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Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 97-07-28

Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

From: The Greek Press & Information Office, Ottawa Canada <grnewsca@sympatico.ca>

ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No 1248), July 28, 1997

Greek Press & Information Office
Ottawa, Canada
E-Mail Address: grnewsca@sympatico.ca


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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