Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 97-02-22
From: The Greek Press & Information Office, Ottawa Canada <[email protected]>
ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No 1122), February 22, 1997
Greek Press & Information Office
Ottawa, Canada
E-Mail Address: [email protected]
CONTENTS
[01] Schussel stresses that Cyprus' EU accession talks to begin six
months after IGC
[02] Greece calls for special measures to aid Balkan countries
[03] Greece rejects proposed EU text on Union's structured with Cyprus
[04] Venizelos, SAE's Athens meet
[05] Simitis responds to criticism at central committee meeting
[06] Simitis on Turkey
[07] Skandalidis
[08] No US involvement in coordination of Aegean exercises, PM says
[09] Turkish violations of Athens FIR reported
[10] Gov't on Turkish officials' statements
[11] Turkish tourist guide unions protest attempt to convert Agia
Sofia into mosque
[12] Turkish minister's remarks on Cyprus solution draw fire
[13] Exports outlook good but no room for complacency
[14] Commissioner warns against over-stepping budgets
[15] EU funds for Greece between 1994-99 amounts to ECU 2.54 billion
[16] Gov't will help reduce lending rates, PM says
[17] New international airport to be built at Meteora
[18] Public investment programs for '97
[19] Athens, Rome front-runners for 2004 Olympics
[20] Fishermen net ancient bronze statue
[21] Africa gets a new Orthodox Patriarch
[22] Australian Greek, FYROM communities agree to disagree
[23] Nightclub owner freed from kidnappers in Moscow
[24] Trial of alleged dogfight organizers to resume on Monday
[25] ESHEA
[26] Prison escape foiled
[01] Schussel stresses that Cyprus' EU accession talks to begin six
months after IGC
Athens, 22/02/1997 (ANA)
Austrian Foreign Minister and Vice-Chancellor Wolfgang Schussel
stressed yesterday that the European Union was committed to
beginning accession talks with Cyprus six months after the end
of the Intergovernmental Conference (IGC).
Speaking to the press after a meeting with Foreign Minister
Theodoros Pangalos, Mr. Schussel said that no decision has ever
been taken by the EU Ministers' Council placing as a condition
for the island republic's entry into the union, a solution to
the protracted Cyprus problem.
"We have not made any such decision in the ministers' council.
Cyprus' negotiations with the EU must be restricted to the
essence, that is to the contents of the agreement to be signed.
We are to discuss a country's accession treaty, and therefore, I
do not think that we should load negotiations with something
like that. It would not be right. But that is my personal
opinion," Mr. Schussel said.
On his part, Mr. Pangalos said that Cyprus' accession talks
should not be met with problems. Referring to the Dutch EU
presidency's draft text to be presented at the EU-Cyprus
Association Council meeting next Tuesday, which refers to an EU
wish to see all Cypriots involved in the accession process, Mr.
Pangalos said that this was not a common position.
"A common position means that there is unanimity. This is a
proposal by Germany and the United Kingdom, which cannot be
accepted."
This is the first time since the EU-Cyprus structure dialogue
began in 1995 that an attempt is made to include such a phrase
in a joint statement by the 15 member-states. The EU-Cyprus
Association Council said in June 1995 that the EU's "sole
interlocutor " is the government of Cyprus.
Pangalos expressed the hope that the issue will be solved by
Tuesday, when the EU-Cyprus Association Council convenes,
"otherwise there will not be a common position."
Meanwhile, in Brussels, Greece rejected yesterday a compromise
proposal put forth by the Dutch presidency. EU foreign ministers
will meet on Monday to discuss the issue in a final effort to
reach agreement prior to the convening of the council.
In a clear hint that Greece will use its veto if the structured
EU-Cyprus talks meet with problems, Mr. Pangalos said that such
a development will create major problems for the European
Union's overall enlargement process as well as for the
Intergovernmental Conference. Turning to other European Union
issues, Mr. Schussel said the principle of flexibility,
currently under consideration in the framework of the
Intergovernmental Conference, will not create problems if it is
implemented under certain conditions.
Questioned on the introduction of a clause of reinforced
co-operation in the revised Maastricht Treaty, Mr. Schussel
expressed certain misgivings, saying that in his view, it would
be preferable for the decisions to be taken by a majority vote.
He added, however, that this is unlikely to occur and that
solutions are being sought through proposals for the flexibility
clause.
Replying to another question, Mr. Schussel said Austria has
every interest in Cyprus' entry into the EU, adding that it will
support it.
The Austrian vice-chancellor underlined that Turkey must remain
a secular state geared towards the west and not towards
"Islamism", noting that the respect of human rights is an
exceptionally important issue.
Mr. Schussel added that he discussed with Greek officials the
issue of development in NATO, and particularly the ways in which
"we will rid Russia of the fears it has regarding NATO's
imminent expansion."
He said he was briefed on Greek-Turkish problems, stressing that
the detailed knowledge of the positions of all sides is
important for Austria.
He said it is clear that his government will support a member
state, stressing that "we strongly believe that when problems
arise, they are not solved with violence but through
international law and the International Court of Justice at The
Hague."
Speaking on the situation in the Balkans, he said the
contribution and role of Greece is important.
Asked by an Austrian reporter if it is possible for a Cyprus-EU
accession to be completed without this being considered as a
provocation against Turkey, Mr. Pangalos reiterated that talks
for a Cyprus-EU accession will proceed six months after the
Inter governmental Conference.
"Perhaps you'd rather wish to say that Turkey conquers those who
provoke it," the minister said.
"Hitler," he added, "determined Austria's behavior in the past,
but that does not mean it is acceptable."
Mr. Schussel also met yesterday with President of the Republic
Kostis Stephanopoulos, Prime Minister Costas Simitis and his
Greek counterpart Theodoros Pangalos.
During his meeting with Mr. Stephanopoulos and Mr. Simitis, Mr.
Schussel was briefed on the Cyprus issue, Greek-Turkish
relations and the problems in the Balkans.
[02] Greece calls for special measures to aid Balkan countries
Sofia, 22/02/1997 (ANA - N.Hios)
Alternate Foreign Minister George Papandreou yesterday called
for "a package of special measures" in favor of Balkan countries
in order for them to deal with their current dire economic
difficulties.
"We do not want the Balkan countries to remain behind for their
accession to the EU because of their particular problems. A
package of special measures is necessary to make these countries
achieve the level of other EU candidate countries," he said
during a press conference in the Bulgarian capital.
Mr. Papandreou said that on Feb. 11, Greece proposed to
coordinate the total of aid destined for Balkan countries facing
a crisis. Athens has also proposed that Brussels hold a
conference on southeastern Europe, with the participation of
Balkan countries, the United States, Russia and central European
countries.
Mr. Papandreou was in Sofia to hold meetings with Bulgarian
Foreign Minister Stoyan Stalev and Trade and International
Economic Relations Minister Daniel Bobeva.
He also co-chaired, along with Bulgarian Foreign Undersecretary
Valendin Dobrev, a joint meeting of the two delegations.
Mr. Papandreou is accompanied on the official visit by the Greek
Foreign Ministry's director of Balkan Affairs, Dimitirs
Kypraios, and the Greek ambassador to Sofia, Panayiotis
Karakasis.
"The problems are very intense and, therefore, we take this
initiative in the belief that an EU intervention will assist in
the normal overcome of the crisis," Mr. Papandreou said.
The measures center on dealing with Bulgaria's immediate
economic needs, as well as long-term economic needs through
financial assistance and loans.
Mr. Dobrev expressed his government's gratitude for Greece's
efforts and humanitarian assistance, in a joint press conference
with Mr. Papandreou.
"We do not want to see southeastern Europe lurking behind
efforts currently made regarding accession procedures for the
countries of the central and eastern Europe into European
organizations," Mr. Papandreou said.
"Because there are particular problems in the region this does
not mean that there should be a feeling of abandonment by the
European Union" he added.
"We are searching for buyers," Mr. Bobeva said while presenting
a list of Bulgarian enterprises under privatization to Mr.
Papandreou.
Mr. Bobeva said he had discussed with Mr. Papandreou the issue
of granting guarantees to Greek enterprises trading in Bulgaria.
[03] Greece rejects proposed EU text on Union's structured with Cyprus
Brussels, 22/02/1997 (ANA/CNA)
Athens rejected yesterday a compromise proposal put forth by the
European Union's Dutch presidency in a bid to achieve a common
statement on the Cyprus-EU structured dialogue.
As a result of Greece's refusal to accept the proposed text, EU
Foreign Ministers will meet on Monday to discuss the issue in a
final effort to reach an agreement prior to the EU-Cyprus
Association Council meeting, scheduled for Tuesday, when they
will meet their Cypriot counterpart Alecos Michaelides.
Greece's permanent representative to the EU, Pavlos Apostolidis,
made it clear to the Dutch presidency that he could not accept a
certain phrase in the text which referred to an EU wish to see
all Cypriots involved, as soon as possible, in the accession
process.
Alternate Foreign Minister George Papandreou is expected to
request more clarifications from EU partners at a discussion to
be held on Monday during a working lunch for the EU's Council of
Foreign Ministers.
This is the first time, since the EU-Cyprus structured dialogue
began in 1995, that an attempt is made to include such a phrase
in a joint statement by the 15 member-states.
The EU-Cyprus Association Council said in June 1995 that the
EU's "sole interlocutor" is the government of Cyprus.
Political observers believe that the possible inclusion of a
text, similar to the Dutch proposal, could be interpreted in a
way that would mean that Turkish Cypriots join accession process
in an independent and non-specified manner. Observers also
consider that some member-states may argue that Turkish Cypriot
participation should be seen as a precondition for the start of
accession talks, scheduled to begin six months after the end of
the Intergovernmental Conference.
Cyprus applied for EU membership in 1990. It signed an
association agreement with the European Community in 1972 and a
customs union agreement in 1987.
[04] Venizelos, SAE's Athens meet
Athens, 22/02/1997 (ANA)
Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos yesterday met Council of
Hellenes Abroad (SAE) President Andrew Athens, agreeing to close
co-operation between the culture ministry and SAE.
Co-operation between Mr. Venizelos and Mr. Athens will continue
in the United States, where Mr. Venizelos will be going at the
end of next week.
[05] Simitis responds to criticism at central committee meeting
Athens, 22/02/1997 (ANA)
Prime Minister Costas Simitis yesterday answered criticism from
opposition parties, social groups and even within his own ruling
PASOK party, saying that the opinions of the minority were
respected just as the views of the majority should be respected
and enforced.
Addressing the PASOK central committee, Mr. Simitis said he was
convinced that on major and substantial issues PASOK remained
united.
The premier rejected what he called the use of "labels", such as
"patriots, rightists, leftists" by some PASOK cadres. Such
dilemmas, he stressed, were characterized by falsity and
conservatism. "The Greek people gave their mandate to PASOK to
implement what it promised," Mr. Simitis said, underlining that
"all of PASOK is patriotic, social and leftist".
"The danger does not come from different opinions but from the
paralysis of functions," Mr. Simitis said, adding that "all the
collective organs of the government and party must immediately
enter an orbit of efficiency and collective work".
The premier expressed his conviction that PASOK was the only
political force with specific proposals and solutions for Greek
society, national interests, the development and prosperity of
the country.
Referring to mobilizations taken place in past days, Mr. Simitis
said they necessitate thought on which are substantive
interests, which are the government's substantive obligations
and how will the government respond to them.
He said the first issue is the decisive safeguarding of national
security and integrity and the second equal participation in the
EU, adding that this does not constitute a compulsory option but
a need for the country's survival.
Mr. Simitis said that PASOK is not calling for sacrifices of no
value, but will successfully overcome difficulties, provided
that in the place of blind conflict creative and productive
dialogue is placed.
He said Greece is the sole EU country in which social
expenditures are not curbed, salaries and incomes are not pinned
down and unemployment indicators do not sharply increase.
[06] Simitis on Turkey
Athens, 22/02/1997 (ANA)
Regarding Turkey's aggressive stance, Mr. Simitis
underlined that Greece was the only European Union country whose
national integrity was being threatened.
He reiterated that Greece's national rights on land, sea and in
the air were not open to negotiation "and everyone in Turkey and
wherever else must realize this". The main objective of Greece's
policy is to deter and weaken Turkish aggressiveness through
diplomatic initiatives and the strengthening of the country's
defense.
"We want peace, security and stability in our region. We want to
help Turkey find its European orientation, but Turkey must first
provide concrete examples that it is abandoning expansionism and
respects international law," Mr. Simitis said.
[07] Skandalidis
Athens, 22/02/1997 (ANA)
In also addressing the meeting, PASOK central committee
secretary Costas Skandalidis said the party's restructuring
process can only be achieved on the grounds of political unity.
Mr. Skandalidis pointed out that PASOK is a "patriotic movement
with social orientation," at the same time criticizing those who
"idealize the past and those who try to nullify it."
Calling for substantive co-operation by all party members, Mr.
Skandalidis went on to acknowledge the fact that the party has
yet to "discover the best possible communication channels."
Despite strong criticism regarding certain aspects of the
government's work, Mr. Skandalidis said the government shows
stability and determination in pursuing its original goals.
[08] No US involvement in coordination of Aegean exercises, PM says
Athens, 22/02/1997 (ANA)
Prime Minister Costas Simitis stressed yesterday in Parliament
that the United States was in no way involved with the
coordination of recent Greek and Turkish air and naval exercises
in the Aegean. Replying to a question tabled by main opposition
New Democracy party deputy Alekos Papadogonas, Mr. Simitis said
that the issue which arose when recent Greek and Turkish
exercises coincided in the same area between Hios and Samos at
the same time was resolved by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA)
in cooperation with the General Air Staff.
"In cases when the location (for separate Greek and Turkish
exercises) is the same, an effort is made by the CAA to find
some mutually acceptable solution. In the case in question,
there was a coincidence as far as the location was concerned,"
Mr. Simitis said.
The premier added that it was eventually agreed that the Greek
and Turkish exercises should take place at different times
"within the framework of what is a common practice".
[09] Turkish violations of Athens FIR reported
Athens, 22/02/1997 (ANA)
Nine formations of Turkish F-16 and F-4 "Phantom" warplanes
attempted to enter the Athens Flight Information Region (FIR)
yesterday between the islands of Hios and Samos in the eastern
Aegean.
In all instances violators were immediately recognized and
intercepted by Hellenic Air Force jets, while national airspace
was violated on two occasions by the Turkish warplanes, reports
stated.
According to the reports, several engagements occurred during
the recognition and interception of the Turkish aircraft by
Greek F-16 and Mirage 2000 fighters.
[10] Gov't on Turkish officials' statements
Athens, 22/02/1997 (ANA)
Commenting on recent statements by Turkish officials that
everything is negotiable, apart from the six nautical miles,
government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said the Greek government
desires rapprochement with Turkey for peace and security in the
region an d respect for international law.
"The Turks can say what they like," Mr. Reppas said, adding that
"we will defend national interests with words and deeds."
[11] Turkish tourist guide unions protest attempt to convert Agia
Sofia into mosque
Istanbul, 22/02/1997 (ANA - A. Kourkoulas)
Turkish tourist guide unions have protested moves aimed at
converting the Agia Sofia into a mosque, and are complaining
over the decision taken by the Turkish culture ministry to close
the early Byzantine monument on Friday instead of Monday.
Friday is the day of weekly prayers for Moslems.
The president of the guides' union in Istanbul, Ahmet Sensilay,
said that "apart from reasons put forward by the ministry for
the change, both Turkish and international public opinion will
consider it the first step towards converting Agia Sofia into a
mosque."
"In all civilized countries museums are closed on Monday or
Tuesday or Wednesday or Thursday, which are days on which
tourist movement is much smaller than on Friday, when there is a
large turnout for visitors," he said.
"If Agia Sofia remains closed on Friday, the one million
tourists visiting Istanbul will only have the possibility of
visiting it on Saturday, thus creating huge problems for the
building," he added.
[12] Turkish minister's remarks on Cyprus solution draw fire
Istanbul, 22/02/1997 (ANA - A. Kourkoulas)
Remarks by Turkish Minister of State Abdullah Gyul, who hinted
that a solution to the Cyprus issue should not necessarily be
found within the framework of a unified federal state, have
caused surprise and reactions here.
Mr. Gyul, a close associate of Turkish Prime Minister Necmettin
Erbakan, said in Washington that experience before 1974 (the
year in which Turkey invaded Cyprus) shows that the two
communities have difficulties in coexisting.
He is visiting Washington to attend a US-Turkish business
council meeting.
He said "different views on what the solution can be" must be
discussed, letting it be understood that both sides would be
more satisfied with some kind of a solution which would keep
them separate.
The Turkish foreign ministry stated that these views conflict
with Turkey's foreign policy while, according to the Turkish
press, US diplomacy has also expressed surprise over these views.
"Mr. Gyul's statement is not binding for us," a senior Turkish
diplomat reportedly said, while US diplomats reportedly stated
that "we are hearing such a view from Turkey for the first time.
If such a thing was feasible we would have suggested it earlier.
We do not accept this, neither we nor Europe."
[13] Exports outlook good but no room for complacency
Athens, 22/02/1997 (ANA)
The third meeting of the Exports Council plenary concluded
yesterday that although Greek exports were at a satisfactory
level, the picture presented by the country's trade balance did
not allow complacency, since imports were rapidly increasing.
The result, according to the council, was that better
coordination was needed between state services and Greek
businessmen in order to chart a more effective and uniform
strategy for promoting Greek products in foreign markets.
The plenary meeting, the first for two years, was held with the
participation of dozens of representatives of the producer
classes and agencies directly or indirectly involved in the
country's foreign trade.
National Economy Under-secretary Alekos Baltas said exports
increased by 18 per cent in the first half of 1996, compared to
the same period of 1995, thanks to a number of favorable
developments such as improvements in the relevant institutional
framework and cheaper and easier financing.
Mr. Baltas acknowledged however that disincentives still
remained and were impeding export efforts. The government, he
added, would do all it could to resolve this problem.
He also announced the simplification and a "different
philosophy" concerning the system of export credits to various
states "which has not been as effective as we had believed".
At present, he went on, export credit lines have been opened for
Romania, Georgia and Moldova, while others, namely for Ukraine,
Krasnodar in Russia, Armenia and Azerbaijan, were being
negotiated or, in the case of China, Vietnam and Yugoslavia, at
the planning stage.
The aim of the Greek government, Mr. Baltas said, was on the one
hand to support the export of Greek capital equipment and
technical know-how for the promotion of investment programs
abroad, while on the other, facilitating access to these markets
for Greek small- and medium-size enterprises.
Presenting the program of the Greek Overseas Trade Organization
for 1997, its president, Yiannis Tzen, said 1.5 billion drachmas
would be allocated this year for special integrated programs for
the promotion of selected Greek products in particular markets.
The corresponding figure for 1996 was one billion drachmas.
Emphasis, he said, would be placed on foodstuffs, with a
900-million drachma campaign in Britain, Russia, Japan and the
USA, while Greek marble would be promoted in Japan and southeast
Asia in general.
Aquaculture products and clothing will be promoted in Germany
and olive oil in the USA and Australia.
Mr. Tzen said the organization would be participating in 65
trade fairs all over the world, at which some 1,500 Greek
enterprises are expected to be displaying their products and
services.
The president of the Panhellenic Association of Exporters and
the Export Credits Insurance Organization, Christina
Sakellaridi, said that Greece's most exportable products were
facing stiff competition in the markets of western Europe.
In contrast, she pointed out, the Balkan region, which accounted
for Greek exports worth one billion dollars in 1995, has become
the most important market for Greece after the European Union
countries.
Exporters at the meeting expressed criticism of the government's
"hard drachma" policy and complaints were heard about the
difficulties encountered in road transportation through third
countries, including increased transit dues in Serbian and
Croatia and transit problems in general in Bulgaria and Austria.
[14] Commissioner warns against over-stepping budgets
Athens, 22/02/1997 (ANA)
European Commissioner for regional policy, structural funds and
the cohesion fund Monika Wulf-Mathies yesterday issued a strong
warning about violations of public works legislation, saying
that the Commission would not finance the unlawful overstepping
of budgets.
Speaking at a press conference at the Commission's offices in
Athens, Ms. Wulf-Mathies said the EU's sources of funds were
limited because a number of EU member-states were experiencing
problems with their public finances.
On the next EU financing package, the Commissioner said raising
funds would not be an easy matter, while noting margins for the
better application of funds in order to advance regional
development.
Ms. Wulf-Mathies also called for greater participation on the
part of the private sector in major infrastructure works.
Greece's rate of absorption of EU funds was satisfactory, the
commissioner said, noting also that the appropriate legislative
framework had been created for the Organization and
Administration Unit for the evaluation and advancement of
infrastructure works.
Ms. Wulf-Mathies began an official visit to Greece on Tuesday.
[15] EU funds for Greece between 1994-99 amounts to ECU 2.54 billion
Brussels, 22/02/1997 (ANA - M. Spinthourakis)
The total amount of European Union funds Greece is entitled to
from the EU's Community Fund over the 1994-1999 period amounts
to ECU 2.54 billion, according to European Commission
assessments.
The lion's share concerns the sector of education, for which ECU
1.16 billion have been earmarked, while ECU 730 million concern
continuous vocational training.
According to data provided by the Commission, ECU 575 million
have been disbursed so far, of which 510 million concern the
sectors of education and continuous vocational training.
Commitments made by the end of 1996 had amounted to about ECU
800 million.
[16] Gov't will help reduce lending rates, PM says
Athens, 22/02/1997 (ANA)
Prime Minister Costas Simitis told Parliament yesterday that the
government would do more to further reduce bank lending rates,
in response to a question from ruling party PASOK MP Nikos
Alevras.
Mr. Simitis said small- and medium-size enterprises would be
bolstered by subsidized interest rates.
He attributed the divergence in deposit and lending interest
rates, despite the spectacular fall in lending rates over the
past two years, to long-standing administrative problems facing
the banks.
Mr. Alevras called the cost of money at banks "unjustified and
anti-social", resulting in businesses taking out loans finding
themselves in exceptionally difficult circumstances.
[17] New international airport to be built at Meteora
Athens, 22/02/1997 (ANA)
An international airport is to be built at Meteora, near the
site of the famous Byzantine monasteries. The first phase of
construction, budgeted at 10.5 billion drachmas, is expected to
provide around 300 jobs.
A master plan for the airport, whose 2,450m runway is scheduled
to open for air traffic in 2000, is to be presented in Meteora
on Sunday by the construction companies Meteora Airport S.A.,
Daimler-Benz Airport Systems and Faulenbach Da Costa Airport
Consulting. The plan includes a modern cargo center for the
transport of Thessaly's agricultural produce, a pilot training
center, and facilities for international exhibitions,
conferences and air-shows.
Companies participating in the project include Dornier GmbH, the
Hellenic Aerospace Industry (EAB), AGET Heracles and the
International Commerce and Financing Corp.
[18] Public investment programs for '97
Athens, 22/02/1997 (ANA)
By decision of National Economy Under-secretary Christos
Pachtas, approval has been granted for inclusion of several
projects in the public investments program for 1997.
Included are expropriations for the "Eftaxia-Rema Giorgou"
section (3.4 billion drachmas), part of the new high-speed
Athens-Corinth railway line and repair of damage caused in the
Xanthi prefecture by recent floods, amounting to 650 million
drachmas.
Also, 16 billion drachmas will be provided for industrial,
biotechnical, processing, hotel and other enterprises (which
fall under development law 1892/90), constituting the first
national participation installment for a series of private
investments carried out.
[19] Athens, Rome front-runners for 2004 Olympics
Lausanne, Switzerland (ANA/Reuter)
Athens' suffocating air pollution is the greatest threat to the
Greek capital's bid to stage the 2004 Olympic Games, according
to the International Olympic Committee's 350-page evaluation
report, released yesterday.
Athens and Rome emerged as front-runners in the race to host the
2004 Olympics, with public support of 96.4 per cent Athens'
greatest strength in the bid.
The report also mentioned Athens' high-quality facilities and
good sporting venues but was less enthusiastic about transport
and budget problems.
Rome, however, appeared to get a more glowing report, with the
IOC report extolling professional and excellent plans for
venues, high-quality Olympic village plan and a thorough and
detailed budget projecting high revenues.
The IOC's shortlist will be announced on March 7 in Lausanne and
a final winner on September 5.
[20] Fishermen net ancient bronze statue
Athens, 22/02/1997 (ANA)
The crew of a fishing boat got more than they bargained for when
they pulled up the nets and found the head of an ancient bronze
statue. The skipper of the boat, Michail Koufakis, told the
harbor authorities that he had "caught" the head and other
pieces of bronze while fishing Thursday off the northwest coast
of the island of Kalymnos.
The harbor authorities have already informed the competent
marine archaeology department about the find.
[21] Africa gets a new Orthodox Patriarch
Athens, 22/02/1997 (ANA)
The Metropolitan of Cameroon and West Africa, Petros Papapetrou,
was elected yesterday as the 114th Patriarch of Alexandria and
All Africa.
The Holy Synod of the Alexandria Patriarchate elected the
Metropolitan from a short-list of three Metropolitans and from
an original list of 17 bishops and archbishops from around
Africa.
He was born in the northern Cyprus city of Kyrenia in 1949,
speaks English, French and Arabic and has represented the
Patriarchate of Alexandria at numerous international and
regional Church meetings.
The new Patriarch succeeds Parthenios, who died while on holiday
on the island of Amorgos last July at the age of 77.
[22] Australian Greek, FYROM communities agree to disagree
Melbourne, 22/02/1997 (ANA - S. Hatzimanolis)
The ethnic communities of Greece and the Former Yugoslav
Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) in Australia have decided to try
and overcome their differences which reflect the dispute between
the two Balkan neighbors over the name to be used by Skopje.
The two communities agreed on Tuesday to tone down their
antagonism and discontinue pending legal action concerning a
defamatory letter against ethnic Greeks of the Black Sea region.
Representatives of the FYROM community had sent the letter to
then Australian premier Paul Keating.
After agreement was reached with representatives of the Greek
Council and the Association of Ethnic Greeks of the Black Sea,
representatives of the FYROM community in Australia issued an
announcement recognizing the sacrifices of the Greek people
during World War II.
According to the announcement, the letter was not intended to
question the struggle of the Greek people against fascism.
"If our letter unintentionally offended you, then we apologize
and sincerely hope that our two communities can co-exist in
peace, both in the Balkans and in Australia," the announcement
said.
In the letter, the FYROM community had accused the ethnic Greeks
of the Black Sea region of collaborating with the Nazis.
[23] Nightclub owner freed from kidnappers in Moscow
Athens, 22/02/1997 (ANA)
The owner of a nightclub in Karditsa was allegedly kidnapped by
members of a Russian organized crime ring when he traveled to
Russia in order to reportedly hire dancers for his club.
After intervention by Interpol, Russian police found and freed
the man, who returned to Greece three days ago.
Stephanos Petrou, 27, told police he had provided a man, known
only as "Anestis", with 1.5 million drachmas in order to find
him Russian dancers for his club. He said that after a few days,
"Anestis" telephoned him and told him to travel to Moscow in
order to discuss the required procedures for the Russian women
to travel to Greece.
According to the club owner's police statement, when he arrived
in Moscow, members of a crime ring stole the one million
drachmas he had on him and forced him to telephone his father
twice to demand money.
He said his father, Ilias Petrou, sent 2.5 million drachmas the
first time and $US6,000 the second. However, he was not
released, and the kidnappers again demanded more money.
Ilias Petrou informed the police, which in turn contacted
Interpol.
Russian police identified the building in which the nightclub
owner was being held and managed to free him, arresting one of
the kidnappers, 33-year-old Georgia national Anastasios
Mastoriadis in the process.
[24] Trial of alleged dogfight organizers to resume on Monday
Athens, 22/02/1997 (ANA)
The trial of four people charged with gambling and cruelty to
animals will resume on Monday, it was announced yesterday.
The four were arrested last Sunday in the prefecture of Imathia
for organizing illegal gambling on dogfights, a case that
attracted widespread publicity throughout the nation.
Apostolos Baltzis, 45, Efstathios Apostolidis, 27, Georgios
Paraschos, 41, and Konstantinos Tsouvalas, 44, were arrested
when police raided the scene of a dogfight watched by about 400
people near the Makrohori village.
The arrested suspects issued an apology yesterday, expressing
regret for "exposing Imathia prefecture", and to the local
self-administration government for their actions.
In the same statement, the alleged organizers attacked the mass
media, criticizing the press for the manner in which the
dogfight issue was presented.
According to the statement, the four accused men said they are
being treated as "monsters with a human form," and are held "in
worse conditions than those of their dogs".
Athens, 22/02/1997 (ANA)
Meanwhile, the Athens Journalists Union (ESHEA) issued a strong
condemnation yesterday over televised footage of the grisly
dogfights, which were aired last week by private television
stations as part of reports following the police raid of the dog
fight.
The complaint concerns the way the issue was presented (scenes
of pit bull dogs tearing at each other), while ESHEA stressed
the need for reporters and editors to be particularly careful on
ethical matters.
ESHEA addressed a letter to the directors of private television
stations on the subject of the dogfight scenes.
The letter also referred to what the group called a phenomenon
of insignificant news being "blown out of proportion" purely for
the sake of ratings.
ESHEA said journalists should "not to harm the sensitivity of
the people" or offend "their religious beliefs, their habits and
customs, their family and personal life but to inform them in a
responsible manner of news taking place."
[26] Prison escape foiled
Athens, 22/02/1997 (ANA)
Police and prison guards foiled an attempted jail break at
Korydallos prison yesterday afternoon.
Initial reports stated that three prison guards were possibly
taken hostage after the escape was prevented.
According to the reports, the attempted escape began in the
prison yards of the A and D wings, where there were roughly 380
inmates at the time. Groups of mainly foreign prisoners began to
scale the fences in order to reach the outer perimeter wall.
The alarm was raised and prison guards used tear gas against the
escaping inmates, who soon returned to the prison building.
Unrest was reported in all wings.
Justice ministry sources said riot police had been called in to
the prison in order to avert any fresh escape attempts.
End of English language section.
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