A.N.A. Bulletin, 02/04/96

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

Athens News Agency Directory

ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No 852), April 2, 1996

Greek Press & Information Office

Ottawa, Canada

E-Mail Address: [email protected]

CONTENTS

[1] Greek-Turkish relations high on the agenda of Simitis US visit

Prime Minister Costas Simitis' impending visit to Washington, along with US President Bill Clinton's meeting with Turkish President Suleyman Demirel last week, presage developments in Greek-Turkish relations over the next 10 days.

Government spokesman Dimitris Reppas told reporters that the Greek prime minister would seek the co-operation of the United States in reinforcing Greece's role in the region when he meets President Clinton on April 9.

In his meeting with the Turkish president, Mr. Clinton urged Ankara to refer its dispute over the Imia islets to the International Court of Justice at The Hague. Mr. Reppas said Greek-Turkish relations was one of the issues mentioned for discussion in Mr. Clinton's letter to the Greek prime minister.

The letter, conveyed to Mr. Simitis by US First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton on Saturday, focused on the agenda of their meeting, according to the spokesman.

He added that President Clinton was not yet authorized to undertake mediation regarding Greek-Turkish relations, noting, however that "he is the president of a great country which has both power and influence so as to propose his positions." "Greece," he added, "seeks very good relations with the United States, in the framework, of course, of safeguarding our national interests."

[2] Athens will reply to Turkish protest

Athens said yesterday it would send a verbal note to a Turkish demarche over the weekend over incidents near the Imia islets, saying that Ankara's protest was calculated to "create impressions". The Turkish foreign ministry summoned Greek ambassador to Ankara Dimitris Nezeritis on Sunday following what Ankara said were "incidents noted around the Imia islets".

The incident involved the refusal of a Greek coast-guard vessel to intervene following the request of a Turkish patrol, after a Greek fisherman landed on the islet for a short while. A Turkish foreign ministry announcement added that such behavior was " provocative."

In a statement issued late Sunday night, the Greek foreign ministry said that "by multiplying the pointless provocations and harassment, certain military and diplomatic circles in Ankara aggravate Turkey's international position, which is already extremely difficult.

"Someone more serious," the statement added, "should finally realize that territorial claims, regarding the Dodecanese, constitute an impasse for Turkish expansionism: We hope this happens as soon as possible. Greece fully exercises its sovereign rights which are validated by undisputed international treaties and agreements."

Yesterday, government spokesman Dimitris Reppas reiterated Greece's sovereign rights in the region. "Greece fully exercises its sovereign rights in the region," the spokesman said.

"According to recent evidence, Greece has strong legal grounds... Turkey's allegations are non-existent and have no connection to international law." "The Imia islets belong to Greece," the spokesman said, adding that Mr. Simitis "will state these positions" during talks with Mr. Clinton when they meet next week in Washington.

[3] Opposition reactions

Main opposition New Democracy party spokesman Vassilis Manginas described Turkey's reaction as "arbitrary and comical."

Mr. Manginas also criticized the Greek government of "not taking advantage" of Turkish press reports revealing Turkish official documents recognizing that the Imia islets belong to Greece, and subsequently "allowing Turkey to present itself internationally as a hard-done-by peacemaker."

Political Spring party spokesman Notis Martakis yesterday described as "stalemated" Turkey's persistence in disputing Greek sovereignty in the Aegean, stressing that it led that country away from Europe. He called on the Greek government to maintain "a consistent, steady, and decisive stand".

[4] UN body

The five-member executive bureau of the United Nations Mediterranean Action Program, which is meeting here, has issued an indirect condemnation of Turkey's disputing of its sea boundaries with Greece, following a proposal by Environment Undersecretary Elisabeth Papazoi, who is a Vice-President of the body.

The statement calls on states to refrain from activities, in the framework of the program, which are counter to UN resolutions and international law. Ms. Papazoi also announced the holding of a United Nations conference on the protection and management of Mediterranean coastal regions in Santorini next month.

[5] Gov't determined to keep lid on prices

The government is prepared to intervene in the market, particularly over the Easter period, to keep a lid on prices and avert profiteering.

Following a meeting with National Economy Minister Yiannos Papantoniou yesterday, Prime Minister Costas Simitis gave instructions for economic ministers to meet this week on problems presented by rising prices and measures to counter profiteering over the Easter period.

Mr. Papantoniou said the government remained positive about the course of the economy, and that the increase in inflation was "conjectural" and linked to higher fuel and fresh produce prices. He reiterated that the government will take all necessary measures to ensure the smooth operation of the market, as part of the government's aim to control prices and protect consumers' interests.

Mr. Papantoniou did not rule out the possibility of importing goods, if necessary, in order to curb prices. At the same time, the government is promoting work by special committees to curb spending in the public sector to fund pension increases.

The government said that its economic targets were attainable and would be reached, reiterating its commitment to observing the same economic policy.

Mr. Papantoniou said that he briefed the prime minister on the state and prospects of the Greek economy, public works and "on the recovery which has started."

Government spokesman Dimitris Reppas echoed Mr. Papantoniou's comments that the increase in inflation was conjectural, adding that it was due to price increases in fuel, fruit and vegetables, which could not be predicted.

Commenting on reports on a lack of coordination of the government's economic staff, Mr. Reppas said no such issue existed, co-operation between ministers was a given fact and government agencies convened regularly.

Mr. Reppas said there was confidence in the market, pointing to the success of the recent Hellenic Telecommunications Organization's (OTE) share float. He said that an increase in fuel prices was temporary and that prices would stabilize over the next period and may even fall.

He underlined that for the first time in 20 years there was single-digit inflation, and this was a success. He also said criticism contained elements which were justified, but one would also expect praise for the policy applied.

[6] Inner cabinet meeting today

Mr. Reppas announced that the prime minister would chair an inner cabinet meeting today, focusing on development ministry issues and, primarily, the partial privatization of the Public Petroleum Corporation (DEP).

Transport and communications ministry issues will also be discussed at the meeting, including issues and problems concerning airports. Mr. Simitis was due to have a meeting with Transport and Communications Minister Haris Kastanidis in the afternoon.

[7] Opposition

In an announcement, the main opposition New Democracy party said the government had lost all control over inflation and accused it of failing to take any measure to combat high prices and profiteering despite the fact "it admits its failure" over inflation. It said fuel prices had increased twice in 15 days and DEH's "bloated" bills ripped off consumers.

Political Spring party leader Antonis Samaras said "the increase in inflation was not conjectural, as Mr. Papantoniou invokes, but expected. (In fact) its alleged decrease, over which the government was rejoicing, was conjectural and false".

In an announcement, the General Confederation of Workers of Greece (GSEE) expressed great concern "over the wave of price increases and high prices appearing in the market in past days."

GSEE called on the government to take prompt measures to stamp out profiteering and stressed the need for ceilings to be set on fuel prices which directly affected incomes and the consumer price index.

[8] Sweden says Imia issue concerns all EU members, calls dialogue between EU, Turkey

Swedish Deputy Foreign Minister Pierre Schori yesterday said that if the Imia islet issue was not solved through dialogue between the EU and Turkey, then it should be referred to the International Court of Justice at The Hague, adding that the issue concerned all the members of the European Union.

During a press conference in Thessaloniki, Mr. Schori said the Imia issue was a "hot" one that should be settled through "democratic dialogue, without economic interests playing the decisive role."

Asked to clarify what he meant by democratic dialogue, Mr. Schori replied: "The (Imia islet) issue is not a matter that concerns Greece and Turkey, but all the members of the European Union. And if the issue is not settled through dialogue between the European Union and Turkey, then it should be referred to the Hague Court."

Mr. Schori was in Thessaloniki to attend the naming of a park in Kalamaria after the slain Swedish prime minister Olaf Palme, a peace and disarmament activist, on the tenth anniversary of his assassination. A peace institute is also to be opened soon in the city.

Kalamaria Mayor Thrasyvoulos Lazarides uncovered a bust of Palme in the park, during a ceremony attended by Greek and Swedish politicians and diplomats.

During a press conference held before the ceremony, Swedish representatives and Mr. Lazarides paid tribute to Olaf Palme's struggles for peace and disarmament, and of his contribution to the struggle to restore democracy during the seven-year military junta in Greece.

Sweden's deputy foreign minister said his government believed the struggle against arms and nuclear weapons must continue. "The first step must be the end of nuclear testing and the second phase must be the reduction of nuclear weapons with the aim of their total destruction within the next fifteen years," Mr. Schori said.

[9] Kaklamanis invited to Skopje

Parliament President of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia Tito Petkovski yesterday invited his Greek counterpart Apostolos Kaklamanis to visit Skopje.

The invitation was extended during a meeting between Mr. Petkovski and the head of the Greek liaison office in Skopje, Alexandros Mallias. The FYROM parliament president expressed his wish for co-operation between the two parliaments, aiming for the development of relations between the two countries.

An announcement issued by Mr. Petkovski's office said that the two men expressed satisfaction with the development of co-operation in the economic and commercial sectors to date, and estimated that this would contribute to the development of political relations.

[10] Japan invites Pangalos to visit

Japanese Foreign Under-secretary Hajime Ogawa yesterday conveyed an invitation on behalf of Japan's Foreign Minister Yukihiko Ikeda to Greek Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos to visit Japan.

Mr. Ogawa ended a visit to Greece during which he held talks with Interior, Decentralization and Public Administration, Akis Tsohatzopoulos, National Economy Under-secretary Manolis Beteniotis and foreign ministry Secretary-General Constantine Georgiou.

[11] Bulgarian foreign minister to meet with Pangalos this week

Bulgarian Foreign Minister Georgi Pirinski is scheduled to arrive in Athens on Thursday for talks with Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos. According to sources, topics up for discussion include bilateral relations, the proposed Burgas-Alexandroupolis oil pipeline and a meeting of Balkan foreign ministers, which is being promoted by Sofia.

Regarding the last issue, an initial agreement has been forged by the Balkan nations which have accepted the Bulgarian proposal. The foreign ministers' meeting is tentatively scheduled for mid-June. Mr. Pangalos will also visit Cyprus on May 2 and 3.

His trip to the island republic is scheduled after the conclusion of Prime Minister Costas Simitis' US visit and before Cyprus President Glafcos Clerides' journey to Washington.

[12] New York celebrates Greek Independence Day

New York City Mayor Rudolf Guiliani on Sunday lauded the ideals behind the Greek Revolution during a large-scale parade in the US city on the occasion of the 175th anniversary of the uprising.

"To you the Greeks, of antiquity and modern Greece, we owe everything: democracy, the idea of freedom, civilization and the ideals which you taught the world. And we owe you an enormous thank you," the New York mayor said.

Mr. Guiliani was the Greek Independence Day parade's co-marshal, along with former prime minister of Greece and main opposition New Democracy honorary president Constantine Mitsotakis.

A large crowd of expatriates viewed the parade and a re-enactment of the lighting of the Olympic torch, which was subsequently transported to the greater New York City area's Greek communities and societies.

Besides Mr. Mitsotakis, Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis, Alternate Foreign Minister George Romeos, ND deputy and former minister Sotiris Kouvelas as well as other Greek MPs viewed the parade. Delegations from the Dodecanese and Cyprus also attended the festivities.

A theme that dominated this year's parade, which wound through the Manhattan borough's Fifth Avenue, was resistance to Turkish threats and claims in the Aegean and Cyprus.

A minute of silence was observed for the three Hellenic Navy officers lost when their helicopter crashed off Imia during the height of a crisis with Ankara at the end of January. Wreaths were also presented to the relatives of the three officers, while expatriate groups expressed their gratitude toward the relatives of the men for their sacrifice to the nation. Similar events were held in neighboring states, including Connecticut, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

[13] Montreal observance

Some 40,000 spectators watched the Greek Independence Day parade in Quebec's capital on Sunday, while Bishop Sotirios officiated at a te deum service at Montreal's Evangelismos Orthodox Cathedral. A detail of Evzone Presidential Guards also participated in the service. Health Under-secretary Theodoros Kotsonis represented Athens.

[14] Kaklamanis winds up US visit

Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis wound up an eight-day visit to the United States yesterday evening, during which he met with several high-ranking members of Congress and the US government, including President Bill Clinton.

Mr. Kaklamanis also met with US Senate majority leader Bob Dole, who is the Republican Party's presidential candidate in the November general elections, as well as with the Speaker of the US House Newt Gingrich, a Republican from Georgia.

During his meetings, Mr. Kaklamanis reportedly stressed Athens' positions on a wide range of Greece's national issues.

In addition, the Parliament president also met with the President of the World Hellenism Council, Andrew Athens, and other members of the expatriate community.

Mr. Kaklamanis told a press conference later that US government officials and senators with whom he met last week were impressed by the evidence and documents regarding Turkish expansionism and the Imia issue.

Mr. Kaklamanis stressed the great danger to peace in the region posed by Ankara's provocations, such as the violation of Greek national air space by Turkish planes and other actions "aiming to force Greece into dialogue."

Replying to a question, Mr. Kaklamanis said there were no American proposals regarding Greek-Turkish dialogue or measures for building trust between the two countries.

[15] PASOK executive discusses party issues

PASOK's Executive Bureau yesterday discussed a number of issues relating to the party's policies, in view of the upcoming National Council and Central Committee meetings, on April 6 and 7 respectively.

Secretary Costas Skandalidis said discussion centered on the party's profile relating to international developments, national issues and strategy, and economic and social affairs.

He specified that the issue of the election of a party Vice-President was not discussed, as it will be tackled by the relevant party organs after Easter.

Referring to Andreas Papandreou's future political role, Mr. Skandalidis said the former premier was able to decide for himself. "Nobody can dictate, pressure, or manage the president of the party," he said.

Meanwhile, Interior, Public Administration and Decentralization Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos said in an interview with the 'Ta Nea' newspaper yesterday that those voicing concern over possible dangers resulting from divorcing the roles of party president and prime minister were posing "artificial dilemmas", adding that "after Andreas Papandreou, there is nobody who can be Andreas Papandreou".

Regarding Mr. Papandreou's future role, he said that he must remain a pole guaranteeing the unity and renewal of the party.

The minister inferred that he did not object to Prime Minister Costas Simitis leading the party at the next election. "You do not change a successful prime minister," he said.

Regarding settlement of the FYROM issue, he expressed the view that the government should not be hasty, saying that it was not only the governments but also the peoples of the two countries which had to agree.

[16] Reppas comments on Tsohatzopoulos statements

Government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said yesterday that all discussions concerning PASOK would take place within the framework of its bodies.

Mr. Reppas was commenting on a proposal made in an interview with the 'Ta Nea' newspaper by Interior, Public Administration and Decentralization Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos, who spoke of the need for an agreement between PASOK members regarding the party and the government.

Mr. Reppas said that although there has been no such official proposal, the stability and cohesion of the government is ensured through agreements between the prime minister and the ministers. Speaking on the party's operation, Mr. Reppas said these matters are being discussed within PASOK's bodies, and that decisions are taken democratically.

[17] Kastanidis briefs premier on airport issues

Transport and Communications Minister Haris Kastanidis yesterday briefed the prime minister on issues related to airport security and the financial recovery of Olympic Airways.

The minister told reporters later that representatives of the US Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) had agreed with the Greek Civil Aviation Authority on the framework of co-operation regarding the proposed training school for cadets on security matters.

The school will begin operating on Friday, and is considered to be an adequate response to the recent US Transportation Department's informal warning regarding security at Greek airports.

Referring to recent staffing problems in Olympic Airways, Mr. Kastanidis said the signing on of 1,500 seasonal staff will assist the operation of the airline's summer schedule.

[18] Development ministry announces DEH rates to return to previous staggered system

Development Minister Vasso Papandreou yesterday announced a return to the previous staggered system of electricity charges, following recent strong reactions against over-inflated bills.

Rates will now range from 20.76 drs/kw for domestic consumption up to 800 kws per four-month period, to 42.2 drs/kw for consumption over 2,001 kw, which represents 16.9 per cent of the total. The rates will be effective as of April 17. DEH's most recent rates policy involved a flat rate of approximately 28 drs/kw for daily domestic consumption.

Ms Papandreou said there would be "significant reductions" in consumers using less that 800kws per month and that any differences which occurred through the system to be withdrawn will be deducted from future bills, and that the cheaper, night-time rate will remain at 12.17 drs/kw.

She added that the cost of reduced revenue will be borne by the Public Power Corporation's (DEH) budget, and that she would invite the corporation's employees to dialogue for the rationalization of privileges enjoyed in electricity consumption.

[19] Reactions

The main opposition New Democracy party said the solution provided by the development minister was "a mockery and indeed an outrageous one."

In an announcement yesterday, ND said the government should return about 25 billion drachmas instead of the 2.2 billion drachmas it was ultimately returning and that benefits resulting from the new escalating tariff were neutralized by the sharp increase in fixed charges and that the new tariff meant an increase of 17 per cent compared to the one in effect in 1995, before the Simitis reforms were applied.

ND called on the government to return in full and immediately amounts paid by consumers with the bloated bills.

Commenting on the announced changes, Political Spring party spokesman Notis Martakis said the new charges "continued to be unbearable for the low-income groups," and reiterated his party's proposal for "a staggered system of charges up to 1,000 kw, covering the vast majority of households, and 50 per cent reductions for large families and handicapped people".

The General Confederation of Consumers of Greece (GOKE), however, expressed satisfaction over the announcement by Ms Papandreou and her recognition of the unfair treatment accorded to a large number of consumers. According to an announcement it issued yesterday, GOKE will convene a special meeting to examine the issue of DEH's tariffs.

On the question of protecting public health and the purchasing capacity of consumers and pensioners, GOKE announced that the Union of Attica Butchers will also participate in the nationwide consumers' boycott organized by the federation.

[20] Derivatives mark et launches pilot program

A new market maker pilot program was launched on the derivatives market for state securities yesterday. The new guidelines aim at introducing clear terms of market operation, improving transparency of transactions and increasing the breadth and depth of the markets, while it is also expected to substantially contribute to the internationalization of the Greek capital markets.

A selected 11 Greek and foreign banks are participating in the system as market makers: the National Bank of Greece, Commercial Bank, Alpha Credit Bank, Ionian Bank, Euro-Investment Bank, Hiosbank, Bank of America, Bayerische, Citibank, Midland Bank and National Westminster Bank.

Other banks will be able to join the program if they desire after an initial three-month trial period and following the agreement of the Union of Greek Banks.

Under the new regulations, the participating banks are required to give net bid and offer prices on a security of their choice (interest-bearing state bonds or treasury bills). They are also required to declare, on a monthly basis, their selections with respect to security issues so as to create a list of preferences.

The maximum spread for bonds has been set at half a percentage point (50 basis points) and for treasury bills at 1.00 dr. and for a minimum amount of 500 million drachmas. If a participating bank does not submit prices three times a month, it could face removal from the system.

The final form of the market making program will be announced at a later date, following a decision of the finance minister and after two alternative proposals submitted by the Bank of Greece and the Union of Greek Banks have been assessed.

[21] Flight delays as Easter rush begins

Delays of up to an hour were noted in Olympic Airways flights yesterday, attributed to the large number of flights serving the holiday rush for Catholic Easter this Sunday.

OA announced that one flight to Rome would take place today instead of the scheduled two, while the Athens flights to Amsterdam-Brussels and Munich-Berlin will be incorporated into one of the Athens-Geneva-Zurich flights, due to understaffing.

Transport and Communications Minister Haris Kastanidis met with representatives of the union of flight attendants and stewards yesterday morning, and the transfer of 50 attendants from administrative services was decided to ease the problem.

Mr. Kastanidis also pledged that the problem of hiring the required new attendants and pilots would be solved within the next two days.

The administrative council of the union of flight attendants and stewards told a press conference yesterday that the national carrier stood to lose an estimated two billion drachmas through canceled flights in March and April.

The council added that the whole flight schedule has been reduced to chaos due to red tape at the Supreme Council for Personnel Recruitment (ASEP).

The union stressed that the law drawn up by former justice minister Anastasios Peponis - stating all appointments must be carried out through ASEP - does not fit in with the company's improvement.

The union implied that Olympic Airway's merging of flight routes to compensate for the lack of personnel was forcing prospective customers to use private airlines. It added that the airline's Easter program of extra flights for school excursions and s porting events cannot be carried out.

Main opposition New Democracy party called on the government to take all necessary measures to ensure the smooth functioning of Olympic Airways. ND characterized the current situation in OA as unacceptable, and said flight delays and cancellations are frustrating passengers and are bringing the country into disrepute.

[22] Kavalla-Stuttgart route

The northern Greek town of Kavalla will be linked to Stuttgart as of today, the privately-run Kronos airline announced yesterday. A Boeing airplane will leave Kavalla international airport daily at 9:45am, while negotiations are currently taking place to link Kavalla with Dusseldorf and other German cities.

According to a Kronos announcement, the air link was considered necessary in order to facilitate the business world of eastern Macedonia and Thrace, German tourists destined for Kavalla, Thassos and other neighboring cities, as well as the thousands of immigrants from the prefectures of Kavalla, Drama, Xanthi, Rodopi and Evros living in Germany.

[23] OTE shares to be offered to select few foreign investors

Approximately two per cent of Hellenic Telecommunications Organization (OTE) shares, or 7.95 million shares, will be offered to 38 foreign institutional investors, according to the finance ministry. Institutional investors have until Friday to pay 32 billion drachmas in foreign currency for the sale.

The overseas investors were chosen from 126, based on their trustworthiness and long-term investment intentions, according to the ministry.

Domestic institutional investors will absorb 19,750 shares each, due to the large demand for OTE shares by the public. However, private investors will be able to buy less than the 100 shares originally announced.

Certificates of deposit will be ready in the next few days, while negotiation of the titles will begin on April 19. Eight per cent of OTE will be privatized.

[24] Canadian trade minister in Athens next week to discuss stronger ties

Canadian International Trade Minister Art Eggleton will visit Greece April 8-9 with the aim of developing Canadian exports and trade to the region.

During his visit, Mr. Eggleton will be meeting with Greek ministers and business representatives to explore ways in which Canada can further develop its economic and commercial relations with the European Union.

Mr. Eggleton's visit is within the framework of a "transatlantic dialogue" between Canada and the European Union, aimed at establishing an action plan on all aspects of the Canada-EU relationship.

In addition to talks, Mr. Eggleton will announce the appointment of Canada's new honorary consul in Thessaloniki and participate in the inauguration of the Athens-based Canadian Hellenic Chamber of Commerce.

[25] ANA, Tanjug sign co-operation agreement

An agreement was signed yesterday between the Athens News Agency and its Yugoslav counterpart Tanjug for the better and more rapid exchange of news and information between the two Balkan news services as well as Yugoslavia and Greece.

Tanjug General Director Slobodan Jovanovic announced the agreement from Belgrade, highlighting the significance of a pooling system comprised of Balkan news agencies, which he added will promote reporting and news-gathering from the region to the rest of the world. He added that this development will benefit Balkan countries and major wire services.

[26] British minister to address BHCC luncheon

British MP Roger Freeman, who is to visit Greece April 5-8, will address a British Hellenic Chamber of Commerce (BHCC) luncheon on April 8, a BHCC announcement said.

Mr. Freeman supports the British deputy prime minister and discharges, on a day-to-day basis, the responsibilities of the minister for the civil service. One of those responsibilities is for the progress and development of deregulation, the BHCC said.

Mr. Freeman's address to the BHCC luncheon will be on the subject: "Deregulation in the UK and Europe."

[27] Moscow Patriarch calls for closer links between Orthodox faithful

Moscow Patriarch Alexios said yesterday that efforts must be made to develop tourism between members of the Orthodox faith. The Patriarch was speaking during his meeting with a Greek delegation attending the International Travel and Tourism Exhibition MITT '96 in Moscow.

"At present in Russia and the other Balkan countries there is a tendency of infiltration of foreign missionaries who are openly recruiting, but Orthodoxy is strong and united. For this reason, we must develop tourism amongst the faithful," Patriarch Alexios said.

"We hope that the difficulties that have appeared recently between the Moscow and Constantinople Churches will not affect these relations," the Patriarch added.

Greek National Tourism Organization (EOT) Secretary-General Vassilis Kourtesis, who is heading the Greek delegation to Moscow, expressed his hope for a speedy solution to be found to "the small problems that have been created."

He also handed the Patriarch a sum to aid in the completion of the restoration of the Church of the Saviour located in the center of Moscow. In an interview with a Russian television channel, the Patriarch said he will hold an unofficial meeting with representatives of the Ecumenical Patriarchate on April 6, after which the two sides will conduct formal talks.

[28] Vartholomeos visit to Athens called off

The scheduled official visit of Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos to Athens has been postponed indefinitely due to Archbishop of Athens and All Greece Seraphim's health problems. The visit had been set to take place in May.

End of English language section.