A.N.A. Bulletin, 16/09/96

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

Athens News Agency Directory

ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No 990), September 16, 1996

Greek Press & Information Office

Ottawa, Canada

E-Mail Address: grnewsca@sympatico.ca

CONTENTS

[1] Evert launches all-out attack on Simitis, Pangalos over handling of national issues

Main opposition New Democracy party leader Miltiades Evert used strong language yesterday to criticize both Prime Minister Costas Simitis and Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos for statements made over the weekend regarding the Imia islet crisis last January.

However, the ND leader dodged the question of whether he himself, if elected prime minister, would send soldiers to Imia.

During a press conference in Thessaloniki, Mr. Evert called the foreign minister "irresponsible and a liar" for maintaining that on the night of the crisis, Mr. Evert could not be found until 4 am.

Mr. Pangalos made the statement during a televised debate with former ND economy minister Stephanos Manos on Saturday night.

Mr. Pangalos also asserted that when eventually found and briefed on the crisis, the ND leader had nothing to propose, nor had he raised any objections to the government's handling of the issue.

Mr. Evert said that on the night in question, he had heard a report from Istanbul at 4am that Turks had landed on Imia. When he had asked the government for a briefing, he was at first told that it was not certain what had happened. One hour later, Mr. Evert added, Mr. Pangalos had assured him that the situation had de-escalated.

The ND leader also attacked Mr. Simitis for comments made during their joint televised debate on Friday evening, regarding the actions of the armed forces the night of the Imia crisis.

He said Mr. Simitis had been lying when he maintained that the military had not obeyed orders that night, and called on the prime minister to resign.

Meanwhile, asked what he would do if his party won next Sunday's election, the ND leader contended that as the situation stood today, Turkish ships were patrolling the one side and Greek ships the other side (of the islet).

"Mr. Simitis can't send a single soldier to Imia, since he has committed himself accordingly," said Mr. Evert, adding: "We are not going to repeat the same mistake. I've always been a good chess player and in chess you have to be able to predict the next moves."

Mr. Evert also avoided replying to the question of whether the ND would extend Greece's territorial waters, saying that any decision would be made when the time was right, according to the situation prevailing in the region at the time.

Asked whether ND would welcome a US Dayton-style initiative on the Cyprus issue, Mr. Evert said that Turkey must first of all commit itself to respecting international conventions and international law, in order for the tug-of-war to be broken.

Mr. Evert also warned "Americans and Europeans alike" that in the event of an ND government Greece "would not accept any games with Turkey" saying that "foreigners would not dictate our policies. We will work with them based on mutual benefit, and in the interests of both peoples".

Finally, with regard to Greece's dispute with the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, the ND leader said his party would accept no compromise over the issue of that country's name.

Turning to the problem of "vested interests" in Greek politics, Mr. Evert charged that the Athens daily 'Ethnos' had received 500 million drachmas in financial support before the PASOK congress, as well as a loan of 1.5 billion drachmas. It was interest s such as these, he said, that had caused the downfall of the government of Constantine Mitsotakis, Mr. Evert's predecessor at ND's helm.

He promised there would be no new taxes if ND won the elections. Deficits would be covered by cutting public expenditure and by speeding up growth. He accused the PASOK government of over-burdening the Greek people with new taxes, adding that long-term austerity policies were no answer, while privatizations did not cause unemployment.

Regarding the problem of foreign workers in Greece, Mr. Evert called for social security cards to be given to ethnic Greeks from Albania and the former Soviet Union.

He suggested giving residents of border regions incentives to remain there, giving the example of halving electricity rates in communities of less than 500 people.

The ND leader made a strong attack on Education Minister George Papandreou for his announcement last week that the intake of new students this year at tertiary institutions would be increased. He spoke in favor of foreign universities being opened in Greece, although not as profit-making ventures. In the meantime, he suggested that foreign universities could open departments in Greece.

[2] PASOK replies

An announcement from PASOK's press office said that Mr. Evert had continued his monotonous "cheap promises and hand-outs in an illustration of ignorance and irresponsibility".

"Whether he is referring to the 'famed' seven measures for one or the other political area, or to the armed forces which he insists on involving in a political game to serve petty party interests, or referring to major issues of foreign policy or announcing the abolition of bus conductors which have been abolished for years now, or handing out cheap promises or billions in all directions to chase votes, Mr. Evert is simply showing his irresponsibility. He believes he can say whatever he wants since he will not be called upon to implement them.

"For the country's tomorrow, the Greek people will renew its confidence in PASOK on Sept. 22. Mr. Evert can occupy himself as of now with what he has to do to ensure his own future in his party," it said.

[3] Juppe, Simitis agree on need to enforce international law

French Prime Minister Alain Juppe, who arrived in Athens on Saturday, met with his Greek counterpart, Costas Simitis and discussed European and bilateral issues, Greek-Turkish relations and the Cyprus problem.

Speaking after the meeting, Mr. Simitis said there had been agreement on the "general orientations of the solutions that must be sought," citing in particular the need to enforce international law, the development of a spirit of friendship and cooperation between nations, and the reinforcement of ties in the framework of the European Union.

Concerning Greek-Turkish relations, Mr. Juppe stressed France's adherence to respect for treaties and international law, condemned "unilateral actions" which create tension, and reiterated that the International Court at The Hague is the most appropriate body to resolve disputes centering on territorial claims.

Referring to the inter-governmental conference (IGC), the French prime minister said that although "all countries do not necessarily have the same views," they share the will for the issue to proceed and for the scheduled dates to be adhered to.

On his part, Mr. Simitis underlined the necessity for "solutions to be found during 1997," and for economic and monetary union to take place on the pre-determined dates.

Regarding the Cyprus problem, Mr. Juppe referred to the necessity to create the preconditions for a recommencement of intercommunal dialogue, adding that "Europe has a role to play," and that relevant UN resolutions offer a "good basis".

The Greek premier described his meeting with Mr. Juppe, who yesterday attended events marking the 150th anniversary of the founding of the French Archaeological School in Athens, as "particularly useful", stressing the significance of co-operation in the cultural field, which, he said, provide the opportunity to promote efforts for the realization of a broader European culture through the exchange of ideas and people.

Mr. Juppe thanked his Greek counterpart for his invitation to visit Greece and for the fact that the scheduled date was adhered to despite the calling of early elections in Greece, describing the level of bilateral relations as excellent, noting his personal "soft spot" for Greece and its people.

[4] Juppe's meeting with Evert

Mr. Juppe met yesterday afternoon with main opposition New Democracy party leader Miltiades Evert in the French Embassy in Athens.

Speaking after the meeting, Mr. Juppe said that they exchanged views on Greece's regional problems and on its relations with the European Union.

On his part, Mr. Evert noted that France is the largest EU Mediterranean country, which he said leads it to have many interests in common with Greece.

The ND leader said both countries must undertake joint initiatives for security and peace in the region, and expressed the certainty that France will continue to support Greece as it has always done in the past.

Referring to relations with Turkey, Mr. Evert said "as long as the neighboring country respects international law and international treaties there is no cause for war."

He added that Greece is a country which wishes for peace, but added that "we are not willing, in any case, to hold a dialogue which will not respect our sovereign rights."

A reception was held in the French Embassy shortly before Mr. Juppe left for Paris, on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of the French Archaeology School in Athens.

In his speech, Mr. Juppe spoke warmly of the Greek spirit and of ancient Greek civilization, and said he wishes Greece and France to further strengthen their relations and co-operation, particularly in the Balkans.

The French premier spoke of the Cyprus issue, saying the EU must fulfill the commitment it has undertaken "with the hope that the island finds its way of unity within the framework of respect for the identities of the populations of which it is made."

Referring to the Aegean, Mr. Juppe said that "Europe and European Greece must find ways for stability through the restoration and implementation of law."

The reception was attended by Education Minister George Papandreou, honorary ND president and former premier Constantine Mitsotakis, and ND deputy president Ioannis Varvitsiotis, Eurodeputies Efthymios Chirstodoulou, Panayiotis Lambrias and the Coalition's Michael Papayiannakis, as well as many representatives of French community and the arts and sciences.

[5] Simitis intensifies attacks on ND

Prime Minister Costas Simitis intensified his attacks against New Democracy and its leader, Miltiades Evert, during a speech in Halkida yesterday.

The premier rejected Mr. Evert's proposal for another television debate as, he said, ND says it is now ready for another discussion although it had said previously that the strategy it had built for the last television appearance would have "leveled PASOK and Mr. Simitis himself."

"We are not going to become life-jackets for them to achieve what they want at some stage," he said.

Mr. Simitis added that in Thessaloniki yesterday, Mr. Evert promised various things, such as reducing the prices of bus tickets and abolishing bus conductors, forgetting that conductors were abolished years ago.

He also noted that Mr. Evert promised to do away with Value Added Tax, ignoring the fact that VAT is regulated based on agreements which have been signed with the EU.

"PASOK wishes to speak the language of truth because the Greek people do not need statements, they need projects," Mr. Simitis said, and added that "there is the side of promises, slanders and personal attacks because they can not offer arguments and talk about real problems.

"PASOK presents a position and programme for the whole of Greece in each sector and asks all parties to do the same, so that the people can have a view and be able to judge. New Democracy did not follow because it has no arguments, because it has nothing to say."

Speaking later yesterday from Livadia, the prime minister said Greece is a country which promotes peace and co-operation in the region, and has the strength to impose peace on the wider region.

"Who wants the policy of tension which New Democracy seeks?" he asked, adding that even a small incident could lead to uncontrollable situations.

Mr. Simitis noted that his party has chosen a quality political campaign and is not following ND, which began with "big words, promises and hand-outs amounting to 1.5 trillion drachmas.

[6] Simitis pledges to proceed with cultural projects

PASOK's cultural policy was outlined by party leader Prime Minister Costas Simitis at an event in Athens on Saturday night.

Drawing attention to the differences between the conservative and progressive views of cultural issues, Mr. Simitis emphasized that in contrast to the conservative approach which concentrated on quantitative growth, PASOK aimed at qualitative changes, both to infrastructure and to the way society functioned.

He paid tribute to late culture minister Melina Mercouri, promising that her dream of a new Acropolis Museum would be one of his government's priorities. Mr. Simitis also referred to a number of cultural projects under way such as the unification of Athens' archaeological sites, promoting the Pella-Vergina-Dion sites, preservation of the art treasures at the monastic community of Mt. Athos as well as opening Greek archaeological institutes in the Balkans and other neighboring countries.

The event was attended by prominent academics and intellectuals such as the artist Dimitris Mytaras, writers Dimtris Potamianos, and Aris Sfakianakis and Angelos Delivorias, director of the Benaki Museum.

Among the politicians present was France's former culture minister Jack Lang.

[7] Simitis calls on Evert to leave military out of election campaign

The Greek armed forces was the subject of debate over the weekend following Friday night's televised debate between PASOK leader and Prime Minister Costas Simitis and main opposition New Democracy party leader Miltiades Evert, in which the handling of Imia islet crisis was raised.

Following the debate, Mr. Evert accused Mr. Simitis of a lack of faith in the country's armed forces. Responding on Saturday night, the prime minister asked Mr. Evert to stop involving the military in his election campaign.

"Morale in the armed forces is high and they are in fighting condition," said the prime minister, adding that the dispute in question, with the then Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces Admiral Christos Lymberis, was resolved in February by the Government

Council of Foreign Affairs and Defense (KYSEA) and was now water under the bridge.

Defense Minister Gerassimos Arsenis urged "everyone" to leave the armed forces out of the election campaign, saying that they had carried out their duty to the full during the Imia crisis.

[8] Simitis confident of a PASOK re-election

Prime Minister Costas Simitis appeared calm and confident regarding his party's chances of re-election next Sunday, in an in-depth interview in the Sunday newspaper 'To Vima'.

Mr. Simitis emphasized that PASOK's goal was not convergence nor austerity, but a competitive economy.

"We are in a race ... To have any hope, we have to be running at the same speed," he stressed. "Our goal is to acquire the ability to compete with the others, to participate in the race successfully."

The prime minister announced that changes would be made to the government elected on September 22.

[9] Evert calls for televised debates with all parties this week

In an unscheduled press conference on Saturday, in the aftermath of last night's televised debate with Prime Minister Costas Simitis, New Democracy p arty leader Miltiades Evert called for a debate between all party leaders to be held on Thursday.

"It is unfair for the other parties not to be given the possibility to present their positions, and it is inconceivable for politicians not to be able to exchange views, proposals and positions, which is the essence of democracy," he said.

He reminded the press that his party had asked for three televised debates, which the ruling PASOK party had refused.

Referring to Friday night's debate, Mr. Evert accused the prime minister of neutralizing the country's deterrent potential by stating that he would react in exactly the same way, were a Greek-Turkish stand-off like the one over the Imia islets in the eastern Aegean in late January to be repeated.

"Mr. Simitis has dismantled Greece's deterrence doctrine, committing a similar mistake to the one in parliament on the day after the Imia crisis, when he stated that the armed forces could not face Turkey. These things are neither said nor done," he said.

Commenting on Mr. Simitis' statement that he had given orders to the armed forces to reply to any Turkish provocation on the night of the crisis which were not obeyed, Mr. Evert said, "I hope that (Defense Minister) Gerassimos Arsenis will answer that, covering the armed forces".

Replying to questions, he reiterated he would take a tough stand vis-a-vis overlapping interests in the media and public contracting.

"On the day after the swearing-in of my government, I will call them all to the prime ministerial office and tell them that in the space of at least two months they must have chosen between being public contractors or media owners. No laws or anything are required for that," he said.

PASOK has rejected Mr. Evert's call for a televised debate involving all party leaders. "Mr. Evert has correctly assessed the result of (Friday) night's televised debate and hastened to give an unscheduled press conference...

"The next round, which Mr. Evert is supposedly asking, will be on September 22, with the Greek people's decision for a great PASOK victory," a party statement said.

[10] Immigrant smuggler receives jail term

A man was sentenced to eight years and two months imprisonment by an Orestiada court on Saturday for attempting to smuggle illegal immigrants into the country.

Paschalis Tziras, 38, was arrested near Didimoticho while transporting 38 Pakistani nationals, from whom he had demanded a fee of $76,000. Tziras was also fined 4.2 million drachmas. Police are continuing the search for his two accomplices.

The illegal immigrants were each sentenced to four months imprisonment, which was suspended in order for deportation proceedings to begin.

On Saturday, meanwhile, 80 illegal immigrants, arrested mostly while working in farmsteads in the Kavala prefecture, were deported.

They were mostly Albanians, Bulgarians, Russians, Yugoslavs, Romanians, and Bangladeshis. About 6,000 illegal immigrants have been deported from eastern Macedonia and Thrace since the beginning of the year.

[11] UN envoy on Cyprus due in Athens for talks

The UN Secretary-General's special envoy on the Cyprus issue Han Sung-Joo left Larnaca for Athens yesterday for talks with the Greek government.

While in Cyprus, the UN envoy had two meetings with Cypriot President Glafcos Clerides and another two with Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash. Mr. Han said that in the talks with the two sides he ascertained that there is the will for a solution to be found for the Cyprus issue, and added that serious international developments necessitate a solution to the issue.

After his talks in Athens, Mr. Han will be visiting Ankara for meetings with the Turkish leadership.

End of English language section.