A.N.A. Bulletin, 23/04/96

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

Athens News Agency Directory

ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No 868), April 23, 1996

Greek Press & Information Office

Ottawa, Canada

E-Mail Address: [email protected]

CONTENTS

[1] EU foreign ministers fail to agree on MEDA financing

The fifteen European Union foreign ministers who met in Luxembourg yesterday did not agree on the terms for the MEDA financing procedure - a program which aims to allocate ECU 3.4 billion in European Union aid to non-Community Mediterranean countries, including Turkey.

During the meeting, Greece insisted the ministers should have the ability to decide by special majority for EU funding to be suspended for any country which violates human rights.

The Greek position, which was presented by Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos, was not accepted by the other foreign ministers.

The Italian EU presidency is to proceed with new negotiations with EU countries in order to find a solution to yesterday's impasse.

"I would like to remind you that in this issue the position of human rights was initially the position of 14 out of the 15 countries and only the United Kingdom exercised a veto (supporting that the suspension of funding in the case of human rights abuses must be taken by a unanimous vote). The others consider they can accept this blackmail and fall in line with the United Kingdom. Why should they not fall in line with us?" Mr. Pangalos told reporters after the meeting.

Replying to journalists questions on the EU-Turkey Association Council, which was postponed on March 25, Mr. Pangalos said "smooth relations between Turkey and the European Union are not acceptable while Turkey keeps the Imia issue in suspension.

"This matter, which violated the terms of (Turkey's) customs union, must close. And it must close with the acceptance of the Turkish side of three principles ...: that the use of violence is not allowed; that we must respect international treaties and international law; and that if there are differences concerning the interpretation of these treaties and these laws, whoever has these doubts should seek recourse to some body which implements international law."

Mr. Pangalos expressed his satisfaction with an interview of his Turkish counterpart Emre Gonensay "in which he takes back some of the doubts which existed according to the statements made in the past by (former Turkish premier) Ms Ciller and (former Turkish foreign minister) Baykal. He says ... that they accept the treaties of '32 and '47, but they consider that the first does not apply to Imia," he said.

Mr. Pangalos added that "as this very positive step has occurred on the part of Gonensay, the only thing that remains is ... for Turkey to seek recourse to the (International) Court at The Hague, if it so wishes," on the issue of the implementation of the 1932 treaty.

[2] Pangalos raises issue of protection of external borders at IGC

Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos raised the issue of protecting unified Europe's external borders and problems faced by member-states' island regions at the second meeting of the Inter-governmental Conference held in Luxembourg yesterday at foreign minister level.

The meeting was dedicated to the chapter on "The Union and the citizen", while Mr. Pangalos stressed the need for support and equality of social rights for the citizens of unified Europe, placing particular emphasis on respect for human rights by states hoping to join unified Europe.

Mr. Pangalos said that greater importance should not be placed on one issue at the expense of another through their selective promotion, while on the specific issues of the chapter under revision he made the following points:

-European citizenship: The new treaty should clearly set out the added value emanating from the capacity of European citizenship which is added to the national sense. Consequently, all rights anticipated by the treaty should be accumulated in one chapter, primarily the principle of non-discrimination due to nationality and freedom of movement while certain basic social and economic rights should be added: The right to work, social and health protection, transparency, cultural individuality, as well as obligations such as humanitarian service and civil defense.

- Basic rights: Necessary amendments should be made to the Treaty to enable unified Europe's accession to the Human Rights Convention.

- Political control: If a country does not provide adequate guarantees for respect for human rights and the principles of democratic functioning it will not be possible for it to join unified Europe. Accession constitutes a huge qualitative change and suspension clauses in agreements with third countries cannot constitute an "alibi" for their accession.

- Possibility of "communitization": Certain co-operation chapters must be "communitized" in the sectors of justice and internal affairs. They include asylum, immigration and the transiting of external borders. More specifically, strengthening controls an d protection of our external borders constitutes, as recognized by the European Council in Turin, an essential precondition for unified Europe to become a place of security.

- Island regions: Mr. Pangalos recalled the conclusions of the European Council in Turin, adding that Greece would submit specific proposals on the individuality of these regions with action for their utilization.

- Employment: Clauses should be included in the Treaty which would coordinate the actions of member-states more effectively in the employment sector. He said Greece supported the creation of a committee on employment such as the Monetary Committee and the incorporation of the Social Protocol in the Treaty. The IGC should place particular importance on tourism which provides employment for 6 per cent of the active population. Attention should also be paid to energy because the ECSC Treaty (European Community of Coal and Steel) expires in the year 2002.

On the question of the environment, Mr. Pangalos said continuous and self-supportive development should constitute a principal target for the IGC. Referring to subsidiarity, he said the relevant article (3B) of the Treaty should not be amended, but transparency must be explicitly mentioned.

[3] Ankara protests after Greek patrol chases Turkish boat out of Greek waters

Ankara lodged a protest with the Greek ambassador yesterday following an incident in which the Greek coast guard fired warning shots in the air after a Turkish speedboat in Greek territorial waters refused to heed Greek coast guard orders.

But Athens disputed Turkish claims that a crew member of the vessel was injured by shots.

Government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said the Greek coast-guard vessel early yesterday fired warning shots in the air to stop a Turkish boat which had just landed eight illegal Iranian immigrants on the islet of Strongyli next to the island of Kastellorizo .

Mr. Reppas said the Greek craft asked the Turkish vessel to stop for a check, as it was obliged, but instead it sped away.

The spokesman said the Greek craft followed in pursuit, firing warning shots in the air, but the Turkish speedboat managed to reach Turkish territorial waters.

He said that as far as he knew nobody was hurt in the incident.

According to the Turkish Anatolia news agency, Turk Alijan Genkiz was injured by the shots. An ANA dispatch from Istanbul reported that Greek Ambassador to Ankara Dimitris Nezeritis was summoned to the Turkish foreign ministry following the incident. Mr. Nezeritis said the incident would not affect the scheduled meeting of Greek and Turkish foreign ministers due to take place on Saturday.

Turkish foreign ministry sources shared the same view but Turkish media claimed the incident was triggering new tensions in Greek-Turkish relations.

In an announcement later, the merchant marine ministry confirmed the 'Derya I' refused to stop for an inspection by the Greek vessel after landing the Iranians on Kastellorizo.

Coast-guard officers arrested the illegal immigrants - three men, two women and three children - and are holding them on the island. In a related development, police arrested 23 illegal Iraqi immigrants - five men, six women and 12 children - on the island of Simi. The immigrants told police they were dropped off by a Turkish vessel.

Mr. Reppas said the incident took place at 6:30 local time when an inflatable coast-guard craft spotted the Turkish speedboat landing the illegal immigrants on Kastellorizo.

He added that the same speedboat and its captain had been involved in similar incidents in the past.

Mr. Reppas stressed that the problem of illegal immigrants was yet another thorn in Greek-Turkish relations, saying it was disgraceful that "modern-day slave-traders" should exploit human desire for a better life and trade in people's needs.

"Turkey should guard its borders," Mr. Reppas said, adding that Athens had repeatedly requested a dialogue with Turkey over the issue of illegal immigration but Ankara had refused. "This proves that when there are real problems, Greece is ready to discuss them," the spokesman said.

Turkish foreign ministry sources said, in turn, the incident might have been avoided if the Greek authorities came into contact with the Turkish authorities.

[4] Greek vessel did not violate Turkish waters

Later, Merchant Marine Minister Kosmas Sfiriou rejected the Turkish allegation that the Greek coast-guard vessel had violated Turkey's territorial waters during the incident, saying "this is a tactic followed by the neighboring country in order to deal a blow to the (Greek) port authorities and the country in general."

The minister said Derya I was not a fishing boat but a wooden vessel used to transport illegal immigrants to Greece and that the boat's captain was a well known illegal immigrant smuggler.

An ANA dispatch from Istanbul said Alijan Genkiz who was allegedly injured during the incident told the Anatolian News Agency that he was shot only a few meters from the Kas port.

Genkiz said he "accidentally drifted" into the Greek waters while fishing but as soon as he realized it he sped towards the Turkish coast.

Genkiz said he did not approach the Greek coast-guard ship when he was told to "because I feared that they might take me to Greece to undergo trial."

"Despite their commitments, the Turkish authorities are not willing to combat the smuggling of illegal immigrants forcing the Greek authorities to denounce this practice which run counter to international regulations and international law," the minister said.

He said the Greek authorities have arrested hundreds of illegal immigrants over the past years underlining that Turkish smugglers have many times thrown immigrants into the sea in an effort to avoid arrest by pursuing Greek coast guard vessels.

[5] 'Strong' verbal note

Turkish foreign ministry spokesman Nurettin Nurkan described as "strong" a verbal note given to Greek ambassador Demetrios Nezeritis over the incident near Kastellorizo.

Following a 15-minute meeting between the ambassador and Assistant Foreign Under-secretary Inal Batu, the spokesman said "we asked that such incidents are not repeated and we handed (him) a strong protest note".

The spokesman noted that the "fishing boat" was in Turkish territorial waters during the incident, "was followed inside Turkish territorial waters and harassed".

"The Turkish fishing boat was shot at inside Turkish territorial waters 10-15 times, resulting in Alijan Genkiz's injury," he said, adding that Turkey reserved the right to ask for reparations. Mr. Nurkan said the incident would not affect the planned meeting between the two countries' foreign ministers in Bucharest.

The US charge d'affaires in Ankara, Frank Ricciardone, visited the Turkish foreign ministry and was briefed on the incident.

Later reports, carried by the ATV channel, said that an investigation carried out by the Antalya prefecture confirmed that Greek claims that the Turkish vessel was carrying illegal immigrants.

[6] Gonensay reiterates call for talks

Turkish Foreign Minister Emre Gonensay yesterday called for the immediate beginning of a Greek-Turkish dialogue, in light of yesterday morning's incident off the southeastern Aegean island of Kastellorizo.

"Unfortunately, the incident proves that tension in the Aegean has not decreased and that discussions should begin immediately," Mr. Gonensay said at Ankara's airport, before a scheduled flight to Germany.

"I want to direct from here a plea for dialogue toward Greece... for them not to delay and to start talks," the Turkish foreign minister said, adding: "We do not place any condition, we say that we must freeze our problems in the Aegean along with beginning of talks as quickly as possible."

In referring to a meeting with his Greek counterpart, scheduled for next week in Bucharest, Mr. Gonensay said he hoped it will mark the beginning of dialogue and a freeze of problems between the two countries. He added that yesterday's incident off Kasterllorizo will not affect his meeting with Greek Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos, but emphasized its importance.

[7] Simitis to see Major, Labor's Blair today

Prime Minister Costas Simitis arrived in London yesterday afternoon for talks with his British counterpart John Major and other officials, scheduled for today.

Mr. Simitis is accompanied on his trip by Alternate Foreign Minister George Romeos and government representative Dimitris Reppas.

A Downing Street representative was quoted as saying that talks will focus on European-related issues of mutual interest.

Greek and foreign diplomatic sources in London, however, said the talks will also focus on issues concerning Greek interests.

Before meeting with Mr. Major, Mr. Simitis is due to meet with Labor Party leader Tony Blair, on the latter's request. Mr. Blair will be the first leader of a European opposition party to meet Mr. Simitis.

Deputy Prime Minister Michael Heseltine, who is also the coordinator of British business interests abroad, will host a dinner in the honor of Mr. Simitis this evening and sources said he would seek improved bilateral relations with Greece in the economic and business field.

Tomorrow, the Greek prime minister will leave for Dublin for talks with his Irish counterpart John Bruton.

[8] Reppas: no reason for early elections

Government spokesman Dimitris Reppas yesterday reiterated that the ruling PASOK government would exhaust its four-year mandate.

"There is no reason for early elections," Mr. Reppas said adding that "elections is not an end in itself."

Underlining the "big and solid majority (of voters) supporting the government," Mr. Reppas said the government was interested primarily in dealing with the great problems facing the country.

"The prime minister will be judged (by his conduct) in the battle of dealing with the problems of Greek society," Mr. Reppas said.

[9] PASOK cadres reject early election scenarios

A statement by Education Under-secretary George Paschalidis that he could not rule out early elections and that it was preferable for the four-year period in office not to be exhausted if the ruling socialist PASOK party were also to be exhausted caused displeasure in leading circles of the party.

Senior PASOK members, who are members of the Executive Bureau, expressed full opposition to such an eventuality as they turned up at yesterday's meeting of the body.

Interior, Public Administration and Decentralization Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos said there was no question of early elections. Environment, Town Planning and Public Works Minister Costas Laliotis said an agreement existed on exhausting the four-year period. Asked to comment on Mr. Paschalidis' statement, he said "these things are in his imagination."

National Economy Ministry Secretary-General Miltiadis Papaioannou, considered to be close to the prime minister, also said there was no question of early elections, adding that this was up to the prime minister and the Executive Bureau.

Asked whether there should be a re-election of the prime minister in the event Mr. Simitis failed to be elected PASOK's Vice-President, Justice Minister Evangelos Venizelos said the "people demand from us to preoccupy ourselves with more serious problems."

[10] Mitsotakis critical of Evert's changes, but willing to participate in political council

Main opposition New Democracy party honorary president and former premier Constantine Mitsotakis yesterday criticized party's leader Miltiades Evert radical changes in the party over the weekend.

"The Greek people must hear the truth about the difficult decisions which must be taken, to get the country out of the impasse and to stop the slide towards populism, statism and compromise with major interweaved interests," Mr. Mitsotakis said.

"The shrinking of ND only serves the interests of those who want to control the country's political course," he said.

The party should remain "a big responsible liberal party" and should retain its "political scope by bringing back its lost officials and supporters," instead of "excluding individuals and trends" and embarking on a "redistribu-tion of party offices," he said.

Mr. Mitsotakis said however that he would be willing to participate in the new political council as long as it dealt with major domestic and foreign policy issues.

Mr. Evert presented the party's radically restructured face on Saturday, introducing a new nine-member political council, including former prime ministers George Rallis, Tzannis Tzannetakis and Mr. Mitsotakis that will assume specific areas of responsibility, assisted by technocrats and academics, who are also to replace deputies currently serving on party secretariats.

Sotiris Kouvelas, Dora Bakoyanni and Costas Karamanlis have not been included in the new council, although the latter two have been appointed alternate parliamentary representatives.

However, Vassilis Manginas, who has been replaced as party spokesman by Prokopis Pavlopoulos, supported Mr. Evert's decisions "because they serve the goal of establishing contact with the people and rousing party supporters, since elections may take place at any time."

[11] Evert chairs meeting

Mr. Evert chaired a meeting yesterday with the party members who have undertaken areas of responsibility after the weekend's changes.

Party spokesman Prokopis Pavlopoulos stressed that meetings of this kind are usual, and added that "these meetings will become a kind of custom, based on which the party will function from now on. The work will be entirely cooperative."

Mr. Pavlopoulos said the discussion at yesterday's meeting covered organizational issues, details of how Mr. Evert's recent decisions will be implemented and on matters concerning legislative functioning and parliamentary work.

Before the meeting, Stavros Dimas welcomed Mr. Mitsotakis' decision to participate in the political council.

"I believe the supporters of ND will gladly accept Mr. Mitsotakis' personal contribution to the common struggle," he said.

[12] Gonensay in Bonn today

Turkish Foreign Minister Emre Gonensay will visit Bonn for the first time today, at the invitation of his German counterpart Klaus Kinkel.

Mr. Kinkel is expected to stress Bonn's satisfaction over Ankara's "new political orientations" regarding the Kurdish issue and Greek-Turkish relations.

The German side is strongly interested in the implementation of the customs union agreement between Turkey and the European Union, which is pending due to Greek reservations, as well as the convening of the association council meeting which was postpone d after Ankara's refusal to accept the content of a common position by EU member-states which contained preconditions demanded by the Greek side.

Mr. Kinkel had stated in Turin that Germany supported the Italian EU Presidency's new effort and had let it be understood that it would contribute "all in its power" towards finding a solution acceptable to both Greece and Turkey.

According to reports, Mr. Kinkel is being "pressured" by big German companies, waiting to expand their economic activities in Turkey, in the direction of following a "tougher policy" in the framework of the EU's Council of Foreign Ministers to have the Greek veto lifted "as soon as possible."

[13] Congress discussion on Moslems in Thrace 'not a US government initiative', Reppas notes

The government said yesterday that the issue of human rights in Greece had not been raised during Prime Minister Costas Simitis' recent visit to the United States "because such an issue does not exist."

Government spokesman Dimitris Reppas made the statement in reply to questions on a discussion to be held by a US Congressional committee on the issue of the Moslem minority of Western Thrace.

Mr. Reppas said the discussion, scheduled for Thursday, was to be held on the initiative of US legislative bodies, stressing that "there is no initiative on the part of the US government."

Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos said on Saturday that Greece had nothing to fear from the discussion. He added that although Greece would not be officially represented at the committee, Athens would count on its friends in Congress.

Meanwhile, Mr. Reppas announced that the Parliamentary debate on the results of the premier's trip to the US would take place on May 8.

[14] Tsohatzopoulos in Bonn today

Interior, Public Administration and Decentralization Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos is to leave for Bonn today in order to participate in the meeting of the presidium of the European Socialist Party, in his capacity as PASOK Vice-President. Matters to be discussed during the convention include the results of the Inter-Governmental Conference in Turin and the expansion of the European Union. The taking of initiatives by the European Socialist Party is also expected to be discussed. One of these initiatives directly interests Greece, and concerns the holding of a conference on the subject of Greece and the Balkans.

[15] EU condemns attacks on Greeks in Cairo

European Union foreign ministers yesterday expressed sympathy for the families of Greek tourists killed last week in Cairo.

In a short statement, the ministers said the EU condemned the attack and was determined "to confront terrorism decisively in all its forms." An Egyptian Moslem militant group has admitted killing 18 Greek tourists outside a Cairo hotel last Thursday, saying its aim was the killing of Israelis to avenge Israel's raids on Lebanon.

[16] Geitonas proposes intensive regional coordination to combat crime, drug trafficking

Public Order Minister Costas Geitonas has proposed a meeting of all Balkans security services and regional Interpol branches, to be held in Thessaloniki, to coordinate efforts to combat drug trafficking, car theft and arms smuggling in the region. In an interview with the Yugoslav magazine "Interview" published here recently, Mr. Geitonas urged increased co-operation between the police forces of the Balkan countries because of increased crime.

Since 1990, Mr. Geitonas said, Greece has been facing an acute problem with the large numbers of Albanian economic refugees who enter the country illegally.

"The presence in Greece of a large number of illegal immigrants from Albania has had adverse repercussions on the increase in crime. In the criminal acts which are discovered, the participation of Albanians is very high, particularly with regard to crimes against property, the illicit narcotics trade and the exploitation of human beings," Mr. Geitonas said.

In contrast, he added, the Yugoslav tourists who visit Greece do not in general cause problems for the Greek security services.

"The cases (of Yugoslavs being arrested) are very few and have not caused problems between the two countries," Mr. Geitonas said.

[17] Parliament debate on incomes policy begins

Opposition deputies yesterday accused the government of deceiving both civil servants and pensioners, saying that it had led the Greek people to despair and that its "spasmodic movements" had fueled inflation. The criticism came in Parliament last night at the opening of a debate on a bill ratifying the government's incomes policy for 1996. Criticism was also heard from ruling socialist PASOK party deputies.

Finance Under-secretary George Drys said the government's economic policy had not changed and stabilization, modernization and social policy remained its target.

PASOK deputy Dimitris Georgakopoulos, however, predicted that the budget would not be achieved and called on the government to take measures to ensure its implementation.

[18] Greek, FYROM unionists agree on need for end to name issue

General Confederation of Workers of Greece (GSEE) President Christos Protopapas said yesterday that the trade unions of Greece and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) had agreed on the need for a conclusive solution to be found to the issue of the neighboring country's name.

Mr. Protopapas was speaking in the state's capital, where he is continuing his visit at the head of a GSEE delegation.

"It is the duty of trade unions to cultivate a positive climate, to create conditions for understanding and to increase communication," Mr. Protopapas said.

The GSEE leader said that this was already taking place, expressing hope that "with a rapprochement between the two governments, with a spirit of conciliation and with respect for the sensitivities of the two peoples, a solution may be found to the name issue."

The GSEE delegation has already had talks with FYROM trade unions at a central level as well as with the presidents of the 15 branches of second-tier labor organizations.

Later in the day, it was scheduled to have separate talks with FYROM Labor Minister Nasser Ziberi and President Kiro Gligorov.

Mr. Protopapas described the climate of the talks as "positive," adding that there had been an exchange of views about employment issues and the development of FYROM.

The FYROM side, he said, had requested increased co-operation at a branch and local level as well as GSEE's intervention in order to promote co-operation with the Association of European Trade Unions.

[19] Greece opposes Turkish plans for coastal nuclear reactor

Environment Under-secretary Elisabeth Papazoi yesterday condemned plans by Turkey to construct a nuclear reactor in the region of Akuyu, opposite Cyprus.

Speaking at a meeting of scientists on the 10th anniversary of the Chernobyl disaster, Ms Papazoi charged that the reactor would cover only two per cent of Turkey's energy needs. This, she said, did not justify its construction which was being planned "for other reasons." Ms Papazoi reiterated Greece's firm position to the establishment of nuclear stations in the country.

Speakers at the meeting said that the areas in Greece most affected by the Chernobyl disaster were the northern regions of Thrace and Thessaly. They agreed however that the repercussions from the higher concentration of radioactivity in these areas had been very small and that no increase in the incidence of cancer in children had been observed.

[20] FYROM foreign minister uncompromising over issue of name

Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) Foreign Minister Ljubomir Frckovski reiterated yesterday that he was not optimistic about the outcome of talks between Skopje and Athens to resolve the issue of the name of his country.

Mr. Frckovski was speaking at a joint press conference with his Czech counterpart. Asked by the ANA why FYROM was participating in ongoing talks in New York if it was not considering a compromise solution over the name issue, he replied: "The talks are provided for in a United Nations resolution. The dispute may be overcome without a change in the name." Mr. Frckovski also appeared to come out against the solution of a composite name (i.e. one containing the word 'Macedonia' or a derivative), saying that "it would show a lack of prudence if one assumed in advance that the talks, or negotiations, must resolve strictly pre-determined views."

[21] German seminar to look at Cyprus' EU prospects

Prospects for Cyprus' accession into the European Union are the subject of a three-day international seminar beginning in Munich today and entitled "A New Beginning for the Solution of an Old Problem."

The seminar is being organized by the Society for Southeastern Europe, a German university institute specializing in Balkan issues. Several political studies scholars from Germany, Cyprus, Greece and Turkey as well as diplomats and Community representatives will participate.

According to sources, the island republic's EU accession is for German diplomacy a "tightrope act," because of Bonn's reported position that a prerequisite for accession is the solution to the Cyprus problem. Germany's view of the issue will be presented today by the head the German foreign ministry's department of Mediterranean policy, Franz Eichinger, after an opening speech by the Community's former special representative on the Cyprus issue, Serge Abou. Other statements will be made by Professor Maria Hatzipavlou-Trigeorgi from the Cypriot side and Professor Hussein Bahtsi, representing Ankara's position.

[22] Thessaloniki to host next month's European municipalities, regions conference

Thessaloniki will play host to over 2,000 mayors and regional directors when the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) convenes on May 22-25.

President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos is to attend the official opening ceremony, while those who have been invited to attend include Prime Minister Costas Simitis, European Commission President Jacques Santer and President of the Council of Municipalities and Regions of Europe Pasqual Maragall. European organizations will be the main subject of the conference, which will be held in parallel to the Inter-Governmental Conference.

"We want to influence the governments in order to achieve changes in the Maastricht treaty," CEMR Secretary-General Elizabeth Gato said during a press conference in Thessaloniki.

Other issues to be dealt with during the conference will include town development, co-operation between local and regional authorities and the role of elected women's representatives in these authorities. The CEMR includes 38 national unions and aims to promote the autonomy of local and regional authorities and the protection of their interests. The CEMR also helps fund municipalities from the European Union.

[23] Japan, Greece look to further develop trade ties

"The completion in three years' time of the 100th anniversary of the signing of the first friendship and co-operation agreement between Greece and Japan and the series of events planned to be carried out will constitute an opportunity for the further development of both commercial and cultural relations between the two countries," president of the Japanese Overseas Trade Organization in Greece Yuji Ioka told the ANA yesterday.

Greek exports to Japan amounted to 106 million dollars in 1995, decreasing by 6.6 per cent compared to 1994 when the corresponding figure was 114 million dollars, according to data by the Overseas Trade Organization.

On the other hand, the value of Greece's imports from Japan increased 9.3 per cent, amounting to 660 million dollars in 1995 as against $603 million in 1994.

Foodstuffs held first place in Greek exports to Japan, followed by non-iron metals, aluminum and chemical products.

Greece imported machinery and equipment, foodstuffs, equipment for means of transport, automobile engines, cars, ships, tankers and textiles.

Mr. Ioka said there were many small and medium-sized Greek firms producing a series of pioneering products which would be of special interest to the Japanese market, adding that what was required for positive results to be achieved was interest to be created on both sides.

Apart from this Japanese organization, the Union for Greco-Japanese Business Co-operation has been operating in Athens since February 1994, which will constitute the basis for the establishment of a Greco-Japanese Chamber of Commerce.

The union aims at informing Greek companies of business possibilities in Japan as well as assisting Japanese businessmen with investments in Greece.

Japanese tourist arrivals in Greece amounted to about 100,000 in 1995, decreasing 10 per cent as against 1994. The decrease is a stable phenomenon over the past three years and is attributed primarily to the lack of a direct air link between the two countries.

[24] OTE target of largest-ever class action lawsuit by consumers

A class action lawsuit by 17,032 consumers against the Hellenic Telecommunications Organization (OTE), the largest such legal action by consumers internationally, is scheduled to begin May 14.

The lawsuit was filed by the member-organizations from the Consumers Institute (INKA), and requests the return of 12 per cent of telephone bills to consumers.

According to an INKA press release, the percentage involves what it calls the problem of misplaced and incorrectly placed telephone calls, which it says are OTE's responsibility. INKA claims that consumers pay for wrongly transferred calls or faulty net working.

The consumers' umbrella group also advises telephone customers to record the number of incomplete calls they attempt and convey them to INKA.

[25] A seminar on "banks and enterprises in view of the Eurocurrency"

The seminar is organized by the Economic and Industrial Research Foundation and the Union of Greek Banks. The seminar which will discuss the Greek and European aspects of the issue will take place with the participation of EU Commission officials and Greek state officials and other economic factors.

[26] EBEA report says smuggling in fuel, cigarettes and beverages on the rise

The high level of special taxes contributes considerably to increased smuggling, especially in the fuel, cigarette and beverage sectors, according to a study prepared for the Athens Chamber of Commerce and Industry (EBEA) on special consumption taxes and their repercussions.

The study disclosed that smuggling appeared to flourish in the fuel, cigarette and beverage sectors, resulting in serious repercussions on state revenues and the profits and competitiveness of legal commercial firms.

Smuggling is further benefited by the tax authorities' lack of effectiveness, as well as by exemptions in the system, such as differences in taxation between gasoline and heating oil, granting tax-free fuel to ships, the lack of taxation on the exports of petroleum products, less taxation on cars in the European Union and special statuses such as that in the Dodecanese.

[27] Filipino workers to have day in court tomorrow

A textile workers' labor union yesterday expressed its solidarity and support for the Filipino workers fired by a clothing manufacturer on the island of Kos.

A lawsuit by the foreign workers will be heard tomorrow.

The litigants request that an economic agreement by which they arrived from the Philippines to work at the Kos firm of Alexander Fashion be applied.

The lawsuit involves some 50 fired employees claiming 500,000 drachmas each.

According to reports, textile workers' representatives will attend the trial, while the union has asked that the Filipino workers' residency permits be renewed.

End of English language section.