A.N.A. Bulletin, 19/06/96

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

Athens News Agency Directory

ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No. 915), June 19, 1996

Greek Press & Information Office

Ottawa, Canada

E-Mail Address: grnewsca@sympatico.ca

CONTENTS

[1] Gov't satisfied with US stance on Gavdos asks Turkey to withdraw dispute

Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos yesterday expressed satisfaction over the US State Department's acknowledgment of Greece's sovereignty over the island of Gavdos, located south of Crete, and called on Turkey to state that it does not dispute Greece's sovereignty over the island.

"It is high time, after a long wait, that the American side finally took a position," Mr. Pangalos said. He was referring to State Department spokesman Nicholas Burns's statement at a press conference on Monday that Turkey had assured Washington that a dispute of Gavdos' status raised by a Turkish admiral regarding an upcoming NATO exercise in the area had been due to "technical problems".

"The Turkish government has assured us that the objection it raised for naval exercises, which will take place south of Crete, concerned only technical questions and had nothing to do with the sovereignty of Gavdos, this island which is south of Crete, and there can be no issue regarding its sovereignty," Mr. Burns said during the Washington press conference, adding: "Gavdos is Greek and Greece has sovereignty there."

Mr. Pangalos insisted, however, that the issue "cannot be resolved through the statements of third parties", and reiterated that "the provocation came from Turkey, and it is Turkey that must state that it does not dispute Greece's sovereignty over Gavdos" .

[2] Gov't satisfied

Commenting on the statement by the State Department official, government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said it was a positive development, as it constituted an additional factor strengthening peace, stability and security in the region.

However, he added that Turkey was exposed for as long as it did not clarify its position on the issue of Gavdos.

In addition, Mr. Reppas said Turkey must undertake an initiative and establish a revocation of this position officially and authoritatively (namely that it disputed Gavdos) because "we believe that a country aspiring to follow a European course cannot possibly follow a troublemaker policy."

Replying to questions after a Government Council for Foreign Affairs and Defense (KYSEA) meeting, Mr. Reppas said the armaments and armed forces issue would be discussed at another KYSEA meeting and not at today's cabinet meeting.

KYSEA yesterday discussed latest developments in Greek-Turkish relations, while Mr. Reppas said the meeting paved the way for today's cabinet meeting, which would focus exclusively on foreign affairs issues.

Meanwhile, the government spokesman was critical of the Italian European Union presidency's position on both issues to be discussed at the Florence summit and the invitation extended to Turkish Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz.

He said it was not easy for Greece to be present at the dinner the Italian presidency had announced it would give for the Turkish premier.

Mr. Reppas said what was right and what was to be done would be examined at that moment and action would be taken accordingly, but confirmed that the prime minister would not attend.

[3] Opposition reactions

The opposition Political Spring party scoffed at the US position that Gavdos is a Greek island.

Party spokesman Notis Martakis said the "US neutrality of unequal provocative distances 'gives us' Gavdos and leaves the Imia islets in a state of 'grey hostage'. And Mr. Pangalos says he is satisfied. Congratulations."

Asked to comment on the Burns statement yesterday, Secretary-General of the Communist Party of Greece (KKE) Aleka Papariga spoke of "divide and rule" tactics on the part of the United States "so as to promote their interests with greater stability."

[4] Bush, Powell visit Gavdos

In a related issue, former US President George Bush visited the island of Gavdos yesterday morning accompanied by his wife Barbara and retired US Army general and former US chief of the general staff Colin Powell.

"We are honored to be in these parts, the Greek islands," Mr. Bush said in reply to a question on the significance of his visit to Gavdos.

He stressed, however, that his visit had been scheduled since January.

Mr. Bush stayed on the island for two hours and met with Community President Theofilos Tsirintakis and Hania Prefect Aleka Markoyiannaki, who presented him with traditional Cretan embroidery.

Mr. Bush avoided making any further statements, saying the trip did not include politics but "relaxation and family."

He referred to his friendly relations with former Prime Minister Constantine Mitsotakis and the late Turkish President Turgut Ozal, both of whom he said offered their support, particularly during the Gulf War.

Meanwhile, Gen. Powell on his part confirmed reports that he would run for the US presidency, but not during the next (2000) elections.

Referring to the issue of Gavdos, Gen. Powell said he hoped such problems would be resolved through diplomatic channels, without disagreements that could lead to confrontation.

He left for Germany after 2 p.m. yesterday from Iraklio to attend an event honoring German Chancellor Helmut Kohl later in the evening.

Mr. Bush and his party will return to Rhodes today to continue their cruise of the Greek islands.

[5] Greece, Armenia sign defense agreement

Greece and Armenia's defense co-operation agreement, signed yesterday, formalizes the already established ties between the two countries in the defense sector, National Defense Minister Gerassimos Arsenis told reporters after yesterday's signing ceremony.

The agreement was signed by Mr. Arsenis and his Armenian counterpart, Vargen Sargisian, who is accompanying Armenian President Levon Ter-Petrosyan on his two-day official visit to Greece.

The agreement includes exchange of information and assessments in the defense sector, training of officers and exchange of views in the armaments sector.

Mr. Arsenis said Greece intended to give high priority to achieving the objectives laid out in the agreement, adding that Athens had for some time been promoting a defense network with neighboring countries in the wider region, with an aim of consolidating peace and stability in the area.

"For historic reasons, but also for many others, the agreement with Armenia is of very high priority," he said. "We have defense co-operation with Bulgaria, Romania, Albania, Egypt, Syria and Israel."

Mr. Sargisian noted that Armenian military officers were already being trained at the Evelpidon Military Academy and at the School of Commissioned Officers in Trikala, adding that Greek army personnel have been assisting the Armenian Army since it was first established in 1992.

Greece was one of the first countries to appoint a defense attache to its embassy in Armenia.

"Our course is united and our co-operation is a given," he stressed, adding that Greece had a "sure and steady ally" in Armenia, in a region where Armenia is the only stable nation.

In the past few years, the Armenian defense minister said, the co-operation between the two countries in the training sector and in the exchange of technical issues between the two armies had been intensified so that the signing of an agreement became inevitable, he said.

Talks between the two men focused on the exchange of views on the developments in the wider region, from the Caucasus to the Balkans.

[6] Greece supports Armenia's European plans, Pangalos says

Greece yesterday pledged to back Armenia's efforts for greater rapprochement with the European Union and membership in the Council of Europe.

The pledge was made during talks between visiting Armenian Foreign Minister Vahan Papazian and his Greek counterpart Theodoros Pangalos.

The two ministers signed three bilateral co-operation agreements in the sectors of transports, public health and public order. They also discussed co-operation between the two countries in the defense, telecommunications and food processing sectors.

Mr. Pangalos told reporters after the meeting that the two countries were "exploring the possibility of setting up a forum of co-operation in the defense sector, which, apart from Greece and Armenia, would also include Iran, certain Arab countries such a s Syria, and possibly Georgia".

He said his discussions with Mr. Papazian also centered on the sector of defense co-operation and, specifically, the weapons systems of the two countries, exchanges of experts, and the granting of scholarships to Armenian officers.

Both foreign ministers spoke of the "excellent climate" in Greek-Armenian relations. Mr. Pangalos said that Greece and Armenia "are two peace-loving countries which, due to their geographical position and particular problems, are 'condemned' to spending large amounts for their defense shield". Mr. Papazian is accompanying Armenian President Levon Ter-Petrosyan who arrived here yesterday on an official two-day visit to Greece and talks with the Greek leadership.

[7] Armenian President

Armenian President Ter-Petrosyan continued his contacts in Athens yesterday, meeting consecutively with the leaders of all Greece's political parties and with Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis at the Parliament.

A joint statement issued after the talks between Mr. Ter-Petrosyan and Mr. Kaklamanis said there was an identity of views on a wide range of issues concerning the two countries, adding there was a discussion of the Russian elections and consequences of "governmental instability" in Turkey. Mr. Kaklamanis also briefed Mr. Ter-Petrosyan on the continuing Turkish provocations in the Aegean.

The Armenian president said he carried his people's warmest regards for Greece's Parliament for naming April 24 a day of remembrance for the 1915 genocide of Armenians by the Turks.

Mr. Kaklamanis said passing the motion had been a matter of honor towards the Armenian nation but also towards the victims of all the genocides caused and being caused by Turkey. He handed the Armenian president the formal ratification of the law as well as the minutes of the Parliament session which passed the motion.

Mr. Kaklamanis also received an invitation from his Armenian counterpart to officially visit Yerevan.

[8] Meeting with Avramopoulos

In addition, Athens Mayor Dimitris Avramopoulos awarded the golden medal of the City of Athens yesterday to Mr. Ter-Petrosyan during a ceremony at City Hall.

Mr. Avramopoulos spoke of the ties between the two countries, saying "Athens today honors not only the president of the Armenian Republic, but an individual of letters and struggles, a historical researcher, a tireless political leader who has conducted so many struggles for the freedom and independence of the Armenian people."

The Armenian president and his wife will visit Thessaloniki today.

[9] Greek frigate monitoring Turkish exercise off Cyprus

The Hellenic Navy frigate "Elli" is patrolling off Cyprus to monitor the movements of the Turkish fleet, which is conducting air and sea exercises in the Aegean and eastern Mediterranean.

"We are not playing any game of impressions but are moving on the basis of our own programme, closely monitoring developments and acting accordingly," National Defense Minister Gerassimos Arsenis said yesterday, in response to questions regarding flyovers of Cypriot airspace by Greek aircraft and the presence of the frigate.

The naval vessel anchored close to the port of Paphos Monday afternoon for two hours.

It will remain in the area until the Turkish exercise, "Sea Wolf '96" ends.

[10] Evert expresses concern for political instability in Turkey

Main opposition New Democracy party leader Miltiades Evert expressed his concern for the situation in Turkey yesterday during an interview with the "Antenna" television channel.

"There is a climate of destabilization, a great political crisis, which could lead Turkey to turn this crisis against our country," Mr. Evert said.

The ND leader revealed that he has called for a political party leaders' council to be convened through a letter he sent to President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos on Feb. 17, after the Imia crisis, in order for a unified defense and foreign policy to be drawn up.

"It is not possible for each defense or foreign minister to exercise personal foreign policy or to exercise party policy," he said.

Mr. Evert stressed the need to create a mechanism for the handling of emergencies in order for there to be a strategic handling of any particular crisis.

He added that decisiveness would not allow Turkey to magnify problems, saying "the policy of yielding which has existed until today has led to the climaxing of Turkish provocations up to the point where the Turks are speaking of 'grey' zones which are non-existent for us."

The ND president said his party will not oppose armaments programmes, and characterized the delay in defense materials orders as being unacceptable and nationally dangerous. However, he stressed that with an armaments programme of three trillion drachma s, the convergence programme is in danger of collapsing.

[11] Turkish politician says no 'grey areas' in the Aegean

Contradicting recent statements by Turkish political leaders, the president of the Turkish Liberal Democratic Party Bisim Tibuk said in Athens yesterday that there were no "grey areas" in the Aegean.

"There are no grey areas in the Aegean, there is no problem with Gavdos, all this is a small, bureaucratic mistake," he said after meeting Athens Mayor Dimitris Avramopoulos at City Hall.

"Eighty or 90 per cent of Turks want peace and friendship with Greece," Mr. Tibuk continued, who has been honored with the Ipekci Award for his work toward the promotion of Greek-Turkish friendship.

[12] Venizelos downplays threat to PASOK's unity during upcoming congress

Justice Minister Evangelos Venizelos yesterday dismissed speculation about dangers to the unity of the ruling PASOK party coming to a head at this month's congress as a result of possible personal clashes.

"I see absolutely no organizational or political danger to the unity of PASOK. But we must all do something very simple: Contribute to the de-dramatization of the situation by correctly formulating the priorities of the congress, which is primarily one of political positions," he said in one of his regular meetings with reporters.

"It is legitimate for many personal ambitions to exist ... and there are moments of high tension in a dialogue, which of course, has both political and personal characteristics. I would never focus on the moments of high tension, but for those of fertile dialogue. And I think this will ultimately prevail among delegates," he added.

He went on to say that there is no need of special guarantees for the unity of the party.

"Guarantors of unity are all the members of PASOK, its supporters, its voters, ultimately all Greek citizens, who even if not opting for it, are interested in its existence and action in the framework of our democratic political system," he said.

"We must find ways of re-approaching the people, to move the feelings of the citizen and convince him that it is worthwhile to participate in politics. Politics do not stop at dilemmas between persons or mechanisms," he added.

Referring to the role of party president Andreas Papandreou, he said the former premier is "the symbol of unity and historical continuity of PASOK, and therefore, his presence alone functions as an institutional guarantee."

[13] Other PASOK statements

Concurring with Mr. Venizelos' views, Defense Minister Gerassimos Arsenis said the party congress had to be political, and not one preoccupied with numbers, as both in Greece and the broader region dramatic changes are at work.

He expressed the wish that delegates would present political positions, with a sense of responsibility toward the country and the party.

Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis struck a rather different note in statements to reporters, recognizing the possibility of clashes during the congress, but adding that "this is something that I neither wish, nor the country, PASOK, and the political system need."

He advised a milder political climate in all directions, "so that we may be able to serve the interests of the country more effectively, during a period that looks difficult, perhaps critical."

Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos, commenting on a statement by Interior Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos in an interview with "To Vima" newspaper on Sunday, where the interior minister stated that Mr. Pangalos is dangerous at the foreign ministry, replied:

"I don't know if Mr. Tsohatzopoulos means that I am dangerous for himself or for the government. If he fears for himself, I state that I have no intention of doing him any harm."

"I consider it very good for him not to be elected vice-president at the party congress," he added.

[14] Arsenis to meet Syrian, Egyptian officials

National Defense Minister Gerassimos Arsenis told reporters yesterday that he was scheduled to meet with the Syrian deputy prime minister next month, followed in the next few months with a meeting with his Egyptian counterpart.

No other information was available.

[15] Simitis announces framework to handle problems of the elderly

Prime Minister Costas Simitis visited a day center for the elderly (KAPI) in Peristeri yesterday afternoon accompanied by members of the government.

In speaking after the visit, Mr. Simitis announced the creation of a framework for the coordinated handling of problems relating to health, housing, social protection and communication for senior citizens.

The prime minister announced a "home help" pilot programme which will be implemented initially in the Peristeri KAPI, that will provide for a social worker and two social helpers to support the organization of a social care programme for the elderly on a local community level.

Mr. Simitis also announced the creation of a body of volunteers to care for the elderly and the organization of training seminars for these volunteers.

A special elderly aid fund will be established, with income being derived from state sources and donations.

[16] Tsohatzopoulos: Only voluntary transfers in public sector

Interior, Public Administration and Decentralization Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos said during a press conference yesterday that only voluntary transfers will take place in the public sector, adding that such transfers will occur in October.

Mr. Tsohatzopoulos said the procedure of compulsory transfers can not be successful, despite the existence of a relative law, as has been proved in the past.

The interior minister also rejected premature retirement plans, saying there is a shortage of personnel in the public sector. He added that existing staff must be redistributed on a correct and scientific basis in order for it to be operational and more efficient.

Mr. Tsohatzopoulos stressed a discussion will have to be held with the Civil Servants' Supreme Administrative Council (ADEDY) in order to ensure public administration operates in a stable and qualitative manner, without an increase in cost. The ministry aims to hire only three employees for every 10 leaving.

During the press conference, Mr. Tsohatzopoulos expressed his satisfaction regarding the first convention of the inter-party committee for public administration, which was held yesterday, and for the draft bill referring to the administrative procedures code due to be submitted to the standing Parliamentary committee for discussion next Wednesday.

Mr. Tsohatzopoulos said the code's clauses contain important changes to administration - citizens' relations.

"Each citizen will have the right to have knowledge of administrative documents of cases concerning him," Mr. Tsohatzopoulos said, and added that favorable decisions taken for the citizen, which are later found to be illegal will have to be revoked within two years, instead of the current five.

The interior minister spoke of the need for building projects for public administration in order to end the unfavorable conditions existing in many public services today.

[17] Latest jobless figures bode well

Some 76,590 unemployed people were hired in May, the largest monthly number for the last five years, the Organization for the Employment of Human Resources (OAED) said yesterday.

Greece's unemployment rate fell to 6.32 per cent in May, a 1.31 per cent drop from April, but almost double the percentage for the same period last year.

OAED said the figures were a clear indication the job market was entering a period of stabilization, with positive prospects for the economy.

[18] OTE approves gradual rate cut for Greece-US calls

The Hellenic Telecommunications Organization (OTE) board of directors yesterday approved the gradual reduction until April 30, 1997, of the rates charged for telephone conversations between Greece and the United States through the AT&T, MCI, and US Sprint telecommunications providers, by 0.85, 0.75, and 0.70 SDR per minute respectively - 1 SDR equals 350 drachmas.

The board also approved a new rate structure for mobile telephone services offered by the Panafon company, effective from Aug. 1, and a list of shareholders who will partake in the OTE annual assembly on June 20.

[19] SEKAP adopts aggressive export policy

The Cooperative Tobacco Industry of Greece (SEKAP) has chosen an aggressive export policy in order to confront difficulties and competition in the tobacco market.

SEKAP is already following an upward trend with new agreements concluded for exporting cigarettes and tobacco to the Middle East, Albania, Bulgaria, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), Russia, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Romania, the Czech Republic, Uruguay, Paraguay, Surinam and other countries.

SEKAP President Seitanidis presented data at a press conference yesterday showing what he said was the tobacco industry's successful course.

More specifically, over the past three years SEKAP has increased its own capital by 2.3 billion drachmas, improved its assets by 3.9 billion drachmas and increased sales of its products in the domestic market by 6.2 per cent in 1995.

Mr. Seitanidis also said SEKAP would begin co-operation with foreign companies to produce its products in other countries as well.

Meanwhile, Greek scientists have reportedly invented a new filter absorbing carbon monoxide and tar to a great extent, according to results of SEKAP-sponsored scientific research conducted so far.

[20] Compaq announces Athens-based subsidiary

The Houston-based US computer manufacturer Compaq, one of the world's leading suppliers of personal computers (PCs), announced yesterday that it would establish a subsidiary in Greece, headquartered in Maroussi.

Compaq officials announced at a press conference at Zappeion Hall that the move was part of its expansion into new markets.

The new subsidiary, named Compaq Computer SA, will serve the Greek market for sales, marketing and technical support.

According to reports, the US firm sees increased possibilities of upgrading its presence in Greece, considering the Balkan nation a developing market in the sector of informatics products and services.

In addition, three Greek companies registered with the Athens stock exchange (Altec, Infoquest and Pouliadis) will continue to sell Compaq's products as wholesale distributors, at least for the time being.

Compaq's target is to increase its share of the market in Greece from 4 per cent to 14 per cent (equaling its average share in Europe).

Themis Rekleitis was appointed the company's general director in Greece. It will also target state procurements, a sector in which its share is very small at present.

[21] Gov't denies reports of new taxes to fund weapons procurement programmes

Both National Economy Minister Yiannos Papantoniou and Finance Minister Alekos Papadopoulos denied rumors yesterday that the government was considering imposing new taxes to pay for Greece's new armaments programme.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting of the inner cabinet at the Parliament building, Mr. Papantoniou categorically denied that there was any issue of new taxes to finance the proposed armaments programmes.

He said that the matter of defense spending or of finding resources was not even raised during the marathon Government Council for Foreign Affairs and Defense (KYSEA) meeting, or at the subsequent inner cabinet meeting, both of which were chaired by Prime Minister Costas Simitis.

The inner cabinet devoted itself exclusively with the degree of absorption of Community funds and the related course of major projects. According to Mr. Papantoniou, the inner cabinet decided on a series of measures to increase absorption of funds.

He said he was convinced that by the end of the year absorption rates will have reached 100 per cent.

He admitted there was a discrepancy in absorption rates in different areas but added that at the moment the general rate was considered satisfactory.

He noted that six of the eight large projects were already underway and by the end of the year there would be developments in the remaining two, the Rio-Antirrio link and the Stavros-Elefsina highway.

He called claims that there were deficits in the budgets of certain large projects, which placed doubt on whether they would be completed in time, "groundless", adding that "there is no problem of financing" and that it was certain that the projects would be completed in their time-frames.

He stressed that there were many ways of finding new capital from the European Investment Bank and from the private sector, which, he added, has not been active to the degree it could have.

"The government is ever-watchful and ready to resolve whatever problems may arise," he said.

[22] Papadopoulos statements

Earlier, excusing himself from the inner cabinet meeting to deny the rumors which had been flying since morning, Finance Minister Alekos Papadopoulos told Parliament that there was no question of new taxes being imposed to finance the armaments programme .

The issue arose in the morning when Mr. Papadopoulos laconically replied "we'll see" to a question on whether there would be consequences for the economy and if new taxes were being considered, as he arrived for the KYSEA meeting.

The finance minister clarified that his response answered the general question of consequences for the economy and that it in no way could be interpreted as considering new taxes.

He denied that the KYSEA meeting even considered the armaments programme.

[23] Constantopoulos criticizes plans for new armaments

Coalition of the Left and Progress leader Nikos Constantopoulos said yesterday that an armaments programme being discussed by the government would constitute "a coup de grace" for the Greek economy.

Mr. Constantopoulos said that about three trillion drachmas to be provided for armaments would sever Greece from European unification processes once and for all, and that the sacrifices of the Greek people would be blown apart once again.

"The beaten track of the irrational arms race does not secure peace but, on the contrary, facilitates the planned provocations of the hotheads in Ankara and serves the wider plans and strategic interests of the United States and NATO in the region," he added.

[24] ND Eurodeputy cites lack of political support for Greece by Europe

Main opposition New Democracy party Eurodeputy Efthymios Christodoulou told a European Parliament plenary session in Strasbourg yesterday that Greece lacked political support from a unified Europe in the event of a threat of war, being forced to adopt a weapons procurement programme amounting to some ECU 10 billion.

The session focused on the Economic and Monetary Union's course toward a single currency. "Special events should be taken into consideration in the analyses and criteria of those wishing to participate in monetary union, and are 'outside' in the first stage," Mr. Christodoulou said.

He added that the lack of EU solidarity "ruins all the efforts made in past years toward economic convergence. It is an issue which should be faced with great seriousness."

End of English language section.