Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 97-12-06

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

ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No 1360), December 6, 1997

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

CONTENTS

[01] Premier cites need for uniform policy, following NATO agreement

[02] Tsohatzopoulos to brief c'tee on NATO

[03] ... Peponis, Economou

[04] Karamanlis calls Gov't policy on national issues 'passive'

[05] EU foreign ministers' meeting to focus on several EU-Turkey issues

[06] Turkish military's reaction for new NATO structure

[07] US on Greek-Turkish relations

[08] EU-Turkey relations discussed between Clinton, Union's leadership

[09] Tsohatzopoulos stresses need for more EU support in SE Europe

[10] Formal ND support for Avramopoulos' bid

[11] Athens re-elected as SAE president

[12] Italian Greek-speakers meet in Thessaloniki

[13] Bill on Olympics 2004 committee after Christmas

[14] Kaklamanis receives Albanian delegation

[15] Petsalnikos in US

[16] Violence mars student protests around downtown Athens

[17] ESHEA conference

[18] PIKPA leadership reacts to Channel Four report

[19] ... Kotsonis

[20] Dodecanese local Gov't conference slated for Cyprus

[21] Patriarchate's resolve to continue religious mission

[22] ... Ecclesiastical organizations express support

[23] EU Directive on tobacco advertising ratified

[24] 'Doctors of the World' concert

[25] Economic News

[26] Greek bourse gets lift from economy, market stability

[27] More tourists visit Rhodes this year than in '96

[28] Cigarette prices increase

[29] Charity flight in aid of Diana expected in Greece this weekend

[01] Premier cites need for uniform policy, following NATO agreement

Athens, 6/12/1997 (ANA)

At the same time, Mr. Simitis warned Mr. Arsenis that in the future he will not tolerate disagreements over policy in public, such as the one over the NATO command structure, saying they are unacceptable and hamper the government's work.

According to government spokesman Demetris Reppas, who briefed reporters in detail on yesterday's Cabinet session, Mr. Simitis described National Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos' handling of the issue at the NATO session in Brussels as appropriate and in line with the government's aims.

The prime minister said there was a wide range of views within PASOK, but that the government had a specific policy and mission, while its success depended on ministers supporting its positions and respecting ethics and collective effort.

"Phenomena of individualist tendencies are not flattering for the government, are hampering its work and are unacceptable," he said.

Mr. Arsenis defended his position, saying that he had a different view on the NATO issue and asked for discussion on the steps to follow.

"It is possible for everyone to state his view for the prime minister to judge his ministers and decide on his options," Mr. Arsenis, a former defense minister, said.

Mr. Simitis replied that he was responsible for the final decisions, and that the government had to respond to the expectations of the Greek people.

Regarding the NATO issue, he said there were a lot of technical issues to be discussed in the forthcoming period and different views could be aired in party organs.

Mr. Tsohatzopoulos next briefed the Cabinet on the decisions reached in NATO, noting that they were in line with the details determined by joint consultations involving the defense and foreign ministries.

"Greece is being upgraded in the military structure of the alliance, whereas before, we were unable to intervene in decisions. It was an inequality which has ended," he stressed, noting that Turkey's request for an air or naval headquarters was rejected .

"Any insistence on a non-decision in NATO would be tantamount to the perpetuation of a situation which was detrimental to our country. The new NATO structure has no relation to either Greek-Turkish relations or confidence-building measures," he said.

Mr. Arsenis replied that the issue of NATO regional headquarters was not a technical one, but had a national dimension and concerned arrangements that brought Greek-Turkish relations to the forefront. He expressed the view that a solution of Greek-Turkish problems ought to precede any new NATO arrangements in the area.

Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos replied that any postponement, as the education minister suggested, would not have made any difference, and that Greece could not remain outside NATO.

After the Cabinet meeting, Mr. Arsenis told reporters that he stood by his views.

He described the discussion at the meeting as "good", and thanked his colleagues for having been given time to explain his positions.

"I stand by my positions," he said, adding "this discussion should have taken place before Dec. 2", a possible reference to the date on which the government agreed to consent to the new NATO structure. Replying to questions, Mr. Arsenis said the is sue of his removal had not been raised.

[02] Tsohatzopoulos to brief c'tee on NATO

Athens, 6/12/1997 (ANA)

The committee is being convened for this purpose by its chairman, PASOK deputy Eleftherios Veryvakis.

The accord, is to be ratified by NATO foreign ministers at their December 16 meeting.

The convening of the parliamentary committee comes after separate letters from ruling and opposition MPs yesterday to Mr. Veryvakis calling for a briefing by Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos before the December 16 meeting.

[03] ... Peponis, Economou

Athens, 6/12/1997 (ANA)

[04] Karamanlis calls Gov't policy on national issues 'passive'

Athens, 6/12/1997 (ANA)

He said it was inconceivable that the government would brief the public on the Madrid agreement with Turkey, signed last July, only after several months and at the initiative of the main opposition. Also, referring to NATO's new command structure, he accused the government of gray points and secrecy.

Mr. Karamanlis said the country was at a critical national conjuncture, and if developments in national issues and the economy were combined, the future did not look good. He accused the government of concocting economic indicators and the budget. He spoke of liberating the economy's resources and creative forces, limiting waste in the public sector, tax reform, attracting investment and restructuring public administration.

He added that nothing had been done in that direction because the government was trapped and a prisoner of ideological fixations and its party machine.

Mr. Karamanlis further accused the government of failing to approach t he aim of the country's participation in Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) with its policy, referred to a dangerous divergence from the EU. Earlier, former ND leader Miltiades Evert had charged that on the basis of today's figures, if the country joined EMU, its productive web was in danger of collapsing and inflation and unemployment would rise to tremendous heights.

Former national economy minister Stefanos Manos replied that when the country joins the euro, inflation will become a thing of the past. He said joining EMU should be the country's first priority.

[05] EU foreign ministers' meeting to focus on several EU-Turkey issues

Brussels, 06/12/1997 (ANA - M. Spinthourakis)

Luxembourg's council presidency has elaborated on a draft report on the overall problem of EU enlargement. The report, provided it is endorsed by the 15 ministers on Monday, will constitute the official document on which the 15 heads of state and government will be called on to state their positions in Luxembourg next week.

According to sources, the draft report contains three main points on which the 15 FMs will have to agree to enable the EU's enlargement process to get underway.

-The first point is the initiation of the European Conference, which will include on the basis of the presidency's proposal the EU member-states and the European countries which have expressed desire to join the EU and are linked to the EU with association agreements and share common principles and targets.

-The start to the accession process to the EU for all candidate countries from central and eastern Europe and Cyprus - 11 in all - but with diversified rates in relation to accession negotiations, which are anticipated by the relevant clause in the European Union Treaty.

-The shaping of a "strategic rapprochement" with Turkey with the purpose of the long-term realization of its desire to join the EU. This strategic rapprochement will confirm that Turkey is eligible for EU accession, that it will be handled with the same criteria which will apply to all the candidate countries and that its economic relations with the EU will be developed, including the rendering of EU funds which, on the basis of a customs union agreement, could amount to one billion ECU.

According to diplomatic sources, the Luxembourg presidency has included some paragraphs in the report it has prepared for the European Conference which outline a framework of "mutual commitments" which must be accepted by all the countries participating in it. Among the mutual commitments principles listed are ones which must govern relations between Conference member-states. It is also noted that possible differences must be resolved with peaceful means and on the basis of the principles of international law and with acceptance for processes and international agencies anticipated to resolve these differences.

Circles of the Luxembourg presidency said in Brussels yesterday that its target is to shape an overall framework which will in essence impose on Turkey the commitment to accept four points:

That it will resolve its differences with Greece peacefully and on the basis of international law; that it will not prevent with its actions the process of Cyprus' accession to the EU; that it will contribute positively to efforts to resolve the Cyprus issue, and lastly, will proceed with specific steps in the direction of respect for human and minority problems on its home front.

Meanwhile, diplomatic officials were reserved towards the draft report. Their reservations primarily concern the issue of relations with Turkey where, a well-informed diplomatic source said, the Luxembourg presidency is "trying to compromise what cannot be compromised" in trying to conclude a compromise document satisfying everyone. Namely, to satisfy the Greek side, which has clearly expressed objections, to satisfy the German side, which has stated that it will not prevent the Conference but does not warmly support it and is opposed to its whatever linking to the issue of negotiations for the accession of candidate countries to the EU and, lastly, to satisfy France and certain other countries aiming at the greatest possible support for Turkish claims.

Additionally, Greek diplomatic sources expressed satisfaction yesterday over the fact that the presidency's proposal contains an explicit provision for the accession of Cyprus, with a special status, to the EU's pre-accession strategy which, among other s, also has a fiscal aspect which, according to the same sources, was neither a foregone conclusion nor easy to achieve since the economic situation of the Republic of Cyprus does not render its support by EU funds compulsory.

[06] Turkish military's reaction for new NATO structure

Ankara, 6/12/1997 (ANA - A. Ambatzis)

The announcement was issued upon the return here of Turkey's military chief, Gen. Ismail Hakki Karadayi.

The statement added that the agreement on NATO's new operational structure "was not a victory by some countries against some others, but a success by the alliance".

[07] US on Greek-Turkish relations

Washington, 6/12/1997 (ANA - T. Ellis)

He mentioned that this "included bilateral negotiations, and the possibility of referring them to arbitration, more specifically, to the International Court at The Hague". Replying to another question, Mr. Foley stressed that the US has for some time now supported the idea of confidence-building measures, and supports the relevant efforts of NATO Secretary-General Javier Solana.

[08] EU-Turkey relations discussed between Clinton, Union's leadership

Washington, 6/12/1997 (ANA - T. Ellis)

President Clinton reiterated the US position that Turkey should become a member of the EU, and asked for the EU to inform Ankara of its explicit position on Turkey's accession prospects.

At a press conference after the meeting, Mr. Juncker and Mr. Santer stressed that they explained to President Clinton their agreement on that position in principle, but that Turkey did not comply with economic and human rights requirements for EU admission, while as far as its relations with Greece were concerned, Ankara should state that it accepts jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice at The Hague and at the same time cease obstructing Cyprus' EU accession course.

The European leaders, however, also criticized Athens, requesting the unblocking of EU funds for Turkey, as provided for in the EU-Turkey customs union agreement.

"It is now time for both parties (Greece and Turkey) to show goodwill and flexibility", said Mr. Santer.

[09] Tsohatzopoulos stresses need for more EU support in SE Europe

Athens, 6/12/1997 (ANA)

He was speaking at a conference entitled "European Enlargement and Southeastern Europe", held by the Institute for Strategic and Development Studies - Andreas Papandreou (ISTAME) in Athens yesterday.

Mr. Tsohatzopoulos said Greece could contribute decisively to the recovery of the economies of these countries, through appropriate initiatives and investment that will speed up their convergence with other EU economies.

He noted that in the Balkans, which were historically tied to Europe, a single economic area was being formed, needing the assistance of the EU so that crises like that in Albania might be averted.

Thirty-four representatives of Socialist and Social Democrat parties and institutes from Balkan and European countries also discussed the enlargement of the European Union as it affects political, social and economic developments in southeastern Europe.

Addressing yesterday morning's session, European Parliament Vice-President and PASOK Eurodeputy Paraskevas Avgerinos predicted that Turkey would be "the biggest thorn in Europe's side" over the next few years. He urged the EU to ensure that any new members would be capable of facing up to all the responsibilities involved in that membership if cohesion was to be maintained.

He also raised doubts as to whether the EU budget would be able to meet the requirements of enlargement and expressed fears as to the cost to southern states.

With regard to the proposed European Conference for states wishing to join the EU, Mr. Avgerinos contended that the majority of members of the European Parliament were against holding such a conference, preferring that only "democratic states" be invite d.

The agenda for the two-day conference centers on the political and economic situation in southeastern Europe, the institutional reconstruction of Balkan states, minorities and a civil society, as well as multicultural Balkan societies within national boundaries.

[10] Formal ND support for Avramopoulos' bid

Athens, 6/12/1997 (ANA)

The announcement came after a meeting between Mr. Karamanlis and mayoral hopeful Maria Damanaki.

Mr. Karamanlis said that his party cannot support Ms Damanaki's bid, since Mr. Avramopoulos is a successful mayor who came from within New Democracy's ranks, and because Ms Damanaki agrees with the government's policies which, he said, "have failed".

Ms Damanaki said that she set out her views on what she called the municipality's many fiscal problems.

[11] Athens re-elected as SAE president

Athens, 6/12/1997 (ANA)

After the announcement of the results for SAE's new presidium in Thessaloniki, the Greek government's Secretary-General of expatriate Greeks, Stavros Lambrinidis, said the elections provided a great impetus for SAE's future.

"I will be the president of all, and I need Mr. Spyropoulos' help to enable us to fulfill our difficult task. I thank the Greek government and Mr. Lambrinidis in particular, the inter-party Parliamentary Committee headed by Mr. Niotis and all the parties. Above all, the Greek people, who have embraced us expatriates here at our home in Thessaloniki," Mr. Athens said.

Costas Pappas from Germany was elected deputy president of SAE; Christos Tomaras was re-elected president of the Americas region; Constantine Vertzagias from Australia was elected president of the region of Oceania; Stephanos Tamvakis was re-elected president of the region of Asia and Africa and Agathangelos Aslanidis was re-elected president of the region of Europe.

The three secretaries are the following: Demetris Constantinidis from Australia, Costas Georganas from Canada and Christos Karypidis from Sweden.

On his part, Mr. Lambrinidis expressed his regret that no woman was elected.

Earlier, Mr. Athens, who has been president of SAE since its establishment in December 1995, expressed the hope that the organization would have the means to become financially independent of the Greek state by 1999.

Responding to criticism from his rival for the post, Mr. Spyropoulos, that he had not displayed enough force in supporting Greek issues in the United States, Athens stressed that the only way achieve anything was through a calm presentation of arguments .

Mr. Spyropoulos called for complete independence from partisan influences and particularly from the general secretariat for expatriate Greeks.

Proposals have been made for amendments to the SAE charter so that the selection of representatives is made by the local community organizations themselves.

Other issues on yesterday's agenda included discussions of ways to promote the Greek language among Diaspora Greeks, particularly the younger generation, through the sending of teachers, books and other teaching materials from Greece.

Referring to the SAE's finances, Mr. Lambrinidis said the secretariat would be making a careful examination of the first financial report and would be sending copies of its findings to all participants. In response to comments on the balance sheet of the first two years, he said it had been drafted in English since the SAE's president was a US national.

A message from US President Bill Clinton was also read out by the US consul general in Thessaloniki.

[12] Italian Greek-speakers meet in Thessaloniki

Athens, 6/12/1997 (ANA)

The initiative for this extraordinary meeting was taken by the administration and the members of the cultural society "Makedonos", who organized a one-day meeting on "Greek-speaking people of southern Italy and Ai-vali".

The event includes musical events in Thermi and Thessaloniki today and tomorrow.

[13] Bill on Olympics 2004 committee after Christmas

Athens, 6/12/1997 (ANA)

Government spokesman Demetris Reppas announced that a National Olympic Games Committee will be established in which all national, political and social forces will be represented, adding that it will have more of a symbolic role and will convene two or three times a year.

Mr. Reppas said the government will pay particular attention to transparency issues, while control will be continuous and will also be assigned to foreign firms.

He further said that particular emphasis will also be placed on preparation for the Olympics' organizational backing, adding that a relevant bill will be tabled in Parliament after Christmas.

Mr. Reppas said the manning of the organizing committee will take place with competitive and open processes and that the cabinet meeting did not discuss persons who will be on the committee.

[14] Kaklamanis receives Albanian delegation

Athens, 6/12/1997 (ANA)

Mr. Kaklamanis said that there is a need for introduction of a framework of legislation for the media, saying this will aid in the democratization of Albania.

He also said that television and radio stations should be regulated, for they have a major influence on the public, "before you reach uncontrolled situations, take all necessary measures without any hesitation. The owner of a radio or television station must not have his own newspaper", he said.

Mr. Kaklamanis added that the Imia crisis was created by the media in both Greece and Turkey for profit.

On his part, the head of the Albanian delegation noted that his was the first visit of its kind and thanked Mr. Kaklamanis.

[15] Petsalnikos in US

Athens, 6/12/1997 (ANA)

Mr. Petsalnikos' visit will include Washington, Boston and New York.

He will meet with US Assistant Secretary of State Mark Grossman and State Department aids to discuss the development of Macedonia and Thrace, inter-Balkan co-operation and Greek-US relations.

He will also meet with the US Senate's Foreign Affairs Committee and will deliver a speech at Harvard on the development in northern Greece and the co-operation with the countries of southeastern Europe.

[16] Violence mars student protests around downtown Athens

Athens, 6/12/1997 (ANA)

Representatives of students marching to the education ministry complained at the number of police officers patrolling the march. When police did not withdraw, a group of students bringing up the rear of the march clashed with riot police.

Order was eventually restored and the demonstrators continued to the ministry on Mitropoleos street, which was under heavy police guard.

In a related development, about 50 self-styled anarchists occupied the Athens University Law School building on Solonos street yesterday afternoon, forcing students and staff to leave the premises.

Wearing masks or motorcycle helmets and wielding clubs, they began throwing stones at passing vehicles.

Before Solonos was closed off, minor collisions were recorded as drivers tried to dodge flying objects.

In addition, a car belonging to the rector's office of Athens University was completely destroyed by a makeshift bomb as it was parked on the corner of Panepistimiou Avenue and Patriarch Grigorios Avenue.

An hour later, two firebombs were tossed into the entrance of the Hellenic Telecommunications Organization (OTE) bureau at the corner of Solonos and Sina streets, causing minor damage.

[17] ESHEA conference

Athens, 6/12/1997 (ANA)

The subject of the meeting, entitled "Journalism Facing Today's Challenges," include the educational role of journalism, copyright issues and labor relations. The findings of the one-day seminars will be presented at the EU ministers' conference in Thessaloniki.

[18] PIKPA leadership reacts to Channel Four report

Athens, 6/12/1997 (ANA)

The report, depicting children with serious mental disorders, was described as especially "harsh".

The Children's Protection services, PIKPA, Vice-President Georgia Avgitidou rejected the contents of the British report, saying that when the two reporters visited the center last January there were some beds with iron bars around them, which were used for especially "aggressive" children, as she called them.

"We used to have two isolation areas then, which have now been abolished. They were used to isolate uncontrollable children during peak hours to avoid injuries to other children and staff", she said.

[19] ... Kotsonis

Athens, 6/12/1997 (ANA)

PIKPA's administration also has sent a delegation to Sidirokastro for an on-the-spot investigation.

[20] Dodecanese local Gov't conference slated for Cyprus

Athens, 6/12/1997 (ANA)

The conference, scheduled for Monday and Tuesday, is organized in co-operation with the Cyprus Union of Municipalities and the Pan-Cypriot Union of Communities. Issues to be examined include island and coastal regions' concerns and inter-municipal cooperation within the EU framework.

The event will also be attended by 25 representatives from ministries, political parties and other bodies from Greece, as well as 50 representatives from various Cypriot organizations.

[21] Patriarchate's resolve to continue religious mission

Istanbul, 6/12/1997 (ANA - A. Kourkoulas)

"Events such as that do not shake our will and resolve to remain here and continue our religious mission. We shall not move voluntarily simply to live more comfortably and peacefully," he said.

"I wish this is the last time, but human affairs are so fluid and uncertain that nothing can be ruled out," he added.

[22] ... Ecclesiastical organizations express support

Athens, 6/12/1997 (ANA)

The messages condemned the attack and urged the Turkish government to take all necessary measures to protect the Patriarchate and punish those responsible.

The deacon injured in the attack underwent further surgery yesterday to remove bomb fragments from his shoulder. He is recovering at Istanbul's American Hospital.

In addition, the Inter-Orthodox Committee on Theological Dialogue with the Catholic Church is currently meeting at the Patriarchate with the participation of representatives of all Orthodox Patriarchates and Churches.

The committee is headed by Ephesus Metropolitan Chrysostomos.

[23] EU Directive on tobacco advertising ratified

Brussels, 6/12/1997 (ANA - P. Pantelis)

The directive is expected to be made effective at the end of 1998 and a three-year transitional period is anticipated for the adjustment of member-states' national legislation, meaning it must be applied as of 2001. An extra year of transition is provided for the written press and the directive will be applied in 2002.

Greece succeeded in preventing a prohibition of tobacco advertising at kiosks within the country and contributed towards shaping the necessary majority for the directive's approval with the purpose of safeguarding public health.

According to a statement by Health Minister Costas Geitonas, promotion of the relevant directive, which was delayed for about 10 years, is a major step for the protection of public health and particularly of young people.

In a related development, representatives of the Physicians' Initiative in Favor of the Directive's Ratification termed the directive prohibiting the advertising of tobacco products "a landmark decision for the protection of public health."

[24] 'Doctors of the World' concert

Athens, 6/12/1997 (ANA)

The group says that thousands of people in Athens are in need of immediate health care.

The organization has been offering services to people over the past year at a facility located at 15, M. Voda St.

The center is open all day and specialists from various fields offer first-degree medical care and free medicines to those in need.

[25] Economic News

Athens, 6/12/1997 (ANA)

The Athens general share index finished at 1551.29 points, gaining 5.24 percent on the week.

Turnover was scant with 16.6 billion drachmas changing hands against 24.1 billion drachmas in the previous session and a daily average of 29.6 billion for the week, boosted by block trades.

Sector indices ended mixed. Banks slumped 0.91 percent, Insurance rose 0.88 percent, Leasing gained 1.53 percent, Investment crept up 0.18 percent, Construction increased 0.66 percent, Industrials edged up 0.66 percent, Miscellaneous gained 1.27 percent and Holding rose 0.86 percent. The parallel market index for smaller cap stocks finished 0.43 percent higher.

Hellenic Telecommunications Organization (OTE) rose to 6,020 drachmas from 5,975 drachmas.

Of 235 shares traded advances led declines by 117 to 92 with 26 issues remaining unchanged.

Ending at or near the upper eight percent daily volatility limit were Epiphania, Cambas, Sigalas and Ridenco. The day's biggest percentage losers were Lanakam, Radio Athine, Dane and Xylemboria. Among blue chips National Bank of Greece ended at 27,015 drachmas, Ergobank at 15,700, Alpha Credit Bank at 17,300, Delta Dairy (common) at 3,490, Titan Cement (common) at 13,290 and Intracom (common) at 14,750.

[26] Greek bourse gets lift from economy, market stability

Athens, 6/12/1997 (ANA)

The Athens general share index gained 77.27 points, or 5.24 percent on the week to finish at 1551.29 points from 1474.02.

It has gained 66.18 percent since the beginning of 1997 but lost 13.55 percent on this year's all-time high of 1794.14 points.

The FTSE/ASE-20 index calculated on a basket of blue chips ended the week at 888.40 points, up 6.17 percent.

Turnover totaled 148.27 billion drachmas, showing a daily average of 29.65 billion drachmas from 19.2 billion the previous week.

Prices have partly recouped losses incurred in the monetary and market turmoil, which had sent the bourse plunging.

Spurring sentiment were the following factors:

** A return to normal trade after turmoil abroad upset sentiment on the domestic market

** An end to mass sell-offs by institutional investors abroad trying to recoup losses in Greece incurred in other markets during the turbulence

** A fall in interbank rates after the monetary crisis, which is expected to lead to a drop in bank loan and deposit rates

** Expectations that consumer price inflation will drop to 4.7 percent at the end of 1997

** Healthy corporate results reported by listed firms for January-September, fueling hopes of robust end-year profits.

Greek institutional investors (Continued on page 9) (Continued from page 8) see a rising market in December, which will raise the value of their end-year portfolios on the basis of average prices for December.

A number of investment companies are planning to raise their share capital in 1998 in order to strengthen their position in what they see as a growing market.

Fund managers abroad are currently devising their strategies for 1998 with their positions expected to become clear in the first half of January.

[27] More tourists visit Rhodes this year than in '96

Athens, 6/12/1997 (ANA)

During the 10-month period from January to October more than one million tourists arrived on the cosmopolitan Dodecanese island, of whom 861,228 were foreign nationals.

As far as the nationality of visitors to Rhodes is concerned, German nationals were first, followed by the British, Italians, Swedes, Danes, Austrians and Dutch.

[28] Cigarette prices increase

Athens, 6/12/1997 (ANA)

[29] Charity flight in aid of Diana expected in Greece this weekend

Athens, 6/12/1997 (ANA)

The project has been approved by the Trustees of the Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Fund to raise money for the Fund. People are being asked to sponsor Bodill on a per 1,000 miles actually traveled basis to raise money for the Fund.

The 14,000 mile journey of the plane, named "Spirit of Diana", will take about 45 days and has been routed through France, Italy, Greece, African and Asian countries.

The route through Greece includes the islands of Corfu, Cephalonia, Kythira and the city of Iraklio on Crete, where the "Spirit of Diana" was expected later yesterday.

Colin Bodill is the UK's top microlight competition pilot and gold medal winner at the recent 1st World Air Games. He will be flying 8-10 hours per day and will be using the latest satellite navigation technology.

End of English language section.

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