A.N.A. Bulletin, 26/10/96

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

ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No. 1025), October 26, 1996

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

CONTENTS

[01] Premier Simitis cautions against hasty BSEC enlargement

[02] Brief Simitis-Demirel meeting

[03] Chernomyrdin expected in Athens soon

[04] Other meetings

[05] Premier in Budapest for European Socialist Party summit

[06] Athens formally receives IOC evaluation commission

[07] 'Moscow Declaration' on BSEC's principles

[08] Dimension of illegal immigration discussed with visiting Commissioner

[09] Archbishop Iacovos arrives in Athens

[10] 'Parmenion '96' exercise to commence next week

[11] Anglo-Greek cultural activities discussed

[12] Evert calls on Greeks to resist 'heavy taxation'

[13] Olympiad digit number

[14] President in Thessaloniki for national celebrations

[15] President refers to FYROM name issue and Cyprus problem

[16] House of Commons motion praises Greece's role in Europe

[17] Arsenis meets with former ND education minister Souflias

[18] Japanese experts to expound on environmental policy

[19] UNESCO weekend meeting on peace in the Aegean

[20] Danielle Mitterrand message

[21] Cowpox appears to recede in Evros

[22] Reppas to inaugurate ANA's new offices

[23] ADEDY calls for labor ministry's support

[24] Bulgarian icons discovered in Greek town

[01] Premier Simitis cautions against hasty BSEC enlargement

Moscow, 26/10/1996 (ANA-P. Drakopoulos)

Mr. Simitis said the BSEC member-countries should be very cautious regarding taking in new members since a broad enlargement could weaken the ability of its members to take decisions.

Stressing Greece's "historic interest in forging closer relations with the countries of the Black Sea," the Prime Minister pointed to the development of further co-operation among BSEC countries in the economic sector.

Mr. Simitis also raised the issue of the Thessaloniki-based Black Sea Trade and Development Bank, expressing hope that it will start its operation in the next few months.

The operation of the bank has been delayed due to the inability of BSEC's smaller member-states to submit their contribution to the bank's share capital, and the refusal of the national parliaments of Bulgaria, The Ukraine and Georgia to ratify the founding agreement.

[02] Brief Simitis-Demirel meeting

Moscow, 26/10/1996 (ANA)

"We spoke a little on issues related to today's (yesterday) summit meeting," the prime minister said, adding that a meeting between senior Greek and Turkish officials can be worthy only if it is preceded by substantial preparation.

Finding solutions to Greek-Turkish differences does not require a meeting on prime ministers or foreign ministers level, Mr. Simitis said.

[03] Chernomyrdin expected in Athens soon

Moscow, 26/10/1996 (ANA)

The talks, which Mr. Simitis described as "substantial," also covered foreign policy issues including Greek-Turkish relations, the situation in the Balkans and NATO's enlargement.

On enlargement of the North Atlantic Alliance, Mr. Simitis said plans for accepting new members in NATO should first be agreed with Russia, "in order to avoid opposition." Hoping that "the good atmosphere" in Greek-Russian consultations will continue in the future, Mr. Simitis said his Russian counterpart was now expected to visit Athens soon, in order "to discuss pending issues."

Welcoming Mr. Simitis, the Russian prime minister stressed the "traditionally good relations" between the two countries, expressing conviction that this "desire and tradition will extend in the future." The meeting was also attended by a Greek government delegation headed by Mr. Pangalos and a Russian delegation headed by Foreign Under-secretary Nikolay Athanasievski.

Commenting on the meeting with Mr. Chernomyrdin, later in the day, Mr. Simitis expressed satisfaction at the fact that the Russian side was not willing to confine the issue of the Burgas-Alexandroupolis oil pipeline in purely financial terms but appeared eager to also attribute a political dimension to it.

"It is a purely political issue," Mr. Simitis said pointing to the fact that future oil production in the region will call for alternative means of transport to the West.

Mr. Simitis added that the construction of the pipeline will also lead to a more equal distribution of economic power in the region.

Regarding pending construction of an alumina plant in Viotia, Mr. Simitis said the Russian companies which have shown interest in the project could not delay their final answer further.

"It is logical that Greece wants to have a final decision in order to proceed with other partners or allocate resources elsewhere," Mr. Simitis said.

[04] Other meetings

Moscow, 26/10/1996 (ANA)

Mr. Simitis also met with Georgia's President Eduard Shevardnadze who invited him to visit the country next year. A visit by the Greek prime minister, during which the two countries will sign inter-state agreements, will formalize relations between Greece and Georgia.

Yet, despite the lack of agreements, Mr. Shevardnadze said that "both political and economic relations between the two countries were on a good course," noting co-operation in the business field between the private sectors of the two countries.

Thanking Mr. Simitis for Greece's support to his country's economic development and territorial integrity, the Georgian president expressed hope that the Greek prime minister's visit would enhance traditional relations between the two countries.

Mr. Simitis also met with Bulgarian President Zhelyu Zhelev and Albanian Prime Minister Alexandr Meksi. A meeting with his Azerbaijani counterpart, Gaydar Aliev, was cancelled due to lack of time.

[05] Premier in Budapest for European Socialist Party summit

Budapest, 26/10/1996 (ANA- D. Dimitrakoudis)

During the meeting, Mr. Simitis is expected to present PASOK's positions on employment and development, economic and social cohesion and peace and security for European citizens.

The prime minister is also expected to speak of his support for the expansion of the European Union with eastern European and Balkan countries after the entry of Cyprus and Malta.

Nine socialist and social-democratic prime ministers, as well as leaders of socialist parties, are due to participate in the summit meeting, which will center on the expansion of both the EU and NATO.

Meetings will be chaired by European Socialist Party President Rudolf Scharping.

This is the first time that a meeting of the European Socialist Party is to be held in a non-member country.

[06] Athens formally receives IOC evaluation commission

Athens, 26/10/1996 (ANA)

At a press conference later, president of the evaluation commission Thomas Bach outlined the procedure for the evaluation of candidate cities but gave no hint of the commission's first impressions of Athens.

"We are honored to be in the country which gave birth to the Olympic Games," Mr. Bach said. "The Olympic spirit is present more than ever before and the Olympic spirit is one of the criteria for a candidate city."

He said that the commission needed three full days to evaluate the bid and draw conclusions. At the final press conference on Sunday, he added, "we will talk about our first impressions but not about our conclusions".

"We will give a fair and objective report. We ask 600 questions to each city and evaluate 19 criteria, including the Olympic village, transport, protection of the environment and security. Our visit has two (equal) aspects: the first half involves the discussions with the candidate committee and the second is the visits to installations," he said.

He said each member of the commission was responsible for evaluating one aspect and that the criteria were "interdependent".

"The commission has a general criteria," he added. "The best athletes deserve the best sports facilities and the most appropriate environmental conditions."

The short-list for the Olympics 2004 bid will be released on March 7, 1997.

Mr. Bach added that all the commission's contacts in Athens had been conducted in a very good and friendly climate.

Earlier, President Kostis Stephanopoulos received the International Olympic Committee's evaluation commission.

Mr. Stephanopoulos said the entire Greek people supported Greece's candidacy to host the 2004 Olympics. Stressing Athens' great anticipation for the Committee's decision, Mr. Stephanopoulos added that "in the case Greece does not win the Olympics it should never be a candidate city again."

President of the evaluation commission, Thomas Bach, said that the commission would consider all candidacies and make an objective judgment.

[07] 'Moscow Declaration' on BSEC's principles

Moscow, 26/10/1996 (ANA - P. Drakopoulos)

In the joint communique, BSEC member-states committed themselves to accelerating procedures for the operation of the Black Sea Commercial and Development Bank in Thessaloniki in early 1997.

A conference of scientists representing member-states is to be held in Greece at the end of this year, aiming to promote scientific and technological co-operation, the joint communique said.

It also reconfirmed that a Black Sea International Research Center is to be founded in Greece, most probably in Athens.

The Moscow Declaration stressed the need to convert the Black Sea area into a "zone of peace, stability and economic prosperity". Special note was taken of the need to reinforce relations between Mediterranean and Black Sea countries, and called on the European Union to develop closer relations with the region.

The declaration said common plans for the future include regional and trans-regional optic fibre networks in the telecommunications sector, and the creation of free trade zones in BSEC countries during 1997.

[08] Dimension of illegal immigration discussed with visiting Commissioner

Athens, 26/10/1996 (ANA)

Ms. Gradin said co-operation is necessary to confront illegal immigration which has taken on big dimensions in past years. Referring to fraud, she said every European Union member-state must consider it a national issue and impose sanctions.

According to reports, she also said organized economic crime has taken on dimensions, adding that it was a myth that only countries in southern Europe had more cases of fraud.

The issue of child prostitution was examined and the EU Commission has already taken initiatives in this direction.

[09] Archbishop Iacovos arrives in Athens

Athens, 26/10/1996 (ANA)

Speaking to reporters upon arrival, Iacovos, until recently Archbishop of North and South America, said he would be opened to any mission assigned to him by the Ecumenical Patriarchate.

Turning to Greek-American relations and Greece's national causes, Iacovos expressed hope for "positive developments in our national issues."

But, he added, the situation in the international scene is so confusing, at the moment, that is hard to define one's course. "I am therefore not allowed to have great optimism," he said.

Asked on US President Bill Clinton's promises to Greece, Iacovos pointed to the fact that the United States was undergoing a pre-election period.

[10] 'Parmenion '96' exercise to commence next week

Athens, 26/10/1996 (ANA)

The exercise aims to train the navy, army and air-force general staffs and units in carrying out joint operations, so as to maintain and improve the armed forces' fighting abilities, a Pentagon announcement said.

The political sector of the areas in which the exercises are to be carried out are to enjoy restricted participation, with reserve forces being invited for training.

[11] Anglo-Greek cultural activities discussed

Athens, 26/10/1996 (ANA)

Mr. Venizelos stressed that the return of the Parthenon Marbles, currently being held in the British Museum, is a major issue for Greek cultural policy. He asked Sir Michael to inform his government again on the Greek position, which he said is connected with the integrity of not only Greek historical memory, but also of the international cultural heritage.

[12] Evert calls on Greeks to resist 'heavy taxation'

Athens, 26/10/1996 (ANA)

Mr. Evert said resistance should begin in Thessaloniki against "pressure which is expected to be exerted on our national issues so that there will not be any national concession on our national rights."

Mr. Evert said resistance should also be directed against the government's new taxation policies "which it threatens to impose on the Greek people."

Mr. Evert reiterated his party's position that the country's economic difficulties could be overcome through cutbacks in public expenditure.

In Thessaloniki, Mr. Evert chaired a meeting of ND party officials and was due to address, in the evening, the presidiums of the party's Regional Committees.

Mr. Evert, visiting Thessaloniki in order to attend events marking Ohi Day on October 28, is also due to have meetings with local officials.

[13] Olympiad digit number

Athens, 26/10/1996 (ANA)

Subscribers from all over Greece will be able to dial the number, as well as mobile telephony subscribers directly.

[14] President in Thessaloniki for national celebrations

Athens, 26/10/1996 (ANA)

President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos arrived in the city yesterday evening in order to attend the celebrations.

Events for the long weekend kick off this morning with a service in the Agios Dimitrios Church, to be attended by Mr. Stephanopoulos and other officials.

Wreaths are to be laid by schoolchildren at the Third Army Corps' War Memorial tomorrow morning, followed by the annual pupils' parade.

The president is to travel to Edessa in order to attend a service to be held for the town's liberation, and is to meet with local authorities in the town hall.

Celebrations will close with the annual military parade on Megas Alexandros Avenue on Monday morning, after a wreath is laid at the war memorial by Mr. Stephanopoulos. One minute's silence will be held by the whole city.

[15] President refers to FYROM name issue and Cyprus problem

Athens, 26/10/1996 (ANA)

Arriving in Thessaloniki yesterday, President Stephanopoulos referred to the name of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) in reply to an address by Thessaloniki Mayor Constantine Kosmopoulos who said the issue of Macedonia is pending and its prospects are ominous.

"History has awarded this name many thousands of years ago to those who are really entitled to bear it," President Stephanopoulos said, adding that "this name covers periods of Greek history, it covers Greek territory and Greek populations who will remain the genuine and unique Macedonians whatever may happen."

Commenting on references made by Mr. Kosmopoulos to Turkish barbarism in Cyprus, Mr. Stephanopoulos said "our thoughts are continuously directed and we are looking with anxiety at all the murderous events taking place."

President Stephanopoulos also said he received the parents of two Greek Cypriots, Tassos Isaak and Solomos Solomou, who were murdered recently by the Turks, adding that they did not speak at all about their lost children, about their sorrow, their mourning and their unhappiness, but asked with anxiety about the future of Cyprus and the outcome of the effort being made for a solution to be found.

President Stephanopoulos mentioned the happening, as he said, for all to realize the significance of the moral stance of the Greeks of Cyprus.

[16] House of Commons motion praises Greece's role in Europe

London, 26/10/1996 (ANA)

"...On the 28th October 1940 Greece, despite overwhelming odds, said 'no' to Mussolini's ultimatum and that for six months from that date until the 23rd April 1941, Greece alone of all the countries of Europe stood alongside Great Britain in armed combat with the axis forces," the motion said.

The motion refers to the sacrifice of 558,000 Greeks for the sake of peace, freedom, democracy and human rights in Europe and stresses "the uniquely important role which Greece can and does play for the European Union in modern times in the furtherance of peace, stability, security and prosperity in south east Europe."

[17] Arsenis meets with former ND education minister Souflias

Athens, 26/10/1996 (ANA)

Mr. Souflias strongly criticized the work of former education minister George Papandreou who held the post for the past three years. After recent elections, Mr. Papandreou was appointed alternate foreign minister.

"Many of my reforms have been abolished in the past three years," Mr. Souflias, who was education minister during ND's administration between 1990-93, told reporters.

[18] Japanese experts to expound on environmental policy

Athens, 26/10/1996 (ANA)

Issues to be presented by Japanese experts concern the development of environmental programs, the waste management methods for municipalities and communities and the implementation of new technological methods for environmental protection and energy conservation among others.

For more information, call the organization's Athens offices on 36.30.820.

[19] UNESCO weekend meeting on peace in the Aegean

Athens, 26/10/1996 (ANA)

The meeting is taking place on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the organization's operation and in the hope of contributing towards "building a civilization of peace in the Aegean and the Mediterranean."

Fifteen messages of peace have already been sent by Nobel Prize winners, while at the height of the meeting, participants will sail to Greek territorial waters between the islands of Kalymnos, Kalolymnos and Imia on scores of boats from Kalymnos.

[20] Danielle Mitterrand message

Athens, 26/10/1996 (ANA)

"The events organized by your group in this place of culture and education, which is Greece, is among the most important to ever take place. I congratulate you on the initiative and wish complete success," Ms. Mitterrand said.

The initiative was also hailed by Greece's permanent representative at UNESCO, Vassilis Vassilikos.

[21] Cowpox appears to recede in Evros

Athens, 26/10/1996 (ANA)

In parallel, groups of veterinarians are continuing examinations at stock-breeding units in the Evros region and are killing all sheep considered to be affected by the disease.

Angelos Boglou, Director of the Evros Veterinary Service, said that cases of cowpox are isolated and under complete control. Referring to foot and mouth disease, he said stringent measures to combat the disease have produced results, since about 30 days have passed without any new case being reported.

[22] Reppas to inaugurate ANA's new offices

Athens, 26/10/1996 (ANA)

The ANA's new offices are located at 36 Tsocha Street, behind the Panathinaikos Stadium on Alexandras Avenue.

Invited guests to the ceremony include ministers, the leaders of all the political parties, journalists, MPs and Euro-MPs, media directors, the boards of the professional journalist unions, foreign news agency correspondents, representatives of the pres s offices of the EU member-states' embassies in Athens, and all those who contributed to the realization of this important goal set by the ANA.

The three floors purchased by the ANA (approximately 1,400 sq. meters) cost 390 million drachmas, which was generated from an extraordinary 120 million drachma state subsidy and a loan from the Ionian Bank. The loan repayment installments will be covered by the money the ANA previously paid for rental of the three buildings that up until recently housed its operations.

The internal networking was carried out by the Hellenic Telecommunications Organization (OTE) in accordance with the latest specifications, while the central computer facility, with which all subscribers and the ANA's seven regional electronic centers will be linked up, was set up entirely by the ANA Informatics and Telecommunications Directorate.

[23] ADEDY calls for labor ministry's support

Athens, 26/10/1996 (ANA)

Mr. Papaioannou said the discussion with ADEDY was "fruitful and substantial", adding that the debate on social security is to begin in January 1997, and repeated that "mature social security rights" will not be affected.

Speaking on salaries, the minister said that although "others have the first say," he will present his positions on the issue to government bodies.

[24] Bulgarian icons discovered in Greek town

Athens, 26/10/1996 (ANA)

The move came after police found eight priceless wooden icons originating from Bulgaria in the home of 44-year-old insurance salesman Kostas Papadopoulos.

Authorities said the icons had been smuggled in from Bulgaria and were destined to be sold in Greece or abroad.

Also found at Mr. Papadopoulos's home were a number of ancient gold, silver and bronze coins and a bronze ring.

End of English language section.

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