A.N.A. Bulletin, 13/03/96

From: "Greek Press & Information Office, Ottawa Canada" <[email protected]>

Athens News Agency Directory

ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No 836), March 13, 1996

Greek Press & Information Office

Ottawa, Canada

E-Mail Address: [email protected]

CONTENTS

[1] Simitis declares political stability a prerequisite for Balkan development

Prime Minister Costas Simitis yesterday said a precondition for all economic co-operation between Balkan countries was a secure and stable political environment in every country and in relations between Balkan states.

Addressing a two-day conference inaugurated on Monday in Thessaloniki and entitled "Greece and the Balkans: Business co-operation," Mr. Simitis said that although flashpoints in the region had not yet disappeared, it was up to the governments and peoples in the Balkans to safeguard peace and consolidate security, with respect for international law and international accords, good faith and common sense.

Mr. Simitis said within this context, Greece looked forward to relations of good neighborliness and co-operation with all Balkan countries because this constituted a one-way street for the Balkans.

He said that despite the fact the Balkans had often been considered the powder-keg of Europe, history also had a different side to show concerning aspects of a unified economic area.

Mr. Simitis said the paths of Balkan co-operation were easier to cross by the countries themselves because interests were common and much more directly visible, while possibilities for understanding had a safe infrastructure. Balkan co-operation, he added, could be the opportunity for all Balkan countries to attain development of their economies in the new international competition.

He said business initiatives in the Balkans should not create a new group of protected markets, but should utilize opportunities and create a new economic environment, which would be open to competition and viable in the present-day international reality.

In other words, he added, it should not become the refuge of businesses unable to adjust to new requirements, but a brilliant opportunity for those envisioning a strong presence in the new international economic reality.

He further said exploitation of historic opportunities would be achieved with a considerable increase in production and prosperity for all, since the aim pursued was how local advantages would be utilized with common actions and co-operations leading to bigger markets and more prosperity with a more just distribution.

The Balkan market, he added, was not a zero sum game," in which the infiltration of one party in a market undermined the presence of another, but a rising and unused economic reality with major possibilities in all sectors.

Mr. Simitis said these targets would be achieved if four axes were observed. The first concerned balanced and productive investment initiatives by businesses, since in the region the primary criterion at the initial stage was utilizing the low cost of labor. And on the other hand, there was a relatively small investment ratio in manufacturing and in services with a high additional value.

Investments to date concerned commercial activities and distribution networks to a great degree, he said, citing as an example that out of 2,500 Greek businesses active in the Balkans, only 100 were involved in productive industrial investments.

Mr. Simitis said that for this reason productive investments should be encouraged by improving the institutional framework, developing inter-state business relations, increasing information and improving funding terms.

The Development and Trade Bank of Black Sea Economic Co-operation would play an important role, he said, and referred at length to the fact the Export Credit Insurance Organization (OAEP) recently tripled its guarantee capital.

He said the second sector regarded investments in human capital because a potential should be created with modern knowledge of administration, capabilities in problem management and because the country was lagging behind in this sector. He further said the government planned initiatives to increase the mobility of scientists in various Balkan countries by granting scholarships in the sciences and mutual communication and informatics in modern-day business developments.

Mr. Simitis said a stable environment should be created without imbalances, uncertainties or strong differences between countries, adding that this trend was also strengthened by the declared will of countries in the region to gradually enrich their relations with the European Union.

The fourth sector, he added, was the need for a combined infrastructure policy such as the inter-European energy networks which would reduce production costs and contribute to an effective linkage between countries in the region.

Finally, he said the transport networks would create new possibilities for travel and the trafficking of goods. Moreover, swift and unimpeded communication constituted yet another target for infrastructures with the improvement of telecommunications networks.

[2] Kastanidis, Kinnock discuss Gov't support for Olympic

Transport and Communications Minister Haris Kastanidis yesterday discussed the issue of the government's continued financial support for the recovery of deficit-ridden national carrier Olympic Airways with European Transport Commissioner Neil Kinnock.

Discussion, in particular, concerned a second installment of government aid totaling 23 billion drachmas.

To approve allocation of the second installment the Commission is requiring certain clarifications. It was agreed that these would be provided until March 23, and that the Commission's decision will come as early as May.

Mr. Kastanidis stated afterwards that it was up to the Greek side to facilitate a positive outcome of the discussions, and to help the Commission adopt a favorable decision.

He reported that the application on the recovery program so far had many positive results, and that the Commissioner had accepted that there were clear indications of improvement in 1995. Mr. Kinnock added, however, that there were certain pending problems, such as that of the harmonization of the company's taxation status after the expiration of its four-year (1994-97) exemption clause. He said he believed the problem would be solved through incorporation of tax dues in future years.

The third - and final - installment of state support for an increase in the carrier's share capital, amounting to 12 billion drachmas, must be approved by the Commission in January 1997.

[3] Romania to open two investment information centers in Greece

Romania's Deputy Prime Minister Mircea Cosea said yesterday that Bucharest would establish information centers in Greece to supply business interests with details about Romanian investment opportunities.

Speaking at a dinner on the sidelines of a two-day Balkan business conference which opened yesterday in Thessaloniki, Mr. Cosea said such centers would provide information about the course of privatization of Romanian state enterprises.

He added that such centers would be opened in Athens and Thessaloniki, adding that he himself would tomorrow inaugurate the Athens center, slated to operate in co-operation with a private company.

The Thessaloniki information center, Mr. Cosea added, was expected to begin operation in the second half of April in co-operation with the Craft Industry Chamber of Thessaloniki.

Mr. Cosea stressed the great opportunities for investing in Romania, particularly in the infrastructure, telecommunications and industry sectors, as well as in the development of companies providing financial services. He described Greece as a model for the development for other Balkan countries and called on Greek businessmen to co-operate with Romanian firms for the reconstruction of republics in the former Yugoslavia.

[4] Bulgarian, Romanian and Greek foreign ministers to meet in Sofia

The foreign ministers of Greece, Bulgaria and Romania will meet over the weekend in Sofia to discuss issues concerning the foreign policy of the three Balkan countries, Bulgaria's deputy premier Dontso Konakchev announced yesterday in Thessaloniki.

Speaking at a two-day conference which opened Monday entitled "Greece and the Balkans: Business co-operation," Mr. Konakchev said the meeting between Theodore Pangalos, Georgi Pirinski and Teodor Melescanu was a continuation of talks the three ministers had in Ioannina, Greece last August.

In addition to foreign policy issues, the three will also discuss security and co-operation in the Balkan region, Mr. Konakchev said.

He described Greek-Bulgarian relations as "traditionally good," expressing optimism that there would be even further improvement.

"It is the right time to lay the foundations for a more dynamic development of relations between the two countries," Mr. Konakchev said.

[5] Pangalos expresses Athens' opposition to Balkan arms proliferation

Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos yesterday said Greece was a "peace-loving power opposed to any rearmament programs in the Balkans."

Mr. Pangalos made the statement during an address to the Balkan business co-operation conference.

"We are very cautious over all these schemes," Mr. Pangalos said, adding peace can be ensured only through disarmament.

"We say no to security through armaments and defense co-operation," Mr. Pangalos said, adding that "we say yes to safety through economic co-operation."

Citing a series of economic figures on Greece's economic relations with Albania, Romania and Bulgaria, Mr. Pangalos said there was "a spectacular improvement in relations with Albania after the latter endorsed a draft bill providing for a possibility to establish private Greek language schools."

Greece was the second largest investor in Albania, Mr. Pangalos said, adding that 100 Greek businesses operated in the country through joint ventures and had invested more than $100 million.

He further said remittances by Albanian nationals working in Greece amounted to more than $400 million annually.

"Half the Albanian people are dependent on Greece," Mr. Pangalos said, adding that Greece offered $10 million in financial assistance to the country each year and promoted a series of infrastructure works aimed at creating an integrated economic area between Epiros and Albania.

Turning to Bulgaria, Mr. Pangalos referred to a systematic and close co-operation between Greece and the neighboring country.

There are 2,000 Greek businesses in Bulgaria operating mainly through joint ventures. These businesses have invested some $80 million in the country, while Greek exports to Bulgaria reached $212 million, against $123 million for Bulgarian imports to Greece.

Commenting on Romania, Mr. Pangalos said 400 Greek businesses operated in the country, investing some $40 million.

Mr. Pangalos further referred on the importance of his upcoming meeting in Sofia on Saturday with his Romanian and Bulgarian counterparts.

[6] Premier meets with high-ranking officials from Balkan nations

Prime Minister Costas Simitis had a round of meetings with members of three other Balkan governments in Thessaloniki yesterday.

He discussed developments in the Balkans and prospects for co-operation with Deputy Romanian Prime Minister Mircea Cosea, deputy Bulgarian Prime Minister Dontso Konakchev, and Albanian Labor Minister Angel Takli.

[7] Tsohatzopoulos addresses conference

Greece should face Turkey "with a firm position and an adequate deterrent force and not with a policy of appeasement or the impression of a placatory attitude, until the international geostrategic and economic planning is reversed," Interior, Public Administration and Decentralization Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos said yesterday.

Addressing the second day of the two-day Balkan business conference, Mr. Tsohatzopoulos said Greece must acquire "strategy with a clear direction and content."

Development of Greece's influence in an unsteady geo-political environment was a condition for upgrading the country on the international scene, he added.

He also said the Cyprus issue should again take a place among "the top priorities of our foreign policy, and Greece must make it clear that any rapprochement with Turkey can exist only on the basis of Cyprus' future."

"In no instance can the Cyprus problem and the Aegean issue comprise part of a negotiation package," Mr. Tsohatzopoulos stressed. He further said that Greek-FYROM relations had entered a new stage with the interim agreement signed last year, adding that the policy of defusion of tension and restoration of economic relations through dialogue should be continued.

"We insist on our positions on the name issue, but Greece will continue the dialogue and will discuss with FYROM, without any commitment on the prospect of rapprochement and seeking a permanent solution, without rushing, being pressured or coerced by anyone, and far removed from the rationale of closing the issue at any cost," Mr. Tsohatzopoulos said.

[8] Simitis opens Thessaloniki Stock Exchange

Prime Minister Costas Simitis said the Thessaloniki Stock Exchange should play an important role in developing inter-Balkan co-operation and in making Thessaloniki an economic center in the Balkans.

Mr. Simitis, who spoke yesterday at the inauguration of the stock exchange center, referred at length to the importance of the institution, saying "the expectations from its operation are high."

"We are expecting it to contribute to the development and organization of the capital market in northern Greece, to decentralize the work of the Greek capital market and to attract new registrations by dynamic companies from northern Greece in order to enable the Greek capital market to be in a position to offer more investment opportunities," he added.

[9] Balkan capital market needs more cohesion

Athens Stock Exchange President Manolis Xanthakis unveiled a study yesterday during a two-day Balkan conference in Thessaloniki revealing that the biggest problems facing Balkan stock exchanges are unequal development rates of capital markets in the regio n, instability in exchange rates, fragile parities and the lack of access to information.

Referring to the results of the study, Mr. Xanthakis said these problems are hindering globalization of the Balkan market, while also discouraging international investors.

He added that these problems can be overcome through Greek intervention, stressing the beneficial effect the creation of a Thessaloniki stock market would have.

Mr. Xanthakis suggested that the Balkan capital markets may benefit from the exploitation of the Greek stock market's informational services to attract domestic and foreign capital.

He also suggested financial support with the immediate use of capital from joint Greek-Balkan businesses already operating, and the use of Balkan equities, which will create the necessary conditions to attract foreign capital into the Greek market.

[10] Simitis meets with local PASOK cadres in Thessaloniki

During meetings with local organizations of the ruling party in Thessaloniki yesterday, Prime Minister Costas Simitis was reported to have referred extensively to the government's priorities and the need to build a new PASOK, which he said must be renewed , close to society and away from "personal and sterile confrontations."

According to the same sources, he also referred to the need for a new relationship between party and government, which should be distinguished by a healthy juxtaposition of ideas and not an uncritical support of the government.

Local cadres referred to the need for speeding up the pace in the implementation of infrastructure projects in Thessaloniki.

[11] Reppas: Gov't satisfied with PASOK executive bureau support on Skopje issue

Government spokesman Dimitris Reppas yesterday said the government was satisfied with the "support of the party forces and the executive bureau to the options and moves of the government on the Skopje issue." He made the statement in reply to a press quest ion that PASOK Executive Bureau members appeared during a meeting Monday to hold different positions on the Former Yugoslav of Macedonia (FYROM) name issue.

Mr. Reppas added that the members of the Government Council for Foreign Affairs and Defense (KYSEA) also expressed support to the government positions.

In reference to a reply Prime Minister Costas Simitis sent to National Defense Minister Gerassimos Arsenis concerning Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos' statements last week to a Turkish television station, the spokesman said there was plenty of opportunity for Mr. Simitis and Mr. Arsenis to discuss the issue.

[12] Simitis: No conclusion yet to FYROM name issue talks

Prime Minister Costas Simitis said yesterday that there was no conclusion to consultations over the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia's (FYROM) name issue, adding the government would brief all political forces as well as the public on any development s.

Mr. Simitis made the statement in Thessaloniki, where he addressed a Balkan business co-operation conference. However, the prime minister did not refer to the issue during his address.

Talks have been going on for months in New York between Gree-ce and FYROM under the aegis of UN mediator Cyrus Vance on the issue of the neighboring country's name.

Meanwhile, on the sidelines of the conference Mr. Simitis received a referendum signed by 124 scholars and businessmen in Thessaloniki calling for settlement of the issue "without giving in to nationalistic exaltations, nor submitting to petty party expediencies."

The referendum reads: "It's an opportunity and necessity for the country to conclude, on equal terms, an issue that for years has hampered its foreign policy and caused difficulties in efforts to play a leading and peace-making role in the Balkans."

Earlier, Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos called on participants to "view the situation (with Skopje) as it really is and not as we would like it be."

"We all have dreams, we all have visions and sensitivities, but we should view reality as it really is and take into consideration that 2.5 million people live on the other side of the border," Mr. Pangalos said in reply to a businesswoman, who called o n him not to compromise on a name for the neighboring country containing the term 'Macedonia' or its derivative.

"We, too, would rather prefer that a state called the same as our Macedonia did not exist, so there wouldn't be confusions," he said, adding: "this is the reason we are negotiating the name.

"This is a view, there are other views. There is the view of these people which we need to take into consideration," he said, adding that there should be "less references to Alexander the Great and more observation of events occurring around us.

"Perhaps this way businesses will be more in touch with modern realities," he added.

"Our neighbors are very close to us in every way," Mr. Pangalos said. "We may now cease to live in an era when Balkan borders reminded us of battles, and turn these borders into points of contact so that there will be less misery and fewer businesses c losing.

"We shall exit the impasse in which the 'Iron Curtain,' the Cold War and everything that followed condemned us to live," he said.

[13] Government spokesman

In statements earlier in the day, Government spokesman Dimitris Reppas indirectly indicated that secret foreign ministry documents published by an Athens newspaper on Sunday concerning the normalization of relations between Athens and Skopje were authentic .

According to an article in the "Sunday Typos," the documents constituted communication between the foreign ministry and Greece's diplomatic representation in Skopje, in which Athens asks the latter to convey to the FYROM leadership that Greece "aspires to full normalization of relations between the two countries, which presupposes a compromise solution on the name issue."

Mr. Reppas said that an administrative inquiry was under way in order to punish "in exemplary fashion" whoever is found to have been responsible for leaking the classified documents.

On the substance of the newspaper article, Mr. Reppas said that Article 5 of the interim agreement between Athens and Skopje provided for continuation of negotiations for the purpose of reaching agreement on the name issue.

Article 5, the spokesman added, also provides for co-operation between the two countries with an aim of facilitating their mutual relations.

"Within this framework, the government is implementing the New York interim agreement, into which it entered with its known positions," Mr. Reppas said.

Referring to the communication between the foreign ministry and the Greek diplomatic representation in Skopje, the spokesman stressed that "according to diplomatic practice, the wording of positions must be such as to facilitate the ultimate objective."

Mr. Reppas also reiterated that the only channel of communication between Greece and FYROM with respect to negotiations on the name issue was "...under the aegis of the UN and with the mediation of Cyrus Vance."

Meanwhile, asked by reporters if he believed the Skopje issue was entering its final phase, President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos replied:

"Don't expect such answers from me. It would be better if you didn't ask such questions."

Mr. Stephanopoulos was speaking to reporters after talks with former New Democracy premier Constantine Mitsotakis, which focused on the Skopje issue and on Greek-Turkish relations.

Mr. Mitsotakis has in the past expressed support for a "composite" name, one possibly containing the word "Macedonia."

ND spokesman Vassilis Magginas later said the government was handling the Skopje issue with "impermissible irresponsibility," adding that party leader Miltiades Evert dealt with the national issue with "due responsibility."

"It is obvious that the government and its spokesman do not realize the damage they cause discussing the issue...," he added.

In statements earlier in the day, Political Spring leader Antonis Samaras criticized the government and the main opposition ND, accusing them of "guilty silence" on the Skopje issue.

Mr. Samaras accused PASOK and ND of "torpedoing the convening of the council of leaders" and "refusing to have a position on (the possibility of) a referendum and an open vote in Parliament," which he said would give people the opportunity to see whether the deputies' words matched their actions.

[14] FYROM foreign minister

Meanwhile in Skopje, Foreign Minister Ljubomir Frctskovski expressed a desire to meet with his Greek counterpart in order to discuss "directly and openly all issues," an ANA dispatch reported.

He said, however, that "con-sultations concerning the name issue should be set aside," adding these "will in no way be connected to the intensive economic and political co-operation" that is being developed between the two countries.

[15] Gov't spokesman calls premier's contacts with political leaders a positive step concerning Skopje issue

Government spokesman Dimitris Reppas yesterday described as "the best solution for understanding between political parties" a series of contacts Prime Minister Costas Simitis will have this week with political leaders on the Former Yugoslav of Macedonia (FYROM) name issue.

Commenting on the fact that the prime minister will not have a meeting with main opposition New Democracy party leader Miltiades Evert, Mr. Reppas said:

"Mr. Evert is avoiding an invitation to dialogue extended by the prime minister for a substantive discussion, but he likes to make public statements on television accusing others of babbling."

[16] Pangalos: Certain contacts with Ankara could begin if status quo prior to Imia reinstated

Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos said yesterday that the G reek government could possibly have contacts with the new government in Ankara on the condition that relations between the two nations returned to a situation before the Imia islet crisis.

"Let's hope that logic will prevail in Ankara, and it will be possible to return to where we were before the Imia incident, which was not a wonderful situation, but it was, at any rate, a situation which had not deteriorated," he said in a speech at a conference on business co-operation in the Balkans, held in Thessaloniki.

"This deterioration should stop and when it does, we can have contacts with the new government. We never stopped discussing with the Turks, and we never stopped proposing specific contacts and arrangements to them, such as referring the continental shelf issue to The Hague, or to discuss about trade and economic co-operation. There are Greek proposals on the table, to which we are awaiting a response," he continued.

In response to press questions, the minister made an extensive reference to the rationale behind a decision not to exercise a veto on Turkey's customs union with the European Union a year ago.

"We overlooked the fact that there had been no progress on the Cyprus issue, the unusual and slightly ridiculous threats concerning the status quo in the Aegean, as well as the internal situation in Turkey regarding human rights. The idea was that if we made a good gesture there would be a response from the other side. But instead, we had a most audacious and phenomenal territorial claim, which does not just concern the Imia islets, but the status quo regarding the Dodecanese in its entirety," he said.

He went on to mention former Turkish prime minister Tansu Ciller's argument that when Turkey signed a pre-war agreement with Italy on the Dodecanese, it was under pressure from Rome's fascist regime and did not recognize its signature. He recounted Germ an Chancellor Helmut Kohl's reaction to that argument during their recent meeting in Bonn along with Prime Minister Costas Simitis. He said Mr. Kohl laughed, and commented: "What a nice idea. Then I could say that Germany was in a terrible state in 1946 and perhaps we ought to look again at those agreements we signed then. That would be a complete disaster."

Mr. Pangalos added that Turkey should now state that it will not threaten our country with war in future and that if it had disagreements on any issues it would take recourse to established procedures governing relations between civilized countries.

He concluded that the validity of Greece's arguments was evident, and that no one he had discussed the issue with had told him he was wrong.

[17] Yilmaz reiterates Ankara's call for unrestricted dialogue

Turkish Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz reiterated yesterday that Ankara was ready for dialogue with Greece, but without any preconditions.

He was replying to questions by Greek reporters on a possible change in Turkey's stand and a referral of some differences to the International Court at The Hague.

[18] Pensioners' representatives meet with premier

Prime Minister Costas Simitis yesterday met representatives of pensioners' organizations with a promise that "social justice is a criterion of our action, and this will become evident in the months to come."

Mr. Simitis reiterated his commitment that the government would provide a solution to the anxiety of low pensioners by the end of June, adding that immediately afterwards dialogue would begin for an overall reshaping of the insurance system, "which must become more rational to become primarily more just," he said.

The president of the Greek Professionals and Craftsmen Fund (TEBE), Christos Triantis, said Mr. Simitis' promises offered nothing new, while the only solution remaining was a "relentless and unpeaceful struggle."

Federation of IKA Pensioners President Diamantis Mavrodoglou said pensioners left Maximos Mansion once again with empty hands. He denounced the presence of strong police forces, which he said reminded pensioners of last year's scuffles with riot police.

In addition, pensioners' representatives once again placed before the government their demand of a lowest pension equaling 20 daily wages of an unskilled laborer.

[19] Development minister announces creation of consumer protection department

Development Minister Vasso Papandreou yesterday announced the creation of a Consumer Protection General Secretariat at the development ministry.

She made the announcement during an address of the National Consumer Council, adding that the secretariat will contribute to a more "effective political protection of the consumer."

Ms. Papandreou said a Center for Economic Planning and Research (KEPE) study on the creation of an integrated product control center would be completed within the next four months.

She added the ministry will propose establishment of consumer centers in cities and prefectures "for the direct and serious briefing on consumer issues."

"Consumer protection is an issue of primary importance, since all of us are consumers," Ms. Papandreou said.

"The unified market does not automatically mean guarantees for the consumers, especially in countries that haven't developed powerful consumer organizations and consumer protection," she said.

[20] Wave of mobilizations reported around the nation

Construction workers have suspended the strikes scheduled for today and March 20, after meeting with Labor and Social Security Minister Evangelos Yiannopoulos during yesterday's 24-hour strike.

The minister promised to meet the sector's basic demands, including reinstatement of a winter subsidy of 100 daily wages, which will also be paid to construction workers collecting unemployment benefits, as well as a reduction of requirements for disability pensions during the last five years.

The president of the Construction Worker's Union K. Kerasounlis, told ANA that the sector will grant Mr. Yiannopoulos an extension to regulate these issues by April 20. He added that if matters are not resolved by that time, construction workers will hold a three-day national strike and a national rally in Athens in the beginning of May.

Meanwhile, Piraeus municipality workers occupied the town hall yesterday, demanding that the port's mayor and the municipal council re-examine their decision to privatize public parking areas.

Workers placed three garbage trucks in front of the city hall, and refused entry into the building to town hall employees. The Panhellenic Federation of Local Authority Workers (POE-OTA) is supporting the municipality workers' mobilizations and has characterized the privatization of public parking as being technically illegal.

On the island of Mytilini, stockbreeders ended their occupation of the Aegean ministry's offices yesterday morning.

Representatives of the Union of Agricultural Cooperatives of Lesvos stressed that the meeting they had Monday night with Agriculture Minister Stephanos Tzoumakas "did not produce the expected results," although they did refer to the minister's promises regarding absorption of local feta cheese production.

The damage caused by a group of stock breeders to the entrance of the Mytilini State Theater was estimated at about 400,000 drachmas.

In addition, representatives of Lesvos agricultural and stock breeding groups are due to convene Saturday, with mobilizations possibly repeated.

Answering reporters' questions on the recent strikes and mobilizations, government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said the government recognizes that there are urgent social problems, and added that it is taking all the appropriate initiatives in order to solve them.

Speaking on the matter of hospital employees, the press minister stressed that they are the only workers to have already received 55 per cent of the bonus they are demanding.

Referring to mobilizations due to changes being proposed to the prescription list, Mr. Reppas said patients will not be denied the medicines that they need, but at the same time, waste in the consumption of medicines must be reduced. He added a prescription list is being drawn up by recognized and respected experts.

[21] IKA doctors stage work stoppage

Social Security Foundation (IKA) doctors staged a three-hour work stoppage yesterday morning to demand that new government regulations are not implemented.

IKA employees have said the regulations will reduce the number of medicines available on the IKA prescription list. Pharmacists in Attica also began a two-day strike yesterday for the same reason.

Public hospitals and health centers have been operating on emergency staff since Monday, when employees began a four-day strike, demanding the immediate payment of a retroactive 18,000-drachma bonus.

Panhellenic Federation of Public Hospital Employees (POEDHN) President I. Loverdos said yesterday that "we are owed between 80,000 to 180,000 drachmas each and the minister answered us that it would be paid off by the year 2000, with 1,000 drachmas a month. After this answer, we will continue mobilizations tomorrow and the day after."

[22] DEH workers stage 24 - hour strike

Power utility workers yesterday held a 24-hour strike to press their demands, including a change in the way Public Power Corp. (DEH) charges consumers.

The president of DEH's workers' union, Alexis Tsolis, told ANA yesterday that 85 per cent of technicians and 55 per cent of the DEH's administrative staff participated in the strike.

In addition to a change in the utility's pricing policy, DEH employees are also pressing demands for a 10 per cent salary increase while, according to informed sources, DEH's administration is offering 7 per cent.

Mr. Tsolis said all possible steps had been taken to prevent the strike from affecting the public, however, he said he was unable to give the same assurance with respect to a 48-hour strike scheduled for March 21-22.

"If we get that far it will be a tough confrontation," he said.

Meanwhile, Development Minister Vasso Papandreou said a recommendation would be put to the Prices and Incomes Committee by the end of March to institute a new system of calculating electricity charges, "which will examine possible injustices that may exist."

Ms. Papandreou said, however, that although the present pricing policy may have certain injustices, it was not illegal.

"In order to deal with injustices, I expect specific proposals from the (political) parties and not pyrotechnics such as calls on consumers not to pay their bills," the minister said.

Ms. Papandreou stressed that DEH would not be able to pay rebates "since this would mean the collapse of the organization..."

Before the Prices and Incomes Committee makes any decision on the electrical utility's new pricing policy, Mrs. Papandreou added, discussions would take place with the General Confederation of Greek Workers (GSEE) and consumers.

In a related matter, Political Spring party spokesman Notis Martakis accused the government of announcing "vague measures," on the issue "which essentially leave the citizen alone to claim his rights."

[23] PASEGES proposal eyes savings from Mediterranean agricultural products market

Panhellenic Confederation of Agricultural Cooperatives (PASEGES) President Nikos Liolios yesterday said funds saved from management of a market of Mediterranean agricultural sectors by a relevant European Union committee should not be lost.

He said any money saved should be refunded to farmers in the form of immediate subsidy payments.

Mr. Liolios presented the idea as part of an overall proposal concerning the agricultural price package for 1996-1997, at a meeting of the government's economic and social committee's agriculture department. More specifically, Mr. Liolios called on the committee's officials to take into consideration PASEGES' proposals on milk, olive oil, tobacco, cotton, wine, vegetables and fruit sectors to help resolve farmers' problems and particularly the problem of an eight-year freeze on prices of farmers' products.

[24] Sfiriou to visit London for talks

Merchant Marine Minister Kosmas Sfiriou will fly to London today for talks with the Greek Committee for Shipping Co-operation, a ministry announced yesterday.

At the meeting the committee will brief Mr. Sfyriou on its general positions and present its views on issues pertaining to Greek merchant shipping.

During his two-day stay in London, Mr. Sfyriou will also meet with his British counterpart for an exchange of views on shipping issues of common interest.

[25] High Court prosecutor submits opinion on mobile phone confidentiality

Replying to questions by the justice ministry, a Supreme Court prosecutor said yesterday it was possible for confidentiality to be lifted on mobile telephone conversations if such an action protects the "democratic form of government and state security."

The High Court prosecutor, who was interpreting existing clauses on the confidentiality of telephone conversations, expressed an opinion that confidentiality was lifted under certain circumstances for "... handling special crimes of violence" and to monitor the activities of persons and organized crime groups or terrorists.

[26] Turkish agricultural group to meet with PASEGES

A delegation of the Union of Turkish Agricultural Chambers will visit the National Agricultural Cooperatives Union (PASEGES) today, ahead of a European Federation of Agriculture (CEA) meeting in Ioannina on Friday.

The two sides will discuss the commercial exchange of agricultural products and problems they create for Greek agriculture. They will also explore methods of co-operation, so as to avoid possible problems within the framework of their coexistence in CEA, especially after the signing of Turkey's customs union with the European Union last year.

[27] Galanos expresses reservations over solution to Cyprus problem in '96

Visiting Speaker of the Cyprus House of Representatives Alexis Galanos yesterday expressed reservations over a US statement that 1996 would be the year of a settlement on the 22-year old Cyprus problem.

However, he stressed "if any initiative aims at pressuring the Cypriot (government) side, the message is that the margins for concessions have been exhausted."

Speaking to reporters after a 45-minute meeting with Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos, Mr. Galanos said: "the Americans describe 1996 as the year of the Cyprus solution, but we have reservations because this year the American (presidential) elections will take place, and consequently we do not know to what degree this initiative is influenced by those elections."

He also attributed reservations to the fact that "there has never been political volition on the part of Ankara nor has Turkey made any proposal for a solution of the Cyprus issue."

"The Turkish side has been squandering away time in order to consolidate the faits accomplis, but there has also never been essential pressure on Turkey to truly lay the groundwork in the direction of a just and viable solution of the Cyprus problem," M r. Galanos said, adding that things had not changed to "a degree that such an initiative should be expected for the foundations of a solution to exist."

On the other hand, he continued, given the developments and Cyprus' course with respect to the European Union, the settlement of the Yugoslav issue and the more general issue of security, ranging from the Balkans and former Yugoslavia to the Middle East , "perhaps indeed there is at this time a new role being undertaken by the United States, the political will for an effort to be made for solving the Cyprus problem."

Mr. Galanos told reporters the Cypriot government did not know what such an initiative would involve, but "what we do know is that the initiative will be founded on information and documents received by the Americans from (Cyprus) President Glafcos Clerides as well as Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash."

"The Americans will try to find some common ground on which they will base certain general principles covered under the security umbrella," Mr. Galanos said, adding that the United States could also place the issue of demilitarization - on which the Greek Cypriot side has insisted - the issue of guarantees of a multinational force that would replace foreign troops in Cyprus as well as human rights matter on the negotiations table.

End of English language section.