A.N.A. Bulletin, 09/12/95

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

Athens News Agency Directory

ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No. 762), December 9, 1995

Greek Press & Information Office

Ottawa, Canada

E-Mail Address: grnewsca@sympatico.ca

CONTENTS

[1] Greece to initiate Balkan co-operation after signing of Dayton peace agreement

Foreign Minister Karolos Papoulias said Greece would undertake an initiative to revive past Balkan co-operation after the Dayton agreement was signed in Paris on December 14.

Mr. Papoulias was speaking in Budapest yesterday shortly after addressing the foreign ministers council of the 54-member Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). The Council's two-day session ended last night.

Mr. Papoulias' personal envoys are expected to visit the capitals of Balkan nations after the Christmas holidays for consultations with respective governments.

In a statement after his address, Mr. Papoulias stressed the need to "re-activate" the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia in the framework of the OSCE, adding that OSCE observers should also be sent to Croatia which should accept what other parties involved were accepting. He said Krajina and Eastern Slavonia were very sensitive areas requiring surveillance by the OSCE which was assuming an active and specific role in former Yugoslavia.

Addressing the Council, Mr. Papoulias said the basic axis of Greek regional and European policy was the creation of a unified Balkan space gradually constituting a section of the common European space.

He said Greece believed that all Balkan countries adopting and implementing European models of behavior had their place in a unified Europe, adding that every conceivable dividing line between central Europe and the Balkans was "culturally unacceptable , historically untenable and geostrategically dangerous".

Mr. Papoulias said that to the extent of its ability Greece would participate in the creation of the OSCE's mission in Bosnia-Herzegovina.

He said the positive contribution of Greek peace efforts in Sarajevo, Belgrade, Pale and Zagreb had not only met with approval by the parties directly involved but also by those who had acted as a catalyst for the achievement of an overall solution to t he problem.

[2] FYROM

On the question of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), Mr. Papoulias appeared optimistic and said "something is moving in New York", adding that the climate was being bolstered for an end to the still open issue of the name.

He said this was so at a time when the efforts of the Greek government were being acknowledged as having been correct and which had brought FYROM to the negotiating table.

There were difficulties, he said, and these were pointed out by the internal situation in FYROM and the abortive attempt on President Kiro Gligorov's life.

At the beginning of his address, Mr. Papoulias welcomed the presence of his counterpart from FYROM, saying that positive developments taking place in relations between Greece and FYROM after the signing of the interim agreement in New York contributed t o stability in the region.

He said a speedy resolution of the sole remaining difference of the name would remove a point of friction and a continuous source of instability from the Balkans and Europe in general.

FYROM Foreign Minister Stevo Crvenkovski thanked and congratulated Mr. Papoulias on his address. Mr. Crvenkovski's satisfaction was evident in a statement to Greek reporters in which he expressed optimism over the settlement of all problems between the two countries.

[3] Papoulias arrives in London

Mr. Papoulias arrived in London from Budapest yesterday afternoon to attend the conference on the Dayton agreement concerning peace in Bosnia. He will address the conference today, stressing Greece's great interest in participating in Bosnia's economic recovery and recalling Greece's constructive policy aimed always at achieving peace in the region.

[4] Premier stable, leaves hospital bed

The latest Onassion hospital bulletin on Prime Minister Andreas Papandreou's health, issued at 8pm last night, said his condition remained stable, with only periodic support to his breathing through a respirator, and the kidney function showing no change.

The doctor who read the bulletin confirmed that the premier had undergone in the morning a process for the extraction of excess water from the blood, apart from a renewed dialysis session, adding that the heart function showed no problem whatsoever.

The midday bulletin yesterday said that Mr. Papandreou had adjusted satisfactorily to breathing on the respirator through the tracheotomy, and been able to get up from his bed and sit in a chair for two hours.

There were no signs of infection, it added.

Sources said that while his doctors were optimistic, they will be more certain that Mr. Papandreou is out of any immediate danger after a few days.

They added that the prime minister was undergoing daily laboratory tests so that any infection can be checked at the outset.

Government spokesman Telemahos Hytiris said that after being briefed by the premier's doctors, he was optimistic that Mr. Papandreou would be discharged from hospital and return to his Ekali residence in about 20 days. He added that the government continued to function without interruption and announced meetings next Tuesday and Wednesday to discuss issues related to the forthcoming EU summit and the state budget.

[5] PASOK meeting

In a related development, the secretary of the ruling PASOK party's central committee, Costas Skandalidis, yesterday dismissed claims by former minister Costas Simitis that there was a "vacuum" in the exercise of the government's authority.

"PASOK acts with respect for the constitution and the law. The prime minister is being deputized for in the most correct way and the party is functioning properly," Mr. Skandalidis said.

Addressing a party meeting attended by about 400 delegates from all over the country, Mr. Skandalidis said that discussions as to who will succeed the prime minister showed disrespect for Mr. Papandreou's person.

"When the time comes, Andreas Papandreou himself will take the necessary decisions and ensure the smooth functioning of PASOK at an open and democratic conference," Mr. Skandalidis said.

He urged PASOK cadres to agree that it was of the utmost importance that they should all work together for the good of the party and to win the next elections.

Mr. Skandalidis described Mr. Papandreou's illness as an "interlude" and expressed certainty that the premier would recuperate without problems.

In contrast to Mr. Skandalidis' position, PASOK deputy and former minister Costas Simitis expressed the view that there was a "vacuum of responsibility" and intimated that PASOK would lose the next elections if the present situation continued.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the PASOK meeting, Mr. Simitis said that "the rules of the constitution and the unwritten laws of democracy constitute the binding framework for our action".

"Arbitrariness, indifference and arrogance with respect to what public opinion has to say lead to a course of attrition, to electoral defeat.

"There cannot be a vacuum of responsibility. The country needs viable and effective solutions which create a feeling of confidence and reliability," Mr. Simitis said.

Asked to whom his remarks were addressed, Mr. Simitis replied "to all those who are participating in developments."

Asked if this included PASOK cadres, Mr. Simitis replied in the affirmative.

In his speech at the PASOK meeting, Interior Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos sidestepped a clash with Mr. Simitis, warning only that internal conflict was tantamount to electoral defeat for PASOK.

Referring to the "vacuum of responsibility" remarks, he said that similar claims were contained in a letter sent to him by New Democracy party leader Miltiades Evert yesterday morning.

"Those who see a vacuum of responsibility, must look for it elsewhere, not with us," he said.

Later, the two men held an hour-long meeting, and while Mr. Tsohatzopoulos' office said he would make no statement, Mr. Simitis said they had had "an interesting political discussion". Asked if his views coincided with Mr. Evert's, as claimed by Mr. Tsohatzopoulos, he said, "certainly not".

[6] Evert meets with president

In a related development, President Kostis Stephanopoulos yesterday had a meeting with main opposition New Democracy leader Miltiades Evert at the latter's request to discuss the prime minister's prolonged illness.

Mr. Evert declined to make a statement afterwards, saying he did not wish to "entangle the institution of the president in a political problem".

Meanwhile, Mr. Stephanopoulos' scheduled meeting with PASOK deputy and former minister Evangelos Yiannopoulos was canceled after the latter has taken ill.

[7] Evert calls on PASOK to solve issue of premier's illness 'here and now'

Main opposition New Democracy party leader Miltiades Evert yesterday called for a solution to the problem of the country's lack of government, created by the prolonged illness of Prime Minister Andreas Papandreou, "here and now".

Mr. Evert called on the government last night and on the ruling PASOK party's Parliamentary Group which, according to the constitution, have the responsibility of taking all initiatives for the country to exit from the crisis.

"It is their duty to provide a solution. The matter can go no further," he said.

Mr. Evert claimed that "even if the prime minister recovers, he will not be able to exercise his duties in the future", adding that "the history of the prime minister's health and his present prolonged inability to exercise duties create serious side-effects for the country's smooth development."

"Finding a solution to the problem of the country's government is a national necessity and all must realize that the country's interests come first," he said.

"Even before the present ordeal with his health, the prime minister exercised his duties circumstantially, which the New Democracy party had pointed out," Mr. Evert added.

[8] Hytiris replies

Replying to Mr. Evert, government spokesman Telemahos Hytiris said the main opposition leader had engaged "in show of irresponsibility, in a 'proclamation' against himself and the positions he himself expressed in the last few days".

Evert calls on PASOK to solve issue of premier's illness 'here and now'

"The main opposition leader appears not only to be below the standard required by the circumstances, but also directly at odds with the prevailing constitutional and legal framework...

"So, we reiterate for Mr. Evert: The PASOK government has two years ahead of it. The prime minister is being substituted for during the period of his illness and recuperation, according to law".

Responding to Mr. Evert's statement, Political Spring party representative Notis Martakis said it was the first time a leader of the main opposition party had made a proclamation to the Greek people to declare that he himself had no solution to propose.

An announcement by the Coalition of the Left and Progress said the prime minister's prolonged illness was a burden on the country's political life.

The announcement said the Coalition empathized with the prime minister's "difficult battle" and hoped for a favorable outcome. However, it underlined that his inability to exercise his duties, admitted by all, created serious political side-effects f or the country's unresolved and serious problems.

For these reasons, it said, the Coalition called on PASOK to confront the political problem immediately in the framework of constitutional clauses.

In another development, Federation of Greek Industries President Jason Stratos told reporters no one had felt so far that the state of Prime Minister Andreas Papandreou's health had led to a worsening of the Greek economy.

He said, however, the government should make it clear it would not change its economic policy.

"We consider this essential," Mr. Stratos said.

[9] Gov't, industry agree on need for EMU, convergence

The government and industrialists are in agreement over policy in crucial sectors such as the 1996 Intergovernmental Conference (IGC), the enlargement of the European Union and the third stage of Economic and Monetary Union (EMU).

However, the main opposition party New Democracy (ND) continues to claim that there can be no convergence between Greece and the EU if the state is not dramatically reduced first.

The positions were outlined Thursday night at an event organized by the Federation of Greek Industries (SEB) and the Industrialists Union of Piraeus and Attica.

Alternate Foreign Minister George Romeos assured the audience that Greece would not agree to further expansion of the EU if there were no guarantees that this would not have a detrimental effect on the Union's weaker countries.

Mr. Romeos spoke against the suggested German monetary "Stability Agreement for Europe" on the basis that it will lead to unwanted "institutional gradation of the EU's member-states," and underlined the need for Community solidarity and cohesion.

SEB President Jason Stratos stated that Greek industry supported the adoption of a common currency and accepted the European Union's expansion eastwards, provided "this does not happen at the expense of the Community's vested interests." Within this framework, he suggested the Greek government raise at the IGC matters such as an increase in the Community budget and the continuation of moneys from regional funds for the European south, and not exclusively for new members.

According to a survey of Greek industrialists, the majority of companies within the country accept the impending enlargement, hoping to benefit through an increase in exports and the creation of new markets and taking advantage of the low cost of labor and the new countries' cheap primary materials.

The overwhelming majority (93 per cent) considers Greece's involvement in the common currency to be necessary, believing the convergence programme must be successful at all costs.

ND deputy George Papastamkos gave priority to the need for the Greek political system to adapt to European standards. He stressed there will be no real convergence if the primary cause of the country's divergence from the EU is not addressed, that being "the wasteful and ineffective public sector."

[10] Santer puts convergence at top of Madrid summit agenda

With final preparations for the Madrid summit drawing to an end, European Commission President Jacques Santer is calling upon European Union heads of state to strongly support economic convergence.

In a letter to European Council President Felipe Gonzalez, Mr. Santer called upon the heads of EU member-states meeting in Madrid next Friday "to give a strong message in favor of the economic convergence which forms the basis for both the success of Economic and Monetary Union and development which will create jobs."

The Madrid summit will discuss the 1996 Intergovernmental Conference, EU enlargement, EMU and the name of a common currency unit, as well as EU economic competitiveness in relation to unemployment.

Public Administration, Interior and Decentralization Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos, deputizing for Prime Minister Andreas Papandreou who is still in hospital with breathing problems, will represent Greece at the summit, which begins next Friday.

Foreign Minister Karolos Papoulias, National Economy Minister Yiannos Papantoniou, Press and Media Minister Telemahos Hytiris, Alternate Foreign Minister George Romeos and other government officials will accompany him.

[11] Greek positions

A meeting in Athens chaired yesterday by Mr. Romeos agreed that EU enlargement should not be held at the expense of EU cohesion or social cohesion in EU member-states.

Greece aims to pursue "a proper combination of the economically necessary and the socially acceptable" and believes that even if economic figures do not qualify for certain member states to participate in the third and final phase of EMU, these should participate if their economy is moving in the right direction. Greece is also prioritizing the development of a joint foreign and defence policy and has submitted specific proposals for endorsement of the solidarity principle.

Greece has also proposed the establishment of a mutual assistance clause for the defence of the Union's external borders which could be recognized as the borders of the European Union.

Greece also supports stronger co-operation in the sector of armaments, a field which holds special interest for Greece's arms industry and will support changes which will bring upon greater democratization and transparency to the Union's institutional system.

Supporting the preservation of the basic outlines of the existing institutional balance, Greece attributes special significance to the reinforcement of the Union's parliamentary system and upgrading of the European Parliament, possibly with a closer cooperation between the EU and national parliaments.

[12] Greece makes overtures to international oil firms

Greece has invited tenders for the granting of concessions for hydrocarbon exploration and exploitation in six areas in Western Greece.

The official opening into the international oil market connected with the exploration and exploitation of hydrocarbons in Greece took place yesterday in Houston, Texas.

In a special event organized by DEP-EKY (Public Petroleum Corporation-Exploration and Exploitation of Hydrocarbons S.A.), representatives from approximately 25 international oil companies attended the presentation of technical data from six areas of Western Greece which have been opened for the granting of licences to explore and exploit hydrocarbons under Law 2289/95.

The companies included Anschutz, Arco, Coastal, Exxon, Occidental, PEDCO (Korean Petroleum Development Corp.), and Union Texas.

The technical presentation for the international oil competition was made by DEP-EKY Managing Director Teresa Fokianou and company officials in collaboration with experts from Simon Petroleum Technology (SPT), the company advising DEP-EKY on the concessions programme.

The areas selected, following the evaluation of the technical data with the assistance of SPT, were Paxi-Parga, Patras, Gulf Kantakalo (offshore), and the northwestern Peloponnese, Aetoloakarnania and Ioannina (onshore).

The package of technical data is available at a cost of $20,000 to those interested and includes detailed information on research facts in connection to the designated areas.

The deadline for tenders is May 30, 1996 and their initial evaluation is expected to be finalized by July 31, 1996 after which negotiations will start with the international oil companies.

[13] European socialists caucus on eve of Madrid summit

Leaders of Europe's socialist and social democratic governments and parties will attend a working dinner on the evening December 14 in Madrid to thrash out positions for the EU summit beginning the next day.

Among those taking part in the meeting will be the prime ministers of Sweden Ingvar Carlson, of Spain Felipe Gonzalez, of Portugal Antonio Gutierres, of the Netherlands Vim Kok, of Finland Paavo Liponen, of Denmark Paul Nyrup Rasmussen, Austrian Chancellor Franz Vranitzky, Akis Tsohatzopoulos (who will stand in for Greek Prime Minister Andreas Papandreou), European Parliamentary President Klaus Hensch, Oscar Lafontaine of the German Social Democratic Party, Cypriot Socialist EDEK party representative Vassos Lyssarides and European Socialist Party President Rudolf Scharping.

[14] Venizelos briefs Kinnock on OA rescue plan efforts

On the sidelines of the EU Transport Ministers' Council in Brussels, Transport and Communications Minister Evangelos Venizelos briefed EU Transport Commissioner Neil Kinnock on the Greek government's first report on the plan for the financial recovery of Olympic Airways.

The report was submitted to the Commission yesterday.

Meanwhile, the board of the airline's cabin staff union (EISF) yesterday warned that due to severe staff shortages, there may be cancellations of hundreds of scheduled and charter flights over the Christmas holiday period.

They said that, on the basis of a 10.4 per cent reduction in revenues, and a 15.6 per cent reduction in expenses, OA showed a 9.7 billion drachma profit in the first three-quarters of 1995.

It was also announced that the 12th World Professional Cabin Staff Conference will take place in Athens in 1997.

[15] Tzoumakas, economic ministers to meet with pensioners next week

Following Thursday's inconclusive meeting between the national economy and finance ministers and pensioners' representatives, a new meeting with pensioners and including Labor and Social Security Minister Stephanos Tzoumakas has been scheduled for next week, it was announced yesterday.

The decision for a second meeting was taken yesterday in a meeting between Interior, Public Administration and Decentralization Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos and Mr. Tzoumakas with the pensioners.

Pensioners' representatives said they "found understanding and a good atmosphere," noting, however, that "if the government insists on its majority vote, the only thing the pensioners could do was "go on with the struggle."

Pensioners are demanding minimum pensions be brought into line with current wages.

Mr. Tsohatzopoulos said the issue will finally be dealt with on the basis "of social sensitivity which the Andreas Papandreou government has always shown."

He said the pensioners' requests could be understood in view of "huge losses between 1990-93," noting, however, that the government's economic policy has already yielded results which are bound to be more visible in 1996.

Mr. Tzoumakas also expressed his optimism that a settlement to the issue would be found.

[16] Rio-Antirrio bridge, Stavros-Elefsina highway agreement near completion

Alternate Environment, Town Planning and Public Works Minister Costas Geitonas said the agreements for the Rio-Antirrio bridge and the Stavros-Elefsina highway would be finalized next week

The contractor for the Thessaloniki sewage treatment project will also be announced next week.

Mr. Geitonas was speaking during a ceremony at the Metro station outside the Athens Concert Hall yesterday, where the tunnel-drilling machine "Persephone" is working on line 3.

Mr. Geitonas and "Attiko Metro" President Leonidas Kikiras said work was proceeding satisfactorily and Athens should be able to inaugurate its Metro by the end of 1998.

"Persephone" is expected to reach Syntagma Square in March and has already dug a tunnel 2,762 meters long from Katechaki street to the Athens Concert Hall.

[17] DNV safety management makes inroads in Greek shipping

Fifteen Greek shipping companies, managing 200 vessels, are currently working to achieve a DNV (Det Norske Veritas) International Safety Management Code (ISM) and Safety and Environment Protection (SEP) certificate, it was announced Thursday.

According to DNV, the 15 enterprises represent a significant segment of the market of the proactive companies, placing DNV in the lead with regard to Safety Management Services in Greece.

The first company to receive a DNV SEP/ISM certificate will be Danaos Shipping.

"The Greek shipping community is changing its attitude and is now very interested in the ISM Code and the benefits of a management system approach to safety and environmental protection," said Michael Lavidas, manager of DNV Safety Management Competence Centre in Piraeus, which was established in September this year.

"The interest in our ISM courses has been tremendous," Mr. Lavidas said, adding that so far 150 managers from different prominent shipping companies had attended two- or three-day seminars.

"Based on the number of inquiries we get, we believe that by 1996 the major part of the more than 500 shipping companies in Piraeus will commence the process of complying with the ISM code," Mr. Lavidas added.

[18] Greece has nothing to fear from Turkey's borrowed US aircraft

National Defence Under-secretary Nikos Kouris yesterday told parliament that Turkey's acquisition of "flying tanker" aircraft would not affect the balance of powers in the region.

"The two flying tankers which the Turkish air force is using have been leased from the US air force until remodeling of seven aircraft of the same kind has been completed," Mr. Kouris told ND vice president Ioannis Varvitsiotis in Parliament.

Mr. Varvitsiotis raised the issue of Turkey using flying tankers to violate Greece's airspace.

Mr. Kouris said Turkey acquired the seven flying tankers from the United States' government after an agreement signed between the two countries in December 1994.

According to the agreement, these aircraft will be used solely in NATO missions.

After violations of Greece's FIR, however, the Greek government has lodged a demarche with the US secretary of state which had been positively received.

But Mr. Varvitsiotis said the acquisition of "flying tankers" dramatically increased the operational abilities of Turkish aircraft, since it reduces refueling time.

[19] Resistance hero says he will sue Germany

Manolis Glezos, the wartime hero credited with taking down the Nazi flag from the Acropolis in the first resistance act against the occupying forces, told reporters yesterday that he planned to file a suit against the Federal Republic of Germany for "insult to the Greek people and the humanistic values Greece embodies through its long history".

He said he would donate the money to the construction of a Museum of National Resistance.

He said that, apart from the wartime "loan" and compensation for confiscation and destruction of property, Germany also owed Greece 523 million dollars in World War I reparations and DM80 million from the inter-war period.

He added that 75 per cent of the DM115 million granted by Germany in 1961 was given to the families of Jewish victims of persecution and the remaining 25 per cent to Greeks, leaving all other cases without compensation.

[20] Vartholomeos winds up UK visit

Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos' official visit to the United Kingdom ended yesterday with a reception held in his honor by the British Greek community.

Addressing the reception, the Patriarch referred to Greek-British relations as having their origins in the era of Alexander the Great and continuing today.

During his visit, at the official invitation of Archbishop of Canterbury George Carey last week, Vartholomeos held talks with Church officials, British politicians and government officials as well as members of Britain's Greek community.

The Patriarch left London yesterday at noon for Geneva.

[21] President receives Iakovos

President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos met with visiting Archbishop of North and South America Iakovos yesterday.

[22] World Council of Overseas Hellenism board meet with Triaridis

The newly-elected nine-member executive board of the World Council of Overseas Hellenism held its first contact with members of the Greek government yesterday, meeting with Macedonian-Thrace Minister Costas Triaridis and the Secretary-General for Overseas Greeks Nikos Dimadis to discuss the operation of a Council office in Thessaloniki.

On Monday, the board will meet President Kostis Stephanopoulos while on Tuesday they will meet with President of the Parliament Apostolos Kaklamanis and party leaders.

President of the board Andrew Athens told a press conference yesterday that the board would convene in Thessaloniki next February in order to set out its goals.

He set priority issues for the board as the Skopje and Cyprus issues, ensurance of human and religious rights of ethnic Greeks in Albania and the protection of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.

Mr. Athens said that in following these issues the board was cooperating closely with the Greek government, adding that in contacts with US officials, board members "would not take a stand, unless this has first been discussed with the Greek government. "

Foreign Under-secretary for Overseas Greeks Grigoris Niotis said the board would be informed on Greek positions in meetings with Foreign Minister Karolos Papoulias and Alternate Foreign Minister George Romeos.

He said he would also be meeting with the board.

Mr. Triaridis pledged the "endless support of the ministry to the operation of the Council," while Mr. Dimadis said he would find appropriate offices for the Council's office.

Mr. Niotis said the Turkish consulate had persistently requested it observe the works of the Council's inaugural conference, held in Thessaloniki during the week, but its request had been turned down.

[23] Russian travel writers to end Crete visit tomorrow

Thirteen Russian travel writers currently visiting Hania, Crete, at the invitation of Hania Prefect Aleka Markoyiannaki, said on the fifth day of their visit that the island held many attractions for prospective Russian tourists.

However, they added, Crete was difficult to reach directly from Russia.

"There are no charter flights to Hania and compatriots of ours from cities in rural areas have to change three or four planes to arrive in Crete. Apart from the inconvenience, costs are tremendous. However, we hope the problem will be resolved by the summer," the journalists told the Athens News Agency (ANA).

The journalists visited the Town Hall, agricultural cooperatives and the Hania market place yesterday.

They will visit Sfakia today and leave for Athens tomorrow to visit archaeological sites and meet government and tourism officials.

[24] Gutenberg Bible goes on show in Moscow

A book, manuscript and icon exhibition dedicated to the 1,900 years since the writing of the Book of Revelations officially opened in Moscow yesterday.

The exhibition is organized by the Greek embassy in Moscow and the Russian State Library (formerly the Lenin Library).

The opening was attended by Patriarch Alexios, the ambassadors of Greece and Germany and representatives of the Duma and the Russian foreign ministry.

The highlight of the exhibit is the Gutenberg Bible, which was transported to Russia from Germany after the war, and belongs to a series of artistic treasures whose fate is being decided by negotiations between the two countries. The exhibition is part of a wider programme of cultural events organized by the Greek embassy.

End of English language section.