A.N.A. Bulletin, 31/05/96

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

Athens News Agency Directory

ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No 900),

Greek Press & Information Office

Ottawa, Canada

E-Mail Address: grnewsca@sympatico.ca

CONTENTS

[1] Gov't puts final touches to civil servants new wage scale

The government yesterday finalized the general principles of a new wage scale for civil servants, scheduled to come into effect next year.

A meeting approving the salary scale was chaired by Prime Minister Costas Simitis.

In statements after the meeting, Mr. Simitis described the new pay scale as "functional, simple, productive, just and consistent."

According to the new scale, various separate allowances paid to civil servants will be incorporated into the basic salary, and therefore liable to taxation.

Salaries of employees working in the same branches but in different ministries will be made equal, while various family allowances as well as benefits granted in border and underdeveloped areas of the country will be revised.

In addition, the new pay scale provides for the readjustment of the basic salary and introduces incentives for remaining in the public sector.

Productivity bonuses will be abolished and replaced by special employment benefits for all ministries. On the basis of these general principles, a committee currently working on a uniform pay scale has been instructed by the government to complete its task by September.

A draft law will then be drawn up and subsequently tabled in Parliament.

Mr. Simitis said the new pay scale would come into effect as of January 1, 1997.

Also present at the meeting were Interior, Public Administration and Decentralization Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos, National Economy Minister Yiannos Papantoniou and Finance Minister Alekos Papadopoulos.

The first reaction to the new pay scale for civil servants - that of the Civil Servants' Supreme Administrative Council (ADEDY) - was negative.

ADEDY is demanding a starting salary of 180,000 drachmas for newly-appointed civil servants, far more than that proposed by the government.

[2] Kastanidis: European transport problems can be solved, but gradually

Transport and Communications Minister Haris Kastanidis yesterday stressed the need for a gradual approach to comprehensively resolve all the problems related to transportation in Europe, while addressing the 80th European Transport Ministers Conference in Budapest.

Mr. Kastanidis drew attention to the fact that completely different traffic conditions prevail in western and eastern Europe, with congestion and serious environmental repercussions plaguing the former and deficient infrastructure and pollution the latter.

Stressing that these two situations produced different problems, which required different, often conflicting solutions, Mr. Kastanidis said a number of acceptable solutions were already available, including the development of an environmental transport policy based on the free choice of transportation means by the user.

Absolute harmonization in a Europe with differing regions would be a mistake, Mr. Kastanidis added, proposing instead the use of the "lowest common denominator" to serve as a basis for a European transport policy, which would provide acceptable solution s to the problems existing in all regions of Europe.

On the sidelines of the conference, Mr. Kastanidis met yesterday with the EU Commissioner for Transport, Neil Kinnock, with whom he discussed issues of European and Greek interest.

Mr. Kastanidis extended an invitation to the British EU commissioner to visit Greece. He also had talks with his Hungarian counterpart, a meeting which focused on an increase in the number of transit permits for Greek trucks, an issue to be examined by a standing joint committee overseeing the technical details.

Mr. Kastanidis reiterated Greece's full support for Hungary's efforts to join the European Union.

The two-day conference, in which representatives from 43 countries are participating, was scheduled to conclude its sessions yesterday evening.

[3] Gov't not considering any new Pangalos-Gonensay meeting, Reppas says

The government is not considering any meeting between Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos and his Turkish counterpart Emre Gonensay, government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said yesterday.

He was responding to questions on whether the cancellation of a June 3 meeting between the two men on the sidelines of a NATO meeting in Berlin was a temporary postponement.

The government canceled the meeting, citing "government instability" in the neighboring country, a deterioration of relations resulting from recent statements by Ankara, and repeated Turkish violations of Greek airspace and territorial waters.

There were no plans for a Pangalos-Gonensay meeting on the sidelines of the Bildeburg Club meeting either, Mr. Reppas added.

Foreign ministry spokesman Costas Bikas yesterday declined comment on the decision to call off the meeting.

The most recent incident between the two countries occurred on Tuesday, after a Turkish patrol boat rammed a Greek coast-guard vessel off Imia islet, in what Athens said was clearly Greek territorial waters. Ankara disputed the claim, saying the vessel w as in Turkish waters and immobilized because of engine failure.

Mr. Pangalos and Mr. Gonensay had agreed recently in Bucharest to hold talks on the sidelines of the NATO meeting in Berlin.

[4] No comment on Albanian elections from foreign ministry

Mr. Bikas also declined comment on the situation in Albania following last Sunday's general elections.

The Greek government's stance would correspond to what is decided by the OSCE council, Mr. Bikas added.

The issue of the tumultuous Albanian elections was also expected to be touched on yesterday's meeting of the European Union political committee in Rome - where Greece will be represented by Ambassador Alexandros Filon - which is scheduled to review the situation in the former Yugoslavia, particularly in Mostar where elections were expected, Mr. Bikas said.

Given the problems there but also the increased EU interest and responsibility, as Mostar's administrator is a European, Mr. Bikas said, Athens considered that every possible effort should be made that the elections do take place in Mostar, even with a brief postponement.

Moslems, Croats and Serbs agreed on Saturday to hold elections next month in the divided Bosnian city. Elections had originally been scheduled for the end of May but non-Croat parties in Mostar refused to register because displaced persons and refugees from the 43-month Bosnian war would not have been able to vote.

The agreement reached Saturday provides for buses to be made available to take to Mostar refugees and displaced persons wishing to vote.

[5] Coalition protests against anti-democratic Albanian elections

The Coalition of the Left and Progress party held a symbolic demonstration outside the Albanian Embassy in Athens yesterday to protest what it called anti-democratic manipulation of last Sunday's national election by the ruling party.

The Coalition also condemned in a resolution what it said was prosecution against opposition Albanian parties and the creation of a feeling of insecurity among the neighboring nation's ethnic Greek minority.

The party's resolution calls the situation in Albania a "provocative act of political instability, with serious repercussion in the greater region," and condemns what it cites as a rapidly growing "autocracy" in the neighboring country.

Coalition cadre Theodoros Margaritis said the party called for a reholding of the election, and for Athens to pressure Tirana to stop its "one-party" diversion.

[6] US declines to comment

US State Department spokesman Nicholas Burns refused to comment on Athens' decision to cancel the meeting.

Mr. Burns did, however, express the hope that the two sides will manage to have contacts some time in the near future.

Speaking on the recent elections in Albania, Mr. Burns said the US expressed its deep concern to the Albanian government over the charges of irregularities and fraud made by international observers, which included many Americans. He called on both the Albanian government and the opposition parties to refrain from using violence.

In another development, US Secretary of State Warren Christopher and British Foreign Secretary Malcolm Rifkind met in Washington yesterday. Talks included the Cyprus issue, with the aim of coordinating actions by the US and the European Union on the matter.

[7] Avramopoulos in Istanbul for Habitat II conference

President of the Central Union of Municipalities and Communities of Greece (KEDKE) and Athens Mayor Dimitris Avramopoulos left for Istanbul yesterday at the head of a delegation of Greek local self-administration representatives in order to participate in the UN's Habitat II conference on the urban environment, which will be held in Istanbul from June 3 to 14.

During the conference, Mr. Avramopoulos is to present a speech entitled "better town management and the creation of a livable urban environment."

Roughly 20,000 delegates from all over the world are expected to attend the conference, during which they are to adopt an international programme aimed at finding solutions to housing and health problems, the lack of infrastructure and urban services amongst others.

[8] US committee maintains 7:10 ratio of military aid to Greece, Turkey

The House of Representatives' Funds Appropriation Committee has proposed maintaining the 7 to 10 ratio in US defense aid to Greece and Turkey for next year.

The Committee is proposing $103.77 million and $147.82 million respectively.

A report accompanying the committee's proposal says that defense aid to the two countries will not be aimed at purchasing new weaponry systems but improving existing weaponry systems of US origin or for purchasing spare parts.

The committee also supports a 50 per cent decrease in economic aid to Turkey. The decrease was proposed last week by the relevant Parliament Foreign Affairs Subcommittee, following an amendment by Congressman John Porter (R-Ill.).

Referring to this decision, World Council of Overseas Hellenism President Andrew Athens said it was the result of reactions created by recent Turkish threats against Greece and the continuing illegal occupation of Cyprus.

During Wednesday's discussion at the Funds Appropriation Committee on amounts to be given by the US as foreign aid during fiscal year 1997, it was agreed that annual economic aid to Cyprus be maintained at $15 million.

It is also expressly clarified that the committee supports a peaceful reunification of the island on the basis of UN resolutions, the withdrawal of Turkish troops and the demilitarization of Cyprus.

[9] Arsenis briefs president on defense issues

National Defense Minister Gerassimos Arsenis yesterday briefed President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos on national defense ministry matters and national security within the framework of their regular contacts.

Asked by reporters after the meeting whether Mr. Stephanopoulos was concerned about recent developments on national issues, the national defense minister declined to comment on the president's positions, saying only that Mr. Stephanopoulos was following developments "with great interest" and was being briefed daily.

Replying to other questions concerning the government's decision to cancel a meeting between the Greek and Turkish foreign ministers on the sidelines of a NATO meeting on Monday, Mr. Arsenis said the decision was unanimous and "the right move."

Furthermore, when asked whether there was a possibility of NATO mediating to help resolve Greek-Turkish differences, Mr. Arsenis replied: "No, I cannot see this."

[10] Greek navy takes delivery of second troop carrier

National Defense Under-secretary Nikos Kouris attended a delivery ceremony for the troop carrier 'Hios' at the Elefsis Shipyards yesterday.

"The visible threat from the east at present necessitates that we deploy armed forces which are qualitatively superior and the people should be prepared for any contingency," Mr. Kouris said.

The 'Hios' is the second of five troop carriers being built for the Greek Navy at the Elefsis Shipyards.

The first, 'Samos', has already been delivered to the Greek Navy.

The ceremony was also attended by National Defense General Staff Chief Athanasios Tzoganis and Navy General Staff Chief Leonidas Paliogiorgos.

[11] Simitis: 'education crucial to our development as a society'

Prime Minister Costas Simitis held a meeting yesterday with Education Minister George Papandreou, Education Under-secretary George Paschalidis and other officials regarding problems and the government's programme for all education sectors.

Speaking after the two-hour meeting, Mr. Simitis said this was the second in a series of visits he will make to ministries. He added that the education ministry "is crucial to our development as a society."

Mr. Simitis supported state education, saying "we want public education and with the correct adaptation, universities can play an important role today."

The prime minister said that he will meet with university rectors, and said discussion on the autonomy and self-administration of universities must have begun by June 15, when the university rectors meeting will take place.

Mr. Simitis also spoke of the announcements due to be made today by the education minister, who will publicize the draft bill for changes in the high school examination system, characterizing them as positive.

According to information, the current examination system will be abolished, and a new national high-school diploma will be awarded from 1999.

Pupils will take nationwide tests at the end of the last two years of high school, while the grades achieved on these tests will be calculated for the final grade on their diploma. Exams will be set in five or six basic lessons, such as mathematics and languages, as well as on three optional subjects.

Mr. Simitis also referred to the absorption of Community funds, saying that by the end of the year, all programs must have been completed and approved in order for the implementation and absorption to begin.

He added that during the summer, all procedures for the implementation of the National Education Fund must have been completed so that 200 billion drachmas can be available in the new year to be used in education sectors.

[12] Alarming shortage of intensive care unit beds

The president of the Greek Society for Intensive Care Units (METH) yesterday called shortages in beds, equipment and personnel throughout the nation's ICUs "significant and unjustified."

METH president Alexandros Anastasakis made the statement at a press conference, where he said that current beds cover only one-fifth of needs, while practically no hospital outside the greater Athens area retains special units for the treatment of children, which results in underage patients in the provinces being treated in adult ICU departments.

He added that red tape and a lack of proper funding were keeping ICUs closed, citing the Ayia Olga Hospital's ICU, which he said has been closed since Easter for repairs and six ICU beds at the KAT hospital in Kifissia.

METH officials said several prefectures in the country are without ICUs, leading most of the serious incidents to be channeled to private clinics. They also claimed private hospitals overcharge ICU patients by as much as 800 per cent compared to public facilities.

One example cited was a lung catheter, which costs 154,000 drachmas at private hospitals, but 24,500 at the Voula emergency room.

[13] Greece supports greater role for European Parliament

A clearer allocation of the roles and duties of the European Union's institutional bodies and a simplification of processes by which Community decisions are taken are the two basic axes of Greek positions on the role of the European Parliament, as presented at yesterday's meeting of the committee of the 15 EU states' foreign ministers' envoys by Greek representative Yiannos Kranidiotis.

Mr. Kranidiotis underlined in a working text submitted to the meeting that the reply the inter-governmental conference (IGC) will give to the demand for wider legitimization of the EU's operation will constitute for Greece the main criterion of the entire undertaking's success, adding that the role of the European Parliament, which represents the EU's citizens, should be consolidated and strengthened.

Referring to the European Parliament's legislative operation, Mr. Kranidiotis expressed support for the simplification of its processes with the abolition of the process of co-decisionmaking being the first step.

On the question of the European Parliament's role in common foreign policy issues and security policy, Mr. Kranidiotis stressed the need for the Parliament and the Council of Ministers to be briefed on the framework of necessary confidentiality and for an in-depth examination of settlements consolidating the necessary speed for adoption of common positions and actions.

In relation to the duties of the European Court, the Greek side believes that the European Parliament should be in a position to request its opinion and make appeals for the annulment of decisions.

Lastly, in connection with the European Parliament's composition, Mr. Kranidiotis expressed support for the 700 Eurodeputy limit and the initiation of a unified process for their election in all member-states.

[14] Archaeologists alarmed over delayed maintenance at Knossos site

Workers and archaeologists responsible for the maintenance of the Minoan Palace at Knossos on Crete yesterday issued a statement warning that visitors to the site would soon see only "piles of ancient stones," unless maintenance and restoration work is carried out immediately.

"Fifteen years have passed since the first studies were announced and no work has yet been carried out. The deterioration of the ancient construction material is increasing at a rapid rate and, according to experts is irreversible," the statement read.

"In just a few years there will be no Minoan palace at Knossos to show Greek and foreign visitors. And the one billion drachmas earned by the Greek state will soon be significantly reduced, since only piles of ancient stones will be on display," it added.

The statement said that workers and archaeologists at Knossos were receiving complaints and negative comments about the unacceptable condition of the site, "but the people who are ultimately responsible appear to be unconcerned."

Demanding commitments to commence immediate maintenance work on the unique monument, the employees said that they would continue to struggle "for deeds to take the place of words" at Knossos.

[15] Discussion on Parliament's better operation set for Tuesday

A substantive discussion on proposals by Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis on changes in House regulations will start on Tuesday. The Regulation Committee convened yesterday but the discussion was general, as Mr. Kaklamanis said, on the possibilities of improving and upgrading Parliament's operation. Mr. Kaklamanis said all parties were prepared to have certain changes and that an effort would be made to achieve the agreement of all on basic settlements.

He said they would be heard at the next meeting and if proposals were made by the other parties. Main opposition New Democracy party deputy Stavros Dimas said whatever changes in Parliament's regulations should be brought about appropriately and after being studied. He reiterated his party's disagreement in the 37,000-drachma bonus being extended to deputies participating in committees.

[16] Coalition leader comments on Greek-Turkish relations

Coalition of the Left and Progress leader Nikos Constantopoulos said yesterday that "it is obvious that Greek-Turkish relations are constantly being held hostage to the internal problems of both countries." Mr. Constantopoulos was speaking on his arrival in Iraklion, Crete, where he is on a two-day visit to the prefecture.

"I believe," Mr. Constantopoulos said, "that the government is swinging back and forth without a steady line of action, and at a time when initiatives are needed to reduce tension and to lead to a smoothing out of Greek-Turkish relations it returns to t he known practice of spasmodic ... measures."

The Coalition leader also asked for long-term planning in Greek-Turkish relations.

Coalition of the Left and Progress leader Nikos Constantopoulos asked for the mobilization of Greece's social and intellectual forces in order to "prevent yet another cultural genocide" during an event organized by his party for the protection of the cultural heritage of the Turkish occupied northern Cyprus. During the event, evidence was presented regarding the treatment of monuments in the occupied parts of Cyprus by the Turkish forces and the Turkish settlers.

[17] UNESCO's 50th anniversary to be celebrated in the Dodecanese

A total of 60 educational, scientific and cultural events organized by the Dodecanese branch of UNESCO branch are due to begin on June 29 on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the founding of the organization.

Archbishop of Cape Town Reverend Desmond Tutu sent a message to the organizing committee stressing that "peace is God's dream for all of us. If we express ourselves for peace we have the wonderful quality of being associates of God... The term 'peace' expresses euphoria, fulfillment. It includes justice, physical and material well-being, compassion, civility... I wish the Dodecannese UNESCO branch every success for the consolidation of peace in the region."

A message sent by former president of Costa Rica Oscar Arias Sanchez, who won the 1987 Nobel Peace Prize, said "hope is the greatest driving power for humans. Hope opens the way towards freedom. Only with hope for freedom do we avoid violence, only in this way do we achieve calm and answer peacefully to the various 'insults'. My best wishes for the Dodecanese."

[18] Recent bad weather causes 'extensive damage' to crops

The Democratic Agricultural Associations of Greece (SYDASE) announced yesterday that hail and rainstorms over the last three days had caused extensive damage to crops in 12 agricultural prefectures throughout the country.

According to initial estimates by local agriculture agents, more than 50,000 acres of cultivated land has been hit in the prefectures of Corinth, Ilia, Aetoloakarnania, Viotia, Evia, Larissa, Magnesia, Pella, Thessaloniki, Kastoria, Serres and Attica.

Crops affected include cotton, peaches, cherries, pears, apples, water melons, grapes, nuts and wheat.

SYDASE President Yiannis Pittas described the situation in many areas as "tragic" and called on the agriculture ministry to take immediate steps to assess the damage and provide compensation to farmers.

[19] Siemens, Russia's LMZ to equip Platanovrysi hydroelectric project

The general director of the Public Power Corporation (DEH) and representatives of the Siemens S.A. (Greece) - Siemens A.G. (Germany) - LMZ (Russia) business group signed a contract yesterday for the procurement and installation of turbines, generators and other main electrical and mechanical equipment necessary for the hydroelectric Platanovrysi project on the Nestos River on the borders of the Drama and Kavalla prefectures.

The procurement includes two hydroelectric units of a 50 MW capacity each, while the annual production of energy will amount to 240,000,000 KWH.

The contractual price amounts to nine billion drachmas at present-day prices, of which at least two billion drachmas will be earmarked for equipment and services.

The hydroelectric project of Platanovrysi is the second Nestos dam on Greek territory and its artificial lake is useful for pumping water into the lake of the Thisavros project located close to the border with Bulgaria.

The Platanovrysi project, together with the Thisavros project and the hydroelectric project of Temenos, will constitute the Nestos River's hydroelectric system with an estimated annual production capacity of 1,420,000,000 KWH.

The Platanovrysi dam will be 95 meters high and have a total volume of 450,000 cubic meters and will be the highest dam in Europe to be built with the new technology of cylindricated concrete (RCC).

[20] Development ministry takes measures to protect fur industry

In a bid to protect the fur industry and consumers taken in by synthetic look-alikes, the development ministry yesterday announced regulations prohibiting the use of the term "fur" for anything but genuine hide with hair attached.

According to an order signed by Development Minister Vasso Papandreou, no product that resembles fur but does not originate from animals can be described as a 'fur', even combined with a modifying word. The ban also extends to foreign-language synonyms and their derivatives.

"Fake fur" products can go under the name 'fur' only if it is clearly indicated they are synthetic imitations. They must also have labels showing what materials they are made of.

The order has also banned the use of the term "ecological" or similar expressions, either in Greek or in other languages, to describe clothing unless it has been assigned an ecological stamp in accordance with EU regulations. Traders failing to comply with the above regulations will be liable to prosecution under market law and their merchandise confiscated.

[21] AGET-Heracles registers increased turnover, profits of 12.5 billion

The AGET-Heracles cement company, whose majority of shares are under the control of the Italian Ferucci-Calcestruzzi group and the minority by the National Bank of Greece, announced turnover of 99.6 billion drachmas for 1995, compared to 87.7 billion in the previous year. Of this amount, 84 billion drachmas account for the cement industry alone.

According to an announcement at yesterday's general assembly of shareholders, the group's profits totaled 12.5 billion drachmas (compared to 8.1 billion drachmas in 1994) and those of Heracles 9.3 billion (as against 7.4 billion in 1994). The company w ill give 80 drachmas in dividends for each share (as against 65 drachmas in the previous fiscal year) and will also distribute profits amounting to 200 million drachmas to its staff as a bonus.

The company's president Massimo Giudici said conditions in both the Greek and international markets were unfavorable for cement industries. He said in Greece in particular the recovery in the cement market did not reach the level expected due to a delay in major projects.

The biggest part of the company's sales was made abroad since exports accounted for 3.6 million tons compared to sales amounting to 2.7 million tons in Greece.

[22] Bank of Piraeus decides on share capital increase

The General Assembly of the Bank of Piraeus decided yesterday to increase the bank's share capital by nine billion drachmas.

A total of 3.6 million new shares will be issued with a face value of 1,200 drachmas and a sale price of 2,500 drachmas each. The new shares will be given preferentially to old shareholders with a ratio of nine new shares for 10 old ones. When the increase is completed the bank's share capital will amount to 21 billion drachmas.

The Bank of Piraeus plans to finance a new investment programme and expand credit given with new capital which in parallel will help to strengthen its solvency indicator and widen its network of branch offices.

It was also decided that 250 drachmas per share will be given in dividends.

End of English language section.