A.N.A. Bulletin, 04/07/96

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

Athens News Agency Directory

ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No 928), July 4, 1996

Greek Press & Information Office

Ottawa, Canada

E-Mail Address: [email protected]

CONTENTS

[1] Simitis stresses to Clinton Athens' commitment to reducing tension in the Aegean

Greece's strong commitment to reducing tensions in the Aegean and easing the climate of confrontation with Turkey was underlined Tuesday by Prime Minister Costas Simitis in his reply to a letter from US President Bill Clinton concerning Greek-Turkish relations.

"Greece and the US share a strong commitment to peace and stability, with a special focus to this region. Our joint position is that the reduction of tensions in the area must proceed in the context of relations based on International Law and Treaties, on the respect of sovereignty and territorial integrity and on the exclusion of the use of force or the threat of the use of force. Greece, having no territorial claims on any of its neighbors, has consistently pursued a policy of peace. The reduction of tensions, provided it is achieved in a way that does not compromise sovereignty, is a necessary first step towards the creation of a climate of good faith and mutual understanding," Mr. Simitis stated in his letter, dated July 2, but released yesterday.

The Greek premier expressed concern, however, that Turkey had still not withdrawn statements challenging Greek sovereignty of the inhabited Greek island of Gavdos, off southern Crete, despite Ankara's assurances to the US government that it did not mean to question the sovereignty of Gavdos. Last month, a Turkish officer taking part in the planning of a NATO exercise in Naples had asked that Gavdos be excluded from plans, saying that the island's legal status was "in doubt".

In his letter, Mr. Clinton recognized that the raising of the Gavdos issue by Turkey served only to increase tension in the region, but that Turkey had now clarified that it had no intention of disputing Greek sovereignty of Gavdos.

Mr. Simitis stressed that much of the tension in the Aegean was the direct result of "massive and intentional" violations of Greek airspace and territorial waters by Turkey.

Pointing out that Greek air and naval forces had hitherto responded to Turkish violations with "exemplary restraint", he goes on: "I am sure you understand, Mr. President, the reasons for which our responsible attitude must not lead to the interpretation that restraint is the only possible response of Greece to persistent and flagrant provocations regarding Greek sovereignty." Stopping the practice of systematic violations, which had lately "increased massively", was of the utmost importance, Mr. Simitis stressed, and this would contribute to reducing tensions and the gradual restoration of confidence between Greece and Turkey.

Concluding, he expressed agreement with Mr. Clinton's views on activating the 1988 accords signed by then foreign ministers Karolos Papoulias and Mesut Yilmaz, which he said if implemented with good faith and common sense would reduce the risk of dangerous incidents.

Greece, he went on to say, had already unilaterally implemented the provisions of the accord, unlike Turkey.

He also accepted in principle the idea of instituting a hotline between Greece and Turkey within a NATO framework.

[2] Gov't spokesman

Government spokesman Dimitris Reppas confirming earlier Mr. Clinton's letter, described it as "good", noting that the US president mentioned "respect for territorial integrity and borders in the region".

Mr. Clinton's letter, Mr. Reppas said, covers general US positions on Greek-Turkish relations, such as the respect for territorial integrity, sovereignty and borders of each nation, respect for international law and the need to avoid the threat of the use of force or the use of force.

Asked whether Greece was considering the possibility of implementing confidence-building measures in the Aegean, Mr. Reppas replied that Greece's standing position was that the Papoulias-Yilmaz memorandum was "a good basis" for building confidence between the two countries.

"Turkey, however, has not met its obligations in the memorandum and it is Turkey which should prove in practice that it respects what we agreed to," he said.

Asked whether there was any NATO intervention to refrain from military maneuvers in the Aegean over the summer, Mr. Reppas replied that "anyway, there were no exercises scheduled for July and August", reiterating that Turkey was the one that had been violating the existing situation.

Referring to statements by Turkey's new Islamist Prime Minister Necmettin Erbakan on Tuesday that Greece had violated Turkish air space, Mr. Reppas said Mr. Erbakan should be "more cautious" in his statements, "if he wants to assist the normalization of relations between Greece and Turkey".

Mr. Reppas added that Mr. Erbakan's claims "do not correspond to the truth", attributing them to "attempts by the Turkish side to counterbalance its own provocativeness with Greece's so-called aggressive stance.

"Greece does not have this type of foreign policy," Mr. Reppas said.

[3] Clinton's letter

The text of US President Bill Clinton's letter is as follows:

Dear Mr. Prime Minister,

"I share the serious concerns raised in your letter about the continuing climate of confrontation between Greece and Turkey. My administration and I have devoted considerable time and energy to finding ways to help resolve these problems. I have no doubt that a conflict between Greece and Turkey would be an unparalleled tragedy for both countries, and a disaster for NATO and the entire region.

"Stability in the Aegean is essential and must be everyone's common goal. I understand that improving Greek-Turkish relations will not be easy, but this goal must be pursued. My government stands ready to help. As I said during your visit here, an improvement in relations must be based on respect for international law and treaties, respect for each other's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and a commitment to resolve disputes without force or the threat of force. In the case of the Aegean islets, I reiterate my suggestion that it should be referred to the International Court of Justice or some other consensual body for adjudication.

"My government approached the Turks quickly and clearly regarding Gavdhos. Their statement had only served to heighten tensions in the region. I am pleased that Turkey has now clarified that it did not, and does not, mean to question the sovereignty of Gavdhos.

"Mr. Prime Minister, I share your commitment to peace and stability, both in your region and around the world. Greece and Turkey need to work to reduce tensions in the Aegean and elsewhere. I believe it is particularly important for your nations to find ways to reduce the risk of dangerous incidents between your ships and aircraft, a matter we have raised with both governments. Too often, military activities and exercises in the region have gone to the edge, raising tensions and inviting a corresponding escalation.

"I know there has been some consideration of implementing the 1988 Papoulias-Yilmaz accords, and of instituting a hotline between the two capitals. This would be a good start toward reducing the risk of inadvertent confrontation, and a reassuring sign o f good will to citizens of both countries. My government is ready to help. The July 3 visit by State Department Under Secretary Peter Tarnoff to Athens should provide a timely opportunity to discuss these issues. NATO Secretary-General Solana has also offered his good offices to work toward a solution. I welcome any additional ideas you may have in this regard.

Sincerely,

Bill Clinton

[4] Romeos pledges Greece's full backing for Bulgarian bid to the EU

Bulgaria can expect strong backing from Greece in its bid to join the European Union (EU), Alternate Foreign Minister George Romeos said yesterday at a press conference in Sofia.

"Greece supports in a clear and categorical way in all Community bodies and at all times Bulgaria's application for full admittance to the European Union," he said, adding that further expansion of the EU must definitely reach to "south-east Europe and include Bulgaria," and that there should be no exceptions".

"When Bulgaria becomes an equal partner in the EU, the steady friendship and co-operation between us will form the nucleus for a wider co-operation in the region," he stressed.

Mr. Romeos yesterday concluded a three-day working visit in Bulgaria to discuss co-operation between Greece and Bulgaria within the framework of the EU, during which he met with Bulgarian President Zhelyu Zhelev, Bulgarian Prime Minister Zhan Videnov and Foreign Minister Georgi Pirinski.

As head of the Greek delegation, Mr. Romeos also had successive meetings with Foreign Under-secretary Irina Bokova, who is responsible for Bulgaria's relations with the EU, in which they agreed to formulate mechanisms for continual bilateral co-operation so Bulgaria can benefit from Greece's experience and political support in its dealings with EU bodies.

At the same time, Mr. Romeos announced the creation of a new office in the Greek foreign ministry which will "undertake to coordinate in Greece any technical or other support requested by the Bulgarian (foreign) ministry".

Asked if the Greek government planned to recognize a "Pomak ethnicity", Mr. Romeos said the issue was non-existent.

"We in Greece do not understand all this furor. We do not know by whom, why and how it was started. You are asking the Greek government to make an official statement on an issue that doesn't exist. Why should we then create one?"

Mr. Romeos went on to say that the entire "problem" consisted of a privately-published grammar book, which the Greek government had never been involved with and, as a democratic state, could not interfere with.

"In Greece there is only one nationality. We are proud because we are one of the countries with national homogeneity. The only minorities we have are religious," he added.

Mr. Romeos went on to say that the region had long been plagued by such problems and that it was unwise to add new ones, "which would plague us again". "In a few years we shall all have European nationality and have the possibility of free movement. Let us not add this type of thorn," he added.

On Greek-Bulgarian relations in general, Mr. Romeos said that the Simitis government had no plans to change existing policies with regard to Sofia but would continue implementing the Balkan policies laid down by Andreas Papandreou.

"Greece's Balkan policy and especially the policy of friendship and co-operation with Bulgaria is accepted by the entire nation and for this reason has a firm base and deep roots," he said.

[5] Greece wants implementation of '88 Papoulias-Yilmaz agreement

Confidence-building measures (CBMs) between Greece and Turkey in the Aegean and a 1988 agreement between the two countries were the subject of talks between Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos and US Under-secretary of State Peter Tarnoff at the Greek foreign ministry at noon yesterday.

In statements after the meeting, Mr. Pangalos said Greece and the US were in total agreement on the need to reduce tension in the Aegean and that Greece supported a suspension on military exercises in the Aegean over the summer period.

This measure is almost identical to one cited in the 1988 memorandum, the implementation of which Greece continues to request.

Mr. Tarnoff, who has already held talks in Ankara, said he found Greece reacted positively on the issue of reducing tension in the Aegean.

Asked by reporters whether Greece feared a new incident in the Aegean, Mr. Pangalos said:

"There is a proposal or idea, included in the text of the (1988) Papoulias-Yilmaz memorandum, that exercises not be held during the summer period in which there is a great number of vessels and aircraft in the area. Even if there were not tension between the two countries, these exercises hinder the circulation of citizens, including American tourists".

He reiterated that Greece supported implementation of the memorandum in its entirety, or at least certain points, such as suspension of exercises over summer.

[6] Erbakan

Mr. Pangalos also said he had relayed to Mr. Tarnoff Greece's concern over Turkey's repeated violations of national air space, stressing the dangers inherent in such a situation and denied Turkish Prime Minister Necmettin Erbakan's claims on Tuesday that Greek airplanes had violated Turkish national air space.

"None of Mr. Erbakan's statements are true," he said.

"We do not fear a new incident, to the extent that the situation is being monitored," he added. Greek forces are responding to Turkish provocations on the express orders that they are not to attack first. "I can guarantee our behavior but not that of Ankara's," he said.

Mr. Tarnoff reiterated the United States' great interest in the region and in seeing a reduction of tension "between two NATO allies", adding that the US wanted to assist in improving relations between the two countries, having in mind "certain aspects of the Papoulias-Yilmaz memorandum as well, such as those which cover the issue of exercises during summer months."

He said Greece's position on reducing tension was "very positive" but refused to comment when asked about Ankara's position, saying: "The US is working to reduce the tension but I cannot speak on behalf of the government of Turkey."

He refused to go into details about his talks in Turkey on Tuesday and, when asked about Turkish claims of "gray zones" in the Aegean, referred the questioner to a previous US State Department statement on the issue.

[7] Meetings with president, premier

Mr. Tarnoff also met yesterday afternoon with President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos, Prime Minister Costas Simitis and the leader of the main opposition party Miltiades Evert. Discussions at all three meetings focused on Greek-Turkish relations.

Reports said Mr. Tarnoff asked the Greek side on its intentions for Greek-Turkish relations. After his meeting with Mr. Evert, he said he held a very "interesting and fruitful discussion".

[8] Arsenis-Lodal meeting

Greek-Turkish relations were again the focus of talks, this time between National Defense Minister Gerassimos Arsenis and visiting US Assistant Defense Secretary Jan Lodal, who is accompanying Mr. Tarnoff on his regional tour.

Mr. Lodal said Ankara was "seriously considering" implementing a section of the 1988 Papoulias-Yilmaz memorandum suspending military exercises in the Aegean over the months of July and August. According to reports, NATO Secretary-General Javier So lana has intervened with Ankara to enforce the measure.

Mr. Arsenis, however, stressed that Greece had implemented this measure since 1988.

Ankara refuses to implement a further two measures in the 1988 memorandum, concerning the delineation of the areas in which exercises are planned and the existence of specific distances between vessels and aircraft during these exercises. The two men also discussed bilateral relations and regional developments, including Greece's role in the NATO operation in Bosnia.

Mr. Lodal praised Greece for its "significant contribution" to peace in the former Yugoslavia, adding "with Greece's help as well, peace appears to be succeeding".

[9] US ambassador to UN also scheduled visit to Greece

In two weeks Washington will activate itself at an even higher level on reducing tension in the Aegean by sending Washington's ambassador to the United Nations, Madeleine Albright, to Greece and Turkey on July 15.

The visit will closely follow US Assistant Secretary of State Peter Tarnoff and Defense Under-secretary Jan Lodal's current tour of Ankara and Athens this week.

US State Department officials said Ms Albright's main task will be to change the tense climate prevailing in the region and normalize Greek-Turkish relations.

State Department spokesman Nicholas Burns said yesterday that the existence of strong and stable governments in Athens and Ankara allowed for the substantive activation of the United States, both for normalizing Greek-Turkish relations and resolving the Cyprus issue.

During her visit to the region, scheduled to last until July 21, Ms Albright will also visit Nicosia, accompanied by US President Bill Clinton's special envoy for Cyprus, Richard Beattie, as part of promoting the US initiative on Cyprus.

[10] Pol.An harshly criticizes Kornblum remark on Cyprus' missing

The Political Spring party yesterday called US Assistant Secretary of State for European and Canadian Affairs John Kornblum's recent statement on the 1,619 missing persons in Cyprus "unacceptable."

Mr. Kornblum said that due to an absence of strong evidence to the opposite, the United Nations and others, have long believed that the persons missing since the 1974 Turkish invasion of Cyprus are dead.

Pol.An spokesman Notis Martakis said the US diplomat, besides concurring with Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash's "cynical statement," must explain on the basis of what evidence he arrived at this conclusion, which if true, raises the question of "ho w his government can accept the holding of deliberations with a war criminal such as Denktash," while at the same time, pressing Cyprus also to confer with him.

Mr. Kornblum's statement was contained in a reply to the president of the Greek-American Institute and the Committee for Justice in Cyprus, Savvas Tsivikos, which was released in Nicosia yesterday.

[11] Erbakan wants 'permanent dialogue' with Greece

New Turkish Prime Minister Necmettin Erbakan asked for a resolution of Greek-Turkish problems through dialogue, in yesterday's presentation of his government's programme to the Turkish national assembly. "Our disagreements with Greece can be resolved only through a permanent dialogue which will protect mutual interests," he said.

Regarding the protracted Cyprus problem, he said that it ought to be resolved "through negotiations between the two communities."

Mr. Erbakan said that the aim of his government's foreign policy was "the maintenance of peace in the country, the region, and the whole world. "Our relations will develop in the framework of friendship, good neighborliness and mutual co-operation," h e added.

Meanwhile, Mr. Erbakan told the Greek ambassador in Ankara, Dimitris Nezeritis, on Tuesday that he desired an improvement in Greek-Turkish relations, the Turkish press reported yesterday. "I desire the development of Greek-Turkish relations during my premiership," he was quoted as telling Mr. Nezeritis at a US embassy reception. The chief of the Turkish armed forces general staff, Hakki Karadagi, has also made statements to the same effect in an interview to the newspaper "Trud" in Sofia, where he was on a three-day official visit.

Referring to Greek-Turkish problems, he said Turkey was a country desiring peace and stability in the region, and sought their resolution through dialogue.

"We want to resolve all the problems between us on the negotiating table, in a climate of mutual confidence," he said.

"This is the position of our state, and the general staff supports it. We have no designs on anyone's territory," he said.

On another development Ankara has described as a "moderate step" the acceptance by Athens of NATO Secretary-General Javier Solana's proposal that military exercises not be held in the Aegean between July 1 and Sept. 1, the Anadolu Agency reported yesterday, adding that the issue was discussed yesterday with US Assistant Secretary of State Peter Tarnoff. Turkey has already accepted Mr. Solana's proposal.

[12] German minister says Athens solely to blame for MEDA's standstill

German Alternate Foreign Minister Woerner Heuer, who represents his country at the European Union inter-governmental conference, yesterday said Greece was exclusively responsible for the fact that funds earmarked for the Euro-Mediterranean co-operation (MEDA) programme remained unused.

"Unfortunately, it is Greece that for reasons irrelevant to the subject of the programme blocks the utilization of these funds," he said during a lecture at Bonn University.

He hinted that the promotion of the MEDA programme would provide a counterweight to the ascendancy of Islamic parties to power.

"It is not permissible to demonize Islamic movements, because the causes of their creation do exist, and as long as (secular) governments cannot obtain the resolution of internal crises, it is natural for participation of Islamists to multiply," he said without referring to Turkey by name.

After referring to the principles governing Euro-Mediterranean co-operation, Mr. Heuer spoke of "committing obligations" with respect to human rights, democracy and the rule of law, respect for territorial integrity, resignation from the use of violence and the peaceful resolution of disputes.

Concerning Cyprus, he said the situation was for the EU "an especially complex chapter of problems".

"On one hand, the island is de facto divided between the Greek and the Turkish ethnic groups. On the other hand, the EU has given its word to the Cypriots that six months after the end of the inter-governmental conference, entry negotiations will begin.

The situation is complicated by the Greek-Turkish dimension of the problem. Greece is a member of the EU, and consequently, takes a direct part in decisions regarding this issue.

"Turkey, by contrast, is, on one hand, a privileged partner of the EU, but does not sit at the EU council table. The two countries' simultaneous status as members of the Atlantic alliance makes the strategic dimension of this problem clear," he added.

[13] Yugoslav PM meets with Athens' ambassador to Belgrade

Federal Republic of Yugoslavia Prime Minister Rantoye Kontic said after a meeting with Greece's ambassador to Belgrade, Panayiotis Vlassopoulos, that he greatly appreciated Greece's role and contribution to the solving of the Yugoslav crisis. Mr. Kontic underlined Greece's efforts for the lifting of the sanctions imposed on Yugoslavia and for implementation of the Dayton peace agreement, among others.

The Yugoslav prime minister said bilateral relations have always been on an enviable level, adding that there are realistic possibilities for their promotion.

He said that within this framework, adaptation of inter-state agreements to current conditions is necessary, particularly of those concerning economic co-operation, the encouraging of investments on scientific and technical levels, and co-operation in the cultural and educational sector. The Greek ambassador also met yesterday with the Yugoslav commerce minister and discussed issues of co-operation on bilateral and regional levels.

[14] Stephanopoulos sends address to Clergy and Laymen's Assembly in NY

President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos addressed a message yesterday to the Clergy and Laymen's Assembly in New York, saying "it coincides with the departure of his Reverence Archbishop Iakovos."

The message said Iakovos offered valuable services to the Church, its people and the nation during his long and productive tenure, adding that his departure would leave a gap which would be difficult to fill.

"This year's Clergy and Laymen's Assembly of the Holy Archdiocese of the US will constitute an event of great importance, both for the expatriates in the US and our common fatherland and the national issues preoccupying it," it said.

It further said that all should ensure "the forging of unbreakable unity between the clergy and the people."

[15] Canada recognizes FYROM with its provisional name

Canada recognized the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) under its provisional name, and proposed the establishment of bilateral diplomatic relations, Canadian Foreign Minister Lloyd Axworthy announced yesterday.

"The promotion of human and minority rights will be a priority in the development of our bilateral relations with the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia," he underlined in a statement. He also said Canada wished to "improve and strengthen its relations" with all Balkan countries.

[16] Intracom chief charged with spreading false information

Intracom President Socratis Kokkalis was charged with dissemination of false information by prosecutors yesterday.

The charge concerns Mr. Kokkalis' statement several weeks ago, where he stated: "Politicians, publishers and journalists have become involved in the most illegal web of politico-economic transactions, blackmail and interdependencies." The statement was included in an Intracom press release handed out following a controversy over a one million digital lines contract Intracom and Siemens Hellas were awarded by the Hellenic Telecommunications Organization (OTE).

Mr. Kokkalis has been called on to give a deposition.

Following this, court records regarding the case will be returned to the Athens prosecuting authority, where the responsible prosecutor will refer the case to a three-member appellate court, which will then decide if Mr. Kokkalis will stand trial.

Meanwhile, two prosecutors are continuing the main investigation into the case of the provision of the digital lines contract.

According to reports, prosecutors have asked from the justice ministry to be provided with the full text of the European contract concerning inter-state judicial procedures.

It is possible that they will request judicial assistance from other European countries for issues such as the opening of suspect bank accounts in Germany and Switzerland, which certain press reports claim are connected with former and current OTE executives. Prosecutors may also request to call as witnesses foreign nationals living abroad, who appear to be involved in the case.

[17] Emergency measures announced for heat wave, pollution

For the first time this year, emergency measures were announced for Athens' vehicle traffic today by the environment, town planning and public works ministry in anticipation of a heat wave expected to hit the country.

All vehicles will be banned from the capital's inner ring from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. today, with the exemption of taxis whose number plates end in an even number, while in the outer ring, only vehicles with number plates ending in even numbers are allowed to circulate. Vehicles transporting candidates for the general university admission exams are exempt from the traffic restrictions in both rings.

A reduction of 30 per cent in industrial production has been requested from 6 a.m. today to 6 a.m. tomorrow, while it has been recommended that transportation of liquid fuel be avoided from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. today.

Air pollution reached high levels yet again yesterday. Ozone levels in the Lykovrisi area exceeded the 300 microgram limit for taking emergency measures, reaching 306 micrograms, while at 11 a.m. yesterday, the Patission monitoring station recorded nitrogen dioxide levels of 385 micrograms, while 255 micrograms were recorded in Peristeri, exceeding emergency levels.

In Thessaloniki, all emergency health services are on alert in order to deal with the expected heat wave. More than 20 air-conditioned National Emergency Center (EKAB) ambulances are on stand-by, as are all the city's hospital beds in air-conditioned facilities.

The national meteorological service has predicted temperatures in northern Greece will exceed 38 degrees Celsius, while they will top 40 degrees in Athens.

[18] Environment ministry keeps up efforts to keep Greek beaches clean

For the second year in a row, the Environment, Public Works and Town Planning Ministry is launching an information campaign on keeping the country's beaches clean.

The ministry's services receives samples from 1,140 beaches in 40 prefectures around the country daily. The results of the samples are sent to all the mass media outlets in the form of a "beach bulletin". For the fullest briefing, the ministry also plan s to distribute leaflets to the public on how best to protect the country's beaches and seas from pollution.

At the same time, signs are going up at recognized bathing areas informing bathers of the results of the water testing, while a comprehensive map of the state of the country's beaches will be issued by the end of the year.

The European Union's symbol of safe and clean beaches, the "Blue Flag", were awarded to 311 sites in Greece this year; 98 per cent of the Greek coast is suitable for bathing. However, to get the beaches to this stage, 2,000 tons of rubbish had to be removed.

[19] Committee set up to push for return of Parthenon's marbles

A national committee has been established by the culture ministry to campaign for the return of the Parthenon Marbles to Greece from the British Museum.

The 10-member committee includes Eurodeputies Alekos Alavanos, Katerina Daskalaki, Vassilis Efraimidis, Panayiotis Labrias and Dimitris Tsatsos, as well as writer Vassilis Vassilikos.

Meanwhile, construction of the Acropolis Museum is reportedly proceeding rapidly. The culture ministry announced that two Italian architects are expected to arrive in Athens on July 17 to sign a contract with the Melina Mercouri Foundation for the technical study of the proposed Acropolis Museum. The foundation is funding the study.

"In eight to 12 months at the latest, after the contract is signed with the Italians, the building's foundation stone will be laid," Culture Minister Stavros Benos said.

[20] Consumer complaints in first half of '96 target cost of living

An announcement by the Consumers Institute (INKA) yesterday said an explosion of complaints has been noted concerning the cost of living and quality of foodstuffs in the first half of the year. More specifically, INKA said complaints with the greatest incidence were cost of living (7,804); adulterated and unsuitable foodstuffs (7,545); services rendered by the Public Power Corp. (DEH), the Hellenic Telecommunications Organization (OTE) and the Athens Water and Sewage Co. (EYDAP) (7,458, 7,187 and 1,087 respectively); tourist services (1,823); operation of the mass media (1,103) and misleading advertisements and sales (1,048). INKA asks consumers wishing to make any complaint to contact the central secretariat of INKA-GOKE: 31 Poseidonos Ave., Paleo Faliro 175 61. Tel.: 98.29.152 and 98.17.426, Fax: 98.25.096 or the offices of member-organizations in prefecture capitals.

[21] Gov't spokesman says major projects underway

Government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said yesterday that nine major projects and 13 regional operational programs worth more than six trillion drachmas are currently underway.

Replying to a question, Mr. Reppas said that in the first half of 1996 new projects or new sections of developing projects worth 1.3 trillion drachmas commenced.

He said six of the nine major projects "are at a good stage," adding that probably at the end of July the European Investment Bank would ratify a loan contract for the Stavros-Elefsina highway project, while a similar process for the Rio-Antirrio bridge project would follow in September.

[22] Alexandroupolis to host European-wide trade conference

The 1st PanEuropean Trade and Distribution Conference, which shall discuss issues such as the establishment of commercial enterprises in European Union and former Eastern bloc countries, the development of the electronics sector and the Green paper on Commerce currently being drawn up by the European Commission, is to be held in Alexandroupolis on September 20-22.

The conference is being organized by the National Confederation of Greek Businesses (ESEE) in co-operation with the 23rd General Directorate of the European Commission, under the patronage of European Commissioner Christos Papoutsis.

According to ESEE president Dimitris Kapsalis, the primary reasons for organizing the conference were to provide a forum for clearly outlining common problems in trade on a European level and provide even greater impetus to co-operation between leading commercial organizations.

The key aim of the conference, Mr. Kapsalis said, is to present ideas for strategic changes in business organization which will make smaller traders more resilient and better able to compete with superstore chains currently trying to monopolize the market throughout Europe.

Mr. Kapsalis, pointing out that the commercial sector was the foremost in economic activity in Greece, employed the greatest number of private-sector workers and was comprised of thousands of businesses, asked the state to help solve the problems currently faced by commerce.

He expressed optimism that solutions would be proposed at meetings to take place over the next few days between the sector's representatives and the government's economic staff and Prime Minister Costas Simitis.

Otherwise, he said, he did not rule out strong reactions by traders and shop-keepers.

Commenting on the choice of Alexandroupolis as the venue for the conference, he said the aim was to underline the importance of Thrace and northern Greece generally, in view of changes and developments in the greater Balkan region and the Black Sea.

[23] SEB: PASOK congress confirms Gov't economic policy

The Federation of Greek Industries (SEB) said decisions taken at the ruling PASOK party's congress last weekend confirmed the government's general policy, which it added had been proclaimed by both the present and previous governments.

A SEB announcement yesterday said preconditions existed to enable the government to move ahead more decisively in implementing this policy, which it said had been seriously delayed due to prolonged political uncertainty prevailing from the end of last year.

"We have pointed out in the past that in our country, whatever political developments, always creates increased inertia in the public sector. Namely, in the operation of the state. We want to believe that this precondition is being overcome now," SEB President Iason Stratos told reporters.

"There had been political uncertainty which has been overcome at the present moment," he added.

SEB said the problems of the economy and society remained acute, adding that national issues and the economy had top priority and were closely related, since exercising successful foreign policy necessitated a strong economy.

It added that great efforts would have to be made to tackle economic problems and pointed out that top priority should be given to intensifying the effort to achieve stabilization and convergence, improving competitiveness, speeding up economic growth and supporting employment.

End of English language section.