A.N.A. Bulletin, 26/09/96

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

Athens News Agency Directory

ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No. 999), September 26, 1996

Greek Press & Information Office

Ottawa, Canada

E-Mail Address: [email protected]

CONTENTS

[1] New PASOK government sworn-in

Prime Minister Costas Simitis' new 41-member government was sworn-in yesterday, kicking off a fresh four-year mandate after winning last Sunday's snap general elections.

The new government was sworn-in before President Kostis Stephanopoulos at the Presidential Mansion. Immediately afterwards, the new cabinet, in which 12 portfolios changed hands, and which includes 14 newcomers, held its first meeting - chaired by Mr. Simitis.

"A new era begins today, which will be marked by an intense and systematic effort for a strong Greece, a Greece of creativity and solidarity," Mr. Simitis said shortly after chairing the cabinet meeting.

This, Mr. Simitis added, was the message from Sunday's general elections "and this is what the people are expecting from the government".

Mr. Simitis said that both he and the members of the government were aware of the needs which existed and the responsibilities which they had assumed as well as the fact that it was up to the ruling PASOK party whether the country would succeed in effectively meeting the "great challenges of the times".

The prime minister added that the government would immediately set about its task at a rapid pace, stressing that "every effort must be effective".

Underlining, however, that an effort on the part of the government alone was not sufficient, Mr. Simitis called for "the contribution and participation of all.

"The battle which we must give is the battle of all Greeks, including those who did not vote for us," Mr. Simitis said.

Commenting on the result of Sunday's elections, he said the outcome was a great victory for PASOK, while adding that it also belonged to "other forces of the centre-left".

"An effort will be made to find a common language and common course with these forces. The wager which must be won concerns the entire country and all the Greek people," he added.

Replying to questions on statements today by outgoing national defense minister Gerassimos Arsenis, who expressed concern about the dangers facing the country, Mr. Simitis said his remarks did not create a problem since he was merely expressing the known positions of the government "as he had done also in the past".

On the appointment of former education minister George Papandreou as alternate foreign minister, the premier said the foreign ministry also required the presence of other persons "in order for the task to be performed properly."

Asked to clarify his comments on the centre-left, Mr. Simitis replied that he had himself stated in the past which forces comprised it and what kind of co-operation PASOK would seek with them.

"Today I am sending the simple message that there must be contact and dialogue with these forces," Mr. Simitis added.

Meanwhile, outgoing Defense Minister Gerassimos Arsenis yesterday expressed concern during a ceremony at the national defense ministry over what he cited as dangers facing the country.

"The dangers are ahead of us, and so are the difficulties," Mr. Arsenis, who takes over the education ministry, said in farewell comments to the ministry's military and civilian staff.

He said he also distrusted a dialogue approach or the confidence-building measure (CBMs) approach "which leads, through the back door to dialogue (negotiations) on all issues with Turkey, and in turn, leading to a new (1960) Zurich (the agreement establishing Cypriot independence, which was used by Turkey as a pretext for invading Cyprus)."

Mr. Arsenis praised the new National Defense Minister, Akis Tsohatzopoulos, as an experienced and seasoned cadre, adding that the civilian and military personnel of the ministry would, under Tsohatzopoulos, continue the task begun.

He further assured that the new government would continue to place priority on the country's defense.

Mr. Arsenis, reviewing his time at the national defense ministry, called on the ministry staff to do their utmost to safeguard the Greece-Cyprus joint defense doctrine, saying it upgraded Hellenism's shield against Turkish expansionism, overturned political balances in the wider region and created necessary infrastructure for a credible foreign policy.

He also said the needs of the armed forces were being met to the extent allowed by the economy.

Mr. Arsenis added that an armaments procurement programme submitted to the Government Council for Foreign Affairs and Defense (KYSEA) secretariat "will be among the first tasks" of the new government.

On his part, Mr. Tsohatzopoulos noted that the country was in the process of a major development effort.

"Strong armed forces constitute a necessary complement for the economic and development efforts to come to a successful end, and vice-versa," he noted.

He promised to contribute to the strengthening and implementation of the joint defense doctrine (with Cyprus), so that it may work as an effective deterrent force.

In addition, former alternate foreign minister Giorgos Romeos yesterday said he had mixed feelings about handing over his post, saying that in his time there he had made many friends at the ministry.

Mr. Romeos will take over the public order portfolio. His place will be taken by former education minister George Papandreou.

At the culture ministry, outgoing minister Stavros Benos handed over the post to incoming minister Evangelos Venizelos.

Mr. Venizelos, who is from Thessaloniki, stressed the northern city's assumption of the Cultural Capital of Europe 1997 title, saying there was a great deal of work to be done in the next three months.

He said he saw his role as "inspiring those who work at the ministry."

[2] Papantoniou says national economy, finance ministries will be merged

National Economy minister Yiannos Papantoniou, who retained his portfolio and has also been appointed finance minister in the new government, indicated yesterday that the two ministries would be merged.

Speaking to finance ministry employees shortly after being sworn-in, Mr. Papantoniou said "now we will be taking unified action," adding that "the institutional unification of the two ministries will contribute significantly to the formulation and implementation of economic policy."

[3] Pangalos replies to State Dept. remark, reiterates that Athens won't negotiate sovereign rights

Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos said yesterday that Greece will not negotiate its sovereign rights, referring to a statement US State Department spokesman Nicholas Burns made on Tuesday that the United States intends t o undertake an initiative "to resolve the many problems in the Aegean" and to the allegation that Greece and Turkey agree to this initiative.

"I explained to Mr. (US Secretary of State Warren) Christopher the difficulties we meet in our relations with Turkey. As you know, the United States has taken initiatives towards the Turkish side in the past as well to persuade it to accept the position we have proposed, which, if you wish, is not a position in favor of Greece. It is an internationally acceptable position. More specifically, for it (Turkey) to accept the last part of this position - the first step, as we have described it, which is referring its possible interpretations on the implementation of treaties to the International Court at The Hague," Mr. Pangalos said.

"I suppose that the spokesman will mean this effort which indeed Mr. Christopher told me that the US intends to continue," he added.

Replying to a question on whether there was a question of an immediate Greek-Turkish dialogue on the Aegean and other sovereign rights of Greece, Mr. Pangalos said:

"Our position is known. We have reiterated it umpteen times. We reiterated it many times before the elections and I continue to reiterate it now after the elections, since you are asking me. But this must sometimes stop. It has become a bore. It would b e good if we were to move a little further on. That is why I am fed up of having to repeat everything again. Greece will not negotiate its sovereign rights, and for as long as Turkey leaves a territorial claim pending and wants to have negotiations on this territorial claim, it is not possible for there to be a discussion between Greece and Turkey."

"If Turkey accepts, as we have said, as the US accepts, as the European Union accepts, to refer its whatever conception over the implementation of treaties - it says it accepts them in theory - but from there on it sets out objections, let it bring these objections before an international agency, one of those which usually resolves such differences and the solution which will be given will be a compulsory solution for Greece, because Greece has accepted the compulsory jurisdiction of the International Court at The Hague," he added.

Replying to another press question on whether Mr. Christopher spoke to him of any change in Turkey's position, Mr. Pangalos said no, and stressed that:

"We discussed the situation in Turkey and exchanged certain assessments. He simply told me, and I suppose that this is what Mr. Burns describes, that the US intends to intensify its efforts for a settlement to the Cyprus issue in accordance with the principles which are also adopted by decisions taken so far by the international community and also, that it will appeal again to Turkey on the basis of the position which I have described."

Asked whether Greece requested US intervention on the name issue of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), Mr. Pangalos said "the issue of Skopje (FYROM) is being discussed with intervention by the US because, as you know, Mr. Vance is American. He is a representative of the UN secretary general's on the one hand, but he is a distinguished US diplomat as well."

Replying to a question on the possible linking of the Cyprus issue with "the difficult issues of the Aegean", Mr. Pangalos added:

"The Cyprus issue has nothing to do with differences in the Aegean. Differences in the Aegean are Greek-Turkish. The Cyprus issue is an international problem involving an independent country, Cyprus and a country which has attacked and occupies territory, a part of independent Cyprus, namely Turkey."

Responding to a remark that the United States says that problems in the Aegean should be registered at an initial stage, Mr. Pangalos said:

"I think you are confused. Mr. Evert said this. I have never heard an American say such a thing. It was an offer by Mr. Evert to Turkey, which was rejected by the Greek people and which was also withdrawn by Mr. Evert on the eve of the elections."

[4] Burns statement

Earlier the State Department told reporters that "Secretary Christopher said he thought that it was important for the United States to help lead a new effort to resolve some of the Aegean problems between Greece and Turkey."

He said UN ambassador Madeleine Albright and Under-secretary of State for Political Affairs Peter Tarnoff would be "closely involved" in the effort, adding that no dates were discussed for any mission or meeting.

Mr. Burns said the two men discussed relations with Turkey and that the issue was always raised every time Greek and US diplomatic officials met.

He said Mr. Pangalos referred at length to his contacts with the leadership of the previous Turkish government, and more specifically with the previous Turkish foreign minister, to enable Mr. Christopher to assess the nature of Greek-Turkish relations.

Moreover, Mr. Burns said Mr. Pangalos referred to FYROM and to continuing negotiations on the name of the state.

"They had a very detailed discussion on this issue," he said, adding: "I don't want to go into further details."

"On the question of the Aegean, the US Secretary of State spoke of our country's desire to help in a new effort to resolve some of the Aegean problems between Greece and Turkey," he added.

Mr. Burns said at this point that the US permanent representative at the UN Madeleine Albright and Under-secretary of State for Political Affairs Peter Tarnoff will undertake this mission.

He said that Mr. Christopher expressed concern over the resurgence of violence in Cyprus and the murders of two Greek Cypriots and a Turkish soldier, and added that Mr. Christopher will meet the special representative on Cyprus, Richard Beattie, this week.

Mr. Burns said Mr. Christopher hopes the US will be able to be more active now that the Greek elections are over in order to work with the Greek and Turkish governments.

He said the US secretary of state will meet FYROM President Kiro Gligorov this week for a further discussion "on the situation in the Balkans and Greece's relations with the Balkans."

Replying to questions on the US initiative over the Aegean and whether it will take place at a high level with a direct intervention by US President Bill Clinton and a meeting between the prime ministers of Greece and Turkey, Mr. Burns avoided going into details.

He said a general discussion took place and that "the US initiative is welcome both by Turkey and Greece." He added that Mr. Christopher said Greece and Turkey are countries that are friends of the US and good allies, and that if the US can help in resolving the many problems in the Aegean it intends to do so.

Mr. Christopher, he added, did not speak of a specific period of time for carrying out the initiative (whether it will be undertaken, as well as the initiative over the Cyprus issue, before the elections in the US). He did not specify the issue and told Mr. Pangalos that now was the suitable time for new diplomatic efforts, both for the Aegean and the Cyprus issue.

Saying that Mr. Pangalos agreed, Mr. Burns said he believes that during Monday's meeting between Turkish Foreign Minister Tansu Ciller and Mr. Christopher they had agreed that now would be a good time "to see what can be done" on both issues.

Mr. Burns said initiatives over the Aegean and the Cyprus issue will be taken separately, reiterating that Ms Albright and Mr. Tarnoff will undertake the mission on Aegean issues, while Ambassador Beattie is responsible for the Cyprus issue.

"The Greek minister analyzed Greek positions on differences between Greece and Turkey over the Aegean. The US does not take the side of anyone. It does not support one side against the other. We are trying to use our good relations with both Greece and Turkey to get them to work together to find a solution and not to take sides. I want to be very clear. We are not taking the side of Greece against Turkey or of Turkey against Greece. We are in the middle as friends of both and we hope to use our friendship for progress to be achieved if possible," he said.

[5] Simitis to visit Cyprus next week as planned

Prime Minister Costas Simitis' scheduled visit to Cyprus will go ahead as planned, government spokesman Dimitris Reppas announced yesterday. Mr. Simitis is due to visit Cyprus on October 1, while on October 4 the premier will fly to Dublin to attend the European Union summit, Mr. Reppas added.

The spokesman said that the new Parliament would convene on October 7 for the swearing-in ceremony. The following day, he added, the House would elect a new president, and on October 9 the members of the new presidium.

The speaker in the previous parliament, Apostolos Kaklamanis, would again be proposed for the position of president, Mr. Reppas said.

On October 10, the spokesman added, Parliament would begin a three-day debate on the government's policy statement.

[6] SEB calls for acceleration of procedures leading to convergence

The president of the Federation of Greek Industries (SEB), Iason Stratos, yesterday recommended acceleration of procedures that will ensure Greece's timely convergence with other European countries, otherwise "we will not be able to promote national issue s and to have a more active role in international choices concerning our country."

A SEB announcement stressed that the federation has always avoided any involvement in political conflicts, but added that it continues to claim the right to act autonomously and to be able to judge and propose measures for the country's progress and pro motion of economic and industrial development.

[7] SBBE calls on Gov't to make good on promises

The Federation of Northern Greek Industries (SBBE) yesterday called on the new government to meet its election pledges on national issues as well as those referring to northern Greece.

In an announcement, the federation said the new government had to proceed with efforts to trim the public sector, develop coordination and time-frames to create rules of development for international business activity, to work on the deficiencies of public administration and transfer power to the regions and to complete major public works projects, particularly the Egnatia Highway and adjoining roads.

[8] Congratulations continue to pour in for Simitis, PASOK victory

Prime Minister Costas Simitis received a message from French President Jacques Chirac yesterday, which stressed that the French leader was satisfied at PASOK's win "because we are in a position to further strengthen the friendly co-operation we have established".

Mr. Chirac said he was looking forward to meeting Mr. Simitis at the forthcoming EU meeting in Dublin in order to discuss bilateral relations and the future of the European Union.

In addition, the British embassy in Athens on Monday relayed the following message from Prime Minister John Major to Mr. Simitis:

"Please accept my warmest congratulations on your victory in the Greek general election.

"The vote of confidence you have received from the Greek people is a clear endorsement of your commitment to develop Greece's contribution to a competitive and outward-looking Europe. I look forward to building on the excellent meeting we had in April, when we agreed to identify practical ways to further deepen the long-standing relationship between our two countries."

[9] Erbakan message

In Istanbul, Turkish Prime Minister Necmettin Erbakan sent a congratulatory message to the Greek premier.

"I would like to extend my congratulations on your re-election, as well as our best wishes for the success of your government," the message read.

"We desire to co-operate with you with the aim of developing our friendly relations through a constructive dialogue, which will be based on mutual understanding and respect between the two countries.

"I believe the Turkish and Greek nations, which have the same basic interests in our region, must live in peace and co-operation."

Mr. Simitis also received telegrams congratulating him on his election win from Turkish Foreign Minister Tansu Ciller, who also sent a message to her Greek counterpart Theodoros Pangalos.

"I believe that mutual efforts of good will contribute to a constructive dialogue and co-operation between the two countries," she said.

[10] Europarliament adopts amendment on EU responsibility for members' security

The European Parliament's foreign affairs committee yesterday adopted an amendment stipulating that the European Union is responsible for the security and territorial integrity of member-states, according to an ANA dispatch from Brussels. The amendment was tabled by ruling PASOK Eurodeputy Yiannis Roubatis, who is also Vice-President of the assembly's Socialist Group.

The effect of the amendment is that the EU may assume

responsibility, in accordance with Community provisions already in force, for humanitarian and peace missions as well as for the use of military forces in the event of a military crisis or peace process.

Also, according to Mr. Roubatis' amendment, "the European Union is responsible for the security of its members, which are linked by solidarity, and the EU is responsible for the territorial integrity of the member-states which comprise it."

The committee also adopted a series of amendments stipulating that the application of European Union financing programmes for Turkey will depend on that country's respect for democratic principles as set by the European Convention of Human Rights; for t he rule of law and the rules of international law.

By an overwhelming majority, the committee also decided to freeze credits to Turkey earmarked in the European Union's draft budget for 1997.

The freeze will affect a total of 95 million ECU entered in the draft budget as financial aid to Turkey within the framework of Ankara's customs union with the Community.

In deciding on the freeze, the Committee approved a draft budget amendment tabled by Eurodeputies including Coalition of the Left and Progress representative Alekos Alavanos.

The amendment sets as a pre-condition for EU funds to Turkey "apart from respect for human rights and respect by Ankara for the Kurdish people and an end to the illegal occupation of Cyprus, also respect for the territorial integrity of states."

It also stipulates that for as long as Turkey fails to fulfill these pre-conditions, EU financial aid to that country would remain blocked.

In a related development, the head of the main opposition New Democracy's group of Eurodeputies, Efthymios Christodoulou, tabled a similar motion seeking the blocking of EU funds earmarked for Turkey in the Community's draft budget for 1997.

In particular, Mr. Christodoulou's proposal seeks a block to Community funds allocated to Turkey through the Euro-Mediterranean assistance programme (MEDA).

[11] Ciller says Ankara unwilling to refer Imia issue to int'l court

Bilateral problems between Greece and Turkey must be dealt with comprehensively, Turkish Foreign Minister Tansu Ciller said during a press conference at the United Nations yesterday.

Ms. Ciller said it is impossible for Turkey to accept referral of the Imia issue to the International Court of Justice at The Hague.

"If Greece and the European Union believe the issue of the Kardak (Imia) islet must be referred to the International Court at The Hague, it would be correct to also refer to The Hague the military presence on Aegean islands, which is in clear contravention of international treaties," Ms. Ciller claimed.

Referring to the murder of two unarmed Greek-Cypriot protesters in the buffer zone last month, Ms. Ciller said "the group of motorcyclists which came from Greece violated the Turkish borders, which begin after the UN buffer zone, and insulted the sanctity of the Turkish flag. They ought to expect some sort of reaction by the Turkish side."

She added that if the Turkish soldiers had not been present to stop the motorcyclists and the latter had proceeded up to the "Turkish borders", "worst incidents, murders and massacres would have occurred on both sides, which would have ended in a real tragedy."

The Turkish foreign minister attributed the increase in tension on Cyprus to the run-up to the Greek elections and concluded by saying: "International problems must not be used for internal political consumption."

[12] Souflias announces candidacy for ND leadership

Former New Democracy minister George Souflias yesterday announced his candidacy for the main opposition party's leadership, after the resignation of Miltiades Evert following the election defeat last Sunday.

Mr. Souflias' candidacy follows those of former national economy minister Stephanos Manos and former culture minister Dora Bakoyianni.

Announcing his intention to seek ND's presidency, Mr. Souflias said: "New Democracy needs to reconquer the broad (electoral) base of the past." He attributed what he referred to as a decrease of ND's appeal to the "lack of unity among top cadres during the past 10 years."

Mr. Souflias called on both followers of Mr. Evert and former premier and ND honorary president Constantine Mitsotakis to realize that "everything has limits and enter into polarizing actions and procedures that will shrink the party and possibly lead t o a split up."

His candidacy, as Mr. Souflias said, "aims to restore the party's traumatized unity, to expand the party's horizons with incursions into other (political) areas and for New Democracy to become a majority."

Meanwhile, Ms. Bakoyianni yesterday proposed that the party's leadership should be assumed by an interim president until election of a new leader at the next party conference.

Ms. Bakoyianni put forward the proposal in talks yesterday morning with ND leader Miltiades Evert, who resigned on Sunday after ND's electoral defeat became apparent, her father and honorary ND president Constantine Mitsotakis as well as top party cadres Stavros Dimas and Ioannis Varvitsiotis.

Speaking to reporters upon leaving Mr. Evert's office, Ms. Bakoyianni described her proposal as one of "unity", adding that "candidates for the leadership of the party will be able to set out their political positions and arguments at the conference".

Stressing that unity of the party was more important than personal ambitions, Ms. Bakoyianni proposed former ND premier Tzannis Tzannetakis, "whose prestige and sensitivity is widely acknowledged" as interim president.

Mr. Dimas, the general secretary of the party's Parliamentary group said later, however, that Ms. Bakoyianni's proposal "is not based on the party's statutes, which provide for the election of a permanent president."

"In theory, everything is possible," Mr. Dimas added.

He said that ND supporters undoubtedly preferred "a common decision by all to choose one person, who will have the backing of all, without the phenomena of the past, which created some of our problems."

He was speaking to reporters after taking part in a meeting of party cadres attended by Messrs. Evert, Varvitsiotis, Stephanos Manos, George Souflias, Athanasios Tsaldaris and Yiannis Kefaloyiannis.

According to informed sources, both Varvitsiotis and Kefaloyiannis proposed Costas Karamanlis, the grandson of the former president and prime minister Constantine Karamanlis, as candidate for the presidency, but this was rejected by Manos and Souflias.

Mr. Manos reportedly said during the meeting that ND had been in the throes of "civil wars" for the last six years between supporters of Mr. Evert and Mr. Mitsotakis, "owing to which we lost two elections".

The only way to restore unity, Mr. Manos reportedly said, was for both sides to refrain from seeking the leadership.

"This is the only clear way forward, otherwise there is a danger of (the party) breaking up or this situation being perpetuated," Mr. Manos reportedly said.

According to the same sources, Ms Bakoyianni's proposal is also opposed by Tsaldaris, Varvitsiotis and Manos.

At the same time, deputies loyal to Mr. Evert continue to gather signatures to petition the former leader to run once again for president of the party.

ND cadre Valsamis Giovanoudas said that more than 60 ND deputies had so far signed the petition. According to some party sources, Mr. Evert remained firm in his decision not to run for president, while other sources maintain that he is considering running due to the large number of signatures.

Informed sources said Mr. Evert did not make his intentions clear at this morning's meeting.

[13] Decisions on Political Spring's future soon, Samaras says

Political Spring leader Antonis Samaras yesterday broke his silence since his party's failure to win a single seat in Parliament in Sunday's general elections.

"Although many believe that deception prevailed and sincerity was defeated last Sunday, I got the message and in a few days I shall announce my decisions," Mr. Samaras said.

"Struggles for the country are meaningful only when personal sacrifice is not taken into consideration," he said, adding that the forces of Political Spring would regroup "on a more modern and effective base".

Commenting on the new government, Mr. Samaras remarked that "the fact that the same people remain at the helm of the crucial foreign national economy ministries vindicates my warnings that Greece is entering a new cycle of national concessions and fierce austerity".

Mr. Samaras declined to comment on recent developments in the main opposition New Democracy party in the aftermath of Sunday's election defeat.

Political Spring narrowly missed attaining the 3 per cent threshold required for securing seats in Parliament, gaining only 2.94 of the vote on Sunday.

It won 10 seats in November 1993 elections having gained 4.88 per cent of the vote.

[14] Strong British presence at this year's Defendory exhibition

Ten British companies and two defense ministry organizations will be taking part in this year's Defendory Exhibition of defense systems and equipment to be held in Piraeus October 1-5, the British Embassy announced yesterday.

The participants will be part of a group organized by the Defense Manufacturers Association (DMA) with the support of the British Department of Trade and Industry, an embassy press release said.

The DMA, which represents companies manufacturing fully integrated defense systems, sub-systems and special equipment and which also provides support services, will have an information stand at the biennial exhibition, while the Defense Export Service Organization (DESO), which is part of the British defense ministry, would be participating with its own pavilion.

[15] Greco-Hungarian scientific and technological co-operation set for next year

The development ministry's research and technology general secretariat will proclaim Greco-Hungarian scientific and technological co-operation for the 1997-1998 period in co-operation with the Hungarian technological development committee.

In this framework, the general secretariat will accept the submission of proposals for joint research projects from universities and technical institutes, research centers and state and private organizations until October 27, 1996 at the latest.

The scientific and technological sectors of co-operation between the two countries concern agricultural sciences, biotechnology, informatics, telecommunications and new technologies in the industry, energy and environmental protection sectors. More information is available at the Research and Technology general secretariat on 691-1122.

[16] Greeks arrested in Sweden for smuggling Indians

Two Greek coach drivers were arrested in Sweden after allegedly smuggling 14 Indians into the country in the luggage compartment of their bus, en route to black market jobs in Germany, police said yesterday.

Police spokesman Mats Nylen told Reuters the men took two Greek-registered coaches across on the ferry to Stockholm from the Estonian capital of Tallinn on Tuesday morning.

But the two men took fright and drove off in the first bus after it had been searched by customs officers and found empty, leaving the second with the engine still running in a car park.

Mr. Nylen said customs officers discovered 14 men from India, aged between 19 and 39, hiding in the lower luggage compartment of the coach.

He said the men told police they had flown from India to Moscow, proceeding by train to Kiev where they paid 50,000 Swedish crowns each to be taken by bus to Germany where black market jobs allegedly awaited them.

Mr. Nylen said the two drivers were arrested at the southern Swedish port of Gothenburg late on Tuesday night.

He said they were brought back to Stockholm yesterday where they were being questioned. He said they were expected to appear in court later this week.

[17] Parthenon exhibition opens in Japan

The Japanese media are giving extensive coverage to an exhibition entitled "The Parthenon, Architecture and Maintenance," which opened in Osaka's museum yesterday.

The exhibition, organized by the Hellenic Culture Foundation and the university of the city, gives prominence to a copy of the western frieze of the monument, exhibited for the first time abroad, and inaugurates the relations between the two countries in the field of cultural heritage.

It presents the restoration and maintenance work on the Parthenon, and has drawn widespread interest.

The driving force of the exhibition, supported by the Hellenic Culture Foundation, is professor of Philosophy and Archaeology at the University of Osaka, Dr. Takashi Seki, who has been studying the monument for ten years. University rector Dr. Kenhiro Yamamoto, and museum director R. Morikuhi say they expect to learn a lot from the Greeks, their civilization and the development of science.

[18] Nikos Papandreou's book comes out in English

The English translation of Nikos Papandreou's book "Father Dancing" was launched in London yesterday in the presence of the author.

Nikos Papandreou, the son of former prime minister, the late Andreas Papandreou, told guests that he had attempted to combine the literature with his love for his father.

The launch - at London's Hellenic Cultural Foundation - was attended by Archbishop of Britain Grigoris and members of the Greek community as well as others.

The English version book, published in Greek as "Ten Myths and One Story", is published by Penguin, which said yesterday that it was an exceptional work of literature and expected to sell well internationally.

End of English language section.