Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 97-02-19

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

ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No 1119), February 19, 1997

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

CONTENTS

[01] Greece backs 'balanced' NATO expansion, wants Balkans included

[02] Premier meets with visiting Iranian Vice-President

[03] Gov't responds to Albright comments on 'overall solution' to Cyprus problem

[04] Clerides in Athens tomorrow

[05] Van den Broek briefs Europarliament on EU, NATO enlargement prior to Cyprus visit

[06] Tsohatzopoulos stresses to Bonn that Cyprus, Aegean are part of overall European security

[07] Tsohatzopoulos visit to Norway

[08] G. Papandreou says bill on NGO to be tabled soon

[09] OLME, ADEDY express disagreement over new salary scale

[10] ADEDY calls strike for next Tuesday

[11] Simitis, farmers' reps to meet

[12] Greece proposes granting of urgent aid to Albania, Bulgaria

[13] Gov't confident Black Sea Development Bank to operate shortly

[14] Austrian FM Schussel in Athens tomorrow for official visit

[15] European Commissioner begins Athens visit

[16] Simitis, Papaioannou confer on labor issues

[17] New rates for Bank of Central Greece

[18] Greece wins prize at int'l food show

[19] IOBE notes upward trend

[20] Greece could serve as trade link between China, Balkans

[21] Gov't won't attempt change of AGET's status

[22] Credits approved for eastern Macedonia, Thrace

[23] Simitis briefed on modernization work at finance ministry

[24] Simitis to visit environment, town planning and public works ministry

[25] Bomb blast seriously injures wife of senior police officer

[26] Athens' 2004 Olympic bid extolled

[27] Greek war dead to get official burial in Albania

[28] Rally Acropolis to include nine new routes this year

[29] Dogfight ringleaders to be tried on Friday

[01] Greece backs 'balanced' NATO expansion, wants Balkans included

Brussels, 19/02/1997 (ANA - M. Spinthourakis)

Speaking to Greek reporters yesterday, Mr. Kranidiotis said Athens believes that the 16-NATO members should take into serious consideration concerns and claims put forward by Russia and Ukraine.

He added that dialogue on Mediterranean issues should be promoted in the framework of the alliance, adding that there are many problems which must be resolved by July, both in relation to enlargement and the alliance's internal structure. Mr. Kranidiotis also mentioned the problem of structure and the allocation of NATO headquarters as an example.

Mr. Kranidiotis represented Greece at the informal session of NATO foreign ministers which came to a close at the alliance's headquarters in Brussels last night. The session served the purpose of an acquaintance meeting between new US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright and her counterparts from NATO countries.

An official announcement was not issued afterwards, due to the informal nature of the session, but the representatives of NATO member-states had the opportunity of exchanging views on the course of the alliance towards its enlargement, which is expected to be finalized at the Madrid summit on July 8-9.

During his stay in Brussels, Mr. Kranidiotis met with NATO Secretary General Javier Solana, who will pay an official visit to Athens on Feb. 28.

Furthermore, he said Greece agrees with the idea set out by Mr. Solana some time ago on the installation of a "secure telephone link" between Greece and NATO, and at the same time between Turkey and NATO, which could be activated in the event of an emergency or crisis.

According to ANA reports, direct linkage is anticipated between the defense ministries of Greece and Turkey with NATO's headquarters, and more specifically with the office of NATO's secretary general, through telephone lines which will be absolutely secure.

Diplomatic sources at NATO commented yesterday that this initiative by Mr. Solana, apart from its practical value in the event of a crisis, basically has a symbolic nature and constitutes a step of progress in recently tense Greek-Turkish relations.

Replying to questions, Mr. Kranidiotis said Greece wants and pursues the offering of good offices both by NATO and other international organizations to avoid tensions with Turkey, reminding that Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos has already tabled a proposal on the creation of a mechanism within NATO to settle possible differences between member-states, which he himself repeated at NATO's informal session yesterday.

Mr. Kranidiotis also said the agreement on establishing a telephone line between Athens, Brussels and Ankara has not yet been completed but is in its final stage.

[02] Premier meets with visiting Iranian Vice-President

Athens, 19/02/1997 (ANA)

Mr. Simitis said the discussions were particularly friendly and revealed the possibility of developing joint activities by Greece and Iran in many sectors, for which there will be more regular meetings between officials of the two countries.

Mr. Habibi said his country hopes for the development of economic relations, adding that views on problems faced by the region were discussed during the meeting.

The prime minister stated that the visit to Tehran by Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos and Mr. Habibi's visit to Athens proves the will for further developing relations, adding that what is now needed is "investigation, contacts and effort".

Questioned on whether Mr. Habibi's visit to Greece marks the opening of Iran to the European Union, the Iranian minister said "the road to the EU was never closed," although he admitted that there were problems regarding certain political issues. He noted that the development of relations with Greece contribute to the further development of Iran's relations with the EU.

The issue of Greek-Turkish relations was also broached during the meeting. Mr. Habibi expressed his belief that the consolidation of peace in the region could aid economic development.

Questioned on whether Iran intends to reiterate a proposal for mediation, Mr. Habibi expressed the hope that Greece and Turkey would hold discussions, noting that Iran could not impose mediation.

"If the two countries desire it, then for us there is no problem," he said.

[03] Gov't responds to Albright comments on 'overall solution' to Cyprus problem

Athens, 19/02/1997 (ANA)

Government spokesman Dimitris Reppas made the statement when asked to comment on remarks by Ms Albright after a meeting in Bonn with her German counterpart Klaus Kinkel.

Ms Albright said that they had discussed the Cyprus problem and agreed on the need for an overall solution.

Speaking in general on the Cyprus problem, Mr. Reppas said Athens was awaiting an initiative which confronted the problem within the framework of United Nations resolutions.

Greece, he added, will do everything to create the right environment for the successful outcome of any initiative which is sincerely aimed at resolving the 23-year-old Cyprus problem.

Replying to other questions, Mr. Reppas expressed the hope that a settlement would be found prior to Cyprus' possible accession into the European Union.

[04] Clerides in Athens tomorrow

Athens, 19/02/1997 (ANA)

The event, to be held on Thursday under the general title "1997: The Year of Cyprus - The Cyprus problem as touchstone in Greek-Turkish relations", has been organized by the organization "Citizens' Initiative on National Issues and Social Progress".

Mr. Clerides will be guest of honor at the event which will be addressed by National Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos, Cyprus Foreign Minister Alecos Michaelides and main opposition New Democracy deputy Stavros Dimas.

[05] Van den Broek briefs Europarliament on EU, NATO enlargement prior to Cyprus visit

Strasbourg, 19/02/1997 (ANA - Y. Zitouniati)

Mr. van den Broek will have meetings with Cyprus President Glafcos Clerides and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash on Feb. 26-28 during his visit.

Replying to a question by main opposition New Democracy party Eurodeputy Panayiotis Lambrias on a threatened veto by Turkey unless its accession to the EU and the West European Union (WEU) is promoted, Mr. van den Broek said: "I myself have also raised the issue with the Turkish foreign under-secretary."

Coalition of the Left and Progress Eurodeputy Alekos Alavanos also asked the Commissioner "whether a solution to the Cyprus issue and accession are in harmony or conflict and to what degree EU principles (freedom of movement, etc.) are safeguarded in the case of Cyprus."

Mr. van den Broek conceded that "this is a major problem", adding that "I will try to persuade the northern side that Cyprus' accession will also be beneficial to it from the point of view of security, as well as the economy."

"There could be transitional periods appeasing 'northern Cyprus' so that it will not be necessary to raise the accession of Turkey as a precondition, which it considers a natural protector at present," he said, adding that the timetable for a start to Cyprus' accession negotiations will be strictly adhered to by the EU.

A Turkish Cypriot pseudo-state on the island republic was illegally established in 1983 and is only recognized by Ankara.

[06] Tsohatzopoulos stresses to Bonn that Cyprus, Aegean are part of overall European security

Bonn, 19/02/1997 (ANA - P. Stangos)

"The solution to security problems should not be assigned to weapons, security problems demand political answers and solutions," the minister told a press conference.

Mr. Tsohatzopoulos visited Germany at the invitation of his counterpart Volker Ruhe.

Expressing "full satisfaction" at Monday's talks with Mr. Ruhe, the Greek minister confirmed that they discussed the Aegean crisis in great detail.

Stressing that bilateral relations between the two countries are "very good," he said Athens' decision to modernize a number of Greek F-4 "phantom" fighters will be taken in the next few weeks.

The German company DASA has shown interest in the project.

Mr. Tsohatzopoulos said the signing of an agreement in the framework of a bilateral military co-operation is set to take place in the first six months of 1997.

Regarding the situation in the Aegean, Mr. Tsohatzopoulos stressed that "the destabilization borne by the expansionist and aggressive Turkish policy, which disputes the status quo and borders, proclaiming regions as "gray areas", is an issue of European security..."

In specific reference to the Imia issue, Mr. Tsohatzopoulos stressed what he called the "responsible attitude of the Greek government, which averted a conflict..."

In a reply to a press question regarding a prospective dialogue with Turkey, Mr. Tsohatzopoulos said "we don't have any objection as far as Turkey changes its strategy..."

Referring to NATO's role as well as problems stemming from the alliance's enlargement to the east, Mr. Tsohatzopoulos said that NATO is ready to play the role of an overall security system in Europe, under the condition that Russia and Ukraine agree to that.

"This is very important for Greece because we respect their role and interests in eastern Europe and the eastern Mediterranean..."

In reference to the issue of leadership in NATO's headquarters in Naples, Mr. Tsohatzopoulos reiterated the Greek position according to which the US retains command for another three years.

According to Greece, a consensus solution should be reached within these three years, one to comply with the "Europeanization" of NATO's command in the Mediterranean.

France has requested command of the Naples' NATO headquarters, saying that in exchange it would fully return to the alliance's military structure.

The French proposal has been categorically rejected by Washington, which appears unwilling to "pass over" the command of the US sixth fleet under a European command.

Quizzed on a threat by Turkish Foreign Minister Tansu Ciller to block NATO's enlargement if Turkey is not offered the prospect of an EU accession, Mr. Tsohatzopoulos said:

"If Turkey has a significant role in the region, this role has been offered to it precisely by the United States and NATO, who want the enlargement of the alliance."

"This is why I cannot imagine that the Turkish leadership is seriously considering this option..."

Asked as to whether Cyprus's accession to the European Union is at stake due to tensions on the island and the official announcement by the Cyprus government to purchase Russian-made S-300 missiles, the Greek minister said he could not visualize how the European Union could place its own credibility under doubt.

Stressing the "purely defensive nature of these weapon systems," Mr. Tsohatzopoulos reiterated Cypriot President Glafcos Clerides' proposal for "complete demilitarization of the island."

Earlier in the day, Mr. Tsohatzopoulos held separate meetings with German MPs representing the joint Greek-German parliamentary committee and the German parliamentary committee responsible for defense issues.

[07] Tsohatzopoulos visit to Norway

Stockholm, 19/02/1997 (ANA - N. Servetas)

The visit is within the framework of bilateral relations and is at the invitation of the Norwegian minister.

During his stay, Mr. Tsohatzopoulos will visit the areas of Trondheim and Stavanger.

[08] G. Papandreou says bill on NGO to be tabled soon

Athens, 19/02/1997 (ANA)

Mr. Papandreou stressed the ministry's political and practical interest in the initiatives and activities of NGOs.

He added that the bill aimed at achieving an institutional framework responding to the peculiarities of Greek society while complying with the conditions of the European Union, reinforcing Greek NGOs and effectively supporting Greece's development cooperation policy.

On their part, the NGO representatives briefed the alternate minister on problems facing their organizations due to the existing lack of an institutional operation framework and requested that the draft bill be tabled in Parliament as soon as possible.

Meanwhile, Mr. Papandreou also held a meeting yesterday with the president of the Council of Hellenes Abroad (SAE), Andrew Athens, focusing on SAE related issues.

[09] OLME, ADEDY express disagreement over new salary scale

Athens, 19/02/1997 (ANA)

OLME President Nikos Tsoulias made it clear that teachers will not back down on their demands and that "mobilizations will be prolonged."

During the discussion, Finance Under-secretary Nikos Christodoulakis presented relevant tables and insisted that the new salary scale secures 266,000 drachmas for a newly appointed teacher.

However, Mr. Tsoulias, who had been summoned by the Parliamentary committee, said the new salary scale is unacceptable and said he would resign his post as OLME president if a newly appointed teacher ultimately received 266,000 drachmas as a net monthly salary, as maintained by the government.

ADEDY President Ioannis Koutsoukos also addressed the committee, expressing disagreement over the bill and claiming that the government's proposal is leading to a flat salary scale. He also expressed serious disagreement over the institutional and economic part of the proposal.

Discussion on the bill will continue today.

[10] ADEDY calls strike for next Tuesday

Athens, 19/02/1997 (ANA)

In an announcement, ADEDY noted that the new salary scale is "at the limits of an incomes austerity policy, does not lift existing injustices and inequalities and does not create a stable base for the necessary changes in public administration.

[11] Simitis, farmers' reps to meet

Athens, 19/02/1997 (ANA)

[12] Greece proposes granting of urgent aid to Albania, Bulgaria

Sofia, 19/02/1997 (ANA - N. Hios)

Within the framework of this initiative, diplomatic sources also do not rule out a visit to Sofia by a senior Greek government official during the week.

The Greek proposal is part of an initiative for stability and good neighborliness in southeastern Europe and is aimed at aiding both Bulgaria and Albania, which are faced with huge economic problems.

Athens believes the meeting can be held in March either in Athens or Sofia, while the government has already expressed its desire to raise the issue of support for the struggling economies of Bulgaria and Albania at the European Union's Council of Foreign Ministers on Feb. 24 by Alternate Foreign Minister George Papandreou.

Mr. Kypraios is participating in a meeting of senior officials from Balkan nation foreign ministries in Sofia. The two-day meeting is included in the framework of decisions taken by Balkan nation foreign ministers last July in Sofia.

The Bulgarian capital has assumed the role of coordinator of multilateral regional co-operation efforts until the next foreign ministers' meeting, which will be held in Greece this year.

The agenda proposed by Sofia for the present meeting of foreign ministry political directors concerns joint action with respect to other regional co-operation initiatives. The meeting will also provide the opportunity for an exchange of views on participation in initiatives of the Black Sea Economic Co-operation (BSEC) organization and the Central European Initiative (KEP).

Proposals are also expected to be put forward on basic issues, which will be discussed at the foreign ministers' meeting in Greece.

The two-day meeting will also be attended by representatives of the European Commission.

Meanwhile, Bulgarian Foreign Minister Stoyan Stalev and Greece's ambassador to Bulgaria, Panayiotis Karakasis, yesterday signed a memorandum of understanding concerning the establishment of a Regional Center for Highway Infrastructure.

The issue of humanitarian assistance to Bulgaria will be the focus of a discussion today at the foreign ministry, on the initiative of Alternate Foreign Minister George Papandreou.

[13] Gov't confident Black Sea Development Bank to operate shortly

Athens, 19/02/1997 (ANA)

It is hoped that the inauguration of the development bank may occur as early as April.

Mr. Baltas said seven of the 11 countries had already fulfilled all their obligations for the development bank's establishment and only the depositing of funds necessary for its operation was awaited.

The time limit for depositing funds expires on March 25, Mr. Baltas said, adding that it is almost certain that all countries will have done so by then.

The seven countries in question are putting up 80.5 per cent of the total capital, estimated at US$1.5 billion, while the remaining four, which Mr. Baltas did not name, were expected to have fulfilled all their obligations shortly.

The delay of the four does not cause any real problems for the bank's operation since, according to its charter, only 51 per cent of the capital must be paid in from at least six countries.

Mr. Baltas said the bank would serve as "...the key for co-operation and the development of the countries participating." Among the goals of the bank are to boost trade and finance major development projects. It is the first "international" bank to be established in the Balkans. The development bank's headquarters in Thessaloniki is expected to have 200 employees.

[14] Austrian FM Schussel in Athens tomorrow for official visit

Vienna, 19/02/1997 (ANA - D. Dimitrakoudis)

Mr. Schussel will hold talks on bilateral relations with Greece, developments in the European Union, co-operation between the two countries at the EU and other international organizations as well as the situation in former Yugoslavia and the Balkans, the future enlargement of NATO and Austria's views on European security.

The fact that Austria will hold the EU's rotating presidency in the second half of 1998, the year when negotiations on Cyprus' accession to the EU are due to start, attaches increased importance to Mr. Schussel's visit.

Talks are also expected to focus on the Cyprus issue, with which Austria has a particular interest since Vienna has had a contingent of soldiers in the UN peacekeeping force on Cyprus since the early 1960s.

Mr. Schussel is returning a visit paid to Vienna in May 1995 by the then foreign minister Karolos Papoulias.

Tomorrow night Mr. Schussel will meet with Greek businessmen, while Friday will be devoted to political contacts. He will also have talks with his Greek counterpart Theodoros Pangalos and Alternate Foreign Minister George Papandreou, who will pay an official visit to Vienna in May. In addition, he will meet main opposition New Democracy party leader Miltiades Evert.

[15] European Commissioner begins Athens visit

Athens, 19/02/1997 (ANA)

Her talks will include a meeting with Prime Minister Costas Simitis.

Today, Ms Wulf-Mathies is to present the Commission's first report on economic and social cohesion in the European Union, at an event at Athens' Grande Bretagne Hotel.

National Economy Minister Yannos Papantoniou and Under-secretary Christos Pachtas will address the same event on Greece's positions. On Thursday, the commissioner is to visit major public works in Crete and on Friday, after visiting projects in Athens, she will give a press conference.

[16] Simitis, Papaioannou confer on labor issues

Athens, 19/02/1997 (ANA)

The meeting was also attended by Labor Under-secretary Christos Protopapas.

Speaking later to reporters, Mr. Papaioannou said the meeting focused on the establishment of a social fund according to Community legislation, absorption of funds and allocation of funds for vocational training.

Meanwhile, EU Commissioner Padraig Flynn is expected to arrive in Greece on Monday to make sure that Greece has conformed with the rules regarding the allocation of funds for vocational training, which Mr. Protopapas agreed to during a recent trip to Brussels.

[17] New rates for Bank of Central Greece

Athens, 19/02/1997 (ANA)

Ordinary savings bank interests rates at 10.00 per cent for up to one million drachmas; super savings bank rates at 10.50 per cent for one-10 million drachmas; 11.00 per cent for 10-30 million drachmas and 11.50 per cent for 30 million and above.

The current account interest rates will be 8.50 per cent for up to one million drachmas and 10.50 per cent for one million drachmas and above.

Time deposits interest rates will be 10.65 per cent to 11.80 per cent for three-12 months. The interest rate will be negotiable for amounts of more than 40 million drachmas.

[18] Greece wins prize at int'l food show

Athens, 19/02/1997 (ANA)

Visitors to the fair showed particular interest in olive oil, olives and dairy products, the announcement said.

OPE added that the enormous foodstuffs market in the US, coupled with increased imports and the trend towards healthier Mediterranean cooking, bode well for the future of Greek exports.

[19] IOBE notes upward trend

Athens, 19/02/1997 (ANA)

IOBE's bulletin said Greek industry's business expectation indicator receded in December 1996 compared to the corresponding month in 1995.

According to IOBE, although the percentage of enterprises considering that their orders are below normal is increasing, 70 per cent of them continue to believe that the level of their orders is reaching regular levels for December 1996.

Assessments by export industries for overseas orders follow a similar trend, since 57 per cent believe the level to be satisfactory, 16 per cent more than usual and 27 per cent less.

Predictions by local industries on production levels refer to a possible increase, but are clearly weaker than those set out in previous months.

The majority of enterprises participating in IOBE's research stressed that there was no substantive change in their competitive position during the last quarter of 1996.

Lastly, the report said that the situation in the retail trade sector improved in the last quarter of 1996 as against the previous quarters of the same year.

[20] Greece could serve as trade link between China, Balkans

Athens, 19/02/1997 (ANA)

According to the study, published yesterday in the weekly bulletin of the Hellenic Overseas Trade Organization (OPE), the possibilities for the development of trade relations between Greece and China are unlimited.

To date, it notes, only four Greek enterprises have become active in China as far as investing and becoming established in that country is concerned. The study underlines that long-term strategy and marketing is necessary in order to identify those sect ors in the Chinese market which Greek products could rapidly penetrate.

In addition to those products already being exported to China with the assistance of OPE, the study said, other Greek products identified by Chinese experts during bilateral contacts as being attractive include marble, olive oil and solar water heaters.

The IMEO study also notes particular interest in the Chinese market for co-operation with Greece in the sectors of tourism and technology transfer.

[21] Gov't won't attempt change of AGET's status

Athens, 19/02/1997 (ANA)

He was replying to questions yesterday concerning the sale of the majority of AGET shares by Calcestruzzi to another Italian cement consortium.

Mr. Reppas said the PASOK party's pre-election program in the recent elections did not include a position on the company's return to Greek control.

[22] Credits approved for eastern Macedonia, Thrace

Athens, 19/02/1997 (ANA)

Total credits approved for throughout the country have reached 13.6 billion drachmas.

The above funds will be used to pay off subsidies for investments carried out in the region.

[23] Simitis briefed on modernization work at finance ministry

Athens, 19/02/1997 (ANA)

Mr. Drys told reporters that he briefed the premier on the progress in the implementation of the TAXIS computerization program to be installed in the finance ministry's taxation department, as well as work on renovating the new tax department building , the utilization of the state's real estate holdings and a range of administrative issues.

The first TAXIS program will be officially handed over to the ministry on February 24 while the bulk of the program will have been completed by May and fully implemented by mid-1998.

Mr. Drys admitted that further measures would be needed to effectively deal with tax evasion but that TAXIS would provide the finance ministry with a significant weapon to begin the fight.

[24] Simitis to visit environment, town planning and public works ministry

Athens, 19/02/1997 (ANA)

The visit is part of a series which the prime minister has said he will undertake to ministries.

In light of the visit, Environment, Town Planning and Public Works Minister Costas Laliotis yesterday briefed the premier on a number of infrastructural projects which, he said, "are a lever to viable growth".

[25] Bomb blast seriously injures wife of senior police officer

Athens, 19/02/1997 (ANA)

Georgia Soldatos, 35, the wife of the head of Iraklion's security police, was rushed to hospital with serious injuries and underwent surgery after losing her left leg and sustaining severe injuries to her other leg. The car was completely destroyed in the blast.

Police said the bomb had been wired to the car's ignition and was activated as soon as Mrs. Soldatos tried to start the car. The blast threw the car five meters and caused damage to five other cars as well as homes and shops.

Georgia Soldatos is currently undergoing surgery after losing her left leg and sustaining severe injuries to her other leg.

It is believed that Mr. Soldatos' family and not he himself was the target of the attack, as Mr. Soldatos always used his official car, while the family car was usually driven by his wife.

One of the couple's two daughters had a lucky escape, as her mother was about to drive her to school. However, the child had not yet got into the car. The blast occurred near a children's playground, fortunately empty at the time due to rain.

Public Order Minister George Romeos later strongly condemned the bomb attack.

Asked by reporters in Komotini, northern Greece, if the attack was in any way connected with terrorist groups, Mr. Romeos said he had already instructed the competent service to conduct an investigation.

[26] Athens' 2004 Olympic bid extolled

Athens, 19/02/1997 (ANA)

Ms Yianna Daskalaki-Angelopoulou addressed the correspondents during a lunch organized at the Athens Foreign Press Association's offices.

"Athens wants and can organize the Olympic Games of 2004," she said, adding that "Athens' candidacy is based on a new philosophy."

"Our strategy combines harmoniously our country's dynamic development and existing infrastructure and experience in the organization of international sports events, with a unique heritage, which is the relation between the Olympic games and Hellenic culture."

Ms Daskalaki-Angelopoulou also stressed the support of the entire nation to the government's decision to bid for the 2004 Olympics.

Branding it as "one of the great advantages of the Greek candidacy," she went on to say that according to surveys, 96 per cent of citizens back Athens' candidacy.

Stressing that major public works projects under construction are due to be completed before the year 2004, Ms Daskalaki-Angelopoulou went on to say that "the city of Athens is preparing for the new millennium, and changing at a fast pace."

Three of the basic large-scale works expected to be completed by 2004 include the new international airport, the Elefsina-Stavros-Spata highway and the regional road of Imittos, as well as the Athens metro.

According to Ms Daskalaki-Angelopoulou these works will improve the quality of transport and environmental conditions in the capital.

Regarding Olympic venues, Ms Daskalaki-Angelopoulou said that 72 per cent of necessary facilities were ready. The conference was also attended by Sports Under-secretary Andreas Fouras.

[27] Greek war dead to get official burial in Albania

Tirana, 19/02/1997 (ANA - S. Tsimas)

A mass grave containing the skeletons of 50 Greek soldiers has been found near the village of Vouliarates, while a few days ago, the Greek Embassy in Tirana was informed that the remains of another five men had been discovered in the village of Kleisoura.

Post-communist reconstruction, particularly in southern Albania, has resulted in many such discoveries. Many local residents, mostly ethnic Greeks, knew of the existence of these unofficial cemeteries but did not dare maintain the graves because of ban on religious activity by the communist regime.

However, the grave at Vouliarates was secretly maintained for fifty years by Dimitris Bakas. Before dying in 1971, he handed over care of the graveyard to his son Thomas, along with a list of names of those buried there, all soldiers who fell in the battle of Tepeleni.

Following a recent visit to Albania by the Chief of National Defense General Staff Gen. Athanasios Tzoganis, it was decided to form a joint Greek-Albanian commission to discuss creating a large cemetery and memorial to the Greek soldiers who fell in Albania during the Greek - Italian War.

[28] Rally Acropolis to include nine new routes this year

Athens, 19/02/1997 (ANA)

This year, the rally is included in the world manufacturers' and drivers' championship and the two-liter world cup category.

ELPA said a number of teams have already declared that they will be participating, including those of Ford, Seat, Skoda, Subaru and Mitsubishi.

The 44th rally will be held in three stages.

Competitors will set off on Sunday morning, June 8 from the Athens Acropolis and complete the first leg at Kammena Vourla in the late afternoon. The 395-kilometer route includes seven special sections stretching a total of 138 kilometers.

The following day, the second stage will start and finish at Kammena Vourla. A route of 393 kilometers which includes seven special sections totaling 131 kilometers.

The third and last stage will start from Kammena Vourla and the finish line will be at the Peace and Friendship Stadium in Piraeus.

The route has a length of 465 kilometers, of which six special sections account for a total distance of 129 kilometers.

[29] Dogfight ringleaders to be tried on Friday

Athens, 19/02/1997 (ANA)

Until then, the 16 defendants arrested outside the village of Makrochori, Imathia on Sunday will remain in police custody.

About 100 friends of those charged gathered outside the courthouse yesterday, shouting support for the defendants and accusing the media of blowing things out of proportion.

They claimed that the accused had not committed any crime.

Local government officials and animal welfare groups however have strongly condemned the holding of dogfights, on which large sums are illegally wagered, and have called for the exemplary punishment of the 16.

Main opposition New Democracy party leader Miltiades Evert, a prominent animal lover, also called for harsh penalties Monday, saying that the organization of dogfights vilified the country internationally.

Scenes from Sunday's dogfights were captured on video and have been repeatedly shown on nationwide news bulletins, provoking widespread revulsion in the country.

End of English language section.

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