Antenna: News in English (AM), 97-04-23

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From: Antenna Radio <http://www.antenna.gr> - email: antenna@compulink.gr

News in English, 23/04/97

TITLES

• Kostis Stephanopoulos says Turkey is the problem in Greek-Turkish relations.
• Greek peacekeepers in Albania get dug in.
• And, an exhibition of European art.

SIMITIS

In Austria, Kostas Simitis also said that Greece has approved an EU plan to set up a committee of Greek and Turkish experts.

Now, added Simitis, Turkey needs to understand that if it wants closer ties to the EU, it has to accept the EU's request that it stop threatening Greece with violence and respect international law.

How Turkey responds to the EU's request, made last year, will also determine whether or not a Greek-Turkish dialogue will ever start.

The Greek-Turkish committee would NOT discuss issues of substance, but only try to facilitate a possible future Greek-Turkish dialogue.

In his contacts with Austrian leaders, Simitis also outlined Greece's views on Cyprus.

During his stay in the Austrian capital, the Greek premier was taken on a tour of the Austrian parliament, and signed the book of visitors at the Vienna city hall.

Simitis says his visits to European capitals, which he began shortly after taking office, are resulting in the Europeans developing a better understanding of Greek views when it comes to Turkey.

STEFANOPOULOS

Stephanopoulos was warmly received by the deputies; only three TURKISH MPs objected to his speech, saying it was damaging to Greek-Turkish relations.

Stephanopoulos replied that unfortunately, his speech was an exact description of reality. He added that Turkey's hostility means the threat of war looms over the two Aegean neighbours.

PANGALOS

Kostas Karmanlis says Greek acceptance of the committee comes at a time when Turkey is being increasingly aggressive.

Karmanlis spoke after meeting with foreign minister Theodoros Pangalos.

The New Democracy leader added that Turkey has not responded to Greece's acts of goodwill, and instead seems bent on stepping up its intransigence.

Karamanlis also said his party will keep a close eye on government moves vis-a-vis Turkey, and will do what it can to prevent it from making moves detrimental to the national interest.

Pangalos told reporters that the committee would do no more than examine whether there are any misunderstandings between the two nations, and try to work out a procedure for any eventual dialogue.

Pangalos also said the international court of justice is the best institution to resolve the Imia issue. If Turkey dropped its claim on the Greek island, or took it to the international court, added the foreign minister, Greece would consider it a step in the right direction.

ALBANIA

Like the rest of the multi-national force, the Greek troops are on a mission to protect humanitarian aid shipments.

As we hear in this report, the Greek troops already in Albania are working at cleaning up their bases, and making them safe.

The 370 Greek men who arrive Wednesday will join 120 compatriates already in Triane, and instal themselves at IsberEs camp.

The Greek peacekeepers already there are repairing extensive damages to the buildings where the troops are being billeted, and laying barbed wire and digging trenches.

80 Greek officers will be based at, Vassiar, another camp on the outskirts of Tirane. A dispensary will also be set up there.

The multi-national peacekeeping force hopes that its stabilising presence will allow Albania to hold national elections in June, and break through the political stalemate that's had the country in crisis for several months.

Southern rebels want president Sali Berisha to resign. They're unhappy with what they say is a lack of democracy in Albania, and charge that his government was heavily involved with shady banks that collapsed, robbing thousands of people of their life savings.

And there's tension all the way up the ladder.

Baskim Fino, an all-party choice to serve as interim prime minister several weeks ago, wants to remove the interior minister, Agkim Shell, unpopular with the people because of his days as Berisha's secret police chief.

Berisha appears to be resisting Fino's attempt to oust Shell.

The political stalemate drags on and insurgents hold on to their southern strongholds.

In Tirane, there is a 8pm to 6am curfew - from time to time gunfire shatters the calm in the capital.

Early Tuesday morning, the city's police chief's car was blown up.

The first humanitarian aid shipment was due in ElpassAn Tuesday, and was to be escorted to safety by international peacekeepers.

ECONOMY

Miltiades Papaioannou spoke as the Bank of Greece's report on the economy was released.

Talking about the annual report, bank director LoukAs Papadimos agreed that unemployment should be a priority concern. He added that state industries should be privatised, and that structural changes to the nation's banking insurance systems are also needed.

B.BALL

The Piraeus team dominates throughout the game, thanks largely to the offensive sparkle of guard David Rivers. He leads all scorers with 28 points, giving his team a big boost to its 74- 65 victory.

The Slovenes never quite get a handle on this one, but after falling behind by ten early, manage to get back into it; by shutting down the Olympiakos periphery, they close to within five at the half.

But the Greek club shows it's got the right stuff, holding a lead that jumped around between 5 and 7 points for most of the second half.

Olympiakos fans hit the streets of Piraeus right after the final horn. They're hoping this will be the year their team goes all the way after losing two finals in the past four years.

EXHIBIT

The exhibition is being held at the "Palace of Harmony" exhibition centre in the suburb of Kifissia.

The paintings belong to collector Nikos Tarandinos. Among the canvasses are seascapes, portraits, and still lifes.

© ANT1 Radio 1997

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