NEWS IN DETAIL

Greece to persist in cool-headed stance with Turkey

In an unscheduled briefing prior to the visit to Athens tomorrow of the US State Department's official responsible for southern Europe, Carey Cavanaugh, Reppas said Greece's policy was aimed at securing friendship with all the countries of the region and with Turkey in particular.

He stressed however that Turkey, by its actions, was refusing to adhere to international law and order, while Greece was the main factor for security and stability in the region.

Cavanaugh was due in Nicosia today, after which he will visit Athens and Ankara. The purpose of his visit to the region is to make efforts to smooth relations following Nicosia's decision to purchase and deploy Russian-made anti-aircraft missiles.

Replying to questions on Cavanaugh's visit, Reppas said ''first we must hear what he has to say and then we shall reply''.

''The century which is coming to an end must take with it the outstanding issues in the region,'' the spokesman said, adding that the status quo in the region remained unchanged.

Prime Minister Costas Simitis will chair a meeting tomorrow with the participation of the leaderships of the foreign and national defence ministries to discuss the recent escalation in tension in Greek-Turkish relations.

The meeting will also examine the Greek side's positions which will be put forward to Cavanaugh.

Cyprus defence minister due in Athens today

An ANA despatch from Nicosia said Iliades would be having private talks with his Greek counterpart, Akis Tsohatzopoulos, during which the two men will examine developments relating to the joint Greece-Cyprus defence doctrine and discuss issues regarding the two countries' armaments programmes.

The parliamentary Defence Committee will be received by Prime Minister Costas Simitis tomorrow before holding talks with Tsohatzopoulos the following day.

During its stay in Athens, the committee will also meet with Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos.

Greece welcomes US warning to Turkey

Government spokesman Dimitris Reppas in particular noted the reference by US State Department spokesman Nicholas Burns about the need to respect international law and specifically, the non-use of military force.

Mr. Burns on Thursday warned Ankara against using force on Cyprus, after reports surfaced that Turkey was seriously considering a military strike if Cyprus went ahead with plans to deploy advanced Russian-made anti-aircraft missiles.

"This is no time for the Turkish government to be making wild and dramatic statements which will not be supported by any sensible member of the international community. It would be completely out of bounds for Turkey to take this action," Mr. Burns said .

Mr. Burns was commenting on threats by Turkish Defence Minister Turhan Tayan that Ankara would "use all possible means to halt the missile deployment."

"There can be no question that Turkey must respect the rules of the road here, which are no country, and specifically in the case of Turkey, should threaten the use of military force against Cyprus; no country, specifically here Turkey, should undertake military force against Cyprus," Mr. Burns said.

The US warning however appeared to fall on deaf ears, as Turkish Foreign Minister Tansu Ciller told a press conference in Ankara on Friday that "these offensive missiles will definitely not be deployed".

"If they are deployed, we will do what is needed. If this means they need to be hit, they will be hit," Ms Ciller added.

Responding to Ciller's latest statements, Burns described them as " unjustified, irresponsible and unwise". He added that Cyprus President Glafcos Clerides' reaction to Turkey's threats was "moderate and responsible, " altough he reiterated his government's objection to the missiles purchase.

Russia also condemned the Turkish threats as being "reminiscent of the worst periods of the Cold War, long since forgotten".

Turkey was also criticised by United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan, who said that using or threatening to use force against a UN member state contravened the organisation's charter.

Pangalos arrives in Belgrade for talks with Milosevic, opposition

In statements on arrival, Pangalos said that during his talks he would be insisting on the need ''for a way to be found to encourage the establishment of smooth democratic life in Serbia''.

He added that this would ''help the friends of Serbia and Yugoslavia to work in the direction of an integration of this country'' in the European Union.

The crisis in Serbia, Pangalos said, created ''great difficulties'' for the friends of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia.

Greek diplomatic circles in Belgrade have said the purpose of Pangalos' visit is to be briefed on the current political situation in Serbia rather than being a mediation effort.

Police express fears about fate of illegal immigrants after floods

Meanwhile, torrential rain which has continued since last night is exacerbating the situation. About 250 acres of land under cultivation has already been flooded adjacent to the Nafplio-Myles coastal road.

Local authorities have declared a state of emergency in the prefecture and are using all available manpower and technical means to tackle the problems caused by the heavy rain and gale force winds.

First meeting of Agricultural Policy Council concludes

Agriculture Minister Stephanos Tzoumakas called for a "self-reliant, competitive" agricultural sector and appealed for a change in attitude on the part of farmers and social groups.

He accused some of his own ministry employees of behaving in a "closed shop" fashion.

The next meeting of the newly established council is expected to be held in about three months' time.

Barrage of strikes to hit Greece

Meanwhile, the municipal workers' strike today entered its sixth day, with no end in sight, causing problems particularly in Athens where garbage piled up on streets.

The civil servants' union (ADEDY) meets tomorrow to decide whether to hold a 48-hour strike this month over a new pay scale.

On Wednesday, Thessaly farmers will decide whether to resume protests which caused havoc for road and rail traffic in December.

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FOREIGN EXCHANGE

(S.S.)

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