Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 97-07-03

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

ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No 1227), July 3, 1997

CONTENTS

[01] Bulgarian President Stoyanov visits Athens

[02] Widening co-operation

[03] Official dinner

[04] Greece insists on 3-month freeze of Aegean military overflights

[05] Athens protests Turkish claims of Greek support to PKK

[06] Burgas-Alexandroupoli pipeline discussed by Simitis, Stoyanov

[07] Experts to examine pipeline issue this month

[08] Italy plans pull-out of protection force-sources

[09] Gov't supports development minister

[10] Tsohatzopoulos criticizes Turkey's 'unilateral' decision

[11] Germany's Ruehe arrives in Epirus for talks with Tsohatzopoulos

[12] Karamanlis-Evert meeting

[13] US strongly supports UN-sponsored direct Cyprus talks

[14] Clerides gets support from main opposition New Democracy

[15] Turkey against new document on table at upcoming direct Cyprus talks

[16] Venizelos on EU Mediterranean countries' culture

[17] EU agrees on fund to protect cultural heritage

[18] France to support Greek membership in Schengen

[19] Greek ambassador briefed on Yugoslav motorway projects

[20] EOT approves prospect of hydropark at Voula site

[21] Pharmacies closed

[22] Athens bourse falls on profit-taking selling

[23] Tourism sector hit by hard drachma policy, survey

[24] Retirement age change not on government's agenda - spokesman

[25] Civil aviation stoppages called off

[26] Gov't announces new measures for merchant seamen

[27] Drachma falls against dollar in first-half '97

[28] Applications for certificates now by phone; stamp duties abolished

[29] Police trained in anti-racism measures

[30] Shevardnadze amongst this year's Onassis Prize winners

[31] Pioneer hear surgeon Denton Cooley honored in Athens

[32] More IOC delegates visit Athens

[01] Bulgarian President Stoyanov visits Athens

Athens, 03/07/1997 (ANA)

Mr. Stoyanov arrived in Athens yesterday for a two-day official visit, the first by a Bulgarian head of state to Athens since democratic reforms were launched in the neighboring country at the end of 1989.

Immediately after arrival, Mr. Stoyanov met for talks with Mr. Stephanopoulos.

Alternate Foreign Minister George Papandreou and Bulgarian Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs Stefan Tafrov later signed an agreement for the construction of the Kulata-Promahonas border bridge in the presence of Mr. Stephanopoulos and Mr. Stoyanov.

The talks between the Greek and Bulgarian presidents focused on bilateral relations, the situation in the Balkans and the greater region and Bulgaria's efforts to join Euro-Atlantic alliances.

From the very beginning Greece took a clear stand on Bulgaria's full membership in NATO and the European Union.

The two presidents reiterated the political will of Athens and Sofia to implement agreements concerning the management of the Nestos River's waters and the opening of three new border posts.

They also expressed their belief that the construction of the Burgas-Alexandroupoli oil pipeline should proceed at the earliest, since this would be to the benefit of the three countries directly involved, namely, Russia, Bulgaria and Greece. Mr. Stephanopoulos stressed that Mr. Stoyanov's visit to Greece would facilitate progress in relations between the two Balkan neighbors which, he added, were already at a very good level.

He said that Bulgaria's accession to NATO and the European Union would help consolidate peace and stability in the region and show that the Balkans could be part of the Community and contribute to the economic development and integration of Europe.

Mr. Stephanopoulos said there was great margin for developing even closer economic relations and increasing exchanges between the two countries, noting that Greek-Bulgarian relations could serve as an example of co-operation and friendship for all the countries of the region. Mr. Stoyanov expressed gratitude for the understanding shown by Greece for Bulgaria's problems, particularly Athens' support for the reform program being implemented by Sofia.

"Our relations were always excellent, but after 1989 things changed, as did objectives. And we shall need the help of our friends regarding our accession to NATO and the EU," Mr. Stoyanov said, adding that the reform program could make Bulgaria "more attractive" to its neighbors.

Mr. Stoyanov also stressed the need for an "intensification" of Greek-Bulgarian talks and referred to the possibility of co-operation between the two countries "on major joint plans" as well as in the cultural sector.

Replying to reporters' questions, Mr. Stoyanov said the domestic situation in Bulgaria and Greece had never affected relations between the two neighbors.

"Particularly now that the political situation in both countries is completely normal," he added.

Asked about the possible threat posed by the Kozloduy nuclear power plant, Mr. Stoyanov said that the way in which the plant was now operating created "no problem," maintaining that "the dangers (posed by Kozloduy) are no more than those existing at similar plants in other countries".

President Stoyanov also met with main opposition New Democracy leader Costas Karamanlis at a downtown Athens hotel.

Following the meeting, Mr. Karamanlis said, "We had a very useful meeting related to the observation that there is a lot of ground for further improvement in relations between Greece and Bulgaria."

Today, the Bulgarian president will be in Thessaloniki and on the next day, the final day of the visit, he will visit the monastic community of Mount Athos.

Before traveling to Thessaloniki, Mr. Stoyanov will confer with Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanlis.

[02] Widening co-operation

Athens, 03/07/1997 (ANA)

Bulgaria and Greece established diplomatic relations in 1880. They were broken and restored three times. The two countries signed a treaty on friendship, good neighborly relations, co-operation and security in 1991 in Sofia.

Contacts between Sofia and Athens intensified after democratic changes were launched in Bulgaria. Specifically, Bulgarian prime ministers visited Greece in 1991, 1992 and 1995 and Bulgarian foreign ministers annually from 1991 to 1997, with the except ion of 1993.

A Greek prime minister visited Bulgaria in 1991 and Greek foreign ministers in 1993, 1995 and 1996.

The foreign ministers of Bulgaria and Greece - Nadezhda Mihailova and Theodoros Pangalos - conferred in May and June in Sintra at a session of the North Atlantic Co-operation Council and in Thessaloniki at the meeting of the foreign ministers of the countries of Southeastern Europe.

At the end of 1995 the two countries signed an intergovernmental agreement on the opening of three new border checkpoints between Bulgaria and Greece.

Special attention is paid to crossborder co-operation which provides for improving the infrastructure of the border checkpoints, reconstruction of the existing and building of a new road link between Thessaloniki- Kulata (on the Bulgarian-Greek border)- Sofia-Vidin (northwestern Bulgaria).

The two countries have also signed an agreement on reciprocal investment protection and promotion.

Bulgaria and Greece are also maintaining intensive contacts in the military sector and have exchanged visits at defense minister and chief of general staff level. The two countries have signed an agreement on co-operation to combat terrorism, drugs and arms trafficking, contraband and organized crime.

[03] Official dinner

Athens, 03/07/1997 (ANA)

In an address to his Bulgarian counterpart, Mr. Stephanopoulos said his visit to Athens reaffirmed the common will by Athens and Sofia to further develop their multifaceted co-operation. He referred in detail to the excellent bilateral ties, especially in the economic sector, and stressed Greece's support for Bulgaria's efforts to enter the EU and NATO. The president also stressed both countries needed to develop and implement certain developmental projects in the transport, energy and telecoms sectors.

[04] Greece insists on 3-month freeze of Aegean military overflights

Athens, 03/07/1997 (ANA)

Government spokesman Dimitris Reppas made the statement when asked to comment on a unilateral decision announced by Ankara on Monday to limit its military activity in the Aegean between July 1 and Aug. 15.

"Turkey links the moratorium to conditions which in essence cancel out its effect," Mr. Reppas said.

Describing Turkey's decision as "a small, but positive move", which was "below expectations," Mr. Reppas called on Turkey to take further steps.

The positive elements of Ankara's proposal, Mr. Reppas said, relate to the fact that Turkish aircraft would not be armed when flying over the Aegean and Turkey's statement that it will respect international regulations.

Replying to press questions on Washington's satisfaction with the Turkish proposal, Mr. Reppas described as positive "Turkey's interest in there being confidence in the Aegean," while adding:

"If there is a need for confidence-building measures, it arises from Turkey's aggressive behavior. A large part of the problem in Greek-Turkish relations would not exist if Turkey respected international law, international treaties and the rules which govern peaceful co-existence."

Replying to other questions, Mr. Reppas said Greek aircraft on training flights over the Aegean would not be armed, while in all other respects, flights would be in accordance with regulations in force.

He added that the Greek proposal for the avoidance of military activity in the Aegean during the summer months continued "to apply," but that Greek forces would remain in a state of preparedness in order to intercept any Turkish air activity, if any, over the Aegean. At the present time, he continued, talks at the level of representatives at NATO had been discontinued, due to the fact that Turkey had raised issues "which cannot be the subject of dialogue."

On the issue of the Greek and the Turkish committees of experts set up to examine procedural approaches to problems between the two countries, Mr. Reppas said the government was waiting to hear from the new EU presidency, particularly regarding the procedure for the exchange of letters between the committees via the presidency which, he added, "cannot go on forever."

[05] Athens protests Turkish claims of Greek support to PKK

Istanbul, 03/07/1997 (ANA)

Ambassador Dimitrios Nezeritis told Turkey's Assistant Foreign Under-secretary Inal Batu that the claims were "unprecedented, dangerous and irresponsible."

"We consider it unacceptable that the Turkish authorities have not deemed it expedient to bring to our attention the information which they claim to have," Mr. Nezeritis protested, referring to what had been said by Turkish army Col. Husnu Dag in Diyarbakir last week.

The staff officer claimed that Greek officers are training the PKK in northern Iraq and that "a Greek officer was killed during operations."

However, Turkish foreign ministry spokesman Omer Akbel noted in Ankara that "there are many reports and evidence which prove that support is provided by Greece to the partitionist organization" and went on to say that "we are expecting Greece to prevent this support as soon as possible and condemn PKK's terrorism."

The Turkish spokesman further claimed that "reports concerning the active support provided by Greek officers" to PKK have been communicated to Greek authorities earlier, adding that "it is not necessary for Greece to request more information on this sup port."

Reliable sources, however, said that contrary to Turkish claims, Ankara had never conveyed such information to Greek authorities.

Excerpts from a Turkish foreign ministry information service report, which were published in a number of Turkish newspapers, claimed that Greece was implementing the principle of "mine enemy's enemy is my friend", and supporting all types of activity which might lead to the weakening of Turkey.

The report has been praised by Turkey's Foreign Under-secretary Onur Oymen.

Mr. Akbel said the Greek ambassador's protest had been rejected.

[06] Burgas-Alexandroupoli pipeline discussed by Simitis, Stoyanov

Athens, 03/07/1997 (ANA)

Mr. Stoyanov admitted that talks regarding the construction of the pipeline had not yet reached an advanced stage.

However, the two men agreed that talks should proceed at the earliest to the benefit of Greece, Russia and Bulgaria, which are the three countries directly involved, Mr. Stoyanov said.

He also expressed satisfaction at a standing Greek-Bulgarian agreement for the opening of three border posts.

Speaking to the press after talks with Mr. Simitis, the Bulgarian president said he was "extremely satisfied," describing his talks with the Greek government as "realistic."

Mr. Stoyanov said Bulgaria supported Greece's initiative for a Balkan summit in Crete in the autumn, as well as the Greek government's request for participation in the UN Security Council, describing it as a "matter of Balkan honor." He said Greek-Bulgarian relations constituted an example of Balkan and European co-operation, while encouraging more Greek investments to Bulgaria and the remaining Balkan countries.

Concluding, he said Greece was a guarantee to Bulgarian efforts for accession to NATO and European Union structures.

[07] Experts to examine pipeline issue this month

Athens, 03/07/1997 (ANA)

Following a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Evgeni Bakardzhiev, Mr. Papandreou said discussions would include a technical study of the project and the structure of the consortium that will build it.

An initial agreement in the past called for the construction of an oil pipeline linking the port cities of Burgas and Alexandroupoli, but details have not been worked out yet.

It is expected to cover 280 kilometers and annual transfer capacity 30 million tons of crude oil.

Mr. Papandreou said he and Mr. Bakardzhiev also agreed to speed up the feasibility studies for the construction of roads linking both countries.

On his side, Mr. Bakardzhiev noted the positive attitude of Greece to regional development and trans-border co-operation.

He said it was necessary to activate the issue of the experts' committee because Greek-Bulgarian relations should become a model of the European spirit of co-operation.

The bilateral committee on tolls would meet in Bulgaria in mid-September, he said, and expressed the hope that by then the bidding for the oil pipeline will have progressed.

[08] Italy plans pull-out of protection force-sources

Tirana, 03/07/1997 (ANA - P. Haritou)

But apart from Italy and a few other contingents facing technical problems, the majority of the national contingents appeared reluctant to leave so soon, the sources said, adding that most likely the timetable would be revised.

The force, comprising troops from Italy, Greece, Spain, Turkey, Romania, Austria, France and Denmark, was deployed to protect humanitarian aid arriving in the strife-torn Balkan country and assist OSCE observers monitoring last Sunday's general election s, which resulted in a victory for the Socialist Party of Fatos Nano.

The 6,500-strong multinational force, which began arriving in Albania on April 15, was given a 45-day extension to its mandate by the UN Security Council on June 19 - with 14 Council members in favor and China abstaining - to ensure a smooth transition .

[09] Gov't supports development minister

Athens, 03/07/1997 (ANA)

Mr. Kokkalis, the president and founder of Greece's most successful telecommunications firm, on Monday criticized what he called delays in the work of the development ministry and in the placing of contracts.

Mr. Reppas said the government did not have "friends or enemies" amongst businessmen but a program to implement with "transparency and impartiality, while simultaneously trying for the best possible co-operation with all those involved in public affairs".

PASOK Secretary Costas Skandalidis yesterday expressed his surprise that statements he had made to a radio station recently were used to show "a supposed antagonism" between himself and Ms Papandreou.

"This is not only not true but also totally contrary to my intentions and position," Mr. Skandalidis said. "I want to note that the government and its members are implementing the (Socialist) Movement's policy statements in a responsible fashion and without external interventions."

[10] Tsohatzopoulos criticizes Turkey's 'unilateral' decision

Athens, 03/07/1997 (ANA)

Speaking at Ioannina airport, where he was welcoming German Defense Minister Volker Ruehe yesterday, Mr. Tsohatzopoulos said that "based on the (1988) Papoulias-Yilmaz agreement, we should normally stop all military exercises for two months in the summer. Turkey's proposal on the one hand comes with a reduced unilateral commitment on exercises - I don't understand why - while Greece proposes that the moratorium on military exercises be extended from two to three months."

Mr. Tsohatzopoulos also accused Turkey of "trying, by using unilateral commitments, to request the control of Greek flights over the Aegean.

"This, of course, we can never accept, and furthermore, it's not allowable institutionally and internationally, but (can only be accepted) only for its own FIR, as Greece is responsible for its own FIR," he added.

Mr. Tsohatzopoulos said, however, that there was "a realistic base on which to continue discussions so we can find measures that will reduce the tension inherent today in violations and infringements (of air space)."

[11] Germany's Ruehe arrives in Epirus for talks with Tsohatzopoulos

Bonn, 03/07/1997 (ANA-P.Stangos)

According to the German defense ministry, the talks between the two ministers, which are held within the framework of regular contacts between the two countries, will include issues such as NATO's enlargement eastwards and coordination between the two countries in the Western European Union (WEU).

Germany on July 1 assumed the presidency of the WEU for the second half of the current year, while Greece will take over on January 1, 1998.

Mr. Tsohatzopoulos and Mr. Ruehe are also expected to discuss the situation in former Yugoslavia and Albania, Greek-Turkish relations and bilateral issues.

[12] Karamanlis-Evert meeting

Athens, 03/07/1997 (ANA)

According to sources close to Mr. Karamanlis, the meeting at the party's headquarters was especially cordial.

Similar contacts will be held regularly from now on with ND cadres, sources said.

Afterwards, both men declined any comment after their meeting. Other sources, however, said discussion focused on domestic and foreign policy issues, such as the on-going government-sponsored "social dialogue" and Greek-Turkish relations.

[13] US strongly supports UN-sponsored direct Cyprus talks

Washington, 03/07/1997 (ANA - T. Ellis)

Commenting on the upcoming New York-area meeting between Cyprus President Glafcos Clerides and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash, Mr. Burns said that new US presidential envoy on the Cyprus issue Richard Holbrooke would not be attending the July 9-13 talks, although State Department official Carey Cavanaugh would be present.

[14] Clerides gets support from main opposition New Democracy

Athens, 03/07/1997 (ANA)

Mr. Clerides was in Athens for consultations ahead of his scheduled UN-sponsored direct talks with Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash, to take place in New York between July 9-13.

After meeting Mr. Clerides, Mr. Karamanlis told the press he had a "detailed discussion" with the Cypriot president during which he had expressed New Democracy's "full support" to the Cypriot government.

Mr. Mitsotakis also held a meeting with the Cypriot president focusing on the course of the Cypriot problem.

"We agree on every issue involved," he said, adding that the Cyprus problem was entering a crucial phase.

"I believe that in the next year the Cyprus problem will have reached a phase where a solution will be finally attainable," he added.

"Turkey has to make its decisions. I believe it will conduct tough negotiations, but it will (also) benefit from a just and viable solution to the Cyprus issue," he said.

On Tuesday Mr. Clerides held talks with Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis.

[15] Turkey against new document on table at upcoming direct Cyprus talks

Istanbul, 03/07/1997 (ANA - A. Kourkoulas)

"Ankara's stance regarding the New York talks will be finalized during an assessment meeting to be held on July 4 with the participation of Mr. Denktash," Turkish foreign ministry spokesman Omer Akbel said.

Asked to comment on the issue of Cyprus-EU accession talks, Mr. Akbel said the Turkish position remained unchanged.

Mr. Clerides and Mr. Denktash are due to meet for talks on July 9, their first meeting for three years.

Mr. Denktash said earlier yesterday he might pull out of the talks with Mr. Clerides if a document were put on the table before he had been informed of its contents.

"Personally, I believe that we should not go to New York," the Turkish Cypriot leader reportedly said.

But a UN source in New York responded by playing down the significance of the paper, saying it would be largely a summary of remarks to be made by the UN special adviser for Cyprus, Diego Cordovez.

The source said the intention would be to assist the two leaders by listing Mr. Cordovez's main points.

The so-called "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus", illegally created in 1983, and headed by Mr. Denktash in the Turkish-occupied north of the island is recognized only by Turkey.

The Cypriot government announced plans last year to buy the Russian-made "S 300" air defense missiles, scheduled for delivery in 1998.

Ankara has threatened to use force if the missiles are deployed.

Turkey has around 30,000 occupation troops on the island, stationed there since 1974 when it invaded Cyprus.

[16] Venizelos on EU Mediterranean countries' culture

Athens, 03/07/1997 (ANA)

The Greek minister was returning from a meeting of Mediterranean countries' culture ministers, which was held last weekend.

"Our initiatives will be included in a joint text to be released in the press", he said, adding that these initiatives will "prove the southern countries' cultural sensitivity."

Some joint amendments were approved on Monday during the EU Culture Ministers' Council in Luxembourg, with the most important being the one related to the possibility of establishing a structural fund to finance cultural activities in Europe.

On the sidelines of the Luxembourg meeting, the Greek culture minister met Britain's new Labor Under-secretary of National Heritage, M. Fisher, to whom he handed a memorandum containing the Greek government's positions on the return of the Parthenon Marbles.

Mr. Venizelos said the British under-secretary's response did not deviate from the British government's official positions on the issue of the Parthenon Marbles.

[17] EU agrees on fund to protect cultural heritage

Brussels, 03/07/1997 (Reuter/ANA)

The fund was approved after EU governments and the European Parliament settled their differences over funding for the project, dubbed Raphael, at talks yesterday.

The parliament had argued for almost three times more money for the project, on the grounds that the EU's citizens might better appreciate the bloc's more esoteric plans if they saw it protecting the cultural heritage they all enjoy.

But after Germany refused to pay any more, the assembly agreed to accept what was on offer.

[18] France to support Greek membership in Schengen

Paris, 03/07/1997 (ANA-G. Zitouniatis)

The French Parliament, which was expected to vote on whether or not it accepted the two countries' membership, was dissolved and the issue postponed for the new session starting in October.

"I assure you that France stands in support of the extension of the Schengen Pact towards Austria and Greece," the spokesman said.

"When a country wants to enter into an international accord, it presents its membership application, which becomes an object of negotiations or agreements by governments, each of which initiates the necessary procedures to ratify the accord, according to its own constitutional procedures," he explained.

The spokesman added that "at this point we are in the stage of ratification. Political agreement has already been achieved by all Schengen states."

[19] Greek ambassador briefed on Yugoslav motorway projects

Belgrade, 03/07/1997 (ANA - M. Mouratidis)

Specifically he was briefed on plans to construct the E-75 road corridor, which will extend from Hungary to the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM).

According to a dispatch from the Tanjug news agency, Mr. Vlassopoulos showed interest in the proposal concerning the institute's future co-operation with corresponding partners from Greece.

Referring to the Yugoslav government's priorities on the construction of the country's national roads, Environment and Public Works Minister Branislav Ivkovic said yesterday that foreign construction companies are also interested in building the national network, adding that a Greek construction company has shown interest in the building of the national motorway linking Nis to Dimitrovgrad on the Bulgarian frontier.

[20] EOT approves prospect of hydropark at Voula site

Athens, 03/07/1997 (ANA)

This was stressed at an unscheduled press conference by EOT Secretary General Nikos Skoulas yesterday afternoon.

He presented information from EOT's correspondence with the organization.

Mr. Skoulas said five bids have already been made by Greek and foreign joint ventures on exploitation of the second Voula beach as a hydropark. He said an essential precondition for the investment going ahead is the preparation of an environmental plan which will be ratified by the Athens Regulating Plan Organization.

[21] Pharmacies closed

Athens, 03/07/1997 (ANA)

Dozens of pharmacists demonstrating yesterday morning outside a Social Security Foundation (IKA) branch on Pireos St. stormed into the building demanding payment of prescription charges. IKA Governor Grigoris Solomos had issued an order to staff earlier yesterday not to accept any prescriptions.

Some pharmacies are operating emergency 24-hour services, both in Athens and in country areas.

Meanwhile, at a press conference yesterday, the pharmacists' association warned that as of July 15 it will stop issuing prescription drugs to those insured with social security foundations. Mr. Solomos said he would bring charges against pharmacists who carried out this threat, and that all IKA pharmacies would be open after July 15.

[22] Athens bourse falls on profit-taking selling

Athens, 03/07/1997 (ANA)

All sector indices lost ground. Banks fell 1.06 percent, Leasing eased 0.80 percent, Insurance dropped 2.58 percent, Investment fell 0.64 percent, Industrials were 1.77 percent off, Construction dropped 1.06 percent, Holding eased 0.75 percent and Miscellaneous fell 2.11 percent.

The parallel market index for smaller cap stocks ended 0.64 percent lower. Shares of Hellenic Telecommunications Organization resumed their downward trend after Tuesday's rebound to end at 6,370, losing 130 drachmas.

Broadly, declining issues led advancing ones by 143 to 51 with another 30 issues unchanged.

European Popular Bank, Doudos, Macedonian Plastics were top gainers, while Eskimo, Parnassos, Britannia and National Insurance suffered the heaviest losses of the day.

National Bank of Greece ended at 33,500 drachmas, Ergobank at 16,600, Alpha Credit at 18,700, Delta at 3,640, Titan at 13,485 and Intracom at 12,100.

[23] Tourism sector hit by hard drachma policy, survey

Athens, 03/07/1997 (ANA)

ITEP - a think tank representing the interests of the domestic tourism industry - argues that the hard drachma policy is responsible for a steady decline in tourist arrivals in Greece in the last few years.

In its first survey, entitled "The impact of foreign exchange policy in the tourism sector", ITEP proposes a 10 percent devaluation of the drachma in order to boost tourist arrivals by 10.3 percent annually.

The number of tourists visiting Greece fell from 10.7 million in 1994 to 9.7 million in 1996 resulting in a drop in the occupancy rate of domestic hotels.

Tourism foreign exchange revenues fell from 3.9 billion dollars in 1994 to 3.7 billion last year.

The survey, however, allowed a note of optimism for the future.

It predicted a rise in tourist arrivals to 11.7-12.6 million by 2000, and an increase in tourism revenues to 15 billion dollars if the government relaxes its foreign exchange policy and tourism infrastructure is improved.

[24] Retirement age change not on government's agenda - spokesman

Athens, 03/07/1997 (ANA)

Mr. Reppas told reporters the government was trying to discourage retired people from working in order to create new jobs for the young unemployed.

The spokesman was responding to media reports that the retirement age would be raised.

Labor and Social Security Minister Miltiadis Papaioannou also dismissed the reports, speaking after a meeting with National Economy and Finance Minister Yiannos Papantoniou.

The two officials met to discuss a bill on the collection of social insurance contributions to be presented to parliament on Monday.

[25] Civil aviation stoppages called off

Athens, 03/07/1997 (ANA)

[26] Gov't announces new measures for merchant seamen

Athens, 03/07/1997 (ANA)

"The positive contribution of our merchant marine as a factor of strength to our national economy is common knowledge," Mr. Soumakis said.

The new rules outline the minimum number of Greek seamen and officers a Greek-flagged vessel must have, and also obliges merchant seamen and shipowners to contribute to the Seamen's Pension Fund (NAT).

Other measures provide for higher unemployment benefits, which has been doubled and extended over a longer period, as well as for additional training to be provided through European Community funds.

Mr. Soumakis expressed the hope that shipowners would support the measures, and called on European Union fellow member-states to support the sector of international shipping.

The measures aim at maintaining Greek-registered ships under the same flag and encouraging more to be registered, in order to open more positions to Greek seamen.

"We are obliged to proceed to realistic solutions... to improve the competitive ability of ships in order to keep them under the Greek flag and attracting even more ships in order to solve the employment problems of Greek seamen," Mr. Soumakis said.

[27] Drachma falls against dollar in first-half '97

Athens, 03/07/1997 (ANA)

The drachma also slid against the basket of all European currencies, but to a lesser degree.

The parity of the US dollar in first half 1997 showed an 11.5 percent increase against the drachma, compared to a small increase of 1.51 percent in the same period last year.

The yen was up 11.1 percent, while the pound sterling rose 10.16 percent.

[28] Applications for certificates now by phone; stamp duties abolished

Athens, 03/07/1997 (ANA)

A special telephone service at the Hellenic Telecommunications organization (OTE) will forward applications to relevant municipal authorities, which will reply to the applicant by registered post, the cost of which will be paid upon delivery.

The service will also be extended to certificates of military service, a statement certifying an unblemished criminal record and taxation declaration certificates.

Auxiliary charges imposed until now on the above certificates, such as a government-collected stamp duty, will be completely abolished, regardless of whether the certificate is ordered through normal channels or through the special service.

[29] Police trained in anti-racism measures

Athens, 03/07/1997 (ANA)

The seminar, taught by Thessaloniki University professors from the law, psychology, philosophy, education and literature faculties, concentrated on the problems faced by Albanians, ethnic Greek Albanians and repatriated ethnic Greeks from the former Soviet republics.

Thessaloniki Police Director Major General George Plakas said the seminar reflected the police force's changing image. Seminar Director Professor Mika Haritou-Fatourou announced similar programs would be held in other cities in Greece with universities.

[30] Shevardnadze amongst this year's Onassis Prize winners

Athens, 03/07/1997 (ANA)

Mr. Shevardnadze was awarded "The Onassis Prize for International Understanding and Social Achievement," which is accompanied by a $250,000 prize.

Sir Steven Runciman and Dolly Goulandris were each awarded "The Onassis Prize for Culture" (Arts and Humanities) and will share the corresponding cash prize of $250,000.

The International Maritime Organization - the UN agency responsible for maritime safety and the protection of the marine environment from pollution by ships - was awarded "The Onassis Prize for the Environment" and will also receive $250,000.

The awards ceremony will take place at the Athens Concert Hall on September 16 and prizes will be presented by President Kostis Stephanopoulos.

The first, second and third prizes of the Onassis International Cultural Competitions for Theatrical Plays were awarded respectively to: Manjula Padmanabhan of India for her play "Harvest"; Dr. Anton Juan of the Philippines for his play "Tuko! Tuko! or Princess of the Lizard Moon"; and Nagle Jackson of the USA for his play "The Elevation of Thieves."

The three awards carry cash prizes of $250,000, $200,000 and $150,000 respectively.

[31] Pioneer hear surgeon Denton Cooley honored in Athens

Athens, 03/07/1997 (ANA)

Dubbed "the father of by-pass surgery", the 75-year-old Cooley conducted thousands of open-heart operations during his more than 40-year medical career.

Offering advice on avoiding heart ailments, he said that proper diet, exercise and the maintenance of low body weight throughout one's life were major factors.

"I'm not a strict vegetarian," he told his audience, adding that "it's all related to what you eat and drink. I have the same physical condition as I did when I was 20 years old. Now that I'm 75 I weigh as much as I did in the past, and shall continue t o weigh the same even if I live another 20 years".

He also said that medicine was aiming at perfecting an autonomous mechanical heart, expressing reservation at the same time over the prospect for success of heart transplants from pigs to humans.

[32] More IOC delegates visit Athens

Athens, 03/07/1997 (ANA)

Gen. Abdel el Gadir, from Sudan attended yesterday's ceremony, an initiative of the "Athens 2004" candidate committee.

The ceremony was also attended by the president of the committee, Ms Yianna Angelopoulou-Daskalaki.

Another two IOC members are presently in Athens - Dr. Robin Mitchel from the Fiji Islands and Charles Deritu Mucora from Kenya - in order to be briefed on the course of Athens' bid for the 2004 Olympic Games.

End of English language section.

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