A.N.A. Bulletin, 01/10/96
From: The Greek Press & Information Office, Ottawa Canada <grnewsca@sympatico.ca>
ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No. 1003), October 1, 1996
Greek Press & Information Office
Ottawa, Canada
E-Mail Address: grnewsca@sympatico.ca
CONTENTS
[01] Greece demands inquiry over latest attack against Phanar by
Turkish terrorists
[02] Tougher security at Patriarchate
[03] Greek Eurodeputy calls for EU intervention
[04] Simitis in Cyprus today
[05] Stephanopoulos addresses message to Clerides on the anniversary
of Cyprus' independence
[06] Gligorov says talks between Athens, Skopje to resume at the end
of the month
[07] Technical chamber of commerce delegation to visit Skopje
[08] Cabinet meeting deals with budget, tax exemption issues
[09] Pangalos meets with staff
[10] Anastasios reiterates that Church of Albania is an autocephalus
institution
[11] New labor minister meets with unionists
[12] Avramopoulos heads local gov't delegation at Brussels conference
[13] PASOK Eurodeputy to attend Labor Party's conference
[14] Selection of ND electors scheduled today
[15] Evert, Varvitsiotis meet
[16] Gov't comments on ND's leadership race
[17] ND deputy in Xanthi denies that he will act autonomously in
Parliament
[18] Conference on animal feed industry opens in Thessaloniki
[19] Greek exports to Spain post dramatic increase so far in '96
[20] 'No new taxes' pledge stands, Gov't spokesman promises
[21] European chambers of commerce to meet in Greece this month
[01] Greece demands inquiry over latest attack against Phanar by
Turkish terrorists
Athens, 01/10/1996 (ANA)
Greece will proceed via diplomatic channels to express its
displeasure over the latest terrorist incident at the Ecumenical
Patriarchate of Constantinople as well as to request a full
inquiry, government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said yesterday.
A strong explosion went off shortly before midnight Sunday night
in the grounds of the Patriarchate's buildings in the Phanar
district of Istanbul. Although nobody was hurt, the Agios
Georgios Church was seriously damaged.
The semi-official Anadolu news agency reported that the Great
Eastern Islamic Raiders Front (IBDA-C) - an extremist Islamic
fundamentalist organization - assumed responsibility for the
blast.
Mr. Reppas said the terrorist attack was an attempt to undermine
rapprochement between the two countries, stressing that it had
also been condemned by Turkish circles as an attempt to
destabilize rapprochement efforts with Europe.
He characterized the organization as an Islamist extreme
right-wing nationalist organization, motivated by anti-Greek
sentiment.
[02] Tougher security at Patriarchate
Istanbul, 01/10/96 (ANA)
According to reports, there had still not been any official
announcement from Turkish police on the attack by late yesterday.
An unidentified caller to the "Hurriyet" newspaper early
yesterday said the organization had been planning the attack for
some time.
In 1994, the same organization had placed a bomb in the northern
part of the Patriarch's residence and had threatened to kill
Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos.
The organization is suspected of involvement in a number of bomb
attacks on liberal and progressive figures in Turkey and has
organized demonstrations in support of the Moslems of Bosnia,
including one in which demonstrators broke into the courtyard of
the US Embassy in Ankara.
In addition, the IBDA-C has claimed responsibility for previous
attacks on churches and restaurants serving alcohol in the
Istanbul area. Following the threats against the Patriarch, a
special security system with video cameras recording all
movement was installed.
[03] Greek Eurodeputy calls for EU intervention
Brussels, 01/10/96 (ANA)
Meanwhile, PASOK Eurodeputy and Vice-President of the Socialist
Group, Yiannis Roubatis, has called for the immediate
intervention by the Council of Ministers and the European
Commission following the terrorist attack against the Ecumenical
Patriarchate.
Mr. Roubatis asked to be informed whether the two EU bodies
intend to issue strong protests to the Turkish authorities
regarding the bomb attack and whether they intend to call for an
increase in security measures for the Patriarchate, whose status
is protected by international treaties. He has also asked the
two EU bodies whether they consider the attack to be
coincidental, as it follows the killings of two Greek-Cypriots
and 12 Kurds in Diyarbakir Prison in southeastern Turkey, and
how concerned they are over "Turkey's apparent reluctance to act
according to the basic principles of human rights, which form
the foundation of European civilization."
Mr. Roubatis stressed it is the second time that an apparent
Islamist organization has committed a terrorist act against the
center of Orthodoxy, and stressed the "obvious indifference of
the Turkish authorities for taking necessary security measures
for the protection of the Patriarchate."
Mr. Roubatis has also submitted questions to the Council and EU
Commission on the issue of Turkey's continuing reluctance to
reply to a Council statement in July, calling on Ankara to
accept a series of basic principles regarding Greek-Turkish
relations and the Cyprus problem.
He requested to be informed whether the two EU bodies consider
that this behavior by Turkey as constituting an indication of
its indifference to their decisions, and how they intend to
react to a continuation of such behavior.
[04] Simitis in Cyprus today
Athens, 01/10/1996 (ANA)
Prime Minister Costas Simitis' visit to Cyprus today is an
indication of the importance Athens places on a resolution of
the Cyprus problem, government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said
yesterday.
The premier's visit is of "the highest national priority", Mr.
Reppas told reporters, adding that the visit would underline the
importance Greece places on Cyprus and would serve to align the
common points in Hellenism's strategy.
The prime minister will be accompanied by Foreign Minister
Theodoros Pangalos, Mr. Reppas, ruling party PASOK Secretary
Costas Skandalidis and PASOK Eurodeputy Yiannos Kranidiotis.
Mr. Reppas added that the Cypriot government's "Nikiforos"
annual military exercise, expected to begin in the next few
days, was also of "the highest importance within the framework
of the joint defense doctrine".
Asked whether Greece would be participating in the military
exercise, he said this was an issue on which he had no
information and would be examined.
Hellenic Air Force planes participated in last year's Nikiforos
exercise for the first time, in the framework of the joint
defense doctrine.
[05] Stephanopoulos addresses message to Clerides on the anniversary
of Cyprus' independence
Athens, 01/10/1996 (ANA)
President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos yesterday
addressed a message of congratulations to Cyprus President
Glafcos Clerides on the occasion of Cyprus' Independence Day
today, expressing certainty that the course of Cyprus' accession
to the European Union opens new prospects which will benefit all
Cypriots without exception.
"This year's anniversary provides one more occasion to reconfirm
our faith in the continuation of the coordinated efforts of
Greece and Cyprus until the final prevalence of law on the
island experiencing an ordeal over a long period of years. The
speediest possible achievement of a just and viable solution
safeguarding its independence, unity and territorial integrity
constitutes the only solution from the present unacceptable
state," the message read.
[06] Gligorov says talks between Athens, Skopje to resume at the end
of the month
Skopje, 01/10/1996 (ANA/ AFP)
The president of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia
(FYROM) Kiro Gligorov yesterday announced that talks in New York
for the normalization of relations with Athens, interrupted
because of the recent elections in Greece, would continue at the
end of October.
Returning from New York, where he attended sessions of the UN
General Assembly, Mr. Gligorov told reporters that he did not
expect a "speedy resolution of outstanding differences" between
the two countries.
"Time will be needed for nationalist passions in Greece to
settle down and for 'Macedonia's' argument to be heard.
'Macedonia' proposes that it uses its name at the United
Nations, leaving Greece to use another name that is convenient
to her," he state d.
"'Macedonia' and Greece are closely connected neighbors, with
common economic interests. The majority of 'Macedonians' have
the same religion with the inhabitants of Greece," he pointed
out in reference to the landlocked, one-time Yugoslav republic's
residents, the majority of which are Slavic-speaking Orthodox
believers, with a large minority of ethnic Albanians.
[07] Technical chamber of commerce delegation to visit Skopje
Athens, 01/10/1996 (ANA)
A delegation from the Central Macedonia Department of the
Technical Chamber of Greece (TEE-TMK) will visit Skopje from
Oct. 16 to 19.
An announcement issued by the TEE-TMK yesterday said the visit
is taking place following an invitation extended by the State
Institute of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM)
for the protection of cultural monuments.
According to the same announcement, discussions will focus on
the possibility of co-operation in the protection of monuments
and the possibility of co-operation with representatives of
bodies active in technical issues.
TEE-TKM President Panayiotis Dentsoras will be heading the
delegation, which will include civil engineers, architects,
chemical engineers and surveyors.
[08] Cabinet meeting deals with budget, tax exemption issues
Athens, 01/10/1996 (ANA)
A full Cabinet meeting last evening, chaired by Prime Minister
Costas Simitis, dealt with the government's policy statement,
the course in the execution of the state budget and cutbacks in
tax exemptions.
Particular issues discussed were the raising of extra revenue
without the imposition of additional taxes, the framework of the
social insurance system and the absorption rates of EU funds.
[09] Pangalos meets with staff
Athens, 01/10/1996 (ANA)
Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos yesterday spoke to foreign
ministry staff, the first opportunity he has had to do so since
ruling party PASOK's re-election on September 22.
Mr. Pangalos was in the United States for the duration of last
week.
He told his employees that he would work "with all his power, to
make the foreign ministry the prototype for all ministries" and
for modernization of services.
He said the responsibilities of the new Alternate Foreign
Minister George Papandreou, and the new under-secretary Christos
Rozakis, would be announced following a meeting with the prime
minister, adding that he hoped for "very close co-operation".
[10] Anastasios reiterates that Church of Albania is an autocephalus
institution
Tirana, 01/10/1996 (ANA)
The Archbishop of the Orthodox Autocephalus Church of Albania,
Anastasios, stated yesterday that "the issues of the Orthodox
Autocephalus Church of Albania have many parameters and
side-effects and, evidently, are not exclusively intra-Church or
intra-Greek."
"They require special knowledge, direct experience and
seriousness and, of course, they are not suitable for personal
attacks and irresponsible ecclesiastical article-writing," the
Archbishop said in reply to recent reports that "the Church of
Albania i s subject to the Ecumenical Patriarchate of
Constantinople."
A relevant announcement by the Church of Albania stated:
"It was said and written recently in Greece, certainly by
mistake, that the Orthodox Autocephalus Church of Albania 'is
subject to the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople'. This
is not accurate. It should be noted that the Church of Albania,
as it s name states, is autocephalus, and is one of the 13
Orthodox autocephalus churches in the system of Orthodoxy around
the world - as is the case with the Church of Greece."
[11] New labor minister meets with unionists
Athens, 01/10/1996 (ANA)
Labor and Social Security Minister Miltiades Papaioannou and his
under-secretary Christos Protopappas yesterday met with the
leadership of the General Confederation of Workers of Greece
(GSEE).
The minister reassured the unionists that their opinions and
views would be taken into account and that the ministry would
follow a policy of social dialogue.
GSEE President Christos Polyzogopoulos said the meeting was
"useful" and forecast good co-operation between the ministry and
unions.
He added that if proposals by the Federation of Greek Industries
(SEB) were accepted by the government then "we will be led to
the total reversal of labor relations".
He added that it was unacceptable that there be promotion of the
proposal to lift the limit on mass sackings, abolition of
compensation for sacked workers and total 'elasticization' of
labor guidelines.
"The unions are not about to accept such solutions and, if need
be, will respond with 'dynamic' mobilizations," he said.
[12] Avramopoulos heads local gov't delegation at Brussels conference
Athens, 01/10/1996 (ANA)
The president of the Central Union of Greek Municipalities and
Communities (KEDKE) and Athens Mayor Dimitris Avramopoulos left
for Brussels yesterday at the head of a local
self-administration delegation in order to attend a conference
between the Europarliament, the European Commission and regional
and local authorities.
Discussions during the conference are to include economic and
social cohesion and the contribution of local
self-administration authorities in the building of a more
democratic Europe.
Mr. Avramopoulos is set to meet with European Commission
President Jacques Santer and European Parliament President Klaus
Haensch.
[13] PASOK Eurodeputy to attend Labor Party's conference
Athens, 01/10/1996 (ANA)
Eurodeputy Giorgos Katiforis will represent PASOK at the Labor
Party of Britain's annual conference, which began in Blackpool,
England, yesterday and will last until Oct. 4.
The conference will focus on its programme proclamation in light
of general elections due to be held next year in Britain, while
the main issues of its programme concern foreign policy,
security, industry, transport, social insurance, etc.
[14] Selection of ND electors scheduled today
Athens, 01/10/1996 (ANA)
Vigorous deliberations continued within the main opposition New
Democracy party yesterday in view of the election of a new party
leader on Friday and selection of 70 electors today.
Both remaining contenders, recently resigned ND leader Miltiades
Evert and former minister George Souflias, stepped up efforts to
rally support among deputies and at prefectural organizations,
which will pick the electors.
Sources close to Mr. Evert said that at a meeting of prominent
ND cadres yesterday it was concluded that the balance of power
was in favor of the ex-ND leader, thus favoring intensification
of efforts to focus on the selection of electors. It was also
estimated that about 20 newly elected ND deputies remained
undecided.
On his part, Mr. Souflias made a statement apparently addressed
to middle-ranking party members that will participate in the
process of selecting the 70 electors.
"I am ready to respond to the need for a party which is modern,
representative in society, without discrimination to members, a
party which will not assume the role of managing the crisis, but
will be an agent of renewal for the country," he said.
Meanwhile, former national economy minister Stephanos Manos, who
had initially announced his candidacy for ND's leadership
shortly after Mr. Evert announced his resignation just after
polls closed on Sept. 22, did not rule out the formation of a
new political force if Mr. Evert were elected. Mr. Manos
withdrew his candidacy this week, as did former culture minister
Dora Bakoyianni, after both high-ranking ND cadres allied
themselves with Mr. Souflias.
At a meeting of the three yesterday, it was decided that Mr.
Souflias would undertake to persuade undecided deputies, while
Mr. Manos will approach those considered as leaning to Mr.
Evert. According to reports, Ms Bakoyianni will attempt to
ensure the support of deputies friendly to her father, New
Democracy honorary president and former premier Constantine
Mitsotakis.
[15] Evert, Varvitsiotis meet
Athens, 01/10/1996 (ANA)
In a related development, Mr. Evert had a meeting with ND
Vice-President Ioannis Varvitsiotis late last evening. Mr.
Varvitsiotis, who at one point was rumored to be considering a
run at the party's top spot, is expected to clarify his stand
today.
On his part, Mr. Mitsotakis made an appeal for unity in the
party, saying that its supporters wished for a broad formation
"that will encompass all the country's forces, and give them the
prospect of victory. A party they will be able to take pride in
a gain."
He said this new party must arise through the process of
electing a new leader.
"It is obvious that we shall not have political prospects if we
go back and continue living with the experiences and conflicts
of the past. The party must go forward," he said.
Mr. Mitsotakis also referred to what he called the increasingly
acute problems facing the country.
"In the economy, the hour of the truth has arrived and painful
decisions are needed. I fear that in the coming months we shall
find ourselves before dangerous developments and dramatic
dilemmas in our national issues and in particular, in
Greek-Turkish relations and the Cyprus problem," he said.
"The country has a weak government, let it at least acquire a
responsible and strong opposition," he concluded.
[16] Gov't comments on ND's leadership race
Athens, 01/10/1996 (ANA)
Government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said yesterday political
parties do not exist for the sake of themselves but for the sake
of the people.
Mr. Reppas was commenting yesterday on developments in the main
opposition New Democracy party, adding that what the government
expects from ND is to take this observation into consideration
and not to export what he referred to as its crisis to society ,
in general.
[17] ND deputy in Xanthi denies that he will act autonomously in
Parliament
Athens, 01/10/1996 (ANA)
The newly elected main opposition New Democracy deputy from the
Xanthi prefecture, Birol Akif, said yesterday that "I will not
make myself autonomous in the Greek Parliament, all this is
malicious rumors", adding that "I will stay in the ranks of the
party which promoted me to Greek Parliament."
He further stated that he will struggle for the problems of
those who elected him only in Parliament.
Mr. Akif said he intends to work for "a healthy and common
course between Christians and Moslems in the Xanthi prefecture."
[18] Conference on animal feed industry opens in Thessaloniki
Athens, 01/10/1996 (ANA)
A Balkan animal feed conference opened in Thessaloniki yesterday
with government officials from Balkan countries expressing their
interest in further co-operation in the industry.
Economic statistics were presented concerning the general
condition of the animal feed market in the Balkans, which has
suffered a drop in production over the last five years.
The alternate agriculture minister from the Federal Republic of
Yugoslavia, Milan Milanovic, said his country foresees an
improvement in the co-operation it already has with Greece in
this sector with the signing of bilateral agreements.
He added that there is a particular interest for the export of
Yugoslav products to Europe via Greece.
The director of the Bulgarian company Naturella Food Ad,
Milinoje Nadazdin, also expressed interest in co-operation with
Greece. He said Bulgaria produces 4.5 million tonnes of animal
food annually but added that Greece has more modern production
methods .
The general director of the Romanian agriculture ministry,
Stellan Dinescu, stressed that co-operation with foreign
investors is encouraged in his country and added that special
provisions have been voted for this reason.
The representative of Albania's agriculture and food ministry,
Sabah Sena, spoke particularly of the co-operation existing
between Greece and Albania in the animal feed sector, with the
operation of joint ventures. He added that production has
dropped dramatically in his country, down to 20,000 tonnes
annually from the 200,000 to 250,000 tonnes required.
The director of the state-run company Centroprom in the Former
Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), Gorgi Simonov, stressed
the need for his country to have long-term co-operation with
foreign businesses, while he added that FYROM's immediate target
is an improvement in numbers of livestock and in the production
of animal feed.
Ayhan Kindap, alternate general director of purchasing of the
Charoen Pockphant Entegre Gida Sanayni company in Turkey,
stressed the need to import new technology for animal feed
production units in Turkey.
Greek Agriculture Under-secretary Vassilis Geranidis stressed
the animal feed sector is a crucial priority for the agriculture
ministry, as he said it is directly connected with the existence
and the growth of Greek stock-breeding.
[19] Greek exports to Spain post dramatic increase so far in '96
Madrid, 01/10/1996 (ANA)
Greek exports to Spain increased by 74.7 per cent over the
January to May period this year, compared to the corresponding
period last year, according to data provided by the Spanish
Statistical Organization.
Greek exports to Spain over the period in '96 amounted to 84.15
billion Pesetas as against 48.14 billion Pesetas over the same
period last year.
The Spanish economy has a wide margin allowing for a further
increase in the import of products from other European Union
countries, while most of its sectors have not been saturated, as
is the case more and more with its remaining partners in the EU,
according to reports.
[20] 'No new taxes' pledge stands, Gov't spokesman promises
Athens, 01/10/1996 (ANA)
No new or further taxes will be imposed by the government, in
line with election pledges by Prime Minister Costas Simitis and
National Economy Minister Yiannos Papantoniou, government
spokesman Dimitris Reppas announced yesterday.
Mr. Reppas said Mr. Simitis was scheduled to chair a meeting of
senior government members last evening to prepare for the
government's policy statements in Parliament.
He added that the prime minister had not yet decided on the
make-up of the inner cabinet.
[21] European chambers of commerce to meet in Greece this month
Athens, 01/10/1996 (ANA)
The president of the Union of Chambers of Commerce and Industry
(EBE) A. Kyriazis and the president of the Piraeus Chamber of
Commerce and Industry, G. Kasimatis, addressed a press
conference yesterday on the importance and the issues to be
examined at the fourth conference of European chambers at
Vouliagmeni from Oct. 8-9.
The conference will focus on "Enterprise in the 21st century:
technical assistance and support by the EBEs" and is aimed at
setting out necessary pre-conditions for the success of
enterprises, as well as to determine technical aid and support,
which the chambers of commerce and industry can provide for them.
Referring to the significance of the conference, Mr. Kasimatis
said it constitutes one of the most important economic events in
Europe, since representatives from more than 140 chambers from
28 European Union and central European countries will
participate, as well as many well-known European businessmen.
Mr. Kyriazis focused on the important agreement, which will be
signed during the conference and concerns co-operation between
the Union of Mediterranean Chambers of Commerce and Industry and
the Union of European Chambers of Commerce and Industry.
End of English language section.
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