A.N.A. Bulletin, 29/07/96

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

Athens News Agency Directory

ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No 949), July 29, 1996

Greek Press & Information Office

Ottawa, Canada

E-Mail Address: grnewsca@sympatico.ca

CONTENTS

[1] Evert calls for increased development of outlying islands

Main opposition New Democracy party leader Miltiades Evert has called for increased emphasis on the economic development of the border islands of the eastern Aegean as the best means of securing their defense.

"Sacrifices are permitted in order to secure national integrity and bolster defense," he stated on Kos on Saturday, while on a tour of the Dodecanese islands, opposite Turkey's southeastern coastline.

"On our way to Kos, we passed near the Turkish coastline, and I had the opportunity to see Turkey's defense. I saw neither soldiers nor guns, but I saw the economic development, and our reply must be commensurate," he noted.

"Of course, the existence of strong armed forces is necessary in order to exercise the correct and effective foreign policy and to have security for those living in these islands, but ultimately, the objective aim for their inhabitants to survive and increase their population is development," he added.

After being briefed by the island's military commander, he expressed confidence in the armed forces, saying: "I am convinced that the country's defense is in good hands."

Speaking on the island of Kalymnos later in the day, Mr. Evert accused the government of a lack of proposals and concrete solutions to the problems of the islands.

"A government that is in power for three-and-a-half years cannot be heard saying that it is still looking for solutions, it must provide solutions. Governments are neither for planning nor for leaving questions unanswered. They come with specific solutions and proposals," he said.

Yesterday morning Mr. Evert flew in a military helicopter over the northern sector of the Dodecanese chain, including Imia, scene of a serious Greek-Turkish military stand-off in January.

"I flew over all the Greek islets of the Dodecanese. Why should I exclude Imia? Woe betide if we were afraid to fly over Imia. It is this attitude of backing down that has fed Turkish provocativeness. Besides, this flight took place with the agreement o f the defense ministry, and I was accompanied by the (regional) military commander," he said.

Noting that there was a significant reduction in tourism this year, which led to recession and unemployment, and that the islands had been left to their fate by the government, he stressed that the economy's stabilization programme had to be accompanied by development proposals for each island, but this had to be done in a responsible and thorough manner.

"I am not one of those who will adopt a populist attitude and say that there will be solutions to all problems," he said.

[2] Constantopoulos returns from three-day tour of Israel, Gaza Strip

Coalition of the Left and Progress leader Nikos Constantopoulos yesterday expressed optimism, but also strong concern regarding the need to speed up the peace process in the Middle East.

He made the statement upon returning from a three-day visit to Israel and the Gaza Strip at the head of a party delegation, after an invitation by the Israeli United Labor Party and the Palestinian Authority. Mr. Constantopoulos held talks with Labor leader and former prime minister Shimon Peres, Palestinian President Yasser Arafat, and representatives of other Israeli parties.

In statements after their meeting on Saturday, the Palestinian leader stressed the strong ties of friendship between Greece and Palestinians, making special reference to the role Greece can play in the broader region.

"Your country connects Europe with the Middle East, and for this reason, your responsibilities are great," he stated.

Mr. Constantopoulos said the peace process had to be completed as soon as possible, with full recognition of the rights of the Palestinians, adding that Greece had a significant role to play as a European and Mediterranean country.

Yesterday, he added that a Coalition proposal for the holding in Athens of the first Mediterranean peace conference of left-wing and ecological parties met with a positive response.

[3] Skopje: waiting for 'right moment' to spring our name claim at the UN

Speaking to expatriates from the United States, Canada and Australia in Skopje on Friday, the foreign minister of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), Ljubomir Frckovski, said the landlocked republic would resort to the United Nations at "the right moment" for official recognition of the name "Macedonia".

Mr. Frckovski also said Skopje accepted the temporary name of FYROM to join the UN, adding however, that there was no legal basis on the wider use of this name outside that organization.

He said he was optimistic that the name issue would be won, explaining that two-thirds of the 72 countries having recognized his country had also recognized what it considers its constitutional name.

Mr. Frckovski was also the principal speaker at an annual gathering yesterday of a group that calls itself the "Macedonians of the Aegean", held in the city of Ternovo near the border with Greece, where he said that the interim agreement with Greece should be considered as a first step toward an approach "also to those issues which our neighbor cannot ignore."

"It is about the case of property of our citizens in Greece and about the status of the 'Macedonian' people in Greece," he explained, adding that this not only concerned Greece but other neighboring countries as well.

Members at the event also ratified a resolution addressed to the UN, the European Union, the Council of Europe and European public opinion, calling for "respect for the rights of 'Macedonians' living in Greece."

[4] Greek leadership harshly condemns bomb attack on Olympic ideal

The Greek government and opposition parties on Saturday joined President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos in strongly condemning the bomb attack in Atlanta earlier that day, stressing that the Olympic ideal had been wounded. The terrorist attack left two dead and more than 100 injured.

In a message to US President Bill Clinton, Mr. Stephanopoulos stated: "on behalf of the entire Greek people and myself, I express our feelings of anger and indignation over the abhorrent terrorist action which stained this par excellence peaceful event, the Olympic Games, with the death of two innocent people and the injuring of many others."

On his part, Prime Minister Costas Simitis also sent condolences to President Clinton and International Olympic Committee (IOC) Chairman Juan Antonio Samaranch.

"It has been proved once again that terrorism is foreign to the ideals of civilized mankind.

"The Olympic Games must remain a symbol of understanding, co-existence, and emulation. Their continuation and successful completion will be the best answer to those who have today tried to blacken the Olympic ideals," Mr. Simitis said in his telegram to President Clinton.

"In ancient Greece, the Olympic Games were identified with a cease-fire in hostilities, brotherliness and a spirit of noble emulation among citizens," government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said. "The games' stadium was a sacred place for moral striving, for distinction and victory. Unfortunately, in the modern Olympic Games, spirit and soul have given their place to passion for material needs, which are incompatible with their character, meaning, splendor and brilliance, and which are perverting the nature and role of the Olympic Games," he added.

"In the tragic incident in Atlanta, innocent people were murdered and the Olympic ideal was wounded. We express our grief for the victims and abhorrence at the fact that the greatest event in the world became the target of forces which are animated by hatred for the ideals of world civilization," Mr. Reppas said.

The spokesman expressed the hope that the perpetrators of "this cowardly terrorist act will be punished for their profane, offensive and immoral act".

"The Olympic Games must remain the sacred symbol of co-existence, mutual understanding, noble emulation and co-operation among citizens from all over the world," the government spokesman added.

The main opposition New Democracy party also expressed its abhorrence at the act of terrorism at the Olympic Park in downtown Atlanta.

"All of us, without exception, have a duty to safeguard and hand down untouched to future generations the ideals of peace and noble emulation which express and symbolize the very essence of man and mankind," ND spokesman Prokopis Pavlopoulos said.

"New Democracy condemns in the strongest possible manner this sacrilegious act of terrorism and expresses its deepest grief," the spokesman added.

Political Spring spokesman Notis Martakis said that the celebration of the 100th anniversary of the revival of the Olympic Games had been turned into a nightmare.

"Today's murderous terrorist attack in Atlanta constitutes a strong and unholy blow against Olympic principles and is condemned by the entire world community," Mr. Martakis said.

The Coalition of the Left and Progress described the bomb attack as "an abhorrent crime against innocent people and a brutal blow to the concept of peaceful co-existence and sporting competition between peoples."

"No purpose, no idea can justify or provoke feelings of tolerance for murderous acts against innocent, unsuspecting and defenseless people," the Coalition said in a statement calling for the exemplary punishment of those responsible for the blast.

[5] Memorial service held for Andreas Papandreou

A te deum service was held at the Athens First Cemetery at noon yesterday, 40 days after the death of former prime minister and founder of the PASOK party Andreas Papandreou, in the presence of his family, Premier Costas Simitis as well as cabinet and Parliamentary group members.

Hundreds of people also attended the service, many repeatedly shouting the slogan "Andreas you live, you lead us."

At the end of the church service, another religious ceremony was also held over Papandreou's grave at the cemetery. His widow, Dimitra Liani-Papandreou, his former wife Margaret Papandreou and his children George, Nikos, Andreas and Sofia were all visibly moved.

Among others, the service was attended by several PASOK cadres, including Telemahos Hytiris, Leonidas Georgakopoulos, George Lianis, Dimitris Reppas, Costas Skandalidis, Costas Laliotis, Costas Geitonas, Akis Tsohatzopoulos, Lefteris Veryvakis, Christos

Papoutsis, George Katsifaras, Theodoros Katsanevas, Vassilis Kedikoglou, Nikos Kouris, Anastasios Peponis, Filippos Petsalnikos, Apostolos Kaklamanis, Panayiotis Kritikos, Nikos Sifounakis, Sifis Valyrakis, Gerassimos Arsenis, Dimitris Kremastinos, Vasso Papandreou, Nikos Athanasakis, Yiannos Papantoniou and Yiannis Souladakis.

Former merchant marine minister George Katsifaras told ANA that "the unity of the party is safeguarded by the feeling of Andreas Papandreou's presence, a unity which Andreas Papandreou left as a deposit after his death."

Many PASOK deputies declined to make any comments.

[6] NY Times article deals with post-Papandreou era under Simitis

Greece's post-Andreas Papandreou political era and the latest face on the ruling PASOK government under Costas Simitis was the subject of an article in Saturday's edition of the "New York Times".

According to reporter Celestine Bohlen, "it was not until his (Andreas Papandreou's) death last month that his successor, Costas Simitis, finally stepped from under the shadow of the man he had alternately challenged and revered," the dispatch reads, adding:

"Known for the fixed smile on his face, Mr. Simitis has a cool, methodical style, a conciliatory approach and a decidedly pro-European outlook, making him a prototype of a Maastricht-era politician.

"With his downbeat style, Mr. Simitis has already created a different political climate in Greece, lowering expectations in a country that had grown used to extravagance in both its public and private spending," the article states.

[7] KKE, DHKKI criticize price hikes for pharmaceuticals

The Communist Party of Greece (KKE) strongly criticized the government over price increases for pharmaceuticals.

KKE said in an announcement that it saw behind the increases in the prices of medicines and particularly those of wide consumption, "the "known method of the medicines industrialists", namely the presentation of old medicines as new ones with a new name and an increased price with a view to maximizing profits.

"The implementation of the list, in the climate of unbridled competition, will not resolve problems, but will operate destructively, particularly for poorer funds and the state, and additionally will strengthen the underground economy, particularly in 'high scales'," KKE said.

The party proposed development of a Greek pharmaceutical industry, creation of a national pharmaceutical depot, establishment of a "real national pharmaceutical list" and strict control of the production and sale of medicines.

Commenting on the same issue, Democratic Social Movement (DHKKI) leader Dimitris Tsovolas said "the government is dealing another blow against the meager income of wide popular strata with provocative increases in medicines."

Mr. Tsovolas said "modern-day PASOK is revealing its true conservative face by the day, impoverishing ordinary citizens more and more every day", adding that "DHKKI calls on the government to revoke this decision."

[8] Rock fever incidents hit two herds in Evros

After foot-and-mouth disease and cowpox outbreaks that harassed their herds, stockbreeders in the Evros region are now faced with the menace of rock fever, which veterinarians discovered in a herd of 130 sheep near the Ferres border region.

Officials announced that the herd was immediately slaughtered.

Meanwhile, more cases of foot-and-mouth disease were recorded in the Evros Delta among two herds. Consequently, 90 to 100 small and large livestock animals were slaughtered as part of the on-going effort to eradicate the costly diseases.

According to reports by the veterinary service, a total of 5-6,000 animals will be slaughtered in the Delta region, with more if necessary, to prevent foot-and-mouth disease from spreading to other areas.

Within this context, 400 cows, 97 calves and 50 pigs were slaughtered on Saturday, while investigations are continuing in the region for a fuller assessment concerning the situation.

Stockbreeders believe that mass slaughter of animals in the marshy Delta region, which lies approximately between Alexandroupolis and the border with Turkey, will contain the disease in the area.

In a related matter, the European Commission's Standing Veterinary Committee, which has recommended the strict policy, will convene Thursday to decide on whether to continue a temporary ban imposed on the export of Greek meat, live animals and unpasteurized milk products since July 12.

[9] Checks reveal dozens of tax improprieties

Officials from the Service for the Movement and Control of Goods (YPEDA) have ascertained more than 3,120 tax violations in controls conducted in Thessaloniki and Kavala as well as many other regions in northern Greece.

Specifically, 126 music halls did not provide receipts for customers, 98 did not have entrance tickets for night clubs, discos and pubs, while 15 merchants kept double accounting books and other tax documents containing non-existent or inaccurate entries, four merchants did not have receipts and costs books. In addition, in 167 cases purchase and sales invoices had not been issued, while 135 people did not provide service receipts.

Checks were conducted in Kavala, the island of Thasos, Halkidiki, Pieria, Veria, Thessaloniki, Xanthi, Evros, Rodopi and Drama.

[10] Congratulations pour in for Dimas' gold medal in weightlifting

Prime Minister Costas Simitis on Saturday congratulated Greece's Pyrros Dimas, commending him for winning the gold medal in the Olympic light-heavyweight (84kg) weightlifting category.

"The splendor of your 'golden' victory was also your broad smile. You did not only lift the weight, but also Greece a little higher," Mr. Simitis said in his telegram.

Mr. Dimas also set three world records in winning the gold medal late Friday in Atlanta.

Greece's standard-bearer at the Atlanta Games also joined the sport's pantheon by becoming one of only 13 lifters to have won two Olympic gold medals.

According to a Reuter dispatch, Mr. Dimas, among the few "showmen" in an otherwise relatively staid sport, put the audience in a carnival mood with his antics after realizing with his first lift that he was going to retain the title he won as a virtual unknown in Barcelona four years ago.

"I will win it again in the year 2000, and again in 2004 when I hope the games will be in Athens," he said after jumping onto the podium to receive his medal.

Main opposition New Democracy party leader Miltiades Evert also sent a congratulatory telegram to the Greek weight-lifter, who also won a gold medal at the Barcelona Games in 1992.

"We are proud of your latest triumph and we thank you for your invaluable accomplishment. Carry on honoring Greece and serving as an example for our youth," Mr. Evert said in the telegram.

Defense Minister Gerassimos Arsenis said in his cable to the weightlifting champion, "your victory honors Greece, and especially the armed forces, to which you belong with the rank of lieutenant. We are proud of you."

Congratulatory cables were also sent by Political Spring party leader Antonis Samaras and Coalition of the Left leader Nikos Constantopoulos.

[11] Modernization of Kavala's int'l airport detailed

Officials at Kavala's Megas Alexandros International Airport promised continuing upgrades in order to bring the airport up to European Union standards so it can play a more significant role in the national economy and air transport sector.

Megas Alexandros Airport Director Yiannis Haralambakis announced recently that a tax-free store has been created in the airport terminal, while an exchange office has also started operation. More importantly, a new passenger terminal slated to cost 2.5 billion drachmas has been approved, with construction expected to begin shortly.

In addition, efforts will commence to promote the airport both locally and internationally in the tourist transport sector. The airport currently serves Olympic Airways flights, private airline flights and 30-35 charter flights a day.

[12] Strong quake recorded near Greek-Albanian frontier

An earthquake measuring 5.2 on the Richter scale caused damage to dozens of residences and slightly injured three people in the northwestern Greek town of Konitsa and surrounding villages late Friday evening.

The quake, recorded at 10:05 p.m. local time with an epicenter near the Greek-Albanian border, forced scores of residents to sleep outdoors after roofs collapsed and cracks appeared in buildings.

In addition to Konitsa, material damage has also been reported in several nearby villages. Seven teams of surveyors have been recording structural damage in the area.

The three people slightly injured were given first aid at Konitsa's health center before being discharged.

[13] Opposition parties call on int'l community to prevent further deaths in Turkish prisons

Communist Party of Greece (KKE) leader Aleka Papariga said on Saturday that "a crime is being perpetrated in Turkey" with the continuing deaths of hunger striking political prisoners, calling on the government to intervene "actively" at international organizations to "put an end to this brutality". Speaking in Karystos, southern Evia, Ms Papariga urged the government to ask the European Union to take measures against Turkey. She said a Greek Parliamentary delegation as well as Parliamentary delegations from EU member-states should visit Turkey to exert the greatest possible pressure on Ankara's leadership.

Meanwhile, Communist Party of Greece (KKE) Deputy Stratis Korakas was due to leave for Turkey yesterday, as a representative of KKE and the Group for a United European Left from the Council of Europe's Parliamentary Assembly, to express solidarity to Turkish political prisoners and hunger strikers.

In a related issue, the Coalition of the Left and Progress, which will organize a protest for Turkish political prisoners today outside the Turkish embassy, said in a statement that the "macabre dance of death" should stop in Turkey and criticized Washington and the EU for continuing to observe what it called "a Pontius Pilate policy."

Referring to the same issue, Democratic Social Movement (DHKKI) leader Dimitris Tsovolas said "the deaths of political prisoners in Turkish prisons and the continuing provocative apathy of the Turkish regime and the international community cause indignation and reveal the role of the international organizations in the face of public opinion."

"DHKKI calls on the government, political parties, the country's cultural leadership and all social agencies to make an organized reaction to this shredding of human rights and the violation of every sense of human value in Turkey's prisons," he added.

End of English language section.