Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 96-11-23
From: The Greek Press & Information Office, Ottawa Canada <grnewsca@sympatico.ca>
ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No. 1048), November 23, 1996
Greek Press & Information Office
Ottawa, Canada
E-Mail Address: grnewsca@sympatico.ca
CONTENTS
[01] Simitis, Evert clash in Parliament over Commission report on
Greek economy
[02] Cyprus issues arrest warrants for Turkish killers
[03] Foreign heads of state expected in Greece soon
[04] President in Thrace
[05] G. Papandreou: Athens won't support EU expansion unless Cyprus
included
[06] Greek delegation reacts sharply to Turkish proposals at NATO
conference
[07] BSEC transport ministers push for promotion of regional road axis
[08] Athens reiterates that it will not consider Imia, continental
shelf issues in 'package'
[09] Parliament discussion to focus on IGC
[10] Souflias on three-day tour of eastern Macedonia, Thrace
[11] Coalition, ND agree on need for political party leaders to meet
on foreign policy
[12] Greek delegation to important OSCE summit to be headed by premier
[13] Parliament discusses case of drug dealer's release
[14] Federation of Greek groups in NYC celebrates its 59th anniversary
[15] Gypsy groups threaten nationwide protests over recent killing
[16] International symposium examines effect of last year's earthquake
[17] Union of European Theaters festival slated for Thessaloniki
[18] Venizelos opens European writers conference
[19] Athens to organize conference on composer Mitropoulos
[20] Workers seek tax justice, GSEE says
[21] Northern Greek informatics firms call for feasibility study
[22] Greek trade fair gets under way in Belgrade
[23] 80 Greek firms to participate in Europartenariat
[24] AGET comes under direct Italian control
[25] Government's communications policy discussed at inner Cabinet
meeting
[26] Greek National Defense Minister continues meetings
[01] Simitis, Evert clash in Parliament over Commission report on
Greek economy
Athens, 23/11/1996 (ANA)
Prime Minister Costas Simitis and main opposition New Democracy
(ND) party leader Miltiades Evert crossed swords yesterday in
Parliament over observations made by the European Commission on
the Greek economy.
The observations were contained in the Commission's recently
published twice-yearly review of economic conditions in the
15-member Union.
Describing a question tabled by Mr. Evert as "alarmist", Mr.
Simitis said the report constituted a routine review of the
economies of all the countries seeking to attain convergence,
within the framework of which the course of the Greek economy
was also examined. Mr. Simitis noted that the EU's monetary
committee had ascertained significant progress in the Greek
economy but also numerous problems which still had to be
resolved.
He added that Greece's deficit would be 7.9 per cent of GDP at
the end of this year, against the 1996 budget target of 7.6 per
cent.
Accusing ND of contradicting itself, Mr. Simitis said the ND
leader was "on the one hand sounding the alarm about the
economy, while at the same time reacting to the government's
economic measures."
"They should decide once and for all what they want," the
premier added.
Mr. Evert responded by accusing the government of having become
helpless in the face of foreign initiatives and decisions.
"Mr. Simitis does not understand that with its report on the
Greek economy, the European Commission is exerting political
pressure pertaining to our national issues," Mr. Evert said.
It was inconceivable, he continued, for the Commission to
threaten to cut off Cohesion Fund financing to Greece solely
because of "a small divergence of 0.3 per cent from the target
set".
"Your government is incapable of stopping such procedures and
the only thing you do is to run around after the event," Mr.
Evert said. Mr. Simitis responded by saying Mr. Evert was not
informed of matters.
"Studies on the course of the economies of all the countries are
conducted at many levels in the EU and certain observations are
made in the report in question. It is nothing in particular and
under no circumstances can one speak of pressure," Mr. Simitis
said.
He added that Greece would attain the deficit target of 7.6 per
cent set by the EU.
Mr. Evert strongly criticized the government's economic policy
drawing particular attention to what he termed "the government's
non-credibility" and the "new tax storm which will hit middle
incomes."
PASOK's successive governments have been in office for 15 years
and have the sole responsibility for the current situation in
the economy, Mr. Evert said.
Terming the government's tax policy as a "dead end," Mr. Evert
urged expenditure cuts and a policy for development to boost the
economy.
Stressing that additional taxation would not help in this
direction, Mr. Evert pointed to National Economy Minister
Yiannos Papantoniou making "soothing" statements about the
economy on one hand, while announcing new taxes on the other.
Stressing what he termed the government's "failed economic
policy," Mr. Evert called on taxpayers to "raise their voices"
in order to put an end to the government's "unacceptable tax
policy."
Meanwhile, National Economy Under-secretary Christos Pachtas
said that low- to middle-income earners were not hit by new
taxes in the 1997 budget.
"We agree with Mr. Evert, however, for cuts in expenditures and
the need for less state intervention," Mr. Pachtas added.
The national economy under-secretary accused the main opposition
of "leading the economy backwards," while in office between
1990-93.
[02] Cyprus issues arrest warrants for Turkish killers
Nicosia, 23/11/1996 (ANA/CNA)
Cyprus Police have issued arrest warrants against six people,
two Turkish Cypriots and four Turkish mainland settlers, in
connection with organizing the murder of unarmed Greek Cypriot
Tasos Isaac in August, during an anti-occupation demonstration
in the UN-controlled buffer zone.
The announcement was made by Attorney General Alecos Markides at
a press conference yesterday, noting that all suspects were
identified in photographs.
The arrest warrants were communicated to Interpol Thursday
night, asking the international police force to help in the
arrest of the six suspects.
Isaac was savagely murdered by extremists on August 11, when he
was trapped in barbed wire in the buffer zone, erected by the
Turkish occupation army. He was beaten to death with stones,
batons and iron bars.
Mr. Markides said more people were involved in the murder but
there was no available evidence as to their identity. However,
he said police were continuing investigations to identify the
remaining suspects.
He said if any one of these people travels to any country which
Cyprus has a convention to extradite suspects, the government
shall ask that the suspect in question is extradited to Cyprus.
The six were identified as:
-- Hasan Yilmaz, a Turkish settler, former member of the Turkish
Secret Services and now owner of a coffee shop in the
Turkish-occupied town of Kyrenia. He was identified in
photographs, beating Isaac.
-- Neyfel Mustafa Ergun, 26, Turkish settler, illegal policeman,
who arrived in the occupied areas when he was a child. He was
identified at the scene of the crime.
-- Polat Fikret Koreli, a 17-year-old Turkish Cypriot living in
the Turkish-occupied town of Famagusta.
-- Fikret Veli Koreli, Polat's father, a Turkish Cypriot from
Paphos town and now in Famagusta.
-- Mehmet Mustafa Arslan, 41, a Turkish settler, leader of the
Turkish extremist organization "Grey Wolves" in the occupied
areas, a Nicosia resident. There is evidence that the suspect
participated in Isaac's murder.
-- Erhan Arikli, 40, a Turkish settler from the former Soviet
Union, living in the occupied areas for the last 10-11 years.
On October 30, Cyprus police issued arrest warrants against five
people in connection with the premeditated murder of Solomos
Solomou, shot and killed on August 14 when climbing a flagpole
to lower the Turkish flag during a demonstration to protest
against the murder of his relative, Isaac.
Amongst the suspects are Kenan Akin, self-styled minister of
agriculture of the illegal occupation regime, Erdal Emanet,
commander of the so-called security forces in the occupied
areas, Mehmet Karli, commander of the 29th division of the
Turkish army, Hasan Kontaci, former commander of the Turkish
occupation troops in Cyprus and Attila Sab, so-called chief of
police of the illegal regime.
[03] Foreign heads of state expected in Greece soon
Athens, 23/11/1996 (ANA)
A number of foreign leaders, including King Juan Carlos of
Spain, will visit Greece in the near future at dates yet to be
fixed, sources in the president of the republic's office said
yesterday.
The sources added that President Kostis Stephanopoulos had
extended official invitations to the presidents of Tunisia and
Uzbekistan as well as to the kings of Belgium and Spain.
The dates for the visits will be fixed through diplomatic
channels, the sources said.
Government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said the government is
aware that Mr. Stephanopoulos has invited Juan Carlos to visit
Greece.
Mr. Reppas said the government does not object and added that
President Stephanopoulos, as head of state, can invite his
counterparts.
[04] President in Thrace
Athens, 23/11/1996 (ANA)
President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos is expected to
attend a glittering ceremony in the northeastern border town of
Alexandroupolis to honor the "bard of Thracian songs" Chronis
Aidonis.
In an announcement, the Society for the Cultural Heritage of
Evros, which is bestowing the honor, expressed its thanks for
"the man who brought to light the all-but forgotten Thracian
song, made it known and loved nationwide".
Meanwhile, Mr. Stephanopoulos will visit the island of Thassos
and Chryssoupolis, near Nestos, Kavala on Sunday, on his return
from the border island of Samothrace.
He is expected to return to Athens on Sunday evening.
[05] G. Papandreou: Athens won't support EU expansion unless Cyprus
included
Athens, 23/11/1996 (ANA)
Speaking at a conference in Athens yesterday evening, Alternate
Foreign Minister George Papandreou warned Greece's European
Union partners that Athens will not accept accession of new
member-states to the EU unless Cyprus is one of them.
The conference was organized by the Athens Economic University
and the University of Cyprus on the subject of "Cyprus, the EU
and the role of Greece."
"The accession course of Cyprus has taken its path and is not
reversible, regardless of whether or not the political problem
is resolved," Mr. Papandreou said.
He said "the enlargement to the east has a strategic
significance for European interests. However, the balanced
enlargement of the EU to the south as well, also has equal
strategic significance for us."
Mr. Papandreou said the time remaining until the start to
accession negotiations must be utilized for a resolution of the
political problem, which "necessitates pressures being exerted
on the Turkish side to dull its intransigence."
[06] Greek delegation reacts sharply to Turkish proposals at NATO
conference
Paris, 23/11/1996 (ANA/Y. Zitouniati)
With the submission of eight amendments at the 42nd NATO
parliamentary assembly yesterday, Turkey unsuccessfully
attempted to institute - along with procedures for enlargement
of the alliance - the simultaneous integration of its members
into the Western European Union (WEU) and the European Union.
A similar, but milder version was submitted by Dutch Liberal
deputy Nim van Eekelen.
The head of the Greek delegation, PASOK deputy Eleftherios
Veryvakis, immediately reacted to the proposals, stressing that
"the procedures for NATO, the WEU and the European Union are
autonomous and independent, and any such interconnection in
dissimilar organizations is inconceivable".
Turkish Motherland party deputy Kamran Inan countered without
being given permission to address the assembly, claiming that
"these are Greek views". Discussion soon escalated into a
personal heated exchange between the two men.
The assembly rejected the amendments, as disagreement was also
voiced by other delegations, including the French and the
Spanish.
Communist Party of Greece (KKE) deputy Orestis Kolozov said
after the end of the session that the "role designed for Greece
and Turkey in NATO with regard to the Balkans is now becoming
apparent, and there must be strong reactions from the Greek side
f or these developments to be dealt with effectively."
[07] BSEC transport ministers push for promotion of regional road axis
Sofia, 23/11/1996 (ANA/N. Hios)
A two-day conference of Black Sea Economic Co-operation (BSEC)
and Central European Initiative (KEP) member-state transport
ministers came to a close with the ratification of a final
communique on developing regional road networks and the signing
of a memorandum establishing an inter-regional coordinating
center in Sofia.
The meeting here was also attended by representatives from the
United States, Germany, France, Japan, Yugoslavia, Egypt and
Israel. Special observers at the conference were, among others,
representatives from the European Commission and the UN's
Economic Committee for Europe.
Greece, a full BSEC member, was represented by the Greek
ambassador to Sofia, Panayiotis Karakasis.
According to the communique, views were exchanged on national
and regional policies, as well as on multipartite co-operation
programs in the transport sector.
Particular attention was paid to the planning and building of
international road networks in the regions, while ministers
stressed the need to speed up implementation of specific road
networks, and particularly those decided at the meeting in
Crete, as well as new proposals concerning regions in central
and eastern Europe, the Baltics, the Adriatic, the Black Sea
basin, the Caucasus, Central Asia and the Middle East.
Special reference was made to the need to harmonize the
technical, economic and legal clauses of member-states'
legislation to correspond with the national interests and
principles of the market economy, and to simplify and harmonize
customs and border processes for travelers and cargo.
The possibility of a common approach to regional policy was also
examined in light of the European conference on transport in
Helsinki next year.
Representatives from Romania, Bulgaria, Albania, the Former
Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), Russia, Georgia,
Azerbaijan, Belarus and Moldova agreed to the creation of the
center in Sofia.
[08] Athens reiterates that it will not consider Imia, continental
shelf issues in 'package'
Athens, 23/11/1996 (ANA)
Athens again stressed yesterday that it would not treat the
delineation of the Aegean continental shelf and the issue of the
Imia islets as two aspects of a package deal, but would deal
with the two issues separately.
Government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said the Greek government
is prepared to deal with developments in Greek-Turkish relations
but the issue of referring the Imia islets and the continental
shelf to the International Court at The Hague in the form of a
package is "out of the question".
He added, however, that although the two issues should be dealt
with separately, they could both be considered at the same time.
According to Mr. Reppas, if Turkey were to seek recourse to the
Hague over the Imia issue, he could not rule out discussion for
the drafting of an agreement for the mutual referral of the
continental shelf issue to the International Court.
[09] Parliament discussion to focus on IGC
Athens, 23/11/1996 (ANA)
An agenda meeting will convene on Dec. 9 in Parliament on a
party leaders' level to focus on developments in view of the
Intergovernmental Conference (IGC), it was announced yesterday.
* The Greek parliament will soon ratify a bilateral agreement
that will enable the payment of pensions to political refugees
who had been living in Romania, Prime Minister Costas Simitis
said yesterday in Parliament, in response to a question from
Communist Party of Greece Secretary-General Aleka Papariga. The
ratification of the agreement, the prime minister added, has
been delayed by the Romanian side.
[10] Souflias on three-day tour of eastern Macedonia, Thrace
Athens, 23/11/1996 (ANA)
Former New Democracy minister George Souflias, who
unsuccessfully contested the ND leadership in late September,
and is considered certain to mount a challenge to Miltiades
Evert again at next year's congress, yesterday began a three-day
tour of eastern Macedonia and Thrace.
In statements at Alexandroupolis airport, Mr. Souflias accused
the PASOK government of breaking its pre-election promise not to
impose new taxes, and of subjugating the state to the party.
Regarding likely Turkish provocations in Thrace, Mr. Souflias
described 1997 as crucial for national issues, adding that the
formulation of a national strategy by the government was of
paramount importance. This required, above all, protection of
our sovereign rights and not giving the impression that we are
ready to make concessions, he added.
Another prominent ND party member, Ioannis Kefaloyiannis, who
has also been a candidate for the leadership in the past, said
yesterday that the party's congress would provide the best
possible solution, warning all those eyeing its unity that they
would meet the angry opposition of its supporters.
Meanwhile, party deputy leader Ioannis Varvitsiotis, who has
also indicated he might run for the leadership, yesterday
completed proposals for the broadening of representation at the
congress by 1,200-1,400 delegates, who will be prefectural
councilors , candidate mayors, trade unionists etc. - saying he
will forward them to the party's political council on Monday.
[11] Coalition, ND agree on need for political party leaders to meet
on foreign policy
Athens, 23/11/1996 (ANA)
Main opposition New Democracy (ND) party leader Miltiades Evert
and Coalition of the Left and Progress (Synaspismos) leader
Nikos Constantopoulos agreed yesterday that a meeting of the
country's political party leaders should be held to discuss the
entire spectrum of Greek foreign policy.
The two party leaders met to discuss Greek-Turkish relations in
light of statements on Thursday by Foreign Minister Theodoros
Pangalos. They also discussed issues related to the
Intergovernmental Conference (IGC). At the same time, Messrs.
Evert and Constantopoulos agreed on the need for a regular
parliamentary debate "so that the Greek people may be informed
about the government's European policy".
Mr. Constantopoulos accused the government of "double-talk" and
a lack of strategy on foreign affairs "which weakens the
country's international position".
ND spokesman Prokopis Pavlopoulos also criticized the government
for what he claimed was "a lack of foreign policy".
Mr. Constantopoulos will meet with President Kostis
Stephanopoulos on Tuesday to set out his views on the need for a
meeting of political party leaders.
Democratic Social Movement (DHKKI) leader Dimitris Tsovolas has
sent a letter to Mr. Constantopoulos accepting only the
parliamentary debate and not the meeting, Mr. Constantopoulos
said, adding that he was expecting a reply to his proposal from
the Communist Party of Greece (KKE) and the government.
[12] Greek delegation to important OSCE summit to be headed by premier
Athens, 23/11/1996 (ANA)
The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE)
will hold a two-day summit in Lisbon from Dec. 2-3, with summit
results expected to significantly affect the future of European
security and Greek national issues in particular.
Three-week preparations for the summit, to be attended by Prime
Minister Costas Simitis, were concluded at the OSCE's
headquarters in Vienna yesterday.
Mr. Simitis, whose entourage will include Press and Media
Minister Dimitris Reppas and Alternate Foreign Minister George
Papandreou, is expected to set out Greek positions at the
55-nation OSCE summit on the so-called "security model for the
21st century."
The Greek permanent delegation in Vienna, headed by ambassador
Christos Botzios, made effective interventions on issues
concerning human and minority rights as well as Greek national
matters.
The European Union is expected to present an initiative in
Lisbon on common action by various security institutions in
Europe, such as the OSCE, NATO and the West European Union (WEU).
Moreover, the importance of the OSCE's Lisbon summit is also
attached to the role of the organization's institutional bodies,
the consolidation of its legal standing and decisions expected
to be taken in 1997 on enlargement eastwards, both for NATO and
the EU.
[13] Parliament discusses case of drug dealer's release
Athens, 23/11/1996 (ANA)
Both Justice Minister Evangelos Yiannopoulos and opposition ND
deputy Apostolis Andreoulakou expressed their concern in
Parliament yesterday over the recent release of a drug dealer
due to the statute of limitations on his case, following
repeated postponements of the case.
Mr. Yiannopoulos said the Supreme Court prosecutor had begun an
inquiry and that he himself was overseeing the case.
He called "peculiar" the fact that the case had been postponed
repeatedly.
The ND deputy asked the minister to find a solution to the
problem of the courts and said that the dispensation of justice
should be speedy and timely.
[14] Federation of Greek groups in NYC celebrates its 59th anniversary
New York, 23/11/1996 (ANA/M. Georgiadou)
The Federation of Greek Associations of Greater New York is
celebrating the 59th anniversary of its founding this year with
a two-day conference to which all expatriate Greek groups have
been invited.
The conference will focus on the best methods of joint action
and the most effective coordination of initiatives on national
and other issues which concern the Greek-American community.
The conference is also expected to broach the subject of dealing
with Turkish provocations and of "the permanent solutions which
are apparently being decided" on the Cyprus problem and on the
Aegean, as well as issues concerning Macedonia and Thrace,
cooperation of the federation's various local Greek community
organizations with the World Council of Hellenes Abroad (SAE)
and methods of better informing US public opinion.
Macedonia-Thrace Minister Philippos Petsalnikos will participate
in the conference, while the Pan-Macedonian Union has organized
a program in order to welcome the minister to New York.
In addition, the Union has organized a photographic exhibition,
due to open on Tuesday, entitled "From Pella to Alexandria:
Point of Reference of a Civilization", in co-operation with the
Alexander the Great Foundation, Fordham University's "Odysseus"
Association and the Greek Culture Foundation.
* The first trade fair on products and services providing
protection from theft and fire "Security" will open today at the
Helexpo installations in Thessaloniki.
The fair will run through Monday and will include a seminar on
the issue of protection from theft and fire.
[15] Gypsy groups threaten nationwide protests over recent killing
Athens, 23/11/1996 (ANA)
Gypsy groups yesterday declared their intention to hold
nationwide demonstrations over the controversial shooting death
of an Ano Liosia man by a traffic policeman in Livadia on
Wednesday.
The policeman fatally wounded gypsy Anastasios Mouratis, 45,
near a police roadblock after the victim and several youths with
him were detained and searched by police.
The detained group of gypsies had earlier stopped at a petrol
station near the roadblock, which had been set up by the police
after they received information that a wanted gypsy was in the
vicinity.
The police officer is being held in custody.
According to reports, gypsies from around Attica were
congregating yesterday in Ano Liosia with the intention of going
to Kaningos Square in central Athens to join anti-racist
organizations and political party representatives before holding
a protest march to Parliament.
Their main demand that the state provide a pension to the
victim's widow and six children. Mouratis was buried yesterday.
In a related development, the government expressed its
condolences yesterday for the death of Mouratis, spokesman
Dimitris Reppas said.
"The government deplores such acts, believes they are
unjustifiable because they cost human lives and have unfavorable
consequences on the operation of the police," Mr. Reppas said.
He confirmed that the government would do all it could to help
Moraitis' wife and children.
[16] International symposium examines effect of last year's earthquake
Athens, 23/11/1996 (ANA)
A two-day international scientific symposium on the
repercussions for Aigialia and Fokida of last year's
catastrophic earthquake measuring 6.1 on the Richter scale
opened yesterday in Aigio, the town most badly hit by the tremor.
The symposium is being held on the initiative of the
Organization for Anti-Seismic Planning (OASP) and the
prefectural Local Government Authority of Achaia.
Environment, Town Planning and Public Works Minister Costas
Laliotis was to have attended the symposium but was eventually
unable to due to parliamentary obligations.
Addressing delegates, OASP president Professor Dimitris
Papanikolaou explained the importance of the symposium, noting
that not only purely scientific data concerning earthquakes but
also the political and social dimensions of seismic phenomena
would be presented.
"A phenomenon which will always exist for Greece, which is why a
special organization is needed to incorporate all the political
responsibilities, because above all, the social web of a
particular region must not be allowed to slacken when such
natura l disasters occur," Mr. Papanikolaou said.
He added that one of the main aims of the symposium was to
illustrate that social and political repercussions were directly
connected with the earthquake phenomenon.
Twenty-one people died, among them 10 French tourists, in the
June 1995 earthquake which mainly hit Aigio on the northern
Peloponnese coast.
[17] Union of European Theaters festival slated for Thessaloniki
Athens, 23/11/1996 (ANA)
The sixth Festival of the Union of European Theaters is to be
held in Thessaloniki next year within the framework of events
for the Cultural Capital of Europe 1997.
Thessaloniki won over the festival from Strasbourg after
submitting its candidacy to host the event on the initiative of
the State Theater of Northern Greece, which became part of the
Union in May, and with the support of the Cultural Capital of
Europe 1 997 Organization.
The Union of European Theaters organizes an annual festival with
the participation of its members, which are 17 of the most
important theatrical organizations in Europe.
As well as performances, the festival will include exhibitions
of leading European stage designers, dedications to great
directors with video screenings of their most important
productions, as well as conferences.
[18] Venizelos opens European writers conference
Athens, 23/11/1996 (ANA)
Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos yesterday opened the 15th
European Authors Federation Conference meeting in Athens.
Urging the authors to put to use the type of strategies that aim
at organizing the literature market, the culture minister
stressed the need "to persist in a new type of political
liberalism which is also necessary for inspiring authors and
artists."
The meeting, ending today, is taking place with the
participation of 100 writers from 30 countries and is focusing
among other things on copyright as well as freedom of speech and
expression.
The meeting is hosted by the Greek Authors Society.
[19] Athens to organize conference on composer Mitropoulos
Athens, 23/11/1996 (ANA)
The Athens municipality will organize the first international
conference on the subject of "The Art and Contribution of
Dimitris Mitropoulos", within the framework of events to honor
the noted Greek composer.
The series of events includes composers, musicians and
researchers of his work as a maestro and composer, as well as
individuals who knew and co-operated with him.
The conference will be held on Nov. 26 in the Antonis Tritsis
Hall of the Athens municipality's cultural center. The third and
last concert of the dedication, entitled "Greek Sonata" will be
performed at the end of the event.
Entrance is free.
[20] Workers seek tax justice, GSEE says
Athens, 23/11/1996 (ANA)
The non-indexation of the tax scale means a loss of 60 billion
drachmas annually for wage-earners, the president of the General
Confederation of Workers of Greece (GSEE) Christos
Polyzogopoulos said yesterday.
Mr. Polyzogopoulos said that the workers' limits of tolerance
had been exhausted and that unionists were now demanding a
fairer taxation system.
Mr. Polyzogopoulos was speaking at a joint press conference held
by GSEE, the Civil Servants Supreme Administrative Council
(ADEDY), and other union groups.
He said that the reform of the taxation regime was the central
slogan for the 24-hour strike scheduled for November 28 and was
expected to be a "thorn" in the side of union-government
relations for a long time.
Workers and pensioners, the conference was told, carried the
greater part of the tax burden again this year, paying 362
billion drachmas, or 55 percent, of total tax revenues.
The unionists demands are: the indexation of income brackets,
the increase of the tax-free threshold for wage-earners to two
million drachmas and the computerization and streamlining of the
taxation system.
Pegging tax brackets to cost of living, the president of the
accountants union Dimitris Varelas said, would bring the
tax-free limit today from one million drachmas to 1.576 million.
The income bracket of 1.3 million would have reached 2.007
million, that of 2.5 million 3.917 and those earning four
million 6.268. Subsequently, workers on an annual income of
3,917 million drachmas will pay 272,000 drachmas in tax, but
under the indexation would only pay 60,000 drachmas.
[21] Northern Greek informatics firms call for feasibility study
Athens, 23/11/1996 (ANA)
The Federation of Informatics Enterprises in Northern Greece
(SEPBE) has put forward a proposal to the industry ministry that
a feasibility study be undertaken on small- and medium-size
enterprises in the informatics market in Macedonia and Thrace.
The aim of the study is to document the size of the market and
to form a unified proposal on the viability of firms in northern
Greece in the light of new market conditions.
SEPBE said it has noted that the market is characterized by
intense competition and an extended slump. "The dramatic fall in
prices, the changes in marketing strategies of firms and
increased demands of users for a high standard of service as
well as the stagnation noted in the execution of major
informatics projects play a significant role in the viability of
informatics SMEs active in the region," an announcement said.
Meanwhile, SEPBE said it was organizing a business mission to
the International Informatics Exhibition in St. Petersburg on
December 3-7.
The aim of the mission is to forge contacts with Balkan and
Black Sea informatics firms.
Members of SEPBE taking part in the mission will receive
exhibition space of 20 sq.m. free of charge to present their
wares and hold contacts.
[22] Greek trade fair gets under way in Belgrade
Belgrade, 23/11/1996 (ANA/M. Mouratidis)
Greece' ambassador in Belgrade Panayiotis Vlassopoulos yesterday
inaugurated the first Greek trade fair at Belgrade's exhibition
complex.
Mr. Vlassopoulos said that the first such trade fair in
Yugoslavia after the lifting of sanctions was an indication of
the new economic relations between the two countries and of
their future development.
The inauguration was attended by the President of the Yugoslav
Chambers Mihailo Milojevic.
The exhibition has been organized by the TEGOS-PLAN firm from
Thessaloniki and includes the participation of some 50 Greek
businessmen, primarily from northern Greece.
Greek and Yugoslav entrepreneurs will meet in Belgrade today to
discuss issues such as imports and exports, the banking system,
the creation of joint enterprises, the investment program and
prospects for co-operation in the agricultural sector.
Mr. Vlassopoulos, meanwhile, met on Thursday with the Yugoslav
Deputy Prime Minister Nikos Sainovic and defined the activities
which would immediately strengthen economic co-operation between
the two countries.
The first exhibition of Yugoslav products in Athens will be held
December 3-7.
[23] 80 Greek firms to participate in Europartenariat
Athens, 23/11/1996 (ANA)
Eighty Greek companies will participate in the Europartenariat
to be held in Genoa, Italy on November 27-29.
The next Europartenariat is due to be held in Piraeus, in June
next year.
National Economic Under-secretary Alekos Baltas will be in Genoa
for a handing-over ceremony on November 28.
[24] AGET comes under direct Italian control
Athens, 23/11/1996 (ANA)
After protracted negotiations, the National Bank of Greece has
agreed to sell 50 per cent of its shares in the Greek-Italian
consortium Kalnat - which controls 50.5 per cent of the AGET
Iraklis cement company since 1991- to the Italian Concretum
concern f or 32.2 billion drachmas.
The package of shares sold represents 12 per cent of AGET's
equity capital, and thus National Bank's participation in the
company is now restricted to 33 per cent.
The agreement includes a clause stating that if Concretum
decides to sell its shares or if AGET is sold or goes bankrupt,
National Bank will have a preference in repurchasing the company.
It was also agreed that new investments would be undertaken to
improve the company's competitiveness and promote environmental
protection schemes.
[25] Government's communications policy discussed at inner Cabinet
meeting
Athens, 23/11/1996 (ANA)
Prime Minister Costas Simitis yesterday chaired a meeting of
Cabinet members and party officials to discuss the government's
communication policy in view of the 1997 budget to be submitted
shortly in Parliament.
The meeting took place with the participation of the inner
cabinet members, PASOK central committee secretary Costas
Skandalidis, party officials, and associates to the premier.
Sources said the meeting determined guidelines of the
government's communication policy as well as coordinate action
between the party and government on the issue.
After the meeting, Mr. Simitis held a meeting with Alternate
Foreign Minister George Papandreou, focusing on foreign
relations issues.
Mr. Simitis also met with former PASOK health minister Dimitris
Kremastinos. Sources said the meeting was held at the initiative
of Mr. Kremastinos.
[26] Greek National Defense Minister continues meetings
Nicosia, 23/11/1996 (ANA/CNA)
Greek National Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos, who is
currently visiting Cyprus, yesterday discussed defense issues
with President of the House of Representatives Spyros Kyprianou,
the parliamentary defense committee and Defense Minister Costas
Eliades.
Speaking after their meeting, Mr. Kyprianou said that by
building up its defense, the republic will be in a better
position during negotiations for a solution to the Cyprus
problem.
On his part, Mr. Tsohatzopoulos stressed that the fundamental
principles of international law should be taken into account by
those launching initiatives for a solution to the Cyprus problem.
He described the defense pact, agreed between the governments of
Cyprus and Greece, as a solid foundation between two independent
states which will constitute the answer to the threat of Turkish
expansionism.
In a statement, the President of the parliamentary defense
committee, Takis Hadjidemetriou, said the people of Cyprus have
welcomed the joint defense pact and look forward to a better and
more peaceful future.
"Cyprus should be united and integral for its people as a whole,
Greek and Turkish Cypriots," Mr. Hadjidemetriou stressed.
On his part, Defense Minister Costas Eliades said that working
for the defense of Cyprus is similar to working for the
restoration of the rights of the people of the island.
Mr. Tsohatzopoulos was also briefed on defense issues by
National Guard Commander, Lieutenant General Nikolaos Vorvolakos.
Later yesterday evening President Glafcos Clerides held a second
meeting with Mr. Tsohatzopoulos.
In a short statement Mr. Tsohatzopoulos described the meeting as
"very useful and interesting" and added that they continued
their discussion on issues of common interest.
The Greek National Defense Minister will continue his contacts
today with separate meetings with Foreign Minister Alecos
Michaelides and the political party leaders.
End of English language section.
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