Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 96-11-16
From: The Greek Press & Information Office, Ottawa Canada <grnewsca@sympatico.ca>
ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No. 1042), November 16, 1996
Greek Press & Information Office
Ottawa, Canada
E-Mail Address: grnewsca@sympatico.ca
CONTENTS
[01] Greece retains its right to extend its territorial waters,
Simitis says
[02] Simitis calls on opposition to contribute to initiative for the
Balkans
[03] Tsohatzopoulos cites increased Turkish provocations in Aegean
[04] Stock exchange problems will be dealt with in new bill, prime
minister says
[05] Bourse president files lawsuit against Delta Securities
[06] Spyridon appointed to US advisory committee on religious freedom
[07] Group claims responsibility for bomb near Netherlands embassy
[08] Events marking Polytechnic anniversary commence
[09] Past violence
[10] Athens candidacy file presented before IOC
[11] Veryvakis leads delegation to NATO parliamentary meeting
[12] Yugoslav trade exhibition in Athens scheduled for December
[13] Two new bond issues due on Friday
[14] Conference on union of economic universities opens in
Thessaloniki
[15] Gov't tables tough bill on public sector appointments
[16] Papandreou holds talks in Bonn, The Hague covering IGC issues
[17] Netherlands visit
[18] Greece's UN representative to return to Athens for consultations
on FYROM
[19] FYROM provocation in Italy
[20] Evert condemns anniversary of pseudo-state's unilateral
declaration of independence
[01] Greece retains its right to extend its territorial waters,
Simitis says
Athens, 16/11/1996 (ANA)
Prime Minister Costas Simitis stressed yesterday that Greece
retained its right to extend its territorial waters from six to
12 miles and criticized as "demagogy" statements by main
opposition New Democracy party leader Miltiades Evert claiming
that the government had waived that right.
Speaking in Parliament during prime minister's question time,
Mr. Simitis said that Greece would exercise its right to extend
its territorial waters in the Aegean when it considered this to
be expedient and dictated by circumstances.
The reasons why previous governments had not exercised the right
in the past continued to apply today, the premier added.
Earlier, New Democracy party leader Miltiades Evert accused
Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos of exercising "foreign
policy through television." In supporting his argument, Mr.
Evert cited the Imia case.
Referring to the issue of Greece extending its territorial
waters to 12 miles in the Aegean, Mr. Evert said that concerns
were justified "from the moment the foreign minister admits in
public that the delineation of the Aegean continental shelf can
be agreed under the current status quo, namely at six nautical
miles."
Referring to Mr. Evert's claims, Mr. Simitis said the government
would not "give in to demagogy" and would "in co-operation with
all the political forces secure our national rights."
Mr. Simitis also pointed to the fact that the main opposition
party had not extended Greece's territorial rights when in
office (1990-93), adding that then prime minister Constantine
Mitsotakis "did not extend the waters "for reasons which still
apply to day."
Replying to the premier, New Democracy spokesman Prokopis
Pavlopoulos again claimed that the government had relinquished
Greece's right to extend its territorial waters and had thereby
"waived an inalienable right."
[02] Simitis calls on opposition to contribute to initiative for the
Balkans
Athens, 16/11/1996 (ANA)
The Greek government believes that Greece can play an important
role in the Balkans and towards this end it has taken many
initiative in the European Union, Prime Minister Costas Simitis
told Parliament yesterday. Responding to a question from
Coalition deputy Maria Damanaki, the prime minister analyzed the
initiatives the government has undertaken and called on the
opposition to present its proposals.
Ms. Damanaki said that the opposition had proposals but that the
standing parliamentary committee on foreign affairs and defense
had not convened on inter-Balkan co-operation.
Mr. Simitis commented that New Democracy had not agreed to
participate in the presidium of the committee, which the
government had proposed to be inter-party.
New Democracy president Miltiades Evert said ND did not agree to
participate in the committee because it was "meaningless" and
that the government did not want joint foreign policy because it
conducted "secret diplomacy".
[03] Tsohatzopoulos cites increased Turkish provocations in Aegean
Athens, 16/11/1996 (ANA)
National Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos said yesterday
that Turkish provocativeness in the Aegean is spreading to all
levels, while the US and other allies of Greece are observing a
"slackened position" vis-a-vis Turkey.
Mr. Tsohatzopoulos added that the western allies are also not
conceding that the fragile state of Greek-Turkish relations is
an issue of security and tension in the region having a
destabilizing effect on world peace.
Speaking during a visit to fleet headquarters at the Salamis
Naval Station, the Greek national defense minister said the
nation has the political will and the military readiness to
respond immediately to any challenge against its territorial
integrity with all suitable means. He said that at a political
level, Turkey is attempting to dispute the existing status quo
in the region, while at a diplomatic level Ankara is attempting
to pressure Athens into making concessions by threatening to use
force. At t he same time, he added, a host of violations of
national airspace are taking place, as well as naval and
military incidents, apart from Turkish forces harassing Greek
fishermen in the Aegean.
Mr. Tsohatzopoulos said confronting Turkish expansionism is
leading to the creation of a strong internal patriotic front and
to the safeguarding of the armed forces' clout. He said a Greek
defense doctrine must correspond directly and effectively to man
aging crises so that it will be able, together with the new
armaments program, to guarantee an adequate defense and secure a
safe outcome of any confrontation. He further said the armaments
program ratified by the Government Council of Foreign Affairs
and Defense (KYSEA) earlier this week effectively strengthens
the operational and fighting capacity of the three branches of
the armed forces.
Mr. Tsohatzopoulos said he will brief party leaders on the new
armaments program. He also referred to the loss of the four
non-commissioned officers (NCOs) of the missile boat "Kostakos",
who died in the line of duty. He expressed certainty that the
Hellenic Navy will continue its contribution to the nation with
even greater zeal.
Replying to a question on reports of pressures on Athens by
Washington for Greek warplanes to not fly over Cyprus, Mr.
Tsohatzopoulos denied that any pressures were being exerted.
"When proposals are made for discussion and initiatives on
tackling pending issues, they will be examined on the basis of
the country's given and clear steadfast positions," he said.
Mr. Tsohatzopoulos said the policy of the joint defense doctrine
between Greece and Cyprus being applied requires the
safeguarding of full and absolute co-operation between Greek and
Cypriot forces.
[04] Stock exchange problems will be dealt with in new bill, prime
minister says
Athens, 16/11/1996 (ANA)
The government will deal with the problem caused by the collapse
of the Delta Securities brokerage firm through a legislative
act, Prime Minister Costas Simitis said in reply to a question
in Parliament yesterday.
A Delta Securities default of 2.6 billion drachmas last week
triggered a crisis on the Athens Stock Exchange, forcing it to
close down for several days.
Mr. Simitis said that the government had successfully handled
the crisis, thereby averting a longer shutdown of the bourse. He
dismissed claims that the Athens Stock Exchange had collapsed.
The premier said the conditions under which transactions were
conducted on the bourse would be made much more stringent in
order to curtail the activities of speculators. Mr. Simitis also
announced the tabling of a bill in Parliament aimed at further
protecting the Joint-Surety Fund. The Delta default is to be
made up from the fund and the Titles Depository.
The bill will also introduce measures to ensure transparency in
transactions and tighten control over brokerage firms.
[05] Bourse president files lawsuit against Delta Securities
Athens, 16/11/1996 (ANA)
Athens Stock Exchange (ASE) President Emmanuel Xanthakis filed a
lawsuit yesterday alleging fraud against the administration of
Delta Securities, which is allegedly responsible for a scandal
costing the bourse 2.6 billion drachmas.
The lawsuit names Delta president Dimitris Argyriadis,
vice-president Ioanna Gelestathi and Delta board member
Theofanis Gravanis.
Athens prosecutor Georgios Koliokostas is also examining the
lawsuit and will decide today on what further steps will be
taken.
Meanwhile, in a related development, the main opposition New
Democracy party yesterday claimed that "an effort to cover up
the scandal at the stock exchange is continuing with strange
methodizations."
In an announcement, ND referred to reports that the government
is trying "to cover up what is happening at the stock exchange
with a legislative act", and called on the government "to bring
whatever settlement it wants to Parliament for it to be
discussed even with an urgent process."
Replying to the announcement, government spokesman Dimitris
Reppas said the main goal is absolute transparency in the ASE
sector, adding that controls by services have already started
and as of Monday three auditing companies of international
prestige w ill be recruited, as was decided by the Capital
Committee. He said the legislative act, which will be ratified,
satisfies the urgent need for prompt handling of the problem
created by Delta, so that the stock exchange's smooth
functioning can proceed.
Mr. Reppas said controls will be in-depth, while at the same
time the bourse will continue its function.
[06] Spyridon appointed to US advisory committee on religious freedom
New York, 16/11/1996 (ANA/M. Georgiadou)
Archbishop of America Spyridon is participating in an advisory
committee for religious freedom, established by US Secretary of
State Warren Christopher. The 20-member committee aims to
propose ways of combating religious persecution around the
world. Its presidency has been assumed by the US State
Department's under-secretary for democracy, human rights and
labor issues. The committee is comprised of representatives from
the largest religious groups in the United States, as well as
academics and those whose religious beliefs are a target for
persecution abroad.
[07] Group claims responsibility for bomb near Netherlands embassy
Athens, 16/11/1996 (ANA)
An organization calling itself the "Revolutionary Front" claimed
responsibility for the bombing yesterday of a vehicle belonging
to the embassy of the Netherlands in Athens.
Initial reports state that the explosion was caused by a
homemade device made from explosive material and three small
natural gas canisters connected by a fuse.
The explosion ignited only one of the three canisters, resulting
in only minor damages to the front part of the jeep, which was
parked close to the embassy in central Athens, across from the
Panathenian Stadium. Parts of the device are currently being
investigated by authorities. According to reports, police
immediately cordoned off the area where the explosion occurred
and detained 10 individuals for questioning, only to release
them afterwards.
Shortly after the blast, an anonymous caller telephoned the SKAI
radio and television station to claim responsibility on the part
of the shadowy group, although senior police officials have
expressed reservations as to the authenticity of the call.
[08] Events marking Polytechnic anniversary commence
Athens, 16/11/1996 (ANA)
Three days of celebrations marking the 1973 student uprising at
the Athens Polytechnic against the military dictatorship then
ruling Greece officially began yesterday.
On his part, Education Minister Gerassimos Arsenis said at a
special elementary school ceremony yesterday morning that
"democracy and freedom are not offered without struggle."
"This struggle was won for us by the Polytechnic youth in 1973,"
he said, adding: "We have a duty to these youths to keep
democracy strong, to work hard for a better society than the one
we inherited by the previous generation."
Mr. Arsenis said the student uprising, known as the Polytechnic
anniversary, should continue to be commemorated so that its
message is kept alive.
Labor Minister Miltiades Papaioannou said it was important that
"the "messages and visions" of the era are kept relevant today.
In another development, yesterday, Parliament deputies observed
a moment of silence in memory of the student uprising.
Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis said in a brief
address to Parliament that "under the living conditions of the
past years and faced with the provocations and direct threats
against our national sovereignty by Turkey, (we) must be deeply
concerned with the past, but mostly the future of this land and
Hellenism."
Communist Party of Greece (KKE) Secretary General Aleka Papariga
said the message of the student uprising "still applies today"
and that "the anniversary will be commemorated for as long as
the people proceed forward."
Meanwhile, dozens of citizens, politicians, academics and
organization members began to flock to the Polytechnic yesterday
morning to lay wreaths and flowers at the monument to honor
those who struggled against junta. Conversely, Athens braced
itself for possible violence, which has erupted over the past
several years during the anniversary and has been caused by
self-style anarchists.
The Polytechnic's board of faculty on Thursday decided to
suspend classes for the days leading up to the anniversary,
while other higher education institutions in the city's center
have also decided to shut down as a precautionary measure.
Polytechnic Rector Nikos Markatos, who chaired the board
meeting, is reported to have proposed the closure of all the
entrances to the school and for the institution to remain shut
for the duration of the anniversary.
His proposal, however, was rejected by students' representatives
and a number of staff members.
Meanwhile, 5,000 policemen and 10 public prosecutors will be on
duty on Sunday when events culminate in a march to the US
embassy in Athens.
[09] Past violence
Athens, 16/11/1996 (ANA)
Masked youths, many of whom are self-styled anarchists, have in
past years created disturbances and engaged in street battles
with riot police during the November 17 anniversary. As another
precaution, police authorities have also managed to secure the
postponement of several first division basketball games
scheduled for Sunday at stadiums in or near the center of Athens
in order to release more officers for security duty.
The decision was taken after consultations with the political
leadership of the sports ministry and club officials and after
information surfaced that anarchists would cause incidents
during the march.
In addition, police have asked the Merchants' Association to
persuade shop-owners in the vicinity of the Polytechnic to
remain closed on the eve of the march as well.
Plans drawn up by police to prevent disturbances include
continuous patrols by 70 police motorcyclists and 50 police cars
on roads adjacent and near to the route of the march. At the
same time, riot police will be stationed at points along the
route where certain buildings and offices have in the past
become the targets of attacks by youths hurling rocks and petrol
bombs.
The US embassy building itself will be particularly well guarded.
Hundreds of plainclothes policemen will also be monitoring the
march from a discreet distance, both on foot and in patrol cars,
according to reports.
In a related development, in reply to statements by main
opposition New Democracy party Vice-President Ioannis
Varvitsiotis, Public Order Minister George Romeos said he was
willing to undertake the responsibility if violence breaks out
between police an d rioters, adding that measures have been
taken by police for the prevention and suppression of any
violence.
"We are determined to do what we have to do in co-operation with
the University Administration Board and judicial authorities in
order not to let things develop as in past years," Mr. Romeos
said.
[10] Athens candidacy file presented before IOC
Cancun, 16/11/1996 (ANA)
Athens yesterday presented its candidacy file for the hosting of
the 2004 Olympic Games before the International Olympic
Committee's (IOC) executive committee and IOC President Juan
Antonio Samaranch.
The president of the "Athens 2004" committee, Yianna
Angelopoulou-Daskalaki, unveiled the Greek capital's candidacy
during the IOC meeting in the Mexican resort of Cancun by
featuring Athens' sports facilities and under construction
infrastructure projects - metro, Spata Airport, new highways,
etc.
In addition, the operation and goals of the International
Olympic Academy in Olympia elicited strong interest from IOC
delegates, with Athens 2004 public relations director Marton
Simicek presenting the academy's aims for the dissemination of
the Olympic movement throughout the world.
IOC member Vasquez Rania, who presided over the conference,
congratulated Ms Angelopoulou-Daskalaki and the members of the
Greek delegation on Athens' presentation.
[11] Veryvakis leads delegation to NATO parliamentary meeting
Athens, 16/11/1996 (ANA)
An inter-party parliamentary delegation headed by ruling PASOK
party deputy Eleftherios Veryvakis leaves on Sunday for Paris to
attend the 42nd annual meeting of NATO's North Atlantic
Parliamentary Assembly.
Taking part in the delegation apart from Mr. Veryvakis are a
further four PASOK deputies, three main opposition New Democracy
party deputies and one deputy each from the Communist Party of
Greece and the Democratic Social Movement.
[12] Yugoslav trade exhibition in Athens scheduled for December
Belgrade, 16/11/1996 (ANA)
Yugoslavia's Economic Chamber will organize the first Yugoslav
trade exhibition in Athens from Dec. 3-7 in co-operation with
the Investbanka bank and the Mark-Plan company.
More than 50 Yugoslav companies will exhibit their products in
Athens, while construction companies will seek partners to
undertake projects in Greece and Yugoslavia, as well as in third
markets.
Economic officials from Yugoslavia said economic co-operation
between the two countries will focus on producing building
materials, agricultural machinery, locomotives, buses, wagons,
ships as well as electrical goods, household appliances and
clothing.
Interest also exists for co-operation in the pharmaceutical and
informatics sectors. Yugoslav companies are further interested
in participating in projects aimed at modernizing Greek railways.
According to official statistics, over the period of January to
August 1996 Greece was Yugoslavia's sixth partner in the
overseas trade sector. Imports from Greece amounted to $95
million. Over the same period, Italy was in first place with
$275 million in exports to Yugoslavia and imports of $105
million.
[13] Two new bond issues due on Friday
Athens, 16/11/1996 (ANA)
The finance ministry announced yesterday that two auctions for
state titles will be conducted on Friday, Nov. 22.
The first will be a bond auction for 200 billion drachmas with a
fluctuating interest rate, a seven-year duration, a basic
interest rate of 12 per cent and a spread of 1.40 per cent.
The other will be a bond auction for 100 billion drachmas with a
stable interest rate, a three-year duration and a fixed 11 per
cent interest rate throughout the entire duration of the issue.
[14] Conference on union of economic universities opens in
Thessaloniki
Athens, 16/11/1996 (ANA)
A two-day conference for the founding of a union of economics
universities in southeastern Europe opened at the Thessaloniki
campus of Macedonia University.
The union aims to promote the interests of economics
universities, co-operation between the individual institutions,
the exchange of information and experiences, the improvement of
education levels and scientific and research co-operation in
economics.
Opening the conference, Macedonia-Thrace Minister Philippos
Petsalnikos stressed that co-operation and communication of all
Balkan countries on equal terms, taking into consideration the
economic situation of each country, constitutes the cornerstone
of security in the region, and in Europe in general.
[15] Gov't tables tough bill on public sector appointments
Athens, 16/11/1996 (ANA)
The government yesterday tabled a bill in Parliament which
effectively puts a freeze on public sector hiring until the end
of 1999, since the ratio of retirements to hiring during the
period will be five to one.
Excluded from the provisions of the bill, which aims at cutting
public spending, are teachers of all grades, the security
forces, the coast-guard, medical and nursing staff.
In these sectors, the ratio of retirements to hirings will be
one to one. The restrictions on hiring will apply to
state-controlled banks, public enterprises and corporations as
well as municipal enterprises. Under the bill, any new hiring
beyond the ratios laid down must first be approved by the
national economy, finance and interior ministries.
In addition, pensioners who are appointed as chairpersons or
members of the board of administrations of public sector
organizations will no longer be able to receive both emoluments
and a pension. They will have to choose between one or the other.
The bill also introduces measures allowing public organizations,
insurance funds and legal persons of public law to rent out
their immovable property and invest their available funds in
real estate or listed shares by virtue of decisions of their
boards of administration, that is, without the approval of the
competent ministers as was the case to date.
Under the same procedure, public sector administrations will be
able to liquidate investments in real estate and shares.
The bill contains provisions which establish new mechanisms and
systems for exercising more effective control and evaluating
public sector spending.
[16] Papandreou holds talks in Bonn, The Hague covering IGC issues
Bonn, 16/11/1996 (ANA/P. Stangos)
Alternate Foreign Minister George Papandreou held two-hour talks
here yesterday with his German counterpart Werner Heuer,
focusing primarily on a review of differences and convergences
of views between Athens and Bonn concerning the
Intergovernmental Conference (IGC) on revising the Maastricht
Treaty.
Both ministers conceded that different views exist on the issue
of so-called "flexibility", which constitutes the main target
that the German side is promoting in revising the Maastricht
Treaty with the purpose of possibly overcoming the right of veto
b y member-states.
On the question of safeguarding Greek borders with a clause
calling for "political solidarity", Mr. Papandreou underlined
the importance of the issue both for Greece and the European
Union, and told Greek reporters he met with understanding.
"To what extent this position will be supported by Germany will
be seen in the future," he said.
According to diplomatic sources, Bonn requested a written
memorandum on the issue which will include support for insular
regions such as the Aegean.
Referring to relations between Turkey and the EU, Mr. Papandreou
said "we want Turkey's European prospects and its rapprochement
with the EU, but general proclamations are not enough. What is
important is for there to be practical samples, such as on the
Cyprus issue, borders and respect for human rights."
The same sources said the issue of EU funding to Turkey within
the framework of the customs union agreement was not examined in
the talks.
Commenting on the Cyprus issue, Mr. Heuer said "we hope for and
expect some progress", and "we would like to see the island of
Cyprus, which will start accession negotiations soon, in the
European Union."
[17] Netherlands visit
The Hague, 16/11/1996 (ANA/L. Vasileiadis)
Mr. Papandreou later flew to The Hague for talks with his Dutch
counterpart Pateijn, concerning the IGC and Greek positions on
individual issues with a view to converging views between the
two sides.
Mr. Papandreou broached the subject of protection of the EU's
external borders. According to reports, Mr. Pateijn replied that
the issue must be disconnected from the issue of collective
defense and must be limited to a matter of principle. The Greek
alternate foreign minister also spoke of the legal basis for the
taking of measures in the EU's island regions.
Prime Minister Costas Simitis is to visit The Hague on Dec. 12
before the Dublin Summit meeting. In an unrelated development,
Greece announced the order of a new frigate from the
Netherlands.
[18] Greece's UN representative to return to Athens for consultations
on FYROM
United Nations, 16/11/1996 (ANA/M. Georgiadou)
Greece's permanent representative to the United Nations,
Ambassador Christos Zacharakis is returning to Athens to brief
the government on the latest developments and immediate
prospects regarding negotiations with the
Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) on the issue of
the one-time Yugoslav republic's name. Negotiations are expected
to resume in the first week of December. Diplomatic circles
stressed that while no timetable and deadline had been set by
the U N for the talks, it was clear that if FYROM continued
invoking constitutional and political problems regarding the
issue, UN mediator Cyrus Vance would resort to the only
alternative solution available, namely, submission of a report
to the UN secretary general for referral of the issue to the
Security Council. The Security Council will then be called upon
to put an end to the outstanding issue, either through
consultations between the two parties or by approving another
name, which will not, however, be mandatory for third parties,
the same circles said.
[19] FYROM provocation in Italy
Rome, 16/11/1996 (ANA/L. Hatzikyriakos, M. Hourmousis)
In an unrelated issue, an attempt by FYROM delegates at the Food
and Agriculture Organization (FAO) summit to hide the first two
words of the landlocked nation's UN-recognized name from a metal
nameplate in front of its delegation drew disapproval from FAO's
legal adviser yesterday. "It is universally accepted that no
country can invoke its internal constitutional arrangements to
circumvent its international commitments," he said.
Meanwhile, on the sidelines of the conference, Agriculture
Minister Stephanos Tzoumakas met with his counterparts of
Georgia, Albania, Morocco, Cape Verde and Malta, stating that he
found strong interest for co-operation in the sectors of
agriculture, trade and tourism. He added he would soon be
visiting these countries.
[20] Evert condemns anniversary of pseudo-state's unilateral
declaration of independence
Athens, 16/11/1996 (ANA)
Main opposition New Democracy (ND) party President Miltiades
Evert in a message yesterday on the anniversary of the
proclamation of the illegal Turkish Cypriot pseudo-state,
condemned what he called the systematic violation of human
rights and all international law by the Turkish occupation
forces in northern Cyprus.
Mr. Evert declared his full support for the "struggles of
Cypriot Hellenism" and called on the international community to
assume its responsibilities in the face of an international
crime.
"The barbed wire which divides the island must fall in order for
a just solution to be found and for peace to be ensured in this
sensitive region," he said.
The pseudo state is only recognized by Ankara.
The Coalition of the Left and Progress (Synaspismos) party
issued an announcement expressing its support for a resumption
of inter-community talks on Cyprus, military disengagement and
for all steps leading to a diffusion of tension and a
rapprochement of the two communities on the island.
"The present situation in Cyprus has the potential for danger, a
freezing of partitioning faits accomplis," the announcement
said, stressing that "the governments of Greece and Cyprus have
an obligation to use the international mobility which is
developing regarding the Cypriot problem."
On its part, the Political Spring (Pol.An) party accused what it
called Greece's "allies" of hypocrisy, claiming that "only in
the long-term crime of Cyprus do they not cite reasons of
international legality."
End of English language section.
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