Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 98-11-04

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From: The Athens News Agency at <http://www.ana.gr/>

CONTENTS

[01] Gov't gains Parliament confidence vote by 163 to 136

[02] Gov't sees public debt falling in 1998

[03] Gov't to resume monthly debt market auctions, minister says

[04] Latest gov't debt market paper sells well

[05] Demand sends drachma higher

[06] Bank of Central Greece joins the pack, cuts rates

[07] Greek equities end lower in technical correction, stay active

[08] Ergobank shows steady yr/yr profit in Jan-Sept

[09] Gov't cites positive year for tourism in '98

[10] Thessaly farmers ready for protests

[11] GSEE calls 24-hour nationwide strike

[12] Commission continues probe of Greece's programmatic agreements

[13] Greece incorporating EU law at satisfactory level: Commission

[14] Simitis-Skandalidis meeting

[15] Pangalos stresses futility of Ankara's efforts to improse its will on Athens

[16] G.Papandreou harshly criticises efforts to block Cyprus' EU accession

[17] EU enlargement targe ts a 'more powerful Europe': G. Papandreou

[18] Kranidiotis meeting with Israeli ambassador

[19] Educational, cultural and scientific agreement

[20] Tzoganis visits site of new NATO sub-headquarters in Tyrnavos

[21] Swedish Foreign Aid Minister Schori in Athens this month

[22] OTE shares the second most traded at NYSE at Monday session

[23] Resigned police chief,15 others charged in widespread corruption case

[24] Metropolitan of Zakynthos referred to ecclesiastical court for Penthouse interview

[25] Amnesty International calls for better treatment of refugees

[01] Gov't gains Parliament confidence vote by 163 to 136

Athens 04/11/1998 (ANA)

After the announcement of the result, the prime minister stated the government had received a clear mandate to continue its work.

Earlier, in his closing address in the debate, Mr. Simitis threw down the gauntlet to ruling party dissenters, saying that if they disagreed with his government's policy they should have the courage to state a clear "no".

Replying to charges of government incompetence by New Democracy party leader Costas Karamanlis, the prime minister challenged him to call for elections, adding that he did not do so for reasons of political weakness and in the knowledge that he would not meet with a positive response by the people.

He also hinted a complete lack of experience in governing by the main opposition leader which provided him with the advantage of appearing to dissociate himself from the record of his party when in power.

Earlier,Mr. Karamanlis accused the government of "arrogant behaviour and contempt for the people."

"How can you be proud of your work, after the painful results of the recent local government elections and the growing public disaffection?" he asked, addressing the Cabinet.

Mr. Karamanlis also called on the prime minister to "stop concealing his personal inadequacy behind the national goal of taking the country into Economic and Monetary Union (EMU)."

"You cannot receive absolution for the disintegration of the state, your mistakes and omissions through EMU," he stressed.

Communist Party of Greece (KKE) leader Aleka Papariga said that conditions were "ripe for the people to break free from the main two parties (PASOK and ND)."

Coalition for the Left and Progress (Synaspismos) leader Nikos Constantopoulos said the prime minister wanted to use the confidence vote in order to proceed with measures, "which he does not dare announce to the PASOK party apparatus."

Democratic Social Movement (DHKKI) leader Dimitris Tsovolas accused the government of adopting a "compliant attitude towards the United States and the European Union" in relation to the balance of power in the Aegean.

Mr. Tsovolas argued that the ministry of expatriate Hellenism must be re- instituted and that without delay a national strategy for foreign policy and defence must be drawn up.

Ministers : On his part, National Defence Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos accused the main opposition of "outdated populism, opportunistic behaviour and contradictions."

"Its arrogant stand showed contempt for the Greek people," he said.

Further, making an overture to the Left, he reiterated a previous proposal for dialogue, with a view to adopting measures in favour of social cohesion and environmental protection "for the individual, the citizen, visions and ideals".

He also defended the government's defence policy, stressing that a revision of the armed forces' structure and their modernisation was in line with the demands of a new national strategy, which projected Greece as a crucial factor for security and stabi lity in the region.

Education Minister Gerasimos Arsenis referred extensively to educational reform and the role of education in the country's EMU participation, stressing the danger of "the market's dominance, leading to an education of the market".

New Public Order Minister Philippos Petsalnikos said the crime rate in Greece continued to be one of the lowest in Europe, despite the fact that the country could not be isolated from the new forms of crime appearing everwhere.

Referring to police corruption, the minister said that in no way did it concern all of the police force, while the government would adopt measures necessary to promote a feeling of security among citizens.

Mitsotakis : Former ND prime minister Constantine Mitsotakis commented on the defence minister's speech, saying that "he made a conscientious effort to defend the government, but did not avoid the temptation of making an (aspirant) leader's appearance".

He also charged that it was "politically immoral and unacceptable for the economic figures to be deliberately concocted".

Expelled ND deputy Stephanos Manos, now an independent, said it would have been more courageous and useful if Mr. Simitis had asked his own party's Parliamentary group for a vote of confidence. Mr. Manos, who has indicated he will form a new political formation, added that he had no confidence whatsoever in the government, while he accused Greek parties of concealing the necessary and unpleasant decisions, and of having no principles, values and ideals.

On his part, government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said a vote of confidence would be an additional tool for the government and that the prime minister had asked for it because Greece was going through a crucial phase in the pursuit of its goals. He desc ribed the country's entry into EMU as a new accession to Europe, with criteria equally strict as those of the original accession in 1980.

Motion by 11 PASOK deputies : Earlier in the evening, 11 ruling PASOK deputies, including seven former ministers, said in a letter sent to Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis that their vote in favour of the government was justified by "the manner in which the uncalled for - and for this reason incomprehensible - confidence motion was asked and announced".

The "11" charged that the announcement was accompanied by the "double- threat" of elections and the referral to PASOK's disciplinary party organs of those who refuse to grant the vote again asked for."

In response, Mr. Simitis called a meeting of high-ranking party members, including Environment, Town Planning and Public Works Minister Costas Laliotis, PASOK Secretary Costas Skandalidis and Mr. Reppas.

After consultations with Mr. Kaklamanis, who mediated with the prime minister, the 11 withdrew their letter. Sources said Mr. Simitis made it clear that he would not accept the votes of the "11" as being in favour of his government, considering the letter as a call for going to the polls.

Athens News Agency

[02] Gov't sees public debt falling in 1998

Athens 04/11/1998 (ANA)

Estimated for 1998 is a decline to 105.5 percent of GDP from 109.5 percent in 1997. In absolute terms, the public debt is expected to stand at 37.5 trillion drachmas in 1998 from 35.8 trillion a year earlier, Mr. Christodoulakis said.

The decline in the public debt will further aid interest rates to drop for the remainder of 1998 and in 1999, he forecast.

Contributing to the fall in the public debt in terms of GDP growth was a rise in the budget's primary surplus, debt payments made by the Public Securities Company, and a reduction in the debt forfeitures of public enterprises.

In addition, the rate of increase in budgetary spending was back on target after an increase in January-August.

In January-October, the rate of increase in primary spending was contained to 6.7 percent against an annualised target of 6.6 percent, Mr. Christodoulakis said.

The rate of increase in rates for debt servicing fell to 3.9 percent in January-October although the cost should exceed the government's target by 40 billion drachmas by the end of the year due to a 13.8 percent devaluation of the drachma on March 14, Mr. Christodoulakis said.

The devaluation was called to ease the drachma's entry into the European Union's exchange rate mechanism on the same date.

Athens News Agency

[03] Gov't to resume monthly debt market auctions, minister says

Athens 04/11/1998 (ANA)

Two auctions of treasury bills would be held each month and two for longer- term bonds, Mr. Christodoulakis told a news conference.

Banks accused of sitting on securities : Deputy Finance Minister Nikos Christodoulakis said yesterday that a circular would be sent to banks after reports they were hoarding securities, barring access to investors.

The decision to send the circular ordering sales had been agreed with the Union of Greek Banks, Mr. Christodoulakis told reporters.

Athens News Agency

[04] Latest gov't debt market paper sells well

Athens 04/11/1998 (ANA)

The auction held through the market's primary dealers was oversubscribed with bids totalling 222.8 billion drachmas against 150 billion drachmas the government was seeking. Accepted by the ministry were bids totalling 171.5 billion drachmas. Expiry is on April 1, 2003.

The issue dominated trade in the secondary market, accounting for 21 billion drachmas of the day's turnover of 50 billion drachmas through the electronic trading system.

In addition, an issue of two-year, tax-free savings bonds held over the last two days raised more than 110 billion drachmas, according to early estimates.

The fixed rate is an annual 10.75 percent

Deputy Finance Minister Nikos Christodoulakis commented that the issue had been popular with the public, especially in comparison with the previous issue, which had raised 50 billion drachmas.

Athens News Agency

[05] Demand sends drachma higher

Athens 04/11/1998 (ANA)

The demand was met by commercial banks, and the central bank made no intervention to bring down the national currency.

At the Bank of Greece's daily fix the mark ended at 168.265 drachmas, the dollar at 279.460 and Ecu at 330.190 drachmas.

The drachma is now 7.5 percent up on its central parity in the European Union's exchange rate mechanism.

Athens News Agency

[06] Bank of Central Greece joins the pack, cuts rates

Athens 04/11/1998 (ANA)

Bank of Central Greece, a smaller player in the market, is now offering phased rates from 8.75 percent to 11.0 percent on its savings accounts, down from 9.25 percent to 11.25 percent.

Rates on current accounts are slipping to a range of 7.5 percent-9.5 percent from 7.5 percent-9.75 percent.

Athens News Agency

[07] Greek equities end lower in technical correction, stay active

Athens 04/11/1998 (ANA)

The Athens general index lost 0.71 percent against the previous session's 5.86 percent surge to finish at 2,273.28 points with 11,758,000 shares changing hands.

Turnover was 62.8 billion drachmas, slightly down on 69.1 billion of normal trade in the previous session when block trades in a float for Hellenic Telecommunications Organisation (OTE) drove the total up to 376.6 billion drachmas.

The state telecom's share yesterday closed at 6,640 drachmas, slightly down on the previous 6,775 drachmas.

The drop in the market was due to a technical correction and most supply was absorbed, brokers said.

Boosting the market on Monday was the success of OTE's third float, a promise by the government to keep its European Union oriented economic policy intact, and a sharp decline in bank rates that is seen bringing down rates on state securities.

The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development revised its forecasts upwards for the domestic economy, and investment houses abroad were optimistic about Greek entry into European economic and monetary union by the government's target date of January 1, 2001.

Sectors mostly posted losses yesterday.

The heavily weighted banking sector slipped 0.43 percent after surging 7.92 percent in the previous session.

Insurance edged up 0.46 percent, Investment dropped 0.87 percent, Leasing slumped 2.48 percent, Industrials crept down 0.67 percent, Construction shed 1.33 percent, Miscellaneous gained 0.44 percent and Holding lost 1.06 percent.

The parallel index for smaller cap stocks slumped 2.50 percent.

Of 255 shares traded declines led advances at 156 to 83 with 16 remaining unchanged.

The most actively traded stocks were Mytilineos, Strintzis Lines, Mytilineos, Hellenic Petroleum and OTE.

Thirty four stocks hit the day's 8.0 percent upper volatility limit. Among them were Bank of Greece, Dimitriadis, Lampsa, Radio Athine, General Warehouses and Elfiko.

The day's biggest percentage losers, which finished at or near the day's eight percent limit down, were Mouriadis, Technodomi and Atemke.

National Bank of Greece ended at 42,900 drachmas, Commercial Bank of Greece at 25,400, Alpha Credit Bank at 24,400 drachmas, Intracom (common) at 12, 500 and Titan Cement Company (common) at 18,350 drachmas.

Athens News Agency

[08] Ergobank shows steady yr/yr profit in Jan-Sept

Athens 04/11/1998 (ANA)

Profits derived from banking transactions, Ergobank said in a statement.

Deposits in the same period were 1,244 billion drachmas against 1,052 billion a year earlier, and loans were 654.4 billion drachmas from 515.3 billion drachmas.

The bank's assets at the end of September were 1,494 billion drachmas, and shareholders' equity was 113 billion drachmas.

Athens News Agency

[09] Gov't cites positive year for tourism in '98

Athens 04/11/1998 (ANA)

Ms Papandreou, whose portfolio includes the tourism sector, said that a tourism campaign, scheduled to be launched by the Greek National Tourism Organisation (EOT) in 10 days, would absorb some four billion drachmas between November 1998 and May 1999, while an effort would be made to secure a total of 10 billion drachmas from the finance ministry to enable funding of additional activities such as public relations and marketing.

She said that positive developments in the tourism sector indicated an upward trend.

Athens News Agency

[10] Thessaly farmers ready for protests

Athens 04/11/1998 (ANA)

The rally was organised by the federation of farming associations, with the support of the Pan-Thessaly Coordinating Committee, the force behind extensive farmers' protests last year.

Federation president Yiannis Patakis said the farmers wanted a higher production ceiling on cotton crops and said that prices for cereal crops would be down by 30 percent this year if the European Union did not alter its regulations.

He called on Prime Minister Costas Simitis to bring the issue to the European Union and warned the government that farmers were prepared to press their case on the country's roads.

Protests last year by farmers - against new tax laws, in support of demands for cheaper fuel and higher prices for their products - caused unprecedented chaos in Greece, hampering road and rail transport between the north and south, blocking lorries from delivering vital supplies and on occasion forcing factories to shut down due to shortages of fuel and raw materials.

Athens News Agency

[11] GSEE calls 24-hour nationwide strike

Athens 04/11/1998 (ANA)

GSEE's executive committee was authorised to set the date for the strike during the days when the new budget will be debated in Parliament.

The trade unions want consolidation and improvement of working people's income, changes in the tax system, the enactment of the 35-hour working week and a series of measures in support of employment.

Athens News Agency

[12] Commission continues probe of Greece's programmatic agreements

BRUSSELS 04/11/1998 (ANA - P. Pantelis)

The Commission is examining the possibility of excluding companies for reasons of nationality.

This was the reply provided by relevant EU Commissioner Mario Monti to a question by Coalition of the Left and Progress Eurodeputy Alekos Alavanos, who stressed the danger of serious problems being created for these agreements, many of which concern the energy, water supply, transports and the telecommunications sectors.

"The Commission is examining together with the Greek authorities if indeed there were cases of companies being excluded on the basis of their nationality. If necessary, the Commission will not fail to activate the process anticipated by article 169 of the EU Treaty," Mr. Monti said in a reply.

Athens News Agency

[13] Greece incorporating EU law at satisfactory level: Commission

BRUSSELS 04/11/1998 (ANA - M. Spinthourakis)

Greece and Belgium have not yet incorporated 64 directives, faring slightly better than France, which has not incorporated 67; Italy and Portugal at 74; Ireland 76, and Luxembourg 80.

The most positive performance with regard to the incorporation of EU legislation in national law are posted by Scandinavian countries. Specifically, Finland has only failed to incorporate 12 directives; Sweden 18 and Denmark 20.

On the question of convictions by the European Court, Greece has been convicted five times and is in fifth place after Belgium, which has been convicted nine times; Italy eight, while Germany and Spain six times.

Athens News Agency

[14] Simitis-Skandalidis meeting

Athens 04/11/1998 (ANA)

Speaking to reporters after the consultations, Mr. Skandalidis said they had had a wide-ranging discussion on recent developments and political issues as well as "that which lies ahead".

Replying to questions, he said there were no plans in the offing for changes in the composition of PASOK's executive bureau.

Mr. Skandalidis said PASOK's political secretariat would convene at noon tomorrow and the executive bureau later the same day to approve the report of Mr. Simitis and the bureau which will be presented at the central committee meeting on Friday and Saturday.

Athens News Agency

[15] Pangalos stresses futility of Ankara's efforts to improse its will on Athens

Athens 04/11/1998 (ANA)

At the same time, Mr. Pangalos called on Washington "to force" Turkey to withdraw the armaments it had obtained from the US from the Turkish- occupied part of Cyprus.

Addressing Parliament during a three-day debate leading to last night's confidence vote, Mr. Pangalos slammed what he called "double standards" in international politics, saying that when Yugoslavia does not accept the decisions of the international com munity it is suddenly faced with warplanes and aircraft carriers.

Mr. Pangalos clarified, however, that Greece was not demanding the same reaction in the case of Turkey.

"What we want is for the US administration to show basic respect for and implement its own laws...and to force Turkey to withdraw the heavy weapons of US origin which it has deployed in the occupied part of Cyprus," he said.

Commenting on a Turkish proposal for dialogue with Greece, Mr. Pangalos underlined that in order for there to be dialogue on an equal basis, both countries must belong to the same system of law and order.

"We asked Turkey to accept the general jurisdiction of the International Court at The Hague, which is in any case a condition stipulated in 'Agenda 2000'. This is also dictated within the framework of Turkey's efforts to join the European Union," Mr. Pa ngalos said, adding:

"Sooner or later, Ankara will swallow this bitter pill, so it would be better if it did so now so we can get the whole thing over with."

Athens News Agency

[16] G.Papandreou harshly criticises efforts to block Cyprus' EU accession

VIENNA 04/11/1998 (ANA - D. Dimitrakoudis)

He spoke on the sidelines of a conference between the EU and the South African Development Community (SADC).

Mr. Papandreou said that Greece had made it clear that if a political solution was raised as a precondition and accession negotiations for Cyprus were impeded for this reason, then Athens would raise reservations over the entire EU enlargement process.

Referring in particular to France, which is insisting on raising the political issue as an obstacle in negotiations and, in general, for Cyprus' EU accession, Mr. Papandreou said that this constituted a "silly and bad" negotiating tactic because, in essence, it did not help to have the views of all sides on the Cyprus issue change.

"An accession prospect creates the conditions for another approach, because the Turkish Cypriots also have every interest to be in the European Union. This is what Turkey fears and is trying to intercept this process, toughening its position and trying to create the picture that the Turkish Cypriots are its proteges while, on the contrary, they are its victims," he said.

Mr. Papandreou said that the fact that the Turkish Cypriots were Turkey's victims in the process for Cyprus' EU accession and that the responsibility lay with Turkey should be raised in all discussions and, of course, there should also be the necessary pressure and there was pressure to the degree that accession negotiations were continuing.

Referring to the European strategy towards Turkey, Mr. Papandreou said that Greece had termed the legal process as inappropriate and that Greek interests should be safeguarded, particularly in relation to the Aegean and that the International Court at The Hague should be the point of reference for whatever differences which might arise. He said that Greece would evaluate its possibilities on proposals which would be made on whether or not it would agree on whatever European strategy.

Athens News Agency

[17] EU enlargement targe ts a 'more powerful Europe': G. Papandreou

VIENNA 04/11/1998 (ANA - D. Dimitrakoudis)

He spoke during an address to the European Union and SADC Conference, held here yesterday.

Mr. Papandreou referred to accession negotiations with candidate countries, describing the process and stressing that the enlargement process strengthened Europe, peace and democracy in the wider region.

He stressed the need for the EU to support its cooperation with this regional organisation in South Africa for a number of reasons, both humanitarian and political, creating a democratic region in South Africa, a region of peace, stability and respect for human rights.

The Vienna Conference, organised by the Austrian EU presidency and coming to a close today, is aimed at widening cooperation between the EU and the SADC and its agenda includes, among others, democracy, human rights, the prevention and resolving of disputes, regional integration, the abolition of trade obstacles, combatting drug trafficking, a cleanup of minefields and AIDS.

Athens News Agency

[18] Kranidiotis meeting with Israeli ambassador

Athens 04/11/1998 (ANA)

The Israeli ambassador also delivered a letter from Israeli Foreign Minister Ariel Sharon to his Greek counterpart Theodoros Pangalos concerning the Wye Memorandum - recently signed in the US between Israel and the Palestinian Authority.

Mr. Curiel said that agreement expresses Israel's absolute commitment to achieve peace with its neighbours, and particularly the Palestinians, as well as its readiness to make the necessary compromises.

According to a press release distributed by the Israeli embassy in Athens, Mr. Curiel emphasised the important role the international community and Greece can play in helping consolidate peace, expressing Israel's appreciation for the recent initiatives of the Greek foreign ministry in organising meetings between Israeli and Palestinian MPs.

Athens News Agency

[19] Educational, cultural and scientific agreement

Athens 04/11/1998 (ANA)

The programme is based on a cultural agreement signed by the two countries in 1992. It includes cooperation in the fields of education, science, academic exchanges, archeology, cultural activities, sports and youth cooperation.

Athens News Agency

[20] Tzoganis visits site of new NATO sub-headquarters in Tyrnavos

Athens 04/11/1998 (ANA)

He also underlined the major benefits for the greater region of Larissa arising from the operation of the sub-headquarters, not only on an economic level but also with respect to contacts with the international community.

In addition to its military personnel, the facility is expected to employ some 90 civilians - 35 scientists to be hired in an international competition and 55 manual and other workers, the responsibility for whose hiring,according to sources,will rest with the Greek commander of the sub- headquarters, Maj-Gen. Emmanuel Mantzanas.

The hiring process is expected to have been completed by next June.

The commencement of operations proper was preceded by a ceremony on Monday at the installations of the former Schinas army camp.

Athens News Agency

[21] Swedish Foreign Aid Minister Schori in Athens this month

Athens 04/11/1998 (ANA)

Invited by the Lambrakis Studies Institute, Mr. Schori is best known in Greece for the solidarity he showed to Greek democrats during the seven- year military dictatorship (1967-74) and as a close friend and associate of late Swedish premier Olaf Palme.

Athens News Agency

[22] OTE shares the second most traded at NYSE at Monday session

NEW YORK 04/11/1998 (ANA)

The spokeswoman said that the share opened for trading at 11 US dollars and closed at 11.31 dollars.

Athens News Agency

[23] Resigned police chief,15 others charged in widespread corruption case

Athens 04/11/1998 (ANA)

The charges were announced by the head of the public prosecutor's office of Athens first instance courts, Georgios Koliokostas, and following an investigation begun several months ago by prosecutor Georgios Gerakis.

The investigation focused on allegations of corruption in the police force in three specific areas - the unlawful granting of residence permits to foreigners; provision of "protection" to nightclubs, and drug-related offences.

The charges announced yesterday relate to the residence permits and the protection racket. The investigation is continuing into allegations of police officers being involved in the protection racket and drug dealing.

The retired head of the Greek police, Athanasios Vassilopoulos, was charged with breach of duty.

Mr. Vassilopoulos' resignation was accepted after a botched attempt by police in September to free hostages being held by an escaped Greek- Romanian convict which resulted in the death of one hostage and several injuries.

Georgios Yiannes, a police officer currently serving with the rank of major, was charged with repeated breach of duty and inciting subordinates to commit offences.

Georgios Florentis, an advisor to former public order minister Georgios Romeos, who was replaced in last week's minor government reshuffle, was also charged with inciting subordinates to commit unlawful acts and moral complicity in falsifying official documents.

The former head of the Athens security police, Ioannis Papadakis, has been charged with breach of duty.

Police captains Constantinos Kyros and Panayiotis Safakas were charged with falsifying documents. The former head of the aliens' bureau, Georgios Spiliopoulos, was charged with breach of duty.

Among the accused are a lawyer, Ilias Alexandris, who was charged with perjury and Georgios Dzavidas, an employee at the first instance court of Athens.

The case file relating to the offences has been forwarded to a magistrate who will now conduct the main investigation.

In a related development, a prosecutor ordered Dimitrios Tsirtsikos, former police officer Michail Haitas and retired police officer Panayiotis Gousis not to leave the country, pending an investigation on money laundering activities.

Opposition : On his part, main opposition New Democracy spokesman Aris Spiliotopoulos yesterday said that the government was the "moral accomplice" of corruption in the Greek Police (EL.AS) force.

He added that the Simitis government has "destroyed the state mechanisms..."

The ND spokesman also said that prosecutors charged even high-ranking officers and staff of Mr. Romeos.

Finally, Mr. Spiliotopoulos said that prosecutors had to actually invade the ministry to complete their investigation, while Mr. Romeos and Justice Minister Evangelos Yiannopoulos "attempted to intimidate them through statements they issued."

The Coalition for the Left and Progress (Synaspismos) party issued a press release stressing that charges were brought at a time of an increase of corruption within the police force's ranks.

Synaspismos also noted that the political responsibility belongs to the government, which did not take action despite reports over the past few months.

Romeos response : Finally, Mr. Romeos issued a written statement arguing that the release of the indictments a few hours before a confidence vote in Parliament was a "curious" development.

He said that "when the investigation...began on the residence permits of foreign nationals, which were issued with my signature, I had stated that I assume all political responsibility. Because I followed the same exact procedure with which my predecessor s had signed similar permits from the beginning of 1993."

Athens News Agency

[24] Metropolitan of Zakynthos referred to ecclesiastical court for Penthouse interview

Athens 04/11/1998 (ANA)

In the interview, published in the Greek-language edition of "Penthouse", Metropolitan Chrysostomos appeared to condone pre-marital sex, officially frowned upon by the Church, saying it was better for a young couple to engage in sexual relations which might then lead to marriage rather than each partner having a series of casual sexual encounters.

He also advocated the death penalty for convicted drug traffickers.

His comments, and the choice of the magazine, prompted the Holy Association of Clerics of Greece and the Panhellenic Union of Theologists to call on the Holy Synod to take action.

The Holy Synod ordered an inquiry, appointing as investigator Metropolitan Chrysostomos of Messinia, who said the Zakynthos prelate maintained that his statements in the magazine interview had been misconstrued.

Chrysostomos' comments have also drawn criticism from laymen. A Church spokesman said he did not know when the ecclesiastical court would convene.

Athens News Agency

[25] Amnesty International calls for better treatment of refugees

Athens 04/11/1998 (ANA)

According to Amnesty International, three separate incidents over the past month and a half indicated "inconsistency in the treatment of Kurdish refugees by the authorities.

The group claimed that 167 Kurdish refugees who reached Crete, and subsequently asked for asylum, were met with the official indifference.

Among others, the group also condemned what it termed violence against a truckload of Kurds escorted by police to Kavala. Upon arrival at a police station in the northern Greek port city, some 70 illegal immigrants crammed into a truck cut the vehicle's canvass with knives, jumping off the moving vehicle and attempting to flee through the city's streets. The entire scene was captured by a television crew. Several police officers were shown chasing and subduing the illegals.

However, Amnesty International said the operation "was counter to all principles of a lawful and democratic society.

Athens News Agency

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