Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 97-02-04

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

ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No 1106), February 4, 1997

Greek Press & Information Office
Ottawa, Canada
E-Mail Address: [email protected]

CONTENTS

[01] Simitis may visit US next month, spokesman says

[02] Constantopoulos meets with Cyprus' leadership, Turkish Cypriot delegation

[03] Meeting with Turkish Cypriots

[04] Gov't: Solution to Cyprus problem will cancel any possibility of conflict

[05] Canada concerned over increased tension on Cyprus

[06] Australia to push for Cyprus on the agenda of next CHOGM

[07] State Dept. cites important commitments by Nicosia

[08] Spokesman comments on FYROM name issue

[09] Opposition

[10] Pangalos on Kossovo

[11] Kranidiotis sworn in as foreign under-secretary

[12] Athens cautions 'respect' for Belgrade protesters

[13] Defense under-secretary meets with British counterpart in London

[14] Alexandros '97 map exercise gets under way

[15] Montenegrin delegation on official two-day visit

[16] Greek, Turkish journalists stress inviolability of borders, adherence to Lausanne Treaty

[17] Evert indirectly indicates that he'll again vie for ND leadership

[18] ND cadres call on Evert to state his intentions

[19] Cacoyiannis collection donated to foreign ministry's historical archives dept.

[20] Crete to host congress of Mediterranean island development

[21] Skandalidis: No change of policy on FYROM name issue

[22] Spyridon marks Greek Arts and Letters Day

[23] Yiannis Kostopoulos honorary board member of NY's Met

[24] Greek restaurant in Budapest set ablaze in bomb attack

[25] Civil servants begin nationwide strike

[26] Farmers

[27] Federation of Bank Employee Unions demands salary increases

[28] European Spa Federation conference slated for Thessaloniki

[29] Technical Chamber delegation concludes contacts in Bucharest

[30] Police say dead Russian was headed to Italy for contract killing

[31] Georgian Greek arrested for possession of heroin

[32] Two Albanians arrested on suspicion of involvement in kidnappings

[33] Two Turkish illegal immigrant smugglers convicted

[01] Simitis may visit US next month, spokesman says

Athens, 04/02/1997 (ANA)

Government spokesman Dimitris Reppas was referring to Mr. Pangalos' visit to New York at the beginning of next month for the inauguration of the Byzantine exhibition at the city's Metropolitan Museum.

Mr. Reppas said there was an open invitation for Greek representatives to visit the US, conveyed through US Ambassador in Athens Thomas Niles, to discuss bilateral issues and matters relating to the region.

The spokesman clarified however that neither the level of such a meeting nor when it might be held had been decided.

"Perhaps it will take place in early March, when Mr. Pangalos will be in the US for the exhibition at the New York museum... The prime minister might also visit the US at the same time," Mr. Reppas said.

[02] Constantopoulos meets with Cyprus' leadership, Turkish Cypriot delegation

Nicosia, 04/02/1997 (ANA)

In a statement after meeting with Cyprus President Glafcos Clerides yesterday, Mr. Constantopoulos also expressed support for the demilitarization of Cyprus, which he said will facilitate the effectiveness of present mobility.

Mr. Constantopoulos said the character of the Cyprus issue as an international problem of invasion and occupation should not be altered and moved from the international framework to a bilateral feud between Greece and Turkey.

He expressed the view that the closer that Cyprus approaches a start to negotiations for accession into the European Union the more pressure will increase, adding that Cyprus and Greece must choose the policies and diplomatic initiatives highlighting Turkish intransigence, while at the same time will contributing to finding a feasible, just and secure solution to the Cyprus issue.

Mr. Constantopoulos also held talks with Parliament President Spyros Kyprianou and Free Democrats Party leader George Vassiliou, both of whom have served as Cyprus' president in the past.

In addition, Mr. Constantopoulos met with left-wing Cypriot AKEL party president Dimitris Christofias, New Horizons party leader Nikos Koutsou as well as Liberals party leader Nikos Rolandis.

[03] Meeting with Turkish Cypriots

Nicosia, 04/02/1997 (ANA)

The meeting was the first between a Greek political party leader and a Turkish Cypriot party.

[04] Gov't: Solution to Cyprus problem will cancel any possibility of conflict

Athens, 04/02/1997 (ANA)

Asked by a correspondent of a Turkish newspaper if a military conflict was possible if there was no positive developments in the Cyprus problem during 1997, government spokesman Dimitris Reppas replied:

"If diplomatic and political efforts fail, and given Turkey's aggressive behavior towards Greece, this eventuality cannot be ruled out." The spokesman added, however, that Greece believed political solutions would be found for the Cyprus problem , "which will then rule out this possibility (conflict)".

"But both sides must work in this direction," Mr. Reppas said, charging that Turkey, on the other hand, is doing everything possible to dynamite all peaceful initiatives aimed at finding diplomatic or political solutions to differences. Evert Referring to the government spokesman's statements, main opposition New Democracy party leader Miltiades Evert said yesterday that the comments caused apprehension among the Greek people.

"The statements by Mr. Reppas on the possibility of war with Turkey create great concern among the Greek people," Mr. Evert said.

"One wonders how the government's spokesman proceeds with such actions without all the parties previously being informed of this possibility," he added.

[05] Canada concerned over increased tension on Cyprus

Athens, 04/02/1997 (ANA)

Mr. Axworthy said Canada's aim was to help reduce tension on Cyprus and contribute to constructive negotiations for peace in the region. The Canadian foreign minister underlined the need for a peaceful settlement of the Cyprus problem through dialogue and the avoidance of the threat or use of force.

[06] Australia to push for Cyprus on the agenda of next CHOGM

Melbourne, 04/02/1997 (ANA - S. Hatzimanolis)

Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs Alexander Downer made the announcement after a meeting last Saturday with Cypriot President Glafcos Clerides.

However, Greek-Australian Labor Senator Nick Bolkus called Mr. Downer's stance in the meeting "hypocritical", noting that last year when the Turkish "Gray Wolves" group had killed Greek-Cypriots in the island's buffer zone, Mr. Downer had avoided criticizing Ankara and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash.

[07] State Dept. cites important commitments by Nicosia

Washington, 94/02/1997 (ANA - T. Ellis)

"The assurance we have is that Greek military aircraft will not be placed at the Cyprus base for 13 months," State Department spokesman Nicholas Burns said.

"We (also) have very serious commitments on the part of the Cypriot government that they will not install the Russian missiles," he added.

"These are very important concessions, very serious statements from the Cypriot government," he noted. Regarding the sale of four Seahawk helicopters to Turkey, Mr. Burns said: "We have a defense relationship with both Greece and Turkey, and American a id to both countries will continue in the framework of NATO. Nobody here is talking about ending defense relationships that are crucial to the US".

[08] Spokesman comments on FYROM name issue

Athens, 04/02/1997 (ANA)

Mr. Reppas said only common anxiety and concern exists over the way with which the issue of the neighboring country's name will be handled.

He said there was an interim agreement which was being implemented on the part of Greece, while goodwill was expected on the part of Skopje concerning the name issue.

Mr. Reppas stressed that Athens will exhaust possibilities of finding a solution agreeable to all, adding that Greece has not changed its initial position.

He added that Mr. Pangalos noted that when a deadlock is ascertained on the name issue, then "developments might not be completely controlled by us."

Mr. Pangalos' conclusions, Mr. Reppas added, are at the level of a pragmatic analysis of the issue, while Mr. Tsohatzopoulos reiterated that our policy on not accepting a name containing the word "Macedonia or its derivatives" is known.

[09] Opposition

Athens, 04/02/1997 (ANA)

The question lodged by Mr. Evert in Parliament yesterday notes that "Greece's negotiating position is weakened because at a time when FYROM appears unmoving on its position concerning the name, the Greek foreign minister appears to be ready to retreat, and from at least a standpoint of negotiations, strengthens FYROM's position."

Mr. Evert called on Prime Minister Costas Simitis to inform Parliament on the government's position concerning Mr. Pangalos' statements, and whether Greece's official position on the issue has changed.

[10] Pangalos on Kossovo

Athens, 04/02/1997 (ANA)

He added that Greece's position is identical to that of the other European Union countries, and that it condemns all use of violence.

[11] Kranidiotis sworn in as foreign under-secretary

Athens, 04/02/1997 (ANA)

During a handing-over ceremony later at the foreign ministry, Mr. Rozakis tried to dispel rumors of friction within the ministry, saying that while under-secretary, he had continued his long-standing friendship with Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos and built up a new friendship with Alternate Foreign Minister George Papandreou.

Mr. Kranidiotis, a former Eurodeputy with long experience in the foreign ministry, described Mr. Rozakis' resignation as a loss and expressed the hope that he would continue to work with the ministry, offering his experience and knowledge.

The new under-secretary said the country had embarked on a new course, aimed at making Greece strong and modern.

In the sector of foreign policy, he added, "visions and inspirations" are not sufficient.

"What is needed is planning, consistent work and scientific substantiation of our positions," Mr. Kranidiotis said.

Among the challenges of the 21st century for Greece were the defining of the country's role in the Balkans and confronting the Turkish threat and aggressiveness in Cyprus and the Balkans, he said.

[12] Athens cautions 'respect' for Belgrade protesters

Athens, 04/02/1997 (ANA)

"No one can applaud the use of force and the injury of citizens and political leaders," government spokesman Dimitris Reppas added.

Serbian security police attacked thousands of peaceful demonstrators last night, injuring more than 100.

Replying to questions, Mr. Reppas underlined the need for the implementation of what was agreed during Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos' visit to Belgrade.

The spokesman said Mr. Pangalos had a 30-minute meeting with his Serb counterpart, Milan Milutinovic in Thessaloniki yesterday on the sidelines of events marking the city's official assumption of its term of Cultural Capital of Europe.

The agenda for the talks had been "open", Mr. Reppas said.

[13] Defense under-secretary meets with British counterpart in London

Athens, 04/02/1997 (ANA)

An announcement by the defense ministry said the 30-minute talks focused on issues of bilateral co-operation in the defense industry sector.

The British side showed particular interest in specific sectors of armaments programs, while the Greek side stressed that all offers made will be discussed on the basis of mutual benefit. The British side also offered to brief Athens on issues concerning the organization of procurements services in the wake of a recent reorganization of corresponding Greek ones.

Mr. Apostolakis was also invited to pay an official visit to Britain. The invitation was accepted, while the exact date for the visit will be established through diplomatic channels.

[14] Alexandros '97 map exercise gets under way

Athens, 04/02/1997 (ANA)

The exercise, codenamed "Alexandros '97", is being conducted also with the participation of state services and public enterprises administered by the Chief of the National Defense General Staff.

Emphasis is being placed on the participation of the civil sector in supporting military operations.

The exercise, which will run through February 8, will test the ability of participants to effectively handle crisis situations.

A similar exercise, codenamed "Olympus" is currently being conducted on Cyprus.

[15] Montenegrin delegation on official two-day visit

Athens, 04/02/1997 (ANA)

The Montenegrin delegation is headed by Montenegrin Parliament President Svetozar Marovic, who in statements welcomed a broad co-operation agreement between the Yugoslav republic and the Athens-based G. Apostolopoulos group of enterprises.

The agreement, signed on Dec. 14 last year, provides for establishment of a medical diagnostic center in Podgorica, exclusive representation in Greece by the Apostolopoulos group of Montenegrin off-shore investment companies, creation of a bank as well as an import-export company.

Mr. Yiannopoulos stressed that such initiatives help the development of relations between the two countries.

The meeting was also attended by Montenegrin Health Minister Miomir Mugosa and businessman Giorgos Apostolopoulos.

Mr. Marovic is also scheduled to meet with his Greek counterpart Apostolos Kaklamanis, Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos and other officials, while talks are expected touch on the current political situation in Serbia.

Mr. Marovic is one of several Montenegrin leaders who have condemned the handling of the recent political crisis in Belgrade, and has called for the Serbian opposition's victories in municipal elections to be recognized by the Slobodan Milosevic government.

[16] Greek, Turkish journalists stress inviolability of borders, adherence to Lausanne Treaty

Athens, 04/02/1997 (ANA)

"We consider that any existing problems must be solved through dialogue, on the condition of respect for international treaties and the internationally established borders between the two countries, as determined after the end of World War II, and given the Treaty of Lausanne, which we consider non-revisable," a joint resolution issued at the end of the three-day meeting said.

The event, organized by the "Journalists in the Aegean and Thrace for Peace", and reflecting on the one year anniversary since the Imia crisis as well as Greek -Turkish relations and the media, included four discussions on issues of particular interest.

The resolution also stressed the need for working towards uncovering the role of "nationalist and war-mongering circles" in the two countries, as well as of those powers "who, on the one hand, treat the two countries as their best clients for weapons systems, and on the other, appear as arbitrators in the resolution of any existing problems".

It was also decided to establish Feb. 1 as an anniversary for action against what was referred to as "rambo-journalism", citing the media coverage which precipitated in the Imia crisis, thereby bringing the two countries to the brink of war.

[17] Evert indirectly indicates that he'll again vie for ND leadership

Athens, 04/02/1997 (ANA)

Responding to a call by his main leadership contender George Souflias during a top-level meeting to clarify his position, Mr. Evert said: "my intentions are known".

It was agreed that candidacies will be announced before the election of delegates on March 5. The meeting was also attended by the chairman of the ND congress' organizational committee, former premier George Rallis, and deputy leader Ioannis Varvitsiotis.

In addition, the two main contenders struck a compromise whereby the members of the board of the Geo-technical Chamber, apparently favoring Mr. Souflias, will take part, while the party's five-member regional committees of the youth organization will not elect delegates. Mr. Rallis agreed to stay on as chairman of the organizational committee after receiving clarifications regarding procedural details. His decision was welcomed by Mr. Souflias and Mr. Varvitsiotis.

[18] ND cadres call on Evert to state his intentions

Athens, 04/02/1997 (ANA)

"If the sole aim of the congress is to elect a leader then it will fail. If, however, we discuss - and particularly in political terms - the problems of modernizing New Democracy and its transformation into a modern European party, then we will certainly succeed," Mr. Varvitsiotis said.

If indecision within the party continues after the congress, he added, "it will be suicidal", stressing that the party's charter had to changed to create conditions which would allow it to operate with greater decisiveness and credibility.

Meanwhile, in an interview in daily "Eleftherotypia", ND parliamentary spokesman Stavros Dimas also called on Mr. Evert to clarify whether he would be a candidate for the leadership, saying "such an official announcement would bolster his position with out his losing anything".

"The prerequisite is for the congress - apart from dealing with the issue of the leader - to take the right decisions on the remaining political issues," he said. He ruled out standing for the post himself, saying "three candidacies for this congress are enough".

[19] Cacoyiannis collection donated to foreign ministry's historical archives dept.

Athens, 04/02/1997 (ANA)

The material will be utilized both in Greece and abroad in order to facilitate better knowledge of modern Greek history.

The first large collection in the new national archives will be material that film director and producer Michael Cacoyiannis will deliver to Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos at the foreign ministry today, and which also concern the history of Cypriot Hellenism.

Mr. Cacoyiannis' extensive archives include both short and long versions of the well-known film "Attila."

[20] Crete to host congress of Mediterranean island development

Athens, 04/02/1997 (ANA)

Organized by the technical chambers of Western Crete, the Dodecanese islands, Corfu and Cyprus and with architectural associations from Corsica and the Balearic islands, the congress will examine the transport, environmental, energy, water resources and telecommunications infrastructure of Mediterranean islands.

The need for infrastructure works on the islands and how to get funding for these works from the resources of the European Unions will also be examined.

[21] Skandalidis: No change of policy on FYROM name issue

Athens, 04/02/1997 (ANA)

The issue was raised by Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos, who provided the necessary explanations for his relevant statement on Friday.

"It arose from the discussion that there is no disagreement and that the (New York) interim agreement is still in force and is being implemented," Mr. Skandalidis said.

[22] Spyridon marks Greek Arts and Letters Day

New York, 04/02/1997 (ANA)

Asked to comment on Turkish threats to turn Istanbul's Ayia Sophia cathedral into a mosque, the archbishop said it was a message to Greeks to intensify efforts to protect everything they held sacred in other countries. Speaking later at a dinner to mark the occasion, the archbishop noted the importance of celebrating the ideals which formed the foundation of western civilization.

He stressed that Greek letters were the fruit of a partnership between the Hellenic spirit and the Christian message, something that had been questioned by those who, after Greece had been liberated from the Turks, had destroyed around 150 Byzantine monasteries in Attica and about 500 unique monuments of Byzantine art elsewhere in Greece, saying they were not part of the Greek heritage because they were not of ancient Greece. Yet Byzantium was an inseparable part of Greeks' cultural heritage, he emphasized.

[23] Yiannis Kostopoulos honorary board member of NY's Met

New York, 04/02/1997 (ANA - M. Georgiadou)

President of the board, Arthur Schulberger, said Mr. Kostopoulos had been active in the arts in Greece and that he "had shown great generosity to the Metropolitan Museum of New York as well as special interest in all its activities".

"We foresee a continuation of close co-operation and expect that he will continue to play a leading role in the administration of our museum for many years to come," an announcement said.

Mr. Kostopoulos is the chief sponsor of the "Glory of Byzantium" exhibition which is due to go on show at the museum in March.

[24] Greek restaurant in Budapest set ablaze in bomb attack

Budapest, 04/02/1997 (ANA/Reuter)

Police said the attack happened at about 5:30 a.m., setting the garden and a roof ablaze but causing no injuries. The blaze was quickly extinguished.

"The investigation is going on to determine the damage the Molotov cocktails have caused," Budapest police spokesman Endre Nagy told Reuters.

The attack comes only three days after a hand-grenade killed a Chinese restaurateur's wife and daughter when it exploded in the restaurant toilet after midnight.

Police said it was too soon to say if there is any link between the latest attacks and earlier ones, which have resulted in property damage and at least one death.

Since last September, Budapest has been shaken by a dozen bombings and at least a half dozen shootings in an apparent gangland war. One known gangland figure was killed last year when he was shot dead at the wheel of his car.

[25] Civil servants begin nationwide strike

Athens, 04/02/1997 (ANA)

Civil servants were joined by high school teachers on the third week of their strike, hospital staff and local government workers.

Speakers at the rally, including Civil Servants Supreme Administrative Council (ADEDY) President Yiannis Koutsoukos, voiced their objections to the government's proposed uniform wage scale, particularly on the matter of cutting back on productivity bonuses, which ADEDY has vehemently condemned.

Mr. Koutsoukos said further protests would be held in the next 20 day s and up to the day Parliament votes on the salary scale.

[26] Farmers

Athens, 04/02/1997 (ANA)

Protesting farmers refused to give any information as to the exact location where the mobilizations will be held, refusing even to say where their coordinating committee is due to meet today.

In view of today's scheduled mobilizations, the police chief of Magnisia prefecture yesterday announced that the mass circulation of vehicles on national roadways is forbidden today.

On his part, government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said the government did not impose or accept ultimatums, in response to questions regarding protesting farmers' statements that the government reply to their demands by today at the latest.

Additionally, the president of the General Confederation of Workers of Greece (GSEE), Christos Polyzogopoulos, yesterday called on both sides to avert tension and clashes during farmers' protests "for the good of the national economy and social cohesion ".

Mr. Polyzogopoulos said he realized that farmers' problems were "great and many" and proposed a continuation of effective and substantial dialogue.

"However, dialogue must be conducted within a timeframe for there to be a climate of good will," he added.

In a related development, National Economy and Finance Minister Yiannos Papantoniou told reporters that "the government will apply the Constitution and the law," in referring to farmers' protests.

He said that his statement was a message to all, but added that the repercussions of the protests on the economy would be "minor".

[27] Federation of Bank Employee Unions demands salary increases

Athens, 04/02/1997 (ANA)

The federation is demanding an increase in the incomes of its members, while Mr. Kouselas stressed that OTOE is determined to see its demands met, while he did not rule out the possibility of mobilizations.

One of the primary demands is an increase of low salaries, particularly for those who have just entered the sector, whose salaries currently stand at 143,400 drachmas gross.

Despite persistent questioning by reporters, all OTOE members present at the press conference declined to provide details as to the amount of the increase they are demanding.

Mr. Kouselas said the federation's aim is to at least reach the level being demanded by civil servants for the basic salary of a high-school graduate, which amounts to 183,000 drachmas.

The OTOE administration, through the new comprehensive contract, says it is aiming to cover loss of income for bank employees from inflation and the participation of employees in the increase of GNP, among others.

According to figures presented to reporters, during the period 1989-1994 banks enjoyed a 212.7 per cent rise in profits, while expenses for employees increased 2.46 per cent. During the same period, the amount of profits per employee increased by 189.4 per cent, while spending per employee fell by 4.5 per cent.

[28] European Spa Federation conference slated for Thessaloniki

Athens, 04/02/1997 (ANA)

Mr. Anastasiadis said 300 billion drachmas will be needed to fully modernize spa resorts. He said that in this direction efforts were being made to find funds to at least implement considerable improvements to installations.

The president of the European Spa Federation, Christoph Kirsner, also told a press conference in Thessaloniki yesterday that the federation's second conference will be held in Thessaloniki from May 22-24.

[29] Technical Chamber delegation concludes contacts in Bucharest

Athens, 04/02/1997 (ANA)

Delegation members met Romanian Public Works Under-secretary Laszlo Babili, who expressed an interest in co-operation between Greek and Romanian firms on development investments in his country as well as with the presidents of the architects' and construction contractors' federations. The Greek delegation, invited by the General Union of Romanian Engineers, also attended a conference on anti-seismic protection for buildings.

[30] Police say dead Russian was headed to Italy for contract killing

Athens, 04/02/1997 (ANA)

Citing information received from Russian authorities, police claimed that Alesandr Solonik was a professional hit-man who carried out contract killings for an enormous fee in various countries. They also revealed that six Russian officers had been working with the police here to arrest Solonik, after Interpol alerted authorities to the fact that the Russian fugitive was in Greece. Solonik, 35, reportedly escaped from a Moscow prison in 1995.

He was wanted in his native country in connection with the killings of four police officers and the wounding of a fifth.

His body, which showed signs of strangulation, was found in the Athens suburb of Varibobi on Sunday.

Police also revealed yesterday that they had found the body after receiving an anonymous tip-off.

According to an ANA dispatch from Moscow, news of Solonik's death caused a sensation in Russia, as have reports of the arrest of Andrei Koligov, thought to be the head of a Russian organized crime ring. The Russian newspaper "Comersand Daily" also reported to have been carrying a valid Greek passport in the name of Kolantopoulos.

The newspaper also reported that Koligov's arrest took place in Moscow's Seremetievo 2 airport, upon his arrival from Frankfurt.

Both Koligov and Solonik were from the Ural city of Kourgan. The latter was known in the Russian underworld as "Alexander the Great", allegedly because of his ability to shoot with both hands simultaneously and his ability to disappear and reappear.

When he was arrested by Russian police a few years ago, Solonik confessed to the murders of a series of underworld figures, although he did not reveal who hired him.

A television report on Russian television last week hinted at the existence of a para-state organization made up of members of the special forces of the Russian police, army and secret service, reportedly fighting organized crime with illegal methods.

Solonik's murder comes at a time of great upheaval in Russian organized crime, following an FBI arrest of a man known as "Nipponchik" (Japanese), believed to be the central figure behind the Russian crime syndicate.

[31] Georgian Greek arrested for possession of heroin

Athens, 04/02/1997 (ANA)

Costas Doxaridis, 29, has so far refused to reveal his suppliers, but the police suspect he had contacts with Turkish traffickers. They said he often traveled to the Evros region which borders Turkey.

Early Sunday morning, Doxaridis had forced his way into a nightclub, after being refused entrance, and opened fire with a revolver, wounding one customer in the hand.

Doxaridis was disarmed and handed over to police who took him to Xanthi hospital in a semi-conscious condition. There, doctors ascertained that he had taken heroin before the nightclub incident.

The police found 11 grams of heroin in his jacket and decided to search his home, where they found 2.3 kilos of the narcotic.

In an unrelated incident, two Greeks working in Germany were arrested at Thessaloniki's Macedonia airport with 200 grams of cocaine hidden in their underwear while police in the city also announced the arrest of another person in possession of a kilo of pure heroin.

[32] Two Albanians arrested on suspicion of involvement in kidnappings

Athens, 04/02/1997 (ANA)

The gang is allegedly responsible for the kidnapping of Themistocles Charalambis on January 18 and Theodoros Paraskevopoulos the following day.

In the case of Mr. Paraskevopoulos, a man speaking broken Greek had demanded 20 million drachmas from the victim's relatives.

After negotiations by telephone lasting days, his relatives agreed on January 31 to pay the kidnappers seven million drachmas.

Mr. Paraskevopoulos was released and crossed the border from Albania into Greece. His relatives handed the money over to an Albanian in Greece after Mr. Paraskevopoulos had phoned to say he was free.

The police later arrested Albanian Sokol Sinani, 30, who was driving towards the border with Albania. They found the ransom money in his car. Sinani revealed that the same gang was responsible for the kidnapping of Mr. Charalambis who had managed to escape from a house in Pendeli in which he was being kept.

According to Mr. Charalambis' relatives, he had been forced to give the kidnappers two million drachmas after they threatened to hurt him and his family.

A second Albanian, Lanti Bourtzia, 24, was arrested shortly afterwards and identified by Mr. Charalambis as one of his kidnappers.

The police are continuing their investigation and have requested the assistance of the Albanian authorities in securing the arrest of Andreati Arapi, a resident of Lusnia in Albania, who is believed to be the gang leader.

[33] Two Turkish illegal immigrant smugglers convicted

Athens, 04/02/1997 (ANA)

Mehmet Berberoglu, 50, and 21-year-old Abdulerak Balat, both Turkish nationals, were arrested on Saturday while transporting 15 Iraqi nationals of Kurdish descent from the Turkish coast to the Pangia islet of the Inouses chain.

End of English language section.

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