A.N.A. Bulletin, 19/10/96
From: The Greek Press & Information Office, Ottawa Canada <grnewsca@sympatico.ca>
ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No. 1019), October 19, 1996
Greek Press & Information Office
Ottawa, Canada
E-Mail Address: grnewsca@sympatico.ca
CONTENTS
[01] Government in goodwill effort to overcome Halkidiki gold
processing plant controversy
[02] Pangalos ends tour of former Yugoslavia countries with signing
of inter-state agreements in Zagreb
[03] Prime warns colleagues 'phenomena of arrogance' will be firmly
dealt with
[04] Skandalidis address
[05] Greece plans elite rapid deployment force
[06] Greek-Turkish relations
[07] Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos in Sofia
[08] Greece sends Palestinians medical aid
[09] Call for 'drachma zone' in the Balkans
[10] Georgios Papandreou Foundation inaugurated
[11] President Stephanopoulos: Greek parties agree on national issues
[12] Mideast peace process discussed with Greek party leaders
[13] Kazakhstani deputy culture minister seeks stronger ties with
Greece
[14] Police confiscate hashish, Albanian arrested
[15] Four Bulgarians killed in car accident
[16] Memorandum signed on Burgas- Alexandroupolis oil pipeline
[17] Turks react to cancellation of tourism meeting
[18] Greek wine in Brisbane exhibition
[19] Tax bill to target motorists and certain imports
[20] Minister alleges fraudulent practices in farm sector
[01] Government in goodwill effort to overcome Halkidiki gold
processing plant controversy
Athens, 19/10/1996 (ANA)
The government yesterday proposed that a start to research work
to delineate a gold processing plant to be operated by the
Canadian TVX company in Halkidiki, northern Greece, will
commence outside the administrative limits of the Olympiada and
Varvara communities.
The proposal is considered a last-ditch goodwill effort by the
government to break the deadlock created by strong reaction from
local inhabitants who fear damage could be caused to the local
tourism industry, the environment, cultural heritage and
archaeological sites.
The inhabitants of Olympiada and Varvara, both located in the
Halkidiki prefecture, and their community leaders have formed a
hard-core nucleus of people preventing the operation of the
plant over the past 10 months.
Tension in the area heightened at noon on Thursday when
scuffling broke out between riot police and local citizens who
prevented a truck belonging to the company from driving through
with an excavating drill necessary for its work. Three people
were injured and 15 were arrested but later released.
The proposal is contained in an announcement issued yesterday by
a government representation at the end of a four-hour meeting
attended by five members of the government, deputies from the
Thessaloniki and Halkidiki prefectures and representatives from
local administration and other bodies.
The government members were Macedonia and Thrace Minister
Philippos Petsalnikos, National Economy Under-secretary Christos
Pachtas, Development Under-secretary Anna Diamantopoulou,
Agriculture Under-secretary Vassilis Geranidis and Labor
Under-secretary Christos Protopappas.
Also present were Halkidiki Prefect Vassilis Vassilakis,
Thessaloniki Labor Center President Ilias Kontopoulos and the
President of the Federation of Industries of Northern Greece
Nicos Efthymiadis.
According to the announcement and to statements made by the
members of the government, the government is determined to go
ahead with the investment which was almost unanimously ratified
(with the exception of the Communist Party of Greece) in
Parliament last June.
Local inhabitants were briefed on the importance of the
investment, the biggest one made in northern Greece and one of
the biggest ever made in Greece (amounting to 65 billion dr.),
as well as on repercussions stemming from its non-implementation
regarding the country's credibility in the eyes of foreign
investors. At the same time, assurances were provided for the
inhabitants that the natural environment will be protected in
the area with the implementation of environmental studies and
continuous control to ensure they are applied appropriately.
Further assurances were given that all necessary conditions will
be created for the parallel utilization of natural resources in
the region, with particular attention being paid to tourist
development and the protection and utilization of cultural
heritage and archaeological monuments.
Reactions from the inhabitants of certain communities, such as
Stavros in Thessaloniki, are not focused on the gold processing
plant's operation, to which they are not opposed, but on its
delineation limits to ensure tourist development is not hindered
as well as the promotion of antiquities in the region, including
Ancient Stageira, the birthplace of Aristotle.
On the other hand, the inhabitants and community leaders of
Olympiada and Varvara, together with those of other villages, do
not want the plant to operate at all and have played a leading
role in blockading roads leading to the plant over the past 10
months.
Replying to a questioner on what will happen if local
inhabitants reject the government's proposals, Mr. Petsalnikos
said "the government's announcement is clear. The government's
intention is clearly described to find solutions without
tensions. From t hen on, responsibility lies with every
individual."
The community leaders of Varvara, Ano Stavros and Stavros, as
well as officials from other communities objecting to the
operation of the gold processing plant, left for their villages
after the meeting to discuss the government's positions with
other community leaders.
Meanwhile, the demonstrators from the communities of Olympiada
and Varvara were forced to disperse by heavy rain at dawn
yesterday. Riot police keeping them under surveillance departed
soon afterwards.
[02] Pangalos ends tour of former Yugoslavia countries with signing
of inter-state agreements in Zagreb
Zagreb, 19/10/1996 (ANA-M. Mouratidis)
Greek Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos visited Zagreb
yesterday, bringing to a close his three-day tour of former
Yugoslavia countries.
In Zagreb, Mr. Pangalos held a meeting with his Croatian
counterpart Mate Granic focusing on bilateral relations and the
course of the peace agreement.
Mr. Pangalos and Mr. Granic signed three inter-state agreements
on international transport, mutual investment protection, and
avoidance of double taxation.
Both ministers agreed that the agreements will boost economic
relations between the two countries.
Stressing that bilateral relations between Greece and Croatia
are "excellent", Mr. Pangalos called on Greek businessmen to
take advantage of these agreements "which create a safe
environment for investment."
He further said that Greece will assist Croatia in its course
towards European Union "so that this course will be shorter and
more useful to the country's economy."
Mr. Granic stressed Greece's positive role regarding Croatia's
accession to the Council of Europe as well as the peace
agreement in the region.
Expressing hope that bilateral economic relations will further
develop, he cited the example of an agreement signed between
Greece's Public Power Corporation (DEH) and the Croatian company
"Rade Kocar" for the purchase of hydroelectric plant equipment.
Mr. Pangalos also met with Croatia's Prime Minister Zlatco
Matesa regarding co-operation between the two countries in
tourism and the general economic sector and with Croatian
President Franjo Tudjman regarding bilateral relations and
developments in the broader region.
Mr. Tudjman accepted an invitation by Mr. Pangalos to visit
Greece sometime during the beginning of next year.
Mr. Pangalos later told reporters that his interlocutors in
Bosnia, Yugoslavia and Croatia appreciated Greece's efforts in
the direction of consolidation of peace and co-operation in the
region.
"Greece," he said, "has traditionally good relations with all
peoples of Yugoslavia independently of religious or cultural
differences."
"These relations should be restored," he said, adding that this
will result "in peace and stability in the Balkans."
Speaking exclusively to the ANA, Mr. Granic said that "Croatia
and Greece are two friendly countries whose bilateral relations
have developed significantly in the past two years."
"Greece," he said, "played a very important role regarding
Croatia's accession to the Council of Europe."
"Its role has also been positive regarding the peace process in
former Yugoslavia," he added.
Mr. Granic said bilateral economic relations would be further
developed following the signing of the three state-agreements,
adding that the country was ready to develop economic relations
with Greece.
[03] Prime warns colleagues 'phenomena of arrogance' will be firmly
dealt with
Athens, 19/10/1996 (ANA)
Prime Minister and PASOK leader Costas Simitis yesterday said
that the September elections marked the beginning of a new
period in Greece's history in which the country will undergo
social modernization.
Mr. Simitis made the statement in his address to the first
post-election meeting of the party's Central Committee. The
committee convened to examine the results of the September 22
elections and discuss issues relating to the party's
organizational restructuring.
Reviewing the chain of events which led the country to the polls
last month, Mr. Simitis said PASOK managed to reverse the
prevailing negative climate against it and win the elections.
He said the party's win constitutes "a great challenge for the
effective administration of the country."
Mr. Simitis said the party should respond to the great needs of
society, adding that the people will soon be seeking proof that
the government is producing positive results.
"The party," Mr. Simitis said, "should be in a position to judge
and control the course of the government's work as well as
safeguard the ethos of those in power."
"We have to be ruthless regarding phenomena of arrogance either
these may arise in the party or in the government," he said.
Defending his strategies regarding party restructuring, Mr.
Simitis said they were not oriented towards altering the face of
PASOK.
Concerning implementation of PASOK's policy statements, Mr.
Simitis said this could not be carried out through
administrative action. "We need to break away from the past
within society and this inevitably will give rise to conflicts
with established interests, obvious or veiled."
"Social fronts must therefore be established," he said, "in
order to support the country's modernization process."
The prime minister said PASOK's organizations would be called
upon to assist in this disassociation. In order to carry out
this task, he added, the organizations should first undergo a
transformation process regarding both character and role.
"The traditional local organization should be supported by other
formations thus giving rise to new formations of collective
social action," he said.
[04] Skandalidis address
Athens, 19/10/1996 (ANA)
In his address, the Secretary of PASOK's Central Committee,
Costas Skandalidis, described PASOK's recent election win as "a
milestone and a starting point marking the end of an era."
"We aim at the rebirth of the party," he said, adding that
"confrontation of the great challenges require collective
awareness, mobilization and bringing back politics to the scene."
"A real reconstitution of PASOK requires deep changes in the
existing party starting from the party's organized forces," he
said.
He said PASOK could have scored a bigger percentage in the
elections adding that "the way of government administration of
the past years," was responsible for the decreased percentage.
Referring to the main opposition New Democracy party, Mr.
Skandalidis said the leadership crisis now facing it will cause
a rift in the party "in the foreseeable future."
[05] Greece plans elite rapid deployment force
Athens, 19/10/1996 (ANA)
Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos said yesterday that one of
government's priorities was the establishment of an elite rapid
deployment force in the Greek armed forces.
"The establishment of a strong rapid intervention force, made up
of well-trained men, and with fully-equipped firepower is the
priority in the national defense ministry's planning," Mr.
Tsohatzopoulos said in an interview with the Athens afternoon
daily 'Ta Nea'.
He said that the men in the 1,000-3,000-strong force would be
volunteers on a five-year tour of duty but would also include
conscripts after a planned restructuring of the armed forces,
aimed at making better use of manpower.
Additional needs would be covered by veterans of multi-national
forces outside Greece, he said.
Other defense ministry plans include the increase in the
operational effectiveness and pre-emptive capability of the
armed forces, the completion of the second phase of the
Greece-Cyprus joint defense doctrine ensuring fully coordinated
weapon system planning, and the establishment of two
peacekeeping units made up of between 100-200 men to take part
in European Union and United Nations missions.
Referring to the five-year (1996-2000) weapons system program,
Mr. Tsohatzopoulos said the program introducing new technologies
and weapons systems would exceed the three trillion drachma mark.
He said the country's military defense diplomacy would be
strengthened not only within the framework of NATO and the
Western European Union (WEU) but through bilateral defense
agreements.
Mr. Tsohatzopoulos said that Greece's national strategy "is
exclusively of a defensive nature".
[06] Greek-Turkish relations
Athens, 19/10/1996 (ANA)
Referring to Greek-Turkish relations, Mr. Tsohatzopoulos
reiterated Greece's position that it would not go to dialogue
with Turkey, saying that "... Greece denounces Turkey's
escalation of tension (between the two countries) as well as
threats of the use of violence in order to impose its
territorial designs (against Greece)."
"Greece is calling on the international community to discourage
such methods on the part of Turkey," he said, adding that "such
tactics inevitably lead to destabilization of peace in the
region."
Mr. Tsohatzopoulos said that the current political and legal
status quo in the Aegean constitutes the "foundation for the
peaceful symbiosis between Greece and Turkey."
He said Greece will continue to defend its FIR as well as
national sea region from ongoing violations on the part of
Turkey.
"It is the basic right to defend our sovereignty and our safety
and constitutes the only way to avoid an act of war," he added.
[07] Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos in Sofia
Sofia, 19/10/1996 (ANA - N. Chios)
Visiting Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos has accepted an
invitation by Bulgarian Patriarch Maximos to participate in
official ceremonies marking the 1050th anniversary of Saint John
of Rila.
The Patriarch and representatives of eight Orthodox Churches
participated in a church service at the Church of Saint John of
Rila in Sofia yesterday morning, officiated by the Metropolitan
of Vracha Ignatios.
In the afternoon, the guests of Bulgarian Patriarch Maximos were
due to attend evening service at the Aleksandr Nevski Cathedral
in Sofia.
At noon, Patriarch Vartholomeos visited the building of the Holy
Synod where he was welcomed by Patriarch Maximos.
Patriarch Vartholomeos' acceptance of Patriarch Maximos'
invitation comes at a difficult time for the Bulgarian Church
which is suffering from a rift attempted by the Metropolitan of
Nevrokopi Pimen, with the creation of a parallel Holy Synod.
Replying to questions put to him by reporters, Patriarch
Vartholomeos said the Patriarchate "will continue dialogue with
the Roman Catholic Church as the sole means of communication and
solving differences appearing in relations between the two
Churches."
[08] Greece sends Palestinians medical aid
Athens, 19/10/1996 (ANA)
The foreign ministry said yesterday that it was sending medical
supplies worth 9.5 million drachmas to the Palestinian self-rule
areas.
The supplies were gathered by the health ministry following a
decision by minister Costas Geitonas in response to a
Palestinian appeal.
[09] Call for 'drachma zone' in the Balkans
Athens, 19/10/1996 (ANA)
President of the Association of Industries of Northern Greece
(SBBE), Nikos Efthymiadis, yesterday stressed the need to create
a 'drachma zone' in the Balkans.
Speaking at a conference on the Albanian market in Thessaloniki
yesterday, he said opportunities in the particular market would
be further pursued in the framework of the 4th inter-Balkan
conference in March next year, and analyzed for Greek and
foreign investors.
Greece has second place among foreign countries regarding
capital investment in Albania, and it was stressed yesterday
that Greek businessmen can now invest in the country through the
American-Albanian Business Fund, with offices in the US and
Tirana .
It was also said the Greek entrepreneurs are also currently
availing themselves of opportunities in privatization programs
in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM).
[10] Georgios Papandreou Foundation inaugurated
Athens, 19/10/1996 (ANA)
The President of the republic, Kostis Stephanopoulos, Prime
Minister Kostas Simitis, deputies, and other officials yesterday
attended the opening of the 'Georgios Papandreou' Foundation in
the Kerameikos area of Athens, named after Greece's late first
post-war prime minister, who also led the fight for further
democratization in the 1960s.
"The activity of prominent political men must remain indelible
in the memory of succeeding generations," and it is "a national
need that all documents referring to their personalities are
collected," said Mr. Stephanopoulos, praising the "passionate
patriot" for his "dedication to democratic institutions".
The prime minister praised the "political modernizer" and his
efforts for "a multi-oriented foreign policy," linking his work
with that of his son, PASOK founder Andreas Papandreou.
[11] President Stephanopoulos: Greek parties agree on national issues
Athens, 19/10/1996 (ANA)
President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos yesterday said
Greek political parties shared the same views regarding the
country's major national causes.
Despite the diversity of views in other issues, Greece's
political parties hold the same positions regarding "support of
national rights and the nation's pride, independence and
integrity", the president said in Fthiotida.
He was visiting the prefecture to attend events marking the
160th year since the foundation of the Lamia municipality and
the 52nd anniversary of the city's liberation from Nazi
occupation troops.
Concerning Greek-Turkish relations, the president said that "we
are in a position to efficiently defend out interests and our
rights," adding that the country's armed forces will always be
ready to defend Greece's territorial integrity.
[12] Mideast peace process discussed with Greek party leaders
Athens, 19/10/1996 (ANA)
Palestinian diplomatic representative in Athens Abdalla Abdalla
held meetings yesterday with Communist Party of Greece (KKE)
Secretary-General Aleka Papariga and the leader of the Coalition
of the Left and Progress Nicos Constantopoulos, focusing on
latest developments concerning the peace process between
Israelis and Palestinians and the situation created in the wake
of the recent bloody events.
Ms. Papariga said afterwards KKE stands by the claims of the
Palestinian people for the implementation of the peace agreement
and for respect for their national rights.
She said the Greek government has observed a position of
tolerance towards the policies of Israel and the US, adding that
Greece should also express the sentiments of the Greek people
and take a positive stance in favor of the Palestinians.
Mr. Abdalla said the Palestinians continue to be committed by
the peace process and that if the Israeli government insists on
its policy then the people of Palestine will strongly resist.
No statements were made after the meeting between Mr. Abdalla
and Mr. Constantopoulos. According to reports, Mr.
Constantopoulos conveyed his party's concern to Mr. Abdalla over
the course of the peace process and told him that the Coalition
always supports the Palestinians' rights.
[13] Kazakhstani deputy culture minister seeks stronger ties with
Greece
Athens, 19/10/1996 (ANA)
Kazakhstan's deputy culture minister said yesterday that he
hoped to promote stronger culture ties with Greece during his
week-long visit here.
Vladimir Koutovoi, who is visiting Greece at the invitation of
MTI, one of a consortium of Greek companies organizing the
national lottery of Kazakhstan, said he expected his visit to be
an opportunity for further cultural contacts between the two
countries.
"There is a Greek community and a Greek Cultural Center in Alma
Ata, the capital of Kazakhstan and its members are very active,"
he said. "Now, with the cultural fund that will be financed by
the lottery the consortium of Greek companies has organized, we
will proceed to carry out several cultural projects including
excavations, restoration of antiquities and expansion of our
cultural relations with other countries," he added.
Kazakhstan, one of the largest republics of the former Soviet
Union, is situated north of Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Although there are no ancient Greek cities in the area, Mr.
Koutovoi said, the archaeological museum has many ancient Greek
vases.
"We don't know how they came, but it seems that our relations
with Greece go very far back," Mr. Koutovoi said.
Mr. Koutovoi, who is scheduled to return to Kazakhstan next
week, expects to meet and discuss promotion of Greek-Kazakhstani
relations with Greek officials.
[14] Police confiscate hashish, Albanian arrested
Athens, 19/10/1996 (ANA)
Police yesterday confiscated 12.5 kilos of hashish which illegal
Albanian immigrants had carried to Greece.
Police arrested Victor Vathi, 23, after finding him in
possession of 5.5 kilos of hashish.
Vathi, who was arrested in Kastoria, told police he was about to
sell the hashish to Greek drug traffickers.
In another incident in Florina, police also found a suitcase
containing seven kilos of hashish belonging to a young Albanian
who dropped it and fled from police who started to chase him.
[15] Four Bulgarians killed in car accident
Athens, 19/10/1996 (ANA)
Four Bulgarian teachers were killed Thursday night when their
car plunged 150 meters off while traveling on the
Trikala-Ioannina national road.
Police identified the four as: Martin Perzian, 35; Elila Krumova
Luntenova, 24; Stefka Angonelova Christova, 52; and Radoslava
Ivanova Radeva, 23.
A fifth passenger, Christina Ktereva Constantinova, 24, was
pulled seriously injured from the wreck of the car.
All five teachers were visiting Greece to take part in a
training program for teachers of Modern Greek studies on the
island of Lefkada.
Police said the accident occurred at the 112th km, near
Ioannina, when the vehicle rounded a corner at excessive speed,
hit the rear of another vehicle and spun out of control,
breaking through the protective barrier and plunging off the
cliff.
[16] Memorandum signed on Burgas- Alexandroupolis oil pipeline
Sofia, 19/10/1996 (ANA - N. Chios)
A memorandum was signed by representatives of Russia, Bulgaria
and Greece on the Burgas-Alexandroupolis oil pipeline at the
building of the Regional Development and Construction Ministry
in Sofia yesterday. The signing took place at expert level.
According to the Bulgarian News Agency (BTA), the
representatives of the three sides will brief their governments
on further actions related to the organizing body, which might
possibly take on the shape of a consortium.
It was also ascertained that no substantive differences exist in
the economic and technical intentions of the three sides.
[17] Turks react to cancellation of tourism meeting
Istanbul, 19/10/1996 (ANA)
A last minute decision by the Athens Skal Club, which represents
the tourist industry, to cancel a meeting with the Istanbul Skal
Club, has been interpreted by the Turkish media as a Greek
reaction to the recent killing of Greek Cypriot Petros Kakoullis
by Turkish armed forces in divided Cyprus on Sunday.
"The Greek tourism businessmen have canceled the meeting of
peace," the Cumhurriyet newspaper reported yesterday.
The newspaper said the businessmen succumbed to pressure by
Greek government circles and public opinion.
[18] Greek wine in Brisbane exhibition
Melbourne, 19/10/1996 (ANA - S. Hatzimanolis):
All the world's wine-producing countries will attend the
International Wines Exhibition in Brisbane, Australia, from
November 2-4.
According to an announcement issued on Thursday, Greece will be
among the countries represented at the exhibition with a variety
of wines.
[19] Tax bill to target motorists and certain imports
Athens, 19/10/1996 (ANA)
The government yesterday released details of a draft bill
providing for a 33.3 per cent increase in circulation tax for
motorists and motorcyclists in 1997 and for the settlement of
outstanding cases, and introducing a wide range of provisions
for imported or smuggled goods.
Tax payers who have not met their obligations are being granted
a series of favorable terms for paying off their dues, including
the possibility of 24 installments, and exemption from fines if
they submit complementary income statements to inaccurate older
ones.
Provisions for imported goods include measures for restricting
fraud in the importation of used lorries -- estimated to have
resulted in tariff losses of as much as 40 billion drachmas in
the last two years -- the imposition of fines up to 2 million
drachmas for private cars with foreign registration numbers
which circulate illegally or are not driven by their rightful
owner, an increase in fines for the smuggling of tobacco,
beverages and fuels, and the raising of the floor value from 5
to 20 million drachmas for imported goods that could be
considered as smuggled.
The draft bill also sets specific penalties for incorrect
statements regarding the value of imported goods from third
countries, and abolishes the special controls presently in
force, regarding imports of watches, clocks, lighters,
cosmetics, precious stones etc.
The tax coefficient of 1 per cent on fixed capital gains for
firms is being raised to 5-8 per cent, while the Financial Crime
Corps are being granted the authority to impose fines for tax
evasion and smuggling when the culprit is a foreign subject an d
is apprehended within 24 hours.
[20] Minister alleges fraudulent practices in farm sector
Athens, 19/10/1996 (ANA)
Agriculture Minister Stephanos Tzoumakas yesterday made serious
allegations regarding extensive fraudulent practices in the farm
products manufacturing and distribution sector.
Replying to opposition questions in Parliament, he said, among
other things, that dairy companies had raised the price of fresh
milk to unacceptable and shameful levels, that there was
"extensive adulteration in dairy products", and that 25 olive
oil traders had fraudulently "received 6.5 billion drachmas in
subsidies in one day".
He accused cotton wool manufacturer Tsiplakos, a brother of
former New Democracy party minister Aristeides Tsiplakos, of
committing "phenomenal frauds and irregularities".
At another point, he accused cotton wool manufacturers of
wetting their product in order to receive greater subsidies.
Main opposition leader Miltiades Evert retorted by accusing the
minister of making unsubstantiated allegations, and calling on
him to refer any evidence to prosecuting authorities.
He also accused the prime minister personally of deceiving
cotton producers by having let it be understood during the
pre-election period that the government would subsidize them,
and not doing anything about it now.
End of English language section.
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