A.N.A. Bulletin, 07/09/96

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

Athens News Agency Directory

ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No 983), September 7, 1996

Greek Press & Information Office

Ottawa, Canada

E-Mail Address: [email protected]

CONTENTS

[1] Simitis inaugurates 61st Thessaloniki International Fair

Greece's strengthened presence in the Balkans must be combined with significant initiatives in the political, institutional and economic sector, Prime Minister Costas Simitis said in his inaugural speech at the 61st Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF) yesterday evening.

In the domain of political co-operation, he said Greece favored the maintenance of existing borders in the Balkans, and addressed itself multilaterally and bilaterally to all countries, supporting their demands in the European Union, promoting contacts on issues of peace and security, and coordinating the fight against crime, smuggling and illegal immigration.

Regarding institutional co-operation, he added that Greece supported Balkan countries in their relations with the EU, contributing particularly to the drafting of relevant Community legislation, and the application and functioning of institutions in training programs.

In the field of economic co-operation, the premier said Greece, as the only Balkan member-state of the 15-member EU, was considering the possibility of creating a more cohesive economic area, and the assumption of initiatives for multilateral cooperation in sectors of transport and communications, investment and tourism.

Turning to the upcoming elections, Mr. Simitis said they were more crucial than ever regarding the country's immediate and long-term interests, and that Greeks were being called upon to decide whether they wished for a Greece isolated on the fringe, weakened, and without social cohesion and solidarity, or a strong Greece, with equitable participation in Europe, secure, prosperous, with political stability, economic growth and social justice.

Earlier, TIF President Antonis Kourtis was the first to address last night's opening ceremony of the 61st annual TIF, referring primarily to the new role that the trade exhibition was undertaking under the present favorable circumstances with the emergence of new markets in the wider region of the Balkans and eastern Europe.

Addressing Prime Minister Simitis, Mr. Kourtis reminded him of what he (Simitis) had said during his visit to Thessaloniki last June, when he stated at the same spot that "the country's northern regions have at present a historical opportunity to turn t he disadvantage of being a distant region into an advantage of proximity to the new economic map being shaped, and to emerge in this way as poles of development and prosperity."

"The 61st TIF constitutes a criterion verifying the fact that our developmental effort can only be based on productivity and the quality of labor, the inventiveness and creativity of the human factor, the attainment of high percentages of added value, as well as on securing new jobs," Mr. Kourtis said.

Macedonia-Thrace Minister Filippos Petsalnikos in turn spoke of the need to modernize infrastructure and to create a decentralized support apparatus, headquartered in Thessaloniki, for the development of northern Greece as well as implementation of an overall Balkan policy.

Mr. Petsalnikos referred to the differences existing between past and present, namely, the situation prevailing until a few years ago, when northern Greece constituted a closed border region as opposed to conditions currently prevailing and the conversion of Macedonia and Thrace into a bridge of communication between peoples and civilizations.

The 61st TIF will open at 10 a.m. today and is open to the public until Monday Sept. 16.

Pavilions will be open from 10 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. and from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Today's program includes many additional events, but interest will focus on the premier's traditional address at a dinner given in his honor by Helexpo's management at the Ioannis Vellidis Convention Center.

Mr. Simitis' speech will start at 9.30 p.m. and will be broadcast live by the state-run television network and a few private channels.

[2] Europarliament to consider Romeos proposal on European cultural policy body

European Parliament President Klaus Haensch said yesterday that the European assembly would carefully consider a proposal by Alternate Foreign Minister Giorgos Romeos for the creation of a new institution to oversee European policy on cultural matters.

Mr. Haensch had talks here yesterday with Mr. Romeos focusing on the inter-governmental conference (IGC) for the revision of the Maastricht Treaty and cultural issues.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Mr. Romeos said that the European Parliament "plays and should play an important role in the new treaty."

"We have common positions in all main areas and we are delighted that we can co-operate," Mr. Romeos said, adding that he had also discussed his own initiative/proposal with Mr. Haensch.

"Culture cannot be a subject for discussion at the IGC because there should not be a single European policy on culture, since each country has its own culture and cultural identity," Mr. Romeos said.

"However, we cannot ignore the fact that our culture is an area which can bring the peoples of Europe closer together. For this reason, we support and have submitted a relevant memorandum, that this policy, in the broad sense, should be undertaken by the European Parliament, by its creating a separate institution," he added. Mr. Haensch stressed that for all the peoples of Europe, culture was the nucleus of national identity and that for this reason, there could be no joint European policy.

"Nor can culture fall within the realm of the technocrats," Mr. Haensch said, adding that Mr. Romeos' proposal would be examined with great interest by the European Parliament "because we have ascertained that cultural identity is a matter for each state, but culture in itself constitutes a common value for all of Europe."

Mr. Haensch was awarded the Grand Cross of the Order of the Phoenix by President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos at a ceremony attended by Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis, Mr. Romeos and members of the Parliament of the Hellenes.

[3] Haensch meets with Evert

Mr. Haensch also held a meeting with main opposition New Democracy leader Miltiades Evert focusing on the European Union, Greek-Turkish relations and the recent events in Cyprus during which two Greek-Cypriot protesters were brutally murdered by Turkish occupation forces and a mob of extremists.

Mr. Evert said Mr. Haensch was "a friend of Greece, one the first Europeans to have firmly stated that the Greek borders are European borders and vice versa, while asking the European Parliament to condemn Turkey's attitude during recent events in Cyprus."

The ND leader reiterated his party's support for "a federal Europe in which member states will be able to keep their national identity intact."

Mr. Haensch said the European Union should support the positions of a member-state and cannot maintain a neutral position regarding problems in relations between Greece and Turkey.

He said the Europarliament has repeatedly proved through its resolutions that it supported peace in Cyprus and was against partition of the island, adding that efforts towards finding a settlement would be reinforced.

The Europarliament's president expressed certainty that Greece will make all necessary efforts, within set time limits, to achieve convergence with the remaining European countries.

Concluding, he said he was convinced of the country's political will to achieve convergence, as this is provided for in the Maastricht Treaty.

[4] Greece stresses need to respect both Iraqi territorial integrity, Kurds

The Greek government insists on respect for the territorial integrity of Iraq and the protection of the Kurds in that country, caretaker Press Minister Dimitris Konstas said yesterday.

Mr. Konstas added that the government intended to take initiatives at international organizations in this direction, expressing the hope that the European Union foreign ministers would adopt a common position on the issue at their forthcoming meeting.

Washington on Tuesday launched its biggest air raid against Iraq since the Gulf War in alleged retaliation for Iraqi military attacks on Kurds in northern Iraq.

Europe has received news of the strikes with contrasting views and is yet to reach a common position on the issue.

Meanwhile, Turkey staged heavy military activity near its frontier with Iraq, Thursday, causing Baghdad's protest which complained about Turkey's military build-up along the border.

Turkish Foreign Minister Tansu Ciller said a military thrust across the porous border was not imminent.

Yesterday, Turkish officials said the security zone it planned to create in northern Iraq would be temporary, a promise which gained US support.

The United States, Turkey's closest ally, said it would not object to creation of a zone after Ankara's promise that it would be short-lived.

Commenting on reports of Turkish intervention in northern Iraq, Mr. Konstas said that the Greek government "condemns all violations of the principles of international law, as well as of the balance of peace in the Middle East."

Alavanos demands protest over US 'green light' to Turkish expansionism - In a related development, Coalition of the Left (Synaspismos) Eurodeputy Alekos Alavanos yesterday called on the government to lodge a "determined" protest with Washington "which has given the green light to Turkish expansionism."

Addressing a meeting on Syros, Mr. Alavanos claimed that following the (Turkish) intervention in the Kurdish populated region of northern Iraq, "along the lines of the Israeli occupation of southern Lebanon," Ankara's next major objective would be the Aegean.

"It would be advisable for Prime Minister Costas Simitis to interrupt for a while the various inaugurations of airports and Metro stations and lodge a determined protest with the US government," Mr. Alavanos said.

[5] Foreign deputies of Greek descent to establish inter-parliamentary union

Foreign deputies of Greek descent who have been visiting Greece this week announced yesterday that they are planning to create an "inter-parliamentary union of Hellenism", following a proposal made by Alternate Foreign Minister Giorgos Romeos.

The union would complement the operation of the World Council of Hellenes Abroad (SAE) and its members would be invited to the World Conference of Hellenes Abroad.

Prime Minister Costas Simitis yesterday held a meeting with 28 foreign politicians of Greek origin visiting Greece at the initiative of Alternate Foreign Minister George Romeos.

Mr. Simitis briefed the foreign politicians on Greece's foreign issues.

[6] Foreign ministry official schedules Oslo meetings

Foreign Ministry Secretary General Constantinos Georgiou will conduct a working visit to Norway next week.

Mr. Georgiou is to meet with Norwegian Foreign Minister Bjoern Tore Godal and the country's secretary general, Piarne Lindstom, in order to discuss bilateral, European and regional issues of mutual interest.

During his stay in Oslo, he is also scheduled to meet with the Norwegian national defense minister and with that country's commerce and shipping minister.

[7] Portugal, Greece reiterate common position on revision of Maastricht

Portugal and Greece are to reinforce their information exchanges during the final phase of the intergovernmental conference on the revision of the Maastricht Treaty in order to protect their agricultural and industrial production, Portuguese Foreign Minister Jaime Gama said yesterday.

Mr. Gama made the statement during a press conference after a meeting with his Greek counterpart Theodoros Pangalos, with whom he discussed common issues in bilateral and European policies.

The two countries are taking the same position regarding US attacks on Iraq, which the Portuguese minister said "violate international laws."

He added that Greece and Portugal "have good relations, without any points of contention," share similar cultural and agricultural experiences and even have the same maritime, Mediterranean tradition.

In addition, the two countries both support the entry of Cyprus and Malta into the European Union. "These accessions will consolidate stability in the Mediterranean region," Mr. Gama said.

Mr. Pangalos was to meet with Portuguese President Jorge Sampaio and Prime Minister Antonio Guterres yesterday afternoon. He is set to leave Lisbon today in order to visit Dublin, where he is scheduled to participate in an EU foreign ministers' meeting.

[8] Greek Eurodeputy meets with Dutch minister responsible for European issues

Ruling PASOK party Eurodeputy and Greece's representative at the intergovernmental conference, Yiannos Kranidiotis, held talks with the Dutch minister responsible for European issues, Mr. Patin, in The Hague yesterday, briefing him on Athens' views and positions at the intergovernmental conference.

Mr. Kranidiotis placed emphasis on foreign affairs and defense issues and stressed the need for securing equality among European Union member-states.

Mr. Patin is the representative of the Netherlands at the conference. The Netherlands will assume the rotating six-month presidency of the EU Council of Ministers on Jan. 1, 1997, and Mr. Patin will chair the group of representatives of EU member-states at the intergovernmental conference.

It has been estimated that the international conference's work will enter its final course of negotiations and take final decisions on revising the Maastricht Treaty in the first half of 1997.

[9] Gligorov refers to 'favorable prospects' for relations between Athens, Skopje

The president of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) Kiro Gligorov yesterday drew emphasis to what he termed "favorable prospects for the development of relations between Greece and FYROM."

"My political instinct tells me that we have good prospects, but the Greek people will need time to realize that 'Macedonia' is a friendly neighbor," Mr. Gligorov was quoted as saying in an interview to the Skopje magazine "Puls."

In reference to the name issue, the president of the one-time Yugoslav republic expressed a conviction that there will be a solution.

"I don't know how much time it will take, but the procedure is a reality. In fact, European countries, especially the EU member-states accept more and more the 'Macedonian' state and refer to us by this term," he said.

[10] Pangalos says Turkey should face sanctions over Cyprus occupation

Turkey must face sanctions if it continues to defy the international community over its occupation of 37 per cent of Cyprus, Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos stated yesterday in Lisbon, according to a Reuter's dispatch.

"I can't see at all why what is applied in Iraq (sanctions) should not be applied to Turkey if they persist in defying the international community," Mr. Pangalos told a news conference during an official visit to Lisbon.

"There cannot be good offenders and bad offenders. We must have a system of rules and these rules should be applied to everyone," he added.

"We cannot consider any solution based on separation," Mr. Pangalos stressed, flanked by Portuguese Foreign Minister Jaime Gama. "These people (Cypriots) must have the right to live where they want, move where they want, and do what they want to do.

"It is for the international community, the European Union, the United States and the United Nations to propose concrete steps and then, if some of those involved in these questions do not abide by these proposals, sanctions should be imposed on them."

Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkish troops invaded and occupied the northern part of the island republic.

Only Turkey recognizes a breakaway Turkish Cypriot state set up in the north of the island in 1983, where some 30,000 Turkish troops are stationed, while the protracted dispute remains a source of tension between Turkey and Greece, its neighbor and NATO partner.

[11] Juppe to attend 150th anniversary of French Archeology School in Athens' founding

The Juppe trip will mark the first official visit to Greece by a French prime minister in roughly 10 years.

Mr. Juppe is to meet with his Greek counterpart, Costas Simitis, and will attend celebrations marking the 150th anniversary of the renown French Archeology School in Athens.

His visit was announced in Athens by government spokesman Dimitris Reppas last week, who added that the French prime minister would be accompanied by Education Minister Francois Bayrou.

The 150-year-old school is the oldest French scientific institution outside France.

[12] Dukakis visits Larisa

Turkish occupation troops must leave Cyprus, where only peacekeeping forces should remain, with guarantees for the security of the Turkish Cypriot minority, former Massachusetts governor and 1988 Democratic US presidential nominee Michael Dukakis said during an interview in Larisa yesterday.

He also stated that the Cyprus problem was one of US President Bill Clinton's priorities, who nevertheless, also needs the assistance of the international community.

"The US believes in peace in the Balkans and the Mediterranean, and in this, we shall play a substantial role, but always with the help of the international community," he said.

Mr. Dukakis, who is of Greek descent, was presented with a commemorative plaque by Larisa Mayor Kaffes. In turn, Mr. Dukakis stated that he was especially moved to be in the city where his mother grew up, adding that she celebrated her 93rd birthday just three days ago.

[13] Coalition sets out its defense policy: improved defense does not mean heavy spending

The Coalition of the Left (Synaspismos) said yesterday that Greece's defense policy must be part of a new national strategy which will upgrade the country's position internationally.

Presenting the Coalition's defense proposals in view of general elections on September 22, the party's Defense Committee said it was possible for Greece to have an improved defense capability without a new round of heavy spending and without further burdening the country's already onerous foreign debt.

Committee member and party candidate for the Athens 2nd district, Panos Trigazis, said that the government's 3 trillion drachma defense spending program was not the sole option.

"The tension in Greek-Turkish relations has for many years now fed a vicious circle of armaments with dire consequences for both countries. There is no doubt that the party responsible for this is the military-political establishment in Ankara which doe s not respect international legality, organizes provocations and hurls war threats with the strategic objective of changing the status quo in the Aegean," Mr. Trigazis said.

"Greece and Turkey allocate among the highest percentages of GDP in the world for military spending. According to the United Nations Human Development Report, Greece was in fourth place among developed countries with 5.7 per cent in 1994, as compared to 2.4 per cent for the EU and 3.2 per cent the world average," he added.

Mr. Trigazis underlined that huge military spending not only had negative economic repercussions and were unproductive, but also strengthened militarism.

"It helps preserve invisible 'lobbies' and circles and increases a country's dependence on those countries which supply the arms," he said.

The Coalition's defense proposal calls for long-term planning, better management of defense expenditure through maximization of investment returns, parliamentary control of defense ministry supplies and a throw out of armed forces suppliers' invisible networks, revision of existing legislation on the basis of the country's real defense needs, reinforcement of Greece's weapons industry and participation in selected European programs for the joint production of weapon systems.

[14] Private television stations' pre-election rates to be discussed

The inter-party election committee is to discuss private television stations' rates in the pre-election period during an emergency meeting, caretaker Press Minister Dimitris Konstas said yesterday.

Mr. Konstas referred to information that television stations have increased prices of broadcasting time by up to 100 per cent.

He said private stations were expected to submit their programming yesterday, "which would conform to demands of the joint ministerial decision."

The caretaker press minister added that the inter-party committee is to convene again on Monday or Tuesday, while decisions will be made for the parties which have not participated in the committee until now.

[15] Greece won't participate in upcoming NATO exercise

Greece will not participate in NATO's "Dynamic Mix '96" military exercise set to take place between Sept. 22 and Oct. 10 in NATO's southern administrative section (Greece, Italy and Turkey), it was announced yesterday.

The decision, taken by National Defense Minister Gerassimos Arsenis, falls in line with Greece's standing policy - initiated in 1985 - of abstaining from alliance military activities that do not meet Athens' set criteria.

[16] Tzoganis to attend top military chiefs meeting next week

National Defense General Staff Chief Gen. Athanasios Tzoganis will represent Greece at the 124th scheduled NATO military committee conference and at the MC Tour in Portugal and Spain.

The event is scheduled from Sept. 8-13 and will be attended by general staff chiefs from NATO's member-states.

An announcement by the national defense general staff said the purpose of the conference is to discuss and exchange views on issues concerning NATO, as well as issues of mutual interest.

[17] Greek naval officer to assume command of NATO force in Mediterranean

Hellenic Navy Capt. Constantinos Nikitiadis has assumed command of STANAVFORMED, NATO's permanent naval force in the Mediterranean, replacing German Adm. Frank Poppers, an ANA dispatch from Rome reported today.

Addressing an official ceremony in Naples, Capt. Nikitiadis stressed the effectiveness and high technological standard of NATO's rapid intervention naval force.

[18] Evert confident of victory

Main opposition New Democracy party leader Miltiades Evert yesterday expressed certainty that his party will win the elections this month.

"We have been the first to move and thus forced PASOK to follow us from a distance. I am certain that this distance will constantly grow, making ND's certain victory even greater," Mr. Evert told daily "Apoyevmatini".

Criticizing Prime Minister Costas Simitis of "social blackmail", Mr. Evert went on to say that during the eight months he was in office, Mr. Simitis' sole concern was how "to consolidate his authority over the party, not how to support the declining economy."

Mr. Evert noted that "social peace could only be ensured by creative and socially sensitive policies."

"The stamina and tolerance of the economy has been exhausted," he said, adding that "we are interested not only in economic results but also the social results."

Criticizing the government for its handling of Greece's national issues, Mr. Evert reiterated his position for a national strategy in the sector of foreign policy.

"We are determined to promote communication between all political forces as well as rally them around an integrated, long-term, effective strategy," he said.

The ND leader said the prime minister followed the "Thacherite model," thus the enormous unemployment rate and the imposition of strict austerity measures without any support of the poorer classes and no social protection from unrelenting recession.

Mr. Evert added that the model set by former President of the Republic Constantine Karamanlis, "which the ND calls radical liberalism is not outdated, but always applicable."

Mr. Evert reiterated his pledge for a 17-member cabinet, adding that Mr. Simitis' administration "has downgraded our political life."

In reference to former prime minister and ND honorary president, Constantine Mitsotakis, the ND leader said "he is a valuable asset for ND."

He said he expected Mr. Mitsotakis to offer his offices both to the party and the government during the country's ND administration, as well as during the pre-election period.

"Based on his experience he will find a way to offer his services," Mr. Evert said.

[19] Simitis

Prime Minister and PASOK leader Costas Simitis arrived in Thessaloniki last night to officially inaugurate the city's 61st annual international trade fair.

In comments after his arrival, Mr. Simitis called on "all those who voted for PASOK in 1993 and all those others who hesitated and who had doubts then" to reinforce the party and the "current which will change our nation and give it prospects."

The premier said the forthcoming Sept. 22 elections "concern the course of Greece in the 21st century. They concern the strategy which the country will follow, directions which we must take for Greece to become powerful, to have a voice, to be respected by enemies and friends. For Greece to play an important role, not only in the Balkans and the European Union, but also internationally."

He added that the elections also concerned the daily lives of citizens and the creation of "a state with social justice and sensitivity. The elections of Sept. 22 concern greater transparency, greater rights for citizens our ability as a society to control faceless powers."

[20] Almost half a million new voters eligible for Sept. 22 elections

A total of 492,874 new voters will be entitled to vote in the Sept. 22 general elections, according to data provided by the interior, public administration and decentralization ministry yesterday.

The total number of eligible voters in the country is 8,862,014 people. Precisely 51.11 per cent of voters are women (4,529,478) and 48.89 per cent men (4,332,536).

Moreover, the electorate has 399,854 more people than in the 1993 general elections. The difference resulted by deducting write-offs (deaths, etc.) from the number of new registrations.

New voters (18-year-olds and people delaying to obtain a voting booklet for various reasons) amount to 73,732 men and 69,405 women. In 1995, 70,031 men and 76,387 women had registered, while in 1994, 101,681 men and 101,638 women had registered.

The largest electoral region is the second Athens district with 1,096,842 voters and is followed by the first Athens district in Athens with 579,906 - the first Thessaloniki district has 406,176, while the Attica district has 264,430 voters. The second voting district in Piraeus includes 247,005 voters, Achaia has 246,852; Aetoloakarnania 295,925; Serres 242,373; Larisa 230,954, and the first Piraeus district 229,605.

On the contrary, Lefkada has the smallest electorate with only 27,775 voters, followed by Zakinthos with 32,972; Evrytania 38,645; Cephallonia 43,106; Samos 43,683; Grevena 48,377; Kastoria 49,329; Fokida 49,913; Hios 53,904 and Thesprotia 54,991.

[21] Tirana vows to keep 21 confiscated Orthodox churches, monasteries

The Albanian government will apparently continue to retain possession of 21 Albanian Autocephalous Orthodox Church sites, a report broadcast on Tirana state radio yesterday revealed - a development, which if true, reneges a promise by Albanian President Sali Berisha in January to return the properties to the Church.

The report stated that Albanian Culture Minister Teodor Liatsio has refused repeated demands of Archbishop of Tirana and All Albania Anastasios for their return and that the 21 churches and monasteries would remain the property of the culture ministry, being designated as cultural monuments.

President Berisha had publicly announced the return of the sites in January, only to have his decision overturned 15 days later by a government ruling that put them under the jurisdiction of the Albanian culture ministry, although making them available for use by the Orthodox Church on religious holidays.

Anastasios has insistently continued to request the return of the religious sites, with efforts rewarded only with the return of the Ardenica Monastery - one of the better-preserved monasteries in the neighboring country with historic and religious value.

Meanwhile, recent incidents, such as the vandalism of a church in Moschopolis by young Moslems in which a number of 18th century frescoes were destroyed, have brought the issue back to the forefront. According to the Tirana Archbishopry, such incidents are facilitated by the fact that the religious sites in question have not been returned to the Orthodox Church.

According to reports, the Albanian Autocephalous Orthodox Church is finding it difficult to regain possession of many of its properties, several of which are still retained by the Albanian army. In addition, squatters have recently been encouraged to trespass on unoccupied Church properties - as at the Agios Georgios Monastery near Sarande and at the Tsepo Monastery in Gjirokaster.

[22] South Australia open to Greek entrepreneurs, state premier says

There are significant prospects for the expansion of trade exchange between the state of South Australia and Thessaloniki, the Australian state premier Dean Brown said yesterday as he visited the Thessaloniki International Fair.

The 61st TIF was officially opened last night by Prime Minister Costas Simitis.

Mr. Brown met with representatives of Thessaloniki manufacturing, industry and business at midday at the city's Commerce and Industrial Chamber (EVETH).

South Australia is open to the development of business activity and Greek entrepreneurs could exploit the area's advantages in the fields of construction of consumer products, foodstuffs and industrial infrastructure, he said.

He said South Australia was a supply center for products for all southeast Asia and had a particularly well-developed distribution network.

The president of the South Australian Greek-Australian Business Council Vassilis Talianis, who is accompanying Mr. Brown, along with another 16 representatives of business and the state government, noted that Thessaloniki offered opportunities for investment and that it could be used as a springboard to the Balkan nations.

The president of EVETH Mr. Konstantinidis said there was Greek interest in developing trade and business relations with Australia, noting that the total of Greek exports to Australia reached $24.6 million while imports totaled $19 million. In 1993-1995 , Greek exports to Australia noted an increase of 63 per cent.

Specifically for South Australia, Mr. Konstantinidis said exports -mainly farming machinery - totaled $10 million in 1989, while in 1995 they fell to $1.5 million, a development the EVETH president attributed to transport difficulties and to the same products being imported or constructed in closer countries.

Mr. Brown and the South Australian delegation will take part today in the first joint Greek-Greek-Australian Business Council meeting, with the participation of Macedonia-Thrace Minister Philippos Petsalnikos, Trade Under-secretary Manolis Beteniotis and others.

[23] US trade attachi rules out US Gov't intervention to re-open Goodyear plant

A decision to close down the Goodyear plant in Thessaloniki cannot be altered through the US government's intervention, Patrick Santino, the commercial attachi at Washington's embassy in Athens told the press yesterday.

Mr. Santino spoke to reporters on the occasion of the Thessaloniki International Fair's official opening last night.

Asked to give an assessment of the investment climate in Greece, he said US businessmen were interested in stability as well as privatizations based on international standards and free market rules.

Mr. Santino also drew attention to improvements in the nation's infrastructure, before urging Greek businessmen to pursue joint venture opportunities with US businesses in Europe.

"It is smarter to approach a US company which has invested in Europe and knows the European market than approaching a company in the United Stated," he added.

Meanwhile, the US general consul in Thessaloniki, Myriam Hughes, said some 300 Greek businessmen have requested information through the embassy on the issue.

[24] US, Greek companies set to co-operate to conquer Balkan markets, US embassy official says

A group of US and Greek companies have stated interest in forming joint ventures with companies in the Balkan countries, an initiative which will be officially launched in Athens on October and followed up by visits to Bulgaria, Romania, Albania and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.

News of the joint ventures were presented to the press, yesterday, by Patrick Santino, commercial attachi at the US Embassy in Athens, on the occasion of the opening of the Thessaloniki International Fair.

Mr. Santino avoided giving further details on the issue.

According to press information, however, the lists of companies, mainly in the fields of informatics and project analysis, to participate in the ventures have yet to be finalized.

According to US Embassy figures, US exports to Greece reached $1.519 million in 1995 as against $829.8 million in 1994, an increase of 83 per cent.

Regarding Greek exports to the US, Mr. Santino said they fell 14 per cent to $398.3 million in 1995 from $454.5 million in 1994.

Mr. Santino said US analysts believed Greece will maintain its might in the fields of shipping and tourism, while adding that the field of informatics also seemed to have potential for future development.

Mr. Santino said US businessmen took a special interest to Greece, "since its geographic position offers excellent access to the markets of the European Union as well as to Eastern and Central Europe."

[25] Athens court files criminal charges against Roussel in continuing Onassis inheritance saga

The Onassis Foundation announced yesterday that an Athens Public Prosecutor had instituted criminal proceedings against Thierry Roussel, the former husband of the late Greek shipping heiress Christina Onassis, for perjury and other offenses.

A press release said that "following a criminal complaint filed by (the foundation's) President, two Vice-Presidents and Secretary General, the Public Prosecutor of Athens has instituted criminal proceedings against Thierry Roussel for perjury, filing of false charges and libelous defamation through the press...".

It added that proceedings had also been initiated against Mr. Roussel's attorney, Nestor Kourakis, "for libelous defamation through the press."

The foundation said that it would refrain from making any further comment at the present stage.

An Athens misdemeanors court last month threw out a lawsuit brought by Mr. Roussel against the board of governors of the Onassis Foundation, which has administered the inheritance of Athina Onassis, Mr. Roussel's daughter, since the death of her mother, Christina, in 1988.

In the suit, Mr. Roussel had accused the board of breach of faith.

End of English language section.