Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 00-03-03

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

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

CONTENTS

[01] Premier Simitis unveils PASOK's election platform

[02] Simitis makes election vow to boost low incomes, aid farmers

[03] Opposition parties criticise premier's announcements

[04] Addicts should be treated as patients, Karamanlis says

[05] Papandreou sees new potential for Cyprus solution

[06] Foreign minister 10-point package on settlement of Kosovo problem

[07] US analysts praise Greece's role in Balkans

[08] National Defence General Staff Chief concerned over situation in Kosovo

[09] Greek contingent in Kosovo reports incident on passenger train

[10] National Defence General Staff Chief ascertains detente in Greek-Turkish relations

[11] Greece to take part in 27 NATO exercises this year

[12] EURODESK informatics network to be introduced into Greece

[13] Papandreou favors deletion of religious persuasion from Ids

[14] Bulgarian minister on BTC privatisation negotiations with OTE-KPN consortium

[15] Turkish Airlines to inaugurate Thessaloniki-Istanbul route this month

[16] Greek stocks continue rebounding on ASE

[17] Equity futures gain more ground

[18] Bonds perky in buy-oriented trade

[19] Drachma up vs euro, US dollar

[20] M4N liquidity gauge accelerates in January

[21] Bidders not named in Commercial Bank tender

[22] Antena TV buys controlling stake in MEAGA Holdings

[23] European Parliament ratifies report on European economy

[24] Early warning traffic plan for northern Greece unveiled

[25] Panafon launches internet portal

[26] Unifon reports 30.97 pct rise in 1999 profits

[27] PCS signs three new contracts

[28] Athens trolley strike on Friday

[29] Spanish cultural award to three noted Greek women

[30] Playwright Harold Pinter to be given honourary doctorate by Thessaloniki University

[31] Students' artwork exhibition in Athens municipality's art centre

[32] Olympics IOC to consider FIFA request for two-week rescheduling of 2004 Games

[33] Three Albanians, two Greeks arrested for drug peddling

[34] The Athens Dailies at a glance

[35] British MPs seek closer cooperation with US Congressmen for Cyprus solution

[36] US report says Cyprus has progressed in fight against money laundering

[01] Premier Simitis unveils PASOK's election platform

Athens, 03/03/2000 (ANA)

There is a new social and political majority, which aims for modernisation and the progress of the country...We seek the joining of all forces of progress in the cities and rural areas, in Greece and Hellenism to support the 10 great aims of the 2000-2004 period, Simitis said.

Simitis outlined the 10 goals, which included faster development rates aiming at raising Greeces living standards to 80 per cent of the European Unions average in 2004 ; new jobs and training for the unemployed and the creation of 300,000 jobs; a well planned and viable development for rural areas via European Union and Greek government funds amounting to 12 trillion drachmas; educational reform to much the changes in the global economy, as well as social cohesion and solidarity.

He also said that there would be measures to upgrade quality of life and security of citizens, which include better and more efficient public services, changes in city planning, protection of the environment and police measures to reduce crime.

Simitis said amendments to the Constitution would be made to allow for broader consensus among political parties.

Speaking on the Athens 2004 Olympic Games success, which were one of the 10 goals outlined, Simitis said they would provide the opportunity for sports and culture to bloom in Greece and aid the efforts in developing the countrys economy and citizens quality of life.

The final goal, the premier said, would be to struggle for Greeces strong and equal standing in the European Union and the world, which would allow Greece to resolve differences with Turkey and secure Cyprus accession to the Union.

Regarding Kosovo, Simitis said, he does not believe the situation there will lead to a confrontation and that it could be controlled despite existing difficulties, adding that solutions should be provided for by UN resolutions, which Greece supports.

Speaking on Greece's impending entry in the European Monetary Union (EMU), he said that it will allow it to secure its equal standing with other members of the Union, adding that following the April 9 elections "there must be a strong government with a fresh mandate, so as to secure the greatest possible results of this (EMU) entry".

On a different note, Simitis said that there would not be a personal battle between him and main opposition New Democracy party leader Costas Karamanlis, but a conflict of ideas.

He said that Karamanlis' election proposals would cost one trillion drachmas to realise, adding that the ND leader did not identify the source of such funds.

He also responded to ND's argument that PASOK is an establishment party which has been in power too long, saying that the ruling party was not in power since 1981, as ND was in power during the 1989-1993 period.

He added that ND had "failed disastrously", creating many problems for the country during that time and in addition to that ND showed no signs of change, since that failure.

On the question of PASOK's cooperation with other parties after the elections, he said that PASOK already cooperates with all those who accept its stated plans, regardless of party lines, noting the example of former ND Deputy Vassilis Kontoyiannopoulos, who will run on the PASOK ticket.

The premier said that the course of the Athens Stock Exchange (ASE) would be positive in the long-term, based on Greece's economic performance, adding that both the government and opposition should safeguard ASE's autonomy.

Responding to questions on the planned changes to the social security system, the premier said that working people's rights would not be affected, as the government has not harmed rights of workers so far.

[02] Simitis makes election vow to boost low incomes, aid farmers

Athens, 03/03/2000 (ANA)

Among measures promised by Simitis were an across-the-board increase in tax-exempt income of 400,000 drachmas starting in 2000. Untaxed for wage earners and pensioners would be the first 2.3 million drachmas, up from 1.9 million drachmas.

Also in 2000, companies would be entitled to a tax discount on net income equivalent to 50 percent of social insurance contributions paid for new recruits, in a bid to encourage hiring.

Among tax measures proposed for 2001 were a gradual reduction of a 45 percent tax ceiling for private individuals to 40 percent. A 40 percent tax on non-listed SA companies would gradually be lowered to narrow the gap with listed companies.

In the same year, a banking tax on transactions would be abolished; tax incentives offered for corporate mergers; tax and rates on real estate lowered; and computer software and Internet access included under an existing category of household spending deducted from taxable income. Also from 2001, the tax scale would be reviewed every two years for adjustment in line with inflation, Simitis said.

Among measures the prime minister cited to aid farmers were an increase in a fuel tax rebate to 50 percent from 40 percent; a 10,000 drachma increase on pensions for the next two years; a reduction in Agricultural Bank of Greece loan rates in 2000; and a range of other tax breaks.

Welfare measures over the next two years included a 30 percent rise in an existing supplement for low pensions; a two-phase 12 percent increase in an allowance for people with special needs, effective in 2000; new tax breaks from 2001 for families with three children and over; and a 20,000 drachma increase in tax relief for each child in a family.

[03] Opposition parties criticise premier's announcements

Athens, 03/03/2000 (ANA)

Main opposition New Democracy (ND) spokesman Aris Spiliotopoulos said that Simitis' pre-election announcements were characterised by "handouts", adding that "in the 20 years they are in government they gave all they had to give".

On its part, the Communist Party of Greece (KKE) said in a press release that the prime minister's declarations were a "blatant condradiction between beautifying the work of his government and the painful reality for the people".

Coalition for the Left and Progress (Synaspismos) leader Nikos Constantopoulos said that the premier's statements were a "clear admission that the government had exercised a one-sided policy against the weaker social strata".

Finally, the Democratic Social Movement (DHKKI) leader Dimitris Tsovolas said that the "without essence pre-election announcements of the premier underestimate the intelligence of the Greek people".

[04] Addicts should be treated as patients, Karamanlis says

Athens, 03/03/2000 (ANA)

During a visit to the drug rehabilitation community "Paremvassi", Karamanlis was briefed on the rehabilitation centre's work and spoke with ex-addicts enrolled in the Paremvassi programme.

The most basic problem was the social rehabilitation of the former addicts, while the funds for rehabilitation programmes earmarked in the state budget were insufficient, programme followers told Karamanlis.

Karamanlis said that drug dealers were criminals, and the full severity of the law should be meted out to them, while the addicts were patients and should be treated as such, receiving help from the society and the state.

It was the duty of all citizens to back rehabilitation efforts, adding that the smooth rehabilitation of former addicts depended on the people's attitude. "Phenomena of marginalisation (of former users) and social racism must be avoided," Karamanlis said.

He called for intensified prevention efforts through the increased provision of information to young people in schools and in the armed forces.

Drug abuse was taking on "nightmarish proportions", as the average age of users had fallen to below 14, "which is indicative of the society's and state's lack of interest and sensitivity" on the problem, Karamanlis charged. The main opposition leader accepted an invitation from the programme participants to take part in a soccer game with them, but after the April 9 general elections.

He said he would play as an alternate for some 5-10 minutes, recalling he had broken his leg in a parliamentary soccer match some two years ago.

[05] Papandreou sees new potential for Cyprus solution

Athens, 03/03/2000 (ANA)

"The unimpeded progress towards Cyprus's accession to the European Union opens up new possibilities, even regarding the details of a final solution to the Cyprus problem ... Helsinki becomes a real tool for knocking down this last 'Berlin Wall'," he said at a luncheon hosted by the Foreign Press Association.

"We consider that through the path of Europe, Cyprus, including the Turkish-Cypriots, will cease being a hostage of the present situation," he added.

Responding to questions on Greece's attitude towards Austria, whose new government included ministers from the extreme Right wing Freedom Party, Papandreou said that as with that country's other EU partners, this would depend on the strict application of the principles to which Chancellor Wolfgang Schuessel had committed himself.

He pointed out that Articles 6 and 7 of the Treaty of Amsterdam provided for a lifting of a member-state's voting rights only if violations of human rights were ascertained.

[06] Foreign minister 10-point package on settlement of Kosovo problem

Athens, 03/03/2000 (ANA)

"Extreme scenarios on new interventions by the international community published in the press have nothing to do with the truth," he said in an address at a luncheon given in his honour by the Foreign Press Association. Papandreou outlined Greek positions on Kosovo in 10 points, the first being strict implementation of Security Council resolution 1244 which, as he said, provides the parametres in which the peacekeeping force in the region is acting.

Papandreou further stressed the need for "clear messages" to be sent by the international community focusing on no change in borders and the encouragement of a multinational society in Kosovo, as well as the need for the international community to clarify that there will be a long interim period until a final settlement in Kosovo is reached. The remaining points outlined by Papandreou are the creation of an "internal function" in Kosovo with the participation of Serbs and Kosovars, the immediate promotion by the international community of investments in the infrastructures sector, the opening of an office for Balkan reconstruction, the promotion and implementation of the Stability Pact with emphasis being placed on the development of democratic institutions and initiatives Greece intends to undertake to "introduce the parametre of citizens' diplomacy".

The last two points in Greece's positions concern seeking ways to enable Serbia's participation in efforts to reconstruct the Balkans and pacify the region. Commenting on the Greek government's stance in the event elections are held in Yugoslavia and Slobodan Milosevic is re-elected president, Papandreou said Greece's stance is consistent and heeds certain principles regardless of whether Milosevic is elected or not.

[07] US analysts praise Greece's role in Balkans

American members of foreign policy think tanks on Thursday noted Greece had been playing an increasingly positive role in the Balkans in recent years. "Greece's Balkan policy in recent years has become increasingly constructive, much different from the catastrophic policy followed in the early 1990s which was marked by conflict with the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, problems with Albania and a close relationship with the Milosevic regime," said Janusz Bukazski of the Center for Strategic and International Studies. John Halsman, of the Heritage Foundation, said Greek political leaders had taken the risk of changing the country's stance towards Ankara and it was now Turkey's turn to respond.

[08] National Defence General Staff Chief concerned over situation in Kosovo

Athens, 03/03/2000 (ANA)

[09] Greek contingent in Kosovo reports incident on passenger train

Athens, 03/03/2000 (ANA)

According to military sources on Thursday in Athens, a Greek army lieutenant and eight soldiers aboard the train fired warning shots into the air to prevent a fracas. Passengers aboard the train at the Letsak station apparently became enraged when the Albanian conductors demanded fares, as no tickets had been issued for the previous days' routes. The same sources in Athens said such occurrences have become routine.

[10] National Defence General Staff Chief ascertains detente in Greek-Turkish relations

Athens, 03/03/2000 (ANA)

Moreover, entries of Turkish aircraft in the Athens Flight Information Region (FIR) have increased, while flights over islands and the number of armed aircraft have decreased and engagements are not taking place, according to information by the National Defence General Staff. Turkey cancelled an exercise in Cyprus and downgraded others, but not to the extent of the national Parmenion exercise, which was cancelled to save funds for the Greek earthquake victims.

[11] Greece to take part in 27 NATO exercises this year

Athens, 03/03/2000 (ANA)

Greece will also conduct a further six national exercises and eight exercises between the three branches of the armed forces in the course of the year. Greece will take part with one frigate in the Turkish multinational air and naval exercise codenamed DOGU Ak DENIZ (eastern Mediterranean)which will be held in the eastern Mediterranean on April 12-22. Turkey has invited all NATO member states to attend the exercise. In the same exercise last year, those participating were France, the United States, Italy, Spain and Germany.

NATO plans to hold an airborne landing exercise in the Gulf of Xiros in Turkey in October. Greece is examining the eventuality of taking part in the exercise with the corresponding military equipment and men. Greece at the same time is also bidding to take command, on a technical level, of KFOR's activities in Kosovo, under present conditions, providing this is decided to be given to the Southeastern European Headquarters within the framework of the concept of equality among the four headquarters.

A NATO exercise codenamed "Dynamic Answer" will be held in Kosovo from 19 March to 10 April with the participation of 2,000 soldiers and equipment. The U.S. will take part with 1,200 soldiers and 115 vehicles, Italy with an Alpine battalion, the Netherlands with 208 men and 63 vehicles, Romania with 120 men and 31 vehicles, Poland with 196 men and 26 vehicles and Argentina with a company of paratroopers. Greece will not participate in the exercise.

[12] EURODESK informatics network to be introduced into Greece

Athens, 03/03/2000 (ANA)

Papantoniou was speaking at a conference organised by the New Generation General Secretariat at which introduction of the EURODESK programme was announced. It is a European network which will provide informatics services to young people on issues concerning the European Union. "We handle informatics as a basic democratic right. An active citizen in the informatics society is the informed citizen. He who knows his rights, his obligations and the possibilities of participation in economic and social developments," Papantoniou said.

[13] Papandreou favors deletion of religious persuasion from Ids

Athens, 03/03/2000 (ANA)

"This would be to interests of the (Greek Orthodox) Church itself which may then see the issue from a different angle ... The right to choose one's own religion is a basic element of democratic freedoms," he said at a luncheon hosted by the Foreign Press Association. He pointed out the matter has already been discussed in Parliament but said he did not know when this would happen again.

[14] Bulgarian minister on BTC privatisation negotiations with OTE-KPN consortium

Bulgaria's transport minister said on Thursday that "views were converging" over eight issues apparently blocking negotiations between the Sofia government and a Greek-Dutch consortium to privatize the Balkan country's state-owned telecoms utility.

A deal to purchase a majority stake of the Bulgarian Telecom-munications Organisation (BTC) by Greece's state-run telephony utility OTE and KPN of the Netherlands has generated oppo-sition amid some quarters of the neighbouring country's political leadership and state bureaucracy.

In response to press questions, Bulgarian minister Anton Slavinski, the head of Sofia's negotiating team for the BTC privatisation scheme, said a relevant report on the OTE-KPN offer would be submitted to the Bulgarian government's cabinet next week. He also emphasised that a BTC would be partially sold, while a relative agreement "will be signed with the best possible buyers."

Meanwhile, observers in Sofia are also not ruling out the possibility of a decision concerning any BTC privatisation deal being delayed, citing a meeting between the foreign ministers of Bulgaria, Greece and Turkey on Sunday.

[15] Turkish Airlines to inaugurate Thessaloniki-Istanbul route this month

Athens, 03/03/2000 (ANA)

The Turkish national carrier's first passenger jet will arrive at the city's Macedonia Airport on Wednesday, March 22, carrying executives of the airline and Turkish journalists. A presentation of a flights schedule will follow at a downtown Thessaloniki hotel.

Turkish Airlines, called "Havayollari Delvet Isletme Idaresi" in Turkish, was founded in 1933 in Ankara. The carrier's first flight linking Greece to Turkey was recorded in 1947.

The Thessaloniki-Istanbul connection was up until recently only flown by Greece's state-owned Olympic Airways.

[16] Greek stocks continue rebounding on ASE

Athens, 03/03/2000 (ANA)

Dealers said buying interest shifted towards smaller capitalisa-tion stocks which have suffered heavily in the last few weeks. The general index ended at ,174.18 points, up 2.19 percent, but off the day's highs of 5,219.53 points.

The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks rose 1.69 percent to 2,849.66 points, while the FTSE/ASE MID 40 index jumped 2.99 percent to 811.40 points.

Turnover was a moderate 205.4 billion drachmas.

The parallel market index for smaller capitalisation stocks soared 6.44 percent to end at 1,178.22 points.

Broadly, advancers led decliners by 314 to 28 with another two issues unchanged.

A total of 30 shares ended at the day's 10.0 percent limit up. Among them were: Cambas, Corfil (c), Daring, Vis (p), Desmos (c), Technodomiki, Tria Alpha (p), Ellatex, Klaoudatos and Lanacam.

Nireus, Barba Stathis and ANEK Lines ended at the day's 10.0 percent limit down.

ETBAbank, Athens Water, Hellenic Telecoms and Hellenic Petroleum were the most heavily traded stocks.

[17] Equity futures gain more ground

Athens, 03/03/2000 (ANA)

On the Athens bourse, the FTSE/ASE 20 index ended 1.69 percent higher and the FTSE/ASE MID 40 index ended 2.99 percent higher.

Turnover jumped to 12.3 billion drachmas.

A total of 1,798 contracts were traded on the FTSE/ASE 20, showing turnover of 10.3 billion drachmas. Contracts ended as follows: expiring March at 2,873.50, expiring April at 2,913.50, expiring May at 2,930 and expiring June at 2,935.

Futures traded on the FTSE/ASE MID 40 numbered 632, with turnover at two billion drachmas. Contracts closed as follows: expiring March at 826, expiring April at 850, expiring May at 860 and expiring June at 880.

[18] Bonds perky in buy-oriented trade

Athens, 03/03/2000 (ANA)

Buying interest focused long-term paper.

The Greek benchmark 10-year bond showed a yield of 6.39 percent from 6.37 percent a day earlier and 6.43 percent in the two previous trading sessions.

The paper's yield spread over German bunds was 88 basis points from between 91 and 92 basis points in the previous session and 96 basis points in the two trading days before that.

Trade through the central bank's electronic system totalled 80 billion drachmas from 86 billion drachmas a day earlier and 40 billion drachmas on Tuesday.

Buy orders accounted for 60 billion drachmas of turnover on Thursday

[19] Drachma up vs euro, US dollar

Athens, 03/03/2000 (ANA)

The Bank of Greece, or central bank, bought 130 million euros. In addition, a major investment house abroad was seen buying euros for drachmas, while a large institutional investor in Italy was buying drachmas for euros.

At the central bank's daily fixing, the euro was set at 333.600 drachmas from 333.700 drachmas a day earlier and 333.930 drachmas on Tuesday.

Also at the fixing, the US dollar was set at 343.680 drachmas against 344.150 drachmas in the previous session and 342.380 drachmas on Tuesday.

[20] M4N liquidity gauge accelerates in January

Athens, 03/03/2000 (ANA)

M4N, which includes money in circulation, private drachma and foreign currency deposits, and repos, rose by 5.9 percent in January against the same month of last year.

In December, the index rose 5.6 percent year on year.

[21] Bidders not named in Commercial Bank tender

Athens, 03/03/2000 (ANA)

Commercial said in a statement that it would study the non-binding proposals received.

The statement added that interested parties and Commercial Bank's consultant in the tender, JP Morgan, did not wish to issue further statements in the tender's current phase.

[22] Antena TV buys controlling stake in MEAGA Holdings

Athens, 03/03/2000 (ANA)

The plan will be implemented through a share swap of Antena subsidiaries in a MEAGA share capital increase. Antena is listed on NASDAQ and the London Stock Exchange.

[23] European Parliament ratifies report on European economy

The European Parliament on Thursday ratified a report by the head of the PASOK party's Eurodeputies George Katiforis on the European Commission's report on an annual review of the European economy in 1999. The report was ratified by 233 votes to 232 and 28 abstentions.

Katiforis, as well as the European Parliament's Socialist Group, voted against the report. Katiforis said that "the report might bear my name but it does not reflect my positions."

During the discussion on the report at the relevant parliamentary committee, the majority of Christian Democrats and Liberals succeeded in having amendments adopted and as a result the report's content was substantively distanced from his initial text. The socialists, greens and the European left tabled a new series of amendments to bring the text back to its initial form but the

amendments were rejected during Thursday's plenary session vote.

[24] Early warning traffic plan for northern Greece unveiled

Athens, 03/03/2000 (ANA)

The 40-million drachma plan, unveiled by Macedonia - Thrace minister Yiannis Magriotis, is the first in Greece.

The new system will also provide information on temperatures, the likelihood of sleet on roads ahead, lighting conditions and traffic load in key road points.

Currently such information for drivers is available only through mobile phones and on the electronic web site addresses http://www.dese.makedonia.gr/index.html and http://www.ymath.makedonia.gr .

[25] Panafon launches internet portal

Athens, 03/03/2000 (ANA)

The pilot programme will offer users information on travels, music, entertainment, cultural events along with stock share transaction and internet access for all Panafon's mobile phone subscribers.

George Koronias, Panafon's chief executive, said the move was in the framework of an initiative by its parent Vodafone AirTouch to expand in the internet following the acquisition of German telecoms group Mannesmann, a move that raised its capitalisation to more than 460 billion US dollars.

Vodafone AirTouch recently announced the creation of a worldwide internet platform and an internet portal for all its subsidiaries.

Internet penetration in Greece was 3.8 percent in 1999, for a rise of 58 percent from the previous year, Koronias said. These figures were extremely low compared with rates of 42 percent and 14 percent in the US and in Europe last year

[26] Unifon reports 30.97 pct rise in 1999 profits

Athens, 03/03/2000 (ANA)

The company is implementing an investment programme aiming to expand its e-motion retail stores in Greece to 61 from a current 12, a rise of 20 percent in 2000.

It also plans to open its first retail store in Tirana, Albania. Unifon recently launched its first electronic commerce hub guaranteeing delivery of products within 48 hours.

The company recently acquired a 55 percent stake in Tetoma.com and minority stakes in Acom and Halimourdas SA, 16 pct and 35 pct respectively.

[27] PCS signs three new contracts

Athens, 03/03/2000 (ANA)

PCS is the leading in the computerisation of mutual fund companies in Greece.

Its parent, DIS, has recently merged with Computer Logic.

[28] Athens trolley strike on Friday

Athens, 03/03/2000 (ANA)

The work stoppages will be from 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. and from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m

[29] Spanish cultural award to three noted Greek women

MADRID 03/03/2000 (ANA)

The Spanish ambassador to Athens and the Greek ambassador to Madrid were among those attending the confirmation of the medal, which is the highest honour bestowed by Spain to foreigners for their cultural achievements.

[30] Playwright Harold Pinter to be given honourary doctorate by Thessaloniki University

Athens, 03/03/2000 (ANA)

Pinter, born in London's East End in 1930, will be given the doctorate as part of celebrations marking the Philosophy faculty's 75th anniversary. It was the university's first faculty to be established.

[31] Students' artwork exhibition in Athens municipality's art centre

Athens, 03/03/2000 (ANA)

Eight-four artworks from students, K-12 grade will be on display until March 12, at the centre, located at the Eleftheria Park adjacent to the Athens Concert Hall. Among the distinguished guests at the exhibition's opening were US Ambassador to Athens Nicholas Burns, Israeli Ambassador to Athens Ran Curiel, as well as noted art collector Ion Vorres .

For the two ambassadors the event had a double meaning, as art works by their ACS-attending children were also on display.

"We are proud of our children, Greek, American and of 39 other nationalities... ACS is a bridge between Greece the US and another 37 countries," Burns said, emphasising that fund raising efforts are underway to construct a new ACS performing arts centre.

[32] Olympics IOC to consider FIFA request for two-week rescheduling of 2004 Games

Athens, 03/03/2000 (ANA)

According to reports, both men discussed the prospect of moving up the start of the 2004 Olympics by two weeks, specifically, at the end of July and not August. FIFA has noted that the international football schedule will be particularly full during that period.

Samaranch reportedly called the proposal "a good solution", adding that the issue will be tabled before the IOC's executive committee.

[33] Three Albanians, two Greeks arrested for drug peddling

Athens, 03/03/2000 (ANA)

They said Albanian nationals Dasnor Bouto, 32, and Ilir Malig, 29, were picked up together with Panayotis Manos, 44 and Pelagia Areta, 27, after 4.75 kilos of unprocessed cannabis were found in their posession.

Acting on a tip-off of an impending drug sale between Albanian dealers and a Greek buyer, police turned up the location and set up a surveillance at the rendezvous spot in Nikaia, near Piraeus.

Police confiscated the cannabis as well as a car, 400,000 dr. in cash and a mobile telephone.

In a separate incident, police arrested another Albanian national on charges of dealing large quantities of heroin and cocaine in Athens.

Police said that, acting on a tip-off that an Albanian called Ilir was dealing large quantities of drugs in the Kallithea residential district of Athens, they had located Ilir Dimo, 25, and placed his home, in the Patissia residential district, under surveillance.

They said Dimo always used taxis for his rendezvous with drug peddlars in the Kallithea area, and before each transaction would visit a specific apartment in the area, which it was later found he used exclusively to store the drugs.

Dimo was arrested in a raid on the apartment, and two kilos of heroin, 500 grams of cocaine and a mobile telephone were confiscated after a search, police said.

[34] The Athens Dailies at a glance

ADESMEFTOS TYPOS (Mitsis): "Karamanlis commits himself to shield the Athens Bourse with new institutions, transparency and balanced development".

AKROPOLIS: "Arsenis (Education minister) settlement: there will be neither higher nor highest educational institutions".

APOGEVMATINI: "Incentives for early retirement and changes in the civil servants working schedule through new settlements in the state services announced by Vasso Papandreou".

ATHINAIKI: "Agony among the ministers over the crisis in Kosovo; meetings at the foreign and defence ministries".

AVGHI: "19 projects referred to the public prosecutor; shortages, poorly-constructed projects, and safety problems in public works deny the picture of the government propaganda".

AVRIANI: "A package of measures for the unemployed and lower income pensioners; binding proclamations by Simitis".

CHORA: "The trapped (in the Athens Bourse) have become a nightmare for Simitis; he wants to reverse the climate even at the last moment".

ELEFTHERI ORA: "Yesterday at the offices of the 'National Alliance'; Pattakos (former junta leader): 'Everybody at the side of Grigoris Michalopoulos (publisher of this newspaper)".

ELEFTHEROS: "Three nightmares for Simitis and PASOK: developments in Kosovo, the course of the Athens Bourse and the potential of the small leftist parties".

ELEFTHEROS TYPOS: "Pensions: a Simitis game with the retirement age; he refused to commit himself on crucial points of the social insurance issue".

ELEFTHEROTYPIA front-paged an exclusive interview with Education minister Gerasimos Arsenis on the higher educational institutions issue under the headline: "dialogue after the elections".

ESTIA: "An amendement of shame, a so-called equity in universities and higher education institutions".

ETHNOS: "Vasso (Papandreou) to Ethnos: reforms everywhere; surprise changes in the public services".

EXOUSIA: "The Athens Bourse today awaits a Simitis message; indications of improvement in the investment programme with discreet (government) support".

KATHIMERINI: "A 500 billion drachma Simitis 'card' on the pre-electoral table; he will announce a package of 40 measures in easing the burden for all citizens...", and elsewhere: "Fears of border changes in Kosovo".

LOGOS: "Simitis commitments on the social insurance issue".

NIKI: "Diplomatic circles believe that the Turks downed the 'Falcon' (jet that carried the late alternate foreign Minister Yiannos Kranidiotis); its fall is attributed to electronic interventions".

RIZOSPASTIS: "A strong Communist Party of Greece (KKE) popular front now.."

STO KARFI: "An unbelievable confession: Aris (Spiliotopoulos, New Democracy's press spokesman) plays with the pink videotapes....".

TA NEA: "Simitis package with 400 billion drachma worth of easing the tax burdens for wage earners and businesses".

TO VIMA: "Easing of tax burdens to be announced today in the 'Simitis package'", and elsewhere it published a revealing report by the financial crimes squad on how the ELDE stock orders' intermediaries siphon off investors' money.

VRADYNI: "Mutiny in PASOK; the knives are out in parliament over the pre-electoral expenditures".

[35] British MPs seek closer cooperation with US Congressmen for Cyprus solution

British Labour and Conservative MPs reiterated their determination to work for a settlement of the protracted Cyprus problem and called for greater cooperation with their US counterparts towards this end, at an event organised by the National Federation of Cypriots in Britain.

In a reception held on Wednesday night in honour of President of the World Council of Hellenes Abroad (SAE) Andrew Athens, at the House of Commons, Chairman of the Cyprus group within the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association in the House of Commons Tom Cox asked Athens to use his influence for closer cooperation between American Congressmen and British MPs on Cyprus.

He also reiterated the determination of MPs who have identified themselves with the Cyprus cause to continue their work until a solution to the problem is found.

Cox criticised the Conservative governments led by Margaret Thather and by John Major for not showing enough interest in Cyprus and the Labour government for not doing more, stressing that MPs are in support of the Cyprus cause irrespective of parties.

[36] US report says Cyprus has progressed in fight against money laundering

The government believes the US State Department'S references to Cyprus in its report on narcotics and a second one on money laundering and financial crimes reflect the progress and serious improvement the Republic has achieved in these fields, its spokesman Michalis Papapetrou told his daily briefing on Thursday.

The reports for 1999, released on Wednesday, say Cyprus has made "further progress in 1999 in the fight against money laundering" while its authorities aggressively pursue the "distribution of drugs use, as they do illegal cultivation, sale, transport and financing".

Papapetrou said the reports "acknowledge the fact that concrete steps have been made to strenghten the state's capabilities in combating economic crime and that Cyprus has made further progress in this field."

"We have nothing to hide and we are prepared to listen to the views of any country on these issues," he said, adding that the government will convey its views to the American government.

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