Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 97-07-11

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

ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No 1234), July 11, 1997

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

CONTENTS

[01] Pangalos says communiqui restores relationship of normality, balance

[02] Gov't spokesman

[03] Demirel comments on communiqui

[04] Turkish fighters again infringe on Athens

[05] 22 PASOK deputies criticize communiqui

[06] Varied reactions continue from opposition

[07] Greek, Turkish trade confederations laud Madrid communiqui

[08] Cyprus solution a prerequisite for Greek-Turkish normalization

[09] Simitis stresses determination to proceed with modernization

[10] EPP conference in Luxembourg begins

[11] Decision on EU culture capital institution taken

[12] Europarliament on law about conscientious objectors

[13] Kranidiotis addresses Israeli-Palestinian meeting in Athens

[14] Greece to coordinate business drive in the Balkans

[15] Greek current account deficit shrinks in March

[16] Greek wholesale prices slide to 2.6 pct yr/yr in May

[17] Greek equities end flat after early surge

[18] The small cap index rose by 0.30 percent

[19] EU adopts paper on commercial transactions payments

[20] Road, water supply credits

[21] Helexpo to hold electronics exhibition in September

[22] Brigitte Bardot's contacts in Athens

[23] FIBA chief Stankovic briefed on Athens' Olympic bid

[24] Coalition protests parliamentary procedures

[25] Gov't unveils package of measures to fight unemployment

[26] Papantoniou approves OA fleet renewal

[27] ND says despite Gov't claims, economy in poor shape

[28] Center for torture victims opens in Thessaloniki

[29] Antena TV station fined 100 million drachmas

[01] Pangalos says communiqui restores relationship of normality, balance

Athens, 11/07/1997 (ANA)

He said the communiqui was the culmination of a lengthy effort the foreign ministry began in the immediate wake of the Imia incident.

The communiqui was issued after talks between Prime Minister Costas Simitis and Turkish President Suleyman Demirel on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Madrid on Tuesday. The Greek premier described the communiqui as a document of principles which would govern relations between Greece and Turkey.

Asked whether the US initiative for the Madrid communiqui came as a surprise to the government, Mr. Pangalos said the initiative met a request made by Athens, which was shaped following the Imia events in late January 1996.

The Greek minister said the request included three conditions:

Firstly, that Turkey should abandon its threat of war and use of force. Secondly, that Ankara should respect international law and international treaties, and thirdly, that Ankara should withdraw its territorial claim on Imia or to take recourse to the International Court of Justice at The Hague.

The essence of the Madrid communiqui, Mr. Pangalos said, was that it restored a relationship of normality and balance between the two countries, "which, of course, continues to contain many and difficult problems, but it lifts the unacceptable situation which existed up to now due to Turkey's hegemonistic designs."

"The two countries stated their will to behave as civilized states in accordance with the principles of international law and treaties, which constitutes an important development for both Greece and Turkey as well as for the region in general," Mr. Pangalos said.

Clarifying certain aspects of the Madrid communiqui, Mr. Pangalos said regarding Greece's right under the International Law of Sea to extend its territorial waters to 12 nautical miles: "When we exercise this right, we shall do so in a responsible manner."

Concerning the unblocking of an EU financial protocol providing for funds to Turkey, which Greece has vetoed, Mr. Pangalos said Ankara must first satisfy the third condition set by Athens, namely, to withdraw its territorial claim on Imia or to have recourse to the International Court at The Hague.

He stressed that there could be no question of negotiation regarding the International Court, since Greece had recognized its compulsory jurisdiction.

Mr. Pangalos declined to venture an opinion concerning the reasons which led to a change in stance on the part of Turkey, particularly Ankara's acknowledgment that the threat of war was contrary to international law and the UN Charter.

He described it, however, as an important development for Turkish foreign policy which set a very good precedent.

"It is Greece's hope that there should be a stable democratic political system in Turkey and we also strongly support the neighboring country's European orientation," Mr. Pangalos told the press conference.

At the same time, he did not rule out a direct meeting between the members of the Greek and the Turkish "experts' committees" recently set up to examine procedural approaches for resolving differences between the two countries.

"This is something which will become apparent in the next few days, because up to now the Turkish answers have been very general and did not create the conditions for a face-to-face meeting," he said.

Turning to criticism voiced within Greece concerning the reference in the communiqui to "vital interests in the Aegean," Mr. Pangalos underlined that what the communiqui clarified was that these interests must be lawful, that is, in accordance with international law and international treaties.

Mr. Pangalos further stressed that the Aegean also had international waters and that many countries might have interests in the region, "let alone Turkey, which has one side of the Aegean."

He described the main opposition New Democracy party's reaction to the communiqui as "responsible and substantial."

"This stance is particularly positive and strengthens the government's foreign policy," Mr. Pangalos said.

ND leader Costas Karamanlis said yesterday that the communiqui contained "certain self-evident principles which are in the right direction."

Mr. Karamanlis noted, however, that certain references were open to "misinterpretation" and would not necessarily deter Turkey from continuously escalating its claims against Greece.

Replying to another question, Mr. Pangalos confirmed that before Madrid, Greece and Turkey could not be elected to a rotating spot on the UN Security Council since they had been "annihilating each other."

Now, Mr. Pangalos said, Turkey had agreed to support Greece's candidacy for the period 1999-2000 while Athens would support Turkey's candidacy for the year 2000-2001.

[02] Gov't spokesman

Athens, 11/07/1997 (ANA)

Mr. Athanasakis reiterated that no specific issues were discussed in Madrid other than the "framework of principles," while again stressing that it was Greece's inalienable right to extend its territorial waters to 12 nautical miles.

He added, however, that this was a "procedure" which would be followed in consultation with "other sides" and as provided under international law.

Meanwhile, speaking in Ankara yesterday, new Turkish Foreign Minister Ismail Cem said the communiqui "would to a large extent remove the possibility of military conflict in the Aegean." Mr. Cem said both sides had declared that they would settle their differences in a spirit of good will and by peaceful means.

[03] Demirel comments on communiqui

Istanbul, 11/07/1997 (ANA)

"In the meeting we had with the prime minister of Greece and the foreign ministers of the two countries, we communicated our consent for a rapprochement in views on a basis which will develop Greek-Turkish relations, and we are viewing with satisfaction the role played by the United States in carrying out the meeting between the two ministers," Mr. Demirel said.

In another development, the Turkish foreign ministry's information department issued an announcement containing statements by Turkish Foreign Minister Ismail Cem, concerning latest meetings with Greek government officials.

In his statement, Mr. Cem said Greece is a country having priority in the framework of Turkish foreign policy, adding that Turkey has also made acts of rapprochement in the past. He considers the meeting in Madrid a renewal of past rapprochements for understanding and stressed the active support and contribution of the United States.

Mr. Cem also referred to the points where the views of the two sides coincide, adding that the Madrid communiqui is a serious and positive development and that both sides gained from the understanding which resulted.

[04] Turkish fighters again infringe on Athens

Athens, 11/07/1997 (ANA)

According to reports, four two-plane formations of Turkish F-4 "Phantom" fighters were intercepted by Hellenic Air Force fighters, with five engagements ensuing.

The violation and the infringements took place in the airspace between Lesvos and Hios.

[05] 22 PASOK deputies criticize communiqui

Athens, 11/07/1997 (ANA)

In an announcement released yesterday, the 22 deputies said the joint communiqui is a product of high-level Greek-Turkish dialogue, despite assurances to the contrary.

They noted that they are not sharing the responsibilities of those developments and the issue must be discussed at party organizations.

[06] Varied reactions continue from opposition

Athens, 11/07/1997 (ANA)

Yesterday, however, the ND leader attacked the government over what he termed was a "surprise process" that was followed and its "unacceptable silence", leading to a communiqui that "raises very serious concern".

ND deputies Giorgos Souflias agreed, while former party leaders Miltiadis Evert and Constantine Mitsotakis expressed opposing views.

Reactions to Tuesday's agreement in Madrid between Prime Minister Costas Simitis and Turkish President Suleyman Demirel continued to be forwarded yesterday.

The former leader of the ND, Miltiades Evert, when questioned by reporters on the issue, emphasized that the prime minister had a duty to the nation to ask the president of the republic to call a meeting of political party leaders in order to clear up the unspecified points in the communiqui.

These points, he added, allowed Turkey to interpret the agreement as it wished.

ND honorary president Constantine Mitsotakis said that the outcome of this latest effort to normalize Greek-Turkish relations would depend on developments in the Cyprus issue.

"Turkey has to realize that if the Cyprus issue is not resolved in a just, viable and feasible way, Greek-Turkish relations will never be normalized," said Mr. Mitsotakis.

He also noted that the framework of the policy being followed today had been agreed upon in Davos, Switzerland, in 1992 between himself and Mr. Demirel, at that time Turkish prime minister.

This policy, he added, had been the subject of a meeting of party leaders chaired by then president of the republic Constantine Karamanlis, and had been accepted by all present.

Coalition of the Left and Progress official Nikos Bistis told a meeting yesterday in Irakleio, Crete that the communiqui was a step forward, but urged the government to avoid making surprise moves.

"Major decisions in Greek-Turkish relations demand a broader consensus, which presuppose a clear and declared strategy," he said.

[07] Greek, Turkish trade confederations laud Madrid communiqui

Athens, 11/07/1997 (ANA)

A joint communiqui by the two unions stressed that "the establishment of a climate of friendship and co-operation between the two countries would contribute to their economic development", since the huge amounts spent by both countries on armaments could be rechanelled to productive and peaceful investments.

The board of TURK-IS is currently in Athens on an official visit and has already had a number of meetings with GSEE officials. The Greek and Turkish trade unionists also decided to mobilize their forces in order to improve Balkan co-operation between trade unions, as well as to organize the next Interbalkan Conference in Turkey.

[08] Cyprus solution a prerequisite for Greek-Turkish normalization

Nicosia, 11/07/1997 (ANA - G. Leonidas)

In a statement to the CyBC, the Greek foreign under-secretary said Greece backed the efforts by the UN Secretary General Kofi Annan for a Cyprus solution. He stressed, however, that the basic elements in such a solution that Greece was expecting to see were one sovereignty, the withdrawal of Turkish occupying forces from northern Cyprus and a consolidation of human rights and legality according to European Union standards.

[09] Simitis stresses determination to proceed with modernization

Athens, 11/07/1997 (ANA)

Mr. Simitis said this policy has already led the ruling PASOK party to "clash even with aspects of its own political tradition and culture, overcoming the fear of political cost and without succumbing to the sirens of easy and unreasonable giveaways and political patronage," Mr. Simitis wrote in the July issue of "Hermes."

The government's responsibility, he said, lies with "the thousands of citizens who seek a new political vision, radical reform and a realistic policy that will bring the country closer to the future".

The prime minister called for an end of "the Greece of bribes, kickbacks and pay-offs... of interrelated self-interests, political patronage system, of fiefdoms and preservation of privileges".

There was, he said, a "different Greece, of people who labor, struggle and create: the farmers who have turned to more competitive and productive crops, the business people who have boldly shattered the tradition of state protectionism and have dynamic ally and successfully entered international competition, the forces in the country's universities implementing pioneering research programs, the unexploited forces in public administration who could work wonders but were asphyxiating within the current bureaucratic framework, the trade unionists whose labor policy and political speech were in tune with the European labor movement's most advanced thinking and practices."

"This is the nation of creativity, work, ethical choices, great aspirations and unlimited horizons. This is the nation of successes, inexhaustible forces, valuable human resources and optimism. This should be the Greece of the future. This is exactly the Greece we should bring forth," the prime minister said.

"Throughout Greece, there are industrious and proud people imbued with a disposition for productive effort" who "want to see things done, they desire the language of truth, action, renewal and progress" and want "solutions to their problems, bold decision-making, innovation in both thought and action."

"All these people feel that the Greece of the 21st century should fight whatever delays, prevents and undermines its course towards the future," Mr. Simitis said.

Mr. Simitis issued a call for a "battle with appropriate weapons," by abandoning outdated methods of thinking and planning new strategies demanded by this new era."

"We must proceed with large-scale structural changes that contribute to the development of competitiveness and the country's evolution, changes that will address the system's weaknesses," he explained.

The government's goal was to build a strong Greece, "a Greece where both economic indicators and individuals prosper, a Greece which commands the respect of friends and foes alike."

A strong Greece in the 21st century was not only the responsibility of the government but an issue for all Greeks, he added, concluding:

"We all have a responsibility to dream and work for the Greece of the 21st century," he said. "If we want to succeed, if we want to open the way to the 21st century, we must give priority to the 'Greece of creation'. Because the Greece of creation will be the 'Greece of successes'," he concluded.

[10] EPP conference in Luxembourg begins

Brussels, 11/07/1997 (ANA - M.Spinthourakis)

Mr. Christodoulou referred to the globalization of the economy which reflects the widespread dissemination of economic liberalism which imposes new rules of behavior since it decreases the significance of classic comparative advantages and facilitates the transfer of production and enterprises' activities.

Commenting on the enlargement of the European Union, Mr. Varvitsiotis said "it will only succeed if the new members possess relevantly compatible political systems."

He said candidate countries can be divided into two categories: Cyprus and Malta on the one hand and certain countries from central and eastern Europe on the other.

Mr. Varvitsiotis said Cyprus is ready for accession from all aspects, adding that a "political issue for which, in any case, Cyprus itself bears no responsibility is being used by some as a pretext to postpone the accession process. This problem already existed when the decision was taken for a start to negotiations six months after the ends of the Intergovernmental Conference."

Ms Yiannakou-Koutsikou said in her address that the reforming of the social and taxation system constitutes a basic precondition for an increase in employment.

Referring to the social system, she said there is a need for new social structures which will take changeable working conditions into consideration, particularly the repercussions of structural unemployment.

[11] Decision on EU culture capital institution taken

Athens, 11/07/1997 (ANA)

After a proposal by Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos to preserve the idea "one city per year" as the cultural capital, rather than replacing it with a network of more than one collaborating cities to hold the title.

The council also approved of a plan allowing the city holding the title of the cultural capital to take initiatives for setting up a network of collaborating cities, covering both member-states and major non-EU member-countries.

In the meantime, last night's concert at Lycabettus Theater by US singer Roberta Flack was canceled.

A spokesman for the sponsoring firm said that the artist and her band did not arrive in Greece as planned, in spite of the fact that all necessary arrangements, accommodations, advertising etc. for her tour were ready. The spokesman said he was surprised to hear Roberta Flack explaining her decision, alleging that her contract was violated.

[12] Europarliament on law about conscientious objectors

Brussels, 11/07/1997 (ANA - P. Pantelis)

The resolution, tabled by PASOK Eurodeputies Irini Lambraki and Nikos Papakyriazis for the European Socialist Party, positively acknowledges the fact that Greek legislation has been amended to allow for unarmed military service, or community service, for those who refuse to fulfill their military service commitments for religious or ideological reasons.

The European Parliament had made repeated requests to Greece to amend its relevant legislation. The resolution expressed satisfaction that under the provisions of the amendment, no conscientious objectors would be prosecuted for disobedience or desertion of military duty.

[13] Kranidiotis addresses Israeli-Palestinian meeting in Athens

Athens, 11/07/1997 (ANA)

Mr. Kranidiotis was addressing a non-binding, three-day meeting between Israeli and Palestinian personalities, which opened in Vouliagmeni on Wednesday and is aimed at exchanging views on the future of the Middle East peace process.

The meeting is a product of a foreign ministry initiative.

Mr. Kranidiotis said that the initiative realized a pledge the ministry had undertaken during a recent visit to Israel and the Palestinian Self-Rule Areas, in the framework of Greek efforts to assist contacts between the two sides, promoting a just and viable solution to the Middle East problem.

[14] Greece to coordinate business drive in the Balkans

Athens, 11/07/1997 (ANA)

Attending the session were Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos, Development Minister Vasso Papandreou, Deputy National Economy Minister Alekos Baltas, and representatives of major Greek enterprises.

Outlining the proposal, SEV's president Iason Stratos and board director Andreas Kanellopoulos said the new agency should survey market needs, process the data, and then make it easily available to companies.

The two officials said the agency would tackle institutional, political and operational hitches, including coordinating demands by Greek firms to the region's authorities.

The greatest stumbling blocks to doing business in the Balkans were a lack of reliable information on technical assistance and difficulties in making contacts, the officials said.

The agency also could encourage Greek diplomats in southeast European countries to adopt a more aggressive policy of promoting Greek enterprises, they said.

[15] Greek current account deficit shrinks in March

Athens, 11/07/1997 (ANA)

The current account deficit shrank in March to 753 million dollars from 898.5 million the same month last year, the central bank said.

[16] Greek wholesale prices slide to 2.6 pct yr/yr in May

Athens, 11/07/1997 (ANA)

Wholesale inflation fell substantially to 2.6 percent year-on-year in May from 6.9 percent the same month last year.

On average, wholesale prices rose 2.8 percent in the first five months of 1997. They were 6.7 percent higher than the same period in 1996.

[17] Greek equities end flat after early surge

Athens, 11/07/1997 (ANA)

Investors appeared reluctant to push the market nearer the 1,600 psychological level although traders said sentiment improved after positive developments in Greek-Turkish relations.

They also cited a fall in wholesale prices and in March's current accounts deficit as encouraging factors.

The general index closed 0.07 percent lower at 1,575.30 points, with most sector indices losing ground. Trading remained moderate with turnover at 12.1 billion drachmas.

Banks fell 0.09 percent, Leasing was 0.09 percent off, Insurance dropped 0.14 percent, Construction eased 0.79 percent, Holding was 0.81 percent lower and Miscellaneous fell 1.37 percent. Investment and Industrials bucked the trend to end 0.84 and 0.19 percent higher respectively.

[18] The small cap index rose by 0.30 percent

Athens, 11/07/1997 (ANA)

Ideal, Intertyp and Delta Informatics scored the biggest percentage gains, while Mouzakis, Xylemporia and Bank of Central Greece suffered the heaviest losses of the day.

National Bank of Greece closed at 35,885 drachmas, Ergobank at 17,740, Alpha Credit Bank at 19,005, Titan Cement at 15,150, Intracom at 13,290 and Hellenic Telecommunications Organization at 6,440.

[19] EU adopts paper on commercial transactions payments

Brussels, 11/07/1997 (ANA/P.Pantelis)

Increasingly long payment periods have serious consequences for all European firms, whose cash-flow, profitability and competitiveness are undermined. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMES) are particularly hard hit by late payments. The competitive position of SMEs as suppliers to large firms can be distorted by deliberately long payment delays. All efforts should be made to establish a climate in Europe where payments are made on time, and tackle the problems as a matter of urgency" .

There are wide variations between countries as regards both contractually agreed credit periods and late payments. According to one survey, contractually agreed payment periods in 1996 averaged 19 days in Finland and 21 days in Norway, but were 75 days in Greece, 68 days in Spain and 65 days in Italy.

Average late payments (i.e. the difference between actual payment and the contractually agreed payment time) were 15 days for Europe as a whole, but only 6 days in Norway, 7 in Sweden and Denmark, but 41 in Portugal, 22 in Italy, 20 in Belgium and 19 in Greece.

[20] Road, water supply credits

Athens, 11/07/1997 (ANA)

A motorway linking the towns of Aetoliko-Astakos-Mytikas-Vonitsa in the Aetoloakarnania prefecture will be improved with a budget totaling 650 million drachmas. In addition, water supply for Thessaloniki from the Aliakmonas River, construction of an aqueduct and links with reservoirs in Diavata and Evosmos, both in Thessaloniki prefecture, will cost a further 9.6 billion drachmas.

[21] Helexpo to hold electronics exhibition in September

Athens, 11/07/1997 (ANA)

Helexpo will hold other specialized exhibitions along the annual September one, such as companies dealing in construction and aluminum.

[22] Brigitte Bardot's contacts in Athens

Athens, 11/07/1997 (ANA)

Ms. Bardot arrived in Athens on Wednesday to receive an ecology award from the UNESCO federation of the Dodecanese in a special ceremony at the Old Parliament building on Wednesday night.

In effusive mood, Ms. Bardot described Environment Under-secretary Theodoros Kolliopanos, as "very intelligent," after a one-hour meeting, while she exchanged kisses with Agriculture Minister Stephanos Tzoumakas. Mr. Kolliopanos said he had briefed

Ms. Bardot on Greece's environmental protection programs and efforts to protect the monk seal and loggerhead turtle, adding that the one-time film star had expressed satisfaction. Mr. Bardot discussed the sterilization of stray dogs and cats with Mr. Tzoumakas, who stressed that Greece was particularly sensitive on issues relating to the environment and animal protection.

She later visited the Athens Town Hall, again for talks on the protection of animals, this time with Athens Mayor Dimitris Avramopoulos.

Ms. Bardot was expected to leave Greece yesterday evening.

[23] FIBA chief Stankovic briefed on Athens' Olympic bid

Athens, 11/07/1997 (ANA)

His visit is aimed at formulating a personal point of view on the course of Athens' bid for the 2004 Olympics.

Yesterday afternoon Mr. Stankovic visited the offices of the Athens 2004 candidate committee at the Zappio Hall, and was briefed on developments by its president Yianna Angelopoulou-Daskalaki.

Later, the FIBA secretary general planted an olive tree in his name at the "IOC Members' Park" in Athens.

[24] Coalition protests parliamentary procedures

Athens, 11/07/1997 (ANA)

They also protested against what they said was a lack of transparency regarding ministerial and government decisions.

"The government talks about modernization, yet in actual fact it is reproducing anachronisms, undermining the legislative process, violating constitutional order and perpetuating a lack of political credibility," said Mr. Constantopoulos.

He added that his party would be tabling specific proposals to broaden the powers of parliamentary committees and the plenary, as well as the abolition of the summer sessions.

[25] Gov't unveils package of measures to fight unemployment

Athens, 11/07/1997 (ANA)

He added that unemployment among young people amounts to 28 per cent, while the long-term unemployed constitute 51.3 per cent of the total number of unemployed, whereas women total 58 per cent of the jobless rate in Greece - compared to 50 per cent of the total number of unemployed in the European Union.

Mr. Papaioannou, who was speaking at a conference on "Active Employment Policies", said 1.5 trillion drachmas will be provided over the next three years 1997-1999 for structural interventions in the sectors of employment, training and professional orientation.

Speaking at the same conference, Labor Under-secretary Christos Protopapas announced that as of February 1998 a mechanism for registering the unemployed, providing employment coupons and registering needs in jobs will be ready at OAED to facilitate the promotion of unemployed people in suitable jobs without difficulties and delays.

On his part, Mr. Papaioannou said the government's policy is based on subsidization for enterprises which really increase employment, training which actually leads to employment and a training bonus for the subsidized unemployed which will exceed unemployment benefits.

Apart from the unemployed, beneficiaries for subsidization of all kinds will also be working people, while whatever differentiation in incentives given to enterprises for the employment of vulnerable groups will concern the duration and not the amount of the subsidy.

The central axis of government policy will be the conversion of the largest part of unemployment benefits into employment subsidization and into forms of social work. It is an issue which will be raised by the government with specific proposals in social dialogue. OAED will participate with 40 per cent in total revenues for policy measures on employment as anticipated by Law 2434/96.

[26] Papantoniou approves OA fleet renewal

Athens, 11/07/1997 (ANA)

About US $378 million will be allocated for the company's restructure.

At a first phase, OA plans to purchase four Boeing 737s, with the option to buy four more, as well as two Airbus jetliners, with the purchase option of two more.

It was also decided that planning for OA's eventual relocation to the new Athens airport at Spata should be completed by September.

[27] ND says despite Gov't claims, economy in poor shape

Athens, 11/07/1997 (ANA)

The ND spokesman also stressed that the inflation rate had bottomed out, saying it could not drop any lower to reach what he referred to as the government's "unrealistic targets."

"The rate of increase for state revenues is currently at 11 per cent, a dramatically low level compared to the recent ultra-optimistic forecasts of 17.1 per cent and an initial forecast of 14.5 per cent for 1997", he said.

Finally, Mr. Spiliotopoulos said that the present government was not in a position to proceed with "courageous structural changes" necessary for the economy and Greek society.

[28] Center for torture victims opens in Thessaloniki

Athens, 11/07/1997 (ANA)

At a press conference yesterday, University of Thessaloniki professor Mika Charitou-Fatourou said that the center was founded in order to help in the physical and psychological rehabilitation of torture victims and people who have suffered any form of cruel, inhuman and humiliating treatment. Emotional support for their families will also be offered.

Prof. Fatourou, the center's president, said the center will also establish an information data base to act as watchdog against the misuse of state authority.

The first such center was founded in Athens in 1989, and a second in Ioannina in 1994. All three will belong to the same network (International Rehabilitation Center of Torture), which includes 144 centers in 76 countries.

[29] Antena TV station fined 100 million drachmas

Athens, 11/07/1997 (ANA)

The National Council of Radio and Television (ERS) reprimanded the station over allegations featured in one of its afternoon zone "reality" talk show programs, entitled "Kentri".

The show was blamed for causing a man to commit suicide last month, following reports aired on the program insinuated that he had molested his teenage daughter.

The fine must be signed by the press minister and published in the Government Gazette before being implemented .

In addition, ERS council members also decided to set up a special committee headed by journalist Rihardos Someritis to investigate ex officio any similar violations and charges.

End of English language section.

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