Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 97-04-30
From: The Greek Press & Information Office, Ottawa Canada <grnewsca@sympatico.ca>
ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No. 1174), April 30, 1997
Greek Press & Information Office
Ottawa, Canada
E-Mail Address: grnewsca@sympatico.ca
CONTENTS
[01] Greece maintains veto on EU funds to Turkey
[02] Common position by '15'
[03] Greece, Turkey agree to appoint personalities to examine
relations
[04] Turkish military comments on Greek-Turkish relations
[05] G. Papandreou cites importance of joint EU foreign policy
[06] Turkish fishing vessels escorted out of Greek waters
[07] EU decides to send ambassadors back to Tehran
[08] Composers Theodorakis, Livanelli honoured by Kinkel at reception
[09] Tsohatzopoulos discusses Greek-Italian military coordination in
Albania
[10] Last army company leaves for Albania
[11] Businessmen call for larger Greek economic presence in Black Sea
region
[12] Separate GSEE, KKE-affiliated union May Day rallies
[13] Papaioannou
[14] Public transportation fares, mobile phone dues to increase
[15] Complaint forms for restaurants, bars
[16] Commission to grant OTE transition period in free market
[17] EYDAP: Water reserves exceed one billion cubic metres
[18] Eurostat service for media professionals
[19] Medecins sans Frontieres sets up model refugee camp in
Thessaloniki
[20] General Youth Undersecretariat conference
[21] To our readers
[01] Greece maintains veto on EU funds to Turkey
Luxembourg, 30/4/1997 (ANA/M. Spinthourakis)
Greece yesterday maintained its veto on a European Union aid
package to Turkey, continuing to block aid worth ECU 375 million
until Ankara stopped threatening Greek sovereignty in the Aegean.
Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos said Turkey has not taken
the necessary steps allowing Greece to change its stance.
"Greece holds the firm view that Turkey should march towards
Europe, and supports the making of a democratic and progressive
Turkey," Mr. Pangalos said.
"Greece has contributed to the formulation of a common position
which will constitute, this evening (last night), the basis on
which the EU-Turkey Association Council will be conducted," he
added.
"Greece is facing a bilateral relations problem with Turkey,
which is based on the fact that Turkey does not withdraw its
threat of war, which the Turkish National Assembly has
unanimously endorsed, in the event that Greece extends its
territorial waters to 12 (nautical) miles in the Aegean," Mr.
Pangalos said.
"Turkey does not have the right to threaten," he noted, adding
that "Turkey should realize that the problems it may have in
relation to the Aegean must be resolved on the basis of the
existing international law and international treaties, such as
the Lausanne Treaty, the Italy-Turkey 1932 Agreement, the
Italy-Greece 1947 Agreement and the Law of the Sea."
Mr. Pangalos said the Greek positions had not been accepted by
the Turkish side, "mainly because Turkey is not capable of
sorting out its domestic problems in relation to the course that
it must follow."
"Certain circles," Mr. Pangalos said, "think that Turkey can
exercise a hegemonic policy at Greece's expense" and continue to
maintain an "imperial perception of their country's destiny."
The Greek foreign minister said he accepted a Dutch EU
presidency proposal for the creation of two experts committees,
a Greek and a Turkish one, which until June will communicate
with each other via the Dutch presidency and after that through
the Luxembourg presidency.
The committees will form the framework for talks on
Greek-Turkish differences.
Mr. Pangalos said he had proposed that before consultations
begin the two sides should clarify the method for resolving
problems in case of differences. He said Athens has proposed
that the problems be referred to the International Court at The
Hague.
"The Turkish side is not yet in a position to accept our
proposals and for this reason Greece has not given its consent
to the approval of aid for Turkey," he said.
Statements earlier in the day by Alternate Foreign Minister
George Papandreou indicated that Greece would remain firm in its
positions concerning the European Union-Turkey Association
Agreement. Mr. Papandreou, who accompanied Mr. Pangalos in
Luxembourg, said the "15" had prepared a text which was
satisfactory for Athens and which should be accepted by Ankara.
[02] Common position by '15'
Luxembourg, 30/4/1997 (ANA/M. Spinthourakis)
The Council's common text, which was presented last night to
Turkish Foreign Minister Tansu Ciller, contains many references
to Greek-Turkish relations and the Cyprus issue.
Specifically, it is mentioned that the strengthening of
relations between the European Union and Turkey depends
primarily on three factors:
Firstly, an improvement in relations between Greece and Turkey
through the settlement of issues concerning them on the basis of
international law, including mechanisms such as the
International Court at The Hague, as well as through relations
of good neighbourliness and the rejection of the threat or use
of force. Secondly, an improvement in the situation of human
rights in Turkey and, thirdly, respect for human rights and the
finding of a political solution to the Kurdish problem.
In relation to the Cyprus issue, the common position of the "15"
contains two paragraphs mentioning the following:
"On the question of Cyprus, the European Union's Council took a
decision on March 6, 1995, on the start to accession
negotiations with Cyprus in the framework of wider discussions
also concerning Turkey. The Council decided that the
negotiations with Cyprus will start six months after the end of
the Intergovernmental Conference in accordance with its outcome.
The Council stressed that the accession of Cyprus should be
beneficial for all the communities on the island and will
contribute to intercommunal peace and reconciliation. The Union
reminds that the Commission has been summoned to organize, in
consultations with the government of Cyprus, contacts with the
Turkish Cypriot community to make the benefits of accession
clearer to it.
"In parallel, the Union attributes great importance to contacts
taking place under the sponsorship of the UN aimed at a meeting
between the leaders of the two communities in direct
intercommunal talks on finding a solution to the Cyprus problem
in accordance with UN resolutions.
"It is convinced that a solution to the Cyprus problem is urgent
on this basis to delete the cause of continuous tension in
Cyprus and the region. The lack of progress will be to the
detriment of Turkey, the EU and relations between them.
"As an example of the importance the Presidency attributes to
the solution of the Cyprus problem, it re-appointed Mr.
Heaslipas the Presidency's representative on the Cyprus issue.
The Union urges Turkey to participate in the effort to find a
solution together with the other countries through negotiations
with direct talks between the sides this summer."
Speaking to German reporters, German Foreign Minister Klaus
Kinkel said the accession of Turkey to the EU is not predictable
in the near future for four reasons, namely, tension in
Greek-Turkish relations; its economic problems; problems faced
by the Kurds and problems in Turkey's human rights situation.
[03] Greece, Turkey agree to appoint personalities to examine
relations
Luxembourg, 30/4/1997 (ANA/M. Spinthourakis)
Greece and Turkey agreed yesterday to appoint non-governmental
personalities to examine Greek-Turkish relations.
During a joint press conference held with Turkish Foreign
Minister Tansu Ciller at the end of the EU-Turkey Association
Council meeting last night, EU Council of Ministers' President
and Dutch Foreign Minister Hans van Mierlo expressed his
satisfaction over the meeting.
The text of the Greece-Turkey agreement was distributed to the
press and read as follows:
"Greece and Turkey have agreed to appoint about two
personalities each, non-governmental and not necessarily
nationals of the two countries. They will be asked jointly to
consider the positions and submissions of both governments.
"The personalities should make a common report, if necessary of
an interim nature, by mid-June, to the two governments with
procedural non-binding and balanced recommendations for dealing
with the issues.
"The two governments asked the Netherlands Presidency to
continue its facilitating role in this process."
Mr. van Mierlo expressed his hope that a solution would be found
towards improvement of Greek-Turkish relations during his
country's EU presidency.
Speaking at the same conference, Ms Ciller expressed her regret
at Greece's veto of EU financial aid to Turkey, adding that she
hoped bilateral relations between Athens and Ankara will improve.
In addition, she said that "today, another opportunity was lost
to change for the better Greek-Turkish relations, and this
because of the lack of approval of the (financial) protocol due
to the Greek stance.
[04] Turkish military comments on Greek-Turkish relations
Ankara, 30/4/1997 (ANA/AFP)
Turkey has received "positive signs" from Athens concerning
confidence-building measures proposed by NATO and aimed at
reducing tension between the two countries, the Turkish military
announced yesterday.
"We are in favour of confidence-building measures and we have
received positive signs on the part of Greece," said Gen. Cetin
Dogan, the chief of the Turkish general staff's operation
department, during a press briefing on security issues.
"But before we conclude anything a little time is needed," Gen.
Dogan added.
He explained that the meeting held last week at NATO's
headquarters in Brussels between the chief of the Turkish Armed
Forces' General Staff, Gen. Ismail Haki Karadayi, and his Greek
counterpart, Gen. Athanasios Tzoganis, was a positive
development in relations between the militaries of the two
countries.
"We are ready to make every effort for a rapprochement with
Greece through dialogue," Gen. Dogan said.
During the press briefing, Turkish officers avoided using the
expression "casus belli", as they have used in the past when
referring to the possibility of Greek territorial waters being
legally extended to 12 nautical miles.
Gen. Dogan merely said during the briefing that extension of
Greek territorial waters would be "unacceptable", without
referring to "a cause for war."
According to military sources, if Greece and Turkey reach an
agreement on confidence-building measures proposed by NATO,
these measures will include a mechanism on exchanging
information on military flights and the establishment of a
direct phone link between the chiefs of the two countries' armed
forces.
Meanwhile, according to an ANA dispatch from Istanbul, a
high-ranking member of the Turkish armed forces was reported as
saying that the basis of Greek-Turkish problems was
"ideological."
According to the Turkish daily "Sabah", Gen. Kenan Deniz said
Greek-Turkish problems would not be solved unless Greece
abandons the "megali idea" (a movement prior to 1922 to unite
all the lands where ethnic Greeks in the Balkans and Asia Minor
lived).
Gen. Deniz made a similar briefing to a selected group of
scholars and was also expected to repeat the briefing for a
group of civil servants.
The Turkish military official is quoted telling the reporters
that incidents such as that of Imia, "may seem trivial but are
of vital importance for Turkey."
Stressing the importance of confidence-building measures in the
Aegean, Gen. Deniz said "Greece is seriously harming
Greek-Turkish relations through its support to the PKK."
In a related development, the Turkish semi-official news agency
Anadolu reported yesterday that Vice-Adm. Mustafa Ozbey also
spoke of Greek-Turkish problems during the briefing.
These problems, he said, can be placed under the titles of
"territorial waters in the Aegean", the "continental shelf", the
"di-sarmament of the islands", "air-space in the Aegean", the
"situa-tion of the islands to which Greece has not been given
sovereignty", the "Moslem minority in western Thrace" and the
"Cyprus issue".
The Turkish general staff leadership claimed that there has been
a reduction in Athens' allegations of airspace violations since
military flights in the Aegean began being monitored by NATO
headquarters in Naples.
[05] G. Papandreou cites importance of joint EU foreign policy
Luxembourg, 30/4/1997 (ANA)
Alternate Foreign Minister George Papandreou said during the
Intergovernmental Conference yesterday that Greece is placing
particular importance on the development of a joint EU foreign
policy as the basic parameter for the reinforcement t of the EU.
Mr. Papandreou added that Greece supports the integration of the
West European Union (WEU) into the EU according to a time-scale
with determined stages.
"The integration must be foreseen in an article of the revised
(Maastricht) Treaty," he said.
He said the aim is to determine the rights and responsibilities
of the WEU's "associated members and parties" clearly and in a
manner which does not violate the EU's institutional autonomy
and unity in the decision-making procedure.
[06] Turkish fishing vessels escorted out of Greek waters
Athens, 30/4/1997 (ANA)
Coast-guard vessels on Monday forced two Turkish fishing boats
to leave Greek territorial waters and escorted a third with
engine trouble to the small port of Molyvos on the eastern
Aegean island of Lesvos.
The three Turkish vessels were spotted early Monday morning in
the sea region of Eftalous, near Molyvos.
Two young Turkish fishermen on the vessel escorted into Molyvos
were detained and later tried, before being acquitted by a
misdemeanours court.
The court accepted their statements that the vessel had been
swept into Greek territorial waters by currents.
[07] EU decides to send ambassadors back to Tehran
Luxembourg, 30/4/1997 (ANA/M. Spinthourakis)
The European Union Council of Ministers yesterday decided to
send the ambassadors of EU-member countries back to Tehran.
All EU countries, except Greece, withdrew their ambassadors
after a local German court implicated the Iranian leadership in
the killing of several Kurdish exiles in a Berlin restaurant.
The Greek ambassador to Tehran has been in Athens over the past
few days on a regular leave.
Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos expressed his satisfaction
on the Council's decision, and said the Greek ambassador will
cut short his leave and return to the Iranian capital.
The 15 EU member-countries yesterday decided on a series of
measures concerning Iran, such as interruption of the so-called
"critical dialogue" with that country, confirmation of an arms
embargo, refusal of visas to Iranian diplomats wishing to visit
EU members and the banning of bilateral meetings between
ministers from EU member-states and Iranian ministers.
[08] Composers Theodorakis, Livanelli honoured by Kinkel at reception
Bonn, 30/4/1997 (ANA/P. Stangos)
German Foreign Minister Klaus Kinkel yesterday held a reception
and dinner in the Petersburg State House in honour of composers
Mikis Theodorakis and Zulfi Livanelli.
The two composers, who have both been active in the goal of
Greek-Turkish friendship, are to conduct a joint tour of Germany
in May.
Mr. Kinkel's initiative has been seen as a symbolic gesture to
support efforts in improving Greek-Turkish relations.
During his speech at the event, Mr. Kinkel underlined his wish
"to become involved and to assist, in order for what Theodorakis
and Livanelli have begun to become a broad movement which will
bring Greeks and Turks together."
The two composers' presence in Bonn has developed a strong
political nature, with broad backing for their initiative for
Greek-Turkish friendship, which they began in 1987.
The political part of their visit to Germany is being supported
financially by the Nauman Foundation. Some of the concerts to be
held have been placed under the auspices of Social Democratic
and Environmental party politicians.
[09] Tsohatzopoulos discusses Greek-Italian military coordination in
Albania
Rome, 30/4/1997 (ANA/S. Aravopoulou)
National Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos yesterday
discussed co-operation and coordination in efforts between
Greece and Italy in Albania with his Italian counterpart,
Beniamino Andreata.
Speaking at a joint press conference, Mr. Tsohatzopoulos said
yesterday's meeting provided the opportunity for the terms of a
successful co-operation to be discussed regarding the
effectiveness of the multinational force in Albania and, in
parallel, confirmation of the good co-operation between the
military forces of Greece and Italy in the common effort in
Albania.
"We ascertained the need for closer co-operation to enable us to
contribute to the success of the targets of the European Union
and the OSCE, concerning the successful holding of elections in
Albania," he said.
Mr. Tsohatzopoulos briefed his Italian counterpart on meetings
he held in Albania on Monday with that country's prime minister
and defense minister so that the needs of the current national
reconciliation government in Tirana can be taken into
consideration in an effort for a successful military mission
aimed to protect humanitarian aid.
"We jointly agreed that the terms of co-operation between the
armed forces of Italy and Greece are very good. I also
ascertained this from my visit yesterday and my meeting with the
Italian commander at the headquarters of the multinational
force. We also agreed that our mission is not solely of a
military nature. We are trying to have a successful outcome to
solidarity shown to the Albanian people by the EU, the UN and
the OSCE, and for a political solution to be found," he added.
Mr. Tsohatzopoulos said that in such situations appropriate
political solutions require the consensus of all the political
parties as well as popular consent.
"We have set as a target to try together and at all levels to
ensure that both the multinational force of the UN and the OSCE
and the EU will be able to hold elections in Albania at the end
of June. And in this direction we will utilize all the
possibilities of political co-operation so as to contribute to
the success of this effort. Lastly, I and Mr. Andreata had the
opportunity to coordinate our efforts concerning developments in
NATO. Anyway, final decisions will be taken in Madrid," he said.
On his part, Mr. Andreata expressed satisfaction over his
meeting with Mr. Tsohatzopoulos with whom, as he said, there was
extensive communication from the start, more than was
ascertained with other defense ministers from participating
countries.
"The certainty of having Greece as a partner was an important
factor for us to decide to assume our responsibilities," he said.
Mr. Andreata said that it was ascertained that the coordination
of all activities in the common effort to normalize the
situation in Albania was no easy undertaking.
"We would consider it a great success if our military presence
allows for a defusion of tension and the holding of elections,"
he said.
On the question of disarming the civilian population, Mr.
Andreata said the local police authorities must be helped to
develop activities which are not included in the mandate from
the UN. He said the question is not that there are many weapons
in the streets, adding that peace-loving people keep them at
home and this is positive.
Mr. Andreata said that in the event the need appeared, and
provided the Security Council permitted, Italy and Greece would
not refuse to extend their mission beyond the period anticipated.
[10] Last army company leaves for Albania
Athens, 30/4/1997 (ANA)
The final portion - a company - of the Greek contingent
participating in the multinational force overseeing distribution
of aid in Albania left yesterday afternoon from Thessaloniki.
The 100-man company, along with several vehicles and equipment,
will sail for Albania aboard the Hellenic Navy landing vessels
"Hios" and "Kos".
Meanwhile, several truckloads of humanitarian aid for the
residents of Tepelene will set off for Albania on May 6, it was
announced yesterday. The aid, comprising 2,200 family packages
and each weighing a total of 16 kilos, will be distributed
according to lists which have already been drawn up.
[11] Businessmen call for larger Greek economic presence in Black Sea
region
Istanbul, 30/4/1997 (ANA/A. Kourkoulas)
Greek businessmen said yesterday that Greece's role as an
important economy and EU-member country is being proved during
the course of the Black Sea Pact Co-operation (BSEC) meeting,
which opened here on Monday.
The Greece-based businessmen underlined their belief that there
is room for a greater Greek presence in the BSEC group.
The meeting, which focused on energy, transport and
telecommunication issues as well as protection of the
environment, aims to accelerate co-operation between the 11
member-countries and to attract investments to the wider Black
Sea region.
The president of the Federation of Northern Greece Industries,
Nikolaos Efthimiadis, noted that Greece has much to gain from
its active presence and participation in the organization's
activities.
Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos is expected to attend the
meeting today.
[12] Separate GSEE, KKE-affiliated union May Day rallies
Athens, 30/4/1997 (ANA)
The General Confederation of Workers of Greece (GSEE) is
organizing a rally in central Athens tomorrow on the occasion of
May Day. However, the Communist Party of Greece (KKE)-affiliated
ESAK union is to hold a separate rally.
GSEE is to hold its rally in Pedio tou Areos Square, while
ESAK's rally will be held in Syntagma Square.
ESAK has agreed with GSEE demands in Thessaloniki and Pireaus,
where joint rallies will be held by unions affiliated to all
parties, while it has disagreed with the GSEE Athens bureau.
Both rallies will begin at 10 a.m.
GSEE's demands include measures favourable to workers regarding
employment, income, social security, labour relations,
development and a 35-hour working week without a reduction in
salaries.
The confederation has also called for coordination of European
workers to resist a "Europe of multinationals" and to work
towards a "Europe of workers".
GSEE has accused the government of ignoring alternative
proposals put forward by workers and of projecting its own
economic choices "as being a one-way road".
In a related development, an opinion poll conducted by the firm
PRC claimed that 77.1 per cent of workers want a GSEE to exist,
while 48.2 per cent fear disagreements within the trade union
movement could lead to its fragmentation.
According to the opinion poll, only 34.4 per cent of workers in
the Attica prefecture are members of a union.
[13] Papaioannou
Athens, 30/4/1997 (ANA)
On his part, Labour and Social Security Minister Miltiades
Papaioannou said yesterday that combating of unemployment and
exclusion from society, attainment of full employment and the
strengthening of the social security system continue to be among
the government's main goals.
In a message on the occasion of May Day tomorrow, Mr.
Papaioannou pledged that the social dialogue to be initiated by
the government with workers would be "substantial, effective,
responsible and sincere."
The dialogue, he added, would be aimed at minimizing the
consequences of labour upheavals, which are likely to result
from the considerable changes taking place in the production
process due in turn to the globalization of markets and the
development of new technologies. Meanwhile, the Civil Servants
Supreme Administrative Council (ADEDY) in an announcement on the
occasion of May Day charged that the policy being followed by
the government within the framework of EU decisions for Economic
and Monetary Union "does not lead to real economic and social
convergence, but exacerbates the unemployment problem and does
not respond to social needs in the fields of health, education,
welfare and social security."
[14] Public transportation fares, mobile phone dues to increase
Athens, 30/4/199 (ANA)
Taxi fares, mobile telephone dues, postage dues, railway fares
and bus tickets will increase over the next two months.
Specifically, increases of up to 50 per cent (in summoning radio
taxis) will take effect for taxi fares as of May 1. The single
tariff will increase to 62 drachmas from 58 and the double
tariff to 200 from 113. The largest increase will concern calls
for radio taxis, with an ordinary call increasing to 300
drachmas from 200, while a pre-arranged appointment rises to 400
drachmas from 300.
The starting price (200 drachmas), the chronometrical cost
(2,000) and fares from airports and ports (300) remain unchanged.
Additionally, a fare from agencies and railway stations will
decrease to 150 drachmas from 160 as well as the cost for
carrying luggage exceeding 10kg to 50 drachmas from 55.
As of tomorrow, mobile telephony dues (the average increase will
be about 4 per cent) for the mobile telephony supplier Telestet
will also increase.
Similar increases will also apply for the mobile telephony dues
of the Panafon firm, as of May 12.
Peak hours for the personal package will have a charge per
minute amounting to 188 drachmas (from 180 drachmas) and for
non-peak hours to 70 (from 68).
Peak hours for the business package will have a charge per
minute amounting to 120 drachmas (from 112) and for non-peak
hours to 84 (from 78).
Lastly, at peak hours for the "City" package, local calls will
be charged 84 drachmas per minute (from 80); national calls 250
drachmas per minute; from one mobile phone to a mobile phone 117
drachmas per minute (from 112) and for non-peak hours 84
drachmas (from 80) per minute.
Increases will not be made for connection dues, the monthly
fixed duty of the message service as well as dues for
supplementary services.
As of July 1 increases of up to 25 per cent will be implemented
for postal dues, 15 per cent for railway fares and 35 per cent
for urban bus tickets (100 drachmas from 75).
[15] Complaint forms for restaurants, bars
Athens, 30/4/1997 (ANA)
All shops serving food and drinks, such as restaurants,
tavernas, bars and confectioneries, will from now on be obliged
to keep a special container next to the exit with printed forms
to enable customers to list their complaints. The forms will be
in triplicate and according to a clause announced by the
development ministry, proprietors are obliged to keep an
adequate number of forms available for customers throughout the
entire time the shops will be open.
According to the same clause, the shops are obliged to write in
capital letters on their price lists the following announcement
in Greek, English, French and German:
"The shop is obliged to have printed forms in a special
container next to the exit for the making of whatever
complaints" according to a ministry announcement.
A customer making a complaint leaves the white copy in the shop,
keeps the green one for himself and sends the red one to the
state authority, namely, the prefectural administration's
relevant service for commercial issues in the region.
[16] Commission to grant OTE transition period in free market
Brussels, 30/4/1997 (ANA/P. Pantelis)
The European Commission intends to grant the Hellenic
Telecommunications Organization (OTE) an adequate transition
period to adapt to free competition regulations, following
yesterday's meeting between EU Competition Commissioner Karel
van Miert and Transport and Communications Minister Haris
Kastanidis.
Free market regulations must apply for telecommunications in the
European Union as of Jan. 1, 1998.
Ireland and Portugal have been granted a transitional period for
conventional telephony until 1999 and until June 1, 1997 for
alternate networks which should have been operating under free
competition rules since last year.
Greece broached the issue of a transitional period following
certain regulations agreed upon between Mr. Kastanidis and Mr.
van Miert. These concern satellite communications, mobile
telephony, cable television and the Telecommunications Committee.
The Commission is expected to grant Greece a transitional period
sometime during the coming month.
According to the Greek side, during the discussion, the
Commission recognized that Greece has made great efforts in the
telecommunications sector compared to the past, and has managed
to change the negative climate of Greek co-operation with
relevant Commission services.
Mr. Kastanidis said his meeting was a good framework for
discussion and negotiation, adding that he received the
impression that the Commission will respond positively to Greek
arguments.
[17] EYDAP: Water reserves exceed one billion cubic metres
Athens, 30/4/1997 (ANA)
Water reserves of the Athens Water and Sewerage Co. (EYDAP),
used for supplying the greater Athens area, now exceed one
billion cubic metres for the first time since 1987, EYDAP
general director Georgios Ioannidis announced yesterday.
"Although we are not 100 per cent positive, the situation is
very good and allows us to examine an improvement of services
provided to citizens without anxiety about a water shortage,"
Mr. Ioannidis said.
The increased reserves, however, do not rule out the possibility
of price increases.
Although the Prices and Incomes Committee has not decided on the
percentage of increase, EYDAP's administration is proposing
increases particularly for large consumption.
[18] Eurostat service for media professionals
Athens, 30/4/1997 (ANA)
The European Commission has created a statistical information
service through Eurostat, aimed to assist journalists and the
media.
The information service will be provided free of charge to
interested parties after an application, with an ECU 200 limit
per application. The service will provide information on issues
concerning general statistical data, economic and financial
matters, population and social conditions, energy and industry,
commerce, services and transport, the environment, research and
development.
Professionals interested in obtaining such Eurostat statistics
can receive more information at: Eurostat Media Support, Ana
Maria Martinez, Tel: (352) 43.01.33.408, Fax: (352)
43.01.32.649, e-mail: ana.martinez@eurostat.cec.be
Additional information can be obtained through the InterNet at:
http: //europa.eu.int/en/comm/eurostat/press/index.htm
[19] Medecins sans Frontieres sets up model refugee camp in
Thessaloniki
Athens, 30/4/1997 (ANA)
The Greek branch of the international aid organization Medecins
sans Frontieres has set up a model refugee camp with six tents
in central Thessaloniki in order to inform the public of its
work and the needs of the roughly 50 million refugees in such
camps around the world.
The model camp is due to tour Irakleio, Patra and Ioannina over
the next few days.
According to the organization's statistics, 100 drachmas per day
is all that is needed to save a malnourished child. Saving the
life of a person in danger of dying from cholera costs only
1,500 drachmas, while a vaccine costs 200 drachmas. With 190,000
drachmas, the organization's doctors can perform 25 operations
on critically ill patients.
The model camp in Thessaloniki, which has been visited by some
2,000 people so far, displays information on methods of
recording refugees, sharing out thousands of metres of plastic
sheeting used as ground sheets in tents, ensuring the provision
of potable water and constructing sewage facilities.
It also provides information on the transport and distribution
of water. According to the organization's statistics, each
refugee needs roughly 15-20 litres of water daily to cover basic
needs, while under normal circumstances in urban environments,
each person uses roughly 200 litres of water per day.
Refugees housed in camps are usually fed on small, tasteless
biscuits known as BP-5, which contain protein, fats and
carbohydrates and have roughly 1,000 calories each, to cover a
daily requirement of 2,100 calories per person.
Refugee camps are equipped with health centres where medicine is
distributed and vaccines are provided, while children are
examined to determine whether they are malnourished.
A separate tent is usually provided for patients suffering from
cholera, with the provision of sterilized water.
There are roughly 150 Greek members of Medecins Sans Frontieres,
many of whom are currently in Kenya, Armenia, Iran, other parts
of the Middle East, Mozambique, Guiana and Tanzania.
Other members are working in the organization's centre in
Athens, set up a few months ago, in order to treat Albanian,
Russian and Kurdish refugees among others.
Another such centre is being set up in Thessaloniki.
[20] General Youth Undersecretariat conference
Athens, 30/4/1997 (ANA)
The General Youth Undersecretariat is organizing a conference on
the issue of a "Greek Youth Organization Network in the Course
of a United Europe", set to take place in Athens on May 2-4.
The conference is being organized in co-operation with the
magazine "European Expression".
The conference will centre on issues concerning young people and
European unification, and the creation of non-governmental youth
organizations.
The event will be officially opened by youth undersecretariat
secretary general Petros Sfikakis.
[21] To our readers
Athens, 30/4/1997 (ANA)
The Bulletin will not be published tomorrow, May 1st, due to May
Day. It will appear on Friday May 12.
End of English language section.
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