A.N.A. Bulletin, 24/05/96

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

Athens News Agency Directory

ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No 894), May 24, 1996

Greek Press & Information Office

Ottawa, Canada

E-Mail Address: [email protected]

CONTENTS

[1] Santer praises Greek economy's performance

European Commission President Jacques Santer and Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis both highlighted the need for economic reform and restructuring to continue, in their addresses to the Federation of Greek Industries' (SEB) annual general assembly last night.

Mr. Santer praised the Greek government's successes on the economic front, particularly its macroeconomic orientation and the stabilization of the drachma, saying "the more than encouraging" results had to be maintained and improved.

"I want to invite you to continue your efforts and, to the utmost, extend them," the Commission president said. "You must persist, with courage, in this direction."

"Greece has every reason to wager on the European vision," he said. "As the new Europe takes shape within the next decade, Greece will bolster its position and definitively discard its regional character and become a crossroads between east and west Europe and the north and south Mediterranean.

He stressed that the improvement of the competitiveness of Greek firms hinged on the further decrease in inflation and interest ra-tes; continued low inflation and interest rates, he added, were dependent on the reform of public finances and the drastic cutback in the public deficit.

He urged Greek entrepreneurs to continue to make inroads in neighboring countries, which will assist in the modernization of these countries' economies and bring them closer to Europe.

He urged the government and other EU nations to support his "Employment Confidence Pact" initiative to battle unemployment on a European level and improve European competitiveness internationally.

[2] Premier: faster rates needed

In his address, Prime Minister Costas Simitis conceded "that faster rates are needed in the Greek economy to enable it to converge with the European Union."

Mr. Simitis called for an end to "hesitation" over the government's economic policy and called on all - political parties and social partners - to assume their own share of responsibility.

Greece participating in Economic and Monetary Union was an inevitable necessity, Mr. Simitis said, adding that this would not be easy and would require structured mobilization, while a considerable distance had yet to be covered since, despite considerable steps taken, Greece continued to be in an unfavorable position compared to the other European countries.

"We must not be trapped into abandoning the convergence programme," he said, adding there should be no return to the "failed recipes of the past and consumer benefits" in a "new vicious circle of recession and overindebtedness."

Mr. Simitis offered assurances that the government would continue unswervingly to follow the triptych "stabilization-development-social protection", adding that "you may rest assured that we shall succeed in our aims at the end."

"We will work until the end of the four-year period of office," he said. "Everybody should realize this."

He said that achievements attained so far were not in danger of being lost and called for an end to the "grumbling syndrome" to see that "all forces fall in line."

"We all want Greece to be strong and have a voice and prestige," he added.

Mr. Simitis said the government supported the country's industrial development in many ways, but called on industrialists to utilize opportunities presented to them and to both invest and activate themselves more on the international scene.

He conceded that delays had taken place concerning measures to support local industries, but attributed them to the effort "of finding new ways" of supporting them.

[3] Santer, Simitis agree on need to fight unemployment

European Commission President Jacques Santer and Prime Minister Costas Simitis said after a meeting in Athens yesterday that there had been a coincidence of views on the outlines of the Employment Confidence Pact, initiated by the former in January, on measures to combat unemployment in the Union.

Mr. Simitis said they had discussed the need to promote a stable macroeconomic environment favoring the creation of new jobs, the significance of continuing Community Support Frameworks as a tool for development, for the reduction of unemployment and achieving the targets of the convergence programme, the facilitation of labor mobility, the need for technological adaptation of labor-intensive industries in order to avoid structural crises, and the importance of small and medium size enterprises in boosting employment.

In reply to a reporter's question on the security of the Union, Mr. Santer said its external borders certainly included the Greek ones.

The meeting was attended by Labor Minister Evangelos Yiannopoulos, Labor Undersecretaries Lambros Kannelopoulos and Nikos Farmakis, and General Confederation of Workers of Greece (GSEE) President Christos Protopapas.

Mr. Protopapas, who spoke at the meeting, stressed the immediate need to formulate a common European employment policy, intensifying social dialogue, and strengthen social protection in all members of the European Union.

Mr. Santer was later received by President Kostis Stephanopoulos, with whom he discussed Community issues.

He is due to meet the political leadership of the foreign ministry and main opposition leader Miltiades Evert today.

[4] Industrialists call for decisive action to reshape Greek economy

The nation's industrial and manufacturing leaders called for "accelerated, effective and decisive" action on the economy during their annual general assembly yesterday in Athens.

"What we must change are the rates and methods that have been followed until now for adapting the Greek economy," Federation of Greek Industries (SEB) President Jason Stratos said. "It is time for a new beginning."

The common denominator in most of the statements by SEB officials, both during the closed morning session and the open afternoon meeting, centered on the need for Greece to rid itself of what was referred to as "accumulated structural" inefficiencies, an d for a more rapid nominal and real convergence. A common complaint was that the government's current policy of slower and phased-in convergence (within Maastricht Treaty conditions) must be abandoned.

A reduction in the size of the state through privatization of public enterprises and cutbacks in government spending were also highlighted.

In his speech, Mr. Stratos referred to what he called "long delays" and "timidity" by the government on the issue.

Although it was accepted by SEB's membership that significant, but insufficient, improvements in macro-economic figures were detected, it was also noted that a recent upswing in the annualized inflation rate is a conjectural phenomenon - as the government maintains - and can be reversed. Criticism was also aimed at what Mr. Stratos termed "a climate of uncertainty which influences business activity" and continues a "dangerous relapse and slipping into unfavorable positions."

The SEB president referred to "indications of a slackening of government policy" by a "government too timid to take measures that may face political objections," as well as on a "retreat in the face of pressures for more government benefits."

He called for announcement by the government of a strict timetable on economic reform that will be completely accepted by political and social groups.

Furthermore, SEB members urgently requested a review in the nation's fiscal, monetary and foreign exchange policy, or more specifically, the abandonment of the "hard drachma" policy. They claimed a strict foreign exchange policy has been chosen because the government is either incapable or unable to cut public spending, although the strict foreign exchange policy sabotages the international competitiveness of Greek companies and their products on world and domestic markets.

[5] Papantoniou remarks

In responding to SEB's wide-ranging criticism, National Economy Minister Yiannos Papantoniou initially agreed with the federation that structural changes, especially in the public sector, should be accelerated, along with privatizations and government spending cutbacks.

However, he told his audience at SEB's afternoon open session that they were being unduly pessimistic and that they should not expect any laxity in the government's "hard drachma" policy. Conversely, industrialists and manufacturers should take more risks and long-term investment initiatives, he stressed.

Mr. Papantoniou also indirectly lashed out at the political opposition, referring to "cursory evaluations of situations", "obvious political expediencies" as well as a "cover-up of reality" in terms of the country's economic condition.

The national economy minister assured the SEB general assembly that the nation's participation in the third phase of the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) is a "national goal," expressing his conviction that such a target is not too distant. He added that based on the EU-mandated Convergence Programme, Greece will meet Maastrict Treaty criteria in 1998.

In addition, he rejected charges that the government had proceeded too slowly in economic adaptation during the last two years and charges of a recession and austerity. On inflation, he said that despite difficulties, it will fall to 7.5 per cent on average, noting that there have been negative developments in the fuel and food sectors. On the other hand, Mr. Papantoniou said public investments will rise by 20 per cent this year, while private investments will rise by 8.5 per cent.

He said government decisions on increased private sector participation involving major public works will be finalized; developments are expected on the privatization of several small banks under state management, including the Bank of Crete, as well as the creation of favorable circumstances to finally privatize the Elefsina Shipyards.

However, the national economy minister warned that businessmen and industrialists should not count on "protection, subsidies or preferential treatment,"; the private sector should "re-examine" its role in the country's development. Finally, he disputed the notion that the hard drachma policy has harmed the overall competitiveness of the Greek economy, insinuating that negative repercussions hitting certain firms should in turn prompt them to become more competitive, by increasing investments and their productivity.

[6] US State Dep't comments on Cyprus accession to EU

US State Department spokesman Nicolas Burns commented yesterday on Cyprus' prospects for accession to the European Union.

In response to a question concerning Turkish Foreign Minister Emre Gonensay's statements during a Washington press conference last week, where he said that European Union member-states and the United States shared the view that the island republic should not enter the 15-member Union unless a political solution is not first agreed upon, Mr. Burns said:

"The issue of Cyprus' ability to enter the European Union without the existence of a political solution is an EU decision, as are the modalities and timetable for Cyprus' accession to the EU.

"However, the United States support the EU's expansion and we believe that participation in the EU would benefit Cyprus... Naturally, Cyprus' accession into the EU would be made easier with some sort of bi-communal agreement for Cyprus and permanent solution, and that is where we are centering our actions. But we believe that Cyprus would benefit from its accession and participation in the EU."

Asked whether Washington would support accession even if a solution is not garnered before accession negotiations end, Mr. Burns said the matter was for the EU to decide. "We believe Cyprus would benefit from this decision."

He added: "If we wanted to be more realistic, it is obvious that Cyprus' accession would be made easier for Cyprus to become a member if a permanent solution or bi-communal arrangement was found."

[7] Greece refuses US proposal to revive '88 agreement, Kouris says

Greece has rejected US proposals to revive a 1988 agreement by the Greek and Turkish foreign ministers of the time, Karolos Papoulias and Mesut Yilmaz, National Defense Under-secretary Nikos Kouris said yesterday.

Discussing the results of his recent talks in Washington with his US counterpart Jan Lodal, Mr. Kouris said Greece had rejected Washington's proposals both for a meeting between US and Greek officers to clarify certain points in the agreement and for the installation of a monitoring system in the Aegean to ensure its implementation.

The under-secretary stressed that Greece considers the agreement to be clear and all that is needed for it to be upheld is the political will of the other party.

Furthermore, Greece objects to the installation of a monitoring system in the Aegean on the grounds that it would weaken air traffic regulations, for which Athens has responsibility, and undermine Greece's rights to defend itself in the Aegean area.

[8] US presidential aide speaks on Greek-Turkish relations

US presidential advisor George Stephanopoulos yesterday referred to the latest developments in Greek-Turkish relations and the Cyprus issue on the sidelines of an event organized by the International Coordinating Committee of Justice for Cyprus.

"We encourage Greece and Turkey to find constructive ways in which to build relations between them which will help the strengthening of NATO which we hope will help in the cultivation of even better relations with the US," Mr. Stephanopoulos said.

"President Clinton has asked both sides to find ways which will help solve their differences and reduce tension in the Aegean and in NATO's southern flank. I believe it is right to not comment publicly on the details of any proposal apart from saying that we support any measures which will help both sides develop peaceful and constructive relations," Mr. Stephanopoulos added.

The event was attended by World Council of Overseas Hellenism President Andrew Athens, International Coordinating Committee of Justice for Cyprus President Philip Christopher, member of the foreign affairs committee Senators Paul Sarbanes and Ben Gilman .

[9] House committee votes to reduce aid to Turkey

The House Appropriations Subcommittee on Foreign Operations voted to reduce aid to Turkey for the next fiscal year from $60 million to $25 million during a discussion on Wednesday, following a proposal by Illinois Republican congressman John Porter. The vote will now be referred to the full committee.

[10] Greece denies Yilmaz charges of 'vague' Lausanne treaty

Foreign ministry spokesman Costas Bikas said yesterday the Treaty of Lausanne and international law should be applied, in reply to a statement by Turkish Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz to TV stations on Wednesday.

"The Lausanne Treaty exists, as well as international law which must be applied. There are no "gray zones" in the Aegean. Greece has made its policy known on improving Greek-Turkish relations. This policy, a step-by-step policy of rapprochement includes, as you know, as a first necessary step, Turkey's resorting to the International Court at The Hague, since it believes there is an issue with Imia," he said.

Mr. Yilmaz told a Greek television reporter on Wednesday that the Lausanne treaty left "gray areas" in the Aegean which he believed must be defined.

Meanwhile, government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said yesterday Greece wished for rapprochement with Turkey, but that this was not possible with positions such as those of the Turkish government, which sabotaged efforts.

Mr. Reppas said Greece had made a specific proposal for a step-by-step discussion of relations between the two countries, and added that it was Turkey that had to take the initiative to refer the Imia issue to the International Court at The Hague, as i t is the one that is disputing the sovereignty of the islets.

Commenting on Mr. Yilmaz's recent claim that PASOK's forthcoming congress was influencing the Greek government's policy towards Turkey, Mr. Reppas stressed the government had a strong parliamentary majority behind it, whereas the Turkish one appeared to be on its way out of power.

[11] Yilmaz blames Greece for obstacles to Turkey's customs union

Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz yesterday charged that Turkey's customs union with the European Union is not operating because of Greece's veto.

The Turkish premier made the statements in Salzburg after talks he had in the Alpine city with Austrian President Thomas Klestil on the sidelines of the European Arts Forum.

Mr. Yilmaz said his country is expecting the remaining 14 EU member-states to "completely fulfill" their obligations and overcome what he called the Greek "obstacle."

He also called Turkey's closer approach to Europe a "first priority" for the policies of all Turkish political parties, expect the Islamist Welfare Party.

[12] France aims to work on unblocking financial protocol for Turkey

The French minister responsible for finance and foreign commerce, Yves Galland, announced yesterday that France will "immediately and effectively" bind itself to unblocking the EU's financing protocol for Turkey, which has been vetoed by Greece.

The embargo of the financial protocol, which provides Turkey with 800 MECU over a five-year period, "is greatly worrying our Turkish friends," Mr. Galland said during a press conference in Istanbul.

"France, the EU country which is most in favor of the customs union between Turkey and the EU, will concern itself immediately with the lifting of the veto on the protocol," the French minister added.

"Greece's veto will not block the financial protocol eternally or for very long. ... we will try to be effective, and it is possible (that the embargo will be lifted)," he said.

Mr. Galland is on a three-day official visit to Turkey and has already met with many Turkish government officials. Today, he is set to officially open "Franca '96", a large French trade fair in Istanbul, along with Turkish President Suleyman Demirel.

[13] Solana hopeful for better Greek-Turkish relations

NATO Secretary-General Javier Solana expressed optimism over Greek-Turkish relations yesterday, after talks he had in Ankara with the Turkish leadership.

In a press conference held in the Turkish capital, Mr. Solana said he proposed certain ideas, which he hopes will have a beneficial effect on Greek-Turkish relations.

According to Turkish sources, Mr. Solana proposed the establishment of a hot-line between Athens and Ankara that will be based in Brussels, NATO's headquarters. He also proposed monitoring military exercises in the Aegean by AWACS early warning aircraft as well as expanding a 1988 protocol between the two nations for improvement in relations, which also provides for the prohibition of military exercises during national and religious holidays.

Among the official contacts Mr. Solana will have with the Turkish leadership are meetings with Turkish President Suleyman Demirel, Foreign Minister Emre Gonensay and Defense Minister Oltan Sougourlou.

[14] Evert pleas for party unity at eight-hour Parliamentary Group meeting

Main opposition New Democracy party deputies aired their grievances at an eight-hour-long meeting of the party's Parliamentary Group yesterday, chaired by leader Miltiades Evert.

Mr. Evert said he feared that internal party squabbling such as that seen at yesterday's meeting would act against the party's chances of winning the next elections, adding, however, he was convinced that ND would be able to form a self-sufficient government.

Mr. Evert attacked the government, terming it "paralyzed and irresponsible" and spoke of an unbridgeable gap between PASOK's ministers and cadres and of revanchism.

Commenting on intra-party issues, he said the ND National Conference (scheduled for June) constituted a watershed for ND's future victory and sent a message to his critics in the party that "he will not tolerate introversion and grumbling because in that case he will be forced to go to the people and call a spade a spade."

Mr. Evert called for joint mobilization by his party's cadres, adding that all together could make the party's victory even greater and stressing that whatever discrepancies should be brushed aside.

Stephanos Manos referred at length to the state of the economy and the issue of denationalization. Referring to an intercession by Mr. Evert in Parliament last Friday on relations between powerful businessmen and the mass media, Mr. Manos said "Mr. Ever t said things which were right and we must give a continuation now and we must realize that the keyword for our further course should be 'rift'. Evil cannot be contained with inter-party committees, or with auditing conferences or with other systems. A rift with this monopolistic and corrupt state system is necessary and must take place."

Mihalis Liapis called on Mr. Evert to take the first step in achieving reconciliation with former premier and leader Constantine Mitsotakis. He said local committees were not representative and wondered whether there was expediency involved in convening the National Congress, the target being a settlement of scores.

Commenting on intra-party issues, deputy leader Ioannis Varvitsiotis said "we have replaced action by our party with our intra-party criticism. I fear that we have once again been taken over by introversion. No party can seek the confidence of the people unless the party itself believes in what constitutes the precondition for the people to be convinced."

Former minister Dora Bakoyianni said she would not accept lessons in loyalty and in how to struggle from anyone.

She launched an offensive on Mr. Evert, saying that the doubting of the work of the ND when it was in power had become a dominant practice.

Ms Bakoyianni said there was a problem of "spiritual unity", adding that "over the past two and a half years, cadres have been dismissed, references (to disciplinary bodies) have been made and the party's political solidarity has never been expressed."

She said that "the party though it fit to offer political coverage only in the case of Mr. Pavlopoulos," referring to attacks on the ND spokesman for his involvement in the OTE-Intracom-Siemens contract.

Sotiris Kouvelas, meanwhile, charged that he was "tailed" by an official of the party's press office while dining with colleagues of his who were ND deputies.

In his closing statement eight hours later, Mr. Evert said that the deputies "have enclosed themselves in a glass tower and we are preoccupying ourselves with our personal problems, the narrow party ones, without listening to the problems faced by society. I say this with regret. And I will not accept such a discussion at the Parliamentary Group again."

"The way we are going - while excellent conditions are being created for the party - we may leave the horse called New Democracy standing still at the gate: I am not prepared to," Mr. Evert said.

[15] Avramopoulos proposes a commissioner for local Gov't issues

Athens mayor and Central Union of Municipalities and Communities of Greece (KEDKE) President Dimitris Avramopoulos yesterday said the European Commission should initiate a post of Commissioner for local authorities and local self-administration and that t he 15 European Union members define a common civil policy.

Speaking at a press conference in Thessaloniki yesterday, organized on the sidelines of the 20th General Assembly of Municipalities and Regions of Europe, Mr. Avramopoulos said efforts would be made to include these two proposals in the Assembly's conclusions.

Mr. Avramopoulos called European Commission President Jacques Santer's address on Wednesday important, adding that the main principles set out in his speech were in harmony and converged with positions Greek local self-administration representatives had set out repeatedly.

Meanwhile, it was decided that the 21st General Assembly of Municipalities and Regions of Europe will be held in June 2000 in the Finnish city of Ulu.

Stockholm, Bonn, Innsbruck and Aarhus were also candidates to host the 21st General Assembly.

[16] Arsenis sees Andreas Papandreou

National Defense Minister Gerassimos Arsenis met yesterday with PASOK founder and president Andreas Papandreou for approximately half an hour at the latter's Ekali district residence.

Mr. Arsenis later announced that he found the former premier in a good mood and talkative, saying they discussed a wide range of issues, including defense and foreign policy matters as well as PASOK's course as it heads toward a party congress next month.

The national defense minister told reporters that the 77-year-old Papandreou advised an increased sense of responsibility by party cadres in light of the upcoming congress in order for unity to be maintained. He added that Greek-Turkish relations were also discussed.

[17] PASOK Executive Bureau

The ruling party's Executive Bureau dealt with mainly procedural issues for the upcoming PASOK congress during a meeting yesterday.

The meeting was not completed due to a lack of executive bureau members attending.

According to reports, the executive bureau will propose to the PASOK Central Committee that a 32:1 ratio be followed for the election of the party's delegates to the congress.

Other issues will be discussed this morning, with proposals forwarded to an afternoon session of the Central Committee.

[18] Simitis to confer with Pangalos, Arsenis

Prime Minister Costas Simitis is scheduled to meet with the Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos and National Defense Minister Gerassimos Arsenis this morning, shortly before a meeting of the inner cabinet.

According to government spokesman Dimitris Reppas, the meeting will deal with improving operational procedures for the Government Council for Foreign Affairs and Defense (KYSEA) and establishing a framework to improve co-operation between the national defense and foreign ministries.

Mr. Reppas said the inner cabinet meeting will also discuss Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos' recent statements on the military and political leadership of the armed forces.

However, Mr. Arsenis said today's meeting will focus exclusively on creation of a scientific directorate to brief and support KYSEA and will not touch on Mr. Pangalos' recent statements.

He added that any evaluation of the foreign minister's comments is the premier's and Mr. Pangalos' responsibility, and not any other ministry's.

Mr. Arsenis also declined to comment on the premier's stance on the issue.

The national defense minister also said the situation in Greek-Turkish relations is not a matter for co-operation between the foreign and defense ministries, adding "it is an issue of formulating foreign and defense policy, which according to law is the responsibility of the Cabinet and KYSEA."

In a related matter, Mr. Arsenis said he can definitely "co-exist" with Mr. Pangalos in the government, since they are both PASOK members, and have many common positions. He added that no personal grudge existed between them. "The issue is for the formulation of a foreign and defense policy," he reiterated.

In response to press questions, Mr. Reppas said internal squabbles in the ruling PASOK should subside as a party congress approaches. The PASOK congress is scheduled for next month.

[19] Judicial investigation on OTE-Intracom phone lines affair

The plenary session of Athens Appeals Court judges gave the go-ahead today to assign one of its members with the main investigation into the supply of digital phone switches to the Hellenic Telecommunications Organization (OTE) by the Intracom and Siemens companies.

The hour-and-a-quarter-long meeting - attended by 143 out of 165 judges and 26 of the 28 senior judges of the Appeals Court - unanimously decided to appoint George Nafpliotis as the regular judicial investigator for the case and Christos Georgantopoulos as the alternate investigator.

After a disagreement regarding the prosecution against all responsible for three felony charges and two misdemeanors, it was decided that the prosecution would be carried out by Appeals Court Prosecutor Lambros Karabelas, who worked on the preliminary investigation of the case with prosecutor George Zorbas.

Witnesses will begin giving testimony during the next few days.

[20] Inner cabinet to examine transparency in public affairs

The inner cabinet will convene at noon today to examine the issues of transparency which should prevail in public life, public works and state procurements, government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said yesterday.

The issue has special importance in the wake of recent developments on the issue of the Hellenic Telecommunications Organization's (OTE) digital phones and since the government, as Mr. Reppas said, was prepared to create a strong legal framework to consolidate national, social and popular interests.

Mr. Reppas made these remarks when asked to comment on an announcement by the Union of Athens Daily Newspaper Owners on Wednesday which claimed that in free market conditions there could be no incompatibility between owners of mass media and state contractors.

[21] Belgrade pledges full support for ABNA initiatives

Co-operation through the Association of Balkan News Agencies (ABNA) and the "Diavlos" programme will help cement relations between Balkan countries and greatly improve the exchange of information in the area, Yugoslav Deputy Prime Minister Nikola Sainovic and Press Minister Radomir Vico said yesterday after a meeting with the ABNA leadership.

Following talks with ABNA president Andreas Christodoulides, general director of the Athens News Agency (ANA), and ABNA Secretary-General Stefan Veleff, general director of the Bulgarian News Agency (BIP), Mr. Sainovic expressed support for ABNA's initiatives and said the Yugoslav government would do what it could to provide technical support for the "Diavlos" programme, which aims at the satellite hook-up of all Balkan news agencies.

Mr. Vico, who said the Greek and Bulgarian press had presented a more objective view of developments within Yugoslavia in the last four years, stressed the need for information exchange between Balkan countries, especially in the economic sector.

[22] Stavros-Elefsina highway contract signed

The contract for the construction of the Stavros-Elefsina highway, which will link the two national roads with the new Spata airport, was signed yesterday.

The project, which has a budget of 300 billion drachmas at 1994 rates, is being funded jointly by private companies and the European Investment Bank and is expected to be completed in five years. The consortium will retain exploitation rights for the 53 .5-km, six-lane road for 23 years. Provisions have been made for tram lines to run down the center of the road.

On the sidelines of the contract's signing, there was a conflict of views regarding the registration of shares of the constructing companies. President of the group of companies who will exploit the project Christos Arfanis criticized the law, saying it undermines this particular project, requested it be re-examined as, he claimed, it places the country's economic future in the hands of foreign interests.

Environment, Town Planning and Public Works Minister Costas Laliotis said the institutional framework is necessary and added that the law was voted on unanimously by all political parties. "As environment, town planning and public works minister, I am bound by what Parliament votes and the government implements," Mr. Laliotis said.

[23] Tourism development the first of new directions for research

The General Research and Technology Secretariat (GGET) will create a tourist development firm to promote Greece abroad.

A study will be ready in October, while the new organization is expected to begin operating in early 1997, according to an exclusive interview Research and Technology Secretary Manolis Frangoulis gave to the ANA.

The company's task will be to accumulate tourist information from all over Greece and channel it to travel agents, tourist organizations and prospective visitors to Greece.

GGET's programme will be funded by the Community Support Framework, while the study will be prepared by the Technology Research Foundation of Crete in co-operation with the National Substantiation Center.

Crete and the Aegean islands are expected to be the first regions to be included in the tourist information package.

Mr. Frangoulis referred to GGET's activities to prepare the Greek research community to claim competitive programs from the European Union, stating that he was pleased with the course of claiming competitive programs from the EU.

[24] Burgas oil pipeline meeting re-scheduled for August

A meeting to clear up problems relating to the Burgas-Alexandroupolis oil pipeline has been postponed until August, Bulgarian Deputy Prime Minister Dontso Konakchev said here yesterday.

The meeting of Greek, Bulgarian and Russian officials and businessmen had originally been set for May 22-23 in Sofia but Moscow said it could not attend due to the forthcoming elections in Russia.

According to diplomatic circles, the meeting will give all three sides an opportunity to air their problems and state their positions with regard to the pipeline.

The Bulgarian cabinet yesterday decided that the country's position remains unchanged, favoring a scheme where Bulgaria and Greece each contribute 25 per cent and Russia the remaining 50 per cent.

[25] Premier to meet with dissatisfied pensioners today

Pensioners who had occupied the finance ministry building for six hours yesterday demanding the arrival of finance minister Alekos Papadopoulos left after they were assured of a meeting today with Prime Minister Costas Simitis.

Small incidents occurred during the occupation of the ministry, while other such mobilizations were carried out by pensioners in Thessaloniki and other towns.

Pensioners are demanding lower pensions to be brought into line with 20 daily wages of an unskilled worker, as they used to be, and said the proposal for a slight increase made by the committee formed to look into the matter was inadequate.

[26] Correction

In Tuesday's bulletin, the front-page story entitled "Decision on new NATO members by end of the year, Solana says" on NATO Secretary-General Javier Solana's address Monday to the NATO North Atlantic Assembly (NAA) meeting in Athens, due to technical difficulties, Mr. Solana was mistakenly interpreted as saying that it would be decided by the end of the year which countries would be admitted to NATO, in reference to Alliance expansion.

Mr. Solana actually said that dialogue (with the prospective new members) would continue throughout 1996, so that by the end of the year an assessment could be made of two things: What countries that are participating in the dialogue have done themselves, and what NATO has done to adapt itself for the moment that it will be open to new members.

End of English language section.