A.N.A. Bulletin, 04/09/96

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

Athens News Agency Directory

ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN,

Greek Press & Information Office

Ottawa, Canada

E-Mail Address: grnewsca@sympatico.ca

CONTENTS

[1] Simitis, confident of victory, unveils PASOK's pre-election declarations

Prime Minister Costas Simitis yesterday presented the ideological and political profile of his ruling PASOK party, expressing certainty that the party would win the upcoming Sept. 22 general election. Mr. Simitis also presented PASOK's election declarations in his speech to PASOK's national council, which convened on the occasion of the 22nd anniversary of the party's founding.

During his speech, the premier appealed to "all the generations which had aligned themselves and supported PASOK," stressing that "all together we must march forward for the PASOK of the year 2000.

"Renewing and changing PASOK, in accordance with the requirements of the new era, we shall remain faithful to the ideas and visions of (party founder) Andreas Papandreou," Mr. Simitis said, before proposing that the Institute of Strategic Studies be renamed the Andreas Papandreou Institute.

In a reference to the history of PASOK, Mr. Simitis said the movement was founded as "a movement of protest and rage against social inequality."

In 1974, Mr. Simitis continued, we "signed a contract with the people. To turn Greece from a country of limited liability to a proud and sovereign country, to give Greece to the Greeks."

The prime minister said the nation at the end of the 20th century "bears the seal of PASOK."

"We are synonymous with hope and change, we are the spine of the progressive movement, the representatives of a firm and flourishing democracy, of a developed welfare state, the representatives of national dignity and pride," Mr. Simitis said.

He added that "PASOK will lead Greece into the 21st century, our new meeting with history. The first step will be taken at elections on the 22nd of September."

Noting that PASOK had introduced substantial changes in Greek society, Mr. Simitis spoke of the need to further modernize society, the economy and the country's institutions, while at the same time criticizing the main opposition New Democracy party for "persisting in methods which whenever applied caused misery."

"Neo-conservatism has left poverty everywhere in its wake. This is the society being proposed by New Democracy and which the people will reject in their selections," he said.

"The neo-conservative New Democracy has led (during its three-year term, 1990-93) to an increase of poverty, disorganization of the social tissue, and more problems for the weak."

Instead of creating 100,000 jobs as it had promised, Mr. Simitis continued, New Democracy increased the number of unemployed by 120,000 during its (last) three-year term in power.

"This is the kind of society which New Democracy would like to lead us to if it won elections on Sept. 22," he added. "The time has come for a clash with all the forces which suck dry the vital strengths of the nation. The clash must be unrelenting."

Mr. Simitis also indirectly criticized the Communist Party of Greece (KKE) as well as the Democratic Social Movement (DHKKI), headed by former PASOK minister Dimitris Tsovolas.

He said specific measures would be announced at a press conference today concerning farmers' pensions and the conversion of the Farmers' Insurance Fund (OGA) into a principal social security fund.

Mr. Simitis said PASOK's basic orientation was "a positive answer to the European challenge," while the party's vision "is a Europe of social justice and sensitivity, and not of the neo-conservatism barbarity prevailing in New Democracy."

Mr. Simitis stressed that PASOK supported the idea of a politically united Europe as "a substantial factor for international stability."

He said a successful European strategy for Greece depended on the country's modernization, adding that modernization was "not a field of co-operation with the conservative forces but a battlefield."

"Social modernization," he continued, "is the programme which brings us against the conservative forces, it is the plan for Greece in the next century."

The premier said "a Greece of creation, work, moral options, high ambitions and great horizons," today clashed with the "Greece of the quick buck."

"It is time for the forces of creation and progress to measure up against the forces which have a restraining effect on progress."

Mr. Simitis said quick economic development, attraction of foreign investment and greater welfare remained PASOK's steadfast goals.

The prime minister added that PASOK has achieved a significant convergence of the Greek economy with the remaining EU economies and has achieved this "without causing recession, social upheaval or increases in unemployment rates, but with real increases in the income of employees."

Mr. Simitis said the ruling party also focused on increasing public investment and developing agriculture and infrastructure.

Regarding agriculture, Mr. Simitis said the government has initiated new policies aimed at developing the sector while stressing the need for restructuring production and improving employment conditions.

Referring to the role of the small- and middle-size business in the development of the Greek economy, Mr. Simitis stressed the party would support the sector especially in view of today's increased competitiveness.

Mr. Simitis said the government also focused on the creation of new financial bodies, reinforcement of credit organizations and transformation of manufacturing districts and regions to autonomous business organizations.

Speaking on the welfare state, the prime minister made special reference to education, branding it "a great investment for the future, not only in relation to economic development but also for cultural progress, our national identity and our strong international presence."

The prime minister said the party, as government, will continue to focus on vocational training and the avoidance of the threatening issue of unemployed university graduates.

He said higher education institutions would broaden their scope in efforts to limit "student migration."

In addition, the prime minister said PASOK was ready to deal effectively with the adjustment of the Greek economy to the international market in view of the great global technological and economic changes, "which cause social differences to grow and drive new and significant parts of the population to social marginalization."

He said PASOK's three goals regarding the creation of a welfare state included the economic viability of insurance funds after social dialogue with the parties involved, increasing the income of more pensioners, and upgrading health services throughout the country.

Referring to the issue of "quality of life and the environment," the prime minister said almost a trillion drachmas have been spent in the past three years for the implementation of a programme for the protection and promotion of the environment, adding t hat as government, PASOK would give special focus on urban planning.

[2] Foreign policy

Concerning international politics, he said the effort of the United States to play the role of a "global policeman" would be fruitless.

Closer to home, Mr. Simitis said "we must have initiatives, particularly in the Balkans, in order to consolidate Greece's position in the region."

Turning to Turkey, the premier charged that Ankara acted in a dangerous manner as a destabilizing factor, with the aim of taking on the role of a regional power despite the severe social, economic and political problems it is facing.

Mr. Simitis described Turkish aggressiveness as "perhaps the only threat facing Greece and Hellenism."

"Our answer to this aggressiveness is a Greece which is strong in the political, economic, defense and diplomatic sectors. A Greece integrated on equal terms in Europe and in the wider international system.

"Our constant target is the qualitative upgrading of the armed forces, with the modernization of its weapons systems and an upgrading in personnel," Mr. Simitis said, adding that decisions in this respect would be announced immediately after the election s. He also spoke of the successful implementation of the joint defense doctrine between Greece and Cyprus.

The prime minister also made reference to the international political scene, which he said had been significantly altered since the time PASOK was founded, especially following the end of the balance of power era and the intensification and multiplication of local sources of tension. Mr. Simitis also referred to the new status in the Balkans and Turkey's role in the region. He said Turkey believes that the new conditions in the Balkans pose an opportunity for Turkey to assume a regional role, "acting, however, as the basic destabilizing factor in the region."

Referring to new trends in international politics, Mr. Simitis noted the shrinkage of the nation-state and the formation of new supranational powers as a result of the globalization of the economy and the international flow of capital.

[3] Evert calls for a more resolute handling of Turkey

Main opposition New Democracy leader Miltiades Evert yesterday reiterated his view that Ankara had to be faced more resolutely, and that extension of Greece's territorial waters to 12 nautical miles is an inalienable right.

"The more ground we give, the more provocative the Turks become. Greece will not give any more ground. This attitude on the part of the Simitis government has led to 100 islets being disputed, talk of 'gray areas,' and a tripling of violations of our national air space," Mr. Evert said at a press conference on foreign policy issues at the Zappeion Hall.

He nevertheless expressed confidence that there will not be an armed conflict between the two countries.

"There will certainly not be a war with Turkey, but there will be interceptions. If seven Turkish aircraft infringe on our national air space, there will be another 14 Greek ones that will intercept them, and the Turks will thus understand that this policy leads nowhere," he said. Regarding Greece's right under the International Law of the Sea to extend its territorial waters to 12 nautical miles, he said: "this is Greece's inalienable right, and (Greece) will surely exercise its rights whenever it is considered necessary."

Mr. Evert set out the first seven measures on foreign policy issues a ND government will adopt after assuming office.

According to the ND leader, the first, even before receiving a vote of confidence in Parliament, will be to ask the president of the republic to call a meeting of political leaders with the participation of Cypriot President Glafcos Clerides, so that his government's policy statement will include comprehensive proposals at a national level.

"The greatest possible part of the country's political forces must be expressed so that foreigners will know that our positions are not just those of the ruling party, but of the whole of Greece," he said.

Mr. Evert argued that a leaders' council should also deal with the fact that Greece does not have a trustworthy party to negotiate with on Cyprus.

The second measure will be to announce an (economic) convergence programme with the rest of the European Union, as envisaged in the Maastricht Treaty. "The macro-economic model is ready," he noted.

The third measure will be to invite the leader of the main opposition party on a joint trip to Cyprus, while a fourth measure will be to propose and pass a law providing for the establishment of a national foreign policy council and appointment of a permanent foreign under-secretary.

Fifth, there will be immediate application of a 10-year programme for the boosting of the of the armed forces' strength.

Mr. Evert said the sixth measure will be to call a summit conference for Balkan prime ministers' concerning peace, security and economic co-operation.

Seventh, in co-operation with the European Union and the United Nations, Mr. Evert says he will propose that the year 2000 be declared the "Year of Democracy", centering on Greece.

Regarding relations with the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), Mr. Evert accused PASOK of interrupting negotiations under UN auspices.

"A solution to the name issue will only come through the UN. (But) we are not going to reveal our positions when we see that Skopje is following an intransigent policy," he added.

Regarding the bombing of Iraqi targets yesterday by the US military, the ND leader said that Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos should have summoned US Ambassador to Athens Thomas Niles and asked for explanations, maintaining that the European Union foreign ministers' council should also have been convened.

[4] Dukakis meets with Kaklamanis, Evert

The US incursion into Iraq early yesterday morning was the focus of talks former Massachusetts governor and 1988 Democratic presidential candidate Michael Dukakis had with Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis and main opposition New Democracy leader Miltiades Evert.

Mr. Dukakis referred to "bad handling" by Saddam Hussein, whom he called "insane" in his meeting with Mr. Kaklamanis in Parliament yesterday.

Mr. Kaklamanis said Greece would be fortunate indeed if the US did not overlook Cyprus and acted in a similar fashion with the island-republic.

Mr. Dukakis expressed his optimism that, in the event of a Clinton re-election, that there would be a resolution of national issues.

"These problems cannot be resolved without international co-operation," Mr. Dukakis said.

Mr. Kaklamanis said Mr. Clinton had shown sensitivity and that he believed that with the counsel of the Greek-US community, Mr. Dukakis and Greece, "we can promote our positions". Evert - "Saddam Hussein continually makes the wrong, clumsy evaluations," Mr. Dukakis told reporters after his meeting with Mr. Evert.

Mr. Dukakis said that he did not have any details but that "the president has been given an opportunity to act and prove his leadership qualities, while also showing that Saddam Hussein is not in a position to comprehend US policy".

Mr. Evert said he and Mr. Dukakis had exchanged views on the strengthening of Greek-US relations and on the problems caused by Turkey in the region. Mr. Evert said he was convinced that Mr. Dukakis would assist Greece, as he had in the past, adding "Mr. Dukakis is a shining example of what world Hellenism can do and the help which can be offered in good and bad times".

Mr. Dukakis said that after elections, both countries would co-operate closely on the problems in the region, adding that "the problems in Iraq underline what the two countries - which must have a stronger presence in the region - together can do".

[5] Papandreou children announce establishment of institute to promote the life, work of the late premier

On the occasion of the 22nd anniversary of the founding of the ruling PASOK party yesterday, the children of PASOK founder Andreas Papandreou - George, Sophia, Nikos and Andreas - yesterday announced the establishment of an "Andreas G. Papandreou Foundation" for the systematic study, research and projection of the life and work of the late three-time prime minister.

They also welcomed the endorsement of a proposal by Prime Minister Costas Simitis at PASOK's national council for the parallel establishment of an institute for political studies and further education, also to be named after the late leader.

[6] Junta leader Papadopoulos on respirator

George Papadopoulos, the leader of the 1967 military coup currently serving a life sentence in jail, is in a stable condition in hospital, doctors said yesterday.

Papadopoulos was moved to the Athens General Hospital in early August for breathing difficulties. Doctors said he was continuously on a respirator and that he had undergone a tracheotomy, a regular procedure for those suffering from chronic respiratory ailments.

[7] Athens expresses concern over latest Gulf tension

Athens yesterday expressed deep concern over cruise missile strikes by the US military yesterday morning on targets around Iraq, saying it was closely following the situation.

Caretaker Press and Media Minister Dimitris Konstas said the Kurdish problem often created "particular upheaval and tension" in the region.

"The international community must confront the issue in accordance with the principles which govern its operation," Mr. Konstas said.

Asked whether the Greek government had been briefed in advance or took part in any manner in the attack yesterday morning, Mr. Konstas replied in the negative, stressing that no Greek territory or "means" had been used in the operation.

"The Greek government is informed of events by its own means," he added.

Washington launched the largest military strike against Iraq yesterday morning since the Gulf War, launching 27 cruise missiles at air defense targets around Iraq in retaliation for Iraqi military attacks on Kurds in northern Iraq.

Baghdad said five people were killed in the missile attack and 19 wounded, including civilians.

Referring to the missile attack, main opposition New Democracy party Vice-President Ioannis Varvitsiotis said yesterday that he would expect "from the sole superpower to display the same sensitivity on the implementation of international law in all cases."

Mr. Varvitsiotis clarified that he was referring in particular to the Cyprus problem, "but also to each and every case involving the violation of international law at the expense of Hellenism."

Meanwhile, Communist Party of Greece (KKE) Secretary General Aleka Papariga linked what she called "the latest murderous provocation" by Washington in Iraq with "the position of Prime Minister Costas Simitis that we must seek solutions to the Cyprus problem and Greek-Turkish differences within the framework of supposedly allied organizations and with the assistance of US President Bill Clinton," stressing that this position constituted "a provocation and disgrace."

"In Greece, the policy of 'thank you' to the Americans, which has given the green light for the mass murders of peoples finds no support and will be punished in the elections," Ms Papariga noted.

The Coalition of the Left and Progress also denounced the US missile strikes, saying the real reason behind the operation was the US election in November and not "the sensitivity for the Kurds, which the powerful of the world leave undefended and deprived of a homeland and state."

[8] Petrol prices increase

Fuel prices are set to increase following yesterday's crisis in Iraq, although the rise is not expected to exceed one drachma per liter, the former managing consultant of the Public Petroleum Corp. (DEP) and PASOK deputy candidate Manolis Daskalakis said yesterday.

Mr. Daskalakis said the US missile strikes had been expected by the international markets over the past two or three days, and had severe repercussions on the prices of crude oil, which rose by two US dollars per barrel.

[9] Clinton letter asks for Greek support of latest US military actions in Iraq

In a letter to Prime Minister Costas Simitis yesterday, US President Bill Clinton requested Greek support for US actions in northern Iraq, namely, the missile attack of Iraqi targets by the US military.

"The United States has determined that it must respond strongly and quickly to Saddam's new campaign of violence and repression.

"The President requests and will greatly appreciate your continuing to stand together with us on this critical matter of peace and security, including specifically public support for our actions," the letter stated.

Meanwhile, a foreign ministry statement yesterday evening criticized main opposition New Democracy leader Miltiades Evert for his earlier statements during a press conference, noting that President Clinton sent Prime Minister Simitis a letter on US operations in Iraq yesterday afternoon - a document that was released yesterday evening.

The foreign ministry also stated that it asked the Irish rotating EU presidency for a joint position by the Union on the latest developments in northern Iraq.

[10] DEH signs contract for wind energy park with private company

A contract was signed yesterday between the Public Power Corp. (DEH) and the Aeolos Co., a subsidiary of the Iweco group, for the first-ever project taking advantage of legislation promoting environment-friendly energy sources.

A similar contract is scheduled to be signed in the next few days with the firm X. Rokas.

Both contracts concern construction of wind energy parks on Crete, with each unit expected to produce electricity to the tune of 20 to 30GWH per year, depending on wind conditions.

Investment interest in such projects is expected to expand to other islands, especially to the large island of Evia, and to the mainland, with specific proposals submitted by private investors.

[11] ADEDY calls on premier to satisfy several civil servants' demands

In view of the annual customary prime ministerial speech on economic policy at the Thessaloniki International Trade Fair (HELEXPO) over the weekend, the civil servants' union (ADEDY) yesterday called on Premier Costas Simitis to commit himself to meeting a series of demands concerning salaries, collective bargaining, modernization of the public administration without privatizations, etc.

ADEDY also said it did not dispute the need for tackling the country's serious problems and improving fiscal indicators, but rather the logic which views social needs as surrogates to the achievement of nominal targets set by the Maastricht Treaty.

"For this reason we believe there is need for greater emphasis on development on the basis of a 'national development plan' and on social policy, which will guarantee necessary social cohesion, and will avert the apparent danger of a society of the two- thirds, will tackle the significant problem of unemployment, will upgrade people's living standards, (and) strengthen Greece's position..."

[12] Decree to approve int'l tender for investors' participation in gas distribution networks

Development Minister Vasso Papandreou recently signed a presidential decree regarding the international tender for private investors to participate in companies distributing natural gas to residences and businesses.

The decree, due to be signed by President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos during the next few days, outlines the tender's details of participation, the particular conditions which potential investors will have to fulfill and the terms under which the license will be granted to companies for the use and exploitation of the natural gas distribution network.

[13] Greek entrepreneurs expect higher investment rates for '96

Greek entrepreneurs foresee favorable prospects for business and an increase in industrial investment in the order of 34 per cent in 1996, a European Commission study - conducted in March and April - revealed.

Businessmen forecast a 44 per cent increase in investment in industries producing necessities, a 53 per cent hike in the metallurgy sector, 47 per cent in manufacturing and 37 per cent in the foodstuffs sector.

Regarding confidence indicators, Greek entrepreneurs appeared the most optimistic after their Irish and Dutch counterparts.

By contrast, Greek consumers appeared the most pessimistic among EU member-states (excluding Austria, Sweden and Finland) in June, concerning the economic situation in their households.

The vast majority of Greek consumers said they were not in a position to proceed with significant purchases, and forecast a similar situation next year. However, they remained the most optimistic in the EU regarding the problem of unemployment and the prospects for a downward trend in inflation over the next 12 months.

End of English language section.