A.N.A. Bulletin, 30/03/96

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

Athens News Agency Directory

ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN,

Greek Press & Information Office

Ottawa, Canada

E-Mail Address: [email protected]

CONTENTS

[1] Simitis satisfied with guidelines for IGC

Prime Minister Costas Simitis appeared satisfied with the agreement reached on the guidelines to be followed at the European Union inter-governmental conference (IGC), which began here yesterday.

He stressed the guidelines provided a non-binding framework for issues to be tackled by the working group of foreign ministers in the next few months, and that the open agenda would permit discussion of other issues, including some that will be initiate d by Greece.

The guidelines adopted covered three main chapters, Mr. Simitis said.

The first chapter concerns policies for bringing citizens closer together, and includes the strengthening of the basic rights of citizens, internal protection and security, the development of effective policies for asylum, migration and visa requirement s, and the coordination between governments in combating unemployment.

He said during the extensive discussion of the issue of unemployment, Greece supported Danish and Swedish proposals, which were ultimately not endorsed, concerning the inclusion in the revised treaty of the obligation on the part of the Union to take action. The majority held the view that the issue will be the subject of future discussion which will produce relevant decisions.

Mr. Simitis said that in the framework of the first chapter, the majority accepted a Greek proposal that the IGC discuss the status of island areas, and the strengthening of external borders for the internal security of the Union. He explained that the guarding of Greece's extensive coastline was an issue that concerned the whole of the EU, as it was easily infiltrated by illegal immigrants, and pointed out that it was the first time that serious weight had been given to the idea that the borders of member states are also the Union's external borders.

The second chapter of guidelines concerned institutions in the framework of a more democratic and effective Europe, such as the simplification of law-making procedures, the extension of the field of application of decisions also approved by the European Parliament, and its role and composition.

Mr. Simitis expressed satisfaction that changes made in the Italian presidency text clarify the procedure to be followed towards closer EU integration. The amended text excludes all restrictions, leaving the way open for all member states to participate in economic and monetary union. Mr. Simitis noted that the final phrasing of the text indicated that member states do not agree with the establishment of a "multiple-speed" European Union.

The third chapter concerned the strengthening of the Union's capability for external action. The IGC will study specific ways of promoting the common foreign and security policy, its field and principles of application, and the formulation of structures and procedures for more effective decision-making, in a spirit of mutual faith and solidarity. The concept of solidarity emerges as a fundamental rule for such a policy.

The above, concluded the premier, constitute mere guidelines which do not bind, exclude or determine the results. Step by step, Greece has achieved many things, he said.

[2] Evert says Greece 'exposed'

In Athens, main opposition New Democracy party leader Miltiades Evert said Greece was "exposed" at the IGC as unified borders were not consolidated.

"Unified borders were not consolidated at the IGC in Turin in the framework of setting out a common foreign and security policy; on the contrary, the way was paved for a multi-speed Europe," he said.

"Recognition of European borders in the framework of citizens' rights had no relevance because in essence it refers to citizens' travel," he said.

"Greece's prime and unshakable strategy is the recognition of common borders as part of the pylon of unified foreign and security policy," he said.

"Consequently, Greece's position remains exposed," he said.

[3] Leftist groups

A proclamation by parties comprising the Federal Group for a European Left was unveiled yesterday at a press conference by the Communist Party of Greece (KKE).

The proclamation, which was signed by the KKE and the Coalition of the Left and Progress, is entitled "Against Unemployment: For a Europe of Peoples, Employment and Social Progress."

It calls for European workers and unemployed to take part in an assembly slated for Paris this May to promote their demands.

European leftist parties signing the proclamation commit themselves to fighting for a political alternative to neo-conservatism and what they call "Maastricht philosophy," as well as centering their efforts on combating unemployment.

The Coalition of the Left and Congress party leader Nikos Constantopoulos yesterday presented a package of proposals in view of the IGC, saying the EU needed dramatic restructuring in order to evolve and emphasizing the 20 million unemployed and the 50 million of "social outcasts" undermining the actual unification of the Union.

A revised Maastrict's first priority should be unemployment followed by a reinforcement of the role of the Europarliament and other organs, he said.

"Political unification should be accelerated in the direction of a federation," Mr. Constantopoulos said, stressing the necessity for a common foreign and security policy.

Mr. Constantopoulos further called on the EU to stick to the agreed time schedule for the beginning of talks for EU accession for Cyprus and Malta.

[4] Clinton, Dole meet with Kaklamanis, Iakovos

US President Bill Clinton and Bob Dole, the Senate majority leader, met yesterday in Washington with Greek-American leaders and officials of the Greek government, stressing close ties between the two countries.

The meeting took place in the framework of the signing of the presidential declaration and a Senate resolution describing March 25 as 'the day of the Independence of Greece: National Anniversary of the Hellenic and American Republics."

Meeting a day before his scheduled visit with Turkish President Suleyman Demirel, Mr. Clinton received Archbishop Iakovos of North and South America, visiting Greek Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis and Greek ambassador to Washington Loukas Tsilas amongst others.

Cypriot ambassador Andreas Iacovides and Greek-American Senator Paul Sarbanes were also at the meeting.

Meanwhile, Mr. Clinton yesterday sent a message to the American Hellenic Friends of Clinton saying that "the United States and Greece have always enjoyed a strong and special relationship, based on our mutual reverence for democracy and love of freedom. "

Sending the note in view of Greek prime minister Costas Simitis' forthcoming visit to the US, he said the two countries were "allies in peace and war, we have stood together to pursue the common cause of peace and security in the Mediterranean and across the globe."

"My Administration is committed to continuing this warm and supportive relationship between Greece and the United States, and I appreciate the efforts of groups like the American Hellenic Friends of Clinton, who are working to strengthen our friendship, " he said.

"I commend you for helping to ensure that our great countries continue to live up to the ideals on which they were founded," he said, adding that "together we can create a more peaceful, prosperous world for all of our people."

[5] Kastanidis says US warning 'unfair and unjustified'

Transport and Communications Minister Haris Kastanidis yesterday termed a US warning to travelers on security at Athens airport as "unfair, incomprehensible and unjustified."

Responding to a question in Parliament from Communist Party of Greece (KKE) deputy Orestis Kolozov, Mr. Kastanidis said the US warning "strikes at our country's vital interests".

The US Department of Transportation last week issued a warning to travelers concerning security arrangements at Athens international airport.

Mr. Kastanidis said the Greek government had made every effort "for the removal of all pretexts and all arguments expressed by the US Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) inspectors regarding security measures at the airport."

The minister expressed certainty that the US would soon lift the "extremely unjust warning which is dangerous for Greece," stressing that Athens airport was one of the safest in the world.

Mr. Kastanidis also spoke of "actions by the US government which conceal expediencies which one must look for not only in the leadership of the US Department of Transportation but also in the way in which the FAA inspectors acted."

Describing the issue as "very serious," Mr. Kolozov said that the US "was treating Greece like a third world country".

US Transportation Secretary Federico Pena in a telephone conversation with Mr. Kastanidis on Thursday evening said the US warning would be lifted "when Greek government moves were finished."

In the meantime, US FAA representatives held a meeting with the transport ministry's Secretary-General and the director of the Civil Aviation Service (YPA) focusing on the issue.

The American experts will offer consulting and organizational help to the Greek authorities.

Senior YPA officials said the US authorities will realize after their co-operation that the warning was "premature" and "unjust."

[6] Clinton urges Demirel to settle Imia issue at International Court

The US urged Turkey yesterday to go ahead and settle its feud with Greece over the islets of Imia through the International Court at The Hague or another venue acceptable to both sides.

The exhortation was made at the highest possible level during hour-long talks at the White House between President Clinton and his Turkish counterpart Suleyman Demirel.

Assistant White House spokesman David Johnson referred to the issue after the meeting, saying the US considers both Greece and Turkey important allies and their feud "deeply saddens" the US.

He said President Clinton urged President Demirel to consider the International Court or some other third venue on which both countries could agree to help them over the difference over Imia.

On his part, Mr. Demirel said afterwards he discussed the issue of the Aegean with the president and found understanding.

Replying to a questioner on whether Mr. Clinton presented him with any new initiative by the US on normalizing Greek-Turkish relations, Mr. Demirel merely said Ankara was always willing to accept any help from friends such as the US.

Commenting on Ankara's proposals for a bilateral dialogue, the White House spokesman said "we encouraged President Demirel, as we have encouraged the Greeks, to consider the International Court or some other acceptable venue on the feud over Imia-Kardak", adding that "some type of discussion" between Greece and Turkey would be a good idea in tackling their problems.

In a brief statement, Mr. Demirel said the Cyprus issue was also discussed but did not go into details.

Referring to that issue, the White House spokesman said the president called on Mr. Demirel to co-operate with them to try to resume the negotiations process. He said that although there was no new initiative to be announced, they planned to make additional efforts in the next few weeks and months to have the negotiating process resumed.

Mr. Clinton reiterated to his Turkish counterpart the great importance Washington attributed to Turkey's geostrategic role, adding that he considered Ankara a key to stability in the Middle East and the wider region. He said he intended to promote the process in Congress on the transfer of three frigates to Turkey.

[7] Italian presidency launches new efforts to convene EU-Turkey Association Council meeting

The Italian European Union presidency has undertaken an effort to have the EU-Turkey Association Council convened after a discussion at a luncheon for EU foreign ministers yesterday.

The new initiative will be based on positions adopted by the EU at the General Affairs Council the previous Monday, namely, the "text on common positions" initiated by Greece, and including basic principles of co-operation.

The text was rejected by Ankara, forcing the postponement of the Association Council meeting, which was to have discussed details of the customs union between the bloc and Turkey, including financing.

Speaking to reporters, Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos confirmed that presiding Italian Foreign Minister Susanna Agnelli raised the issue of the Association Council at the luncheon "as one of the pending issues" but without a prolonged discussion taking place on this question. Mr. Pangalos said Greece also wanted the Association Council to convene, adding that "we can start on the basis of the known texts."

The Imia issue, Mr. Pangalos told reporters, created two needs: a Community response, which w as covered by the text's provisions on processes and mechanisms allowing effective and timely decisions to be taken in a spirit of good faith and mutual solidarity; and the delineation of disputed borders, covered by the chapter concerning the Community's external borders, and an issue at the inter-governmental conference (IGC).

Replying to questioners, Mr. Pangalos said there were other intercessions at the luncheon (by two or three ministers he did not name) moving in a "parallel climate" with his own.

[8] Agnelli

In a joint press conference with Italian Prime Minister Lamberto Dini and European Commission President Jacques Santer, Ms Agnelli said the 15 discussed Greek-Turkish affairs during the working luncheon.

She said political directors were instructed to examine finding an agreement with Greece and the way with which the EU-Turkey Association Council could take place as soon as possible, adding that consent seemed close at present following a statement by Turkish Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz and what was heard from Mr. Pangalos yesterday.

Replying to questions by Greek journalists after a press conference by German Chancellor Helmut Kohl, German Foreign Minister Klaus Kinkel said "the effort to convene the Association Council will take place on the basis of the joint text of the 15 member-states we decided after a proposal by Greece."

"In the discussion we had, I stressed the importance the implementation of customs union with Turkey has for Europe. I believe that proposals by Yilmaz are noteworthy and it would be worthwhile for one to reconsider them," he added.

Replying to a questioner that once again Greece could prove to be a "brake" on the European Union, Mr. Kinkel said that "in no way should one put Greece in the dock of the accused. Greece does not constitute a stumbling block for European integration. On the contrary." ANA

[9] Reactions continue to 'Milliyet' revelations

Political fallout continued here yesterday over a Turkish newspaper's report this week that the previous Tansu Ciller government had received a secret cable from its ambassador to Rome, which stated that Italian foreign ministry documents clearly proved Greek sovereignty of Imia.

According to the Turkish daily 'Milliyet,' the cable was sent during the height of the crisis between Athens and Ankara over the rocky uninhabited Greek islet.

Greece and Turkey came close to war in late January when Ankara disputed Greece's sovereignty of the uninhabited islets, claiming that treaties ceding the islets to Greece were invalid.

Press commentators attributed the leak of the cable's contents to a power struggle between high-ranking Turkish foreign ministry cadres that handled the crisis during Ms Ciller's tenure at the end of January and Mr. Yilmaz's diplomatic advisors.

Earlier, the Turkish foreign ministry admitted that a cable from its ambassador in Rome was sent to Ankara saying Imia was part of the Dodecanese chain of islands ceded by Italy to Greece in 1947, but denied it was destroyed.

Meanwhile, referring to Greek-Turkish relations and statements he made last week on the issue, Turkish Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz said yesterday "that those who reject peace are condemned to isolation."

The Turkish premier made the comment during a visit to the Pontus region city of Rize, when asked if Athens had responded to his calls for unconditional dialogue.

"In making this plea for friendship and peace we knew it would be very difficult for it to be accepted by Greek authorities in a short period of time. Rejection of our plea means rejection of peace, and whoever rejects peace is condemned to isolation," he said.

He added that all international problems can be solved through negotiations.

[10] Reactions in Athens

In Athens, the Political Spring party expressed its satisfaction over the disclosure of the existence of the documents vindicating Greek positions and asked question whether the Greek government had knowledge of them.

Spokesman Notis Martakis noted that if indeed the government knew about them, then it should explain why they were not used.

Coalition of the Left and Progress leader Nikos Constantopoulos stated that Greece should utilize the fact that Turkey acted on the knowledge that it could in no way base its case on international law.

He added that the event should be the basis for political initiatives in all international organizations, in order to show that Turkey wishes to be permanently outside the framework of international law, and that it acts, either at whim, or according to the dictates of those who support it.

[11] Kouris: Imia islet accessible to all Greeks

All Greek citizens are free to visit the rocky islets of Imia in the Aegean, since there was never any prohibition, National Defense Under-secretary Nikos Kouris said yesterday.

Mr. Kouris made the statement in Parliament in reply to a question from main opposition New Democracy party deputy Vassilis Michaloliakos.

The under-secretary said that the area of Imia was "under surveillance" for security reasons, but that it was "completely under the control of the Greek government."

Mr. Kouris said that no Greek citizen had ever been prohibited from visiting the islets. He clarified that the area was under the control of the coast-guard authorities and Greek vessels could fish the waters around the islets.

When a Greek three-man television crew visited the island recently, Mr. Kouris said, there had been no harassment by Turkish vessels.

[12] Hillary Clinton dismisses US warning, says she feels safe at Athens airport

US First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton yesterday ignored a US transportation secretary warning that Athens airport did not meet safety requirements, saying flatly that she would advise as many Americans and other people to visit Greece.

Ms Clinton was responding to an ANA question on the warning, issued only days prior to her arrival.

Asked whether she found Athens airport safe enough to land and whether she would advise other Americans to visit Greece when she goes back, she replied: "Absolute-ly. And we intend - and I know the ambassador has worked on this - to do everything possible to solve this problem that Secretary (Federico) Pena talked about, as soon as possible.

"I want as many Americans and as many other people to come to Greece to see what I've seen and to have the experience I'm having."

Ms Clinton made the comments during a meal in her honor at a traditional Greek tavern, also attended by a 10-member four-generation family. US Ambassador Thomas Niles was also present.

Earlier, Ms Clinton said she would convey to the White House and the US government the displeasure felt in Greece concerning the airport warning.

The US First Lady and her 16-year-old daughter Chelsea, who arrived in Athens late Thursday night from Turkey amid stringent security, are on a three-day visit to Greece at the end of a tour of Bosnia and Turkey.

Ms Clinton kicked off her visit yesterday with a tour of the Acropolis and the ancient Agora, both closed to the public for at least two hours.

Ms Clinton will go to Ancient Olympia today for the formal ceremony lighting the Olympic Torch, that will remain lit throughout the centennial Games in Atlanta this summer.

She will meet with President Kostis Stephanopoulos this evening, as well as with Prime Minister Costas Simitis.

[13] Zappeion speech

Speaking later at the Zappeion Hall, Ms Clinton conveyed greetings to all the people of Greece from her husband who, she said, was looking forward to meeting with Mr. Stephanopoulos and Mr. Simitis.

Extolling Athens as the cradle of freedom, "a city that has given the world its greatest gift - the gift of democracy," Ms Clinton said that "today, democracy remains our best hope for peace and prosperity around the world, particularly during this time of rapid global transformation."

"A few days ago, I was in Bosnia visiting American troops in Tuzla who, along with soldiers from many other nations, including Greece, are part of NATO's peacekeeping mission. There, I saw what happens to a society when the democratic ideal is lost - when people lose their sense of common humanity, when they are denied their rights as citizens to express their opinions and practice religion freely, when tolerance, civility and respect give way to repression, hatred, and violence.

"Our troops - and yours - along with many individuals and non-governmental organizations are working hard in the former Yugoslavia not just to enforce a lasting peace, but to help the people of that war-torn land build a multi-ethnic, multi-religious democracy. "It won't happen overnight. Nor can we expect it to. As both the Greek and American people know, democracy takes a lot of work. It has its imperfections, but it remains the most equitable, just and productive system of government ever devise d," Ms Clinton said.

The US First Lady praised the contribution of the many Greek-Americans to the US "who offer reminders every day about the importance of hard work, family and the responsibilities and opportunities of citizenship."

Referring to today's lighting of the Olympic Torch, Ms Clinton said that "like democracy, the Olympics speak to the enduring strength of Greek civilization.

"When the torch is lit tomorrow, it will once again rekindle all of the hopes and aspirations of democracy, humanity and the family of nations to which we all belong. For that, we all owe you a great debt of gratitude," she said.

In the afternoon, Ms Clinton spent more than an hour at the Arhontikon Tavern in downtown Athens chatting with its owner Panayiotis Frangoulis, 60, his wife Maria, their two children and 80-year old grandmother Angeliki.

Sitting close to Ms Clinton was 10-month-old Socrates, the youngest member of the four-generation family.

The Frangoulis family, who came from the village of Arhontikon near the Peloponnesian port city of Kalamata, opened the tavern in Athens six years ago.

Speaking through an interpreter, Ms Clinton told the family that when she left America her Greek friends asked her to meet their families.

"I told them I won't have time to do so, so I came to visit you because I know that the family tradition is very strong in Greece."

"I've written a book about how important families are and I know that families go through a lot to preserve this institution," she said. Ms Clinton, whose book is called "It takes a village to raise a child," said that it was much harder today to raise children in cities than in a village.

Replying to Grandmother Angeliki who said that she worked hard to raise six children, Ms Clinton said "You've done a good job. It's much harder to protect children in a city because of violence and drugs."

Replying to question by an American journalist on religious strife in Bosnia, Ms Clinton said she was "very fortunate" to meet with the Orthodox Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople and other religious leaders during her tour.

She said many people and particularly religious leaders "who share their belief in God" must intervene and raise their voices to stop crimes in the name of religion.

Ms Clinton presented a bow-shape make-up compact to the women of the Frangoulis family and sterling silver letter openers embossed with the presidential seal to the family's men.

She, in turn, was showered with traditional handmade embroidered tablecloths, silk scarves and other gifts.

[14] Ambassador's luncheon

At a luncheon given in her honor yesterday, Ms Clinton promised to convey to the White House and the US government the displeasure felt in Greece concerning the airport warning.

The issue was raised by university professor Louka Katseli, wife of National Defense Minister Gerassimos Arsenis, at a luncheon hosted by US Ambassador in Athens Thomas Niles at the envoy's residence.

Also attending the dinner were a number of prominent Greek women politicians, including Development Minister Vasso Papandreou, ruling PASOK party deputy Elisabeth Papazoi, main opposition New Democracy party deputies Dora Bakoyianni, Fani Palli-Petralia, Marietta Yiannakou-Koutsikou and former Coalition of the Left and Progress leader Maria Damanaki.

[15] Public Order Ministry denial

The public order ministry yesterday refuted allegations that FBI agents accompanying Ms Clinton searched Greek police officers guarding the US first lady and her daughter Chelsea.

In a related statement, the public order ministry states that security measures for all foreign dignitaries visiting Greece are the sole responsibility of Greek police, including their planning and application. It adds that Greek authorities in all case s work closely with security details accompanying foreign VIPs.

The ministry reiterated that the same policy was followed for Ms Clinton's visit.

[16] Checks on British beef continue

Checks throughout the country to uncover imported British beef, veal or beef byproducts in light of a worldwide scare over "mad cow disease" continued yesterday as British-made canned foods containing beef were confiscated by market authorities in Thessaloniki.

The cans were discovered at an import company's warehouse and in a large supermarket chain.

Mad cow disease, or more precisely Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE), has been reportedly linked to several instances of the deadly Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD) in humans.

According to reports, 1,399 cans were confiscated at the Thessaloniki warehouse. That shipment was imported on February 9. Ninety-six cans were confiscated at a supermarket in the Ionia district of Thessaloniki.

In addition, two tons of frozen meat pies were confiscated in a warehouse on the island of Corfu. The meat pies were produced in Britain, while according to their stickers, meat contained in the pies was imported from Uruguay.

However, authorities went ahead with confiscation for preventative reasons.

[17] Opposition remarks

Main opposition New Democracy yesterday proposed that the National Pharmaceuticals Organization (EOF) be remodeled into a national organization for foods and pharmaceuticals, something the opposition party says is within its policy programs.

ND said it will table legislation on the issue in April if the government does not approve the proposal. The main opposition claimed the government's failure to immediately locate all imported British meat products makes formation of the organization a necessity.

The Political Spring party also commented on the latest "mad cow" meat controversy.

"Continued disclosures on the existence of British beef in our country shows how perforated our system of import checks are. They also demonstrate how unprotected the Greek consumer is, not just against profiteering but also on anything that can damage his health," the statement read.

Political Spring asked the government to clarify whether any quantities of British-imported beef have been shipped to hospitals and other state-run institutions and exactly how many tons have been imported.

In addition, the Federation of Consumers for Quality of Life (EKPOIZO) called on all authorities to inform consumers "simply and responsibly" on the issue.

[18] Consumer's fears

The Consumers Institute (INKA) told the development ministry yesterday that it is concerned about possible profiteering on the market arising from fears of mad cow disease, in combination with the expected increased demand for lamb during the Easter holiday.

INKA also appealed to European bodies and organizations to reduce "the unbearable pressures placed on the EU's Permanent Veterinary Committee," and to end "the dietary nightmare which EU citizens and consumers are being subjected to".

INKA stressed that the EU's provision of information and advice on dietary matters has particularly low credibility.

The appeal said there is widespread belief that the positions of the European Union and of the national governments are dictated more by economic interests than by concern for the health and safety of consumers.

[19] Talks to overcome differences between Moscow, Constantinople patriarchates continue

Negotiations are continuing between the Moscow and the Ecumenical patriarchates to find a solution to the Estonian problem, while sources in the Phanar yesterday expressed hope that Moscow would contribute to finding a mutually acceptable solution "so that nobody will feel that they have been treated unjustly."

The same sources said the Moscow Patriarchate has been completely isolated following the Patriarch's deliberate move to exclude, for the first time ever, reference to the Ecumenical Patriarch's name during mass.

Describing Moscow Patriarch Alexios purported move as "a canonical slip", the Holy Synod's chief secretariat issued an announcement saying that all patriarchs distanced themselves from the Moscow Patriarchate's move and that they "never condemned or branded as being against the rules the decision of the Church of Constantinople."

Agreeing that the Ecumenical Patriarchate's primary duty was to keep Orthodoxy united, the Phanar said that this could not be achieved without respect and a sense of justice.

Supporting the view that the Ecumenical Patriachate was the coordinator of unity and co-operation between all the Orthodox Churches, the Phanar denied Moscow's accusation that "it is trying to become the center of pan-Orthodox power."

The Phanar said the problem was created in 1940 following the annexation of Estonia to the Soviet Union and as a result, the incorporation of Estonia's autonomous church into the Moscow Patriarchate.

According to the Phanar, "Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos tried to bridge the psychological gap dividing the Estonians and the Russians due to the long Soviet occupation ... this reconciliation effort has not been respected, on the contrary the Ecumenical Patriarch has been accused of trying to create hostility on the part of the Estonians towards the Russians."

[20] EOT announces measures to draw more CIS tourists to Greece

Greek National Tourist Organization (EOT) Secretary General Vassilis Kourtesis is heading a large Greek delegation visiting the Third International Tourist Exhibition (MITT) in the Russian capital.

Mr. Kourtesis spoke of Greece's interest in seeing more Russian tourists visit the country and announced that visitors aged under 16 from CIS nations will be allowed free entry into Greek archaeological sites. He added that a ferry-boat route connecting

Novorossisk with Thessaloniki will begin operating at the end of May.

The EOT Secretary-General also announced that Greek consulates will begin operating soon in St. Petersburg and Novorossisk, while consulates will also open in the cities of Odessa and Tbilisi.

According to data provided by Mr. Kourtesis, 150,000 of the 11 million visitors who came to Greece last year were tourists from the CIS.

Although Greece remains a popular destination for CIS tourists, Turkey is ranked much higher, a fact that tourist officials attribute to the lower cost of living in that country.

[21] Meetings

During his stay in Moscow, Mr. Kourtesis met with the Russian transport minister, the Vice-President of the Duma, and Moscow Patriarch Alexios.

In his meeting with the Russian minister, Mr. Kourtesis discussed the improvement of sea travel and charter flights between the two countries, and stressed he will make every effort for an Olympic airways route to Moscow to begin operating. At present, all flights between the two countries are being carried out by Russian airlines.

The EOT Secretary-General and the Duma Vice-President agreed on a large Russian delegation from the private and public tourist sectors to visit Greece in May.

During the Greek delegation's visit to the Patriarchate, both sides stressed the importance of tourism as a means for improving relations between countries.

[22] Papantoniou says March inflation increase unimportant, Gov't targets stay the same

National Economy Minister Yiannos Papantoniou said yesterday the increase in inflation in March was "conjectural" and did not affect the government's target of 5 per cent inflation by the end of the current year.

He stressed that inflation would fall on average by 2 percentage points in 1996.

Commenting on market prices in the run-up to Easter and the repercussions of the problem of British beef, Mr. Papantoniou said "the government is closely following developments and will intervene to eliminate profiteering."

He added that instances of profiteering were at present "insignificant, isolated cases."

Mr. Papantoniou said the rise in the consumer price index in March, for which no official figures have yet been released, was due to increases in the price of oil.

Owing to increased demand in the United States due to bad weather, international oil prices rose from 17 to 22 dollars a barrel, Mr. Papantoniou said, adding that "this development is unusual."

The minister expressed the view that prices would soon revert to their previous levels.

Another factor in the CPI rise, he said, was the price increases of market garden produce, again because of bad weather in Greece. A third factor was the increase in olive oil prices.

Describing the increase in inflation in March as "conjectural," Mr. Papantoniou said that the market would return to normal in April.

[23] Laliotis presents development projects for eastern Macedonia-Thrace

Environment, Public Works and Town Planning Minister Costas Laliotis yesterday presented an integrated complementary program of projects for the Eastern Macedonia and Thrace region.

The 34.9-billion-drachma program, to be implemented by prefectural authorities until the year 2000, will include the creation of four north-south road axes, urban reclamation and eco-development, and a special integrated program for the mountainous Rodopi region.

Concerning construction of the part of the Egnatia highway crossing the region, Mr. Laliotis stressed that the government had committed itself to securing the necessary funds until the year 2000.

He said that the Rodopi program will considerably improve the quality of life and the standard of living in areas inhabited mainly by Moslems.

[24] Massive response to OTE shares offer, Papantoniou says

Strong demand for shares of the Hellenic Telecommunications Organization (OTE) has resulted in four-fold oversubscription, National Economy Minister Yiannos Papantoniou said yesterday, four days after the launch on the offer. Mr. Papantoniou said initial figures showed the general public, institutional investors and OTE workers and pensioners had subscribed for 127.5 million shares worth 510 billion drachmas, while the organization was offering only 32 million shares of an approximate value of 130 billion drachmas.

The flotation, to raise OTE's share capital through partial privatization, represents about 6 per cent of the organization's capital.

OTE workers and pensioners made 24,000 applications for 5.5 million shares worth 22 billion drachmas, with only four million shares being allocated to them.

Institutional investors submitted 250 applications for 32 million shares worth 128 billion drachmas. The allocation for this category of investors is eight million shares worth 32 billion drachmas.

Foreign investors subscribed for shares worth 160 billion drachmas, with US investors accounting for 120 billion drachmas. An allocation of eight million shares has been set aside for foreign investors. Mr. Papantoniou said that only 100 shares would be made available for each application from the general public, irrespective of the number of shares subscribed to.

He added that there were no plans to increase the percentage of OTE's share capital available for purchase by investors.

The next share flotation of a public organization would be that of the Public Petroleum Company (DEP), Mr. Papantoniou said.

[25] Student election results delayed

The National Students Union of Greece was not able to issue official results for Thursday's student elections, after PASP, the PASOK-affiliated student union, walked out of the Central Supervisory Committee yesterday afternoon.

According to unofficial results, there was a higher rate of abstentions compared to last year. Although the New Democracy-affiliated union, DAP-NDFK, continued to be the leading force in universities and technical colleges, it suffered a drop in the number of ballots over last year's results.

PASP and the Political Spring-affiliated union, New Horizons, garnered a similar number of votes as last year's elections, while votes for the Communist party-affiliated union increased.

Almost all factions expressed their satisfaction with the results. The president of ONNED, the New Democracy youth organization, praised the victory of DAP-NDFK, which claims to have increased support over last year.

The secretary of the PASOK youth organization, however, said that in the results referred to by PASP, there was a decrease in the number of votes for DAP-NDFK compared to the previous elections.

New Democracy President Miltiades Evert yesterday met with the DAP-NDFK administration in order to congratulate them on their victory.

"New Democracy does not use its student organization to impose or promote the party's positions in the student movement, but for the student voice to be heard within the party," he said.

Speaking on the abstentions that marked the student elections, Political Spring leader Antonis Samaras said that his party "does not believe in the myth that the new generation wholly rejects politics. On the contrary, we believe that with its abstention, it judges ... the bankrupt policies of a corrupt bipolar government...".

End of English language section.