Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 97-10-25

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

ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No. 1324), October 25, 1997

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

CONTENTS

[01] Premier receives Turkish business leaders

[02] Pangalos calls on Ankara to behave with greater seriousness

[03] Balkan summit

[04] Government spokesman

[05] National Defense Minister

[06] Holbrooke encourages Greece-Turkey meeting on Crete

[07] Ecevit hints against US intervention in Greek-Turkish differences

[08] Israeli response

[09] Turkish PM Yilmaz to attend Crete summit

[10] US State Dept. on latest Aegean incident

[11] New Democracy

[12] Military exercise in western Aegean

[13] Papandreou holds talks with several State Dept. officials

[14] Karamanlis meets with Bundestag delegation

[15] FM to support simultaneous start of negotiations for EU candidates

[16] Kranidiotis covers wide range of topics in London talks

[17] "Vartholomeos arrives in NYC

[18] Preparations for Crete summit 'very good', Pangalos says

[19] Kaklamanis at Central European Speakers' meeting

[20] DHKKI expels deputy Karakostas

[21] Deputy counter-attacks

[22] Stephanopoulos in Thessaloniki for double celebration

[23] Clocks turned back one hour

[24] Balafas appeal continues in court

[25] Greek-Albanian law enforcement talks begin

[26] Conference on cross-border water pollution, management

[27] Apostolopoulos Group forges ahead with Balkan investments

[28] Greek stocks still under pressure, end below 1,700 pts

[29] Greek bourse loses ground on week

[30] Extension of tourism season on Crete the focus of program

[31] Bank of Central Greece net pre-tax profits doubled

[32] Drys: No change in date for cheaper heating oil

[33] Albanian journalists tour ANA, meet with ESHEA officials

[34] UN opens competition for anniversary leaflet

[01] Premier receives Turkish business leaders

Athens, 25/10/1997 (ANA)

Discussion at the meeting focused on the potential for promoting economic co-operation between the two countries, both in the form of investment as well as through the development of trade relations. The prospects for a normalization of bilateral relations were also discussed.

During the sessions of the forum, it was decided to promote co-operation in the development of joint ventures in tourism and the utilization of special Community programs to boost cross-border exchanges.

The next such forum has been scheduled to take place in Istanbul in May next year.

[02] Pangalos calls on Ankara to behave with greater seriousness

Athens, 25/10/1997 (ANA)

"Despite the fact that I do not have the greatest respect for Turkey's institutions, Turkey is nevertheless a major country, and I consider it highly unlikely for Ankara to open the door of the lunatic asylum," Mr. Pangalos added, replying to reporters' questions on the possibility of a serious incident between Greece and Turkey.

Mr. Pangalos dismissed as "un-important" an incident on Wednesday, in which a Turkish patrol boat harassed a Greek minesweeper in the Aegean's international waters.

The "excitement" which had been caused by the incident, he added, was exaggerated.

Noting that there had been 10-20 such occurrences during the current year, Mr. Pangalos said Turkey's exploitation of the incident illustrated its intention to create a "diversion" in view of the very poor impressions created by the recent harassment of an aircraft carrying National Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos to and from Cyprus by Turkish warplanes.

Commenting on Ankara's claims that the Greek vessel had tried to ram and sink a Turkish submarine, Mr. Pangalos expressed puzzlement. "How could a wooden minesweeper, with a speed no greater than nine (nautical) miles per hour, sink a submarine which, moreover, was supposed to be below the surface at the time?" he asked.

Stressing that the Turkish vessel was much more powerful than the Greek one, Mr. Pangalos described as "Turkish naval prowess" the manoeuvring of the Turkish captain, which resulted in his vessel touching the Greek minesweeper. Mr. Pangalos likened the action of the Turkish captain to "a bully's display of irresponsibility" and called on Turkey to behave with greater seriousness "because such acts can easily get out of hand and create a crisis".

[03] Balkan summit

Athens, 25/10/1997 (ANA)

He said Mr. Simitis, as host, had requested bilateral talks with all the leaders of the Balkan countries but did not know "if Mr. Yilmaz wants to see Mr. Simitis".

Mr. Pangalos expressed pessimism about the outcome of any Greek-Turkish talks in Crete, but said he would have no problem talking to any representatives of the Turkish government or Turkish society, even about the two countries' differences, provided the discussion had a clear legal framework and clear proposals regarding the legal institution which will eventually undertake to resolve the differences.

Greece's position remains the same and cannot be different, Mr. Pangalos said, because Athens cannot ignore the framework of rules and principles set by all the international organizations in which it participates.

"Turkey on the other hand wants something which cannot be accepted by any country, namely a general discussion on the territorial integrity and sovereignty of our country, without any legal point of reference and without any forecasts as to where this might lead," he said. Asked whether the heightened tension caused by Turkey in recent days was aimed at undermining the Balkan summit and downgrading Greece's leading role, Mr. Pangalos replied in the negative, adding that Turkey was simply doing what it had always done.

"Things are not as Machiavellian as they are presented," he said.

[04] Government spokesman

Athens, 25/10/1997 (ANA)

"Greece has no reason to present such incidents as being of major importance, in contrast with Turkey, which moreover, presented false data about the incident," the spokesman said.

Mr. Reppas said Mr. Simitis had spoken of the climate prevailing in Greek-Turkish relations at yesterday's Cabinet meeting, saying that Turkey wanted tension in the region and was trying, with its provocations, to shake off its responsibility for the tension which exists.

Mr. Reppas said the premier also underlined that Turkey was trying to use the tension as a pressure lever in order to pursue its targets.

Mr. Simitis, the spokesman added, advised cool-headedness and prudence in the face of Turkish provocativeness.

"We have no reason to lose our direction and participate in the tension and entanglement which Turkey is seeking," the premier told the Cabinet.

Mr. Reppas said Mr. Pangalos would request at the meeting of EU foreign ministers in Luxembourg that the financial protocol providing for funds to Turkey not be released.

[05] National Defense Minister

Athens, 25/10/1997 (ANA)

Mr. Tsohatzopoulos said Turkey alone had created the tension in the Aegean over the past few months by acting like a "trouble-maker".

"This behaviour of Turkey is beginning to make a lot of countries -not just Greece - think seriously," he added.

[06] Holbrooke encourages Greece-Turkey meeting on Crete

Washington, 25/10/1997 (ANA)

In comments made to the private Greek television station "Antenna", Mr. Holbrooke added that the problems dividing both countries relate to the Aegean, overflights of Cyprus, the Law of the Sea issue and the Cyprus problem.

[07] Ecevit hints against US intervention in Greek-Turkish differences

Athens, 25/10/1997 (ANA)

In an obvious reference to Washington, Mr. Ecevit told the correspondent of a private Greek television station that "if the world leaves us alone, then the two sides may come to agreement and establish close co-operation".

Mr. Ecevit told a reporter from the TV station "Mega" that Turkey was "concerned and anxious" over the "rapid armament" of the Greek Cypriot side, claiming that he did not find convincing the Cypriot government's argument that it was boosting its self-defence.

Turkey, he said, remained firm in its decision "not to allow the transport" through Turkish territorial waters or airspace of Russian-made S-300 anti-aircraft missiles to the Republic of Cyprus.

Mr. Ecevit warned that if Cyprus went ahead with the deployment of the missiles, which he claimed posed a threat to Turkish, Israeli and Turkish Cypriot security, and if the "door remains open" for Cyprus' accession to the European Union, then Ankara would strengthen its relations and co-operation with the self-styled Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus - recognized only by Turkey -and proceed with specific counter-measures.

"Naturally, we would have to increase our own military presence on the island," he added.

Referring to the Aegean, he said that Turkey considers the so-called "Aegean matter" a unified series of issues, including territorial waters, the continental shelf, airspace and militarization of the Dodecanese despite international agreements.

"Such as complex matter can only be resolved through negotiations between interested parties. The Madrid communique reminds us that the complex problem of the Aegean must be dealt with as a whole," he said.

[08] Israeli response

Athens, 25/10/1997 (ANA)

"Israel maintains excellent ties with Cyprus in all areas. As a result, it cannot even conceive of a possible threat to its security coming from this friendly state," the Israeli embassy said in the statement.

The embassy statement also underlined comments made earlier this week by an Israeli foreign ministry spokesman concerning claims of Israeli involvement in relations between Turkey, Greece and Cyprus.

"Israel has repeatedly stated that its security co-operation with Turkey is not directed against third parties. Israel supports the enhancement of stability in the Eastern Mediterranean and all current international efforts directed at achieving this goal.

"Consequently, Israel has no interest in taking steps that may negatively impact efforts aimed at finding peaceful solutions to outstanding issues between parties in the area," the embassy statement said.

[09] Turkish PM Yilmaz to attend Crete summit

Ankara, 25/10/1997 (ANA/Anadolu)

[10] US State Dept. on latest Aegean incident

Washington, 25/10/1997 (ANA/T. Ellis)

The spokesman said recent events in the area suggested the need for and importance of efforts by NATO Secretary General Javier Solana to create processes for reducing tension and misunderstandings between the two countries.

The US, the spokesman said, strongly encourages both countries to engage with Mr. Solana so that this efforts bears fruits and believes that direct contact between Greece and Turkey is important.

[11] New Democracy

Athens, 25/10/1997 (ANA)

He added that the government should realize that Turkey will not end its provocations and charged that "it continues not to have a specific policy except that of compromising".

[12] Military exercise in western Aegean

Athens, 25/10/1997 (ANA)

[13] Papandreou holds talks with several State Dept. officials

Washington, 25/10/1997 (ANA)

He told reporters after a meeting at the US State Department that Washington had "finally taken a strong position on the unacceptable events that took place in our region with the harassment by Turkish aircraft of a plane carrying National Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos."

Mr. Papandreou said he had the opportunity during his separate talks with US Deputy Secretary of State Strobe Talbott and the Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for European affairs "to discuss Ankara's unacceptable stance and, naturally, to put forward questions regarding Turkey's recent behaviour." He said he also discussed European issues, the enlargement of the European Union and NATO, Ankara's relations with the EU and the imminent commencement of Cyprus' EU accession talks in the spring.

Mr. Papandreou's meeting with Mr. Talbott was also attended by US Assistant Secretary of State for Europe Mark Grossman, the State Department's special coordinator for Cyprus Thomas Miller, the head of the southeastern Europe desk at the State Department as well as Greece's ambassador to the US Loukas Tsilas.

[14] Karamanlis meets with Bundestag delegation

Athens, 25/10/1997 (ANA)

Mr. Karamanlis briefed them on ND's party line on national issues and stressed the need for investments in Greece.

[15] FM to support simultaneous start of negotiations for EU candidates

Athens, 25/10/1997 (ANA)

Mr. Pangalos said discussion at the meeting would focus on EU enlargement against the background of the Commission's "Agenda 2000", the Union's financial resources and the modernization of Community institutions.

On the issue of accession negotiations, Mr. Pangalos said the matter would not be settled at today's meeting because the majority of member-states and the European Commission were in favour of initially beginning negotiations with six countries, including Cyprus.

He expressed the view that the issue would be referred to the European Council meeting in Luxembourg in December.

Mr. Pangalos said Greece's position was connected with the country's specific interests "since we want negotiations to commence with Bulgaria and Romania" and Athens' general conviction that "under no circumstances should we allow a climate of discrimination to be created among the aspiring members".

"Europe should not appear as a department store in which service depends on your relationship with the salesperson," Mr. Pangalos said, referring to the fact that the Commission's proposal does not explain why certain countries, such as Estonia, have be en included in the first round of negotiations, while others, such as Latvia, have been excluded.

Mr. Pangalos stressed that it was in the EU's interests for accession negotiations to begin simultaneously, not only from a political but also economic viewpoint. He dismissed as "irrelevant and unrealistic" the Commission's argument that the simultaneous commencement of negotiations would create problems of a technical and practical nature, citing as a counter-argument the negotiations conducted between the Greek presidency of the EU and the Scandinavian countries.

Replying to questions on the possible establishment of a permanent European Conference in the event that the proposal for simultaneous negotiations is rejected, Mr. Pangalos said: "If such a forum is created, it will have to be of such a general nature that it will be meaningless." The only reason why the proposal for the creation of such a Conference exists, Mr. Pangalos said: "is because some people want to give little mirrors and beads to Turkey", noting that this constituted insulting behaviour to the Turkish people.

Mr. Pangalos said that the truth must be told to Turkey regarding the prerequisites which it has to fulfill in order to join the EU.

These prerequisites, he added, must not be fulfilled simply because the EU says so, but because otherwise Turkey itself will not be able to function properly.

"EU membership entails certain very serious prerequisites and particularly in Greece, we have experienced and continue to experience the painful repercussions of adjustment," Mr. Pangalos said.

The minister said an "advanced relationship" should be created between the EU and Turkey and "should fulfill" the conditions clearly set by the EU on 15 July last year and contained in the common declaration of the "15" at the last EU-Turkey Association Council meeting on April 29.

[16] Kranidiotis covers wide range of topics in London talks

London, 25/10/1997 (ANA/S. Sideris)

Britain will hold the European Union's rotating presidency during the first half of 1998 and on this occasion Prime Minister Costas Simitis will visit London in the last week in November for talks with the British government.

Talks between Mr. Kranidiotis and Mr. Henderson focused on the issue of the European Conference. Mr. Kranidiotis said Greece does not consider its composition essential, and in any case, Turkey cannot participate in it because it has not fulfilled conditions set by the EU on the improvement of relations between them.

He added that Turkey cannot upgrade its relations with the EU unless it does not comply first with EU values and principles, does not contribute towards a resolution of the Cyprus issue and does not cease to be aggressive in the Aegean.

Britain desires Turkey's participation in the European Conference. However, during his recent visit to Turkey, Mr. Henderson called on the Turkish government to make concessions on the Cyprus issue, make efforts to improve Greek-Turkish relations and improve the situation in the human rights protection sector.

Mr. Henderson repeated Britain's position to Mr. Kranidiotis that accession negotiations with Cyprus must go ahead even if a solution to the political problem has not been found.

Referring to his meeting with Sir David, Mr. Kranidiotis said the British official considers next year crucial for the Cyprus issue and that he will activate himself after the elections in Cyprus. Replying to a questioner, Mr. Kranidiotis said Sir David is in favour of a moratorium on flights over Cyprus.

Mr. Kranidiotis briefed Mr. Henderson on the Balkan summit in Crete and on harassment by the Turkish air force which, he said, creates a negative climate for every effort to find an understanding. He added that his interlocutor did not disagree with what he pointed out.

Mr. Kranidiotis expressed pessimism over the outcome of the meeting between Mr. Simitis and his Turkish counterpart Mesut Yilmaz in Crete, saying that "we cannot see where Turkish policy is leading to."

He said Greece desires smooth relations with Turkey and will try to avoid getting involved in the illogicality the Turks want to embroil it in.

"However," Mr. Kranidiotis said, "we are ready to defend both our territorial integrity and our independence.

[17] "Vartholomeos arrives in NYC

New York, 25/10/1997 (ANA/A. Kourkoulas)

Vartholomeos, on a month-long visit that began this past week, arrived at midnight local time from Baltimore, where he had officiated at the Orthodox Church of the Assumption and at the Roman Catholic Auxiliary Church in the city.

Yesterday, Mr. Giuliani had planned a ceremony to rename 79th Street in New York City to Patriarch Vartholomeos Street.

[18] Preparations for Crete summit 'very good', Pangalos says

Athens, 25/10/1997 (ANA)

Mr. Pangalos said he was satisfied with security measures and the conference was well-organized.

Irakleio Police Chief Alexandros Antoniou said shortly before the minister's arrival that the stringent security measures would go into effect early on November 2 until the afternoon of November 4.

The Irakleio police force will be supplemented by 170 police officers from Crete and Athens, while the Port Authority will conduct sea patrols and anti-terrorist special forces will be stationed at the Irakleio airport and the hotel itself, he said.

[19] Kaklamanis at Central European Speakers' meeting

Athens, 25/10/1997 (ANA)

In statements shortly before leaving, Mr. Kaklamanis said it was an honour for the Greek parliament to be invited to attend the meeting. "The invitation is a result of the (Greek) parliament's intense activity in the area of regional co-operation," Mr. Kaklamanis said, citing the three parliamentary conferences organized this year in Athens.

At the Trieste meeting, the parliament presidents will discuss the efforts of national assemblies to combat organized crime and drug trafficking.

[20] DHKKI expels deputy Karakostas

Athens, 25/10/1997 (ANA)

In a letter to the Parliament's president, Mr. Tsovolas said that the deputy was expelled because he supported the government's "Ioannis Kapodistrias" plan on restructuring regional administration, and against the party's position.

The DHKKI leader said the expelled deputy's stance was "carefully planned" and had been "pre-announced publicly by government-related mechanisms".

[21] Deputy counter-attacks

Athens, 25/10/1997 (ANA)

He supported the "Kapodistrias" plan and charged DHKKI with "aligning with (main opposition) New Democracy".

The deputy also charged Mr. Tsovolas with "underestimating collective processes and operations" and following a path that "leads to the shrinking and isolation of DHKKI from the forces in the movement".

[22] Stephanopoulos in Thessaloniki for double celebration

Athens, 25/10/1997 (ANA)

At 9 p.m. President Stephanopoulos will attend a dinner given in his honour at the Governor's House by Minister of Macedonia and Thrace Philippos Petsalnikos.

Tomorrow morning at 11, he will attend a church service at Agios Demetrios Cathedral and afterwards he will inaugurate the exhibitions "Byzantine Medieval Cyprus" and "Freedom flags."

On Monday morning, President Stephanopoulos will arrive in the town of Kilkis where he will meet local authority representatives and visit the archaeological museum of Kilkis, the town hall and the centre for supporting handicapped persons.

On Monday night at 8, he will attend a dinner at the Thessaloniki officers' mess given in his honour by the commander of the Third Army Corps.

On Tuesday morning, President Stephanopoulos will lay a wreath at the Third Army Corps' monument and then watch the military parade on the national anniversary.

The president is expected back in Athens at 7:30 on Tuesday night.

[23] Clocks turned back one hour

Athens, 25/10/1997 (ANA)

Clocks and watches will have to be turned back one hour at 4 a.m. to show 3 a.m.

[24] Balafas appeal continues in court

Athens, 25/10/1997 (ANA)

Leonidas Theofanopoulos, the brother of the slain prosecutor, alleged that there was more to the case than was apparent.

"I am convinced there are well-known names behind these terrorist organizations. There are certainly people in high places that cover up for them, as well as known lawyers," he said.

This drew a protest from the defense counsel, Fotis Kouvelis, who is also a Coalition of the Left deputy, who replied: "I am not a terrorist".

"Neither are we all agents of the Americans," retorted the prosecution.

Kouvelis shot back: "I never said such a thing".

"Are you ashamed to say that you are leaking rumours to the press that the trial is a set-up by the Americans?" charged the witness.

The court also heard often conflicting and inconclusive evidence from other witnesses.

Regarding the supermarket robbery, a housewife who took the witness stand said that a few days before the incident she recorded the number plates of a Toyota station wagon parked nearby by four individuals acting suspiciously. She phoned the police when three or four individuals with the same appearance came on the scene on the day of the robbery, but the police were too late.

She said that in the afternoon of the same day, she was visited by police chief Marinis Lambropoulos, to whom she handed the note with the number plates.

In the original trial, Mr. Lambropoulos denied that he ever received such a note.

The defense claimed the case is a frame-up and disputed the reliability of the witness, as neither a note was found nor was she called to make a deposition until 22 days after the event.

[25] Greek-Albanian law enforcement talks begin

Athens, 25/10/1997 (ANA)

Today's second session will be chaired by Public Order Minister George Romaios and Albanian Interior Minister Neredin Ceka, both of whom will also sign a relevant agreement.

Sources said it is envisaged that there will be direct co-operation between specific Greek and Albanian authorities who will be acquainted with each other and communicate with mobile telephones.

Material and technical assistance to the Albanian side will be provided on a regional level, and there will also be co-operation in policing the southern Albanian coast with patrol vessels supplied by Greece.

Also attending the meeting were Greek coast-guard representatives. The Albanian side has drawn up a list of convicted criminals wanted for various serious crimes who may have escaped to Greece.

Mr. Ceka will give the list to Mr. Romeos today.

[26] Conference on cross-border water pollution, management

Athens, 25/10/1997 (ANA)

Among the participants are prominent scientists from Bulgaria and Romania.

[27] Apostolopoulos Group forges ahead with Balkan investments

Athens, 25/10/1997 (ANA)

Talks nearing completion in FYROM will lead to the signing of an agreement for construction of a diagnostic centre in Skopje. It will be housed in an old hotel that has already been designated.

An agreement has been signed with Bulgaria's health ministry allowing construction of a diagnostic unit in Sofia. The Group is expected to complete construction in early 1999 of a 300-bed inter-Balkan medical centre in the northern Greek city of Thessaloniki. The unit will eventually have a hotel to house patients' relatives.

[28] Greek stocks still under pressure, end below 1,700 pts

Athens, 25/10/1997 (ANA)

The general index closed 0.85 percent lower at 1,696.16 points with 20.6 billion drachmas changing hands.

The general index was 4.08 percent down on the week. Sector indices ended lower. Banks fell 0.93 percent, Insurance eased 0.87 percent, Leasing was 0.62 percent up, Investment fell 0.16 percent, Construction plunged 2.30 percent, Industrials dropped 0.7 1 percent, Miscellaneous fell 0.69 percent and Holding eased 0.52 percent. The parallel market index for small cap companies lost 1.45 percent. The FTSE/ASE index ended 0.99 percent lower at 991,30 points.

Broadly, declining issues led advancing ones by 153 to 59 with another 27 issues unchanged.

DANE, Demetriades, Aluminium de Grece scored the biggest percentage gains, while Remek, Katselis, Sanyo and Sato suffered the heaviest losses.

National Bank of Greece ended at 30,800 drachmas, Ergobank at 18,500, Alpha Credit Bank at 20,145, Delta Dairy at 3,930, Titan Cement at 15,400, Intracom at 15,500 and Hellenic Telecommunications Organization at 6,445.

[29] Greek bourse loses ground on week

Athens, 25/10/1997 (ANA)

According to brokers the inflow of capital slowed considerably during the week both in equities and domestic mutual funds. Foreign investment however remained steady although local investors preferred to liquidate profits. A crisis in international markets and tension in Greek-Turkish relations were cited as two factors depressing sentiment. Investors were also taking a wait-and-see stance ahead of a share capital increase by National Bank of Greece due in November. Analysts stressed that the Greek market was in a normal short-term correction.

The general index ended the week 4.08 percent lower. Turnover was at 91.39 billion drachmas in the five sessions of the week, marking a daily average of 18.31 billion, up from 15.09 billion the previous week. All sector indices ended lower with the exception of Leasing which managed to close 0.74 percent up on the week. Construction suffered the heaviest losses at 9.46 percent.

[30] Extension of tourism season on Crete the focus of program

Athens, 25/10/1997 (ANA)

The presentation of the program met with positive comments on the part of National Tourist Organization (EOT) Secretary General Nikos Skoulas, who spoke of a historic initiative starting from Crete and expressed certainty over the success of the under taking.

Mr. Skoulas said the Regional body to be created will be responsible for coordinating tourist development in Crete.

The program's targets are the creation of a 12-month tourist period in Crete and the "enrichment" of the island's "product" to such a degree that it will not have to rely on mass holiday tourism.

[31] Bank of Central Greece net pre-tax profits doubled

Athens, 25/10/1997 (ANA)

The doubling of the bank's profits came primarily from a 13.5 per cent increase in total revenues, amounting to 14 billion drachmas in the period in question, combined with a reserved increase in total expenditures. The bank's loans as at Sept. 30 amounted to 75.5 billion drachmas, increasing by 22 per cent as against the corresponding date last year, while its total assets increased by 23 per cent and amounted to 118.2 billion drachmas.

[32] Drys: No change in date for cheaper heating oil

Athens, 25/10/1997 (ANA)

Replying to questions from opposition New Democracy and Coalition of the Left and Progress party deputies, Finance Under-secretary George Drys said dates announced will be observed, starting from Nov. 1.

Mr. Drys said "the European Union does not allow regional differentiation on the time for providing heating oil."

He invoked a report by a research group from the Polytechnic, by which the restriction of the time of supplying oil with reduced tax restricts the phenomenon of smuggling.

Mr. Drys said the finance ministry will proceed with the initiation of necessary measures to clamp down on such phenomena.

[33] Albanian journalists tour ANA, meet with ESHEA officials

Athens, 25/10/1997 (ANA)

Mr. Christodoulides briefed the Albanian journalists on the agreement reached between the ANA and the Albanian News Agency (ATA) on establishing a direct line linking the two agencies and allowing for a continuous flow of news and photographs between the two countries (operational by the end of the year); an agreement on providing know-how for the Albanian agency and preparation of a "special economic bulletin" with the co-operation of the Balkan news agencies.

The Albanian journalists showed particular interest in prospects being created in developing relations between the two countries and exchanging news and stressed the need for strengthening relations at all levels.

The Albanian journalists also met the presidium of the Athens Journalists Union (ESHEA). They briefed ESHEA's board on problems they are facing in their country and views were exchanged on the operation of the press in general.

Delegation members invited ESHEA officials to visit Albania in an effort to further strengthen relations between journalists in the two countries.

The Albanian journalists, visiting Greece at the invitation of Press and Media Minister Demetris Reppas, also visited Greek newspapers, media sources and relevant officials.

[34] UN opens competition for anniversary leaflet

Athens, 25/10/1997 (ANA)

The declaration has since acted as a guideline for over 80 agreements that relate to human rights, including discrimination on the grounds of race and sex, inhuman treatment and children.

The competition is open to all individuals of all ages. There are no restrictions in leaflet size, but the leaflet must contain the complete declaration of a preamble and 30 articles.

Deadline for the entries is Jan. 10, 1998, and further information is available from the UN Information Office in Athens - 36, Amalias Ave., tel. 52.30.640.

End of English language section.

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