A.N.A. Bulletin, 03/09/96

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

Athens News Agency Directory

ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No 979), September 3, 1996

Greek Press & Information Office

Ottawa, Canada

E-Mail Address: grnewsca@sympatico.ca

CONTENTS

[1] Simitis. 'Greece's policy averts military incident' with Turkey

Prime Minister Costas Simitis said yesterday that Greece's policy was able to avert any military incident between Greece and Turkey, reiterating at the same time that Athens would not engage in dialogue with Ankara over Greece's sovereign rights.

Speaking during an interview with Athens daily "Eleftherotypia", the second part of which was published yesterday, Mr. Simitis said that respect for international law and Greece's sovereign rights by Turkey was a condition for good relations.

He predicted that the state of Greek-Turkish relations would change in the wake of the US presidential elections in November, as the United States, he said, will want to proceed with initiatives in the region.

Reiterating that the Cyprus issue remained Greece's top priority, Mr. Simitis said PASOK's basic foreign policy aims were the defense of national independence and a just and viable solution to the Cyprus problem.

Despite Turkey's recent attempt to precede talks with armed clashes, the government's firm policy has been endorsed by Washington and the European Union, he added.

Mr. Simitis was referring to recent incidents on the island republic, in which two unarmed Greek Cypriots protesting the on-going Turkish occupation of 37 per cent of the island were killed by occupation forces and a mob of Turkish mainland extremists wielding clubs and iron bars.

Mr. Simitis stressed that there was no possibility of talks with Turkey over Greece's sovereign rights.

Turning to the issue of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), Mr. Simitis spoke of "impasses" during the 1990-93 period, when the New Democracy party was in power, and achievement of the Sept. 13, 1995 interim agreement signed in New York under a PASOK administration.

The interim agreement, he added, has had some positive effects. He said he supported continuation of talks under the aegis of the United Nations to find a definitive settlement to the outstanding problem of FYROM's name.

In addition, Mr. Simitis said he favored the undertaking of more Greek initiatives in the Balkans, noting that the government's policies had already borne fruit, such as the Milosevic-Tudjman meeting in Athens in early August, normalization of Greek-Albanian relations and the re-opening of ethnic Greek schools in Albania as well as further development and strengthening of Greek-Bulgarian relations.

[2] Parties to complete lists today

Political parties today will complete their announcements of candidate lists in all constituencies, with the release of election tickets for the main opposition New Democracy, Political Spring (Pol.An), the Coalition of the Left and Progress (Synaspismos) and the remaining four candidate lists for PASOK.

Meanwhile, on the election trail, Prime Minister Costas Simitis yesterday made an indirect opening to conservative and leftist voters, saying that conservative citizens believing in the principles of meritocracy, dignity and humanity should vote for PASOK.

Calling upon "conservative citizens" to consider whether the "divided leadership of New Democracy deserves" their vote, the prime minister said he also wished for dialogue with all the parties of the left, noting that he wasn't referring to a dialogue between officials, but to a dialogue with citizens.

Refraining from taking a clear position on the possibility of post-election co-operation, Mr. Simitis said he would seek the co-operation of certain personalities from the left.

He made the statement in an interview with the Athens daily "Eleftherotypia." The first part of the interview appeared on Sunday in the "Kyriakatiki Eleftherotypia," and quoted the prime minister as expressing his satisfaction with the current state of the economy, and at the same time ruling out the possibility of new tough economic measures after the Sept. 22 general elections.

In his interview in yesterday's edition of the newspaper, Mr. Simitis referred extensively to leftist parties, saying the future was theirs and adding that they constituted "the great movement which could positively answer the challenges of the new era. "

Branding former PASOK minister Dimitris Tsovolas' Democratic Social Movement (DHKKI) as "a party of protest," the prime minister said he was not concerned with the possibility of losing votes to DHKKI, predicting that Synaspismos will lose votes to PASOK.

Asked whether he would resign from the PASOK leadership if the party lost the elections, Mr. Simitis said PASOK will win the vote, adding that PASOK has so far won all its battles.

Noting that he has been elected party president with a three year-mandate, Mr. Simitis went on to say "I always assume my responsibilities and have proved this in the past. I will do the same in this event."

[3] Election speeches

During an election stop in the eastern Aegean island of Lesvos yesterday, marking the beginning of his party's campaign, Mr. Simitis noted that economic development and social cohesion in the Aegean constitute conditions for a powerful Greece, which is PASOK's political aim.

Mr. Simitis had meetings with Lesvos prefect Alekos Margelis and other local officials. Besides Lesvos, he also visited the island of Hios.

During a speech in Hios earlier, he charged that Turkey had recently become more aggressive, losing its European support following the Greek government's concerted diplomatic campaign.

Addressing a rally on this island facing the Asia Minor coast, Mr. Simitis said Greece was struggling so that "the European Union shall have common, uniform borders, something which will take place in the long-term."

He warned that if Greece did not take up the challenges of its EU accession, renewed presence in the Balkans, modernization of the economy and society as well as adaptation of the welfare state to the new status quo by the year 2000, it risked becoming a third-speed country in the EU and losing its role in the Balkans to Turkey.

In addition, he accused the main opposition of "shouting at home but remaining silent abroad" at a time when the PASOK government was "raising its voice at international decision-taking centers."

Today, he will present the party's election declarations to PASOK's national council, which is convening on the occasion of the 22nd anniversary of the party's founding.

[4] Party leaders continue pre-election meetings, speeches around the nation

Political parties followed a hectic pre-election schedule yesterday as well, with less than three weeks now remaining before the Sept. 22 general election.

Main opposition New Democracy party leader Miltiades Evert announced yesterday that Greece's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) should increase to 4 per cent, stressing the need for a reduction in unemployment, development in the services sector, and convergence of the economy with the remaining economies of the European Union.

Speaking during a meeting with representatives of hoteliers and tourist agents, Mr. Evert said Greece should become a "European center of tourism," saying ND, as government, will attempt to double the total of annual tourist arrivals from 10 million currently to 20 million by the year 2000.

Mr. Evert reiterated that the government should concentrate on tourism infrastructure as well as promoting Greece as a tourist destination abroad, while keeping a distance from the operation of tourism enterprises.

He further stressed the need to develop tourism in the border regions for "national reasons," claiming that population rates tend to increase in such areas.

The ND leader said his party would not allow foreign control of hotels at the eastern Aegean, adding that ND will announce in due time the measures it will take to deal with problems in the sector, such as special taxes and this year's fall in tourist arrivals.

In addition, Mr. Evert criticized the government for its hard drachma policy, adding that the appreciation of the drachma by 5 per cent has caused a series of negative consequences in tourism and for the export of agriculture products.

"We say yes to a strong drachma, but it is unthinkable that it should appreciate against the strong currencies," Mr. Evert said.

[5] Pol.An

On his part, Political Spring leader Antonis Samaras reiterated his criticism against the two major parties (PASOK and ND), accusing them of playing a "game of handouts and discounts," while in reality they are preparing for "new, tough austerity measures ."

Speaking in Lamia, Mr. Samaras accused the two major parties of sharpening their rhetoric against each other, while Greece was racing with time in order to not miss "the train of its fate, the train of 2000."

"This is why Pol.An should become the force controlling authority and the power behind reform," he said.

During his visit, Mr. Samaras talked with merchants and shopowners.

In other statements, he said the objective tax criteria constituted "the death of the market," reiterating his party's position to consider post-election co-operation with the major parties.

Following his visit to Lamia, Mr. Samaras continued his tour with visits to the large island of Evia.

[6] Synaspismos

Meanwhile, Coalition of the Left and Progress (Synaspismos) leader Nikos Constantopoulos stressed the "incompatibility of majority votes and 'co-operation' governments," in a reply to Prime Minister Simitis' statements in an interview with Sunday newspaper "Kyriakatiki Eleftherotypia."

In the second part of the interview with "Eleftherotypia," released yesterday, the prime minister, who has repeatedly predicted an election win with a majority vote in this month's general elections, said that PASOK, as government, would seek the cooperation of personalities from the left in an effort to implement the government's work.

Mr. Constantopoulos said PASOK's policies were incompatible with Mr. Simitis' statement that he would seek a "co-operation government."

"PASOK's obsession for a majority vote and implementation of its current policies show its true intentions. The rest fall under the domain of pre-election campaigning gimmicks," the Synaspismos leader said.

He further expressed regret that "PASOK's current leadership follows the lessons set by (late prime minister and PASOK founder) Andreas Papandreou in electoral practices."

In other campaign developments, Democratic Social Movement (DHKKI) leader Dimitris Tsovolas is due to visit Kavala on Thursday for talks with local authorities and representatives of unions and organizations. In the evening Mr. Tsovolas will address a rally at Kapnergati square.

[7] Yiannopoulos remarks

In a related item, Labor Minister Evangelos Yiannopoulos predicted a significant reduction in unemployment by the end of the year, while disputing main opposition ND's pre-election pledges on the economy.

Citing ND's election declarations in the 1990 elections, Mr. Yiannopoulos said the party did not conclude any of the measures and promises in its three years in power.

The minister was speaking to reporters following a meeting with the presidium of the General Confederation of Workers of Greece (GSEE), which he described as having taken place "in a warm atmosphere."

Mr. Yiannopoulos said the government's current policy on unemployment will result in a reduction in unemployment rate by the end of 1996.

He further said that, following his initiative, representatives of the Elefsina Labor Center have begun negotiations with the Halyvourgiki steel mill management in order to find a solution to the recent lay-off of 200 workers.

The company has made redundant another 200 workers in addition to 250 at the beginning of the year.

Finally, caretaker Interior Minister Vassilis Skouris yesterday announced the convening of the inter-party committee this afternoon to set final guidelines regarding the broadcasting of television and radio party advertising spots.

[8] Caretaker press minister meets with newspaper owners' association president

Caretaker Press Minister Dimitris Konstas met yesterday with the president of the Athens Daily Newspaper Owners' Union (EIHEA), Christos Lambrakis, within the framework of his meetings for implementation of an inter-party election committee decision aimed at ensuring equality in media reports between parties prior to the Sept. 22 election.

Mr. Konstas characterized the meeting as having been "very interesting and substantial," saying Mr. Lambrakis expressed EIHEA's agreement for implementation of the decision and for the equal promotion of all parties and candidates among daily newspapers .

A hope was also expressed at the meeting that broadcasting outlets will agree to the new provisions, and that a change will occur in the present climate of suspicion "which appears to prevail regarding state-run radio and television."

The caretaker press minister will meet with the administration of the Athens News Agency and with representatives of both private and state-run radio and television stations today.

[9] V. Papandreou to announce measures for industrial, tourism development in eastern Macedonia-Thrace

Development Minister Vasso Papandreou is expected to announce government measures designed to boost the industrial development and tourism in the eastern Macedonia and Thrace region during a visit to Kavala on Sept. 9.

During her visit she will be briefed by local authorities on the problems facing the region as well as progress regarding the new oil drilling programme "North Prinos II."

[10] Romeos meets with expatriate Greek officials

Alternate Foreign Minister Giorgos Romeos spoke yesterday to several foreign deputies and former ministers of Greek origin visiting Greece after official invitations extended by Athens.

"...Greek society is a modern, open and democratic unity which is easy to approached," Mr. Romeos told the 28 officials from Australia, South Africa, Sweden, Canada, Latvia, Peru, Yugoslavia, the Ukraine and Cameroon.

"Through your meetings with the country's leadership and your presence at the opening of the Thessaloniki International Fair and through your contact with the people, you will have the opportunity to see the dynamics of this nation - present and future - opportunities and the dangers it faces," Mr. Romeos said.

The officials are to meet today with Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos, who will brief them on the country's national issues, as well as with Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis, and main opposition New Democracy party leader Miltiades Evert tomorrow. They will have talks with President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos on Thursday.

The expatriate Greek politicians are also scheduled to meet with the leaders of political parties and cabinet members.

Mr. Romeos stressed that Greece wishes to contribute to the stability and development in the Balkans, saying the nation plays an important role in the creation of a "new Europe" as a member of the European Union.

In comments to the ANA, Mr. Romeos said "the basic aim of the government's policy for contact with expatriates is not only the promotion and projection of national issues, but also the assisting of an extroverted economic policy, which Greece must follow over the next few years."

He added that this policy will center on the Balkans, the Black Sea, Europe and the Mediterranean"

"But I think this new economic policy we are called on to follow within the framework of international competitiveness which is appearing, must expand and create lines of co-operation and economic communication in other regions of the world as well.

"Wherever we have large pockets of Hellenism and important political factors from the expatriate community, I believe these must constitute the first centers of approach for this new economic policy," Mr. Romeos told ANA.

[11] Conference considers rising environmental pollution in the EU

Rising environmental pollution in the European community and the need to sensitize the public to the damaging consequences this may have for health are the main issues under discussion at the conference sponsored by the European programme ASPIS that began last Sunday at the Delphi Conference Center. Attended by research scientists from nearly all European Union member-states, the conference has many goals, chief among them being to coordinate efforts to catalogue environmental problems on a scientific level but also to direct public opinion with regard to these problems.

One of the main tools for achieving this is seen to be education and to this end the conference aims to create an on-line network called "Trans European Environmental Education Health Net " (TREE Health Net), which shall also aid community governments in making decisions regarding environmental problems.

Environment, Town Planning and Public Works Minister Costas Laliotis, in a speech read to the gathering by his representative, stressed that the "goals of the programme fall in line with (his ministry's) policies for the protection of the environment an d public health," while pointing out that "this sort of collaboration strengthens the collective effort to solve the increasingly acute problems on a European level".

[12] Athens greets Dukakis

Former Democratic presidential candidate and Massachusetts governor Michael Dukakis yesterday received the City of Athens' golden medallion at a ceremony presided over by Mayor Dimitris Avramopoulos.

"It is with great joy that Athens today receives one of the select children of Hellenism," Mr. Avramopoulos said. "We receive him as a Greek and as an Athenian, because all those who espouse and nurture the values born in this city are Athenians."

Speaking in Greek, Mr. Dukakis thanked the mayor and said he would "not let another 20 years pass" before he visits Greece again.

Earlier, the professor of political science met with President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos. Mr. Dukakis, accompanied by his wife Kitty and other family members is currently on a visit to Greece at the invitation of the Hellenic American Union and the US Alumni Association. He is also scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Costas Simitis, Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos, Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis and New Democracy party leader Miltiades Evert and receive a golden medallion from the University of Crete.

Mr. Avramopoulos said he had outlined efforts to upgrade local government both in Athens and other cities and towns and briefed Mr. Dukakis on the problems they faced in his brief meeting with the former governor.

"Athens is on course for reconstruction, a course which is greatly indebted to the experience of local government in the US," he said.

[13] 1997 the year for Cyprus, Dukakis asserts

At a press conference at the HAU earlier, Mr. Dukakis reiterated his statements to reporters yesterday that 1997 would be "the year for the Cyprus problem", if Mr. Clinton is re-elected to the presidency in the November election.

Saying he was confident of a Clinton re-election, Mr. Dukakis warned that "if (Republican Party candidate) Bob Dole is elected then things for Greece will be indisputably worse".

He stressed Mr. Clinton's personal ties with the Greek-American community and his interest in a resolution of the Cyprus problem, pointing out that when Mr. Clinton met with then-Turkish Prime Minister Tansu Ciller, he had stated "that the (Cyprus) issue is a personal interest".

Asked where this "personal interest" was headed, Mr. Dukakis noted the recent visits of Madeleine Albright, the US ambassador to the UN, and repeated visits by Peter Tarnoff, Under-secretary of State, to Nicosia, Athens and Ankara.

Mr. Dukakis referred to problems in US-Turkish relations following the rise to power of the Islamist Erbakan government and Washington's displeasure at the Iran-Turkey gas supply deal, adding "(US) Congress is concerned at the direction the Turkish prime minister is headed."

He said Cyprus' European course in 1997, with the starting of accession talks, was a propitious framework, and will be utilized by the US president, who, if he is re-elected "is prepared to deal with dangers and risks to fuel the resolution of the problem".

[14] Kaklamanis to meet Dukakis today

Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis will meet today with former Massachusetts governor and 1988 Democratic presidential candidate Michael Dukakis.

Tomorrow Mr. Kaklamanis will meet with 30 foreign parliamentarians of Greek descent who are on a visit to Athens and Thessaloniki.

[15] Europarliament VP Anastasopoulos discusses EU prospects for the next century

European Parliament Vice-President Giorgos Anastasopoulos referred to the prospects of the European Union at the threshold of the 21st century as well as the need to reinforce the role of the 15-member Union's smaller countries, during an address at the opening of the Europarliament's offices here yesterday.

Speaking on "citizen approach and lack of information," Mr. Anastasopoulos noted the lack of information available to European citizens regarding EU issues.

According to surveys, 60 to 70 per cent of EU citizens are partially or completely uninformed on EU issues.

"It is the right of the European public opinion to be informed on figures instead of myths and prejudices," the Europarliament Vice-President said.

Lack of communication is one of the reasons causing the existing gap between the Union and its citizens, he added.

Elaborating on EU prospects, Mr. Anastasopoulos stressed the need for economic and monetary union as well as political unification.

Mr. Anastasopoulos further noted that EU enlargement depended on the success of the intergovernmental conference, adding that the Union's foreign policy should be more flexible and efficient.

[16] Welfare under-secretary proposes harsh penalties for convicted child molesters

Welfare Under-secretary Theodoros Kotsonis yesterday called for harsh penalties, including the death penalty, for individuals convicted of murder during the act of sexually exploiting minors.

In a press conference, he stressed that the sexual abuse of children is a social problem, as it is connected with low-income families as well as inadequate education, creating psychological problems to its victims.

He reported experts' findings, according to which 75 per cent of sexually abused children, mostly boys, will later resort to the use of drugs, become delinquent, leave home, attempt suicide or exhibit behavioral abnormalities, while the abuse of girls will often result in unwanted pregnancies.

Mr. Kotsonis proposed a series of measures, including establishment of counseling services in co-operation with local authorities, promotion of sex education in schools, as well as support for strengthening of the family.

[17] Health under-secretary uninjured in car accident

Health Under-secretary Nikos Farmakis was the victim of a car crash yesterday near the Kamena Vourla area, when a farm vehicle entered the national highway from a small rural road and collided with three cars, including the one in which Mr. Farmakis was traveling.

The under-secretary's driver and one of the two police officers in the car were taken to a nearby hospital with light injuries, while Mr. Farmakis and the other police officer were unharmed.

Doctors treating the two injured men at the Lamia hospital said their condition was not serious.

[18] Farmers sue pharmaceutical company over corn hybrid

One thousand corn producers in the Nestos area of the Kavala prefecture are seeking damages totaling approximately one billion drachmas from a "well-known pharmaceutical company".

Farmers' representatives and legal advisers stated that "in 1994, the company supplied them with a corn hybrid that was unsuitable, resulting in the destruction of their crop."

Farmers also claim the hybrid "was not checked by agriculture ministry services", saying this was confirmed by professors from Thessaloniki University, scientists from the Thessaloniki Sindos Institute and the state's agronomists.

The farmers took their case to a Nestos court, which ruled in their favor. Despite the ruling they received no damages, while the company appealed the court decision to a Kavala appellate court. The appeal was due to be heard on Sept. 20, but has been postponed due to the forthcoming election.

A meeting on the issue was held yesterday in the Kavala prefectural offices, during which a decision was taken for representatives to meet with Agriculture Minister Stephanos Tzoumakas today.

Presidents of farmers' unions are expected to ask that the company's commercial license be revoked; for affected farmers to gain favorable terms in settling their debts, which they maintain were incurred by the reduced productivity of their corn production after the hybrid was used, as well as for implementation of stricter quality controls on materials used in agricultural production, in order to avoid similar incidents.

[19] Papantoniou addresses message for 61st Thessaloniki International Fair

In a message on the occasion of the 61st Thessaloniki International Fair, due to open on Friday, National Economy Minister Yiannos Papantoniou referred to the trade exhibition's "active role" in efforts to broaden Greece's presence in the wider region of the Black Sea and northeastern Europe, as well as efforts to bring Thessaloniki into the limelight of international trade.

In his message, included in a special publication for the fair, the national economy minister also makes reference to what he noted as progress in all sectors of Greece's economic policies, "as noted in recent reports of the European Committee and other international organizations," stressing that Greece "has achieved the greatest macro-economic adjustment in comparison to all other countries of the European Union."

Mr. Papantoniou also made special reference to "opportunities for Greek businesses in the fields of direct investment, construction projects, state supplies, banking services and the development of distribution networks."

"These opportunities constitute an additional strong incentive for the attraction of foreign investment to Greece and the creation of new business groups with American, European and Japanese units," he said.

"The success of this effort," he concludes, "depends on the perceptiveness, dynamism and competitiveness of Greek enterprises."

"We should all depend on the positive elements of current circumstances as well as on the stability and coherence of economic policy in order to undertake initiatives responding to national circumstance," he added.

[20] Several Macedonian businesses promoting cooperative bank

An initiative to establish a bank catering to the needs of Macedonia residents, and more especially to small- to middle-sized businesses in the region, is being promoted by the Thessaloniki Chamber of Professionals and Small Manufacturing Businesses in association with various other financial sectors in the area.

The initiative began on May 20 with the formation of a credit cooperative, expected to later evolve into a Thessaloniki Cooperative Bank.

According to the chairman of the cooperative's temporary board of directors, Athanasios Koulousios, a campaign to attract members has begun, which aims to raise a starting capital of four billion drachmas needed to establish the bank. In addition, the association is participating in the 61st Thessaloniki International Fair as part of its campaign.

"We call on all Thessaloniki citizens, but also those of Macedonia, to take part by registering as partners in the cooperative, as simultaneous customers and owners of the bank that is being founded and to handle their savings and funding through it, by passing loan-sharks and intermediaries," Mr. Koulousios said.

Shares in the cooperative are worth 200,000 drachmas each, while 600 members have been registered so far and with an amassed capital now reaching 200 million drachmas.

Mr. Koulousios expressed certainty that the four billion drachmas required to establish the bank will have been amassed by the end of 1997.

Referring to problems faced by small- and middle-sized businesses in securing loans, Mr. Koulousios pointed out that loans through commercial banks are burdened by an average of 8 per cent of their total. He said the cooperative bank would give out more than 85 per cent of its funds as loans to its members and specialize in their borrowing needs.

According to Mr. Koulousios, the bank's emblem will be a lion that appears on a coin minted by Cassander, who founded Thessaloniki 23 centuries ago, which, he added: "symbolizes the power of the union of small capital, in an unprecedented creative developmental effort of Thessaloniki and Macedonia, along the lines of that by Cassander."

End of English language section.