A.N.A. Bulletin, 21/12/95

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

Athens News Agency Directory

ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No. 770), December 21, 1995

Greek Press & Information Office

Ottawa, Canada

E-Mail Address: grnewsca@sympatico.ca

CONTENTS

[1] Gov't waits to see content of possible Holbrooke initiative on Cyprus

The government said yesterday it was waiting to see the content of a possible US initiative to resolve the protracted Cyprus problem.

Government spokesman Telemahos Hytiris said Athens was not aware of "anything specific" concerning a reported initiative by US Assistant Secretary of State for European Affairs Richard Holbrooke aimed at finding a solution to the Cyprus problem.

"There has been talk in the past also of the good intentions of Mr. Holbrooke and the US government regarding a settlement of the Cyprus problem, but for the moment there is nothing specific concerning a reported initiative by Mr. Holbrooke on the issue," Mr. Hytiris said.

Asked by reporters whether the government would welcome such an initiative, Mr. Hytiris replied that "this will depend on its content."

In Nicosia, government spokesman Yiannakis Cassoulides said the Cyprus government had no official information yet on a possible Holbrooke visit in January.

In Washington, an ANA dispatch from Nicosia reported, US State Department spokesman Nicholas Burns confirmed reports that Mr. Holbrooke would be visiting the island republic in the next two months but did not give an exact date.

He said the purpose of the visit would be to achieve progress on the Cyprus issue.

In Athens, Mr. Hytiris underlined that despite all the talk of the last 20 years, the Cyprus issue has remained "stagnant", reiterating that as far as Greece was concerned it was the number one national issue and "a problem of invasion and occupation."

Asked to confirm whether Turkish Premier Tansu Ciller did indeed threaten to annex the Turkish occupied northern part of Cyprus, Mr. Hytiris said that Ms Ciller is reported to have used the word "annexation" in a late-night TV programme which had the nature of a party political broadcast within the framework of her party's election campaign.

The spokesman added, however, that it was unclear from the translation whether Ms Ciller meant economic co-operation with the occupied part of Cyprus or annexation of territory.

Meanwhile, according to an ANA dispatch from Istanbul, Turkish foreign ministry spokesman Omer Akbel spoke yesterday of Ankara's "satisfaction" over efforts "friendly countries" will make to resolve the Cyprus issue but gave certain interpretations of t he US initiative.

"The parameters and principles of the solution to be found by the two sides are known to international circles," Mr. Akbel said. "In this framework we show satisfaction for interest of all kinds friendly countries will present to help the two sides."

Mr. Akbel said no formal proposal had been received yet on the visits Mr. Holbrooke is expected to make in the region in January.

Replying to a questioner, the Turkish spokesman said "it is not proper to consider the effort being made by friendly countries as exerting pressure."

"What has to be done and will be done is that talks the two sides will have between them should be helped," he said.

In Brussels, ruling socialist PASOK party Eurodeputy Yiannos Kranidiotis lodged a question at the Council raising the issue of the seizure of real estate belonging to Greek Cypriots in

Turkish-occupied territory in Cyprus.

Mr. Kranidiotis lodged a question with the Council of Ministers on a recent statement by Turkish Prime Minister Tansu Ciller threatening to annex occupied territory to Turkey in the event Cyprus joined the European Union.

[2] Papandreou's condition stabilizes after earlier fears of new infection

A medical bulletin on Prime Minister Andreas Papandreou's condition, issued by the Onassion Centre at 8pm last night, said he had been disconnected from the respirator, his cardiac function remained unaffected, and he had undergone new dialysis treatment.

A feared new infection had not been located, and antibiotic treatment was continuing.

A gloomier earlier bulletin, issued at 2pm, said the patient's condition had shown signs of deterioration in the previous 12 hours, with his breathing continuously supported by a respirator and his renal function by a dialysis machine.

Despite the lack of any laboratory confirmation, the bulletin said there were clinical indications of a new infection, which doctors feared would be very difficult to combat with antibiotics.

The deterioration in Mr. Papandreou's health had earlier forced his physicians to delay plans to move him to a sterilized room on the sixth floor of the hospital.

The fact that Mr. Papandreou had no fever was also a cause of concern, indicating that his immune system has been considerably weakened.

A slight improvement in the clinical symptoms threatening the premier's breathing was ascertained by doctors just past noon.

Shortly before 4pm, Mr. Papandreou was taken off the respirator, but doctors said it was quite possible he would have to be put back on the machine. They added, however, that the slight improvement in the clinical symptoms indicated that a simmering infection might be under control. Some went further, saying the risk of septicemia or a new bout of pneumonia was rapidly becoming only a remote possibility.

The premier's doctors also regarded as a positive sign the fact that the level of leukocytes in the 76-year-old premier's blood had dropped, indicating that the infection, which has as yet not fully manifested itself, may be receding.

However, others said his condition remained unchanged and "borderline," since his immune system was exhausted, while his general clinical condition remained the same.

The doctor who read the evening bulletin said, "if the few positive signs continue, we shall cease speaking of a deterioration.

Referring to the modified antibiotic treatment started Tuesday, he said, "we are approaching 36 hours, and it has begun responding".

Government spokesman Telemahos Hytiris said the government was facing the current situation with the appropriate seriousness and consistency, and party members were watching the course of the premier's health with respect and showing solidarity in the battle for his life.

He added there was no reason for nervousness, and Interior Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos, deputizing for the prime minister, signed whatever documents needed signing.

Meanwhile, Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis yesterday again refused to commit himself whether he would be a possible candidate for the premiership.

"I have said that for reasons of self respect and respect for Andreas Papandreou, I will announce my decision when the time is appropriate. The Constitution gives three days, in the event of death, to the deputies of the majority, to recommend a new prime minister to the president of the republic," he said.

Questioned whether succession procedures would have to be initiated by the party's central committee, he said, "the Constitution stipulates that the parliamentary group of the ruling party recommends the prime minister, in the event of his incapacity or death, and the party's charter refers to procedures for electing its president through a party conference".

Asked whether the president of the republic had requested a meeting with him, Mr. Kaklamanis replied negatively, but added, "the president of the republic not only is entitled but is obliged to enter into discussions with those representing the institutions of Democracy".

New Democracy party leader Miltiades Evert, who was briefed by Transport and Communications Minister Evangelos Venizelos on other issues yesterday, stated afterwards discussion had also included the effects of Mr. Papandreou's prolonged illness on the body politic.

He said his party had exhibited sensitivity and understanding over the matter and had waited for 30 days, a period constitutionally stipulated for the president of the republic before he raised the issue.

According to the doctors, Mr. Papandreou "will not be able to resume his duties, and there is need for a solution, otherwise we are being led to an institutional stalemate, with a danger of a constitutional deadlock looming," said Mr. Evert.

He criticized the ruling party for not undertaking the necessary initiatives, and said New Democracy may submit a censure motion against the government if the issue is prolonged beyond the holidays.

Mr. Venizelos called for cool-headedness, because the problem was political rather than constitutional, and stressed there was no time limit of a few days for Mr. Papandreou's replacement, as some people have wanted to suggest.

New Democracy Vice-President Ioannis Varvitsiotis called for a revision of the constitution to tackle the event of the prime minister's absence, and added that "a reasonable time for Mr. Papandreou's (temporary) replacement has passed".

President of the Federation of Greek Industries (SEB) Jason Stratos stressed yesterday the need for a solution to be found as soon as possible to the problem created by the prime minister's ill-health, in order to avoid possible negative consequences in the economy.

Mr. Stratos added that whatever development occurs, it should not influence economic policy or market expectations. He estimated the political fluidity apparent at present will be short-term and must not be extended, while fluidity in the economic sector is being controlled by the monetary measures taken by the government.

Answering journalist's questions, Mr. Stratos stressed that in his opinion there is no power vacuum, but the problem is that uncertainty must not continue.

[3] KYSEA meets on Greek troops to Bosnia

The government's Foreign Affairs and Defence Council (KYSEA) met last night on the subject of Greece's participation in the NATO force that will supervise the implementation of the Bosnia peace agreement.

Defence Minister Gerasimos Arsenis said the Greek warships which would join the naval force in the Adriatic would sail for Ancona, Italy, today.

Two C-130 military transport planes are also scheduled to fly to Rimini, Italy.

Reliable sources said the 280 army personnel comprising the land contingent Greece is to contribute will leave for Bosnia in the first half of January.

[4] New guidelines for academic staff

Education Minister George Papandreou yesterday released new proposals regarding academic and research staff in universities.

These include the requirement for obtaining permission to take up other employment in the public or private sector, the prohibition on taking up similar teaching positions in private colleges, participating in companies undertaking research programmes, and holding a second permanent position in the public sector.

Other proposals aim at facilitating mobility between teaching positions, with unpaid leave granted to staff taking up visiting teaching posts abroad.

Mr. Papandreou said if the draft bill is approved by Parliament, it will come into effect in September at the earliest.

[5] Mikroutsikos inaugurates Macedonian exhibition in Rome

A double Greek exhibition was officially opened on Tuesday night in Rome's Palazzio Rouspoli by Culture Minister Thanos Mikroutsikos.

The two parts of the exhibition are entitled "Macedonians: the Greeks of the north" and "Alexander the Great, history and myth", jointly organized by the Greek culture ministry and the Italian Memmo Foundation.

The exhibition will run for five months.

The first part of the exhibition consists of 420 archaeological finds discovered in Macedonia during the past few years. The second part, created on an Italian initiative, consists of 144 exhibits assembled from various museums, collections and libraries from all over the world. Manuscripts and miniatures concerning the legend of Alexander the Great are also on display for the first time.

[6] Nightclub hours partially deregulated

Nightclub hours have been partially deregulated after a decision by Labor Minister Stephanos Tzoumakas and Public Order Minister Sifis Valyrakis yesterday.

Specifically, restrictions on operating hours have been lifted for Fridays and Saturdays, on the eve of official holidays, Shrove Thursday as well as on the eve and feast day of a community's patron saint. The lifting of restrictions on operating hours also covers the duration of regional celebrations or religious commemorations.

Under the decision, nightclubs, bars, private clubs and coffee shops must close at 3am Sunday through Thursday and 3:30am during the summer season, although an additional half hour is allowed for patrons to leave establishments.

The public order ministry has ordered spot checks for nightclubs to enforce the new schedule.

[7] Patras prosecutor calls for court to confirm guilty verdicts on Palestinians

A prosecutor yesterday requested a Patras appeals court that it return guilty verdicts without mitigating circumstances for three Palestinians charged with an April 1991 bomb attack in Patras that left six dead and 19 injured.

The Patras prosecutor called the bomb attack a "blind criminal act, derived from fanaticism and owing to the suspects' extremist views for the Palestinian people's struggle."

Ibrahim Kairat, Asan Nubani and Awad Halil are charged in the deadly incident.

The first two suspects have initially been sentenced to life imprisonment plus 25 years, while Halil was sentenced to nine-year term.

All three suspects have denied the charges, saying they were not involved with the bomb blast.

[8] Tsovolas launches new party in Thessaloniki

Former PASOK minister Dimitris Tsovolas yesterday launched his new political movement "Demo-cratic Social Movement" (DHKKI) in Thessaloniki, explaining that he had chosen Greece's northern capital to make the announcement to prove his real target was decentralization.

Speaking at the launch at the "Macedonia Palace" hotel, Mr. Tsovolas noted that the sole party to be founded outside Athens was the Eleftherios Venizelos party, which was founded about 80 years ago in Thessaloniki.

Mr. Tsovolas said his party would place emphasis on the social dimension of its policy proposals.

The proclamation itself merely states that "conservatism has covered the entire political power spectrum", stressing that "modernization is not a purpose in itself and this is so that we will not fall into the trap of worshipping economic indicators and forgetting that people lie under the indicators."

Mr. Tsovolas said his party's principal slogan was "all for Greece and Greece for all", adding that its non-negotiable positions were social solidarity, the demand for economic, political and social democracy, respect for the environment and preserving the public character of strategic sectors of the economy.

Referring to the private sector, Mr. Tsovolas said the role of businessmen "is solely proved with investments and the creation of new jobs", while the state "should take care of the functioning of infrastructure with investments and particularly in the sectors of telecommunications, energy, transport, education, health, social insurance and agriculture."

Mr. Tsovolas spoke of the need for educational reform, insisting on the "public character of tertiary education" and also expressed support for the national health system known as ESY.

Commenting on the Maastricht treaty, Mr. Tsovolas disagreed with people believing it is "the necessary and unavoidable price for the country to join the new era."

Mr. Tsovolas said his party would safeguard national interests, adding that he would not abandon this position in the name of whatever common European Union foreign policy.

The symbols of the "Democratic Social Movement" are a whole sun in its natural color and a bird in the middle with its wings spread out, which Mr. Tsovolas said "will signal the new vision creating the preconditions for a revival of the Greek nation."

[9] Hytiris says Tsovolas making a mistake

Government spokesman Telemahos Hytiris said the establishment of a party by Dimitris Tsovolas was a bigger mistake than that made by his departure from PASOK.

Mr. Hytiris, who was replying to a questioner yesterday, said Mr. Tsovolas was on a wrong course.

Replying to a question on whether the government was concerned over the creation of the new party or the possibility of PASOK deputies following Mr. Tsovolas, Mr. Hytiris said the government was in no way concerned.

"We always refer to Mr. Tsovolas with sympathy, but it is a fact that he is making a mistake," Mr. Hytiris told another questioner.

[10] EOT workers object to draft bill

Greek National Tourism Organization (EOT) workers are objecting to the new draft bill changing relations between the tourism ministry and EOT.

The draft bill was submitted by Tourism Minister Nikos Sifounakis to parliament's legislative committee this week.

During a press conference yesterday, EOT workers said that if the bill is not withdrawn to be reconsidered with their views, they are determined to call strikes after the Christmas break. Their union is already preparing to announce new work stoppages during the next week.

Private sector bodies have also expressed their opposition to many points in the draft bill, and feel insulted by the ministry because they were not called to give their views on the matter.

During the press conference, the workers accused the government of being unable to utilize EOT's huge assets. Their accusations of deficiencies in the draft bill include the creation of useless and costly new institutions such as the Centre of Cultural Tourism 'M. Goutos', the granting of excessive power over spending to the minister and a lack of organization for the ministry and EOT.

Mr. Sifounakis said it was natural for his draft bill to be controversial as it revolutionizes current tourist practices.

[11] Health spending up 12.4%, Kremastinos says

Speaking in Parliament last night, Health Minister Dimitris Kremastinos said health expenditures would amount to 851.6 billion drachmas in 1996. Mr. Kremastinos, speaking during the debate on the new state budget for 1996, said expenditures for health were increased by 93.7 billion drachmas, meaning a 12.4 per cent increase compared to funds provided in 1995. He said the real increase in health and welfare expenditures would be about five per cent given that inflation was expected to be in the region of s even per cent in 1996.

[12] Peponis: Greece will continue to demand support for textiles sector

Industry, Energy and Technology Minister Anastasios Peponis said Greece did not consider the textiles issue closed and was continuing negotiations to achieve special support from the European Union for the sector.

Mr. Peponis was addressing a press conference in Brussels after meeting Industry Commissioner Martin Bangemann. He requested and achieved a postponement of the discussion on the final ratification of the European Commission's announcement on the repercussions stemming from customs union between the EU and Turkey.

Mr. Peponis gave Mr. Bangemann a copy of a letter he addressed to Commission President Jacques Santer, underlining the Greek government's intention to continue its efforts to resolve the issue and called on him to exercise his influence in this direction.

Since the Council of Fisheries Ministers will discuss the ratification of customs union between the EU and Turkey tomorrow, the Greek government will refer to the issue, reminding and making it clear that when Greece agreed to customs union the Council of Ministers and the Commission, in a joint announcement, recognized repercussions the GATT agreement and customs union between the EU and Turkey would have on the Greek textiles industry and committed themselves to examining the issue.

Greece has submitted an application for special funding for the textiles industry, while the Commission has also conceded the problem faced by the sector.

Yesterday's Council of Energy Ministers focused primarily on the domestic electric power market and an assessment was made of efforts made by the Spanish Presidency.

[13] Papantoniou defends gov't's economic performance in Parliament, next two years 'crucial' for EMU

National Economy Minister Yiannos Papantoniou defended the government's economic performance in a Parliament speech last night, saying "economic developments over the past two year period have shown that sacrifices have not gone in vain."

The government's top economic minister spoke during Parliament deliberations on the 1996 budget, which began Monday and will end Friday with a vote.

Mr. Papantoniou said a responsible application of the economic programme has had very beneficial results on the nation's economy.

Specifically, he referred to increased reliability in economic policy, a significant reduction in inflation as well as an even greater reduction in the cost of borrowing money and a limiting of deficits.

Mr. Papantoniou also cited a stabilization of the nation's public debt, increased investments, a higher rate of GDP increase as well as increases in workers' real wages.

"The government," he said, "is in position to present a credible prospect for development, stability and greater social justice.

"The Cassandras, those who irresponsibly predict bankruptcy, have been completely disproven," Mr. Papantoniou said.

The national economy minister referred to what he said was the disastrous state of the Greek economy when PASOK replaced a New Democracy government in 1993.

In responding to an issue which generated severe criticism of the government over the last year, Mr. Papantoniou said the established incomes' policy, despite its anti-inflationary characteristics, has actually protected workers' and pensioners' real in comes, while special support has been given to low pension-earners.

In continuing his Parliament speech, Mr. Papantoniou said half the distance separating Greece from Maastricht treaty convergence criteria has been covered, while foundations have been laid for further economic growth. However, he mentioned that the next two years will be just as critical because Greece's participation in the Economic and Monetary Union will be decided after 1997.

Main opposition New Democracy deputy George Souflias, himself a former national economy minister, said 1996's budget is a "budget of divergence instead of convergence with the European Union nations."

Mr. Souflias said the nation's primary problem is its massive public debt, which he said totals more than 33 trillion drachmas. He said the economy will remain hostage to a vicious cycle of large deficits, borrowing, skyrocketing interest rates, high inflation and an immense public debt if a gradual reduction in the public burden is not achieved.

The ND deputy said a strict incomes' policy is being applied but not a reduction and modernization of the public sector, which he called bloated and ineffective.

[14] Stratos calls for 'structural interventions'

The Federation of Greek Industries (SEB) has asked for structural interventions in order to create better conditions for developmental policies.

SEB President Jason Stratos said the economy's stabilization concerning the budget (as foreseen by the convergence programme) and the possibility of making structural interventions were two difference things. He added that the latter can only occur with a restriction of public deficit, spending and debt.

Mr. Stratos stated that the wider public sector is in need of "tidying up" by "restricting new appointments, speeding up privatizations and setting public businesses free from tight state control."

[15] Evert agrees with proposal to float OTE shares

Transport Minister Evangelos Venizelos briefed main opposition New Democracy leader Miltiades Evert yesterday on government initiatives concerning a planned flotation of Hellenic

Telecommunications Organization (OTE) stock.

The government proposes to sell 8 per cent of OTE on the Athens Stock Exchange.

Mr. Venizelos said the main opposition leader agreed with the general framework for the flotation, a fact he described as "politically and stock market-wise significant, because OTE comprised the 'tip of the spear' for the nation's development."

Mr. Evert referred to "the unsuccessful attempt at selling OTE stock last year," which he said "ended up as an international fiasco."

The ND president proposed sale terms, including that OTE's value should not be calculated below 1.7 trillion drachmas. He also called for half of any revenues garnered by a potential flotation to be re-invested in the telecom utility, while the other half be allocated for education and health care.

"It is unheard of for the state to sell off assets in order to cover deficits, and if our terms aren't approved then ND's reaction will be considerable," he said.

In addition, Mr. Evert said up to 20 per cent of OTE shares could be floated if the bourse stabilizes at the 1,100-mark.

Mr. Evert announced that Mr. Venizelos agreed with ND's terms.

[16] Olympic discussed

The transport minister also discussed issues related to Olympic Airways with the main opposition leader, including supplies and modernization of the national carrier's fleet.

Mr. Evert stated that transparency in supply contracts and the sale of OA's stock is necessary, while he also said the airline's executive board must be "reliable" and comprised of people "beyond suspicion."

End of English language section.