Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 97-07-28
From: The Greek Press & Information Office, Ottawa Canada <[email protected]>
ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No 1248), July 28, 1997
Greek Press & Information Office
Ottawa, Canada
E-Mail Address: [email protected]
CONTENTS
[01] New Albanian PM looks to stronger relations between Athens-Tirana
[02] Meeting with political party leaders, Anastasios
[03] Ministers to meet
[04] 'Socrates' language program wrapping up in Thrace
[05] Gov't follows 'deeply conservative policy', KKE leader says
[06] PASOK youth reacts on Madrid communiqui
[07] University of Thrace to co-operate with Ukraine institute
[08] Trade unions of Greece, Serbia co-operate on exchanges
[09] Athens ready to host 2004 Olympics, 'Independent' says
[10] Summer course draws world scientists to Samos
[11] IAAF President Primo Nebiolo arrives in Athens
[12] Police break up drug ring in Thessaloniki
[13] Twenty die in car accidents over weekend
[14] Hidden immigrant community discovered on remote island
[01] New Albanian PM looks to stronger relations between Athens-Tirana
Tirana, 28/7/1997 (ANA)
Newly-elected Albanian Prime Minister Fatos Nano said on
Saturday the "reconstruction era" which started in the
neighboring country would help towards better relations between
Greece and Albania.
"We both live in the same corner of Europe and we hope this new
era of reconstruction of the Albanian republic will create a new
climate of confidence between Greeks and Albanians," Mr. Nano
told the press late on Saturday before talks with visiting PASOK
Secretary Costas Skandalidis.
Mr. Skandalidis, who arrived in Tirana on Saturday, met also
with other Albanian government officials. Yesterday, he met with
leaders of parties participating in the Balkan country's
socialist-led leftist coalition government, as well as the
leader of t he opposition Democratic Party.
It is the first official visit to Albania by a Greek politician
since the new government took office last week.
Greek Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos is expected to visit
Tirana on August 5, while a visit by Greek Public Order Minister
George Romeos is expected to take place around the same time.
Mr. Skandalidis said his visit aimed to cement ties between the
two countries' socialist parties.
He said that the two peoples had no differences, but on the
contrary had much to gain from a prospective common course.
"The new Albania will find an ally in Greece, and we are willing
to put aside all differences of the past and support our
neighboring country in its new course," Mr. Skandalidis said.
The PASOK Secretary expressed hope that the new Tirana
government would succeed in its difficult task as this would be
to the benefit not only of Albania itself but also the Balkans
in general. "I hope progressive people, with hope and vision,
will succeed in building a new future," Mr. Skandalidis said.
He added that Greece was the only country that accepted and
honored Albanians, while in the context of further development
of relations and communication between the two peoples, Mr.
Skandalidis said the Greek Foreign and Public Order Ministers
would visit Albania soon to discuss and find solutions for the
main problems of concern to the two countries.
Albanian Foreign Minister Paskal Milo, who was present at the
talks, told reporters that in the near future four officials of
the Albanian socialist party would visit Athens to exchange
views with PASOK counterparts aiming at improving the
organization and operation of the Albanian Socialist Party.
Mr. Milo has accepted an invitation by Mr. Skandalidis to visit
Greece at the end of August.
[02] Meeting with political party leaders, Anastasios
Tirana, 28/7/1997 (ANA)
Mr. Skandalidis rounded up his visit yesterday by meeting
separately with the leaders of parties participating in the new
Albanian government, as well as opposition Democratic Party
leader Gens Polo.
During his meetings, Mr. Skandalidis stressed the importance of
the problem Greece faces with the high number of Albanian
illegal immigrants and the impact on Greek tourism of Albanian
armed gangs raiding Greek border towns.
Following a meeting with the Democratic Party leader, Mr.
Skandalidis said that despite ideological differences, the two
parties could collaborate as with all political parties for a
better future in the Balkans, while Mr. Polo said that relations
between the two parties should develop through co-operation.
Mr. Skandalidis also met with Orthodox Archbishop of Albania
Anastasios, who told the press that politics should stay away
from the church.
[03] Ministers to meet
Tirana, 28/7/1997 (ANA)
Greece and Albania have agreed to hold a joint meeting in Tirana
in the near future for ministers from each country to forge a
policy of co-operation, diplomatic sources said on Saturday.
The move was agreed at two separate meetings held in Tirana
between Greek ambassador to Albania Constantine Prevedourakis,
Prime Minister Fatos Nano and Albanian Foreign Minister Paskal
Milo, the sources said.
Ministers from both countries taking part in the meeting, for
which a date has yet to be set, will determine sectors of
co-operation and how work can be accomplished. No further
details were given.
Mr. Prevedourakis told the two Albanian officials that Greece
would offer the neighboring country every support, relaying
messages from Prime Minister Costas Simitis and Foreign Minister
Theodoros Pangalos.
[04] 'Socrates' language program wrapping up in Thrace
Athens, 28/7/1997 (ANA)
An intensive Greek language program for European students,
organized by the Dimokrition University in Thrace in the
framework of the European Union 'Socrates' program, will be
concluded on July 31.
The program got underway on July 14 and is being attended by 55
students from the universities of Mons-Heinaut, Antwerpen
(Belgium), Poitier, Nancy II, Aix-Marseille (France), Madrid,
Seville (Spain), Sofia (Bulgaria) and Banja Luka (Bosnia).
It includes Greek language lessons, a series of seminars
concerning Greek history and culture and cultural events.
The program is aimed at providing language training for foreign
students wishing to follow part of their studies in Greece or to
improve their knowledge of the Greek language.
[05] Gov't follows 'deeply conservative policy', KKE leader says
Athens, 28/7/1997 (ANA)
Speaking at a press conference in Mytilene on Saturday and in
speeches made during her tour of this eastern Aegean island,
Communist Party of Greece (KKE) Secretary General Aleka Papariga
denounced the government's policy in all sectors as being a "a
profoundly conservative policy incapable of providing solutions
to the problems of the people and guided by the will of European
capital and the Americans."
Ms Papariga also criticized the recent agreement concluded
between Greece and Turkey in Madrid, saying it was "merely a
piece of paper which [US Secretary of State Madeleine] Albright
gave [Prime Minister Costas] Simitis and [Turkish President
Suleyman] Demirel to sign."
"KKE had spoken in the past of the need to improve Greek-Turkish
relations. It spoke of the development in relations between the
Greek and Turkish people, because we communists love the Turkish
people deeply. Now everyone has started going and coming from
Turkey developing relations.
"However, these are relations between capital and the plutocrats
and not relations between peoples, for which KKE is continuing
to struggle. They are the relations resulting from the Madrid
Treaty which was tailored to suit the Americans and their
interests in the Aegean, focusing, of course, on the Caspian
oil," she said.
Ms Papariga referred to local government elections scheduled for
the autumn of 1998, and criticized the ruling PASOK party of
preparing "a backstage campaign of political favors and
buy-offs".
She called on the people to attach a political significance to
their vote and said it will be dangerous if the people do not
cut the momentum of government policy with their vote.
Ms Papariga was due to address a party rally in Sappho Square in
Mytilene last night, while today she will visit workplaces in
the city.
[06] PASOK youth reacts on Madrid communiqui
Athens, 28/7/1997 (ANA)
The Madrid communiqui signed between Prime Minister Costas
Simitis and Turkish President Suleyman Demirel during a NATO
summit in Madrid recently is a lifeless text, the ruling PASOK
party's youth wing said in an announcement on Saturday.
The PASOK youth also criticized PASOK Secretary Costas
Skandalidis, who supported the Madrid initiative and the Prime
Minister's choices in general, saying in the announcement that
it is the duty of every Greek citizen to express his opinion
under conditions of democracy and freedom, particularly on
national issues.
"Those who dispute this right must realize that the logic of the
'whip' has nothing to do with the principles and ethics of the
left and democratic party," it said.
The announcement said that as far as the PASOK youth is
concerned, the proclamation of principles in the communiqui does
not constitute anything in itself, apart from an inanimate
document. The existence and manifestation of "good intentions"
remains to be ascertained unilaterally, namely by the permanent
aggressor.
Commenting on the strategic targets which must govern Greek
foreign policy towards Turkey, the announcement said the sole
Greek-Turkish difference recognized as existing by Greece is
that of the continental shelf. Greece proposes resorting to the
International Court at The Hague for its resolution.
Moreover, no other Greek-Turkish difference exists. A permanent
threat on the part of Turkey exists, which is disputing the
territorial sovereignty of the Greek state as it is defined by
international law and international treaties, it added.
[07] University of Thrace to co-operate with Ukraine institute
Athens, 28/7/1997 (ANA)
The senate of the Dimokrition University of Thrace will
co-operate with the Institute of Humanities from Marioupolis in
the Ukrai-ne, according to an announcement yesterday.
Educational, scientific and cultural co-operation between the
two sides is expected to lay the foundations for strengthening
traditional friendship between Greece and the Ukraine and the
renaissance of overseas Hellenism.
According to an announcement the Dimokrition University, the
biggest Greek community in states of the former USSR is found in
Marioupolis and the Federation of Greek Societies in the Ukraine
is headquartered there, as well as Greece's general consulate.
The Institute of Humanities is the sole educational foundation
in the territory of the former USSR where in all faculties, the
Greek language, history and culture are taught.
[08] Trade unions of Greece, Serbia co-operate on exchanges
Athens, 28/7/1997 (ANA)
About 2,000-3,000 Serb trade unionists will spend their holidays
in Kavala and Thasos by September, at the initiative of the
Kavala Workers and Employees Center and with the agreement of
the General Confederation of Workers of Greece (GSEE).
Moreover, trade unionists from Kavala will visit various
factories in the region of Belgrade from May 8-12 next year to
exchange views with their Serb colleagues on the Balkan trade
union movement.
[09] Athens ready to host 2004 Olympics, 'Independent' says
Athens, 28/7/1997 (ANA)
Greece, a candidate for the 2004 Olympics, is more prepared
today to host an Olympiad than the 2000 Games host, Sydney, was,
according to acclaimed sports writer Peter Corrigan.
With total financial backing in place and 72 per cent of the
necessary facilities built and operational, Athens' plusses also
include the genuine desire of the people for the Games, new
roads constructed and improvements to the underground railway.
They also include a new international airport to be operable by
the year 2000 that will reduce cars using the city center and
pollution by 35 per cent, and the lowest crime rate in Europe,
Mr. Corrigan, who visited Athens and the various sporting
facilities last week, wrote in the British newspaper
"Independent on Sunday".
[10] Summer course draws world scientists to Samos
Athens, 28/7/1997 (ANA)
New developments and modern applications in the field of
electromagnetics are being taught in a summer course which
opened Saturday at the Eastern Aegean Research Institute on
Samos.
Participants in the course, which will run to August 5, include
134 eminent scientists from 16 countries who will present
studies on electromagnetic computation, the theoretical basis
for technologies involving electricity, electronics and
microwaves.
The course is organized by the Athens Polytechnic University's
Institute of Communication and Computer Systems, in the
Mechanical Engineering Department, in the context of NATO.
Topics to be presented range from computers to
telecommunications, antenna s, transmission of electrical waves,
satellite systems and fiber optics. The course is organized by
Professor Nikolaos Ouzounoglou.
[11] IAAF President Primo Nebiolo arrives in Athens
Athens, 28/7/1997 (ANA)
International Amateur Athletics Federation (IAAF) President
Primo Nebiolo arrived in Athens on Saturday, a week ahead of the
IAAF World Athletics Championships and three days ahead of the
opening of the IAAF congress, feeling very optimistic over the
out come of the games.
"We will organize a wonderful championship. You can tell all the
people to turn up at the stands of the Olympic Stadium to watch
the biggest athletic event of the year," he said on his arrival.
"I love Greece and I am absolutely satisfied by the work done by
my friends the Greeks. All the stars of world athletics will
compete at the Olympic Stadium, including Gebresilasie, who will
come to Athens to defend his title in the 10,000 meters."
Mr. Nebiolo referred to the gigantic TV coverage for the games,
saying "never in history have we had such coverage for an event.
In my country, Italy, TV coverage will total 56 hours. The
number of TV viewers all over the world will reach
3,163,000,000, a very big figure. The whole world will see
beautiful Athens. It will learn what the Greeks have done for
classic athletics and sports in general. It will learn Athens'
history."
Mr. Nebiolo was welcomed by Sports Under-secretary Andreas
Fouras and other sports officials.
The IAAF World Athletics Championships will be held at the
Athens Olympic Stadium between August 1-10 and a record of at
least 195 countries is expected to participate in the games.
[12] Police break up drug ring in Thessaloniki
Athens, 28/7/1997 (ANA)
Thessaloniki police arrested two Albanian nationals for trying
to sell a large quantity of cannabis and weapons.
The two Albanians, 35-year-old Safet Asimi and his son 17 -
year-old Dritan Asimi, were arrested late Thursday night in a
rural area near Thessaloniki, in possession of 325 kilos of
cannabis, ammunition and a stolen car.
As they later confessed, they had smuggled the drugs and weapons
through remote passages in the Florina region, which borders
with Albania. After entering Greece, they placed their cargo in
a hideout, in the dried-up riverbed of Gallikos river.
Police, acting on information, had placed the area under
surveillance and moved in when a transaction was about to take
place between the Albanians and another group.
The smugglers opened fire and two other Albanians along with
three gypsies of Greek nationality managed to escape arrest
after a lengthy shootout.
The 23 sacks of cannabis is the largest quantity of the drug
confiscated by Thessaloniki police in recent years.
Investigations to locate the remaining suspects continue.
[13] Twenty die in car accidents over weekend
Athens, 28/7/1997 (ANA)
Twenty people were killed in 247 car accidents over the weekend,
the public order ministry said late yesterday.
The ministry said 356 people were injured, 67 of them seriously,
in accidents that took place between Friday afternoon and
yesterday afternoon.
[14] Hidden immigrant community discovered on remote island
Athens, 28/7/1997 (ANA)
An entire community of 300 illegal immigrants from Albania,
Poland and Bulgaria was discovered living on the island of Ai
Stratis between Lesvos and Limnos islands in the Aegean
following the arrest of two illegal immigrant women from
Bulgaria.
The two women were arrested Friday and taken before an
investigating magistrate for stealing one million drachmas from
a home on Lesvos, police said.
According to police sources, the Bulgarian and Polish women from
the illegal community were employed as domestic help in the
homes of elderly residents of Ai Stratis, while the Albanian
immigrants were employed at a water and sewerage project being
constructed on the island by a construction company.
End of English language section.
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