Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 99-09-13

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From: The Athens News Agency at <http://www.ana.gr/>

CONTENTS

[01] Seismologists assure Athenians that the worst is over

[02] ECOFIN responds positively to proposal for economic aid to quake- stricken Athens

[03] Archbishop Christodoulos prays with the homeless

[04] Greek, Turkish FMs meet in Brussels

[05] Kranidiotis asks Turkey to help on Cyprus issue to enable Greece to support its EU candidacy

[06] Tsohatzopoulos says Turkish and Greek quakes have shaped unique conditions for cooperation

[07] Karamanlis visits Thessaloniki Fair, avoids political statements

[08] Tsohatzopoulos attends multinational peacekeeping force ceremonies in Bulgaria

[09] Apostolakis expounds on further prospects of Black Sea economic cooperation

[10] Plane lands safely in Athens following problems with wheels

[01] Seismologists assure Athenians that the worst is over

Athens, 13/09/1999 (ANA)

"The proximity of residential areas to the epicentre of the 5.9 quake means that even the smaller magnitude tremors and aftershocks will be felt," associate professor at the Aristotelian University of Thessaloniki Dimitris Panayiotopoulos told the ANA.

"The sooner the residents of these areas get used to this reality, the sooner they will be able to get to their daily routines."

The quake measured 4.2 and was recorded at 9.17 a.m. Seismologists said it had the same epicentre as Tuesday's quake.

The health ministry said that at 3.45 p.m. it had registered 115 dead from Tuesday's 5.9 magnitude quake.

It added that six patients injured during the quake were still in intensive care units at Athens hospitals. Environment, Town Planning and Public Works Minister Costas Laliotis yesterday said that ministry engineers would have inspected 70,000 homes by tomorrow, with the emphasis moving to other regions hit less seriously by the quake.

Of 37,155 inspections so far, 50 percent (18,401) of homes have been deemed suitable for habitation; 39 percent (14,628) in need of repair; and 11 percent (4,126) in need of demolition.

Mr. Laliotis said he hoped those left homeless by the quake would be able to move out of their tents and into more permanent accommodation in about six to eight weeks and called on mayors in the areas to find space to create settlements.

Referring to the reasons as to why so many buildings collapsed, Mr. Laliotis said an inquiry commission which has been set up, would play a critical role in bringing those responsible to justice.

The commission is made up of leading scientists and academics and is expected to present a report to the minister by the end of the month.

The Athens Observatory later issued an announcement denying reports that seismologists expected a strong quake to hit the region soon.

"Unfortunately the dissemination of groundless rumours by the irresponsible continues, with the result being that terrified residents of Menidi are seeking information about an impending large earthquake in their area. We state that aftershock activity is developing normally. Aftershocks are being registered at wide intervals and their magnitude over the past 48 hours has not surpassed 4.2 on the Richter scale. These developments are expected to continue for some weeks yet," the announcement said.

Rescue teams still at work : Greek and foreign rescue crews were still at work at three points around the quake-stricken areas, including the Ricomex factory, where 21 people were still listed as missing. Among the rescue crews are Germans (17-man), Turks (71), French (48 an d 11 sniffer dogs), Russians (5 and two dogs), Swiss (seven), Cypriots (17) and Israelis (30).

One volunteer was injured on Saturday when he attempted to move a large section of concrete and slipped and fell, resulting in a broken leg.

Simitis briefs political leaders on government's handling of quake's aftermath : Prime Minister Costas Simitis began meeting with political party leaders on Saturday, seeking to brief them on the government's handling of the aftermath of the quake and to seek their support.

Mr. Simitis met with Communist Party leader Aleka Papariga, Left Coalition leader Nikos Constantopoulos and Democratic Social Movement leader Dimitris Tsovolas.

All three laid out to the prime minister their own recommendations for best helping those victims of the quake left homeless or injured and agreed that the earthquake should not become a focus of party point-scoring.

The three leaders also demanded "more generous" measures for the the quake- stricken populations.

Meanwhile, the prime minister received a message of condolences for the loss of life in Tuesday's earthquake from Danish counterpart Poul Nyrup Rasmussen and former Turkish prime minister Mesut Yilmaz.

"The heart and minds of the people and the leaders of Turkey are at this difficult moment with their Greek friends," Mr. Yilmaz's letter read.

Defence Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos, on a visit to the areas worst hit by the quake, said that the former U.S. base in Nea Kifissia would be used to house homeless people with special needs.

Noting that damage to public buildings was negligible, the minister called on the Technical Chamber of Greece to monitor private construction and for stricter controls on the issuing of construction licences.

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[02] ECOFIN responds positively to proposal for economic aid to quake- stricken Athens

TURKU, Finland, 13/09/1999 (ANA - E. Patouhas)

The Council's President , Finnish National Economy Minister Sauli Niinisto, called on the European Commission to move in the direction of satisfying Greece's request. On his part, French Commissioner Yves Thibaud de Silguy said the commission will reply soon to the Greek government's request.

Mr. Papantoniou told reporters that Prime Minister Costas Simitis has already sent a letter to European Commission President Romano Prodi, informing him of the magnitude of destruction caused and the need for economic assistance for earthquake relief.

Briefing his counterparts at the Council of National Economy Ministers, Mr. Papantoniou underlined the magnitude of the human disaster and the great extent of material damage caused which, according to initial estimates, amounts to 200 billion drachmas, a figure corresponding to 0.5 per cent of the country's GDP.

Replying to a question on the possibility of a slacker implementation of Greece's accession criteria to the euro due to the situation caused by the earthquake, Mr. Papantoniou categorically said such a thing will not take place and assured that the Greek economy has no need for special treatment on the issue.

Issues preoccupying the informal council at Turku included the course of implementing the Kosovo reconstruction programme. Mr. Papantoniou said the picture conveyed to the council by the Stability Pact's coordinator Mr. Hombach, during his briefing on the course of the reconstruction programme's implementation, was pessimistic.

Mr. Hombach said implementation efforts have not yet started because neither the conditions nor the institutional framework exist, as well as the necessary human potential, while elementary conditions of stability in the region have not been secured.

Asked whether he raised the issue of the drachma's accession to the euro, Mr. Papantoniou said this was not considered necessary due to the change in the European Commission.

Athens News Agency

[03] Archbishop Christodoulos prays with the homeless

Athens, 13/09/1999 (ANA)

Athens News Agency

[04] Greek, Turkish FMs meet in Brussels

BRUSSELS, 13/09/1999 (ANA - M. Spinthourakis)

The two ministers told reporters after their 45-minute talks they had the occasion to discuss common efforts to face the consequences of the earthquakes that hit the two countries and to ascertain the solidarity between the two nations that led to an im provement of climate in Greek- Turkish relations.

The ministers also discussed issues relating to the second phase of talks between Athens and Ankara due to start later this week in the Turkish capital.

Greek sources said that the meeting was held at Mr. Papandreou's initiative.

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[05] Kranidiotis asks Turkey to help on Cyprus issue to enable Greece to support its EU candidacy

ISTANBUL, 13/09/1999 (ANA - A. Kourkoulas)

"Greece requests from Turkey to do something for the Cyprus issue to enable it to support its candidacy at the European Union," the newspaper Sabah wrote yesterday in presenting a big interview with Mr. Kranidiotis.

"The Cyprus issue is one of the issues standing between Turkey and the European Union and Greece believes that some progress should take place and then it would be easier to observe a positive stance towards Turkey," Mr. Kranidiotis said, adding that "unless progress is achieved, everything will by much more difficult."

Mr. Kranidiotis said in his interview that "the solution to the Cyprus issue lies in a bizonal and bicommunal federation and that it is imperative that Cyprus becomes a European Union member."

"I am sure that such a development would be to the benefit of both communities and to the benefit of Turkey as well," he said.

Mr. Kranidiotis said Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash was an "anachronistic" personality, who has already said that he does not want a continuation of intercommunal dialogue in Cyprus.

"I am thinking of the future instead of searching for responsibilities. I can see the possibilities which could be created by friendship and cooperation," Mr. Kranidiotis said and added that the people "are ready for a new beginning."

Mr. Kranidiotis said in his interview that "the dialogue and the positive climate which started being created due to the earthquakes will gradually affect major issues such as the Cyprus issue and the Aegean and in the end we will be able to resolve them. We must maintain this climate."

"I believe that we can develop a very close relationship by cooperating," Mr. Kranidiotis said and underlined that absolute consensus exists in Athens over this new stance towards Turkey.

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[06] Tsohatzopoulos says Turkish and Greek quakes have shaped unique conditions for cooperation

PLOVDIV, Bulgaria, 13/09/1999 (ANA - B. Borisov)

This assessment emanates from statements made by National Defence Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos and his Turkish counterpart Sabahattin Cakmakoglu in Plovdiv on Saturday, where the installation of the Multinational Brigade of Southeastern Europe's staff was inaugurated. The two ministers underlined the political will of both countries for the development of bilateral relations of friendship and cooperation.

"The recent tragedy (which occurred in both countries) which we experienced with the devastating earthquake showed us how much we need cooperation and mutual assistance," the Turkish minister said in his reply, expressing his pleasure over the fact that

Greek-Turkish talks which started in his country before the earthquakes, are continuing at dynamic rates, as he said.

"We are optimistic and we believe that we shall resolve all problems in peace and with mutual understanding," Mr. Cakmakoglu said.

"In the framework of the multinational force, Greece and Turkey have an excellent relationship which is expressed both with the substantive participation and support by their military and political cadres and by the personal support of the two national defence ministers for the operation and success of this force, Mr. Tsohatzopoulos said on his part.

He said that the consecutive earthquakes in the two countries in past weeks have shaped unique conditions for their cooperation, as well as with other Balkan countries for the mutual handling of the natural disasters.

Athens News Agency

[07] Karamanlis visits Thessaloniki Fair, avoids political statements

Athens, 13/09/1999 (ANA)

According to tradition, the TIF's second Sunday belongs to the main opposition leader but last Tuesday's devastating earthquake in Athens changed Mr. Karamanlis' plans. His reply to announcements on government police made by Prime Minister Costas Simitis in Thessaloniki over the previous weekend will be given with a fortnight's delay and will take place in Thessaloniki on September 25-26.

Mr. Karamanlis will address social partner representatives at a dinner organised at the Ioannis Vellidis convention centre on the night of September 25, while the traditional press conference will take place on the next day.

During his visit, Mr. Karamanlis met with board members of the two companies resulting from the TIF's new organising body. He said that both he himself and his associates will stand by the TIF to enable it to experience even better days.

Mr. Karamanlis, who was accompanied by party deputies and cadres, was welcomed by the TIF's President George Sortikos and the President of the Greek Fairs S.A. company Vassilis Kourtesis who briefed him on this year's fair and on the targets of the two companies.

Accompanied by Thessaloniki Mayor Vassilis Papageorgopoulos and other officials, Mr. Karamanlis visited, among others, the pavilions of the municipality, the fire brigade, Cyprus, the European Commission, the Thessaloniki Harbour Organisation, the police and the Athens 2004 Olympic Games.

Mr. Karamanlis left for Athens after completing his brief tour of the TIF's pavilions.

Athens News Agency

[08] Tsohatzopoulos attends multinational peacekeeping force ceremonies in Bulgaria

PLOVDIV, BULGARIA, 13/09/1999 (ANA - B. Borisov)

Relevant events came to a close late on Saturday night with a press conference by the defence ministers and deputy ministers of the countries participating in the multinational force.

The installation of the staff at Plovdiv is in complete harmony with the priority in Bulgaria's foreign policy to develop relations of friendship and good neighbourliness with countries in southeastern Europe, Bulgarian President Petar Stojanov said. He said the creation of a Multinational Brigade is not directed against other countries.

"The agreement is open. And I am certain that Serbia and the other states of former Yugoslavia will join it sooner or later," the Bulgarian president said.

The President of the multinational force's political and military committee Nikolaos Dimadis termed the activation of the multinationals with the recent inauguration of the committee's headquarters in Athens "an important step in the course of establish ing a collective security system in the Balkans", as well as with the staff's activation in Plovdiv which will hold the first map exercise by the end of the year.

"After the tragedy in Kosovo, the countries of NATO and the European Union show that they fully realise the great importance which the creation of conditions for peace, security and prosperity in the Balkans has for the peace, security and prosperity of Europe. And they appear willing to support all initiatives aimed at the accession of the countries of the region to the European and Euro-Atlantic institutions for defence and economic cooperation," Mr. Dimadis said.

"The defence ministers of the Balkan countries proved that they can make the need for cooperation between our countries a reality to enable us to contribute to peace, security, stability and cooperation in our region," National Defence Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos, who headed the Greek delegation which included National Defence General Staff Deputy Chief Christos Kazasis and other senior officers, said at the press conference at the end. Underlining the importance of the multinationals for the establish ment of a system of collective security in the Balkans with participation in peacekeeping operations, Mr. Tsohatzopoulos also referred to the role the multinational brigade could play in handling natural disasters and other dangers.

"A new challenge which we are all facing also in view, indeed, of the tragic experiences from the recent earthquakes," he said.

Mechanised battalions from the armed forces of Greece, Bulgaria, Italy and Turkey, the Romanian Infantry Battalion and companies from Albania and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia compose the multinational brigade. Its staff includes 106 officers, non-commissioned officers and soldiers, 17 of whom are Greeks.

The agreement for establishing the multinationals, signed in FYROM a year ago, anticipates a periodical exchange between the seven countries of commanders, the headquarters and the remaining substantive elements concerning the brigade's operation.

Turkish Brigadier Hilmi Akin Zorlu has undertaken to be the first commander of the brigade.

The inauguration ceremony in Plovdiv was attended by the national defence ministers of Albania, Bulgaria, Greece, FYROM and Turkey and the deputy defence ministers of Italy and Romania.

Athens News Agency

[09] Apostolakis expounds on further prospects of Black Sea economic cooperation

Athens, 13/09/1999 (ANA)

Mr. Apostolakis set the following targets concerning OSEP's further prospects.

The deepening of OSEP's institutions and structures should go ahead, the process of enlargement with new members, either full members or observers, should go ahead without exclusions, cooperation between the European Union and OSEP should proceed even more and at a speedy pace and, lastly, forms and sectors of cooperation with the Stability Pact for the Balkans should be sought.

Athens News Agency

[10] Plane lands safely in Athens following problems with wheels

Athens, 13/09/1999 (ANA)

Airport authorities said the problem was a common one and dealing with it a routine affair.

For precautionary reasons, however, authorities had placed hospital, fire and other serrvices on alert. The 54 passengers were taken to their destination on another aircraft. Monster sandwich made in Thessaloniki An enormous sandwich with minced meat was made in Thessaloniki yesterday, measuring 31.30 metres and weighing about 290 kilos.

Required for its construction were 90 kilos of bread, 80 kilos of minced meat, 70 kilos of potatos, 30 kilos of tomatos, 15 kilos of onions, 5 kilos of tomato ketchup, 5 kilos of mustard and 5 kilos of spices.

The decision to make the monster sandwich was made by the owners of a fast food restaurant to celebrate the 4th anniversary of the opening of their establishment and hope that their magnificent sandwich enters the Guinness Book of Records. Grave found probably dating to Byzantine era A work team of the Hellenic Telecommunications Organisation (OTE), excavating in a field in the Filippoi Kavalas area, in northern Greece, for the installation of optic fibre cables, found a grave probably dating back to the Byzantine era. The Kavala Anti quities Service ascertained that the grave had been desecrated. Local archaeologists believe that an entire cemetery from Byzantine or even older times should be located in the area. Large-scale excavations in the area have not yet been carried out.

Athens News Agency

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