A.N.A. Bulletin, 04/10/96

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

ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No 1006), October 4, 1996

Greek Press & Information Office
Ottawa, Canada
E-Mail Address: grnewsca@sympatico.ca

CONTENTS

[01] Election of ND president today

[02] Simitis leaves for Dublin EU summit

[03] Athens welcomes Netanyahu-Arafat meeting

[04] EAB signs contract to maintain French mirage fighters

[05] Tsohatzopoulos meets with Russian defense ministry under-secretary

[06] Tsohatzopoulos says no problems exist in holding joint military exercises with Cyprus

[07] Greece, Cyprus agree on handling of Cyprus problem, Reppas says

[08] International interest to 'step up' efforts on Cyprus

[09] Premier meets with Laliotis, Kaklamanis

[10] Post election moves in Pol.An and Synaspismos

[11] Spyridon notes that religious leaders cannot ignore political, national concerns

[12] 2 billion drachmas in EU funds slated for restoration of antiquities

[13] Yiannopoulos unveils justice ministry's aims

[14] European conference to cover anti-pollutant vehicles

[15] Simitis confers with Fouras on Athens Olympic 2004 bid

[16] Papadopoulos to represent Greece at Lukanov funeral

[17] Compromise reached on issue of fishermen's transit fuel

[18] Lukewarm response to IKA's call for resettlement of debts

[19] New labor ministry leadership meets with SEB representatives

[20] Papantoniou meets with ADEDY leadership

[21] National Mortgage Bank to issue new bond loan

[22] Int'l meeting held on the transport of fresh fruit

[01] Election of ND president today

Athens, 04/10/1996 (ANA)

The election was called the week after Mr. Evert announced his resignation on the evening of Sept. 22, following ND's loss in the general election to PASOK. Prominent ND cadres Stephanos Manos and Dora Bakoyianni, the daughter of honorary ND president Constantine Mitsotakis, had originally announced their candidacies, only to subsequently bow out in favor of Mr. Souflias.

Specifically, 193 ND members will vote for the new president - 108 newly elected deputies, nine Eurodeputies and 76 electors chosen from ND's prefectural organizations.

In his last statement last night before today's vote, Mr. Evert said he decided to again seek ND's leadership only after his proposed succession scheme, which he claimed would ensure the party's unity, had failed. He also called on all main opposition cadres to work for the "ideals of the party."

On his part, Mr. Souflias stressed last night that ND was "in need of a moral and political uplift", regrouping and renewal of its forces.

"Our proposal is based on a liberal society, with simultaneous social justice and with the citizen playing a leading role in developments," he said.

Meanwhile, ND's Parliamentary group secretary, Stavros Dimas, had consultations yesterday with the two contenders, asking them to ensure that their supporters do not gather outside party headquarters during the voting.

In a related development, former New Democracy prime minister George Rallis yesterday voiced what could be described as discreet support for Mr. Souflias.

"The deputies and representatives of the prefectural committees must choose the candidate who is approved by the majority of the 2.5 million voters of New Democracy. Only thus is there hope that the rift in the party will be covered and that there will be unity of purpose so that it might be able to respond to its national mission," he said.

[02] Simitis leaves for Dublin EU summit

Athens, 04/10/1996 (ANA)

The premier yesterday discussed matters relating to his participation at the summit with Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos, Alternate Foreign Minister George Papandreou and Under-secretary Christos Rozakis.

Meanwhile, government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said yesterday that there was a possibility of Mr. Simitis meeting with other leaders on the sidelines of the summit, adding "it is possible but nothing has been scheduled."

Mr. Reppas was also asked about Greece's position on the issue of an extension being given for EU member-states to participate in procedures for Economic and Monetary Union (EMU).

"Greece is interested in participating in the founding group of EMU and we must work in this direction. The government's position is that those countries which do not satisfy the prerequisites for admission to EMU at the present moment should participate as soon as they do satisfy the conditions, and they should not be excluded from the first group," he said.

If the EU is called upon to grant an extension, he added, "we are among those countries which are interested in attaining the economic indicators in order to participate in the first tier."

[03] Athens welcomes Netanyahu-Arafat meeting

Athens, 04/10/1996 (ANA)

[04] EAB signs contract to maintain French mirage fighters

Athens, 04/10/1996 (ANA)

The agreement was signed on behalf of the French government by French defense ministry official Daniel Berthault at a ceremony at the national defense ministry also attended by French Ambassador in Athens Bernard Kessedjian.

Commenting on the agreement, National Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos said that it gave a "long-term perspective to the upgrading of Greece's defense industry, which is a primary target of the government, and it will soon be implemented at a rapid pace".

Mr. Tsohatzopoulos clarified that the agreement would soon be extended to cover also Mirage 2000 aircraft, with EAB maintaining not only French and Greek planes of this type, but also those in service with other countries.

[05] Tsohatzopoulos meets with Russian defense ministry under-secretary

Athens, 04/10/1996 (ANA)

Ways were also examined of modernizing and utilizing older weapons systems in Greece.

In another development, British Permanent Foreign Affairs Under-secretary Sir John Cole held talks with Mr. Tsohatzopoulos at the defense ministry and extended an official invitation to him to visit Britain. Their talks focused on armament procurements.

[06] Tsohatzopoulos says no problems exist in holding joint military exercises with Cyprus

Athens, 04/10/1996 (ANA)

"There is no problem, hesitation or restriction concerning the holding by Greece and Cyprus of the scheduled joint exercise, which will take place in the coming days on an enlarged basis with the participation of all the services of the Greek armed forces," Mr. Tsohatzopoulos said immediately after two hours of talks with his visiting Cypriot counterpart Costas Eliades.

"We have had no discussion with anyone about the way in which to hold the exercise and our co-operation is going ahead as planned," Mr. Tsohatzopoulos said.

He stressed that the "political" reply to any manifestation of expansionism or disputing of sovereign rights was "the strengthening and implementation of the (Greece-Cyprus) joint defense doctrine".

During his talks with Mr. Eliades, Mr. Tsohatzopoulos said, "we ascertained that the conditions for the implementation of the doctrine are constantly improving".

"The holding of the 'Nikiforos' and 'Toxotis' exercises will contribute in the best possible way to safeguarding the effectiveness of the two countries' defense capabilities," he added.

The two exercises will be held on Greek and Cypriot territory from Oct. 4-8.

Mr. Tsohatzopoulos announced that he would visit Cyprus in November in order "to shape the basis for more determined steps in the defense co-operation between the two countries, in order for the relevant political agreement to be put into practice, since this is the top priority of the Greek government."

Mr. Eliades said that the meeting had been held in a "warm" atmosphere, adding that there had been an exchange of views on the course and prospects of the joint defense doctrine which he described as a "historic development".

The implementation of the doctrine, Mr. Eliades said, is aimed at deterrence and strengthening Cyprus' negotiating position in any political dialogue for a peaceful and viable solution to the Cyprus problem.

Mr. Eliades said that Nicosia accepted dialogue also at a military level, but only on the condition that it was with the Turkish commander of the occupation forces in northern Cyprus and without the participation of the Turkish Cypriot military commander.

[07] Greece, Cyprus agree on handling of Cyprus problem, Reppas says

Athens, 04/10/1996 (ANA)

In addition, Mr. Reppas said, enumerating the results of Mr. Simitis' visit which ended on Wednesday, it was agreed that the two governments should encourage the international community to undertake initiatives on the Cyprus problem.

Thirdly, the spokesman continued, it was confirmed that a just and viable solution to the problem must be given within the framework of the United Nations.

On Cyprus' efforts to join the European Union, Mr. Reppas said it was agreed that efforts should be stepped up in order to attain accession at the earliest.

Mr. Reppas said the two sides had also agreed that the Greek-Cyprus joint defense doctrine constituted a cornerstone of the two countries' defense policy.

"It was decided to enrich and further develop the doctrine," the spokesman said.

It was also agreed during the talks that the Cyprus government should closely monitor the problem faced by the Greek Cypriots trapped in enclaves in the Turkish-occupied northern part of the island and intensify efforts to ascertain the fate of the 1,49 3 persons listed as missing since the 1974 Turkish invasion.

Efforts by Nicosia in this respect, Mr. Reppas said, would include protests to international organizations.

Lastly, the spokesman added, it was confirmed that the Cyprus problem is a top priority issue for Greek foreign policy.

[08] International interest to 'step up' efforts on Cyprus

Athens, 04/10/1996 (ANA)

In addition, he said, there was also interest on the part of three EU countries - Britain, France and Germany - whose ambassadors in Nicosia had met with President Glafcos Clerides and expressed interest in undertaking an initiative to promote efforts f or a settlement. "As far as the Greek government is concerned, the initiatives are welcome, provided they lead to a just and viable solution to the Cyprus problem," Mr. Reppas said.

[09] Premier meets with Laliotis, Kaklamanis

Athens, 04/10/1996 (ANA)

Earlier, the premier met with Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis to discuss procedures for discussing the government's policy statements in Parliament.

[10] Post election moves in Pol.An and Synaspismos

Athens, 04/10/1996 (ANA)

Mr. Samaras announced a political counter-attack, following the party's unfavorable electoral performance, saying Pol.An required speedy and effective organization, a new approach toward the citizen and new mechanisms of action.

The Central Political Committee of the Coalition of the Left and Progress (Synaspismos) will meet next weekend at the Peace and Friendship Stadium to evaluate the results of the September 22 elections and to shape the party's initiative and action plans.

The meeting will begin on Saturday with an address by party leader Nikos Constantopoulos.

[11] Spyridon notes that religious leaders cannot ignore political, national concerns

New York, 04/10/1996 (ANA - M. Georgiadou)

"A prelate of the Ecumenical Patriarchate is first and foremost a religious leader. He is interested in and shares all the problems of his flock. Therefore, if his flock has political or national anxieties and concerns, the religious leader cannot ignore them," he added.

The Archbishop said he had already two or three telephone contacts with US President Bill Clinton, who expressed a wish to meet with him soon.

"It would be most welcome if contacts with President Clinton were many and frequent," he added.

[12] 2 billion drachmas in EU funds slated for restoration of antiquities

Athens, 04/10/1996 (ANA)

The funds are to be provided for the restoration of the ancient Philippoi area, maintenance and protection of outdoor antiquities on the island of Thassos, renovation of neo-classical buildings and promotion of monuments in Drama, Paggaio, Kavala and Komotini, among others.

Another 440 million drachmas will be provided for studies to develop the beaches at Imerou, Rodopi and Proskyniton, Komotini, restoration of the Komotini Archeological Museum and the utilization of cultural areas on the northeastern island of Samothrace .

Roughly 150 million drachmas have been slated for the restoration of the Philippoi archeological site, with projects due to be completed by next spring.

[13] Yiannopoulos unveils justice ministry's aims

Athens, 04/10/1996 (ANA)

Mr. Yiannopoulos said priorities include an acceleration of the judicial process, defense of the independence of the judiciary, establishment of a new legal code, implementation of protective measures against libelous radio and television programs as well as further implementation of judicial officials' salaries.

Mr. Yiannopoulos, a former president of the Athens Bar Association and justice minister, stressed that he will promote draft bills prepared by his predecessor, Evangelos Venizelos, either in a Parliamentary committee or in Parliament.

[14] European conference to cover anti-pollutant vehicles

Athens, 04/10/1996 (ANA)

Thirty-five companies and technological foundations from all over the world have already announced their participation.

Speaking at a press conference, Polytechnic Rector Nikos Markatos, the editor of the magazine, Costas Kavathas, and ELPA's special secretary Dionysios Nengas, stressed the need to experiment with modern anti-pollutant technologies, particularly in a city with heavy atmospheric pollution such as Athens. Organizers said the purpose of the conference is the presentation of the latest achievements in science and technology.

[15] Simitis confers with Fouras on Athens Olympic 2004 bid

Athens, 04/10/1996 (ANA)

Also present at the meeting was the chairwoman of the committee formed to promote Athens' Olympics bid, Yianna Daskalaki-Angelopoulou.

Mr. Simitis told Mr. Fouras that 10 billion drachmas would be allocated in the form of an extraordinary state grant to meet the requirements of organizing the World Athletics Championship and promoting Athens' bid to stage the 2004 games.

Mr. Fouras is scheduled to meet with Finance and National Economy Minister Yiannos Papantoniou in the next few days to discuss the issue.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Mr. Fouras said it had focused on Athens' candidacy to stage the 2004 Olympics in view of the visit to the capital of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) evaluation committee from October 24-28.

Details concerning the reception of the 24-member committee will be decided on Monday at a meeting between Alternate Foreign Minister George Papandreou, Mr. Fouras and Ms Daskalaki-Angelopoulou.

After the arrival of the evaluation committee, a further meeting will be held, chaired by Mr. Simitis, with the participation of all persons involved in Athens' bid to stage the 2004 games.

[16] Papadopoulos to represent Greece at Lukanov funeral

Athens, 04/10/1996 (ANA)

[17] Compromise reached on issue of fishermen's transit fuel

Athens, 04/10/1996 (ANA)

The issue had prompted mobilizations on the part of fishermen, who blocked several large ports around the country this week.

[18] Lukewarm response to IKA's call for resettlement of debts

Athens, 04/10/1996 (ANA)

Following the expiry of the deadline on September 30, figures showed that only a small portion of employers who owe contributions totaling 600 billion drachmas appeared willing to pay. Only 20 per cent of those owing contributions to IKA (or 44,000 out of a total of 217,000) took advantage of the offer. IKA will receive 97 billion drachmas from the 327 billion it is owed and 56.7 billion from the 260 billion in additional duties.

There were more encouraging results at the TEBE fund for self-employed professionals. Some 35 per cent of debtors responded to the offer, with the fund expected to get 20 billion drachmas of 50-60 owed it.

[19] New labor ministry leadership meets with SEB representatives

Athens, 04/10/1996 (ANA)

Labor Minister Miltiades Papaioannou said that he would take into consideration the positions expressed by industry when the government makes its policy statement in Parliament next week.

He stressed that the government had no intention of abolishing the limit on mass sackings, which today stands at 2 per cent for firms employing more than 50 employees. He added that ruling PASOK party would steadily follow a political and social dialogue and defend the living standards of workers.

SEB President Jason Stratos said there was a climate of agreement between the federation and the ministry, as well as with the General Confederation of Workers of Greece (GSEE). He requested a greater adjustment in the positions of the European Union regarding the issues of labor relations and flexibility in the labor market.

SEB's memorandum to the ministry said there was serious "rigidity" in the labor market as well as an "excessive rise in the non-wage factors in labor costs". SEB also noted that "the contributions of industry are above the average European limit, reaching a total of 50.65 per cent".

Unionists have sent their own memorandum to the ministry on these issues. GSEE president Chirstos Polyzogopoulos, during his visit to the national economy ministry on Wednesday, warned that any upheaval in labor relations would be "casus belli" for the unions.

[20] Papantoniou meets with ADEDY leadership

Athens, 04/10/1996 (ANA)

Following a meeting between the ADEDY presidium and the minister, ADEDY president Yiannis Koutsoukos said that wage-earners and pensioners expected to receive increases slightly above the rate of inflation next year and that the government would apply a new wage-scale without, however, being drawn on when.

Mr. Koutsoukos said that he had briefed the minister on ADEDY's positions on the course of the economy, with particular emphasis on the need for growth, and had proposed that priority be given to the modernization and reform of public administration and that there should be the necessary changes to ensure meritocracy, transparency and objectivity.

He added that he had raised the issue of collective bargaining in the public sector but that, he stressed, the government was not ready to adopt this because there was no necessary institutional framework.

He said Mr. Papantoniou confirmed that there would be a two-year dialogue on the social security system and that any changes to it would be valid as of the year 2000. As far as incomes policy goes, the minister reiterated that wage increases would be above the inflation rate.

[21] National Mortgage Bank to issue new bond loan

Athens, 04/10/1996 (ANA)

The loan, which includes three expiry dates linked to a specific series of drachma bonds, will be completed through a currency exchange agreement that Barclays will conclude with the National Mortgage Bank.

The Greek bank is expected to increase its liquidity with the loan and acquire the ability to offer new investment products, primarily to institutional investors.

[22] Int'l meeting held on the transport of fresh fruit

Athens, 04/10/1996 (ANA)

The meeting was also attended by the two companies operating the railway ferries of Varna and Odessa.

According to an announcement by the Greek Railways Organization (OSE), the results of the meeting were very positive, since a reduction in transfer and freight costs and the creation of a center for refrigerated carriages in northern Greece was decided, scheduled to be placed at the disposal of interested shippers.

Another important decision is the participation of companies using the Varna-Odessa ferry in the agreement on transport from Greece to former Soviet countries, since they provide an alternative for transport to these countries from Greece.

End of English language section.

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