A.N.A. Bulletin, 11/06/96

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

Athens News Agency Directory

ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No 908), June 11, 1996

Greek Press & Information Office

Ottawa, Canada

E-Mail Address: [email protected]

CONTENTS

[1] P.M.: Greece taking all measures to counter Turkish aggressiveness

Prime Minister Costas Simitis yesterday warned Turkey to halt its policy of aggressiveness towards Greece, stressing that all immediate and medium-term deterrent steps had been taken to counter Ankara's strategy.

"Turkey must realize that its strategy of aggressiveness against Greece and its indifference to the principles and values that govern European societies will lead it to an impasse," Mr. Simitis said.

Speaking after a special meeting of the Government Council for Foreign Affairs and Defense (KYSEA), the premier said Turkey's "perpetual aggressiveness" against Greece was nourished by the political instability in the neighboring country.

Greece, he stressed, "is determined to counter this strategy of Turkey with all means."

Ankara, Mr. Simitis continued, was "systematically undermining stability in the region," pointing out that "its tactic of creating new issues at Greece's expense combined with the recent statements by the Turkish prime minister, give a new, provocative dimension."

He said Greece was in the process of lodging the necessary demarches with international organizations and its partners, "who believe in the principle of peace and stability in the region and respect the rules of international law."

Mr. Simitis said the Greek armed forces were fully prepared and that "all immediate and medium-term deterrent measures have been taken." He added that the rest of the state apparatus was in constant coordination with the foreign and national defense ministries.

"The Greek government and the whole of Hellenism, united, will with determination and calm-headedness face Turkish aggressiveness," he added.

The latest Greek-Turkish diplomatic tension erupted last week when a Turkish naval officer serving at NATO's regional headquarters in Naples demanded that Gavdos, an inhabited island lying south of Crete, be excluded from the planning of a NATO exercise scheduled for September as being a "disputed area". The alliance immediately rejected the request.

The prime minister is scheduled to visit the island during his four-day tour of Crete which begins Thursday.

[2] Gov't spokesman on KYSEA meeting

"Greece is perhaps the only factor for stability and security in the greater area of the Balkans and the southeast Mediterranean," government spokesman Dimitris Reppas told reporters after yesterday's KYSEA meeting.

Mr. Reppas called on the international community "to draw its own conclusions" from Ankara's recent aggressive stance towards Athens, adding that Turkey was incapable of playing a stabilizing role in the region. "It would be worthwhile for the European Union, NATO, and foreign countries to occupy themselves with the problems which arise in the region due to Turkey's provocative and aggressive stance, and to contribute to the restoration of conditions of calm and smooth relations in the region," Mr. Reppas said.

The spokesman said the purchase of new weapons systems would be discussed at a forthcoming KYSEA meeting.

[3] Party responses

Commenting on the government's decision, the Communist Party of Greece (KKE) said in a statement that the independence, integrity and defense of the country are not secured through a new acceleration of the armaments race.

The government's actions are not only ineffective, but also dangerous for the country, it added, claiming that since NATO did not guarantee Greece's borders, there could be no solution to the benefit of the country.

The Coalition of the Left and Progress called on the government to steer clear of "double-talk and retractions" and called on Athens to employ coordinated diplomatic and political initiatives in order to make it clear that the Turkish stance comprises a dispute of Greek sovereignty, a contempt for the principles of international law and a threat against current borders.

"Ankara's provocations clearly demonstrate who is subverting efforts to de-escalate tension in relations between the two countries and who is promoting scenaria for conflict," the Coalition notes. The party added that Turkey's provocativeness should be turned into a "boomerang" for Ankara's designs.

It also called on the United States and the European Union to take a clear position on the issue.

[4] Turkey to hold EU at arms' length?

Turkish leaders during the weekend discussed the possibility of a freeze in relations with the European Union due to the veto Greece was expected to exercise following the raising of the issue concerning Gavdos within NATO, press sources said yesterday.

Turkish papers say that the meeting, chaired by President Suleyman Demirel, was attended by Chief of the General Staff Ismail Karadayi, Foreign Minister Emre Gonensay, and Defense Minister Oltan Sungurlu, and produced a decision "not to escalate the issue, despite the stand adopted by Greece".

Replying to a question concerning Prime Minister Costas Simitis' forthcoming visit to Gavdos, Mr. Gonensay said "we have not began discussions on the status of the island," and described the issue which surfaced during planning of a NATO exercise in Naples as "technical".

Turkey, he said, had reacted to a change proposed by Greece "at the last minute" to the plan which had only just been finalized.

[5] Orthodox parliaments condemn Turkish threats

The third European Orthodox Interparliamentary Conference, held in Sofia on June 7-10, condemned Turkey for "dangerous disturbance of the peace in the Aegean and in other areas".

The conference confirmed a decision taken by the secretariat in February 1996, stressing that "provocations are continuing, increasing the danger of a climaxing of tension."

The conference called on European and international organizations for "immediate intervention with the Turkish side for the avoidance of similar actions in the wider region, which would not aid co-existence, friendship and peace between the people."

[6] Kostis Stephanopoulos begins official visit to Bonn

President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos, accompanied by Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos, arrived in Bonn yesterday for an official visit and round of talks with the German leadership, at the invitation of his German counterpart Roman Herzog.

After talks with the German president prior to an official dinner in his honor, Mr. Stephanopoulos called their discussions "very useful" and "very interesting."

During brief statements afterwards to Greek reporters covering his trip, Mr. Stephanopoulos said discussions with Mr. Herzog centered on Greek-Turkish issues, but were later expanded to Balkan matters, specifically Greece's relations with its Balkan neighbors.

"The meeting with Mr. Herzog was very friendly and warm," he said, without going into details about content. After his talks with the German president, he was greeted by the Mayor of Bonn Baerbel Dieckmann at the City Hall.

Today, the Greek president, along with Mr. Pangalos, will have a working breakfast with German Foreign Minister Klaus Kinkel, as well as contacts with representatives of German trade and industrial chambers of commerce, in addition to a meeting with German Chancellor Helmut Kohl. Later in the day, he will attend a church service with representatives of Greek expatriate groups at the Greek Orthodox Cathedral.

Mr. Pangalos is scheduled to have an hour-and-a-half private meeting with his German counterpart after the working breakfast with the Greek president to discuss issues in anticipation of an EU summit in Florence later this month.

The two foreign ministers will also discuss Greek-Turkish relations. Mr. Pangalos told reporters he would sound out Mr. Kinkel's position concerning an intention he has expressed to undertake a mediating initiative aimed at reducing tension between Athens and Ankara. "Germany has interests in our region," Mr. Pangalos added.

According to sources, the Greek foreign minister may also raise the issue of an occupation "loan" Greece was forced to extend to Nazi occupation forces during World War II.

[7] Statements during dinner

After his visit to Bonn's City Hall, Mr. Stephanopoulos attended an official dinner yesterday evening in his honor, where he addressed in detail political issues, commenting directly on the Cyprus problem and indirectly on Ankara's dispute of Greek sovereignty as well as the neighboring country's threats against Greece.

"It is necessary for us to fight within the framework of Europe against every attempt at rekindling expansionist pursuits and aspirations on our continent. We must condemn the use of violence or threat to use violence in bilateral relations, as well as attempts to change borders, which have cost rivers of blood among European peoples," he added.

He also condemned what he called the "continued illegality against the Republic of Cyprus, where a military occupation remains over one-third of the territory of an independent and United Nations member state, which is also associated with the European Union and with the prospect of full accession."

In his statements at the dinner, hosted by the German president, Mr. Stephanopoulos said the situation on the island republic should and can come to an end, calling the "Green Line" dividing Nicosia an "unacceptable anachronism" in an age when dividing walls are collapsing around the world.

"At this time I recall the numerous German Philhellenes and travelers, who at the beginning of the 19th century visited my country, searching, as Goethe counseled, for 'the soul of Greece' and the others who participated in the struggle for Greece's independence," Mr. Stephanopoulos continued.

In reference to Athens' foreign policy, the Greek head of state highlighted the nation's European orientation and the stabilizing role it can play in the region.

"Because of the present day's uncertainties, it is natural for one to search for factors of stability. The most significant of these factors is undoubtedly the European Union. I believe that in its present form, but more so with the completion of its unification, Europe can play a vital role in the world's course.

"Greece, the only country in southeastern Europe participating both in the European Union and NATO is ready, along with its partners, to assist in the stabilization of the greater area. Proof of this is its (Greece's) peaceful foreign policy as well as its intense economic assistance and presence toward its northern neighbors."

In defending the idea of European unification, Mr. Stephanopoulos said "the idea of a Europe of various speeds is unacceptable, because it is against the spirit of solidarity, which must govern the European Union."

In his dinner address towards his visiting Greek counterpart, the German president heralded the ideals and myths of ancient Greece, saying "European civilization has its roots in ancient Greece," before adding that because of that fact "a European Union without Greece would be incomplete..."

In reference to on-going political and national problems, Mr. Herzog avoided touching upon issues dealing directly with Greek-Turkish relations. He commented on "Greece's return to European scene in the last century" and European Union enlargement six months after the end of the inter-governmental conference, without however, mentioning Cyprus.

The German president also avoided references to principles of international law or a condemnation of policies employing threats to use force. He did refer, however, to the 52th anniversary of the slaughter at Distomo by Nazi forces in 1944, saying "that as coincidence would have it, today (yesterday) is the anniversary of the slaughter of Distomo, whose victims we honor with respect..."

[8] Support from CDU deputies

The leader of the parliamentary group for foreign affairs of the Christian Democrat party (CDU), Karl Lamers, and CDU deputy and Vice-President of the German-Greek group, Friedbert Pflueger, yesterday issued a joint statement in support of Greece's positions on the status quo in the Aegean in response to

Turkish claims. The statement was issued on the occasion of Mr. Stephanopoulos' official visit to Germany.

In the statement, the two German politicians encouraged Athens and Ankara to work towards a dialogue, stressing that "the talks should in no way concern issues of territorial sovereignty."

"From the point of view of international law, the existing status quo in the Aegean is quite clear and internationally recognized. Whoever puts forward claims should not be allowed to do so by using threats or force, but rather through recourse to the International Court at the Hague. Greece must be able to rely on us (Germany) and its other European partners...," the statement read.

Within this framework, the German deputies said Greece should consent to the (EU) financial assistance to Turkey.

Both politicians recently visited Greece and had talks with Prime Minister Costas Simitis, Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos and main opposition New Democracy party leader Miltiades Evert.

They expressed a view that Greek-German relations were "better than what they are reported to be," and consider Mr. Stephanopoulos' visit "a suitable opportunity to praise Greece's pro-European stance."

[9] Romeos calls on EU to make its position on Turkish provocations clear

Alternate Foreign Minister George Romeos yesterday asked the EU Council of Ministers to express its solidarity with Greece in view of Turkish aggressiveness. During yesterday's session of the Council, three countries, Italy, France, and Spain, pressingly raised the issue of ratification of the MEDA programme, whose financing largely concerns Turkey. Press reports said that the three countries, assisted by most other member-states, let it be understood that the issue might be raised again during the Florence summit next week.

Mr. Romeos replied that "the only thing Greece is asking is that European credibility is strengthened through the demonstration of a stable and cohesive policy, based on the principles of international law, international legitimacy, good neighborly relations, and the necessary showing of an elementary solidarity between the member-states".

"The showing of solidarity could be expressed in a joint statement by the 15 in the aforementioned spirit," he said, adding that "until that happens, it is impossible for Greece to allow the rewarding of Turkish aggressiveness through Community financing".

Questioned on the possibility of the MEDA programme ratification being raised again in Florence, Mr. Romeos replied he did not consider it likely, as "no relevant decision had been adopted".

More precisely, Mr. Romeos said that "Greece, as a Mediterranean country, is interested perhaps more than many member-states in the speedy implementation of Euro-Mediterranean co-operation," and added that "the basis for the promotion of a substantial Euro-Mediterranean dialogue was suggested during the Greek presidency (of the EU) at the summit meeting of Corfu."

However, he said, "it is not possible for us to ignore the present reality" and the problems being created by Turkey for Greece. "We are repeatedly called on to be cooperative in initiatives taken by the EU for the support of the stability of Turkey. The problem is that every EU move for opening towards and support of the neighboring country is followed by an increase in Turkish provocation and aggression against Greece.

"For example, the EU invited Ms Ciller to Madrid, on the sidelines of the European Council last December. Shortly afterwards, the Turkish side created the issue of Imia. Now the European Union invites Mr. Yilmaz ... to be briefed in Florence, after the end of the European Council. This initiative naturally finds us contrary.

"At the same time, Turkey raises an issue over Gavdos, which is basically a part of Crete. Tomorrow, it is possible claims in the Ionian will be made. We wonder where this audacity will finally end."

"Unfortunately Turkish provocativeness and these uncontrolled expansionist tendencies are being encouraged by the stance of certain partners, and by the hesitation of the whole Union to call it to order."

[10] Armenian president expected in Greece next week

Armenian President Levon Ter-Petrossian will pay an official two-day visit to Greece beginning June 17 at the invitation of President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos. At the end of the official part of the visit, the Armenian president and h is wife will pay an informal visit to Thessaloniki on June 19.

[11] Irish minister due in Crete this weekend

Irish Agriculture Minister Ivan Yates will begin his three-day visit to Greece in Iraklion, Crete this Sunday before flying to Athens to attend a meeting at the agriculture ministry on Tuesday.

The minister's visit is within the framework of contacts prior to the assumption by Dublin of the European Union's rotating presidency in the second half of 1996.

He will be accompanied by Agriculture Minister Stephanos Tzoumakas in contacts he will have Monday on Crete with representatives of the island's agricultural collectives and associations.

[12] New Greek ambassador to Belgrade pledges to further improve bilateral relations

The new Greek Ambassador to the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, Panayiotis Vlassopoulos, arrived in Belgrade yesterday to take up his post.

Mr. Vlassopoulos told journalists on his arrival that he would work towards contributing to the further improvement of bilateral relations, saying he was pleased to be in Yugoslavia, a country with which Greece has historical and traditional ties.

The friendly sentiments of the Greek people towards Yugoslavia were proved during the conflict, he added.

Mr. Vlassopoulos said Yugoslavia is playing an important and constructive role for the implementation of the Dayton peace agreement, and added that this will contribute to peace and stability in the Balkan region.

"Greece supports Yugoslavia's re-entry into the international community," Mr. Vlassopoulos said, and stressed that Greece and Yugoslavia have always been friendly towards one another and have never had any problems in bilateral relations.

Greece had reduced diplomatic relations to charge d'affairs levels in May 1992, after a European Union decision due to sanctions which had been imposed on the country.

The last Greek ambassador to Belgrade was Eleftherios Karayiannis, while Michalis Spinellis was the Greek charge d'affaires from May 1992 until now.

After Yugoslavia's decision to recognize the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia on April 8, all European countries upgraded diplomatic relations with the country to ambassadorial level, with most countries designating their charge d'affaires as ambassadors.

[13] Gov't has nothing official on reports of Milosevic's Cretan holiday

Government spokesman Dimitris Reppas yesterday stopped short of confirming reports that Serbian President Slobodan Milosevic was on holiday on Crete.

According to ANA sources in Crete on Sunday, Mr. Milosevic arrived in Elounda, a resort on the island's north coast, late Friday night for a three-day vacation.

Replying to press questions yesterday, Mr. Reppas said that "Greece is a beautiful country which many people want to visit," adding that there had been no contact between Mr. Milosevic and Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos nor with other government officials.

"Nor has something of the sort been requested," he added.

A late press report said that Mr. Milosevic had departed Crete on a Lear jet last night after a three-day visit. The Serbian president made no statements to reporters.

Although Athens did not officially confirm Mr. Milosevic's stay in Elounda, Yugoslav diplomatic circles in Belgrade unofficially verified the story. Two Belgrade dailies, 'Dnevni Telegraf' and 'Nasa Borba' also carried stories on the report. Official confirmation has not been issued, according to sources, because the stay in Crete is a private visit for the Serbian president and his wife. The same sources state that Mr. Milosevic will depart for his summer holiday on June 21, with Greece again believed to be his destination.

[14] Greek-FYROM name talks in NY get off to a slow start

Asked to comment after the first two-hour session of resumed direct talks between Greece and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), the UN secretary-general's representative Cyrus Vance responded with a lukewarm "It's all right".

"These issues need time. Of course talks are about the issue of the name and how we shall handle it best," he added. After a working lunch with the two countries' representatives, Mr. Vance stated talks would resume either today or tomorrow.

[15] Greece stresses protection of external borders, territorial integrity at IGC session

The fourth foreign ministers' session of the inter-governmental conference (IGC) yesterday focused on strengthening the European Union's common foreign policy and security policy (CFPSP) and shaping, at a suitable time, a common defense policy.

Alternate Foreign Minister George Romeos, who represented Greece at the meeting, set out Greek positions in detail on the development of a CFPSP, dominated by the Greek claim for protection for the EU's external borders and the territorial integrity of its member-states.

Greece maintains that these principles, as well as safeguarding respect for international law in developing inter-state relations, should be written clearly in the treaty to enable targets set in a CFPSP to become clearer and, in parallel, to have the legitimacy and credibility of the EU's external activities strengthened.

On this basis, Greece believes that the initiation of "a general solidarity clause" should provide member-states invoking it with the possibility of calling for "the rendering of mutual assistance."

A memorandum tabled by Mr. Romeos containing Greek positions said this clause "could function as the EU's contribution to the protection of its external borders" which had to constitute an issue of "mutual interest and mutual care" for the EU and the countries comprising it.

On the question of institutional means with which CFPSP will be "equipped", Greece aligns itself with the proposal to create an "analyzing and planning" group, adding that "it should be incorporated in the EU's institutional framework."

Greece maintains that the effective implementation of CFPSP can be secured by widening the European Commission's role and strengthening the role of the Council of Ministers' Secretariat and that there will be no reason for a specific person to be appointed who will accumulate the responsibilities of the Community's foreign policy.

"The existence of such a person might create problems and confusion in the institutional framework of CFPSP which will lead to intransparency and institutional fragmentation," the Greek memorandum said.

On the question of the process for decisions to be taken, Greece is not opposed in a dogmatic way to the "wider communalization" of CFPSP (namely the restriction of decisions taken unanimously) provided that the vital interests of member-states are not ignored.

"It is a self-evident precondition that on defense issues, as well as on issues of vital national importance, unanimity is in force (meaning the right to veto) throughout the entire spectrum of decision-taking," the memorandum added.

Regarding common defense, Greece supports the shaping of a timetable "of institutional stages for setting out the target of common defense."

It was added that the IGC should "equip the EU with the ability to undertake action in the sectors of managing crises and peace and humanitarian functions", while the Western European Union should become the "EU's executive agency."

[16] Romeos: recent Albanian election calls democratic process into question

Alternate Foreign Minister George Romeos told the Council of Ministers yesterday that "the observed ... violations of all legality during the electoral process (in Albania) create strong questions about Albania's democratic process."

Mr. Romeos was speaking on the occasion of a resolution issued by the Council of Ministers on the recent elections in Albania.

"I believe the European Union should take the recent events into serious consideration within the framework of the evaluation of progress of political changes and of respect for the state of law, in view of the upgrading of relations with this country," Mr. Romeos said.

The alternate foreign minister submitted this position as the official statement by the Greek representative.

[17] German deputies to query status of Intracom's East German dealings

Three Social Democratic Party (SPD) deputies tomorrow will submit five oral questions to the Chancellery and the finance ministry concerning the property status of the Greek telecommunications firm Intracom, and possible related omissions on the part of the German government, a statement by the party's parliamentary group said yesterday.

SPD parliamentary group secretary Peter Struck is asking to be informed whether a special coordinating team has been set up in the Chancellery for the return of former East German property abroad, and in particular whether there is evidence for the participation of former East German state services in the setting up of companies owned by Intracom boss Socrates Kokkalis.

Deputy Christine Lucyga, referring to a report in the 'Berliner Zeitung' newspaper last week, is asking to be informed whether there actually were contacts between the Greek and German governments after October 3, 1990, concerning Intracom, and what their content was.

The report claimed that Chancellor Kohl and former Greek premier Constantine Mitsotakis, meeting on the sidelines of Willy Brandt's funeral in Berlin , had arrived at an "agreement" for the extradition to Germany of a former Stazi officer, in exchange f or a freeze on investigations concerning Intracom.

Deputy Friedhelm Beucher, vice president of the parliamentary committee of inquiry into the properties owned by the government of former East Germany, is asking for the clearing up of a rather "delicate" detail, that is, whether the East German embassy building in Athens was erected on land owned by Mr. Kokkalis.

In Athens, Mr. Mitsotakis' office issued a statement yesterday, reiterating the former premier's "categorical assurance that he never discussed an Intracom issue with Chancellor Helmut Kohl".

[18] Protests over Avlona landfill to continue, in wake of 'fruitless' meeting with Laliotis

The mayors and community leaders of the areas of Avlona, Inofyta, Malakasa, Sikaminos, Skala Oropou and Ayios Thomas have decided to continue their protests against plans to create landfills in their areas, after no agreement was reached during a meeting they had yesterday with Environment, Town Planning and Public Works Minister Costas Laliotis.

Roughly 350 Avlona residents marched to the ministry, although police forces did not allow them to approach the building. Mr. Laliotis agreed to meet with an 11-member residents delegation in order to discuss their views.

Mr. Laliotis promised to visit Avlona and discuss the issue of rubbish disposal with local residents, and suggested the protesting mayors and community leaders visit other countries in order to see the difference between a landfill and the sanitary burial of refuse.

The minister also spoke of illegal landfills. "The 100 illegal landfills existing in municipalities and communities in northeastern Attica and which cover local needs must be shut here and now, as their operation risks many dangers," Mr. Laliotis said.

Mr. Laliotis assured the mayors and community leaders that, after he has received scientific reports on the matter, he will invite them to submit proposals and views on the subject, in order for there to be a constructive dialogue leading to positive results concerning the handling of refuse in Attica.

A relevant draft bill will then be submitted by the environment, town planning and public works ministry.

[19] Samaras says elections only way to end austerity

Political Spring party leader Antonis Samaras called for early general elections yesterday during a conference organized by the weekly magazine, The Economist, saying that it was the only way to put an end to the financially deadlocked and socially unjust economic policy being implemented by the government. Mr. Samaras insisted on the need to gradually abandon the hard drachma policy so that there may be true convergence with the European Union. He noted that, in his last book, Mr. Simitis had supported the aggressive sliding of the drachma, which he has not implemented.

Turning to foreign policy issues, Mr. Samaras stressed that Turkish aggression was not coincidental but "clear evidence of national strategy", and said that for this reason, he opposed a step-by-step rapprochement between the two countries as "this would expose Greece to dangers".

The Political Spring leader said there was a possibility of conflict between the two countries during the next few months, and called on Prime Minister Costas Simitis not to transfer the government's responsibilities to the shoulders of the armed forces.

Mr. Samaras expressed the hope that the prime minister will review his beliefs regarding a reduction of defense spending and that he will avoid unjust judgments against the leadership of the armed forces in future.

[20] Unionists decide three-hour strike to support pension increase demands

A plenary session of the General Confederation of Workers of Greece (GSEE) ratified a decision by the GSEE's Executive Committee calling for a three-hour nationwide work stoppage on June 13 from 10am to 1pm in support of pension increases.

GSEE, together with pensioners, wants low pensions linked to 20 daily wages and the abolition of "anti-insurance" laws taken by the New Democracy government.

A rally will be held at downtown Kaningos Square as part of the work stoppage.

Referring to the issue of the Hellenic Telecommunications Organization's (OTE) digital telephones, GSEE President Christos Protopapas said a judicial investigation of the issue should be speedy so as not to jeopardize OTE's modernization course and the five-year investment programme.

[21] Tzoumakas opens international conference on wheat

Agriculture Minister Stephanos Tzoumakas yesterday opened the sessions of the 10th international conference on wheat and bread, at the Porto Karras hotel in Halkidiki.

During the conference, which is held every four years - and for the first time in Greece - there will be presentation of new technologies in the production of wheat, and of conclusions of scientific studies on new hybrids and wheat products.

The conference, organized by the Greek Wheat Institute and the agriculture ministry, ends tomorrow.

The sessions of the first meeting of the managing committee of the Alexandroupolis-Helsinki road axis began in Alexandroupolis yesterday, organized by the European Commission, and with the participation of representatives of the countries the highway will be passing through, and international financial organizations and feasibility study bureaus.

The road is expected to pass through Dimitrovgrad, Bucharest, Kishinau, Kiev, Minsk, Moscow and St. Petersburg.

[22] Direct Greek-Russian sea link inaugurated

Greek-Russian economic and tourism relations entered a new phase yesterday as the vehicle and passenger ferry "Sea Serenade" inaugurated the new Thessaloniki-Novorossyisk-Thessaloniki route.

Until yesterday, a Greek-licensed truck needed 16 days and passage through seven customs posts, to reach Moscow. With the new service, the same truck will reach the Black Sea port of Novorossyisk in just 42 hours, and in Moscow a few hours later.

The once-a-week service is expected to boost Greek exports to Russia, a high volume of which are perishable market produce.

On its maiden route towards the Russian port, the Sea Serenade carried 10 trucks, 10 cars and about 80 passengers. The trucks transported mainly fruit and vegetables, machinery, canned food and ice cream.

The ferry has a total capacity for 32 trucks, 40 cars and 1,200 passengers, 450 of whom can sleep in cabins.

The Sea Serenade belongs to the Greek company 'London Greeks' (Poseidon Lines), headquartered in the coastal suburb of Voula, near Athens.

Passenger fares begin at 17,000 drachmas for the one-way trip and reach 30,000 drachmas. Each truck is charged $1,000 for transport.

[23] Russian visitors to Greece increase by 11.2 per cent

The number of Russian tourists visiting Greece increased 11.2 per cent last year, while the influx in exchange increased by 20.5 per cent, according to the director of the Greek National Tourist Organization's (EOT) office in Moscow Alexandros Hatzis yesterday, who was speaking at HELEXPO's offices in Thessaloniki to a 10-member Russian delegation of Russian media representatives.

The Russian journalists arrived yesterday morning with the first ship sailing on the ferry route linking Thessaloniki with Novorossyisk.

They were welcomed by HELEXPO's President and Managing Consultant Antonis Kourtis, its adviser Nikos Pinakidis and organization members.

Mr. Kourtis said the time had come for good relations between the two countries to become closer in the trade and tourism sectors and briefed the delegation members on the entire specter of HELEXPO's activities at exhibitional, conventional and cultural levels.

[24] SMEs say 350,000 firms face imminent closure

The presidium of the General Confederation of Small Manufacturers and Professionals of Greece (GSEBEE) delivered a memorandum to Prime Minister Costas Simitis yesterday containing positions and proposals to support trade and small and medium-size business men and presenting "the difficult position small and medium-size enterprises have found themselves in the country."

GSEBEE President Dimitris Korfiatis said afterwards the situation in the market had reached its limits of tolerance and if the measures proposed were ignored, about 350,000 SMEs in the country would close down.

Proposals made by GSEBEE include dealing with illicit competition by department stores, controlling and cracking down on phenomena of profiteering through advertising, limitations on the complete deregulation of working hours and separating objective values from objective criteria.

In a similar development, the National Confederation of Greek Trade (ESEE) delivered its own memorandum to Mr. Simitis with its own positions on economic and trade policy. The proposals include creating agencies to shape and set out national trade policy, supporting Greek trade in developing co-operation with Balkan and Black Sea countries, initiating substantive incentives for SMEs to merge and creating a legislative framework to safeguard healthy competition and its strict implementation.

[25] 6,600 new jobs to be created with new private investment initiatives

National Economy Minister Yiannos Papantoniou yesterday announced the completion of procedures for approval of private investment plans in the first half of the year.

A total of 759 plans were approved, budgeted at 256.2 billion drachmas (compared to 234 billion for the same period last year), which will receive investment subsidies totaling 109.4 billion drachmas, and are expected to create about 6,600 jobs.

A breakdown of the total sum shows investments of 7.8 billion in the agricultural sector, 205.5 billion in manufacturing, 37.2 billion in tourism, and 5.7 billion in other services.

Applications for approval of investment plans in the second half of the year must be submitted by June 15.

[26] Greek railways announce co-operation plans with Poland

The administration of the Hellenic Railways Organization (OSE) yesterday announced a co-operation agreement with its Polish counterpart, the PKP, on developing the transportation of goods and passengers between the two countries, the development of tourism and restructuring the PKP on the lines of Community directives.

The HALCROW-OBERMEYER-ILFMETROTECH group ranked first on a tendering scale to select a projects management adviser by OSE concerning the 1995-1999 investment programme. The organization's board will finalize the sponsor after objections are resolved.

[27] Vartholomeos welcomes Greek-Turkish sister city agreement

Orthodox Patriarch Vartholomeos yesterday stressed the need for rapprochement between Greece and Turkey after expressing his satisfaction that the island of Hydra and the Black Sea city of Eregli (Iraklia) had become sister cities.

The Patriarch made the statements as he received the members of the Greek delegation at the Phanar.

Hydra and Eregli become sister cities during a festival in the Turkish city and in the presence of Hydra's mayor Kostas Anastopoulos, the secretary of the Greek committee for the Ipecki prize Andreas Politakis, veteran leftist Leonidas Kyrkos, who described the event as a "courageous" act.

Vartholomeos said he agreed with Mr. Kyrkos' comments.

[28] Vartholomeos becomes member of Athens Academy

The Orthodox Ecumenical Patriarchate yesterday announced that Patriarch Vartholomeos has been elected a member of the Academy of Athens.

The honor is rarely bestowed upon personalities who are not residents of Athens. Past recipients have been former president of the republic Constantine Karamanlis, former German president Rihard von Weitzaker and former French president Valery Giscard d' Estaing.

Yesterday's announcement said the Patriarch will be officially admitted to the Academy at an "appropriate time".

End of English language section.