of ND's political planning
secretariat with Spyros Taliadouros as his deputy on programming
issues and Andreas Lykourentzos as deputy on planning issues.
Marietta Yiannakou-Koutsikou will undertake the international
relations secretariat.
Yesterday's announcements complete organizational changes
brought about in ND after Mr. Karamanlis was elected party
leader last month.
[20] Tsovolas criticizes Gov't, ND concerning national issues
Athens, 19/04/1997 (ANA)
Democratic Social Movement (DHKKI) leader Dimitris Tsovolas
criticized the government of proceeding with the closure of all
the country's national issues with tolerance by the main
opposition New Democracy party.
Mr. Tsovolas, who chaired a meeting of his party's Central
Committee on organizing issues yesterday, said the government
and the new PASOK are proceeding with the sellout of national
issues in accordance with the wishes of the major powers and
behind the backs of the Greek people and Hellenism.
He further said that with secret diplomacy the government is
selling out the name Macedonia to the Former Yugoslav Republic
of Macedonia (FYROM) and is going ahead with a substantive
dialogue with Turkey with which national sovereign rights will
be ceded in violation of international law and international
agreements.
The government's tactics, he added, are leading to joint
sovereignty and joint exploitation in the Aegean, adding that
the government is leading the country to an unacceptable
revision of the Treaty of Lausanne and Paris.
Commenting on social dialogue, Mr. Tsovolas said that the target
is the abolition of the insurance system and the social
conquests of the people.
[21] Santer to visit Greece in early May
Athens, 19/04/1997 (ANA)
European Commission President Jacques Santer will visit Greece
in May to attend, for the first time, events celebrating
"European Day" on May 9.
Mr. Santer will visit Athens from May 8-11 and during his stay
have talks with government and other officials.
"European Day" marked the May 9, 1950 decree issued by then
French foreign minister Robert Schumann which began the process
that led to the creation of the European Union.
[22] Milosevic in Greece on private visit
Athens, 19/04/1997 (ANA)
According to reports, Serb President Slobodan Milosevic arrived
in Athens last night on a three-day private visit. He is
expected to leave on Monday.
Government sources said Mr. Milosevic's itinerary does not
include contacts with Greek government officials.
[23] Stephanopoulos to address Council of Europe's Parliamentary
Assembly
Athens, 19/04/1997 (ANA)
President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos will address the
Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe as a special
guest on Monday in Strasbourg, it was announced yesterday.
During his visit, Mr. Stephanopoulos will have meetings with the
president of the Parliamentary assembly, the secretary general
of the Council of Europe and the mayor of Strasbourg.
A Greek delegation comprising 11 deputies will also leave on
Sunday for Strasbourg to attend the Parliamentary Assembly
conference to be held on April 21-25.
The conference will focus on the situation in Albania, refugees'
rights protection in Europe, the progress of economic change in
central and eastern Europe and the situation in Transcaucasus.
[24] Restructuring of Greek Expatriates Foundation
Athens, 19/04/1997 (ANA)
The government will go ahead with the complete restructuring of
the Greek Expatriates Foundation after the decision taken by the
inner cabinet yesterday.
Government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said weaknesses,
malfunctions, omissions and everything but positive elements
have been ascertained because with the policy applied to date
new ghettos were created since expatriates settled in
underprivileged region s and as a result tragi-comical phenomena
were observed such as qualified scientists involving themselves
in farming.
There is a great lag, he added, there is no immigration policy,
the operational cost from salaries alone was 2.5 billion
drachmas and everything will be examined from a zero basis since
the foundation failed to reach its targets.
For this reason the creation of a committee under Mr.
Petsalnikos was decided with the participation of
representatives from the interior and foreign ministries to
enable it to submit an integrated proposal on Greek expatriates
by early June. A second w ill also be created under Alternate
Foreign Minister George Papandreou to make a proposal on foreign
illegal immigrants.
On the question of secret funds, Mr. Reppas said that everything
will be examined and did not rule out the possibility of the
headquarters being transferred from Athens to Komotini.
Another possibility he did not exclude is a prosecutor ordering
an investigation to ascertain responsibilities wherever they
exist.
[25] Second Papandreou will found
Athens, 19/04/1997 (ANA)
A second will written by Sophia Mineiko, mother of the late
PASOK founder Andreas Papandreou, has been presented to and was
declared as valid by an Athens court yesterday. The will,
written in 1964, predates another handwritten by Mineiko in 1968
and also concerns Mineiko's home in Paleo Psychico.
The will, found a few days ago by Mineiko's niece Elli
Papazachariou, leaves the house to Mineiko's granddaughter
Sophia Papandreou-Katsaneva. The other will found earlier, but
which predates the above, leaves the house to the four
grandchildren, including Sophia.
Ms Papazachariou, who is also the godmother of Sophia Katsaneva,
said she found the will pinned to the back of a photograph of
the late George Papandreou, father of Andreas. She also said she
had witnessed the writing of the will, which leaves Andreas the
proceeds from the sale of an apartment in Athens as well as 100
gold sovereigns.
[26] Simitis-Skandalidis meeting
Athens, 19/04/1997 (ANA)
Prime Minister and PASOK party leader Costas Simitis held a
70-minute meeting yesterday on current political affairs with
PASOK Secretary Costas Skandalidis.
Mr. Skandalidis did not disclose the content of his talks with
Mr. Simitis.
Replying to a question on whether PASOK will take an initiative
on the issue of a Psychico residence formerly owned by the
Papandreou family, Mr. Skandalidis indicated that an initiative
will take place, but did not announce its content.
He said the case is of interest to PASOK, and Mr. Simitis
personally.
[27] Cunsumers Institute says fake shortages plaguing Greek market
Athens, 19/04/1997 (ANA)
The Consumers Institute (INKA) denounced what it called fake
product shortages in order to force consumers to turn to other
products as well as huge differences in the prices of similar
products from one region to another.
Research conducted by INKA ascertained that differences in
prices reached 53 per cent in stores in the same area and 114
per cent between shops in different cities.
According to the results of a nationwide price survey conducted
by INKA and presented in Thessaloniki yesterday, the phenomenon
of fake shortages in specific products is now greater than in
any other past time, abolishing consumers' right to choose.
According to the survey, first place on the consumers'
disappointment list is held by public administration followed by
the Hellenic Telecommunications Organization (OTE), television,
political parties, health services, education, the Public Power
Corp. (DEH) and taxi drivers.
On the other hand, Greek consumers have a very good opinion of
the fire brigade, radio stations and inter-cities bus services.
[28] Greek department store in Pristina
Belgrade, 19/04/1997 (ANA - M. Mouratidis)
A Greek department store will open in Pristina in May, according
to reports in Yugoslavia's press yesterday.
The store would be the only center for the distribution of Greek
products in the Yugoslav market.
In a related development, the Bank of Vojvodina has undertaken
to restructure the bankrupt Grimia enterprise in Pristina, and
will turn the firm's commercial store (8,000 square meters) into
a Greece-based department store.
One of the store's three floors will be used for wholesale
sales, while a restaurant and confectionery will also operate.
[29] Civil Aviation work stoppages canceled
Athens, 19/04/1997 (ANA)
The unions of Civil Aviation Authority employees yesterday
canceled their planned work stoppages for Tuesday, Wednesday and
Thursday, after a meeting with Transport and Communications
Minister Haris Kastanidis.
The minister assured union representatives that employees will
soon receive past holiday pay that is overdue, and, discounting
speculation, that there are no plans for privatizing of part or
all of any of the country's airports.
[30] Karamanlis on agriculture policy
Athens, 19/04/1997 (ANA)
Main opposition New Democracy party leader Costas Karamanlis
yesterday impressed upon farmers' representatives his belief
that the country's agricultural problem is not only economic,
but also primarily social and national.
"New Democracy wants the farmer and stockbreeder to stay on
their land and continue their activity with satisfactory income
and social recognition, and for this reason it will support any
effort showing the prominent role of agriculture in the Greek
economy and society," he said.
[31] Personalities honored in Sweden for efforts against Greek junta
Stockholm, (ANA- N. Servetas)
Approximately 30 Greek and Swedish personalities who founded
anti-dictatorial organizations in Sweden in the wake of an April
1967 coup d'etat in Greece, and the Swedish Committee for the
Restoration of Democracy in Greece, will be awarded the title of
honorary member of the Center of Hellenic Culture here on May 10.
They include former Greek ambassador to Sweden, Manolis
Poniridis, Social Democratic Party deputy, Hans Goran Frank, and
Swedish Academy member Lars Gyllensten. The awards will be
presented by prominent members of Swedish society, including
minister Pierre Schori.
The awards will coincide with the opening of an exhibition with
material of anti-dictatorial organizations of that period.
End of English language section.
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