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Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 97-10-15

Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

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

ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No. 1315), October 15, 1997

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


CONTENTS

  • [01] Simitis, Clerides confer on Cyprus issue amid continued Turkish provocations
  • [02] Greece, EU coincide on economic forecasts
  • [03] Greece to tighten up on spending
  • [04] Greek shipping currency inflows drops 5.8 pct in Jan-Jun
  • [05] Greek stocks slip on profit-taking
  • [06] EU raps Greece over flag rules for shipping
  • [07] Greece promises demarche over multiple airspace violations by Turkish fighters
  • [08] Multiple Turkish violations for Athens, Nicosia FIRs
  • [09] Turkish press
  • [10] Turkish warplanes fly armed over Cyprus
  • [11] US official Miller says Madrid communique 'continues to be alive'
  • [12] Military exercises won't lead to crisis, Holbrooke says
  • [13] US calls on Greece, Turkey to show 'self-restraint'
  • [14] Clerides briefs several ambassadors in Athens
  • [15] Karamanlis
  • [16] Ecevit blames EU, Greece for Turkey's exclusion from membership
  • [17] Britain concerned about Cyprus tension
  • [18] Papandreou meets Bulgarian leaders, stresses support for Sofia's EU prospects
  • [19] Press interview
  • [20] Athens hosts SE European parliament summit
  • [21] Greek navy chief to visit Romania
  • [22] Simitis at head of large gov't delegation in Tirana today
  • [23] Romeos on law enforcement co-operation
  • [24] Kalamata shaken by series of aftershocks
  • [25] Skandalidis refers to political co-operation in municipal elections
  • [26] Aegean maritime exhibition opens Thursday
  • [27] SETE proposal on replacement of hotel categories
  • [28] Bulgarian cabinet approves new border bridge to Greece
  • [29] European lignite conference in Athens
  • [30] Harsh ND criticism on gov't handling of economy
  • [31] Gov't welcomes Spraos report, ND unimpressed
  • [32] Farmakis: 'No decisions taken'
  • [33] Satisfaction over "Nikiforos '97"
  • [34] National Guard manoeuvres end
  • [35] Officials visit air base
  • [36] Tsohatzopoulos
  • [37] Turkey to stage two manoeuvres

  • [01] Simitis, Clerides confer on Cyprus issue amid continued Turkish provocations

    Athens, 15/10/1997 (ANA)

    Prime Minister Costas Simitis and Cypriot President Glafcos Clerides met yesterday in Athens to discuss the Cyprus issue, while Mr. Simitis commented on Greece's relations with Turkey in view of the repeated air space violations over the past few days during Greek and Cypriot military exercises in the southeastern Aegean and Cyprus. Mr. Simitis said that meetings held since July between President Clerides and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash had not been successful due to the continued intransigence of the Turkish side, although he said one would have expected Turkey to alter its policy, particularly in view of developments in Europe.

    The prime minister reiterated Greece and Cyprus' two main goals, which were the solving of the Cyprus problem according to UN resolutions and Cyprus' accession to the European Union.

    At the same time, he added, Cyprus will continue to bolster its defences. The joint defense doctrine, he said, continues to hold in regard to Greece's relations with the Republic of Cyprus.

    If there was no progress towards solving the Cyprus issue, continued the prime minister, and if President Clerides' proposal for the demilitarization of Cyprus was not accepted, "there will be difficulties, and these difficulties should be avoided".

    "We are ready to reconsider our defense program, provided Turkey accepts President Clerides' proposal for demilitarization with Turkey," Mr. Simitis said.

    Mr. Simitis said he expected "significant developments" over the next few months, particularly with regard to Cyprus' accession negotiations with the EU.

    Referring to relations between Turkey and the EU, Mr. Simitis reiterated that Turkey will have to take decisive steps, and abide by the "acquis communautaire".

    "It isn't possible for Turkey to want to develop a special relationship with the EU and not to recognize fundamental rules of international law," said the prime minister.

    He added that there could be no normalization of Greek-Turkish relations without a just and viable solution to the Cyprus issue. He urged all countries that wanted peace and stability in the region to support efforts being made within the framework of the United Nations.

    Meanwhile, commenting on the Greek military exercise "Toxotis" and the concurrent Cypriot exercise "Nikiforos", Mr. Simitis praised the "courage and preparedness" shown by the Greek air force over the last three days in dealing with Turkish provocations .

    He reiterated that Greece did not want tension and confrontation conflict with Turkey.

    President Clerides expressed his thanks for Greece's support with regard to finding a just and viable solution to the Cyprus issue, accession to the EU, the demilitarization proposal and in the effort to strengthen Cyprus' defense capability.

    He also echoed Mr. Simitis' praise for the Greek air force pilots in intercepting Turkish fighters during the current exercises.

    Asked to comment on a statement by US presidential envoy Richard Holbrooke that the exercises were a waste of money, he said that Mr. Holbrooke would be right if there were no threat from Turkey, if there were not 35,000-40,000 Turkish soldiers in Cyprus.

    Otherwise, he added, the Cypriot Republic was obliged not only to continue with the exercises but also with arming itself.

    He also drew attention to his proposal to demilitarize the island, observing that Turkey was free to agree to this proposal.

    Finally, President Clerides reiterated that he expected substantial developments in the Cyprus issue after the Cypriot presidential elections in February next year.

    [02] Greece, EU coincide on economic forecasts

    Athens, 15/10/1997 (ANA)

    Forecasts by Greece on its economy have coincided with those of the European Union for the first time, National Economy and Finance Minister Yiannos Papantoniou told reporters yesterday.

    Speaking after a meeting with Prime Minister Costas Simitis, Mr. Papantoniou was commenting on references to Greece contained in an EU Commission report on member state economies released earlier yesterday in Brussels.

    The Commission's report agreed with the Greek government's prediction that the state budget deficit would be 4.2 percent of gross domestic product for 1997 and fall to 3 percent in 1998, Mr. Papantoniou said.

    "Greece is being put on the map. According to the Commission, in 1998 we shall be in the position to seek entry into economic and monetary union," he said.

    Mr. Papantoniou said the coincidence in forecasts by the government and Commission reflected the economy's growing credibility.

    According to the EU report, Greece has made the greatest progress in containing inflation among EU member states with inflation expected to fall to 3.5 percent in 1999 from 8.5 percent in 1996.

    The report forecast economic growth at 3.5-4.0 percent by 1999, the same as Spain and Portugal.

    It predicted unemployment of 9.5 percent in 1997 and 9.3 percent in 1998 when the EU's average unemployment rate was expected to exceed 10 percent.

    The report forecast economic growth in 1999 of 3.9 percent, a fiscal deficit of 2.7 percent of GDP and public debt at 104.2 percent of GDP. Unemployment would be 9.2 percent, the report said.

    [03] Greece to tighten up on spending

    Athens, 15/10/1997 (ANA)

    Greece's 1998 budget will slash spending but leave taxation mostly intact, National Economy and Finance Minister Yiannos Papantoniou told reporters yesterday.

    "The budget will be bold over spending and conservative over taxes," Mr. Papantoniou said.

    He was speaking after a meeting on the budget with Prime Minister Costas Simitis, Finance Undersecretaries George Drys and Nikos Christodoulakis, National Economy Under-secretary Christos Pachtas, and the premier's financial advisor, Tassos Yannitsis.

    Mr. Papantoniou said he had no new information to relay on the budget, which is currently being drafted and has to be submitted to parliament by November 30.

    [04] Greek shipping currency inflows drops 5.8 pct in Jan-Jun

    Athens, 15/10/1997 (ANA)

    Shipping currency inflows fell 5.8 percent in January-June to total 1.03 billion dollars against 1.1 billion a year ago.

    In June the inflows were 177 million dollars against 193.1 million in June 1996, down 8.3 percent.

    [05] Greek stocks slip on profit-taking

    Athens, 15/10/1997 (ANA)

    Greek equities came under pressure from profit-takers and eased on the Athens Stock Exchange despite a price surge in the construction sector.

    The general index closed 0.24 percent lower at 1,780.70 points with most sector indices losing ground. Banks eased 0.47 percent, Insurance fell 1.32 percent, Leasing dropped 2.06 percent, Investment eased 0.43 percent, Industrials were 0.21 percent off, Miscellaneous rose 0.28 percent, Holding was 01.6 percent down and Construction jumped 4.28 percent.

    The parallel market index for small cap companies was 0.22 percent lower and the FTSE/ASE-20 index dropped 0.41 percent to 1,635.79 points.

    Trading remained heavy and turnover was 26.6 billion drachmas.

    Broadly, advancing issues led declining ones by 120 to 110 with another 23 issues unchanged.

    Aegek, TEB, Ideal, Etma, Lanakam and Bitros scored the biggest percentage gains, while Katselis, Demetriades, Eskimo and Minerva suffered the heaviest losses.

    National Bank of Greece ended at 31,710 drachmas, Ergobank at 19,200, Alpha Credit Bank at 21,200, Delta Dairy at 4,060, Titan Cement at 16,280, Intracom at 16,500 and Hellenic Telecommunications Organization at 6,650.

    [06] EU raps Greece over flag rules for shipping

    Athens, 15/10/1997 (ANA)

    An advocate at the European Court in Luxembourg has said that Greece should extend rights allowing nationals of other European Union states to fly the Greek flag on their ships.

    In an opinion given to the court on September 25 and released yesterday, the advocate proposed the court should declare that Greece had failed to meet its obligations under EU rules and order the country to pay the costs.

    Greece had maintained in force provisions of law that restricted the right to join Greek shipping registers and the right to fly the Greek flag exclusively to vessels more than 50% owned by Greek nationals or legal persons established under Greek law w hose capital is held in the same proportion by Greek nationals.

    [07] Greece promises demarche over multiple airspace violations by Turkish fighters

    Athens, 15/10/1997 (ANA)

    Greece reacted strongly yesterday to continuing infringements of the Athens FIR and violations of Greek airspace by Turkish warplanes, saying it will lodge a demarche with Turkey.

    Government spokesman Demetris Reppas also said Athens will brief ambassadors of all European Union member-states in Athens as well as the US charge d'affaires.

    Mr. Reppas said the frequency and regularity of the violations over the last two days indicated that Turkey had made a political choice to create tension in the region.

    However, he added, this did not offer Turkey any advantage, but simply showed its lack of willingness to normalize its relations with Greece. It also showed that Turkey felt itself to be at a disadvantage, he said. Commenting on the buzzing by Turkish air force planes of a Greek transport plane carrying National Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos to Cyprus on Monday, Mr. Reppas replied:

    "It is childish for the Turks to believe that they can annoy the Greek defense minister in this way, this behaviour of Turkey's is anything but honourable."

    Asked to comment on statements by special US presidential envoy Richard Holbrooke on Monday that he had gained a positive view of Turkey's positions in his talks with the Turkish leadership, the spokesman said the US official had his own yardstick to judge by and that Greece had no way of knowing if any euphoria Mr. Holbrooke may have expressed was justified.

    Meanwhile, Mr. Reppas said he did not believe reports that said Turkish planes were flying over Cyprus with live ammunition, but if the reports were indeed true, then it was a most unfortunate choice on the part of Turkey and one which created many dangers.

    "We would like to believe that the Turkish military would not go that far," he said.

    Finally, referring to a report that Denmark had signed an accord with Turkey for the supply of military equipment in the event of a crisis, Mr. Reppas said that the report was being investigated, but emphasized that if it were true, then it would be an important issue.

    [08] Multiple Turkish violations for Athens, Nicosia FIRs

    Athens, 15/10/1997 (ANA)

    Turkish warplanes continued to infringe on the Athens and Nicosia Flight Information Region (FIR) regulations yesterday, over the area south-southeast of Rhodes, Greek national defense ministry sources said.

    The sources said some 30 Turkish F-16 and F-4 fighter planes were intercepted by Hellenic Air Force F-16s, F-1s and Mirage 2000s, while some interception developed into aerial engagements.

    Meanwhile, Greek air and naval forces and the Cypriot National Guard carried out their exercises as scheduled on the final day of the concurrent war games.

    Greek A-7 "Corsairs" and F-16s carried out a two-phase air support exercise for land forces on Cyprus with target shooting and, later, with live ammunition.

    Hellenic Navy vessels continued their exercises close to the Larnarca-Limassol coast.

    [09] Turkish press

    Ankara, 15/10/1997 (ANA/A. Kourkoulas)

    Meanwhile, the Turkish press yesterday cited military sources saying that Greece's "Nikiforos" exercise was an attempt to display its offensive force and the ability to transfer military forces.

    The same sources said that Turkey would show that the northern Turkish-occupied part of Cyprus was "defended".

    Most papers reported Turkish Foreign Minister Ismail Cem's statement on Monday that the breaking of the moratorium on military flights over Cyprus was "a foolish act".

    [10] Turkish warplanes fly armed over Cyprus

    Athens, 15/10/1997 (ANA)

    In a related development, a Reuters dispatch from Ankara reported that Turkish warplanes have begun flying armed over Cyprus for the first time in 10 months, citing tension with Greece.

    The "Sabah" daily said Turkish F-16s had broken an agreement with Washington last year not to fly armed over the island, in retaliation for Greek participation in Greek Cypriot military manoeuvres.

    Turkish papers said Turkish warplanes from two bases in western Turkey had carried out 50 sorties in the Cyprus-Rhodes-Crete triangle in two days to show its backing for the self-styled Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, a breakaway Turkish Cypriot "state" recognized only by Ankara.

    [11] US official Miller says Madrid communique 'continues to be alive'

    Athens, 15/10/1997 (ANA)

    Visiting US State Department special coordinator for Cyprus, Thomas Miller, stated yesterday that the spirit of the Greek-Turkish Madrid communique covering principles for smoothing out relations "continues to be alive", and that it was "a dynamic text on the basis of which we are trying to build new efforts."

    After his arrival in Athens, Mr. Miller met with Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos and Under-secretary Yiannos Kranidiotis later in the afternoon.

    The Madrid communique was signed by Prime Minister Costas Simitis and Turkish President Suleyman Demirel in July.

    His statement came only days after Turkish Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz, whom Mr. Miller met in Ankara on Monday while accompanying special US presidential emissary for Cyprus Richard Holbrooke, declared that "the spirit of Madrid is dead", blaming Mr. Pangalos in particular.

    Mr. Miller said the US side was now was better acquainted with Turkish positions on the Cyprus problem and wished to share certain of its observations with Athens.

    He reiterated US support for a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation in Cyprus, adding that the US side had made it clear to the Turks that it also fully supported the course towards European Union membership of Cyprus, which was "a reality".

    Regarding the proposed deployment of Russian-made S-300 missiles on Cyprus, the US official said the expression of concerns by Washington did not mean "that we refuse a country's legitimate right to its defense", but their installation complicated the problem, while efforts for a solution were underway.

    Asked to comment on the latest spate of Turkish violations of Greek and Cypriot national airspace, he responded: "As a general comment I would say the infringements, the issue of the S-300 missiles and the Turkish threats over these missiles do not help in the necessary reduction of tension in the area".

    He confirmed that apart from Cyprus, he also discussed other matters with the Turkish leadership, which he declined to specify. Regarding the situation in the Aegean, he said efforts to achieve progress in the recent New York meetings (between foreign ministers Pangalos and Turkey's Ismail Cem) had not materialized, but expressed hope this would happen in future.

    He noted that a radical breakthrough in Greek-Turkish relations would be very important, but if this was not attainable, weight might be placed on small steps in various issues.

    He refused to answer questions on US efforts to persuade Turkey to accept referral of the eastern Aegean Imia islets dispute to the International Court at The Hague.

    Finally, Mr. Miller said that the US side believed Turkey's prominent concern at present was the security of the Turkish Cypriots, and described Cypriot President Glafcos Clerides' proposal for a demilitarization of the island as positive, on condition that it took into account the necessary security measures for the population.

    He was also categorical that EU accession negotiations with Cyprus must be conducted with the Republic of Cyprus, after the participation of the Turkish Cypriots in a single negotiating delegation is secured.

    [12] Military exercises won't lead to crisis, Holbrooke says

    Ankara, 15/10/1997 (ANA/A. Kourkoulas)

    The Cyprus military exercise "Nikiforos" will not lead to a crisis in Greek-Turkish relations, US presidential envoy for Cyprus Richard Holbrooke told the Turkish press yesterday.

    "Every year there are exercises going on somewhere and they are always carried out at the wrong time, but these exercises will not lead to a crisis," Mr. Holbrooke said.

    [13] US calls on Greece, Turkey to show 'self-restraint'

    Washington, 15/10/1997 (ANA/T. Ellis)

    The United States observed equal distances over tension created in past days by repeated violations of Greek airspace by Turkish warplanes and corresponding interceptions.

    In the first official comment on developments by Washington, US State Department spokesman James Rubin called on both sides to show self-restraint. The Greek side concerning the remaining "Nikiforos" military exercises and the Turkish side in relation to military exercises planned to take place in the northern Turkish-occupied part of Cyprus over the next few days.

    Mr. Rubin reiterated that the US believes it is preferable that fewer military exercises of the kind take place, while he noted the displeasure of the US over the abolition of the moratorium for overflights over Cyprus and called on Athens and Ankara to return to the implementation of this moratorium.

    "We urge all sides to assess benefits provided by the overflights moratorium by Greek and Turkish aircraft," Mr. Rubin said and termed the carrying out of exercises in the area an "unfortunate event."

    He expressed the hope that "when they are completed we will be able to return to our effort to work again on ways of preventing unnecessary overflights which complicate a situation which is already one of the most complicated."

    Mr. Rubin said that Washington has requested a long time ago from the parties involved in the Cyprus issue to proceed with steps which contribute towards promoting dialogue and negotiations.

    He reiterated that Washington is working hard to decrease overall tension existing between Athens and Ankara and the visit paid to Ankara by presidential envoy Richard Holbrooke is part of this effort.

    [14] Clerides briefs several ambassadors in Athens

    Athens, 15/10/1997 (ANA)

    Cyprus President Glafcos Clerides yesterday briefed four ambassadors of European Union member-states and three EU candidate-countries on the latest developments regarding the Cyprus problem as well as the island republic's EU accession course.

    He also briefed the ambassadors on his contacts in New York, Strasbourg and Britain.

    President Clerides met for one hour with EU troika ambassadors Hendrik Wagenmakers (the Netherlands) and Sir Michael Llewellyn Smith (Britain); the Austrian ambassador, the Irish ambassador, as well as the ambassadors of Hungary, Slovenia and Poland.

    Speaking after the meeting, Poland's ambassador, Voitek Lamentowick, who is also accredited to Cyprus, said the president informed them about his meetings in the US, Europe and the prospects of negotiations with the Turkish Cypriot side for a settlement.

    He said Cyprus and Poland "are in the same boat" as far as European integration is concerned and negotiations will "start on time" early next year.

    "We are assured by the EU member-countries that it will happen," he added.

    Austrian Ambassador Hans Sabaditsch said the Cyprus president briefed them on latest developments so that they can report to their governments in view of the EU summit in Luxembourg in December, which he described as "instrumental".

    Mr. Sabaditsch, who is also accredited to Cyprus, said the key to fruitful negotiations for a Cyprus settlement, "lies in Ankara".

    "I hope the EU can offer something to Turkey to change its hard line", he added.

    He said Mr. Clerides briefed them on violations of Cyprus' air space by Turkish planes and statements by Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash that all doors for a solution are closed.

    The ambassador expressed the view that Cyprus' EU prospect is "one of the tools to find a reasonable solution that both communities can live with."

    Present at yesterday's briefing were Cyprus Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides and Cyprus' ambassador to Athens.

    [15] Karamanlis

    Athens, 15/10/1997 (ANA)

    President Clerides later met main opposition New Democracy party leader Costas Karamanlis and briefed him on latest developments over the Cyprus issue and on military exercises taking place in Cyprus.

    Speaking to reporters afterwards, Mr. Karamanlis said that he again repeated to President Clerides his party's undivided solidarity and support for the efforts of Cyprus to join the European Union.

    [16] Ecevit blames EU, Greece for Turkey's exclusion from membership

    Stockholm, 15/10/1997 (ANA/N. Servetas)

    Turkish deputy Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit said yesterday that his country should have become a member of the European Union, if the Union had not gone back on its promises and if Greece did not exercise a negative influence.

    Speaking at Sweden's Foreign Affairs Institute, he claimed that Cyprus was not a real problem, and that it was going through the first peaceful period in its history since the 1974 Turkish invasion which had divided the island.

    He said the only way for relations between the two communities of the island to be restored was Turkey's admission to the EU, reiterating the view that Cyprus could not become a member of an international organization of which Turkey was not.

    [17] Britain concerned about Cyprus tension

    Ankara, 15/10/1997 (Reuters/ANA)

    Britain said yesterday it was concerned about Greek and Turkish flights over Cyprus.

    "I expressed my concern at the air movements which are currently taking place in Cyprus," British minister of state for Europe, Douglas Henderson, told reporters after meeting Turkish officials in Ankara.

    "I believe they are destabilizing and dangerous incidents, which if they go wrong, could cause havoc", he said.

    "A similar communication has been sent to the Greek government today (yesterday) from my London office", Mr. Henderson said.

    [18] Papandreou meets Bulgarian leaders, stresses support for Sofia's EU prospects

    Sofia, 15/10/1997 (ANA/N. Hios/D. Stamboglis)

    Bulgarian President Petar Stoyanov and visiting Greek Alternate Foreign Minister George Papandreou yesterday discussed Bulgaria's options in the European Union (EU) as well as co-operation between Greece, Bulgaria and Romania.

    Prior to his meeting with the Bulgarian president, Mr. Papandreou had already met with Bulgarian Vice-President and Industry Minister Alexander Boskov, discussing issues of co-operation in the economic sector.

    The Greek alternate minister also met with Bulgarian Foreign Minister Nadezhda Mikhailova and Foreign Under-secretary A. Primarakova.

    After the meeting, he reiterated Athens' support for a start to negotiations between the European Union and states in central and eastern Europe applying to join the 15-nation bloc.

    Bulgaria reportedly asked the Greek government to urge the EU to adopt a proposal for a simultaneous start to negotiations for EU candidate states.

    On his part, Mr. Papandreou praised Sofia for strides taken in promoting domestic reform.

    He also said that it was in Greece's interests for Bulgaria to be included in the first wave of countries to start accession talks with the EU.

    The talks included discussion of the issue of the return of a rare medieval manuscript written by the monk Paisios and stolen from a monastery on Mount Athos. Reliable sources said that Mr. Stoyanov expressed the intent of returning the manuscript to the all-male monastic community at a special ceremony.

    [19] Press interview

    Athens, 15/10/1997 (ANA)

    At a later press conference, Mr. Papandreou stressed that Greece supports Bulgaria's interest in becoming an EU member, and called on the 15-member Union to take into account the progress the Balkan nation is making. He also said the EU should prove that it does not view the Balkans as a forgotten region of Europe.

    Asked whether he thought a meeting between the presidents of Bulgaria, Romania and Greece was probable, Mr. Papandreou said Greece supports co-operation with both countries on issues of joint interest and EU membership.

    Commenting on a summit meeting in Crete for leaders of southeastern European countries on Nov. 3 and 4, Mr. Papandreou said Greece promoted Balkan co-operation and noted the meeting of foreign ministers from the same countries in Thessaloniki recently.

    In other statements, Mr. Papandreou said that Greece desired good relations with all countries as long as they adhered to certain conditions.

    "These conditions are self-evident," Mr. Papandreou said in an interview with a local television channel.

    He said these conditions included respect of borders, respect of international treaties, refrain from using violence and from threatening to use violence.

    "Unfortunately, Turkey has not shown respect to these self-evident regulations," the minister said.

    "It is unacceptable that Turkey raises the issue of sovereignty and violates our airspace," he added, noting that Turkey, "which occupies the northern part of Cyprus and does not desire to solve the problem."

    Mr. Papandreou said that as long as these problems as well as Turkey's domestic problems remained unsolved, not only Greece but all EU member states would not accept Turkey's European course.

    Mr. Papandreou is on a tour of EU candidate states in central and eastern Europe.

    [20] Athens hosts SE European parliament summit

    Athens, 15/10/1997 (ANA)

    A two-day meeting of the presidents of parliament from the countries of southeastern Europe opens in Athens today, the first top-level meeting of the parliaments of the region.

    Greek Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis, who initiated the meeting, said such initiatives contributed to and strengthened Greece's role as a positive factor in the region and also reinforced regional co-operation.

    He said regional co-operation had benefited the common interests through exchanges of views and the setting up of bodies with decisive authorities at political as well as economic level. In addition, he added, sideline meetings were scheduled with the parliament presidents of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, Bulgaria and Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM).

    Mr. Kaklamanis will open the meeting with an address, followed by his counterparts.

    Prime Minister Costas Simitis will deliver a greeting to the meeting on Thursday, while Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos will also address the parliament presidents.

    The meeting will be attended by the parliament presidents of Albania, Bosnia, Bulgaria, Yugoslavia, FYROM, Romania, Croatia and Slovenia, with observers from the parliamentary assemblies of international organizations.

    The president of the Turkish parliament had also been invited, but was unable to attend.

    [21] Greek navy chief to visit Romania

    Athens, 15/10/1997 (ANA)

    The Navy Chief of Staff Vice-Admiral Leonidas Paliogiorgos is to make an official courtesy visit to Romania from today until October 18, it was announced yesterday.

    Vice-Admiral Paliogiorgos is returning a visit by his Romanian counterpart to Athens.

    [22] Simitis at head of large gov't delegation in Tirana today

    Athens, 15/10/1997 (ANA)

    Prime Minister Costas Simitis will pay a one-day visit to neighbouring Albania today, at the head of a large Greek government delegation.

    After his arrival in Tirana this morning, Mr. Simitis will have a private meeting with his counterpart Fatos Nano. Later, he will meet the leadership of the Albanian parliament, as well as Albanian President Rexhep Mejdani, opposition leader Sali Barisha and the president of the "Human Rights Union" party.

    During their meeting, the prime ministers of the two countries are expected to sign a joint communique, as well as an agreement for the opening of two new border posts and a memorandum on terms of Greece's macroeconomic assistance to Albania.

    Mr. Nano will then host an official lunch in honour of the Greek prime minister, which will be followed by a joint press conference.

    After a meeting with Archbishop Anastasios of Tirana and All Albania, Mr. Simitis will attend the official inauguration in Tirana of the new National Bank of Greece branch. He will then visit the military hospital in the Albanian capital.

    The Greek delegation includes Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos, Public Order Minister George Romeos, Press and Mass Media Minister Demetris Reppas, and the undersecretaries of National Defense, Demetris Apostolakis, as well as National Economy, Alexandros Baltas. The Greek ministers will have meetings with their Albanian counterparts.

    The prime minister's visit to Albania occupied a large part in yesterday's daily press in Tirana, with most newspapers placing emphasis on the issues to be on the agenda of talks between Mr. Simitis and the Albanian leadership.

    The focus was mainly on getting Athens' support on a number of Albanian requests.

    Issues of interest to Greece were also raised by some newspapers, such as a pledge given by Mr. Mejdani to his Greek counterpart Kostis Stephanopoulos during their meeting in Strasbourg, related to the extending of the operation of Greek-language school s outside the strictly ethnic Greek minority regions to the rest of Albania.

    Mr. Simitis is expected to arrive back in Athens at 5:30 p.m.

    [23] Romeos on law enforcement co-operation

    Athens, 15/10/1997 (ANA)

    Public Order Minister Romeos, who is accompanying the prime minister in Albania, will reportedly ask Albanian authorities for closer co-operation in fighting crime.

    He said yesterday in Athens that "Albanian police should contribute in order to secure the borders from drug smugglers and illegal immigrants."

    He added that for this reason the issue of the deployment of a special border police unit will be discussed with Albanian authorities.

    [24] Kalamata shaken by series of aftershocks

    Athens, 15/10/1997 (ANA)

    Kalamata was shaken yesterday morning by an tremor measuring 4.0 on the Richter scale, the sixth tremor since Monday's earthquake of 5.8 Richter, which was situated in the sea bed about 100 km south of the port city.

    Seismologists see the tremors as a sign that the seismic activity is gradually waning, although they expect minor tremors to continue for approximately another two months. Monday's quake caused cracks in old buildings but otherwise did not disrupt life in the prefecture of Messinia. Although schools were open as usual yesterday, Prefect Panayotis Foteas has ordered a check on all school buildings.

    A team of experts from the environment, public works and town planning ministry was expected in Kalamata later yesterday to make a general inspection of the prefecture.

    Monday's quake caused minor damage to homes in Koroni and Harokopiou and to two churches and a school.

    Seismologists warned those residing in homes with previous faults that they should not remain in their homes for the next 48 hours.

    The director of the Geodynamic Institute George Stavrakakis said, however, that even if there were another quake of the same magnitude as Monday's quake, there was no cause for concern as the epicentre was situated 100 kms from built-up areas.

    He said aftershocks in the most active seismic region in Greece could last for months.

    [25] Skandalidis refers to political co-operation in municipal elections

    Athens, 15/10/1997 (ANA)

    In the forthcoming municipal elections next year the ruling PASOK party will seek to co-operate with other political forces in the country's three largest municipalities, according to PASOK Secretary Costas Skandalidis.

    The secretary was speaking after yesterday's meeting of the party's political secretariat, which was held to examine issues related to the municipal and prefectural elections. The meeting was also attended by Interior Minister Alekos Papadopoulos.

    [26] Aegean maritime exhibition opens Thursday

    Athens, 15/10/1997 (ANA)

    Aegean Minister Elisavet Papazoi will open on Thursday in Athens an exhibition entitled "Maritime Tradition in the Aegean - Stocks and Shipyards."

    The exhibition is organized in the framework of the European Days of Cultural Heritage, which this year is dedicated to ports.

    "Aegean culture is interwoven with Greece's maritime tradition," Ms Papazoi said.

    The exhibition shows the evolution of the maritime tradition in the Aegean from prehistoric times to the 18th century, the evolution of the modern Greek shipping until the end of the 19th century and the evolution of the ship captain to shipowner in the 20th century. The exhibition features rare traditional vessels as well as small shipyards, maps, photographs and scale models. The exhibition will be displayed in several Aegean communities.

    [27] SETE proposal on replacement of hotel categories

    Athens, 15/10/1997 (ANA)

    The Federation of Greek Tourist Enterprises (SETE) unveiled a specific proposal yesterday on how the planned replacement of Greece's hotel categories with the five-star system should be implemented.

    As a general principle, SETE agrees with the position set out by Greek Tourist Organization (EOT) Secretary General Nikos Skoulas, namely, that in no way should an automatic transfer of hotels from the existing categories system to the five-star system occur.

    SETE supports a system similar to the Swiss model, which classifies lodging in stars in accordance with points collected on a scale ranging from 10,000 to 3,500.

    [28] Bulgarian cabinet approves new border bridge to Greece

    Sofia, 15/10/1997 (BTA/ANA)

    The Bulgarian cabinet on Monday approved a Bulgarian-Greek agreement on the construction of a new cross-border motorway bridge at the Kulata-Promahonas checkpoint.

    The bridge will be built close to an already existing one and will be ready by the end of 1998 at the latest, the cabinet press office said.

    Greece will fully finance the project, including planning, feasibility study, the tender dossier draft, the tender arrangements and the construction. The contract will be awarded at an international tender.

    The agreement envisages the setting up of a Bulgarian-Greek technical co-operation team.

    PHARE will cover the expenses of the Bulgarian delegation and INTERREG II those of the Greek side, the Council of Ministers press office said.

    [29] European lignite conference in Athens

    Athens, 15/10/1997 (ANA)

    A European conference on "Lignite in an Expanded Europe" will take place in Athens tomorrow and Friday, under the auspices of the European Commission, the Public Power Corp. (DEH) and the Union of German Lignite Producers.

    A DEH announcement said the conference was taking place at a turning point for the electric energy market and a Commission decision to deregulate this market is resulting in major changes in the fuels currently used.

    The conference will include issues related to the political, economic and environmental aspect of lignite production.

    Speakers are expected to include European Commissioner Christos Papoutsis, who is responsible for energy matters in the Union as well as Development Under-secretary Anna Diamantopoulou.

    [30] Harsh ND criticism on gov't handling of economy

    Athens, 15/10/1997 (ANA)

    The head of the main opposition New Democracy party's economic affairs sector, Giorgos Alogoskoufis, painted a grim picture of the Greek economy and its indicators in a report released yesterday.

    He charged that the government's economic policy was deadlocked, and the proof was its failure to secure the country's participation in EMU on time.

    The government, he said, had exhibited acceptable ineffectiveness and lack of boldness over the last four years, avoiding decisions to restrict consumption in the public sector, to fight tax evasion, absorb Community funds and proceed with real privatizations.

    Mr. Alogoskoufis predicted that the budget deficit would be 750 to 800 billion drachmas higher than the government's prediction, amounting to between 8.3 and 8.6 per cent of GDP, instead of 6.2 per cent.

    The real fiscal deficit is more than double from that required for participation in EMU, and inflation is almost double the target set in the convergence program, he said.

    He further claimed that the real situation in the economy was even worse, with one in 10 Greeks out of work, the country's international competitiveness at a record low, and an unsatisfactory growth rate.

    He also leveled a serious charge that "the government systematically resorts to falsifying economic data," that the real reduction in the deficit was five percentage points (from 12 to 7) and not as the government claims from 14.2 to 4.2, and that the inflation rate was one percentage point higher than that the announced monthly figure.

    Mr. Alogoskoufis said New Democracy agreed with the stability of the drachma. Referring to the fall in interest rates, he claimed that "real interest rates have not improved and the government is refusing to see the divergence of interbank market rates and of the state bond rates".

    [31] Gov't welcomes Spraos report, ND unimpressed

    Athens, 15/10/1997 (ANA)

    A report by noted economics professor Yiannis Spraos, recommending major reforms to the social security system was a "responsible contribution to the social dialogue", said government spokesman Demetris Reppas yesterday.

    He said the government would be presenting its positions on the issue within the framework of the debate to be held in the second round of social dialogue.

    Meanwhile, main opposition New Democracy shadow minister on economy issues Giorgos Alogoskoufis said that the Spraos report was "an academic exercise" that had not revealed anything new.

    The issue, Mr. Alogoskoufis, was which initiatives the government would take to reform the social security system.

    PASOK governments are responsible for the prevailing situation as it was their decisions that brought the social security and pension fund system to the state it was in.

    The day after the government announces its measures, New Democracy will present its specific proposals, he said.

    ND spokesperson Aris Spiliotopoulos said the report was "flat and static" and that "it was like trying to improve the steam engine when we are already in the space age".

    The Coalition of the Left and Progress, in a statement yesterday accused the government of promoting solutions without first debating them.

    It said the government had not taken a stand by "setting out its own specific proposals", and called for a social dialogue which would abolish the "anti-social security laws" passed by the New Democracy (governments).

    [32] Farmakis: 'No decisions taken'

    Athens, 15/10/1997 (ANA)

    In a related development, Social Security Under-secretary Nikos Farmakis told striking building workers yesterday that no decisions have been taken in advance regarding the insurance issue, while the contents of the Spraos report will be set out for social dialogue.

    The builders, a day after the publication of the report, demonstrated in front of the labour ministry and then marched to Parliament, demanding pensioning at 55, while at present the limit is 58.

    By virtue of the Sioufas Law, the retirement age will reach 60 as of Jan. 1, 1998, while according to the Spraos report, it should reach 65.

    At the same time, demonstrators from trade unions in the Thriasio Pedio of western Attica visited Labour Under-secretary Christos Protopapas and demanded measures to combat unemployment.

    [33] Satisfaction over "Nikiforos '97"

    Nicosia, 15/10/1997 (ANA/CNA)

    Cyprus and Greece will continue their joint defence pact unless a just solution to the Cyprus problem is reached, acting President of the Republic, House President Spyros Kyprianou said here yesterday.

    Mr. Kyprianou was speaking after the completion of the five-day National Guard annual military exercise code-named "Nikiforos '97", the last phase of which he watched with visiting Greek National Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos.

    He said this year's exercise has been the "best" so far conducted with the participation of Greek air and naval forces.

    The two men expressed full "satisfaction" with the "success" of yesterday's manoeuvres.

    Greek Air Force and Navy forces that took part in "Nikiforos '97" also participated in the Greek military exercise "Toxotis" which took place in the sea area between Cyprus and the Greek Aegean islands of Rhodes and Crete.

    Meanwhile Turkish State Minister Sukru Gurel claimed, referring to "Nikiforos" that such moves and "military showing off not only poison relations between Turkey and Greece, but can also lead to an increased possibility of accidents, including armed confrontation".

    [34] National Guard manoeuvres end

    Athens, 15/10/1997 (ANA)

    Greek warplanes and parachutists took part in the last phase of "Nikiforos '97", during which live ammunition were used.

    Two Greek A-7 Corsair bombers and two F-16 fighters overflew the exercise area and attacked mock land targets.

    Taking part in the annual manoeuvres were National Guard tanks, armoured vehicles, personnel carriers and heavy weapons.

    All air force, navy and land forces participated while parachutists fell from a Greek C-130 military transport plane. Also taking part were Greek navy vessels.

    Meanwhile, the Turkish Air Force provocations against Greek aircraft taking part in the National Guard's manoeuvres continued yesterday.

    It was reported that 30 Turkish F-16 and F-4 fighters yesterday violated international civil aviation regulations in the Athens FIR (Flight Information Region) in the area southeast of the Greek island of Rhodes and in the Nicosia FIR.

    All the violations were intercepted by Greek F-16 and Mirage 2000 jets, which in some cases engaged with the Turkish fighters.

    The exercise will climax today when President Glafcos Clerides (who returned from Greece yesterday), flanked by the two Defense Ministers, will take the salute of a parade of the units which took part in the "Nikiforos '97" exercise.

    [35] Officials visit air base

    Athens, 15/10/1997 (ANA)

    Mr. Kyprianou and the Defense Minister of Cyprus and Greece Costas Eliades and Akis Tsohatzopoulos and National Guard Commander Lieutenant General Nikolaos Vorvolakos flew to Paphos from Larnaca yesterday in a C-130 Greek military transport plane.

    They toured the base for about an hour and were briefed on the progress of the works.

    No statements were made, and reporters were not allowed to enter the area of the air base.

    Three Greek navy vessels, namely the submarine "Okeanos", the destroyer "Themistoklis" and the frigate "Limnos", docked yesterday afternoon at Larnaca port.

    They all participated in "Nikiforos'97", which ended yesterday.

    Mr. Tsohatzopoulos was to be presented later yesterday evening with the golden key of the town by Paphos Mayor Phedias Sarikas.

    [36] Tsohatzopoulos

    Athens, 15/10/1997 (ANA)

    Following the conclusion of the exercise, Mr. Tsohatzopoulos said the high efficiency of the manoeuvres has sent a message to all those whose behaviour was nothing but a threat.

    Mr. Tsohatzopoulos was implying Turkish threats against Cyprus and Greece, in view of the military exercises the two countries conducted in parallel within the framework of a joint defense pact their governments agreed in November 1993.

    At an interview in Paphos, following the tour of the base, he said, "In terms of the Aegean, its status is set under international treaties and will not change," no matter how many provocations Turkey carried out.

    He expressed satisfaction over progress in works on the airport base and said that Cyprus' defense was showing definite progress.

    "This is very important because next year we look forward to positive developments on the Cyprus issue. We are moving into the final stages for the negotiations over Cyprus' accession in the European Union," he added.

    [37] Turkey to stage two manoeuvres

    Ankara, 15/10/1997 (DPA/ANA)

    Turkey announced yesterday that it will stage two military exercises in November in southern Anatolia that will also include the Turkish occupied north of Cyprus in response to the Greek Cypriot manoeuvre in the free areas of the island republic.

    Ankara government spokesman Sukru Sina Gurel said postponing the two planned manoeuvres, planned to start on November 1, was "no issue." The latest tensions triggered by the Greek military exercise had not been caused by Ankara, but by Greece and the Greek Cypriots, he said. Turkey has beefed up its troops stationed in the occupied part of Cyprus ahead of the planned manoeuvres, dubbed Toros and Kararlilik (Determination).

    More than 35,000 Turkish troops have been stationed in Cyprus since Turkey invaded the island republic in 1974.

    End of English language section.


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