NEWS IN DETAIL

Greece opposes Turkey's efforts to link Cyprus to Aegean

He added that Turkey had also changed its aggressive doctrine since 1995, seeking to change the status quo in the Aegean.

"The Cyprus issue is one of invasion and occupation, and Turkey's aggressiveness is due to the fact that Cypriot entry to the European Union is approaching. Faced with this aggressiveness, Greece shows cool- headedness and resolve and supports Cyprus' en try to the EU, but also the completion of its defensive capability," he said.

He described the recent Turkish reaction to Cyprus' intended purchase of Russian S-300 surface-to-air missiles by Cyprus as "hysteria", which he said was countered by repeated statements by US State Department spokesman Nicholas Burns.

"It is precisely this hysteria which confirms Turkey's aggressive and destabilising role," he said, adding that he would submit specific facts and information regarding this role during next week's session of Parliament's defence and foreign affairs committee.

"We are not the aggressors, but a force of peace, security and cooperation, and the readiness and competence of the Greek armed forces gives us the confidence to face this threat," he added.

Dutch FM: Cyprus problem must be solved before accession talks

He made the statement while presenting the Dutch presidency's plans for its six-month term, which began on Jan. 1.

Addressing Eurodeputies, Mr. van Mierlo stressed that the 15-member Union is fully aware of this possibility, and for this reason it must make every effort for a lasting solution to be found to the Cyprus problem.

The entry of Cyprus into the EU cannot depend on one country only, "whichever one this is," Mr. van Mierlo stressed, adding that a solution to the problem "is in the interests of all. It is in the interests of Turkey, whose relations with the European Union are in danger."

Turkish arms deal cancelled after Athens criticism

Athens has criticised the sale - handled through French electronics giant Thomson - by both the Belgian and Dutch governments to supply the missiles to Turkey.

Meanwhile, the Human Rights Watch Organisation (HRW) has accused Ankara of acquiring excessive quantities of modern weapons systems that could be used in an opaque way for suppression of the Kurdish rebellion in its southeastern provinces and engage in systematic violation of the human rights of inhabitants in the region.

The non-governmental organisation said Turkey was negotiating with the United States and Europe on the purchase of four CH-47 Chinook personnel carrier helicopters, worth US$135 million, 30 AS-532 Cougar combat helicopters, worth $400 million, 50 S-70 B lack Hawk personnel carrier helicopters, worth $1.1 billion, 54 modernised F-4 "Phantom" fighters armed with 30 Popeye missiles, worth $600 million, as well as a programme for material and technical support for its fleet of F-16 fighters, worth $125 million.

Culture ministry confirms Lyceum's palaestra

The exact location of the school, considered one of the three most renowned academies of philosophy in classical Athens, had hitherto been unknown.

A statement yesterday said excavations had uncovered the largest part of the palaestra," which is in very good condition".

It was constructed in the 4th century BC, which lends credence to ancient historian Pausanias' reference to the Lyceum as being one of the many projects sponsored by the orator Lycurgus. It remained in use until the end of the 4th century AD, and its various construction phases bear signs of all the significant historical events of the intervening period.

Mediterranean islands' infrastructure the focus of conference

The Technical Chambers of Western Crete, the Dodecanese, Corfu, Cyprus and the architects' unions of Corsica, Cagliari, Palermo and the Balearic islands will also co-sponsor the event.

The purpose of the conference is to contribute towards improving infrastructures in Mediterranean islands, according to a press conference given on its programme yesterday.

Draft decree on illegal immigrants

A special preparatory committee anticipated by Law 2434/1996 has essentially completed its work and, if no new complication appears, ratification and publication of the decree is expected concerning the residence and employment status of individuals con sidered "illegal immigrants."

According to reports, the decree anticipates that every foreigner, with the exception of citizens from European Union member-states, within two months from the law's application will have to appear at offices of the Organisation for the Employment of Human Resources (OAED) and declare their full identity, address, speciality, employer or sector where employment is sought.

This time limit can be given a two-month extension by decision of the labour minister. Foreigners failing to present themselves for registration will not be entitled to legalisation and, if detained, will be deported.

OAED will provide illegal immigrants with a "temporary residence permit card", which will also act as a temporary work permit. The card will have a six-month duration and can be renewed for only three months, and after a relevant committee gives its app roval.

A foreigner provided with such a card has the same labour rights and obligations as a Greek national, including insurance rights and deductions.

The public order or national defence minister has the right to suspend the validity of a card for security reasons.

Ships remain anchored for fourth day

The stoppage, which affects Greek-flag vessels of all categories as well as foreign ships employing Greek seamen, will end at 6:00 a.m. Friday. The seamen are pressing demands for increased insurance and unemployment benefits, an increase in minimum pensions and preservation of existing tax breaks.

Air traffic controllers announce stoppages

OSYPA said two four-hour work stoppages starting at 2 p.m. tomorrow and on Sunday are planned.

Air traffic controllers announced a four-hour strike for 2 p.m. Sunday.

Meanwhile, technicians at the Civil Aviation Authority (YPA) have announced three 24-hour rolling strikes for tomorrow, Saturday and Sunday, ending at midnight Sunday.

Gasoline price increase

According to an announcement by the Development Ministry and the Public Petroleum Corporation (DEP), the adjustments in prices occurred due to a change in the international prices of fuel.

OTE expects 304 billion dr. profits this year

Speaking at a press conference attended also by Transport and Communications Minister Haris Kastanidis, the OTE presidium said the organisation would be distributing a dividend of 160 drachmas per share for financial year 1996.

According to the recently approved general budget, OTE's income for 1997 is estimated at 840 billion drachmas, and over one trillion drachmas for 1998.

The organisation's expenditures for 1997 are estimated at 535 billion drachmas, a 9.5 per cent increase on the 1996 figure of 488 billion drachmas.

Mr. Kastanidis said the course of OTE's share had been encouraging since 8.0 per cent of stock was admitted to the Athens Stock Exchange nine months ago.

He said the committee overseeing the procurement of 377,000 digital phones to cover the requirements of the first half of 1997 would soon award the contract to the lowest bidder, while OTE would satisfy 150,000 new applications for telephone lines.

Franchising gains foothold in Greece and Balkans

At the same time, franchising was giving rise to major business opportunities in the other Balkan countries, a region regarded by delegates as "virgin" territory.

The conference, organised by the magazine "The Economist" at a central Athens hotel, is being attended by prominent figures in the franchising sector, such as Don DeBolt, president of the International Franchise Association and Manfred Maus, president o f the European Franchise Federation.

A number of major international companies, mainly American, intended to use franchising as a vehicle to expand their presence in Greece and the other Balkan countries. According to figures presented at the conference , franchising has developed in recent years in Greece chiefly in the sectors of foodstuffs, drinks and restaurants, with about 40 companies using the system as a basis for their operation - 25 of which are Greek and most of the rest American. Franchising has also gained a foothold in the branches of clothing, furniture, cosmetics, car hire, advisory services and porcelain.

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