Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 97-10-14

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

ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No. 1314), October 14, 1997

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

CONTENTS

[01] No one can deny Greece or Cyprus' right to self-defense, Athens stresses

[02] Tsohatzopoulos

[03] Military exercises

[04] Commission assessments on Greek economy reportedly encouraging

[05] Tsohatzopoulos arrives on Cyprus for final phase of 'Nikiforos'

[06] Clerides in Athens for high-level contacts, Miller to arrive for talks

[07] Kranidiotis interview

[08] Holbrooke meets Turkish leadership in Ankara

[09] Turkish reactions

[10] Kranidiotis: Turkish occupation troops turns Greek Cypriots into virtual hostages

[11] Greece promotes 'balanced' NATO expansion in Balkans

[12] Defense ministry pleased with NATO exercise results

[13] Alternate FM begins Baltic tour today

[14] Greek-Turkish meeting on Aegean environment

[15] Figures on elderly depression in Greece presented

[16] Genscher in Athens to promote translation of book

[17] Souflias hints at a repeat of ND leadership race

[18] Premier chairs meeting on drug abuse

[19] Int'l conference on conference tourism concluded

[20] Telecoms deal between Yerevan, Tehran and Athens

[21] Transitional period proposed for water bottlers to conform to EU standards

[22] Spraos report recommends 3 major changes to salvage social security

[23] Gov't, opposition reactions

[24] Greek stocks edge up in wake of correction

[25] Greens urge EU action on Mediterranean fish stocks

[26] Greek exporters to take part in German wine fair

[27] Foreign ministry eyes more academic expertise

[28] Nationality fee to be scrapped for Greek-Australians

[29] Liani-Papandreou files against Papandreou children suit for return of home

[30] Photographer claims copyright breach against Liani-Papandreou

[31] Strong earthquake south of Kalamata recorded

[32] Larissa villages riddled with fissures

[01] No one can deny Greece or Cyprus' right to self-defense, Athens stresses

Athens, 14/10/1997 (ANA)

He said the Cypriot national guard exercise "Nikiforos" and the Greek sea-and-air exercise "Toxotis" were being conducted "within the framework of legitimate procedures and are of a defensive nature". Consequently, he added, "it is not rational that Turkey should be disturbed by them".

A total of 68 Turkish F-16 and F-4 aircraft yesterday committed as many violations of the Athens and Nicosia Flight Information Regions (FIR). In all cases the Turkish aircraft were intercepted by Greek F-16, Mirage 2000 and F-1 planes, while in thirty -five cases the procedure developed into engagements. On Sunday, 60 Turkish fighters infringed the Athens FIR in the same area and violated Greek and Cyprus airspace.

The pilots of the Turkish jet fighters refused to identify themselves, contrary to international air traffic regulations. Around 40 Greek Mirage-2000 and F-16s then intercepted successfully the Turkish jet fighters.

Nicosia said it was making representations to the United Nations and the International Civil Aviation Organization over Sunday's mass violations of the Greek and Cypriot airspace by Turkish jet fighters.

Ankara's stance, Mr. Reppas continued, was making its relations with Greece and its course towards the international community more difficult.

Mr. Reppas said the increased activity of Turkish military planes in the region where the concurrent Greek and Cypriot maneuvers were taking place was "expected".

The spokesman said the exercise would continue and be completed according to plan.

Prompted by the latest violations, he said the international community should realize that such phenomena in the southeastern Mediterranean created problems for international law and order.

He further said that the picture of the violations was transmitted automatically to NATO, and that all necessary diplomatic moves would follow.

Mr. Reppas said Greek-Turkish rapprochement would be meaningful only on the basis of rules and, in that sense, if Turkey conformed, a meeting between the Greek and Turkish premiers on the sidelines of the Balkan summit on Crete could serve as an opportunity for a new rapprochement.

He said the meeting was not taking place at the initiative of either premier, noting that such meetings were usual on the sidelines of conferences. He said there would be no agenda, but simply an exchange of views and each side would put forwards its issues.

[02] Tsohatzopoulos

Athens, 14/10/1997 (ANA)

"We won't give a single inch," the minister told the press on the sidelines of the NATO military exercise "Dynamic Mix '97", which ended yesterday near Thessaloniki, and before leaving for Cyprus to observe the final phases of the "Nikiforos" exercise.

"Turkey is wasting its energy and putting the lives of its pilots in unnecessary danger," he added, advising Turkey to realize that its interest lay in "strengthening domestic stability and its relations with the European Union by developing good neighbourly relations and recognizing the principles and values that all UN member states are obliged to accept in practice". He said the Greek military exercise "Toxotis" and the Cypriot exercise "Nikiforos", currently under way concurrently in the southeastern Aegean, confirmed the two countries' joint defense doctrine.

"No one can distract us from successfully carrying out these exercises, even if, as every year, our neighbours find opportunities therein to try and upgrade the experience and training of their pilots," he said, adding:

"We are rising to the challenge of expanding our air force's capabilities and we have the necessary support so that if, during these intensive exercises an accident happens, we can be on the spot immediately, as we have been in the past, and as our neighbours will remember."

[03] Military exercises

Athens, 14/10/1997 (ANA)

In Nicosia, defense sources expect that the Turkish provocations will continue during the next days as the annual exercise "Nikiforos" is underway.

The exercise, in its fourth day on Monday, continued yesterday with the arrival of Greek Air Force jet fighters and Greek warships.

Yesterday's phase was conducted in the southern coast of the island, between the towns of Limassol and Larnaca.

ND --

Athens, 14/10/1997 (ANA)

"The Madrid communique is empty words," Mr. Spiliotopoulos said, adding that Greek-Turkish relations were at a "critical stage".

"The Turks are continuing their intransigent stance with their claims and the country and government are going on the defensive. Other parties are pressing for dialogue on all the issues brought by Ankara," he said.

"The government has neither strategy nor goals ... I don't know whether any meetings or discussions can be useful in normalizing Greek-Turkish relations," he added.

The Turkish strategy of intensifying tension would be facilitated by a Greek-Turkish clash, a Coalition of the Left and Progress deputy said yesterday.

Nikos Bistis, a member of the Coalition's political office, also said "the international 'factor', now rushing with concern to Ankara, and while remaining silent in the face of Turkish claims, encourages and spreads the tension".

Priority must be given immediately to defusing the tension, he said, calling on the government to pursue a policy of dialogue in the framework of international law and treaties.

Political Spring leader Antonis Samaras linked the Madrid communique to the "repeated provocations by Ankara".

In a statement issued yesterday, he said that all that was left of the Madrid communique, apart from Mr. Simitis's signature, were the "escalating provocations by Ankara over the Aegean and Cyprus".

[04] Commission assessments on Greek economy reportedly encouraging

Brussels, 14/10/1997 (ANA/M. Spinthourakis)

The assessments are set to be publicized here today.

The European Commission's assessments, according to EU sources, will not be too far off from the main predictions made by the national economy ministry, particularly in relation to the country's fiscal deficit - the main criterion, together with the annual inflation rate, for entry into Economic Monetary Union and the euro currency.

According to reports, the assessments to be publicized by the Commission will put Greece's budget deficit at about 4.2 per cent of GDP in 1997, and will not be far from 3 per cent of GDP in 1998 - the limit set by the Maastricht Treaty for an EU member to join the last phase of EMU.

Assessments are also expected to be encouraging for inflation, which is put at about 5.7 per cent in 1997 and about 4 per cent in 1998, as well as for the public debt - which will be slightly higher than 105 per cent of GDP in 1998.

EU sources said in Brussels that "the general impression" prevailing in the European Commission is that, generally speaking, the Greek economy is "doing well," adding the need for strict adherence to the convergence program.

However, there is no question of Greece participating in the first wave of countries to join the unified currency, but if information leaked on the Greek economy comes true then the accession of Greece to the unified currency at a later stage can be considered possible.

According to the assessments publicized by the European Commission last spring, all EU countries, with the exception of Italy and Greece, could join the unified currency as of Jan. 1, 1999.

A European Commission representative said that the assessments are not suitable for political conclusions to be drawn and do not have the nature of short-listing countries which will join the unified currency as of Jan. 1, 1999, although they will be the latest assessments to be publicized by the European Commission before the final selection of countries by the EU Council of Ministers in the spring of 1998.

[05] Tsohatzopoulos arrives on Cyprus for final phase of 'Nikiforos'

Nicosia, 14/10/1997 (ANA/G. Leonidas/CNA)

He was speaking at Larnaca Airport upon arrival on the island republic to view the final phases of the National Guard's military exercise 'Nikiforos'.

Mr. Tsohatzopoulos also reiterated Greece's staunch support for Cyprus, noting that close military co-operation between the two countries aims at "dealing with the common threat."

"We have major challenges ahead of us and we must be optimistic that we can make next year the year of the major positive changes on the Cyprus problem," the Greek minister said.

He described Turkey as a "destabilizing factor" in that it questions international law and claims to reverse the status quo in the Aegean.

"Turkey is accountable for the continuing occupation of part of the Republic of Cyprus, and Turkish threats for the use of force are nothing more than attempts to legalize the status quo," Mr. Tsohatzopoulos said.

The Greek minister chastised Turkey for denying millions of its own Kurdish citizens the right to self-determination and restricting their human rights, while at the same time threatening to annex Cyprus' occupied areas if Cyprus joins the EU.

Referring to Turkish interference with Greek air maneuvers, he said these were part of Turkey's offensive designs against Greece and Cyprus.

"We are strong enough to ensure that Turkey's designs will not succeed," he added, stressing that the matter was not simply bilateral.

"It would be good for the Turks to realize that they compromise themselves with such behaviour, because the daily picture of FIR violations and infringements is daily submitted, since Feb. 6, to NATO headquarters so that international organizations may also have a clear picture. It is not a bilateral Greek-Turkish or Cypriot-Turkish issue, it concerns international security, and therefore, Turkey is bound to elicit international condemnation for its behaviour," he said.

During the Greek defense minister's flight to Cyprus on board a Hellenic Air Force C-130, two Turkish F-16 flew at a distance of two miles while it was approaching the Nicosia FIR, and were intercepted by Hellenic Air Force F-4s.

Today, Mr. Tsohatzopoulos will be in Larnaca and will then head for Paphos.

Tomorrow he will be received by President Glafcos Clerides and will attend the military parade at the end of the maneuvers.

The Greek minister will also meet with party leaders before giving a press conference tomorrow evening. He departs for Athens on Thursday morning.

[06] Clerides in Athens for high-level contacts, Miller to arrive for talks

Athens, 14/10/1997 (ANA)

Mr. Clerides was speaking upon arrival in Athens yesterday evening.

Prime Minister Costas Simitis and Mr. Clerides will chair a meeting today on developments on the Cyprus issue at 1 p.m. The Cyprus president is expected to brief the Greek premier on meetings he had during his trip to the US, Strasbourg and London.

Commenting on recent violations of the island republic's airspace by Turkish fighters, Mr. Clerides said: "I denounce them but I commend the Hellenic Air Force for responding accordingly".

Regarding the visit to Ankara of US presidential emissary Richard Holbrooke, Mr. Clerides said it was of "substantial importance" and did not aim to reduce tension in the region.

In addition, a visit to Athens by State Department special coordinator on the Cyprus issue Thomas Miller will also be a topic of discussion.

Mr. Miller will meet Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos at 6 p.m. today.

According to diplomatic sources, the issue of Turkey's European orientation and the smoothing over of Euro-Turkish relations, in general, is the focal point of attention during this period.

The same sources said that the US officials are making efforts to secure "in exchange", Ankara's commitment to a constructive stance on both the Cyprus issue and in connection to the island republic's European accession course.

President Clerides was received at Athens airport by Foreign Under-secretary Yiannos Kranidiotis and Cypriot ambassador to Greece Charalambos Christoforou.

The Cyprus president is accompanied by Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides and government spokesman Manolis Christofides.

[07] Kranidiotis interview

Athens, 14/10/1997 (ANA)

Mr. Kranidiotis said Greece is not dogmatically opposed to Turkey's European orientation, provided that the same principles, preconditions and criteria applied for all European countries also apply to that country, reiterating that the Cyprus issue constitutes a key point in the normalization of Euro-Turkish relations.

[08] Holbrooke meets Turkish leadership in Ankara

Ankara, 14/10/1997 (ANA/A. Kourkoulas/AFP/Xinhua)

"I shall be able to take a very positive view of the Turkish position to Washington when I report to Secretary (of State Madeleine) Albright and President (Bill) Clinton," he said.

Mr. Holbrooke said he was not bearing any special proposal to his talks and that the aim of his visit was to be briefed on Turkish positions.

"I haven't come to make any proposal. I've come to hear Turkish views on a variety of issues, primarily Cyprus; views which are complex and deeply rooted in history," he told reporters.

As tension rose yesterday and Sunday between Greece and Turkey after multiple violations of the Athens and Nicosia FIRs by Turkish warplanes and in the midst of Greek and Cypriot military exercises, Mr. Holbrooke called on Greece, Turkey and Cyprus to restrict their military maneuvers.

"I do not like anything which increases tension in the area," he said after meeting Turkish Foreign Minister Ismail Cem.

"I would like to see Greece, Turkey and Cyprus generally limit their exercises. I believe it is a waste of money and time," he stressed.

He also reiterated how important accession to the EU was for Turkey, adding that the US supported this goal.

Mr. Holbrooke's sudden decision to visit Ankara has prompted speculation among the Turkish press that his concern at the Turkish stance had hastened his visit to Turkey in order to prevent a further hardening.

[09] Turkish reactions

Athens, 14/10/1997 (ANA)

The announcement was issued after Mr. Demirel's meeting with Mr. Holbrooke, adding that it was also "mistaken" that Cyprus developed into a problem for relations between Turkey and the European Union.

"Turkey wants a resolution of the Cyprus problem more than anybody," the announcement said, adding that after 23 years, the issue appeared to be exceptionally difficult and that Cyprus "could not become a member of international organizations without the approval of Greece and Turkey."

On his part, Turkish Defense Minister Ismet Sezgin said the Greek and Cypriot military exercises betrayed "an inferiority complex" towards Turkey.

"Such exercises, simulating an attack, show that some live in dream-world, and are a result of an inferiority complex," he told reporters.

Meanwhile, the Turkish foreign ministry warned yesterday that the joint Greek and Cypriot maneuvers would have negative repercussions on peace talks.

[10] Kranidiotis: Turkish occupation troops turns Greek Cypriots into virtual hostages

Athens, 14/10/1997 (ANA)

Mr. Kranidiotis told Athens daily "Ethnos" that the Russian-made S-300 anti-aircraft missiles ordered by the Cyprus government were scheduled to be deployed on the island after the summer of 1998, thus leaving "ample time for the achievement of an agreement for the demilitarization of Cyprus, even gradually".

The Nicosia government signed a multi-million dollar deal in Moscow in early January for the purchase of several S-300 surface-to-air missiles to bolster its defense against air attacks.

Mr. Kranidiotis charged that the Turkish side, "having lost the initiative", had retaliated by toughening its stance and threatening a strike against Cyprus in the event the advanced missile defense system was deployed. Ankara has also threatened the partial annexation of the occupied north of Cyprus with Turkey in the event of Cyprus' accession to the European Union.

"These threats are illegal and will not succeed," Mr. Kranidiotis said.

Commenting later, Mr. Kranidiotis said that as Turkey was violating the very meaning of law, Greece was taking the necessary steps and was ready to react, yet was following the situation calmly.

"In effect, (the Turks) are making spasmodic moves, for we know that the time is coming for them to make their final decisions as to whether they are going to follow the rest of the European states, adhering to and respecting the same values and principles as all civilized peoples, or whether they are going to remain on the fringe of developments," he said.

"Greece has every right to support the defense of Cyprus and of course Cyprus has the inalienable right to defend itself," he added.

[11] Greece promotes 'balanced' NATO expansion in Balkans

Bucharest, 14/10/1997 (ANA)

Special emphasis during the NATO meeting was given to analyzing the situation prevailing in the Balkans and to examining the level of preparation of Balkan states wishing to join the military alliance.

The Greek delegation supported Bulgaria and Romania's request for NATO membership, with admission negotiations to open in 1999.

In coordinated interventions, several Greek deputies taking part in the meeting rebuffed Turkish allegations in relation to Cyprus, and snubbed "warnings" by Turkish deputies over the planned installation on Cyprus of the Russian-made S-300 anti-aircraft missiles.

They also defended the Cyprus Republic's right to fortify its defense, while also stressing Greece's obligation to aid Cyprus in that effort.

With regard to Greek-Turkish relations, the Greek delegation stressed that negotiation between the two countries was inconceivable insofar as Turkey violated international law and treaties, upon which the status quo in the Aegean was based.

[12] Defense ministry pleased with NATO exercise results

Athens, 14/10/1997 (ANA)

National Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos, speaking in Thessaloniki yesterday, said that the ministry's leadership were satisfied with results, which would be evaluated in detail over the following days.

"NATO can become a basic tool for maintaining and guaranteeing peace, security and stability in the eastern European and eastern Mediterranean area," he said.

[13] Alternate FM begins Baltic tour today

Athens, 14/10/1997 (ANA)

This morning he will hold talks in Sofia before moving on to Latvia in the evening.

He is to visit Lithuania and Estonia before flying on to Brussels on Thursday to represent Prime Minister Costas Simitis at a meeting of the European Socialist Parties.

[14] Greek-Turkish meeting on Aegean environment

Athens, 14/10/1997 (ANA)

The meeting will focus on the issue of "Aegean - Clean Environment."

Participation has been declared by at least 80 prefects, mayors and regional governors from the western coast of Asia Minor, as well as prefects and delegations from prefectural self-administration bodies in the eastern Aegean area and Evros prefecture.

The event is being organized by the prefectural self-administration body of Lesvos with the purpose of "seeking new ways of handling marine pollution in the Aegean and indeed in co-operation with officials from self-administration bodies on the coast of Asia Minor where the overwhelming majority of pollutant sources exist," according to Lesvos Prefect Alekos Mathiellis.

The Mytilene meeting is the second of its kind taking place this year. The first was held in Cesme, Turkey, last April, during which an initial acquaintance was brought about between self-administration officials from both sides.

[15] Figures on elderly depression in Greece presented

Athens, 14/10/1997 (ANA)

While internationally one in two patients resort to specialists for help, in Greece only 10 per cent of elderly people suffering from depression seek assistance.

A survey conducted by the society found that 60 per cent of Attica residents believe their information on the problem is inadequate.

Speaking during a press conference, Ms Violaki and psychiatrist Ioannis Paraschos said that one in six aged people suffers from depression, a hereditary condition.

They said some of the causes were loss of companions, estrangement from children and retirement from work, which create a feeling of marginalization.

[16] Genscher in Athens to promote translation of book

Athens, 14/10/1997 (ANA)

Mr. Genscher is former leader of Germany's Liberal Party and foreign minister.

The main introduction to the book was made by Constantine Mitsotakis, the honorary president of the main opposition New Democracy party and former prime minister. Journalist and author Vassos Mathiopoulos and PASOK Eurodeputy Demetris Tsatsos also spoke.

Later, responding to a question on the Cyprus issue and Greek-Turkish relations, Mr. Genscher expressed the opinion that the European Union's decision to start negotiations for Cyprus' accession is right, because Cyprus wants to become an EU member and this should not be the cause for its division.

At a ceremony in Athens' Town Hall, Athens Mayor Demetris Avramopoulos awarded the veteran German politician with the medal of the city.

[17] Souflias hints at a repeat of ND leadership race

Athens, 14/10/1997 (ANA)

Associates of Mr. Souflias later denied that he had been referring to Mr. Mitsotakis, but that he had been making a general observation when he said:

"When a party leader is being elected.... and stands a good chance of becoming prime minister, a great deal is said and done, much of which is not apparent. I say that as a general observation and I don't want to dwell on it any further."

Mr. Souflias also spoke of his "indignation" during the period immediately after the congress.

"I believed that the people wanted something else," he said, adding:

"I will continue to be strong without abandoning my ambitions and I will always have my own opinions, those which serve the country and the party."

[18] Premier chairs meeting on drug abuse

Athens, 14/10/1997 (ANA)

Mr. Simitis contended that it was a mistake to discuss the question of legalizing "soft" drugs and to distinguish between "soft" and "hard" drugs, maintaining it did not contribute to solving the problem.

He stressed the role of rehabilitation centres, although admitting that more needed to be done in this direction.

National coordinator on drugs Marietta Yannakou-Koutsikou said she was against legalizing drugs because "Greek society is not ready to accept such a move".

[19] Int'l conference on conference tourism concluded

Athens, 14/10/1997 (ANA)

The conference was held in parallel to the 1st conference tourism exhibition "MeetinGreece - ICB '97" at Peace and Friendship Stadium in Faliro. Discussions were held yesterday between Greek and foreign experts on conference tourism.

The main conclusion drawn at the forum is that Greece, and Athens, in particular, possesses necessary specifications to emerge as a conference destination of international calibre and attract high-income visitors throughout the year and not only during the summer months. However, relevant infrastructure must be improved and local marketing methods must be harmonized with international standards.

EOT Secretary General Nikos Skoulas said the building of a major conference and exhibition centre in Athens will constitute a step in the desirable direction, adding that the go-ahead has already been given for the plan by Prime Minister Costas Simitis and Development Minister Vasso Papandreou.

Another point stressed at the forum was the need for Greece to acquire a conventions bureau to coordinate international marketing for Greek conference tourism and provide information.

[20] Telecoms deal between Yerevan, Tehran and Athens

Moscow, 14/10/1997 (ANA/IRNA)

The plan, estimated to cost $125 million, would link Frankfurt with Shanghai, China through Greece, Georgia, Armenia, Iran and Turkmenistan.

Armenian Communications Minister Grigor Poghpatyan praised the efforts made by Iran to conclude the agreement, which he described as a constructive step towards development, peace and friendship between many nations of the world.

HellasCom, a subsidiary of the Hellenic Telecommunications Organization (OTE), signed the tripartite agreement on behalf of Greece.

[21] Transitional period proposed for water bottlers to conform to EU standards

Brussels, 14/10/1997 (ANA/G. Daratos)

According to the Commission's proposal, to be submitted with the EU Environment Ministers Council and slated for Oct. 16, each litre of mineral water should not contain more than 10 milligrams of bromide ions, regarded as a potentially carcinogenic substance.

Many Greek brands of mineral water contain much higher levels of the substance. Should the commission's proposal be adopted by the Council, then bottling companies here will have to comply with the new acceptable level.

However, the most important change proposed by the Commission is a drastic cut in lead in drinking water. The current acceptable level is at 50 micrograms per litre and the commission proposes it be lowered to 10 micrograms, as set by the World Health Organization (WHO).

[22] Spraos report recommends 3 major changes to salvage social security

Athens, 14/10/1997 (ANA)

The report recommends the gradual transition to a system based on three "pillars", specifically:

A low, single-level national pension guaranteed by the state; secondly, a pension proportionate to social insurance contributions, and thirdly, higher-level pensions provided by private insurance companies, based on the voluntary payment of premiums.

The report acknowledges that the changes imply a large cost, but stresses that the cost of opting for a "non-solution" would be incalculable. Prof. Spraos notes that limiting evasion of social insurance contributions and the financial returns of social insurance fund reserves will no doubt have a positive effect, but warns that "exclusive reliance on these factors would be evading the issue".

On his part, the prime minister's adviser on social security issues, Plato Tinios, described expected demographic developments as the nucleus of the problem:

"The number of those paying contributions will fall, while the number of pensioners will increase."

He referred to an 18-month program for the organizational, functional and economic upgrading of social insurance funds, and the need for their horizontal (sectoral), but also vertical integration of supplementary with main pension funds, the sum of which should in no case reach 100 per cent of wages. This program, but also the reform as a whole, contains many unpleasant measures for the insured.

The report also proposes the drastic reduction in pensions for the handicapped, abolition of early retirement - including for those holding unhealthy forms of employment - and of other "privileged" arrangements.

Finally, it leaves open to discussion the possibility of raising the retirement age, which is 65 for men at present.

[23] Gov't, opposition reactions

Athens, 14/10/1997 (ANA)

He stressed that "we shall seek the broadest possible consensus and understanding for the final decisions".

Meanwhile, General Confederation of Greek Workers (GSEE) President Christos Polyzogopoulos said the trade union umbrella organization would treat the report in "good faith", as a text for discussion in the framework of social dialogue.

He stressed, however, that GSEE considers as non-negotiable the retirement age as well as the combating of contribution-evasion.

The Communist Party of Greece (KKE) charged that the report was "laying the ground for new super-privileges for big capital", while the Democratic Social Movement (DHKKI) accused the government of "preparing new economic fetters for wage-earners and pensioners."

[24] Greek stocks edge up in wake of correction

Athens, 14/10/1997 (ANA)

The general index closed 0.41 percent higher at 1,784.05 points reflecting gains in industrials and miscellaneous, which rose 1.24 and 4.08 percent respectively. Other sector indices ended mixed. Banks fell 0.05 percent, Insurance eased 0.24 percent, Leasing dropped 1.53 percent, Investment rose 1.26 percent, Construction fell 1.01 percent and Holding was stable. The parallel index for small cap companies ended 1.4 percent higher.

Trading was heavy and turnover was 25.3 billion drachmas.

Broadly, advancers led decliners by 141 to 96 with another 22 issues unchanged.

Sarantis, Rokas, Hellenic Sugar, Tzirakian and Katselis scored the biggest percentage gains, while Sarandopoulos, Kekrops, Macedonian Plastics and Heliofin suffered the heaviest losses.

National Bank of Greece ended at 31,950 drachmas, Ergobank at 19,270, Alpha Credit Bank at 21,340, Delta Dairy at 4,170, Titan Cement at 16,325, Intracom at 16,400 and Hellenic Telecommunications Organization at 6,700.

[25] Greens urge EU action on Mediterranean fish stocks

Athens, 14/10/1997 (ANA)

"Time is running out for the fish stocks and fisheries of this region," Demetris Karavellas of the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) said in a joint press release with Greenpeace.

Both groups said EU Commissioner Emma Bonino should make the case for a new Mediterranean fisheries policy at the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) general fisheries council, which began in Rome.

The adult blue-fin tuna population in the Mediterranean and East Atlantic has declined by 83 percent in the last 20 years and fleet expansion is continuing at an annual rate of between four and seven percent, the groups said. Over 100,000 vessels were operating in a "free-for-all" system, often flying convenience flags or having no registration at all, and competing for declining resources.

"The European Commission has an important responsibility in ensuring that the Mediterranean governments, particularly EU member states, will take the tough yet necessary management decision to set Mediterranean fisheries on the course towards sustainability," Mr. Karavellas added.

The EU fleet accounts for most of the annual Mediterranean fish catch of 1.3 million tonnes.

[26] Greek exporters to take part in German wine fair

Athens, 14/10/1997 (ANA)

The fair is the most important sector event in Germany. It targets commerce, imports, foodstuffs and hotels.

[27] Foreign ministry eyes more academic expertise

Athens, 14/10/1997 (ANA)

Mr. Kranidiotis noted at the meeting that it was important to bridge the gap between action and theory. He added that Greece would need the contribution of the scientific and academic community to take advantage of new opportunities and face challenges.

The foreign ministry hopes to assign studies to education and research centres, organize joint meetings and create a co-operation network between academics and the ministry.

[28] Nationality fee to be scrapped for Greek-Australians

Melbourne, 14/10/1997 (ANA/S. Hatzimanolis)

Mr. Akritidis, who arrived in Melbourne on Saturday, was addressing a gathering of expatriates from Kozani. He is in the Australian city, along with main opposition New Democracy party deputy Vasilis Pappas, to attend the "Dimitria '97" festival.

Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis also characterized the fee as an "unacceptable phenomenon", during a recent visit to Australia.

Mr. Akritidis said the procedure had already begun to abolish the fee, in co-operation with the foreign and economy ministries.

[29] Liani-Papandreou files against Papandreou children suit for return of home

Athens, 14/10/1997 (ANA)

The home was sold by Papandreou after his mother had died, supposedly intestate. However, after the premier's death, a will, handwritten by his mother, was found, leaving the house to her grandchildren. Ms. Liani-Papandreou maintains that the children 's claim that their father was simply the occupant and not actual owner of the property is unclear, untrue and statute-barred.

Ms. Liani's claim is to be heard on March 3, 1998, thereby acting as probable cause for postponement of today's hearing of the Papandreou children's claim.

Government spokesman Demetris Reppas said the government did not foresee the need to intervene in the case.

With regard to the late premier's archives, Mr. Reppas said it was up to his surviving relatives to decide how to make best use of them, yet agreed that the proper use and preservation of the archives was an open question.

[30] Photographer claims copyright breach against Liani-Papandreou

Athens, 14/10/1997 (ANA)

Nicholas Apostolopoulos, a photo-reporter, claims that he gave Ms Liani-Papandreou an album of his photos as a gift. He claims she then used 20 of his photos in her recently-released book "10 years and 54 days" without his permission and without acknowledging that the photos were his work.

Mr. Apostolopoulos claims he sent publishers "Nea Synora" a writ claiming more than 10 million drachmas in compensation for use of the photos.

The hearing was set for October 27 but the president of the court was examining whether to satisfy the photographer's claim for a temporary seizure of the book before the hearing.

[31] Strong earthquake south of Kalamata recorded

Athens, 14/10/1997 (ANA)

Seismologists said later that they were "reserved" as to whether yesterday's quake was the precursor to a stronger one.

Seismologist Gerassimos Houliaras from the Athens University Geodynamic Institute said residents of older homes or homes damaged by previous quakes were advised to evacuate their homes for the next 48 hours as a precaution.

Yesterday's quake came almost exactly 11 years after the catastrophic quake in Kalamata, which killed 20, injured more than 30 and devastated the southern Peloponnese town.

[32] Larissa villages riddled with fissures

Athens, 14/10/1997 (ANA)

The visit was a result of the recent activation of cracks in the earth running through the village of Niki. Other cracks were discovered in the village of Halki and Platykambos.

The cracks reportedly appeared in the region in 1993 and are being watched by a team of geologists.

The Niki fissures, around 500 metres long and 150-200 metres apart, are threatening nearby buildings.

The geologists recommended that the phenomenon be subject to further study, in a three-year program funded by prefectural programs in Larissa and Magnisia.

End of English language section.

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