A.N.A. Bulletin, 14/12/95

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

Athens News Agency Directory

ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No. 766), December 14, 1995

Greek Press & Information Office

Ottawa, Canada

E-Mail Address: grnewsca@sympatico.ca

CONTENTS

[1] Approval of customs union indicates time has come for Turkey to respect EU principles, Hytiris says

Greece said yesterday it had expected the European Parliament's ratification of the EU-Turkey customs union, saying it now expected that Turkey would respect EU principles.

Government spokesman Telemahos Hytiris said the ratification was expected and that Greece had already taken a position on the matter when it withdrew its veto in March.

"Greece, and the European Union, now expect Turkey to show respect for EU law.

"It is only a treaty, Turkey is not becoming a member of the European Union," Mr. Hytiris said.

The European Parliament voted 343-149 with 36 abstentions to allow the customs union between the EU and Turkey to go ahead as of January 1, but made clear it did so reluctantly.

The vote opens the way for Turkey to have one of the most privileged relationships with the 15-nation EU.

As soon as the customs union takes effect, Turkey will remove its customs tariffs on imports of industrial goods from the European Union, a development which the EU Commission estimates would double EU exports to Turkey over the next five years.

In Athens, the main opposition New Democracy (ND) party yesterday strongly criticized the government for what it called its "tragic handling" of the customs union.

ND spokesman Vassilis Manginas said that the government had "handed Turkey the key to Europe without a fight, without securing Greece's targets or protecting national interests."

"At the same time that the government was giving up its right to exercise a veto and was consenting to the granting of funds to Turkey and political dialogue with the EU, the Turkish occupation forces remained and remain on Cyprus, Turkey's threats and provocations against Greece continue unabated, human rights (in Turkey) are being systematically violated in defiance of international reactions, and the Greek textile industry and farm products have been abandoned without protection," Mr. Manginas said.

Mr. Manginas also charged that "the government did not even succeed in obtaining a final and specific timetable" for Cyprus' accession to the EU, adding that ND had pointed out the government's "tragic handling" as early as February.

Political Spring leader Antonis Samaras said yesterday was "a day of defeat for Europe, the European idea, European culture and European principles regarding the protection of liberty and democracy."

"The European Parliament, giving in to the pressure which unfortunately found fertile ground due to Greece's absence, yesterday vindicated the violation of human rights, the lack of progress on the Cyprus problem, the continuing occupation of the northern part of Cyprus and the continuing persecution of the Kurdish people," Mr. Samaras said.

The Communist Party of Greece (KKE) said the ratification of the custom union was the "ultimate provocation" and that the EU parliament "fully rewards Ankara's reactionary regime."

"The Greek government is burdened with heavy responsibilities in trying to fall in line with Brussels's commands," the announcement added.

The Coalition of the Left and Progress said the European Parliament's decision was "a negative development and a serious blow to democratic principles and values."

"The Coalition," it says, "does not oppose in principle the customs union, but associates the union with the democratization process and respect of human rights in Turkey."

All Greek Eurodeputies - with the exception of Coalition of the Left and Progress, Michalis Papayiannakis, who cast a blank ballot -voted against the customs union and did not participate in the ballot on human rights.

Mr. Papayiannakis, who cast a blank ballot in the voting, said "the customs union might be the first step for a positive European prospect for Turkey," but criticized Turkey for not making substantial efforts in the direction of the country's democratization, expressing hope that this process will be undertaken by modernizing forces in Turkey.

PASOK Eurodeputy Yiannos Kranidiotis said the Parliament was defeated since it had succumbed to "strong pressures on Eurodeputies, and due to unacceptable schemings, such as the combination of resolutions for the customs union and human rights."

Mr. Kranidiotis said financial aid to Turkey should be decided on the basis of ad hoc projects and allocated according to progress made by Turkey in the field of human rights.

Main opposition New Democracy party Eurodeputy Panayiotis Lambrias described the result of the voting as "unacceptable intervention in the domestic affairs of a third country," saying the ratification was "a trade-off and a pre-election gift to Ms (Turkish Prime Minister Tansu) Ciller."

The Coalition's Eurodeputy, Alekos Alavanos, who voted against the union, later lashed out against his party's leadership, noting that the Europarliament group to which the Coalition belongs - United European Left - were against voting for the accord as long as previous conditions had not been met, while the Coalition itself did not take a position.

The customs union frees more than one billion dollars in aid to Turkey and opens Turkish and EU markets to each other.

Ankara welcomed the European Parliament's approval of the union, saying the deal was the first step towards full membership.

Turkish President Suleyman Demirel described the ratification as a "historic step," while Ms Ciller said "the Europarliament's decision signaled the beginning of an era which will lead Turkey to the modern world.

[2] Kurds object

In Athens, the Greek-Kurdish Friendship Union condemned the ratification, saying that the European Union "implements the value of freedom, democracy and self-determination only when its vital economic interests are not at stake."

A demonstration was held yesterday outside the European Union's offices in Athens by Greek, Cypriot and Kurdish groups, protesting the approval of the customs union.

The protest march began in the Exarchia district and culminated outside the EU office on Vasilis. Sofias Avenue.

Many of the demonstrators chided the EU for allowing the customs union with "an undemocratic Turkey".

They also criticized the neighboring country for what they said were hundreds of arrests, tortures and murders the Ankara regime perpetrates every year.

[3] Greece, Russia renew co-operation agreements, Papoulias, Krilov discuss prospects for bilateral relations, Cyprus

Greece and Russia yesterday signed an accord renewing existing bilateral co-operation agreements between the two countries.

The "conventional framework agreement for Greek-Russian co-operation" was signed by Foreign Minister Karolos Papoulias - before his departure for Paris for today's formal signing of the Dayton agreement for peace in Bosnia-Herzegovina - and Russian Deputy Foreign Minister for Balkan Affairs Sergei Krilov.

Mr. Krilov arrived in Athens on Tuesday from Nicosia for a two-day visit to Athens.

Mr. Papoulias said Mr. Krilov's arrival and yesterday's agreement, as well as today's signing of an educational agreement between the two countries, were indicative of the dynamic development of Greek-Russian relations.

He said the "conventional framework agreement for Greek-Russian co-operation" reaffirmed the accords existing between the two countries and placed them in a new framework.

"The agreements signed between the two countries do not remain on paper, but also have practical application in the framework in which this friendship and co-operation is developing in all sectors," Mr. Papoulias said.

He said Greece and Russia had contributed to the progress of the peace process, as both countries had advocated the finding of a political solution to the Bosnia problem through negotiations. The Dayton agreement, he added, proved precisely the need for such a solution. Greece and Russia will co-operate in the implementation of the Dayton agreement, and also in the reconstruction of Bosnia-Herzegovina, Mr. Papoulias said. Replying to press questions, Mr. Papoulias said he and Mr. Krilov had discussed the issue of the Burgas-Alexandroupolis oil pipeline which would bring Russian crude oil to Greece via Bulgaria. He said the issue was progressing, adding that a protocol of co-operation between the three countries for materialization of the project would be signed soon.

Mr. Krilov said that relations between the two countries were at a very good level, while prospects existed for their further development and interest existed in all sectors.

Mr. Papoulias said that most of their meeting had been devoted to the Cyprus issue, on which they exchanged their views, ideas and concerns.

He expressed his appreciation for the Russian government's interest in a solution of the Cyprus problem, adding that Greece considered Russia an important factor which had the power to, and could, contribute positively to a Cyprus solution.

The two sides agreed to maintain constant contact and co-operation over the next weeks and months, which Mr. Papoulias said would be a very significant period for the Cyprus issue.

In Paris, Mr. Papoulias and his EU counterparts will meet this afternoon with representatives of the countries of former Yugoslavia, including FYROM, southeastern Europe and others on the process of stability and good neighborly relations in southeastern Europe.

After the formal signing of the Dayton accord today, Mr. Papoulias was due to leave in the afternoon for Madrid for the two-day EU summit that opens tomorrow.

Mr. Krilov had talks later with Alternate Foreign Minister George Romeos, after which both sides underlined the importance of avoiding a new "division" in Europe.

Mr. Romeos reiterated Greece's firm support for Russia's accession to the Council of Europe and closer co-operation between Moscow and the European Union.

Mr. Krilov predicted that, "with Greece's support", Russia would become a member of the Council of Europe next year.

The two ministers discussed at length Russia's improving relations with the EU which, Mr. Romeos pointed out, "are based on the very important agreement reached during the Greek (EU) presidency in Corfu in 1994."

They also discussed issues related to security and co-operation in Europe and the broadening of political, economic and cultural relations between the two countries.

"Russia is not a member of many European organizations, unlike Greece, but this does not impede the development of co-operation between the two countries," Mr. Krilov said.

Replying to questions, Mr. Krilov expressed doubt as to whether the Balkan states of Lithuania, Estonia and Latvia were ready from an economic viewpoint to join the EU. He added that the delineation of the borders of those states with Russia was an issue which remained pending.

Noting that the human rights situation of the Russians living in Estonia and Lithuania was "sensitive," Mr. Krilov said that if their accession to the EU would help solve these problems then it would be a positive step.

On the Cyprus issue, Mr. Krilov said he was unable to predict when the problem might be settled "unless I see some progress."

[4] President attends Kalavryta massacre commemoration

President Kostis Stephanopoulos, who attended events commemorating the 52nd anniversary of the slaughter of some 1,200 men and boys by WWII Nazi occupation forces in Kalavryta, Peloponnese, yesterday, was declared an honorary citizen of the town.

Mayor Panos Polkas handed the president the attendance roll of a local school which he attended for a period as a young boy.

Also present were Education Minister George Papandreou, foreign diplomats, including US ambassador Thomas Niles, deputies and party representatives.

[5] Evert calls for better officers' pay

Main opposition New Democracy leader Miltiades Evert said yesterday that ND would vote against the military funding part of the recently tabled 1996 budget if promises for better officers' pay were not included.

"New Democracy cannot vote for (budget) allocations when promises that a new wage scale would be tabled in Parliament for officers have not been kept. If by the day after tomorrow (Friday) a new wage scale has been tabled, then we will vote for appropriations," Mr. Evert said.

The ND leader made the statement during a meeting with retired military officers.

In reference to National Defence Under-secretary Nikos Kouris' criticism that ND and other opposition parties have impeded a solution by attaching the military wage scale bill to security forces' salary hikes, thus raising costs by between 150 to 200 billion drachmas, he responded:

"The issue is simple, the government should come to the opposition and we to the government to solve the problem," Mr. Evert said.

[6] Government prepares for budget debate on Monday

Interior, Public Administration and Decentralization Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos, who is deputizing for the prime minister, chaired a meeting of government members yesterday, aimed at better coordinating and preparing the government for the Parliamentary debate on the state budget, due to start on Monday.

Yesterday's meeting also examined specific procedural issues, such as the list of speakers.

Speaking after the meeting, Mr. Tsohatzopoulos said an extensive and effective meeting took place between ministers and that the debate on the budget would provide an opportunity to promote its developmental and social dimension.

The principal message in the debate would be that the sacrifices of the Greek people so far were not in vain because they had laid sound preconditions for development, he said.

Mr. Tsohatzopoulos said there was no question of abstentions by government deputies during the Parliamentary debate.

Press and Media Minister Telemahos Hytiris said "PASOK will be united and steadfast in the debate."

Replying to questioners, Mr. Hytiris denied Labor Minister Stephanos Tzoumakas made any mention of an alternative incomes policy at the meeting yesterday.

"There will be no surprises by Mr. Tzoumakas," Mr. Hytiris said.

[7] Skandalidis confers with PASOK MPs on budget debate

PASOK Central Committee Secretary Costas Skandalidis met with the presiding board of the Parliamentary Group, headed by Dimitris Beis, for two hours yesterday, with discussion centering on today's debate in Parliament on the budget.

Sources said it was agreed that initiatives regarding internal developments in the ruling party will be undertaken by the Executive Bureau after the Christmas holidays, and that members should "lower the tone" of their statements.

Mr. Skandalidis stated that they discussed "the issues of the forthcoming serious political battles and political developments", for which there will be continuous and systematic contact.

He described the debate on the budget as one of these battles, adding he had asked deputies to show a serious, responsible and decisive stand, in a unifying spirit. This would provide a definite signal that the party is resolved to complete its four-yea r term, and implement its programme.

[8] Greece, Albania sign defence co-operation agreement

Greece and Albania yesterday signed a protocol defence agreement providing for co-operation in the fields of training, health care and military assistance.

The protocol, which constitutes a continuation of defence agreements concluded in 1992, was signed by the Greek and Albanian chiefs of national defence general staff, Admiral Christos Lymberis and Lieutenant-General Sheme Kosova.

Expressing optimism about future co-operation between the armed forces of the two Balkan neighbors, Lieut.-Gen. Kosova said that the Albanian army was currently undergoing the first phase of reorganization and was cooperating with the military of NATO m ember states such as Greece.

He also expressed certainty that the protocol would be fully implemented "since both sides are now dealing seriously with these issues."

Lieut.-Gen. Kosova also met National Defence Minister Gerasimos Arsenis yesterday.

Before his departure today, he will visit Greek special forces units and the Acropolis.

Meanwhile, it was announced that Albanian Defence Minister Safet Zhulali was expected to visit Greece in the early 1996.

[9] Premier breathing without assistance, doctors say

A medical bulletin issued by the Onassion Centre shortly after 8pm last night said that Prime Minister Andreas Papandreou continued to breathe without the aid of a respirator, while his renal function continued to be supported by a kidney machine.

"Respiration is being achieved without mechanical support, kidney functions are supported by an artificial kidney. Cardiac function has not shown any change," the bulletin said.

A physician answering reporters' questions said the premier's heart condition was unchanged since a 1988 open-heart operation. Asked if a recently incurred infection had been overcome by the premier, he said, "clinically we don't have an infection. Laboratory work is expected to identify the germ and its sensitivity".

Informed sources said that the premier slept well Tuesday night without sedation and woke up in good spirits yesterday morning.

Before undergoing dialysis yesterday, the sources said, he sat in a chair and spoke for a few minutes with his daughter Sophia.

Meanwhile, doctors said that the symptoms of disorientation reportedly observed were totally absent yesterday. At the same time, the fever which appeared due to an infection on Monday had dropped considerably. The midday medical bulletin said that " laboratory tests had confirmed that the fever was caused by a microbe in the blood which was being dealt with the appropriate antibiotic treatment."

Doctors' fears centered on the appearance of a new infection, originating in the intensive therapy unit, which would be especially dangerous, as it might create serious complications.

Speaking to reporters later, government spokesman Telemahos Hytiris said that only Mr. Papandreou's doctors could say when he might be able to leave the hospital and return home.

The spokesman also confirmed that discussions were being held concerning the matter of the premier's succession, adding however that the Constitution and laws were being and would continue to be adhered to "scholastically."

Meanwhile, Political Spring party leader Antonis Samaras yesterday called for the prime minister's resignation and the holding of early elections within three months.

"Political fluidity, insuperable obstacles in the functioning of the government, and the excessive 'loosening' of democratic institutions created significant dangers for our country. A definitive solution must be found ... so that the country may be led to elections, after the prime minister resigns and his replacement is appointed," he said. He added that if his party's proposal was not accepted, the onus of responsibility would rest on the shoulders of PASOK's members and Parliamentary Group.

Replying to Mr. Samaras, government spokesman Telemahos Hytiris reiterated that the government had another two years ahead of it, and that elections would take place at the end of its four year term".

[10] Papoulias welcomes dawn of a new era for Balkans, at Paris Bosnia conference

With the signing of the Bosnia agreement today, the period of conflict in Yugoslavia and the Balkans has come to an end and a new era begun, Foreign Minister Karolos Papoulias told the conference on Bosnia in Paris yesterday.

He said the formal end to the war in Yugoslavia today should also signal the end of every war in the region.

"Southeastern Europe should become a region of development and co-operation because this is necessitated by its exclusive strategic position. Instability in this region automatically means instability at an international level. This constitutes a basic parameter of our policy and for this reason our country is making intense efforts in its neighborhood and is determined to place itself at the vanguard of the consolidation of co-operation, good neighborliness and stability in southeastern Europe," he said.

Mr. Papoulias specifically mentioned that Greece had embarked on an effort to develop relations with neighbors and countries in the wider region, with results already to hand.

He spoke of the continuous consultations and contacts conducted by Greece at a bilateral and multilateral level, in political and development sectors shaping a new reality with neighboring countries.

Mr. Papoulias said the present initiative aimed at shaping joint action in the sector of stability and good neighborliness, as well as a being a code of conduct in this sensitive region.

He explained that the cornerstone for the good operation of this code was the unimpeded functioning of democratic institutions and respect for human rights in all countries in the region which constitute an essential precondition for consolidating stability and good neighborliness.

Mr. Papoulias congratulated France on the release of the two pilots, saying "a disagreeable incident not contributing to the desired climate of consolidating confidence and security in the region has thus come to an end."

[11] Stathis outlines Greek positions on IGC

Agriculture Minister Theodoros Stathis commented yesterday on the government's positions in light of next year's intergovernmental conference in Madrid, during a speech in Thessaloniki.

Mr. Stathis said Greece does not just view the European Union as a large market, but also wants to improve the 15-member union's operation so it can successfully face future challenges.

The agriculture minister was addressing a one-day seminar on the issue organized by the Federation of Northern Greek Industries.

Specifically, Mr. Stathis said the government does not favor any change in the legal parity of member-states and strongly supports the concept of unanimity during the conference's decision-making process.

He also said convergence must be supported for the anticipated economic and monetary union.

Another position Athens favors, according to the agriculture minister, is an upgrading of the Europarliament's role without any changes in the distribution of votes.

[12] 'Bost' dies

Cartoonist, satirist and playwright Mentis Bostantzoglou, best known as 'Bost', died of a heart attack at the age of 77 yesterday.

His peculiar style was characterized by intentional misspellings and he was best known for satirizing the confusion in grammar and spelling caused by formal language among ordinary people, with whom he sympathized.

Culture Minister Thanos Mikroutsikos said "Greece has lost a deeply intellectual man. He was a creator who used humor and laughter to say most serious things".

Communist Party Secretary-General Aleka Papariga said Bost was "a multi-talented artist and creator who made a decisive contribution to popular culture".

[13] Turkish man arrested trying to disembark illegal immigrants

A coast guard vessel yesterday fired warning shots to stop a Turkish boat as it tried to put ashore 19 illegal immigrants on a remote beach on the small Aegean island of Farmakonisi, near the Turkish coast.

The Turkish owner of the wooden boat, Halil Tarim, 31, was arrested and is due to appear before the public prosecutor on Kos today.

The illegal immigrants - 15 Iraqis, two Rwandans, one Algerian and a Moroccan - are currently being held at Kos coast guard headquarters.

[14] Niotis briefs Serapheim on SAE

Archbishop of Athens and All Greece Serapheim met with Foreign Under-secretary for Overseas Greeks Grigoris Niotis and members of the board of the Council of Overseas Hellenism yesterday.

Replying to questions after the hour-long meeting, the Archbishop said the Church was working "night and day" for the unity of Hellenism. He expressed optimism, saying that all would go well "provided we are all united around the church and the state."

Mr. Niotis expressed the state's gratitude for the support shown towards expatriates, particularly for the hosting of 3,000 young people from the former Soviet Union.

[15] Police investigate reported sighting of missing toddler

Public Order Minister Sifis Valyrakis said yesterday that the police were investigating media reports that an English boy who disappeared on Kos in 1991 had been found in Veria, northern Greece.

The reports claimed that a boy of about four years of age and fitting the description of Ben Needham - dubbed "Baby Ben" by newspapers -had been found by a private detective.

Mr. Valyrakis said he did not know whether Ben's parents had come from England to identify the boy.

"Everything is still under investigation," Mr. Valyrakis said.

Ben, then two, disappeared while on holiday on Kos with his parents and grandparents who have never ceased efforts to find him.

Latest reports said, however, that the whole matter was probably a hoax, as the only common characteristic of the two boys was blond hair.

[16] Absent Polytechnic anarchists given suspended sentences

An Athens court yesterday sentenced two groups of self-styled anarchists arrested during the occupation of the Athens Polytechnic last month to suspended 40-month prison terms.

Judicial authorities are trying a total of 120 suspects 20 at a time. The mostly teenage suspects were arrested inside the central Athens university during an early morning raid on November 18.

The 20 were convicted of disrupting the public and domestic peace, simple complicity in the desecration of a national symbol (the burning of the Greek flag) and simple complicity in vandalism.

However, three of the defendants were handed 40-month sentences without suspension and immediately sent to jail. The three are Ioanna Sotirhou, Evangelia Tsoutsia and Anastasia Verditzoglou. Sotirhou is a reporter for the Athens daily "Eleftherotypia."

Thirty-nine out of the 40 suspects along with defence counsels and witnesses refused to appear in court. Only one suspect appeared in court, claiming he was trapped inside the building when anarchists closed the institution's doors and riot police surrounded the university complex.

The man, Vassilis Zervatakis, was sentenced to a suspended four-month sentence.

Trials for the remaining 80 suspects are pending.

[17] ESHEA protest

The Athens Journalists Union (ESHEA) yesterday condemned in an announcement the without suspension sentence for the three women.

ESHEA called the sentences "selective," adding that it will take all necessary measures to protest the convictions.

End of English language section.