Antenna: News in English (AM), 97-12-02

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

Last Updated: Tuesday, 02-Dec-97 11:27:00

CONTENTS

[01] Simitis

[02] Burns

[03] Karamanlis

[04] Medical clinic-Tyflida

[05] Iolkos

[06] 38th International Film Festival

[07] Sports

[08] Panellinios

[09] Ántique cars

[01] Simitis

Kostas Simitis was in Paris Monday, where he met with French leaders.

Prime minister Kostas Simitis and French president Jacques Chirac agreed to disagree over whether or not Turkey should be allowed to sit in on the European Union's upcoming conference with the next group of countries up for EU membership.

Greece feels that Turkey should be given no sort of opening until it heeds the EU's request to take its claim on the Greek isle of Imia to the international court and, more broadly, respects the international treaties and legal principles on which Greece's sovereign rights are based.

And in Paris Monday, Simitis remained adamant that Greece will veto Turkey's participation in the conference of prospective members.

While all the EU members agree that Turkey cannot be up for EU membership until it meets those demands, several states believe Turkey should at least be a participant in the December conference.

Pressing Simitis to put his objections aside, Jacques Chirac told the Greek premier in Paris that he's concerned that a cold shoulder for Turkey from Europe could allow muslim fundamentalists to make dangerous headway in Turkey.

Some sources say the disagreements that exist over Turkey and the candidate members' conference mean

that the EU leaders may not even discuss the issue during next month's summit in Luxembourg.

At a press conference Monday, Simitis said the matter doesn't constitute a big problem; it's an issue that can wait its turn, even if it's a long time in coming.

During their meeting, Simitis also briefed Chirac on Balkan developments. Chirac congratulated the Greek leader on the success of last month's Balkan nations security summit in Crete.

And he expressed his hope that Greece's difference with the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, or Fyrom, will soon be resolved.

Fyrom wants to be recognised internationally as the Republic of Macedonia. Greece objects, citing the historical and geographical importance of the name Macedonia to Greece.

Simitis also met with his French counterpart Lionel Jospin Monday. They discussed EU matters, among them progress towards a unified monetary unit.

[02] Burns

Arriving in Athens with his wife Elisabeth Bailey and three daughters, Sarah, Elisabeth, and Carolina, Nicholas Burns said Washington puts a premium on bettering Greek-Turkish relations.

"The United States has a very deep interest in making sure that our Nato allies in this region have a basis to resolve their problems together and that's what the US has tried to do for a very long time and we'll continue to do that".

Burns does not come to his new post a novice. From 1995 until his appointment as ambassador, he was US state department spokesman for southeastern

European affairs.

And he was an advisor on matters pertaining to Greece, Turkey, Cyprus, the former Soviet Union, and eastern Europe to the Bush administration.

Burns already has hands on experience in the eastern Mediterranean, having served as an advisor at the US embassies in Egypt and Israel.

And he seems to be especially interested in the region of eastern Mediterranean, since he has also served as advisor of US embassies in Cairo, Egypt and Jesuralem, while he has also worked there as special advisor to George Bush in Soviet Union and Eastern Europe matters.

The US ambassador, who already speaks French and Arabic, is a great admirer of Greek culture, and wants to learn the language of his new host country.

And he's not wasting any time. Reading from a text during his arrival, he said in Greek, "We're pleased to be here. We look forward to travelling in your beautiful country. We thank you for your warm welcome".

[03] Karamanlis

Kostas Karamanlis laid emphasis on economic development issues in a region in need of investment.

The opposition leader was welcomed enthusiastically wherever he went over the weekend

Criticising the government, karamanlis said local officials discourage investment, as do what he termed the government's wrong-headed economic policies.

Karamanlis wrapped up his trip with a stop in Alexan-droupoli Sunday. Earlier, at a border post, he said Greece needs to take a decisive stand when it comes to defending the nation's rights.

[04] Medical clinic-Tyflida

A brand new medical clinic sponsored by the Greek government and the Council of Greeks abroad opened in Tyflida, Georgia over the weekend.

During an emotionally charged ribbon cutting ceremony Stavros Lambrinidis, secretary general of the Secretariat for Greeks Abroad, said, "This medical center is not only for Greeks, but for all the citizens of Georgia.

Andrew Athens, president of the Council of the Greeks Abroad, said, "This is just the beginning. Another 11 clinics are scheduled to be built in Georgia".

Medical care at all clinics will be provided for free.

The Greek foreign ministry, the General Secretariat for Greeks Abroad, the World Council of Hellenes Abroad, the International Red Cross and other international non-governmental organisations sponsored in helping make this program a reality

[05] Iolkos

A number of fissures counted in the middle zone of the Diminio neolithic settlement are the cause of concern.

Archeologists explain that's the exact location of the royal tombs. In one tomb the ceiling has already collapsed while the entrance to another is being supported by scaffolding due to 30 centimeters of surface expansio.

Those working on the site say they want to transfer the whole settlement stone by stone to the Archeological museum of Volos. They are hoping the monuments will be preserved with the help of a second Delors package worth 1 million four hundred dollars. (400 million drachmas)

[06] 38th International Film Festival

"The Gold Apples of Esperides", directed by Sofia Papachristou picked up six awards for; best new director, best set design, best costumes, best actor, best editing and an honorary distinction too boot.

"The Lost Nights" directed by Angeliki Antoniou received four awards for: best film, best direction, best script as well as best actress played by Jasmin Tabatai.

The best actress award was also given to Irini Igg- lEssi for her performance in the film "The Man in Grey". Both women split the 7 thousand dollar prize donated by Antenna TV in the memory of Aliki Vouyouklaki

Pericles Hoursoglou's "The Man in Grey" not only was awarded best actress but also received the best supporting actress award.

Andreas Thomopoulos' film, "Tomorrow we'll know" scored three awards in the make-up, sound and photography categories.

"Vassiliki" by Vangelis Serdaris picked up the best music award, while the film "No Budget Story" was awarded best supporting actor.

[07] Sports

But when it's over, Olympiakos is in second by itself. The home team moves out to a 2-nil lead before Pao gets one back. Olympiakos gets another goal before its over, and wins it by a final score of 3-1.

In matches over the weekend, first place Aek keeps on truckin, downing Veria.

Ionikos gets back into its winning ways, and stays in fourth place.

Irakles, Paok, and Xanthi are in fifth, sixth, and seventh place, respectively.

And in other contests, Ethnikos is a winner at home, while Ofi and Paniliakos do it on the road.

In pro basketball, Greece narrowly escaped a second surprising defeat in a matter of days. After last week's upset in Athens at the hands of Slovenia, the Greek squad went on the road against Slovakia, in the second of its 1999 European championship qualifying games.

The visitors start fast, leading 29-14 after 12 minutes, and 43-33 at the half. But Slovakia storms back, and is up 67-62 with six minutes to play.

That acts as a wake up call for the Greeks, who go on a 10-nothing run to regain command, and they go on to win it 76-73.

Greece's next qualifier is against Bulgaria. The tip off in that game is Wednesday.

[08] Panellinios

Kyriakou is president of the Olympic Winners' Gymnastics Association and trustee of the Panellinios Athletic Association, which held three days of competition over the weekend.

"I want to thank your parents for having entrusted you, their children, to us and our association", Kyriakou said. "I want you to feel this is your third home, after your real home and your school".

The track-and-field competitions will continue. Panellinios hopes to find young talent for the 2004 Olympics training programme.

The Association invites kids from 8 to 12 years of age to take part in all kinds of sporting events at its facilities from December 27th to January 4th. There will be basketball, gymnastics, karate, swimming, tennis, and track and field.

Sofia Andrikopoulou, trustee of the Pane-lee-nios Academy, explains that participants will be given athletic clothing and their food will be provided for during the meet.

Panellinios head Vasilis Gkiousmas says well- known Greek athletes will also be taking part in the events.

[09] Ántique cars

The 10th year winter rally for antique cars took place with sixty two prized pieces of machinery dating from 1912 to 1976.

Luxury cars from days gone by, polished with a little elbow grease started their engines Saturday

morning at the Peace and Friendship stadium.

Rare antiques from vintage mercedes to jaguars to completely restored plymouths and MG's made the 500 km trek across town to reach the finish line in Pireaus two days later.

In this kind of a rally, speed was not the first priority. Drivers and cars were judged according to a fixed time limit set at three different stops throughout the journey.

No one was disappointed, the mayor of Pireaus made sure all participants received an award.

(c) ANT1 Radio 1997

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