A.N.A. Bulletin, 01/04/96

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

Athens News Agency Directory

ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No 851), April 1, 1996

Greek Press & Information Office

Ottawa, Canada

E-Mail Address: grnewsca@sympatico.ca

CONTENTS

[1] US president sends message to Simitis, Hillary Clinton winds up Athens visit

US First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton on Saturday delivered a letter from President Bill Clinton to Prime Minister Costas Simitis.

Ms Clinton was received at the Maximos Mansion by Mr. Simitis and had a private meeting with him for about twenty minutes, before attending a reception given in her honor by the prime minister. Also attending the meeting was US envoy to Athens Thomas Niles.

Earlier, Ms Clinton was received by President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos.

According to press reports, in his letter President Clinton refers to Greek-American relations, noting their current good level and underlining the need for further co-operation.

Mr. Clinton also refers to the role currently played by Greece in the Balkans, characterizing the country as being a factor of stability and co-operation. The letter was sent in view of the forthcoming visit by Prime Minister Costas Simitis to the United States on April 9.

The reception was attended by Defense Minister Gerassimos Arsenis, Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos, National Economy Minister Yiannos Papantoniou, Finance Minister Alekos Papadopoulos, Labor and Social Security Minister Evangelos Yiannopoulos, Merchant Marine Minister Kosmas Sfiriou, New Democracy party leader Miltiades Evert, Political Spring party leader Antonis Samaras, diplomats, businessmen and intellectuals.

Security measures were tight.

Ms Clinton and her sixteen-year old daughter Chelsea left Greece for Washington late yesterday afternoon, concluding her ten-day goodwill tour of southeastern Europe.

Ms Clinton attended the lighting of the Olympic flame in Olympia on Saturday and the ancient sites and monuments at Delphi yesterday morning.

[2] Romeos attends US celebrations

Alternate Foreign Minister George Romeos is currently in New York to attend celebrations commemorating the 175th anniversary of Greece's war of independence.

Mr. Romeos, who is responsible for relations with the European Union and overseas Greeks, yesterday addressed an event organized in Astoria by the Federation of Cretan Associations, as well as a memorial service for the crew of the helicopter which crashed into the sea during the Imia crisis in January. Later in the day he was the guest of the Federation of Greek Associations of Greater New York, also attended by Archbishop of North and South America Iakovos.

The celebrations will culminate in a parade down Manhattan's Fifth Avenue.

[3] Olympic flame begins marathon journey to Atlanta Games

The Olympic flame was lit by the sun's rays on Saturday at a special ceremony in the ruins of Ancient Olympia in the Peloponnese, attended by US First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton and her 16-year-old daughter Chelsea.

The flame, which will remain lit until the end of the summer games in Atlanta, was carried by white-robed priestesses played by actresses to Greek long-jump champion Kostas Koukodemos, the first runner in a four-month relay.

Some 800 runners will carry the flame on a 2,500 kilometer journey throughout Greece before it flies to Los Angeles on April 26 where another 24,000 kilometer relay will end at Atlanta for the opening of the summer Olympics.

In addition to Ms Clinton, the ceremony was attended by a large number of Greek politicians and sports personalities, including main opposition New Democracy leader Miltiades Evert, Athens Mayor Dimitris Avramopoulos, Sports Under-secretary Andreas Fouras, the Chairman of the Greek Olympic Committee Antonis Tzikas and Secretary-General for Sports George Vassilakopoulos.

The flame will be carried through Greece on a route linking historic towns and locations, including Delphi, Nemea, Sparti, Tegea, ancient Corinth, Messolonghi, Plataeaes, Thebes, Vergina, Edessa, ancient Pella, Thessaloniki and Marathon.

The US first lady arrived in Ancient Olympia two hours before the lighting ceremony amidst stringent security measures all along the route from Athens.

She began her visit to Greece on Friday with a tour of the Acropolis and the ancient Agora, both closed to the public for over two hours.

"I am honored to represent the American people at this celebration of the 100th anniversary of the modern Olympic Games. It is a special privilege to be here in Greece, the birthplace of the Olympics and of so many ideals and institutions that define our civilization today," Ms Clinton told several thousand guests and tourists attending the flame lighting ceremony.

"The flame that will be kindled here will serve as the guiding light of the centennial games this summer in Atlanta. It will come to life already endowed with the spirit of thousands of athletes and Olympic contests that have taken place here and around t he world.

"That spirit stretches back nearly 3,000 years, to the first foot race held here at Olympia and the presentation of a wreath made of olive branches to the victor. The same spirit grew only greater as the peasant Spyridon Loues crossed the finish line in the first Olympic marathon one hundred years ago in Athens, inspiring the princes of Greece to carry him to a place of honor in the royal box.

These Olympic Games, which have moved princes to lift peasants onto their shoulders, emphasize an inescapable dimension of the human experience - that we are all members of one global family. Our victories and defeats are not purely our own - they are s hared with the world.

"Every four years, the family of nations gathers to pursue excellence and to find peace and camaraderie through sport. That is the heart of the Olympic ideal. It is a testament to the power and vision of Greek civilization.

"In Ancient Greece, warring city states called a sacred truce during the Olympics so that all of Greece's finest athletes, warriors, poets and artists could attend the games and honor the gods. In the modern Olympics, distinctions of class, nationality, religion and race are forgotten in contests judged by individual strength, speed and endurance.

"Through these games, we have forged bonds of international goodwill and understanding. This summer will mark the largest gathering of nations at an Olympics. Young people from 197 countries, who have long been striving to fulfill their God-given potentials, are serving as role models for children around the world. They will go to Atlanta not just to test their abilities against their counterparts, but also to build bridges of respect, tolerance and friendship.

"The flame that leaves Olympia today on a four-month journey through Athens, across the Atlantic and through the United States, carries much more than light and heat. It carries the spirit of our family of nations, of the earliest runners, of Spyridon Loues, and of the young women and men who will convene in Atlanta this summer. Through them, the Olympic spirit will only grow deeper, strengthening along its way the aspirations and ideals we share as part of our common humanity."

In statements to the ANA after the ceremony, Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games (ACOG) chief executive Billy Payne said "I am in a position to say that we are completely ready to accomplish the organization of the games".

Replying to questions, Mr. Payne said Greece had "placed the flame in good hands and with good people. We have learned much about the spirit prevailing here and have been inspired by it.

"I am convinced that in Atlanta you will see tangible examples of our co-operation with the Greek officials and I must say that I feel extremely proud that we have undertaken the games from you," he said.

[4] Arsenis warns of dangers of 'second round' in Bosnia

National Defense Minister Gerassimos Arsenis on Saturday warned of the danger of a "second round to the Bosnian crisis" - with repercussions on the greater Balkans region - due to the lack of progress in the implementation of the political part of the Dayton peace agreement.

Speaking at a seminar on the agreement, Mr. Arsenis expressed fears also that the forthcoming elections in Bosnia might produce primarily national parties which could threaten the political cohesion of the federation, with political leaders increasingly looking to Belgrade and Zagreb.

This, Mr. Arsenis said, might in turn cause the break-up of the Bosnian Federation when the IFOR troops withdraw.

The minister said that the economic reconstruction of the region had not yet begun, despite many promises of funds, "and without economic development, the political problems become greater and the prospect for political cohesion becomes more remote".

"We must re-examine the political part of the Dayton agreement and see what economic and political infrastructure should now be built in order to avoid a second round to the Bosnian crisis," Mr. Arsenis said. He underlined however that the military aspect of the Dayton agreement had succeeded beyond all expectations.

"We must see this (success) not only with respect to the great importance it has for the settlement of the Bosnian problem, but as the precursor of a model for a multinational peacekeeping force in the future, for other missions and in other parts of the world," Mr. Arsenis said.

The defense minister visited the Greek contingent in the multinational peacekeeping force in Bosnia last week.

[5] Thessaloniki to host multi-national 'democracy center'

Thessaloniki was chosen as the site of a multi-national center for democracy in the Balkans yesterday, during a symposium on "politics, democracy and a society of citizens" held by the Union for Democracy in the Balkans.

Intellectuals and representatives of non-governmental organizations from Greece, Turkey, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Albania, Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria as well as the USA and the European Union, attended the symposium in the northern Greek capital.

The delegates agreed to continue their work, "based on equality and acceptance of a common heritage of moral and democratic values in a spirit of realism, recognizing the deeply rooted difficulties and pressures both on the domestic front and between the nations concerned".

The publication of a bi-monthly bulletin and the holding of further conferences in other Balkan cities was also decided.

[6] Ankara summons Nezeritis over 'provocative' Imia incident

The Greek ambassador to Ankara Dimitris Nezeritis was summoned to the Turkish foreign ministry yesterday, following what Ankara said were "incidents noted around the Imia islets". The incident referred to involved the refusal of a Greek coast-guard vessel to intervene at the request of a Turkish patrol, after a Greek fishing vessel approached the islets and a fisherman disembarked and remained on the island for a short while, according to a Turkish foreign ministry announcement. The announcement added that such behavior was "provocative".

[7] Greek response

The Greek foreign ministry issued a statement regarding the incident late last night.

"By multiplying the pointless provocations and harassment, certain military and diplomatic circles in Ankara aggravate Turkey's international position, which is already extremely difficult. Someone more serious should finally realize that territorial claims, regarding the Dodecanese, constitute an impasse for Turkish expansionism: We hope this happens as soon as possible. Greece fully exercises its sovereign rights which are validated by undisputed international treaties and agreements."

[8] Tsohatzopoulos discusses bilateral ties with Japanese foreign under-secretary

Interior, Public Administration and Decentralization Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos met with Japanese Foreign Under-secretary Hazime Ogama on Saturday.

Japanese Ambassador in Athens Yiasumitsu Kiuchi was also present.

After the meeting, Mr. Tsohatzopoulos said there had been a useful exchange of ideas for the promotion of co-operation between Greece and Japan in the sectors of tourism and marine transport, as well as in the creation of exchange programs for scientist s and students.

The Japanese foreign under-secretary stated the aim of his visit to Athens was the strengthening of bilateral relations.

[9] New recruitment law will be ratified, Tsohatzopoulos says

The new law on public service recruitment (law 2190) was defended by Interior, Public Administration and Decentralization Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos on Saturday. Referring to the annual report by the Supreme Council for Personnel Recruitment (ASEP) on the implementation of the law, he noted that some violations had occurred, chiefly in the sector of seasonal workers.

However, the minister stressed that the law essentially abolished nepotism in Greece and assured unimpeachable recruitment procedures. The few exceptions being used as a means of questioning the credibility of the system simply confirmed its success, h e contended.

The ASEP report calls for the constitutional ratification of the law, which the government intends to proceed with, according to Mr. Tsohatzopoulos. It also proposes its implementation in banks in which the state has at least a 51 per cent holding, as well as for teaching staff in primary and secondary schools. Finally, it calls for clear, objective criteria regarding the recruitment of the disabled.

Small and medium-sized enterprises are threatening to strike over Easter to protest what they call the government's indifference to their problems, a rally in Larissa heard yesterday. The protest was held within the framework of nationwide mobilizations programmed by the General Confederation of Workers of Northern Greece (GESEBE).

[10] Opposition parties claim Gov't failure at IGC

Main opposition New Democracy party spokesman Vassilis Manginas yesterday accused the government of failing to promote Greek positions at the opening session of the European Union's inter-governmental conference (IGC) in Turin on Friday.

Europe was "silent" on the security of EU member states' external borders, apart from the question of smuggling and illegal migration, noted Mr. Manginas.

He characterized the government's satisfaction with the meeting as "sad and futile", adding that Prime Minister Costas Simitis was "underestimating the intelligence" of the Greek people and "weakening Greece's position regarding this important issue".

Political Spring spokesman Notis Martakis, meanwhile, said that what was mentioned during at the IGC on the subject of the Aegean islands has nothing to do with the security of Greek borders, and that significant pressures were placed on Greece regarding Turkey's customs union.

Mr. Martakis added that the government has wasted precious time since the day of the crisis in the Aegean, leading Europe to deal with the matters of Turkey's customs union and the border issue as one and the same problem.

A Communist Party (KKE) statement issued on Saturday said that the IGC had paved the way for a revision of the Maastricht Treaty that would reinforce the dominance of the Brussels administration.

The statement added that decisions such as the abolition of the veto, the implementation of a common foreign policy and the administration's measures for political security, reinforce a multi-speed and "multinational" Europe.

"The PASOK government, after agreeing with these decisions, is attempting to ... hide the fatal consequences the Turin decisions will have for our people and for the people of Europe," the statement said.

[11] Reppas: initial IGC results positive

Responding to the criticism by ND, government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said the results of the IGC "were positive for Greece".

"The government expressed its satisfaction because the final text included positions that it (the government) had pursued. The IGC has not been completed and the negotiations will continue. The Greek government has specific propositions on the basis of which it will participate in these negotiations," Mr. Reppas said.

"Unfortunately, ND ignores reality, nullifies achievements and indulges in monotonous scare-mongering," he added.

[12] Laliotis announces funding for projects in Kavalla, Xanthi

Environment, Town Planning and Public Works Minister Costas Laliotis said on Saturday that funds totaling 30 billion drachmas would be provided for the construction of a Kavalla bypass, which will form part of the Egnatia Highway.

Mr. Laliotis was speaking during a tour of the prefectures of Kavalla and Xanthi. He added that seven billion drachmas had been approved for Kavalla's new port, while two billion drachmas would be provided for works on the "Alexander the Great" international airport and 2.5 billion drachmas have been earmarked for developmental works in the prefecture's towns. Mr. Laliotis stressed that all Community-funded projects currently under way will be completed.

During his visit to Xanthi, the minister met with business representatives and Mayor Philip Amiridis. He also visited the Xanthi mufti and met with representatives of the prefecture's mountain communities.

Speaking from Alexandroupolis on the last stage of his three-day tour of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, Mr. Laliotis announced the gradual increase of toll prices in order to contribute to the funds necessary for the construction of the Egnatia Highway.

"The collection of these funds from the gradual ... increase of toll prices, and the distribution, will be carried out through legislation," Mr. Laliotis said. He said the budget of 220 billion drachmas he announced is "an intervention of hope and prospects" which can contribute to the regeneration of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace.

During his tour, Mr. Laliotis visited Moslem communities and announced a series of projects aimed at raising the standard of living in the area.

[13] Greek railways agree on further co-operation with FYROM

The Greek Railways Organization (OSE) on Saturday signed an agreement with representatives of the rail network of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM).

The agreement, which complements the previous agreement signed in Skopje on December 14, was signed by OSE's associate general directors, Ludovikos Kourtidis and Ioannis Rigas, and president of the FYROM rail network, Stojan Naumov.

Mr. Rigas said the agreement is the first step in the attempts to create a new uniform transport system, in co-operation with other Balkan countries.

Mr. Naumov expressed his satisfaction over the signing of the accord, and said it had been achieved with a high level of co-operation.

[14] New OA flights inaugurated

Transport and Communications Minister Haris Kastanidis inaugurated two new routes from Thessaloniki's 'Macedonia' airport on Saturday with Olympic Airways and travel agency officials attending the ceremony

OA's Athens-Thessaloniki-Belgrade route aims to facilitate travel for the increasing numbers of Greek and Yugoslav tourists visiting the two countries and will also provide a link for Yugoslav tourists wishing to travel on trans-Atlantic flights. There will be two flights a week following this route, on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

The inaugural flight was met on its arrival in Belgrade by representatives of Olympic Airways and JAT, the Yugoslav national airline, as well as by representatives of the Greek embassy.

The first direct OA flight from Thessaloniki to Bucharest also took place on Saturday.

Mr. Kastanidis stressed that his ministry aims to transform the Macedonia airport in Thessaloniki into the second junction for Olympic Airways flights, with direct connections from the city to 18 European destinations. He added that two Olympic Airways aircraft will be permanently stationed in the airport in Thessaloniki.

End of English language section.