A.N.A. Bulletin, 30/11/95

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

Athens News Agency Directory

ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No. 754), November 30, 1995

Greek Press & Information Office

Ottawa, Canada

E-Mail Address: grnewsca@sympatico.ca

CONTENTS

[1] Premier's condition 'critical but stable', doctors say

A medical communique issued by the Onassion Cardiology Centre at 8 PM last night said Prime Minister Andreas Papandreou had undergone dialysis treatment in the afternoon.

His condition was stable, his respiration continued to be supported mechanically and his heart was functioning normally, it said.

An earlier communique, issued at midday, said his health had deteriorated, forcing his physicians to put him on dialysis.

"It is known from Tuesday's medical bulletin that the health of the prime minister has taken a turn for the worse and we have been forced to use the kidney machine and, subsequently, a respirator to support his breathing.

"It is clear that the situation is difficult and all the necessary efforts are being made to deal with it. Up to now the patient has responded to the treatment which is aimed at improving the kidney and breathing functions," said the bulletin read by Onassion deputy director Grigorios Skalkeas.

Asked if the prime minister was breathing more on his own or with the aid of the respirator, Mr. Skalkeas said that Mr. Papandreou was breathing entirely with the aid of the respirator.

Replying to other questions, Mr. Skalkeas categorically dismissed reports that Mr. Papandreou was clinically dead.

"The prime minister's brain and heart are two organs which are functioning well. He is not clinically dead. I deny this. The functioning of his brain and heart is at a satisfactory level," Mr. Skalkeas said.

He added that "theoretically," the premier should be in a position to be taken off the respirator within the next 48 hours "but this is something on which doctors cannot commit themselves because the decision is different in the case of each patient."

Mr. Skalkeas let it be understood that, theoretically, further dialysis treatment should not be undertaken before 48 hours had elapsed from Tuesday's dialysis treatment, but this did not necessarily commit the doctors.

"From the moment that we have kidney dysfunction, it is only logical that Mr. Papandreou will undergo continuous dialysis during the coming days," Mr. Skalkeas said. Mr. Skalkeas left open the possibility of a further blood transfusion "if necessary" and confirmed reports that an American endocrinologist would return to the Onassion to give advice concerning Mr. Papandreou's nutrition by serum.

Commenting on the prime minister's health, President Kostis Stephanopoulos said he was touched by Mr. Papandreou's difficult moments, adding he has spoken by telephone with his wife, Dimitra Liani, and Minister to the Prime Minister, Antonis Livanis.

Cypriot President Glafcos Clerides visited the Onassion hospital yesterday, was briefed by Health Minister Dimitris Kremastinos on the prime minister's condition, and spoke briefly with Mrs. Liani-Papandreou.

He did not make any statements.

PASOK deputy and former minister Theodoros Pangalos said before the parliamentary external affairs committee that the prime minister's present fight, which deeply touched everyone, should not prevent the party from completing its four-year mandate.

"Andreas Papandreou ...has been part of the lives of all of us, and for this reason we are deeply touched by his struggle against fate at the present moment. The sense of responsibility we have for the country is heavy. The four-year term must be exhausted and the majority which received a mandate must continue governing for the next two years. We hope (that Mr. Papandreou) will overcome his (health) problem," Mr. Pangalos said, adding that the party will implement the provisions of the constitution "with determination and in order to avoid problems in the economy and national issues. "

Government spokesman Telemahos Hytiris said later that there was no question of the prime minister being temporarily replaced.

Asked by reporters if there was any thought of forming a government body to monitor developments, Mr. Hytiris said that such bodies already existed and were operating on a daily basis "by sector."

Mr. Hytiris also said that there were no plans to convene the Cabinet to discuss the 1996 budget. The issue, he added, had been the subject of a special meeting of the inner cabinet chaired by Mr. Papandreou at which the relevant decisions had been taken.

The spokesman reiterated that Greece would be represented at the forthcoming European Union summit in Madrid "in accordance with Greek law" and the EU regulations which are pertinent in such cases. The prevailing view, Mr. Hytiris said, is that t he person participating in a summit meeting should represent the executive power.

"But this is being explored and a reply is expected from the EU," Mr. Hytiris said.

[2] Hytiris denies Reuters reports of urgent cabinet meeting

Government spokesman Telemahos Hytiris yesterday denied a Reuters news agency report saying that the Cabinet held an urgent meeting yesterday, "apparently" to discuss the worsening health of Prime Minister Andreas Papandreou.

Saying that the news agency had been "misinformed," Mr. Hytiris clarified that two meetings of jointly competent ministers had been held yesterday on separate issues.

He clarified that Interior Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos, Environment Minister Costas Laliotis and Finance Minister Alekos Papadopoulos met with the presidium of the Association of Public Sector Engineers to discuss sector issues, while Mr. Tsohatzopoulos and Mr. Papadopoulos were joined by National Economy Minister Yiannos Papantoniou, Minister of State Antonis Livanis, Education Minister George Papandreou and Alternate Education Minister Phillipos Petsalnikos in a later meeting on education issues.

Replying to questions, Mr. Hytiris said that Mr. Tsohatzopoulos attended both meetings in place of the prime minister.

[3] Greece 'unsurprised' by Turkish opposition to development plans for Thrace

Greece is not surprised by the displeasure expressed by Turkish officials over Athens' decision concerning the development of Western Thrace, foreign ministry spokesman Costas Bikas said yesterday.

The spokesman was commenting on statements Tuesday by his Turkish counterpart Omer Akbel who described as a "pointless, partial and inadequate step" the Greek government's decision to lift the designation of 'restricted military zone' in the Greek-Bulgarian border region in Western Thrace.

"It is clear that Turkey has embarked on an international relations campaign. But Ankara forgets a number of issues such as its behavior towards the Greeks of Istanbul, Imvros and Tenedos. It also forgets the taxation imposed on Armenians, Jews and Greeks in 1942 and forced large numbers of them into concentration camps and their communities to suffer many victims," Mr. Bikas said.

"Ankara also forgets the persecution of the Greeks in 1955 and 1963, and the open prisons of Imvros and the situation in which the Greek minority now finds itself," he added.

Mr. Bikas said the Greek government fully understood the displeasure of Turkish officials concerning the measures announced by Athens aimed at the development of Thrace.

"Naturally, the results of the measures do not suit Turkey's designs in this region" Mr. Bikas said. "Greece once again reiterates that it fully respects all Greek citizens, including the members of the Moslem minority in the region," Mr. Bikas said, noting that Ankara continued to refer to the minority as 'Turkish'.

He underlined that the Moslem minority in Greece is made up of Greek citizens.

Referring to Mr. Akbel's use of the term "Romeika (Greek) villages," Mr. Bikas said that Greece was opposed to the use of terms which could bring "racist results." He noted that Ankara's use of the term was "arbitrary" and indicative of Turkish designs.

"Greece is a member of the European Union and NATO and looks to the future with realism and optimism. Moreover, it develops its relations with allies, third countries and neighboring states within the framework of reciprocal obligations and is not consumed with anti-Turkish sentiments, but there is a problem with our neighbor to the east, a problem which the international community must become aware of," Mr. Bikas said.

One of the problems, the spokesman added, was that of the continuing occupation of Cyprus and the (Turkish) violations of Greek airspace.

Mr. Bikas reiterated that the only Greek-Turkish difference was that of the delineation of the continental shelf in the Aegean and that this problem should be referred to the International Court of Justice at The Hague for a settlement.

In a related development in Istanbul, the president of the Turkish National Assembly, Ismet Sezgin, said the Black Sea Co-operation provided Greece and Turkey with the opportunity to improve bilateral relations.

"We are neighbors in the Aegean and the Mediterranean, ... we are Greece's friend and neighbor, I believe that all problems can be solved ... as long as there is honesty and no prejudice," Mr. Sezgin said following a meeting with the Greek delegation w ho participated in a meeting of the Black Sea Economic Co-operation' Assembly, held in Ankara.

"We attribute great importance to Greek-Turkish friendship and we believe that everything can be solved through dialogue.

In another development Ankara described as "a mistake" and "improper, "a comparison between the Cyprus issue and the Bosnian crisis.

"For the past twenty years there has been 'calm' in Cyprus," Turkish foreign ministry spokesman Omer Akbel said. "Therefore, comparisons between the two situations are improper and wrong."

Turkey invaded Cyprus in 1974 and has continued to illegally occupy the island's northern third since then.

[4] News in Brief

Foreign Minister Karolos Papoulias held a meeting yesterday with Turkey's new Ambassador to Athens Umit Pamir.

[5] Papoulias, Michaelides review Cyprus developments at Athens meeting

Foreign Minister Karolos Papoulias had talks yesterday with his Cyprus counterpart Alecos Michaelides on the latest developments in the Cyprus problem and the issue of the island republic's accession to the European Union.

Mr. Michaelides said that they had reviewed the course of the Cyprus problem and made an assessment of the present phase, bearing in mind Cyprus' effort to join the EU and increased European interest in the issue.

The two ministers also discussed the decision of the US to substantially participate in efforts for a settlement of the problem and exchanged views on future steps to be taken by Athens and Nicosia.

Mr. Michaelides, who will meet today with Alternate Foreign Minister George Romeos, described the talks as "very necessary and useful."

[6] Evert chairs ND executive meeting

Main opposition New Democracy party leader Miltiades Evert yesterday chaired a 45-minute executive committee meeting focusing on the prime minister's health, political developments and the 1996 budget.

Following the meeting, Mr. Evert told reporters the committee expressed their sympathy for Mr. Papandreou's health problems and called on the Greek people to keep calm.

The party's Parliamentary Committee will discuss the budget on December 5.

[7] Subdued start to World Council of Overseas Hellenism conference

A preliminary session of the founding conference for today's World Council of Overseas Hellenism was concluded yesterday in Thessaloniki, site of the unprecedented international gathering. The assembly, composed of representatives from Greek communities t he world over, will be held at the new Ioannis Vellidis Convention Centre at the Helexpo trade fair grounds. A subdued mood pervaded the first day of activities in light of Prime Minister Andreas Papandreou's illness. One well-known delegate, former US Ambassador to Athens Michael Sotirhos, commented on the issue dominating discussions and headlines. "We pray for the health and recuperation of the premier. We were saddened when we learned he was ill, and hope to see him well soon," Mr. Sotirhos said.

[8] Delegates arrive

More than 200 expatriate representatives from around the world have already arrived in Thessaloniki. Delegates from 52 countries are expected to reach Thessaloniki, with the most (80) coming from the United States. Foreign Ministry Under-secretary Grigoris Niotis will address delegates today.

[9] Stephanopoulos in Patras for St. Andreas celebrations

President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos arrived in his hometown of Patras last night to attend celebrations today for the feast day of the town's patron saint, Saint Andreas. Mr. Stephanopoulos was greeted by Mayor Andrea Karavola, deputies and regional governor Vasiliki Mosialou. The key to the city will be presented to the president today by the mayor after a unanimous decision taken by the city council.

[10] Judicial officials to be on prison management bodies

Appeals court prosecutors will be assigned to the management councils of Greece's four largest prisons, according to a response sent yesterday by Justice Minister Ioannis Pottakis to the supreme court president, Vassilis Kokkinos. Mr. Kokkinos had asked f or the clarification in a memorandum addressed to the justice minister. Prosecutors will be assigned to councils in the top-security Korydallos Prison in Athens, Diavaton in Thessaloniki, Ayios Stefanos in Patras and Larissa Prison. Meanwhile, the justice ministry is continuing to transfer Korydallos inmates to other facilities around the country. Security measures have been increased to prevent escapes and incidents during prisoners' transpiration, reports state.

[11] VAN quake predictions not reliable, report says

Earthquake predictions employing the VAN method were described as "ambiguous" in a report by a European consultary committee on earthquake predictions. Committee members have been studying VAN for the past few days concerning its seismic predictions in various parts of Greece. The report states that it is impossible for a correct scientific conclusion to be garnered by studying only one parameter of seismic activity when the nature of electronic signals is still not understood by researchers. The committee also referred to what it said was a communication problem between the VAN group and the rest of the scientific community. Six committee researchers state in their report that such seismic prognostications should not be sent to authorities or the press before being judged by pertinent scientific bodies.

[12] Arsenis welcomes NATO's 'historic' decision to work with others for Bosnian peace

National Defence Minister Gerasimos Arsenis yesterday described as "historic" NATO's military co-operation with third countries, especially Russia, in order to bring peace to Bosnia.

Calling the military co-operation, which was decided yesterday at the alliance defence ministers' meeting, Mr. Arsenis said "it is a channel of political-military co-operation in a military operation which does not have military targets."

At the meeting, Mr. Arsenis officially announced Greece's participation in NATO's multinational peacekeeping force in Bosnia.

In order to participate in the 60,000-man strong multinational force, Greece laid a number of terms which have been met.

The terms included that non-NATO countries participate in the operation, that the UN Security Council commands the operation and that warring parties give their consent to the deployment of peacekeeping forces.

On Tuesday, Mr. Arsenis told his NATO counterparts at the "Euro-dinner" that the region was in need of democratic institutions and economic rehabilitation.

He added that peace procedures should not give rise to winners and losers, implying Greece's position that the Bosnian Serbs, facing charges for war crimes, should not be taken to court.

According to Mr. Arsenis, the Greek peace force, numbering 1,000 men, comprises one frigate, two mine-sweepers, C-130 transport planes, and a 260-man strong supply and ordinance company. It will be deployed in Bosnia in December.

Mr. Arsenis did not rule out the eventuality of the number of troops being increased.

[13] NATO defence ministers express concern for premier's health

On his return from Brussels yesterday, Mr. Arsenis expressed his concern and that of all NATO defence ministers for Prime Minister Andreas Papandreou's health.

Mr. Arsenis stated the prime minister was a well-known personality in Europe, having played an important role in the development of the political situation both in Greece and in Europe.

Referring to possible repercussions Mr. Papandreou's health may have on the economy, Mr. Arsenis stressed the market must operate responsibly and calmly as "there exists a government and a government plan, and there is an economic policy that is not only supported by the government but by the Greek people as a whole."

[14] Joint Greek-Bulgarian meeting looks at environmental issues

The first Greek-Bulgarian Congress got underway yesterday in Serres, northern Greece, to examine issues related to the environment of the Strymonas River and Lake Kerkini which are protected by international accords.

The congress, which will continue until Sunday, has been organized by the Geotechnical Chamber of Greece. Over 50 distinguished Greek and Bulgarian scientists will address the meeting. Among the issues to be discussed are the seismic study of the greater region of the Strymonas River, protection against flooding, the action plan for the upgrading of the environment of the greater region, the forests and ecosystems of the area and the water resources of the Strymonas basin.

Within the framework of the congress, Greek scientists will visit the forest ecosystem of Bansko in Bulgaria and the dams of Blagoevgrad and be briefed on the quality of the waters of the Strymonas.

[15] Papoulias heads for Sarajevo today for peace talks

Foreign Minister Karolos Papoulias departs for Sarajevo today within the framework of the tripartite initiative on the Bosnian problem being undertaken by Greece, Iran and Bosnia.

The focus of talks in Sarajevo will be the implementation of the peace agreement in former Yugoslavia and the commencement of the reconstruction and development of the region.

Meanwhile, Mr. Papoulias had one hour of talks yesterday in Athens with Yugoslavia's Foreign Minister Milan Milutinovic on bilateral relations and the situation in former Yugoslavia, particularly in view of the lifting of sanctions against Serbia and Montenegro.

Mr. Papoulias will attend the meeting of NATO foreign ministers in Brussels on December 5-6 before flying to Budapest to participate in the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) foreign ministers' meeting on December 7-8.

On December 9, Mr. Papoulias will go to Dublin for talks on the implementation of the peace agreement for former Yugoslavia before flying to Paris for the official signing of the Dayton agreement.

On December 15 he will visit Madrid to attend the European Union summit.

[16] News in Brief

A seminar focusing on the current situation in the Balkans took place yesterday with the participation of the National Defence General Staff (GEETHA) leadership, foreign ministry officials, professors and researchers.

The meeting, organized by GEETHA, centered mainly on Greece's relations with its Balkan neighbors.

[17] Doctors call off strike after halfhearted response from members

Public hospital physicians yesterday suspended a planned 48-hour strike scheduled for yesterday and today after a vote by the group's executive council.

In justifying the suspension, the executive board president of the public hospital doctors' union, Christina Papanikolaou, said her organization took the decision after the sparse attendance of members during yesterday's general assembly at the Sotiria Hospital's amphitheater. She also cited the continuing illness of Prime Minister Andreas Papandreou.

Ms. Papanikolaou said further mobilizations are fruitless because she claimed the health ministry's leadership cannot be found in the ministry to present her organization's demands, and that the premier's health has monopolized interest among physicians the past few days.

Doctors in Macedonia also suspended a planned 48-hour strike yesterday, with president of the Macedonia hospital doctors union Vassilis Nakos saying it would be "tactless for hospital doctors to go on strike at a time the prime minister is struggling for his life."

[18] Stiffer fines for traffic violations in the pipeline, Venizelos says

The nation's vehicle traffic code will be revised by summer, Transport and Communications Minister Evangelos Venizelos announced yesterday.

The minister said a nine-member committee will be formed to revise the code in an effort to reduce traffic accidents. It is expected to include stricter fines for violators.

In addition, efficiency bonuses were also approved for transport ministry employees. However, Mr. Venizelos said the bonuses would not be extended to large state-run corporations under his ministry's control.

In reference to privately built airports, he said interest in such projects exists, adding that two proposals for construction of private airports in Meteora and Ierapetra in Crete have been submitted. He said both proposals include local government participation.

Meanwhile, the transport minister said a presidential decree on a cellular telephone network license for Hellenic Telecommunications Organization (OTE) will be signed by the end of the week. He said OTE should receive the license within 15 days of the signing.

Mr. Venizelos said OTE has proposed paying 25 billion drachmas for the license fee, an offer he added is being studied by a special committee.

[19] Black Sea parliamentary assembly meets in Ankara

The 6th Parliamentary Assembly of the Black Sea Co-operation Council met yesterday at the Turkish National Assembly building in Ankara.

President of the Armenian Parliament Bapken Ararxian, who presided over the assembly, said in his opening speech that the prospective co-operation between the member states would eliminate disputes in the region.

Turkish National Assembly president Ismet Sezgin said the organization will be at the vanguard of the transition to a new period, when democracy will prevail.

The Greek Parliament was represented by four deputies, PASOK deputies Giorgos Drys and Christos Pahtas, and New Democracy deputies Achilleas Karamanlis and Theodoros Kassimis.

[20] Investment support programme for depressed regions set to go

A new integrated programme to support investments aimed at restructuring and developing regions hit by industrial decline is in the pipeline. According to the decision signed by Industry Minister Anastasios Peponis and Alternate National Economy Minister

George Anomeritis and forwarded for signing by Labor Minister Stephanos Tzoumakas, the regions include Lavrio, the island of Syros, the wider region of Thebes and the Thisvidiki community, Magnisia, Achaia, Kozani, Imathia, Pella, Larissa, Kastoria, Messinia and Drama.

[21] Mirkos: Drachma safe, economy has nothing to fear from current developments

The governor of the National Bank of Greece said yesterday that the drachma was not facing any problems and that speculators had been taught "a good lesson in the past".

"There is no problem with the drachma. Speculators have been given a good lesson in the past. The state banks, and the National Bank in particular, are not prepared to allow certain people to play games on the savings of the Greek people," governor George Mirkos told a press conference yesterday ahead of the official inauguration of the National Bank's Cultural Centre at a restored neoclassical building in Georgiou Square in Patras.

President Kostis Stephanopoulos was due to officially open the building last night.

Replying to a question on the repercussions the grave state of the prime minister's health would have on the economy, Mr. Mirkos said the economy was so stable that there was nothing at all to fear.

On the question of reports on an increase in the bank's share capital and privatization, Mr. Mirkos said the position of the bank's board was that the present balance and its character should be maintained, namely that 49 per cent should belong to the state and organizations and 51 per cent to private citizens.

Mr. Mirkos also referred to the National Bank's strong and long-standing ties with the city of Patras, adding that the bank's first ever branch started operating in Patras 150 years ago and contributed decisively to the economic development of the wider region.

[22] Stratos confident economic policies will be maintained

Association of Greek Industries (SEB) President Jason Stratos said yesterday he saw no indications of a change in economic policy as a result of likely political developments, and expressed sympathy with the difficult moments the prime minister was going through.

"There is a momentary lapse in the normal flow of government work", he said, "which is natural in circumstances like this. However, we would like to believe that it will not affect the functioning of the state".

"Especially as regards the economy, the prime minister's illness must not affect the course towards stabilization which has begun. So far, we, too, see that the Stock Exchange has kept its cool in these moments," he added.

Meanwhile, in a statement, SEB said that the Maastricht treaty has been ratified by the overwhelming majority of the Greek Parliament, and, therefore, all parties must support current economic policy, especially now that the first positive results of the stabilization programme could be seen.

The Greek people's sacrifices must not go to waste this time, it added.

[23] News in Brief

The tourism ministry has defined specifications for the establishment of sea therapy centers.

The relevant decision was signed by Tourism Minister Nikos Sifounakis and Environment, Town Planning and Public Works Minister Costas Laliotis.

The decision rules that sea therapy centers can be created either independently or together with a hotel.

[24] Budget to be tabled in Parliament today

The state budget for 1996 will be tabled in Parliament today.

The state budget anticipates tax revenues to increase by 13.6 per cent, while expenditures will only increase 8.2 per cent.

More specifically, total revenues amount to 8.31 trillion drachmas (an increase of 15.3 per cent), while the revenues contained in the regular budget amount to 7.71 trillion drachmas (an increase of 13.6 per cent).

Total expenditures amount to 10.77 trillion drachmas (an increase of 9.2 per cent), of which 9.57 trillion drachmas are expenditures contained in the regular budget (an increase of 8.2 per cent).

Incomes policy, also to be announced today, is subject to the new state budget's strict nature.

Civil servants will receive two 2.5 per cent salary increases in 1996, one on January 1 and the other on July 1.

Similar increases will be given to pensioners whose pensions exceed 130,000 drachmas a month. Pensions lower than 130,000 drachmas will have two 3 per cent increases in 1996.

For so-called minimum pensions, two 3.5 per cent increases will be given.

[25] Subsidies to private investments to total 235 billion this year

Alternate National Economy Minister George Anomeritis said the amount provided to subsidize private investments in 1995 would increase by 85.24 billion drachmas, bringing the total to 235 billion drachmas.

Processes concerning the approval of private investments considered viable by relevant advisory committees for applications submitted in the second half of 1995 will be completed in the next few days.

End of English language section.