A.N.A. Bulletin, 29/01/96

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

Athens News Agency Directory

ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No 799), January 29, 1996

Greek Press & Information Office

Ottawa, Canada

E-Mail Address: grnewsca@sympatico.ca

CONTENTS

[1] Pangalos summons Turkish ambassador over Aegean incident

Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos summoned Turkey's Ambassador to Athens last night over an incident on the Greek rocky islet of Imia in the Dodecaneese, where a Turkish newspaper's staff replaced the Greek flag with a Turkish one.

According to sources, Mr. Pangalos warned the Turkish ambassador over the repercussions such acts have on Greek-Turkish relations.

Mr. Pangalos also briefed the ambassadors of the United States and Russia over the incident.

Alternate Foreign Minister George Romeos, on his part, briefed the ambassadors of Greece's European Union partners.

According to an ANA dispatch, individuals from the Turkish daily "Hurriyet" claimed they removed a Greek flag from the islet of Imia and hoisted a Turkish one on Saturday.

Yesterday's edition of the newspaper claimed that members of the newspaper's office in Izmir landed on the tiny islet by helicopter on Saturday and removed the Greek flag, before hoisting a Turkish flag in its place.

The newspaper published photographs of the "mission," and announced that a Turkish private television channel would broadcast the incident last night.

However, there was no independent confirmation of the allegation.

According to the newspaper, the Turkish foreign ministry appears to condemn the action in a statement by assistant under-secretary Inal Batu. "There can be no solution with acts of violence and a war of flags. Turkey is in favor of a solution in a peaceful way and through diplomatic channels," Mr. Batu told the newspaper.

The Greek flag had been hoisted on the islet in the past days "by the mayor of Kalymnos on orders from Athens," the newspaper claimed.

Authoritative sources believe yesterday's report in Hurriyet is an attempt to impress Turkish public opinion, which has grown weary of a prolonged failure to form a government.

[2] Greek response

National Defense Minister Gerassimos Arsenis said the country's armed forces were at a high level of readiness to defend Greek territory, adding that the government would not tolerate provocations.

Earlier, the national defense ministry ordered an investigation into the incident on the islet, which lies between Kalymnos and the coast of Asia Minor. In addition, Mr. Arsenis said there were no indications of escalating tension, adding that movements by the Turkish side were under surveillance.

"We cannot say that there are particularly alarming elements and the issue is over as far as Greece is concerned," he added.

After briefing the prime minister and foreign minister, Mr. Arsenis instructed a Hellenic Navy patrol boat to intervene and re-hoist the Greek colors. The order was carried out yesterday morning.

According to reports, the Turkish action to lower the Greek flag occurred late Saturday evening. The Greek flag was raised on the rocky, uninhabited islet by the Kalymnos mayor on Thursday.

Consecutive meetings were held at the national defense ministry to evaluate the situation, with the participation of the ministry's civil and military leaderships and the Greek National Intelligence (EYP) chief.

Military circles believe the incident was probably not a concerted Turkish government action, but an organized operation carried out by "trained personnel."

[3] Opposition reactions

In another development, the main opposition New Democracy party called on the government to temporarily send a Greek police force to Imia.

A ND announcement said the country "must react with calm before the new phase of Turkish provocations and stop every action trying to gauge Greek resilience to Turkish pressures."

Political Spring (Pol.An) called on the government to demand the tangible condemnation of Turkey by the country's allies, while Pol.An leader Antonis Samaras said "Turkish audacity has exceeded all limits."

A Communist Party of Greece (KKE) announcement on the incident wondered whether the hoisting of a Turkish flag on Imia was an effort to disorientate Turkish public opinion for domestic consumption, or a concerted activity by nationalist circles, whereas it could provide an excuse for an escalation in tension between the two countries.

[4] Misguided Turkish freighter caused incident

The mayor of the nearby island of Kalymnos, Dimitris Diakomihalis, raised the Greek flag on Imia after a Turkish cargo vessel ran aground on the rocky islet. Its captain subsequently refused assistance from Greek authorities because he claimed he was on Turkish territory. Mr. Diakomihalis has convened a meeting of his council on Tuesday to decide on initiatives for stock-breeders to settle on Imia and other islets in the area. Imia has traditionally been the haunt of Kalymnos fishermen.

[5] Simitis, top ministers review policy statement in light of today's submission

Prime Minister Costas Simitis met with seven senior ministers yesterday to put the final touches on the new government's policy statement, which will be submitted to Parliament this afternoon, following a full Cabinet meeting in the morning.

Parliament will vote on the government's policy statement on Wednesday evening. Present at yesterday morning's meeting were National Economy Minister Yiannos Papantoniou; Development Minister Vasso Papandreou; Interior, Public Administration and Decentralization Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos; National Defense Minister Gerassimos Arsenis, as well as Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos, Finance Minister Alekos Papadopoulos and Environment, Town Planning and Public Works Minister Costas Laliotis.

According to reports, the premier's statement, while emphasizing continuation of previous PASOK policies, will also indicate "characteristics of a new era."

Mr. Simitis is expected to demand hard work from his Cabinet and is not expected to request a grace period.

The 59-year-old prime minister is also expected to call for a definition of Greece's role in Europe, the Balkans and the Middle East, as well as a more aggressive foreign policy, outlining that "ethnocentric" views lead only to a marginalization of the country.

Greece's position regarding its dispute with the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) is expected to remain as defined by PASOK president and former prime minister Andreas Papandreou, but Mr. Simitis will point out that a solution should be found without party or personal expediencies.

Economic policy is projected to stand firm on stabilization, while giving more emphasis to growth. Social policy is also expected to be given priority.

Finally, Mr. Simitis will also refer to a need for democratic reforms, such as abolition of political patronage, support for decentralization, upgrading the role of Parliament and a review of the Constitution.

[6] Polls favor new Simitis government

Both the new government and Prime Minister Simitis enjoy high popularity, according to an opinion poll published in yesterday's edition of the "Kyriakatiki Eleftherotypia" newspaper.

According to the poll, 61 per cent of respondents questioned consider the new government more effective than the previous one, and regard Costas Simitis more capable for the post of prime minister by 55.1 per cent, against 24.3 per cent for main opposition New Democracy leader Miltiades Evert.

For the first time in several months, the newspaper poll gives the ruling PASOK a better chance of winning the next elections than ND, with 32 per cent for PASOK and 28.2 per cent for ND.

Another opinion poll appearing in the Athens daily "Ta Nea" on Saturday published similar conclusions.

[7] Doctors hopeful Papandreou can be released in 2 weeks

Physicians treating PASOK leader Andreas Papandreou at the Onassion Cardiology Centre are hopeful that the former prime minister may be able to leave the hospital within two weeks.

Mr. Papandreou's doctors are now concentrating efforts on getting him off a respirator, which is still being used to support the 76-year-old former premier's breathing for short periods during the night.

According to a medical bulletin released by the hospital yesterday, Mr. Papandreou is making satisfactory progress and is continuing to undergo physiotherapy, while his breathing and kidneys are receiving periodic support.

The former prime minister is reportedly in good spirits and walked around the sixth floor of the Onassion Centre for the longest period since his treatment began more than two months ago.

In addition, he also received a visit from his close associate and former minister Antonis Livanis yesterday afternoon.

[8] ND to table institutional proposals today

Main opposition New Democracy will table a package of five institutional proposals in Parliament today, which according to a top advisor to ND leader Miltiades Evert, aim at "reforming the political system and public life."

The proposals concern legislation on ministerial responsibility, sources of income, transparency of politicians' and political party finances as well as the establishment of the institution of a national mediator (public administration commissioner) and a national foreign policy council.

Prof. Prokopis Pavlopoulos called on the ruling PASOK government majority to commit itself during the debate on whether "it recognizes the need to settle these issues..." He also called on the government to announce what timetable it intends to abide by in order to resolve these issues.

According to reports, the draft law states that ministers and undersecretaries will be accountable for all perpetrated felonies and misdemeanors while they are in office.

It also establishes an auditing conference's responsibility to check statements made by deputies concerning their financial assets.

A ceiling is also anticipated for expenditures by political parties and candidates, as well as on all types of election contributions.

The national mediator anticipated by the draft law will be responsible for examining reports by citizens concerning cases of mismanagement by state agencies, public utilities and local government administrations.

On the question of a national foreign policy council, the draft law would initiate an inter-party advisory agency to shape common national policy and make proposals to the government on setting out foreign policy.

The draft law also calls for a permanent foreign under-secretary to be appointed during a government's entire tenure.

[9] Pangalos meets with Milutinovic on Skopje issue

Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos met last night with his Yugoslavian counterpart Milan Milutinovic on the issue of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia's (FYROM) possible recognition by Belgrade.

Yugoslavia has reportedly expressed its intention to recognize FYROM under the name "Republic of Macedonia" in the coming days.

While no statements were made after the meeting, reports state that Mr. Pangalos expressed the Greek government's opposition to such eventuality, since the former Yugoslav republic should be recognized under the internationally accepted name of FYROM, and given ongoing negotiations between Athens and Skopje concerning the neighboring country's name.

[10] Mycenean treasures displayed in Washington before being repatriated

A ceremony is planned in Washington tomorrow to mark the return of several Mycenean antiquities from the United States to Greece, under the honorary supervision of US President Bill Clinton and under the auspices of President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos.

The ancient treasures, mostly jewelry and other precious objects, date from the Aegean late bronze age and will be on exhibit in the US Congress' Rotonda Wednesday through Friday.

The opening ceremony tomorrow will be attended by US presidential adviser George Stephanopoulos, Greek Education Minister George Papandreou, former Greek-American Congressman John Brademas and Carter Brown, the director of the Washington National Gallery, among others.

[11] Weekend floods claim two lives, Elefsina area hard hit

Heavy thunderstorms that struck Attica Prefecture Friday night and early Saturday morning claimed the lives of an elderly couple who were drowned Saturday after their car was caught in a flash flood some five kilometers outside Mantra, Attica. No other fatalities were reported.

Authorities reported the victims as 65-year-old Ioannis Mavrommatis and his wife Evangelia, 62.

Two families were rescued by firefighters on Saturday after they were trapped on their roofs in an east Attica neighborhood following the torrential rains that fell on the greater Athens area overnight. Poor weather conditions in the area hampered rescue units in their attempt to save the eight stranded people.

Meanwhile, widespread flood damages were reported in Elefsina, west of Athens, to dozens of basement apartments and industries.

A torrent of mud also swept through the Halyvourgiki steel mill on Elefsina's coast, covering most of the plant with water and mud. In addition, two trains were stranded in the same area because of mudslides. Buses were sent to pick up the passengers as the tracks on the Athens-Corinth line were blocked. No injuries were reported among passengers and crews.

The Athens-Corinth national highway, closed since 5 a.m. Saturday at the Elefsina junction, was reopened at noon.

Flooding was also reported in Nea Makri and Rafina, along Attica's eastern coastline and in Kinetta, west of Elefsina on the Thriassio plain and along the Sarantapotamo riverbed.

Prime Minister Costas Simitis was informed of the developments while meeting with his staff on Saturday in Parliament to prepare the government's unveiling of a policy statement today.

Environment, Town Planning and Public Works Minister Costas Laliotis held meetings in Elefsina over most of the day yesterday with Public Order Minister Costas Geitonas, Interior Under-secretary George Moraitis, Defense Under-secretary Nikos Kouris and local officials to coordinate efforts to deal with the effects of the flooding.

Meanwhile, in response to media criticism that the interministerial coordinating committee had not been convened, Mr. Moraitis countered that the prefectures had not considered the move necessary and had not requested a meeting of the committee.

Three committees were established: one to evaluate the situation and deal with problems on the road network, another to evaluate and supervise repairs to residences and a third for workshops and factories.

The health ministry and West Attica Prefect Pericles Papapetrou arranged for accommodation of flood-stricken victims in an Elefsina hotel. Accommodations was also made available at the local military airport, while a team of doctors and nurses was sent to the area by the health ministry.

In addition, military personnel and equipment, including ambulances and two helicopters, from units around Attica were placed at the disposal of local authorities.

[12] Last summer's forest fires blamed

East Attica Prefect Dimitris Frangos blamed the weekend flooding on erosion caused by last summer's forest fires on Mount Penteli, and the delay in allocating funds for flood protection works, despite calls from both the prefecture and local municipalities.

Mr. Laliotis drew attention to his ministry's efforts to deal with the problem of filled-in riverbeds and gulleys, which are responsible for much of the flooding. According to reports, of the 4,000 kilometers of riverbeds in Attica, some 500 kilometers have been filled in. The environment and town planning minister said 100 billion drachmas (out of a total 250-300 billion required) has been made available for flood protection works in Attica alone between the period 1994-1998, adding that 80 billion drachmas had been borrowed from the Council of Europe's Development Fund. Another one billion drachmas has been budgeted for similar works on the Thriassio plain industrial park.

Mr. Laliotis also announced yesterday that compensation would be paid to flood victims once damages had been evaluated on the basis of strict criteria, since the state could not be held responsible for building violations that contributed to damages. He also stated that increased funding would be accelerated in order to help open filled in riverbeds in Elefsina and the surrounding area.

Speaking after a visit to flooded areas, Interior, Public Administration and Decentralization Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos announced yesterday that the 1996 budget provided for an additional one billion drachmas to open up the Sarantapotamo riverbed. M r. Tsohatzopoulos also gave assurances that flood victims would receive compensation.

[13] Opposition reactions

Main opposition New Democracy party deputy Evangelos Basiakos charged that "citizens were paying for the government's inaction and incompetence," adding that there had not only been an absence of a coordinated effort to deal with the crisis, but that t he state had been completely absent. He noted his party's warning seven months ago of the potential dangers of a heavy downpour.

A Communist Party of Greece (KKE) statement referred to what it called the state's lack of preparedness for such a crisis. It called for a reforestation projects in Attica and the clearing of watercourses as the minimum requirements in order to avert future catastrophes.

The Coalition of the Left and Progress said the flooding made Attica resemble a "third world country."

"Nature was having its revenge for last year's forest fires," the Coalition said, before calling for necessary infrastructure works to take place immediately.

Political Spring leader Antonis Samaras called for the immediate formation of a promised inter-party committee, in order to discuss Saturday's floods.

On Saturday, Pol.An sent a group of experts led by Piraeus MP Maria Mahera to visit the flooded areas.

[14] Venizelos says Asanin extradition issue 'closed'

Justice Minister Evangelos Venizelos said he considers the issue of a Yugoslav national's extradition to Yugoslavia instead of Belgium "closed," after his meeting on Saturday with his Belgian colleague.

Darko Asanin, who was extradited by Greece to Belgrade last week, was wanted by Belgian authorities in relation to the murder of a Kosovo Albanian political activist in Brussels.

"Within the framework of the unofficial council of (EU) justice ministers, which was held in Rome, I met with my Belgian colleague Mr. (Stefaan) De Clerck, with whom I had an extremely friendly conversation on the issue of Yugoslav national Darko Asanin 's extradition to Yugoslavia, as his country of citizenship and not Belgium, where the crime was committed," Mr. Venizelos said.

"I explained to my Belgian colleague that a 1901 Greek-Belgian agreement and Greece's criminal code call for extradition of a wanted individual to his country of citizenship, in order not to burden a third country, just as Belgium was in this case," the Greek justice minister said, adding:

"I understand completely the political pressure that the Belgian government is undergoing, as the decision coincided with the extradition of a Spanish couple charged with terroristic acts, committed in Spain. These incidents, however, as is clear, have no relation between them," he said.

Mr. Venizelos added that Greece always treats Belgium as a friend and partner.

[15] Greenpeace calls on Gov't to condemn French nuclear testing

The ecological organization Greenpeace called on Greece and new Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos to condemn France's nuclear policy outright.

In an open letter to the foreign minister on the occasion of France's sixth nuclear test, Greenpeace said the government "should side with the view held by the majority of European countries and cease supporting (French president) Jacques Chirac, invoking so-called Community solidarity."

The letter added that the government should take initiatives in the framework of the European Union and the United Nations for the signing of an agreement in Geneva putting an end to nuclear testing.

End of English language section.