Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 99-07-19

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

CONTENTS

[01] Illegal immigration the focus of heightened state activity

[02] Tsohatzopoulos cites need to retain conscription, touches on Balkan reconstruction

[03] Events held in memory of Andreas Papandreou

[04] Memorial service held for the f allen on Cyprus

[05] Kasoulides cites Nicosia's intent for constructive talks without preconnditions

[06] Apostolakis on three-day visit to Georgia

[07] Papantoniou: Economic policy will be clarified in late August

[08] Illegal immigrants detained along Greek-Bulgarian frontier

[09] Fires reported on Corfu, western Attica

[10] EOT head counters 'NY Times' tourism forecast for Greece

[01] Illegal immigration the focus of heightened state activity

Athens, 19/07/1999 (ANA)

The new policy, initially unveiled by Prime Minister Costas Simitis, also pertains to combatting crime through a series of measures aimed at increasing citizens' security. The application of the current legal framework and the implementation of stricter measures is under review in order to eliminate illegal immigration.

In addition, the public order ministry announced that authorities have been instructed to actively enforce a provision of law 1975/1991 prescribing a minimum of three months in jail and a 100,000-drachma fine for anyone employing non-EU foreigners witho ut a valid work permit, as well as a minimum of six months in jail and a 300,000-drachma fine for repeat offences.

Other proposals under review include a stricter and more systematic check on foreign workers in Greece as well as on the issuance of work and residency permits, while a recommendation for assigning the issuance of green and white cards to local and prefectural authorities is pending.

A draft law on immigration policy had been developed by former interior minister Alekos Papadopoulos, which provided for the immediate arrest and deportation of panhandlers and illegal street vendors as well as the establishment of three coordinating im migration bodies on the inter- ministerial, regional and prefectural levels.

The interior ministry will nevertheless proceed with a complete revision of the draft law, taking into consideration bilateral relations and international agreements.

Chrysohoidis : Meanwhile, Public Order Minister Mihalis Chrysohoidis over the weekend warned of a new wave of illegal immigration towards Gre-ece, however, this time from Serbia.

In a published interview with the Sunday "Kathimerini", Mr. Chrysohoidis reiterated the government's determination to curb illegal immigration and all criminal activity.

He said police were concentrating on detecting criminal gangs involved in weapons smuggling, drugs and prostitution, while he added that checks by police on whether non-EU foreigners in Greece were legally registered would continue.

On Friday, PM Simitis underlined the government's determination to ensure public safety, less than 24 hours after a successful raid to free hostages on an intercity bus hijacked by a grenade-totting Albanian national.

It was the second time in two months that an apparently disgruntled Albanian worker had hijacked an intercity bus with passengers aboard. In both instances the hijackers were gunned down, while a Thessaloniki-area hostage was also accidentally killed by Albanian police in the first hijacking.

In a related development, Thessaloniki police are continuing their investigation into whether the hijacker had accomplices.

According to unconfirmed reports, authorities have already detained a number of suspects thought to be involved in the incident, detected through a check of the phone numbers the hijacker called during the hostage crisis.

The suspects include the perpetrator's younger brother. The man was reportedly without proper ID documents and is set to be deported.

Athens News Agency

[02] Tsohatzopoulos cites need to retain conscription, touches on Balkan reconstruction

Athens, 19/07/1999 (ANA)

Speaking at the second conference of the National Youth Council, Mr. Tsohatzopoulos said the reduced number of new conscripts entering the military every year - primarily due to Greece's decades-long low birth rate - necessitates an increase of the professional military ranks to secure the efficient defence of the country. He added, however, that the government insists on universal conscription for "ideological, social, democrati c, political and economic reasons."

He also referred to the need for an improvement of conditions in the military, citing new measures such as a mandatory nine-month service in border areas for all conscripts, a subsequent mandatory transfer to their place of choice (excluding Attica pref ecture, the Peloponnese and Crete), as well as reimbursement for servicemen's fares when travelling to their place of origin during leave.

Referring to the recent crisis in the Balkans, the Greek defence minister stressed that the "diplomatic solution for peace provided the answer for the peaceful application of globalisation in southeastern Europe."

"The fact the the European Union is attempting an all inclusive reconstruction policy in the Balkans - and not just in the devastated region of Kosovo - as well as the simultaneous guaranteeing of political security for all Balkan countries, means that it (EU) realises that security in Europe cannot exist in the absence of peace and security in the Balkans..." Mr. Tsohatzopoulos said, adding that "a common foreign and defence policy by European countries is necessary for this highly touted globalisation in order to secure peace and common security conditions that will be in step with the conditions of economic development."

Athens News Agency

[03] Events held in memory of Andreas Papandreou

Athens, 19/07/1999 (ANA)

Held in the village of Kalentzi, northwestern Peloponnese, from where the Papandreou family originally hails from, Mr. Tsohatzopoulos defended the economic policies of the late prime minister's governments, saying the period between 1981-88 was the most productive for the Greek people.

PASOK Secretary Costas Skandalidis, who also attending the meeting, lauded Papandreou's political foresight.

Finally, Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis noted that the late Papandreou "fought for the independence of the Greek people and what he left behind him can shape not only our generation but also future generations."

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[04] Memorial service held for the f allen on Cyprus

Athens, 19/07/1999 (ANA)

Athens Mayor Dimitris Avramopoulos, speaking at the service, noted that "Cyprus is the site where the tolerance, the vigour and the strength of Hellenism is put to a test on a daily basis. We have the duty to fight to the end. There is nothing worse than succumbing to the force of habit. Time has not erased neither memories nor responsibilities, or above all, everyone's duty".

The memorial service was also attended by Alternate Foreign Minister Yiannos Kranidiotis, Cyprus' ambassador to Athens, Christodoulos Pashiardis, as well as other officials.

Speakers stressed the heroism of the men who fought in 1974 and pointed to a joint struggle for a final vindication for those who fought and died.

Afterwards, wreaths were laid at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Cyprus War Memorial.

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[05] Kasoulides cites Nicosia's intent for constructive talks without preconnditions

NICOSIA, 19/07/1999 (ANA)

Speaking to reporters before departing for Brussels, Mr. Kasoulides added, however, that the Greek Cypriot side would not make any concessions in order for the talks to begin.

"Only one condition can be accepted, namely, that talks must be conducted without conditions," he said.

The G8 in late June called on the United Nations Secretary General to invite the two sides on the divided island republic for talks this autumn without preconditions, and taking into consideration relevant UN resolutions and treaties in order to resolve the protracted Cyprus problem.

Turkey invaded Cyprus in 1974 and still occupies the northern third of the island.

Mr. Kasoulides, who was commenting on reports that a formula was being sought for Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash to participate in the talks, said that it would be a tremendous mistake if the G8's position was abandoned.

Mr. Denktash and Ankara rejected the G8's call, claiming that the Cyprus issue was resolved by force through the 1974 Turkish invasion.

In Brussels, the Cypriot FM will participate in the European Conference regarding Yugoslavia.

In a related development, Mr. Denktash said yesterday that the Turkish Cypriot side should be invited to the talks as a "state", referring to the illegal regime in the occupied northern part of Cyprus that is only recognised by Ankara.

Mr. Denktash made the statements while welcoming several Turkish warships illegally docking in the Turkish-occupied port of Kyrenia to take part in events to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Ankara's invasion of the island republic.

Athens News Agency

[06] Apostolakis on three-day visit to Georgia

Athens, 19/07/1999 (ANA)

Mr. Apostolakis is expected to have talks with Mr. Katamazde and meet with Defence Minister David Tevzadza, Minister of State Vazha Lortikipanidze, FM Ikrakli Menagarashvili as well as Georgian parliament officials, including Speaker Zurab Zhvania.

Talks will focus on bilateral cooperation and security in southeast Europe and the Caucasus.

Mr. Apostolakis is accompanied by Greek military officials and representatives from state and private defence industries.

Athens News Agency

[07] Papantoniou: Economic policy will be clarified in late August

Athens, 19/07/1999 (ANA)

In a statement, Mr. Papantoniou said the government's economy policy for the year 2000 will be clarified in late August and will be announced by the prime minister at the Thessaloniki International Trade Fair in early September.

In an article published by the Sunday "Vima" yesterday, it was reported that the government has already taken certain decisions on the economy, primarily centring on tax reliefs, abolition of objective tax criteria and slashes in fuel prices, among others.

Athens News Agency

[08] Illegal immigrants detained along Greek-Bulgarian frontier

Athens, 19/07/1999 (ANA)

The illegals, both men and women, told authorties that an estimated 1,000 Bulgarians, including elderly people and children, were waiting to make the crossing into Greece from villages in southern Bulgaria.

Meanwhile, authorities have stepped up measures along a 110-km stretch of the Greek-Bulgarian border.

Measures have also been stepped up against unregistered foreigners working in the prefectures of Serres, Drama, Kavala, Xanthi, Rodopi and Evros.

Police in eastern Macedonia and Thrace have detained some 400 illegal immigrants over the past five days, while 250-260 were deported.

According to reports, local employers hiring illegal labour may also face charges. On Saturday, police said they arrested a Greek national after finding two Bulgarian women in his car during a roadblock search.

Costas Mitilidis, 30, told police that he had picked up the two women, who entered the country illegally, from a village near Drama and was taking them to Thessaloniki.

Athens News Agency

[09] Fires reported on Corfu, western Attica

Athens, 19/07/1999 (ANA)

The fire was brought under control at about 6 p.m.

Authorities said they suspected the fire was deliberately set, as it began almost simultaneously in three separate points. Residents said they saw two people fleeing the area.

On Corfu, another fire was brought under control early yesterday after it had destroyed about 150 hectares of forestland and three hectares of farmland in the north of the Ionian island.

The Federation of Northern Greek Publishers is organising the eighth annual Regional Book Fair in Alexandroupoli, Evros prefecture, through July 25.

The 10-day event is attended by some 100 publishers and book retailers from throughout Greece packed in 45 pavilions and with more than 15,000 Greek- and foreign-language publications on display. The festival is again being held on the city's sea front boulevard.

Athens News Agency

[10] EOT head counters 'NY Times' tourism forecast for Greece

NEW YORK, 19/07/1999 (ANA - M. Georgiadou)

Greek officials are expecting twice the number of tourists this year from traditional European and trans-Atlantic markets, EOT general secretary Evangelos Giannakopoulos wrote. His letter was in response to a bleak forecast published by the respected US paper on June 8.

Mr. Giannakopoulos stressed that Greece has always been a safe destination for tourists P in fact, the safest in Europe. He added that this is the main reason that European tourists selected Greece as their preferred destination in 1999 despite the "psy cho-logical impact" that the Kosovo crisis had on many European markets.

A number of "NY Times" articles on departure and arrival delays at the European airports also pointed to the need for restructuring and aligning of their regulations, otherwise, as emphasised by European Union and international air transport union offic ials, there will be "zero development" in European air transportation.

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