A.N.A. Bulletin, 14/09/96

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

Athens News Agency Directory

ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No 989), September 14, 1996

Greek Press & Information Office

Ottawa, Canada

E-Mail Address: grnewsca@sympatico.ca

CONTENTS

[1] Simitis, Evert face off on national issues, economy in first-ever televised debate

Prime Minister Costas Simitis and main opposition New Democracy party leader Miltiades Evert's televised election discussion last night, the first ever in Greek politics, focused on national issues, and particularly the crisis with Turkey over the Imia is lets last January and economic issues.

Mr. Simitis said Turkey was attempting to force Greece to the negotiation table in creating the crisis over Imia, adding that the aim of his ruling PASOK party is to widen the country's international support and force the Turks not to raise issues.

He said that if the crisis occurred again he would handle it in the way it had been handled with a view to avoiding confrontation and a dialogue on Turkey's terms, disclosing that he had ordered measures to avert a Turkish landing.

Mr. Simitis stressed that the Imia islets constitute Greek territory and, replying to a question on whether he would again thank the US as he had following a defusing of the crisis, said "the prime minister should thank and denounce whenever it is necessary for the country's interests", adding that ND is attempting to capitalize on the issue due to its position in the past when it "faced the US as a subjugated country".

Mr. Evert accused the government of "losing Greek territory" and taking down the Greek flag and, addressing Mr. Simitis, inquired whether the government could send Greek troops to the island now.

He said that if he was forced to deal with such a crisis he would not "provoke" and would secure alternative scenarios.

Mr. Evert said Mr. Simitis attempted to place the blame on the armed forces and that he did not accuse the prime minister of being a traitor but spoke of action bordering on treason.

Referring to Greek-Turkish dialogue, Mr. Simitis said the same policy would be adhered to and criticized ND's policy, saying that in essence Mr. Evert adopted the Turkish position which is "disastrous".

Mr. Evert criticized the step-by-step policy announced by Mr. Simitis, saying that his party would not discuss the country's inalienable sovereign rights, adding that dialogue should take place on the basis of existing agreements and treaties and provided it has been suitably prepared and the Greek government has prior knowledge of the issues to be raised.

On the question of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), Mr. Evert said he would invite the country to the meeting of Balkan prime ministers under the name of FYROM, its internationally recognized name, while Mr. Simitis said Greece defends the position that the word 'Macedonia' should not be included in the country's name, adding that dialogue will continue in the framework of the UN, as anticipated by the interim agreement.

Mr. Evert said a unified foreign policy is necessary and that the government's policy statements should be written "by a Greek pen which will be neither blue, nor green, nor red (the colors of, respectively, New Democracy, PASOK or Communists)."

Replying to a question on whether he will resign in the event he loses the general elections, Mr. Simitis said "the (PASOK party) congress elected me president for three years and I will assume whatever responsibilities I have to assume. It is self-evident that whatever my decision is it must be discussed with the Movement's (party's) organs since I cannot take such decisions by myself."

Replying to the same question, Mr. Evert said he is convinced he will win the elections and that it is not an issue preoccupying the Greek people.

The prime minister said ND's weakness is its lack of a clear economic and social program, the many promises it makes to win elections, and predicted that if it does win, growth will grind to a stop and the economy will end in a stalemate.

The ND leader said Mr. Simitis should be judged both as national economy minister, with the austerity program he implemented, and as industry minister, when he failed to privatize the shipyards and had the lowest EU fund absorption rates.

He emphasized that investments are needed, and that PASOK's convergence program is one of "divergence". Mr. Simitis said that following the absence of Andreas Papandreou, PASOK has successfully adapted to the new situation and that the government's cohesion arises out of dialogue, the convergence of its bodies and the synthesis of varied views.

Replying to a question on criticism of Mr. Evert's use of the Greek language, the ND leader said "from the whole of my political career, it is this issue that has recently arisen. Have you seen any deficiencies? A politician must be judged by his effectiveness and his decisiveness."

Answering a question on his perceived appearance as distant to the average Greek, the prime minister said he has always been able to communicate well with people, that politicians must use arguments and give solutions to the problems faced by Greek citizens and that the manner in which he handles issues is effective.

Mr. Simitis said PASOK has a specific program for farmers which foresees the existence of a main social security fund so that they do not have to rely on pre-election hand-outs. For workers, he said PASOK's program foresees dynamic employment policies, adding that his party is based on "development, social justice, social sensitivity and the welfare state."

The ND leader said his party's positions regarding farmers and small- and medium-sized enterprises is part of the ND program, which had been presented before snap elections were declared.

He stressed that unemployment can be reduced through development and said the government's program for farmers will oblige them to pay large contributions to the social security fund. Mr. Evert added that the only solution is growth and for this reason he has "also disagreed with Mr. Mitsotakis (former prime minister and ND honorary president) and New Democracy's government."

On the Cyprus issue, Mr. Evert said Turkey is not ready for direct talks and expressed his belief that after the US elections "pressure will slacken" for finding a solution to the problem. He added that unity, patience and persistence is needed for its solution.

The prime minister said his government has succeeded in beginning the negotiations for Cyprus's entry into the European Union, adding that there are no magical solutions for the problem.

[2] Political Spring will not co-operate with other parties in event of hung parliament

Political Spring party leader Antonis Samaras yesterday ruled out the possibility of his party cooperating with other parties in the event elections led to a hung Parliament.

"We will not become joint administrators of the crisis of the two major parties," Mr. Samaras told a press conference in Thessaloniki yesterday. He said his party should play the role of "power watchdog" on behalf of the people.

Mr. Samaras once again attacked the two major parties on the occasion of last night's televised discussion between Prime Minister Costas Simitis and main opposition New Democracy party leader Miltiades Evert and spoke of a "political comedy ceremony for two."

Mr. Samaras said he favored development without austerity and proposed the depreciation of the drachma as "the sole policy capable of providing development rates for the economy above 4-4.5 per cent."

He posed five questions to the leaders of the two mainstream parties and demanded a response before next Sunday's elections.

The questions are: will austerity continue; will the name Macedonia be given to the Skopjans; will Greece be dragged into a dialogue with Turkey; will foreign plans for Cyprus be accepted; and what is the position on the role played by Christos Lambrakis (president of the Lambrakis media organization) in public life?

[3] Laliotis points out ND inconsistencies on foreign policy

Environment Minister Costas Laliotis, who is head of the ruling party's election campaign, yesterday attacked New Democracy for inconsistencies in its foreign policy positions.

First, he said, present leader Miltiades Evert's apparent acceptance of the joint defense doctrine with Cyprus, contradicts a statement by then-defense minister and now party Vice-President Ioannis Varvitsiotis on September 28, 1993, that he would not send a Greek division to help Cyprus in case of crisis.

Secondly, Mr. Evert's recent reiteration of a proposal for the creation of a national foreign policy council contrasts with his predecessor, Constantine Mitsotakis' rejection, when prime minister, of a similar proposal by then Coalition of the Left leader Maria Damanaki, saying that the executor of foreign policy was the government, and not Ms Damanaki.

Thirdly, he asked Mr. Evert to state whether he agreed with Mr. Mitsotakis' statement during a visit to Istanbul that the Greek people "could live with the Turks in peace and seek the best," despite differences, or with Prime Minister Costas Simitis' position that the main, and perhaps only, threat to Greece was Turkish expansionism.

Fourthly, he pointed out that Mr. Evert, despite a statement on September 18, 1994, that Greece could extend its territorial waters to 12 miles whenever it so decided, subsequently cautioned that such a move, "closing the Aegean, and transforming it into a closed lake, could bring us into opposition with not only Turkey, but also with all those countries which border on the Black Sea, Romania, Bulgaria, Russia etc.".

Mr. Laliotis added that this last claim, besides not being based on provisions of international law, was also identical with that of Turkey.

[4] Undecided voters should vote Coalition, Constantopoulos says

Speaking at a press conference in Serres yesterday, Coalition of the Left and Progress leader Nikos Constantopoulos appealed to undecided voters for support.

Mr. Constantopoulos said blank and spoilt votes could constitute political behavior, but in essence facilitated support for bipartisan politics.

He expressed the view that the votes of undecided voters would ultimately go to small parties because, as he said, these voters question the two mainstream parties and question bipartisan politics as well.

Mr. Constantopoulos expressed optimism that a considerable part of undecided voters would finally choose the Coalition.

[5] Environmental issues lacking in the campaign, Coalition says

Policies for the environment are lacking in this election campaign, the Coalition of the Left and Progress said yesterday, noting that the issue was also absent from the Simitis government platform as well as the ruling party's Congress in June.

Speaking at a press conference on environmental issues yesterday, Coalition candidates said that major infrastructure projects were related more to local pressure from the electorate as well as the non-transparent administration of funds.

The major projects, which mainly deal with transport (Egnatia Highway, Spata airport and roadworks) ignore the upgrading of means of transport that are more friendly to the environment, like rail, they said.

The candidates also criticized Environment Minister Costas Laliotis for the environmental problems facing Piraeus, saying he had not helped resolve them and that there were solutions that had to be implemented "whatever the political cost".

[6] Political Spring complains of exclusion from televised debate

Political Spring's complaint about its exclusion from last night's televised debate between Mr. Simitis and Mr. Evert should be dealt with by the Radio and Television Council, caretaker Press Minister Dimitris Konstas said yesterday.

"The Radio and Television Council is the body that is competent to decide if Political Spring's exclusion from the Simitis-Evert debate contravenes the joint ministerial decision on the coverage of political parties by the mass media," Mr. Konstas said.

He added that state television ERT, which will broadcast the debate, was able to organize other debates.

[7] ERT to broadcast election program for expatriates

The Greek Radio and TV network (EPT) will broadcast a six-hour electoral program for Greek expatriates on September 22, Caretaker Press Minister Dimitris Konstas said yesterday.

The program will start at 7 p.m. and will be broadcast to the US and Canada, while a similar provision also exists for Europe and Australia. A relevant request had also been made by the President of the Council of Overseas Greeks (SAE) Andrew Athens during his recent visit to Greece, Mr. Konstas said.

[8] Spyridon protests attacks on Patriarchate in letter to Ciller, Erbakan

In letters addressed to the prime minister and the foreign minister of Turkey, Archbishop of America Spyridon expresses profound concern over recent demonstrations against the Ecumenical Patriarchate by "various elements appearing to serve political and religious expediencies", and that the Church appeared to be targeted for events which have nothing to do with it.

Spyridon said reference to the hanging of Patriarch Grigorios V in 1821 and threats against the life of Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos by the Turkish magazine "Middle East" was a cause for even greater concern for the entire Orthodox world.

He referred to the peaceloving and spiritual role played by the Ecumenical Patriarchate for centuries for the benefit of millions of Orthodox believers all over the world, and stressed the need for Turkish authorities to intervene to prevent unjustified incidents.

[9] Juppe arrives in Athens today

French Premier Alain Juppe arrives in Athens today for an official two-day visit and talks with Prime Minister Costas Simitis on the occasion of celebrations marking the 150th anniversary of the founding of the French Archaeological School.

Mr. Juppe will arrive at 12 noon local time, accompanied by his wife, and shortly after have private talks with Mr. Simitis which will be followed by a joint press conference.

At 2 pm Mr. Simitis will give a dinner in Mr. Juppe's honor at the Maximos Mansion.

The French premier will travel to Delphi later in the afternoon where he will be proclaimed an honorary citizen and awarded the town's gold medal.

On Sunday afternoon, Mr. Juppe will meet with main opposition New Democracy leader Miltiades Evert.

An ANA dispatch from Paris yesterday reported French Foreign Ministry spokesman Jacques Rummelhardt as stating that during his visit in Athens, Mr. Juppe will discuss recent developments in Greek-Turkish relations, bilateral issues, economic and cultural matters, as well as issues pertaining to European integration in the framework of the Intergovernmental Conference.

"All issues can be discussed between two political leaders," he said, adding that Mr. Juppe's visit "will provide the opportunity for the reaffirmation of the close relations that link the two countries".

[10] Greek ambassador objects to 'Washington Times' report

In a letter published in yesterday's "Washington Times", Greek Ambassador to Washington Loukas Tsilas said those criticizing Greece should provide evidence supporting their allegations.

Responding to a recent report in the newspaper claiming that the Greek government is supporting Kurdish terrorists belonging to the PKK group, Mr. Tsilas said that despite categorical denials by relevant Greek authorities in Washington, the newspaper's writer included in his recent article "untenable allegations on support for the Kurdish terrorists of the PKK by the Greek government."

"It (the report) initially hosts statements by anonymous sources of the CIA and then by a certain Mr. Canistraro, a former official of the CIA's anti-terrorist service. We are not aware from where Mr. Canistraro obtains his information, but the same report denies what he claims," Mr. Tsilas said in his letter.

The report contains a categorical denial of these allegations by Greece's press official in Washington Theodosis Dimitrakopoulos.

Mr. Tsilas concludes his letter asking "why the journalist in question chose this specific moment, when Turkey is considering intensifying its military operations against the Kurds, to once again raise positions which only Turkey and no other government has supported."

"Greece reiterates this denial and calls on the 'sources' to prove the truth of their allegations, which they have not done so far," he said.

[11] President inaugurates annual Athens Meeting at the Pnyx

President Kostis Stephanopoulos yesterday expressed support for the idea of a federal system in Europe, both as regards its form and functions.

In his opening address to the 'Athens Meeting 1996' international conference at Pnyx Hill across from the Acropolis yesterday, he said the European Union was unable to exercise a common foreign policy due to the lack of political will, goals, and the different interests of its members.

"The principles of European civilization on which the principles of democracy are based must be safeguarded, and the states must not yield before geopolitical interests," he said.

Foreign dignitaries who attended the Athens Meeting yesterday, organized annually by the Athens Metsovion Polytechnic and held under the aegis of European Parliament President Klaus Haensch, included the Prince of Lichtenstein Hans Adam II, who also addressed the meeting, former French culture minister Jack Lang, and former Cypriot president George Vassiliou.

Representing the government, Education Minister George Papandreou said in his address that rapid social changes were also changing the concept of the politician, who was now becoming more of an educator, teacher and pupil at the same time, rather than being viewed as the magician who has to offer ready solutions. The meeting discussed the topic "Political, Economic, and Social Democracy. Structuring or Dislocation?"

[12] Avramopoulos briefs Pangalos on overseas municipal initiatives

Athens Mayor Dimitris Avramopoulos yesterday briefed Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos on the city of Athens' and local government programs and aims.

Mr. Avramopoulos, who is also the president of KEDKE, the Central Union of Greek Municipalities and Communities, expanded on the initiatives of local government on an international level, such as regional communication between local administration in Balkan and southeastern Mediterranean countries, contacts between Greek municipalities and their foreign counterparts and Greece and Albanian local government contacts.

"Such programs have good results for our foreign relations, without intervening in the drafting of a foreign policy," Mr. Avramopoulos said.

Mr. Pangalos gave the projects his undivided support, saying "the ministry has given great importance to the external activities of the Athens Municipality, which is trying for good relations of friendship and peace with other countries. The policy of Mr. Avramopoulos on these issues is very acceptable".

[13] Dukakis awarded University of Crete gold medal

Former Massachusetts governor Michael Dukakis was awarded the gold medal of the University of Crete yesterday during a ceremony on the island.

University Rector Christina Sypraki delivered a speech stating that the university was honoring expatriate Greeks, the politician and the scientist in the person of Mr. Dukakis.

Mr. Dukakis said he was proud of his background and that his Greek heritage has played a decisive role in his political life.

The former Massachusetts governor added that Greece and the US must co-operate both in the United Nations and in the Balkans, and promised that he "will not allow 20 years to elapse again" before another visit to the land where his parents were born and which he himself considers his home.

[14] Pakistan likely to attend 1997 Thessaloniki International Fair

A 10-member delegation of Pakistani businessmen visiting the Thessaloniki International Fair have expressed strong interest in the development of trade relations between the two countries.

During a meeting with HELEXPO officials yesterday, head of the delegation Abdul Mahid Suleyman referred to the considerable potential for developing trade, given the very low price of Pakistani agricultural products, and announced that his country will participate in next year's fair.

He also invited HELEXPO to participate in the 1997 commercial exhibition in Karachi.

During a visit to the Thessaloniki Chamber of Commerce and Industry on Thursday, the delegation stressed that Pakistan is interested in co-operation with Greece in the sectors of textiles, plastics, traditional craft, construction materials and equipment , carpets, marble and cement, metals, rice and mineral salt. They also proposed the setting up of a joint venture in the agricultural sector.

Mr. Suleyman stated that the level of Greek-Pakistani trade is low, but continuously expanding.

Greek exports to Pakistan amounted to US $2.7 million in 1994, and imports to US $20 million.

[15] Paros selected to host painting symposium

Greece has been chosen once more by artists from a number of European countries for the 5th international "Plain Air" painting symposium as well as for the exhibition of their works on "Impressions from Greece". The Plain Air activities will be held on Paros island beginning September 16 and ending October 6, to be followed by exhibitions in Athens.

The municipality of Paros will extend hospitality to the 13 artists from Greece, Poland, France, Slovakia, Russia and Bulgaria who will portray the island in their works which will be exhibited in Paroikia from September 28 until October 5.

Fifty-eight artists from six European countries have already participated in the four previous Plain Air events and exhibitions held since 1992 in Kammena Vourla, Nafplio, Santorini and, last year, Syros.

[16] Atlanta gold medallists get honors from Italian city

The southern Italian town of Croton declared Greece's Olympic gold medallists honorary citizens on August 30 on the occasion of the twinning of the town with Athens, Ancient Olympia and Pythagorio on Samos.

The certificates and medals were accepted by a representative of the Greek Weight-lifting Federation and will be passed on to Pyrros Dimas, Akakios Kakiasvilis, Nikos Kaklamanakis and Yiannis Melissanidis at a later ceremony to be attended by the Italian ambassador to Athens.

[17] Greece receives 200 billion from ETPA

Greece has so far received 200 billion drachmas from the European Regional Development Fund (ETPA), according to National Economy Under-secretary Christos Pachtas yesterday.

The amount concerns ETPA's participation in the implementation of programs jointly funded by the European Union. The participation is expected to amount to 590 billion drachmas in 1996.

Greece has so far submitted applications to the EU for project payments implemented, amounting to 420 billion drachmas or 71 per cent of commitments, while Greece's applications next month are expected to cover 100 per cent of commitments.

Mr. Pachtas said that for the first time the country is expected to cover the amount of commitments from the EU before the end of the year.

[18] Metallourghiki factory to operate after five years

An agreement was initialed between the National Bank of Greece and the Sovel company yesterday for the transfer to the latter of the 'Metallourghiki Halyps' company, which has been inactive for about five years.

The Viohalko group of companies participates in Sovel, while the National Bank has a 15 per cent holding.

The new company's share capital amounts to eight billion drachmas and the whole investment is expected to reach roughly 18 billion drachmas.

According to a National Bank announcement, the reopening of the Metallourghiki factory in Almyros will be promoted at a speedy rate and will provide employment for a considerable number of workers in the Magnisia prefecture.

[19] Albania gets first private bank

The first foreign private bank was officially opened in Tirana yesterday.

The "Tirana Bank" is a branch of the Bank of Piraeus and has a capital of $2 million.

The National Bank of Greece also has plans to soon open a branch in Albania.

[20] News in Brief

- The Italian Navy's training vessel "Amerigo Vespucci" is expected to dock in Piraeus in the next few days, in the framework of a training programs for cadets at the Naval School. The vessel will be open to the public.

- Caretaker Press Minister Dimitris Konstas yesterday expressed the Greek government's hope that the Bosnian elections "will create the conditions for problems in this country to be surpassed and for the situation to be normalized, both in Bosnia and the region."

End of English language section.