Greek loan to Albania as soon as instability ends

National Economy Minister Yiannos Papantoniou, speaking to reporters in Ioannina, said that a decision earlier in the month by the government for a 20-billion-drachma loan with favourable terms to strife-ridden Albania would be implemented "as soon as t he political situation normalises in the neighbouring country."

The minister said he hoped that the crisis in Albania would soon be over.

"We hope that there is a quick stabilisation in Albania. The (Greek) government is doing what it can on a political and economic level. We have decided to grant a long-term loan of 20 billion drachmas as soon as the situation normalises," he said. "We a re now at the stage where final decisions will be taken, but a prerequisite is the stabilisation of the political situation."

The loan will be guaranteed by the Greek state and granted by the National Bank of Greece.

He added that a favourable side-effect of the loan would be that it would assist Greece-based firms which had suffered losses in Albania.

Consulate to open only under safe conditions

Serious scuffles broke outside the consulate when armed individuals demanding passport visas broke down the main door, threw tear gas grenades and threatened staff by firing automatic rifles in the air.

Possible Fino visit to Greece

According to sources, Mr. Fino is to meet with Prime Minister Costas Simitis, officials of the Greek foreign ministry and possibly with economic ministers.

Meanwhile, during a broadcast by the BBC's Albanian service from Tirana, the leader of the Albanian Socialist Party, Fatos Nano, said that although his visit last week to Greece was of a personal nature, this did not prevent him from maintaining contact s with Greek friends and politicians, with whom he said he exchanged views regarding the current crisis in his strife-ridden country.

Questioned on the recent allegations made by outgoing Albanian secret service head Bashkim Gazidede that Greek groups were plotting to "liberate" southern Albania and that they were behind the uprisings, Mr. Nano said:

"(Mr. Gazidede's) statements remind me of the Hoxha regime. I am sorry that the mentality for espionage issues is so deeply and irreparably rooted in the minds of Berisha and the people who serve him.

"The conspiracy against Albania is only in the minds of those who speak of this term. We are talking about the uprising of a whole nation against a system which failed for 50 years and which continues to create dramatic situations both in Albania and in the region. A whole nation cannot fall victim to espionage," he said.

Ioannina hospitals suffer shortages as Albanian casualties flood in

The University Hospital and the General State Hospital are already treating 100 casualties, many of whom are children. In addition, they are providing medical care to about 300 Albanians either with various diseases or following operations.

Due to the high number of operations performed during the last few weeks, both hospitals are facing a blood shortage problem.

Operating theatres at the two hospitals are functioning on a 24-hour basis and a large number of operations scheduled for Greek patients have been postponed, resulting in protests from patients and relatives.

Another problem is that of the Albanian children who have arrived unaccompanied and been admitted to the hospital with gunshot wounds and cannot return home.

At the Kakavia border post, a first aid station has been set up to provide treatment to injured and sick Albanians and to evaluate the seriousness of cases in order to decide whether their transfer to hospital is warranted.

Kinnock meets with alternate FM

Replying to reporters' questions after the meeting, Mr. Papandreou said the Community was satisfied with the rate of implementation, with EU assistance, of major infrastructure works in Greece, while adding that a number of matters were yet to be resolved.

"I think we are on a good course," Mr. Papandreou said.

Asked to comment on the crisis in neighbouring Albania, Mr. Kinnock said the EU desired the normalisation of the situation "and subsequently, apart from the despatch of humanitarian aid, we shall hopefully be able to formulate a rational policy as far a s our relations with Albania are concerned".

Talks with transport minister

Mr. Kastanidis said there was an identity of views with Mr. Kinnock on several issues, including the need for unimpeded rail links with the Community, without delays or formalities which entail higher costs and problems for perishable goods.

Mr. Kinnock, he added, also agreed to a Greek request for Community assistance in extending Greece's free rail links with the countries of eastern Europe.

Other issues discussed included the revision of prices, special taxation system and duties for goods transiting Austria and Switzerland.

Mr. Kastanidis said the Commission had agreed to take a final decision on assistance for the rehabilitation of the national carrier "Olympic Airways" at the end of April.

The Commissioner, who celebrated his 58th birthday yesterday, said he was glad to be in Athens and that he preferred the Greek capital to Brussels.

Turkish violations of Greek airspace

Eleven formations of Turkish fighters, which flew over the northeastern Aegean, were intercepted and escorted out of Greek airspace by Hellenic Air Force F-16 and Mirage 2000 aircraft.

Papandreou says total demilitarisation of Cyprus a firm aim

In the interview with the Cypriot weekly ''Epilogi'', Papandreou refers to the decisions taken in Athens in May 1995 as well as during Prime Minister Costas Simitis' recent trip to Nicosia and Cyprus President Glafcos Clerides' visit to Athens.

''From now on, the sovereign Cyprus government will undertake the diplomatic handling which will be necessary for the process of negotiations, '' he said.

Papandreou noted that cooperation between the governments of Greece and Cyprus was now so good that the two countries will be able to jointly confront the problems and challenges anticipated in efforts to attain a solution of the Cyprus problem.

He reiterated that ''our firm aim is to secure the total demilitarisation of Cyprus in accordance with the proposals put forward by President Clerides''.

Simitis confers with Papoutsis on IGC, European developments

After the one-hour meeting, Mr. Papoutsis said the "particularly useful and substantial" talks with Mr. Simitis would help to shape "a responsible and coordinated Greek presence in European developments".

Describing the current period for Greece's course in the EU as "critical", Mr. Papoutsis underlined the need for a determined and constructive stance on the part of all, particularly with regard to the IGC and developments in the Balkan region in genera l.

Replying to questions on Cyprus' course towards EU accession, Mr. Papoutsis reiterated the commitments undertaken by the Community concerning the commencement of negotiations six months after the end of the IGC.

He noted that the relevant EU decisions did not foresee other prerequisites, such as a prior settlement of the Cyprus problem and expressed the hope that Cyprus would definitely be among the first new members of the EU.

On developments in Albania, Mr. Papoutsis said the Commission had undertaken the coordination of EU efforts to restore normality in the neighbouring country and what was needed now was the activation of those agencies which will undertake to ensure that aid sent to Albania reaches its proper destination.

Asked to comment on Italian initiatives, Mr. Papoutsis said that Rome was interested in playing an important role in the region "in which it has interests, just as Greece has".

Mr. Papoutsis said Greece's role in efforts to defuse the crisis in Albania had been "responsible" and this had been acknowledged by the EU.

Papoutsis, Papandreou warn of difficulties at Amsterdam summit

Mr. Papoutsis said "the Greek government should move swiftly, before it's too late, and request a political commitment from Brussels, regarding future financing from structural funds and accession procedures for Cyprus."

Mr. Papandreou said the problem for Greece "is growing larger due to the pressures exerted by the French-German axis for a multi-tier Europe."

In addition, he said that "certain people in the Community" were using against Greece the fact that "at times our country is blocking procedures for a Turkish-EU accession," as well as "expressing strong reservation on the issue of flexibility, the abil ity between certain member-states to cooperate in order to promote certain policies."

Mr. Papoutsis said Greece should clearly state that it would not make any concessions in Amsterdam, adding that a relative decision reached by Parliament, would result in the government being ready when called to ratify the new EU treaty.

Mr. Papandreou and Mr. Papoutsis also referred to the Cyprus issue, noting that Greece should help Cyprus, even in technical issues, in order to avoid any excuse from Brussels aimed to delay the island republic's accession to the European Union.

Coalition of the Left delegation hold talks with FYROM leadership

The Synaspismos delegation is headed by party leader Nikos Constantopoulos.

FYROM Foreign Minister Ljubomir Frckovski said both sides "are expressing willingness to work towards constructive results" in pending talks under UN auspices", while FYROM Parliament President Tito Petkovski referred to "political contacts which create a useful and binding framework, which can, through positive steps, deal with the outstanding aspects of the interim agreement".

FYROM President Kiro Gligorov referred to a commonly acceptable solution, adding that "each country has its own existence and self-consciousness."

According to reports, the Greek political party delegation's interlocutors described as "historic" Athens' opportunity to help in promoting the links of Balkan countries with Europe, and no reservations were expressed regarding Greece's role in the Albanian crisis. Indeed, the view was expressed that the dangers posed by the crisis brought Greece and the landlocked former Yugoslav republic closer together.

President Gligorov, in particular, described the Greek government's stand and handling as "positive". He also stressed the need for a European course for his country, and emphasised that "there is no problem of disputing or contesting the border between our two countries."

Tsohatzopoulos winds up Romania visit

Citing Bucharest Radio, the despatch said Mr. Tsohatzopoulos had reiterated that Greece supported NATO and EU enlargement. During talks with Mr. Tsohatzopoulos, Corbea stressed that NATO membership was a priority for Romanian foreign policy.

Both men underlined meanwhile that their respective countries were ready to support an international initiative aimed at resolving the crisis in Albania.

Greece and Romania yesterday signed two military-related agreements, one in the technology and armaments sector and the other concerning the protection of military information.

Two-day conference on tourism sector labour relations

The conference will be organised by the General Confederation of Workers of Greece's (GSEE) Labour Institute, the Irakleio Labour Centre (EKH) and the federation of tourist occupation employees.

It is expected to attract the interest of officials from such countries as Spain, Italy, Portugal, Belgium and Cyprus.

The conference will be inaugurated by EKH President Georgios Skoulatakis.

IOC members begin Athens visits

Mr. Easton is the first IOC members to visit Athens since its qualification to a shortlist of cities contesting the Olympics.

His schedule includes inauguration at the city's Olympic Park today of an olive grove which will symbolise the connection between the mythological derivation of the name of Athens from the goddess Athena and the Olympic Ideal. Mr. Easton will plant the first tree in the grove, and will be followed likewise by each IOC member to visit Athens. The trees will be named after their planters, and their branches will be used to crown the Olympic winners of 2004 if the city is awards the Games.

Mr. Easton will also attend the start to a Marathon rally of 53 antique cars at the Panathenian Stadium tomorrow morning. The vehicles will cover the classic route between Athens and Marathon, returning to the stadium for the finish.

Avramopoulos leaves on official visit to US, Canada

Montreal and Boston. Mr. Avramopoulos will meet Archbishop of America Spyridon, Greek expatriate representatives and state officials from both countries.

He will also attend events organised in Montreal and Boston at the invitation of the local mayors and Greek communities.

Greek-Uzbek trade agreement

HEPO President Yiannis Tzen and Uzbek Undersecretary Rauf Mukhamedov penned the agreement, in view of the forthcoming visit to Greece of Uzbek President Islam Karimov early next week.

After the signing, Mr. Tzen told reporters that the articles of association for the joint Greek-Uzbek chamber were completed.

The Tashkent-based chamber is expected to contribute to the further promotion of trade relations between the two countries.

An adviser of President Karimov present at the signing announced the abolition of double taxation for investments in his country and guaranteed that Greek investments in Uzbekistan will be supported by the government.

Unrest in public utilities

They consider that the current impasse in ongoing negotiations with the management of sereral large state-run enterprises is due to government pressure, particularly by National Economy Minister Yiannos Papantoniou, for pay increases not to exceed seven per cent, including remuneration for night shifts and overtime work. They claim that real increases amount to three to four per cent, and that the government's interference raises a political issue.

Other outstanding issues are also currently fuelling a climate of confrontation with the government, such as the status of the social insurance fund for bank employees, deregulation in the power generation and telecommunications sectors according to EU directives, modernisation programmes in the railways and the post office etc.

The most militant trade unionists are threatening with strike action, but particularly in view of the recent fruitless eight-week long teachers' strike, the adoption of more 'flexible' forms of mobilisation, which swell the financial cost for the utilities without causing a loss in wages, is considered more likely.

Shipping exchange inflows up 3.3 per cent

In November 1996, inflows of shipping exchange totalled $197 million, compared to $190.9 million in the same month of 1995, marking a 3.2 per cent increase.

Canadian ambassador discusses major investments

Mr. Papadopoulos briefed the Canadian ambassador on the projects currently underway or those due to begin in the Thessaloniki area

The two men also discussed bilateral cooperation prospects which are appearing in the Balkans and Black Sea countries.

Two suspected Creuzfeldt-Jacob cases in Crete

The two, both in their fifties, were suspected of having the disease about six weeks ago and a biopsy was performed indicating the syndrome. The tests have been sent to Athens for confirmation.

Infected meat had been found in tests carried out around Crete about a year ago.

(M.S.)

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