A.N.A. Bulletin, 23/10/96

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

ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No. 1022), October 23, 1996

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

CONTENTS

[01] Inner cabinet discusses Greece's initiatives in the Balkans and EU

[02] Stephanopoulos briefs Polish officials on Greece's foreign and economic policies

[03] President to lay wreath at Auschwitz

[04] Greek, Turkish businessmen call for change in climate between Athens, Ankara

[05] Simitis to meet Yugoslav President Lilic today

[06] Europe's socialists to discuss EU enlargement at Budapest meeting

[07] Tsohatzopoulos on tour of Evros region

[08] Confidence voiced on success of World Athletics Championship in Athens

[09] Police officer sentenced for transporting illegal immigrants

[10] News in Brief

[11] Conference hears of alarming dimensions in fuel smuggling

[12] Constantopoulos speaks critically of government's economic policy

[13] POL.AN bracing for possible ND overtures

[14] Thessaloniki dockers suspend strike

[15] Premier discusses economic policy with Papantoniou

[16] Employers urged to fulfill social security obligations

[17] Exhibition of Greek products in Cyprus

[18] Increases in OTE rates

[19] Reppas welcomes TVX Gold compromise

[20] ASE sells its wares in New York

[21] Deregulation of ground-handling at EU airports

[22] Egypt suspends 'Alexander the Great' excavation

[01] Inner cabinet discusses Greece's initiatives in the Balkans and EU

Athens, 23/10/1996 (ANA)

Government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said yesterday's inner cabinet meeting dealt at length with Greece's presence in the Balkans and that Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos outlined plans for bilateral and multilateral regional co-operation as well as initiatives Greece could undertake in the economic sector and to assist in the modernization of neighboring countries' institutions.

Mr. Pangalos, who recently returned from a three-day tour of countries of former Yugoslavia, briefed the inner cabinet on the results of his visits, saying that Croatia, the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and Bosnia wanted closer relations with Greece and an eventual inclusion in the European Union.

The meeting discussed the government's priorities based on the axes defined by Prime Minister Costas Simitis in the government's policy statement in Parliament last week.

The first of these axes, Mr. Reppas added, include the government's policy for a strong Greece that will contribute to regional stability and peace and deal with any provocations, particularly from Turkey.

The remaining axes, the government spokesman said, included a policy for the country's equal participation in the European Union in view of the conclusion of the Intergovernmental Conference, institutional modernization, social policies, and policies for the quality of life.

Mr. Reppas said that the prime minister would speak with each minister separately on how to best realize these goals.

The government spokesman said that National Economy and Finance Minister Yiannos Papantoniou pledged to submit within the following fortnight, a series of proposals on the government's economic policy for discussion to the cabinet and the inner cabinet.

Mr. Reppas said that the prime minister will outline the government's economic policies to the PASOK's Parliamentary Group and Central Committee.

Mr. Simitis met with Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos earlier yesterday to discuss the ministry's planned armaments program and funding priorities for the defense ministry. The meeting was attended by Mr. Papantoniou, Defense Under-secretary Dimitris Apostolakis and Chief of the General Staff Athanasios Tzoganis.

Mr. Reppas said that another two meetings on the same issue would be held before it went before the Government Council for Defense (KYSEA) for a final decision.

[02] Stephanopoulos briefs Polish officials on Greece's foreign and economic policies

Warsaw, 23/10/1996 (ANA-N. Megadoukas)

Later in the day, Mr. Stephanopoulos delivered an address to the Polish Parliament focusing mainly on Greece's foreign and economic policies.

Lending strong support to the goals of the Maastricht treaty, the Greek president said implementation of these goals within the set time limits "forces us to opt for an economic policy of austerity measures."

During the day, Mr. Stephanopoulos had meetings with Foreign Minister Dariusz Rosati and the presidents of the Polish Parliament and Senate. He later addressed a joint meeting of foreign affairs commissioners of both the Parliament and the Senate, elaborating on the Greek positions regarding European unification, the future of the North Atlantic Alliance and Greece's relations with its Balkan neighbors and particularly Turkey.

Dismissing the possibility for a revision of the Lausanne Treaty, attempted by Turkey, Mr. Stephanopoulos said Greece did not accept dialogue "on Turkey's unfounded claims" regarding issues related to Greek territorial sovereignty.

Under the Turkish threat, Mr. Stephanopoulos stressed, "our country is forced to prepare itself for the possibility of a military attack."

"We don't expect our friends in the international community to take sides," he added, "we merely ask them to express support to the rules of the international law and the provisions of international treaties."

Regarding relations between Greece and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM, Mr. Stephanopoulos reiterated Greece's strong opposition to the use of the term 'Macedonia', expressing hope that the name issue will be solved.

"We want this state to exist, we want to live in peace with it," he added.

Mr. Stephanopoulos described Greece's relations with the rest of its Balkan neighbors as "very good".

Referring to Greece's relations with the European Union, Mr. Stephanopoulos said that apart from the common economic policy, the EU should also achieve a common defense and foreign policy.

"The European Union did not play an appropriate role in the former Yugoslavia and the Middle East," the president added, "because it lacked a common defense and foreign policy."

Strongly condemning the formation of a two-tier Europe which will discriminate against the weaker European states, Mr. Stephanopoulos expressed disagreement at the proposed abolition of consensus on issues of national interest.

[03] President to lay wreath at Auschwitz

Athens, 23/10/1996 (ANA)

Meanwhile, the Greek business delegation accompanying the president, headed by Association of Greek Industries (SEB) president Iason Stratos, yesterday held talks of an exploratory character concerning possible Greek investments.

Members of the delegation told ANA later that they had acquired positive impressions from their contacts concerning the opportunities for a Greek economic penetration in Poland, which could be used as a gateway for the channeling of Greek products to the German market and other countries of the former Soviet bloc.

[04] Greek, Turkish businessmen call for change in climate between Athens, Ankara

Istanbul, 23/10/1996 (ANA-A. Kourkoulas)

Mr. Lavidas, currently visiting Istanbul at the head of a Greek businessmen delegation for meetings with Turkish businessmen also referred to the "strong presence" of Greek businessmen in southeastern Europe.

Turkish industrialist Rahmi Kots, who is also president of the "Greek-Turkish Business Council," said that businessmen in both countries could play an important role in eliminating tension in Greek-Turkish relations.

"I don't know what would be the outcome of these meetings," he said, adding that whatever the result "we will continue our initiatives always seeking possibilities for co-operation."

"Development of Greek-Turkish relations will be to the benefit of both countries," said Mr. Kots.

"I believe," he added, "that diplomats in both countries will be able to find ways to deal with the problems without prejudice."

The visiting Greek businessmen also held meetings with young businessmen who are members of the Greek minority.

"The Istanbul meetings indicated that there could be co-operation in certain sectors," said businessman Simeon Tsomokos, citing the sectors of tourism and foodstuffs, and joint ventures in third countries between construction companies.

The Greek delegation also visited the Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos and discussed living conditions for the Greek minority in Istanbul.

Members of the Turkish Industries Association said that Turkish businessmen were faced in their country with an environment of political instability and difficulties emerging from the effects of political developments in business activities, as well as a generalized anxiety on the future course of the country.

Both Greek and Turkish businessmen called for a change of atmosphere in relations between the two countries.

[05] Simitis to meet Yugoslav President Lilic today

Athens, 23/10/1996 (ANA)

Mr. Lilic, who will be stopping over in Athens on his return from a visit to African nations, requested the meeting with the Greek prime minister to discuss issues concerning the development of the bilateral relations and the promotion of bilateral cooperation, a Yugoslav foreign ministry announcement from Belgrade said.

[06] Europe's socialists to discuss EU enlargement at Budapest meeting

Athens, 23/10/1996 (ANA)

Prime Minister Costas Simitis and European Socialist Party Deputy President Akis Tsohatzopoulos will represent the ruling socialist PASOK party at the meeting in Budapest over the weekend.

According to an announcement by PASOK, the socialist leaders from all over Europe "will stress that the creation of a multi-speed Europe does not reflect our Europe and that our visions for employment and development, economic and social cohesion, peace and security for all the citizens of Europe, exceed the effective target of creating a free market."

Mr. Simitis will set out PASOK's positions on these issues, saying that he supports EU enlargement with eastern European and Balkan countries, Cyprus and Malta.

[07] Tsohatzopoulos on tour of Evros region

Athens, 23/10/1996 (ANA)

As part of a one-day tour, Mr. Tsohatzopoulos will visit Alexandroupolis and Didimotiho, the headquarters of the 12th and 16th Infantry Divisions, as well as border military checkpoints in the regions of Ferres, Kipoi, Gemisti, Nea Vyssa and Ormenio.

During his visit to Evros, Mr. Tsohatzopoulos is expected to make special reference to the readiness of the armed forces and to Greek-Turkish relations.

[08] Confidence voiced on success of World Athletics Championship in Athens

Athens, 23/10/1996 (ANA)

"I am glad because we are in a climate of full confidence with IAAF delegates. We will succeed in having an impeccable organization of the games, which will be the springboard for Greece contesting the 2004 Olympiad," he said.

[09] Police officer sentenced for transporting illegal immigrants

Greek Police (ELAS) chief constable Theofanis Makris was sentenced to eight years in prison and ordered to pay a fine of 4,100,000 drachmas by a court in Ioannina yesterday for carrying 19 Albanian illegal immigrants in a truck he was driving to Athens. T he same sentence was imposed on his Albanian illegal immigrant accomplice Agim Patrico, 22.

Makris, 50, was arrested in the central square of Ioannina at midnight last Saturday as he was driving the truck with the Albanian immigrants whom he had picked up in a rural area near Konitsa.

Makris, who serves with the Athens Police Department, and his accomplice, had charged the illegals 35,000 drachmas each to drive them to Athens.

[10] News in Brief

Athens, 23/10/1996 (ANA)

The tremor's epicenter was in the sea region southwest of Pylos and 243 kms southwest of Athens.

There were no reports of damage or injury.

[11] Conference hears of alarming dimensions in fuel smuggling

Athens, 23/10/1996 (ANA)

Speaking at a conference organized by 'Kefalaio' economic magazine, he said it was worrying that the phenomenon was on the increase, with 85 per cent of cases concerning fake deliveries to ships and yachts, which enjoy tax exemption.

Speaking at the same event, Development Minister Vasso Papandreou said Greece's energy system was 60 per cent based on imported oil, and therefore the government aimed at a smooth functioning of the market and ensuring and strengthening the rules of healthy competition.

She also stressed the importance of the Operational Program for Energy, envisaging investments totaling 112 billion drachmas, in achieving savings equivalent to 700,000 tonnes of oil, or 5 per cent of the total distributed, representing 85 billion drachmas in foreign exchange annually.

[12] Constantopoulos speaks critically of government's economic policy

Athens, 23/10/1996 (ANA)

Speaking last night on "economic policy applied and social consequences", Mr. Constantopoulos said that starting with the existing problems concerning state revenues and expenditures, the government is proceeding spasmodically in implementing a fiscal policy which in essence will mean crushing all social groups which government policies use as "pack animals", such as salary earners and pensioners.

Mr. Constantopoulos said the issue of social policy is of great importance for the success of a political recovery of the country in a direction of progressive developments, adding that it is not a question of social charity but social justice.

[13] POL.AN bracing for possible ND overtures

Athens, 23/10/1996 (ANA)

Sources close to POL.AN headquarters said yesterday that the changes were pointing to the party's first congress in the first half of 1997.

Nevertheless, the same sources, referring to the persistent scenarios of a centre-right scheme, were saying that Mr. Samaras, whose party made a disappointing showing at the recent election, failing to gain representation in parliament, will play a significant role in this new scheme.

Former POL.AN deputy Nikitas Kaklamanis stated in connection that a reconstitution of the centre-right force could, under no circumstances, take place under the banner and name of the New Democracy party.

"This can only take place under a new political scheme," he said.

Elaborating on the party's new structure, Mr. Samaras said it comprised new and flexible bodies, including a 10-member Executive Committee and a 15-member Political Council.

Former party deputies and Eurodeputies will participate in the Political Council which will serve as an advising body to the party leader.

[14] Thessaloniki dockers suspend strike

Athens, 23/10/1996 (ANA)

Their demands for more workers, pension fund issues, productivity bonuses and workplace health and security issues were satisfied at a meeting yesterday with the president of the Thessaloniki Port Authority.

Still outstanding are issues regarding extra bonuses and increased daily rates.

Unionists said if these issues were not settled within the month, the strike would be resumed.

Meanwhile, farmers and stockbreeders in the Yiannitsa region of the Pella prefecture yesterday blocked the Thessaloniki-Edessa national road with some 35 vehicles and farm machinery from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The majority of the protesters were cotton farmers demanding compensation for the recent destruction of the crop by heavy rain, while stockbreeders were demanding increases in the pricing of milk and checks on imported dairy products.

[15] Premier discusses economic policy with Papantoniou

Athens, 23/10/1996 (ANA)

Sources said that the premier is expected to hold more high-level meetings on the economy in the near future. They added that the government's aim was that the measures of taxation and incomes policy, as well as cutbacks in public finance, will allow compatibility of the 1997 budget with the convergence program targets without marginalizing large numbers of people in the low-income groups.

[16] Employers urged to fulfill social security obligations

Athens, 23/10/1996 (ANA)

The deadline expired a few days ago.

Union President Andreas Kyriazis told the minister at their meeting that the market was facing an "objective inability" to meet the high additional dues, such as fines and interest, on top of their high debt obligations.

He also stated afterwards that he was in favor of taxing state bonds and treasury bills.

[17] Exhibition of Greek products in Cyprus

Athens, 23/10/1996 (ANA)

The exhibition will take place in Nicosia once again at the installations of the State Exhibition of Cyprus Authority AKEK and constitutes "reciprocity" for the 3rd Exhibition of Cypriot Products organized at HELEXPO's Exhibition and Convention Center from February 28 to March 3, 1996.

Moreover, HELEXPO-TIF services have started an informative campaign for Greek businessmen wishing to participate in the 2nd Exhibition of Greek Products which the national exhibition organization will organize in Odessa, Ukraine, from March 21-25, 1997.

The great success achieved in the first exhibition in this city last March, which is directly linked to the birth of the new Greek state and the warm welcome provided by the city's public for Greek products, pave the way for the second exhibition's success as well.

[18] Increases in OTE rates

Athens, 23/10/1996 (ANA)

He also claimed that the increase was necessary for OTE's modernization, the improvement of services, and the boosting of competitiveness.

The new rates include an increase for city calls from 10.2 to 11.5 drachmas per 3 minutes, and a 1.78 per cent reduction for long-distance calls.

Rates for calls to the rest of Europe are to go up by 7 per cent, while those to the US, Canada, and Australia are to come down by 18 per cent.

Finally, subscription rates for the Hellascom digital circuit network will rise by 10 per cent, and those for Hellaspac will come down by about 15 per cent.

Mr. Lambrou said the extra revenue the increases are estimated to yield is in the region of 22.5 billion drachmas.

[19] Reppas welcomes TVX Gold compromise

Athens, 23/10/1996 (ANA)

"The government will keep its promise to protect the environment," Mr. Reppas said.

A government delegation on Monday concluded an agreement that the gold processing plant be created as far as possible from the administrative limits of the Olympiada and Varvara villages, after local residents staged a 10-month blockade of the road leading to the entrance to the Kassandra mines, saying they feared the effects on local tourism and the environment. TVX Gold Hellas last week threatened to pull out of the 65 billion drachma investment by yesterday if the protests did not end.

[20] ASE sells its wares in New York

New York, 23/10/1996 (ANA - M. Georgiadou)

Senior executives of 12 listed companies on the ASE took part in the event, outlining the present-day profile of the Greek economy and prospects for development.

Messrs. Xanthakis, Thomadakis and Thomopoulos visited the editorial offices of the "Forbes" and "Institutional Investors" magazines and met with representatives of international brokerage firms Salomon Brothers and Merrill Lynch.

Merrill Lynch representatives said that the ASE initiative to brief investors about Greek activity was "necessary" and that it was particularly important now that the political climate in Greece has stabilized.

The Greek delegation was due to leave for Boston yesterday for another presentation, following a meeting with representatives of "Fortune" magazine.

[21] Deregulation of ground-handling at EU airports

Brussels, 23/10/1996 (ANA - P. Pantelis)

The main amendment of interest to Greece and anticipating a special position for airline companies having more than 25 per cent participation in ground-handling, as is the case with Olympic Airways, was not accepted because it required unanimity but was only supported by Greece, Germany and Portugal.

The directive mainly includes the common positions of the European Union member-states, agreed a year ago. According to Greece, certain clauses in the directive provide Olympic with the possibility of maintaining a monopoly on ground-handling until 2002.

The directive anticipates that deregulation in ground-handling with third companies will take place as of 1999 for all EU airports handling over three million passengers a year and over 75,000 tonnes of goods and as of 2001 for airports handling two or three million passengers and 50,000 tonnes of goods.

Four Greek airports are included in the first category: Athens, Thessaloniki, Irakleio and Corfu. However, if the state requests an extension for security reasons or for lack of infrastructure, the European Commission can agree to a transitional period which can be extended until 2002 and even later.

[22] Egypt suspends 'Alexander the Great' excavation

Cairo, 23/10/1996 (ANA/Reuter)

The suspension is part of an overall review of foreign archaeological missions by the newly-appointed head of the state's Supreme Council of Antiquities.

But the council has singled out the private mission led by Greek archaeologist Liana Soulvatzi for immediate suspension, pending expert assessment of its work.

The council said in a statement available yesterday that a committee would examine the Siwa site and study the architectural features that Soulvatzi's team has uncovered.

It gave no reasons but other foreign archaeologists said it was clearly linked to her apparently premature announcement in January 1995 that she had identified the tomb of Alexander, who died in Babylon in Mesopotamia in 323 BC.

An official Greek team of experts went to Siwa to investigate her claim and decided that the centerpieces of her argument, three crumbling tablets covered in Greek inscriptions, dated from a different era. The council's statement said the new chairman, Ali Hassan, insisted that foreign archaeological missions must abide by the Egyptian government's regulations.

The regulations require that mission leaders be competent archaeologists, that they be present at the excavation site and that they restore whatever they discover.

The head of one large archaeological institute said he did not think it would affect what he called serious missions.

"They were obviously suspicious about the Greek lady because of her claims. But I have been assured that all the well-established missions are not affected," he added.

End of English language section.

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