Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 96-11-27
From: The Greek Press & Information Office, Ottawa Canada <grnewsca@sympatico.ca>
ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No 1051), November 27, 1996
Greek Press & Information Office
Ottawa, Canada
E-Mail Address: grnewsca@sympatico.ca
CONTENTS
[01] Government outlines new taxation measures
[02] Opposition
[03] Evert, Mitsotakis trade verbal attacks
[04] Manos, Souflias
[05] Gov't pleased with results of latest Council of Ministers meeting
[06] Report says Erbakan balks at invitation to Dublin summit
[07] Malta's decision not to pursue EU accession won't affect Cyprus
[08] G. Papandreou: Greece opposes 'flexibility clause' in revised EU
Treaty
[09] General staff chief to officially visit Bulgaria next week
[10] Consulate's lending library in Gjirokaster to open on Jan. 1
[11] Constantopoulos calls for political party leaders meeting on
foreign policy
[12] Athens considering trade credits for Yugoslavia
[13] Vasso Papandreou speaks on competitive strategies
[14] Infrastructure in relation to nation's development examined at
conference
[15] Privatizations will proceed, Protopapas says
[16] Workers strike to protest new economic measures
[17] EOT employee unions opposed to EOT's reorganization
[18] Mobilizations planned by Larisa-area farmers
[01] Government outlines new taxation measures
Athens, 27/11/1996 (ANA)
National Economy and Finance Minister Yiannos Papantoniou
yesterday evening announced new taxation measures and
abolishment of several tax exemptions, saying the additional
burden will be paid by "those who have and own".
The government projects to receive 150 billion drachmas from the
new taxes and collect a further 130 billion drachmas with the
abolition of 206 tax exemptions.
In terms of new taxes concerning large real estate holdings, the
tax-free limit is 60 million drachmas in objective value, 60
million drachmas for the taxpayer's spouse as well and 15
million drachmas for each child. A tax percentage is applied to
the remaining value, which escalates from 0.3 per cent to 0.8
per cent.
A 7.5 per cent tax will be imposed on new issues of bonds and
treasury bills as of Jan. 1, 1997. Increased registration dues
will be imposed on private vehicles, motorcycles and motorbikes
of less than 785cc. In addition, a 20 per cent tax will apply to
the excess value resulting from the transfer of shares not
registered with the Athens Stock Exchange.
Income tax concerning bank profits will increase from 35 per
cent to 40 per cent, while the down payment for profits in the
inter-bank market will increase from 50 per cent to 60 per cent.
Moreover, a 15 per cent tax will be imposed on exchange
deposits, a 2/1000 tax on mutual fund assets and 15 per cent on
the derivatives of fiscal products.
The presumed expense for private cars will increase from between
30 per cent and 80 per cent and the age discount will be
decreased and become minus 15 per cent from 20 per cent for
vehicles between five-10-years-old, minus 25 per cent from 30
per cent for those between 10-15 years and minus 40 per cent
from 50 per cent for those in excess of 15 years.
The presumed expense for pleasure craft will increase from 32
per cent to up to 95.89 per cent and 50 per cent for aircraft.
An exemption concerning maids or nannies employed by families
having children aged up to 12 years will be abolished.
Benefits to be abolished in the income tax sector are a discount
in the expenditure concerning attorney fees, a 10 per cent
reduction in the incomes of journalists and pensioned
journalists, exemption of performance expenses received by
prefects, mayors and community presidents (a 15 per cent tax
will apply henceforth), exemption of special bonuses for
dangerous occupation, exemption of a bonus for services rendered
abroad (a 15 per cent tax will apply henceforth), exemption of
special bonuses for tax officials, customs officials and other
employees (a 15 per cent tax will apply henceforth) and a
discount in insurance paid by enterprises for collective life
insurance for their employees.
The exemption enjoyed by deputies and Eurodeputies for the
purchase of vehicles without paying a special consumption tax
will be abolished.
In addition, the exemption of performance expenses for cabinet
members and the president of the republic will be abolished.
Deposits in drachmas by permanent residents of Greece which can
be converted into foreign exchange will be taxable, but
non-permanent residents will be excluded from this clause.
Lastly, fees paid to foreign artists will henceforth be subject
to a 15 per cent tax.
[02] Opposition
Athens, 27/11/1996 (ANA)
Reacting to Mr. Papantoniou's announcements, main opposition New
Democracy party leader Miltiades Evert referred to a "government
of taxes", promising a "head-on and uncompromising opposition."
He also accused Prime Minister Costas Simitis of a "conscious
and planned deception of the Greek people", and of "phenomenal
political audacity," referring to his pre-election promises for
no new taxes.
Mr. Evert proposed indexation of a tax-scale for inflation, with
a parallel trimming of what he called a "corrupt and rotten
state", which "will allow the taxpayer to breathe and secure
necessary funds for education and the exercise of social policy."
The Communist Party of Greece (KKE) said in a statement that
working people, the poor, middle income sized artisans and
farmers would again shoulder the greatest part of tax burdens.
On its part, the Coalition of the Left (Synaspismos) party
charged that the government "instead of proceeding to a
comprehensive tax reform proposal with social justice and a fair
distribution of burdens, has proceeded with piecemeal provisions
which aim to meet the needs of the budget for 1997."
The abolition of tax exemptions was done a way that was
selective and unclear, Synaspismos added.
On its part, the Democratic Social Movement (DHKKI) criticized
the government's new economic measures as outdated and directed
against the "ordinary citizen who lacks the means to resist and
who is the easy victim."
In an announcement, DHKKI said "the government of 'modernizers'
discovered those 'who have and own' among the weaker groups of
the Greek people, working people, pensioners, farmers, small
self-employed professionals and handicraftsmen."
[03] Evert, Mitsotakis trade verbal attacks
Athens, 27/11/1996 (ANA)
Main opposition New Democracy leader Miltiades Evert and ND
honorary leader Constantine Mitsotakis are apparently headed for
a showdown at the party's political council meeting today, after
the later's statements in a television interview and magazine
article that ND "has ceased functioning democratically to a
great degree."
Mr. Evert immediately responded to the former prime minister's
remarks, criticizing Mr. Mitsotakis of disorientating the Greek
people and helping the ruling PASOK party to implement what he
called its "tough new economic measures."
In an interview with the "Status" magazine, Mr. Mitsotakis said
in the event ND did not hold what he referred to as a
"democratic congress" (due in early 1997), the party will run
the risk of splitting, while he did not rule out the possibility
of his daughter, leading ND deputy Dora Bakoyianni, contesting
the party's leadership at the congress.
Mr. Mitsotakis also disclosed that in the event that the
president of the republic was elected directly by a popular vote
- and not by Parliament, as called for by the Constitution - he
would be interested in running for the post.
In his magazine interview, Mr. Mitsotakis revealed that shortly
before the elections last September he had intended to displace
Mr. Evert and assume ND's leadership "so that it could win the
elections."
He further criticized Mr. Evert "that from the time he became
party leader he (Evert) tried to take over the party and to a
great degree ND ceased functioning democratically."
"Greece's problem at present is that parties do not tell the
truth. (Prime Minister Costas) Simitis does not tell the truth
and neither does Evert tell the truth. And for this reason we
are not doing well," he added.
Mr. Mitsotakis further criticized ND founder Constantine
Karamanlis "of not becoming a leader on his own merits, but
relying on the king's choice", adding that "Greece is paying for
the mistakes of the first Karamanlis government (1974-1977) even
today, as in the case of nationalization, for example."
He said that in the event he was called on to assume the party's
leadership he "will not refuse any service", and added that "I
might possibly be useful for the country in an emergency."
Replying to Mr. Mitsotakis, Mr. Evert said "the new statements
by Mr. Constantine Mitsotakis are disorientating the Greek
people from their real problems, they help PASOK to implement
the new tough economic measures and are attempting to dynamite
the smooth course towards the congress.
"We will not follow Mr. Mitsotakis along this slippery path.
Firstly, because our primary task at present is to protect the
citizen from the government's whirlwind and not intra-party
quarrels. We will not distance ourselves from the citizens'
problems.
Secondly, because we honor the rules of the party's democratic
functioning and, thirdly, because we honor and respect our
party's great and splendid history," the ND leader added.
Later in the day, Mr. Mitsotakis' office issued an announcement
responding to the main opposition president, stating that "Mr.
Evert placed himself under judgment and consequently he must
also be prepared to tolerate criticism."
"To be able to provide a solution to the party's problem, ND's
congress must be fair and irreproachable so that it can express
the will of the party's rank and file," it added.
The announcement concluded that "those who are obstructing this
course are indeed following a slippery path because they serve
the plans of our opponents and prevent ND from winning in the
next elections."
[04] Manos, Souflias
Athens, 27/11/1996 (ANA)
In a related development, ND deputy and former minister
Stephanos Manos commented on the possibility of a party split,
saying "we will decide on that, but possibilities must be
exhausted previously and necessary consultations must be made
for all to be convinced that additional delegates must be
elected by the rank and file."
ND deputy and former minister George Souflias, who recently vied
for the leadership post, said he was not aware of the contents
of statements by either Mr. Mitsotakis or Mr. Evert.
Asked to comment on the fact that Mr. Mitsotakis did not refer
to his candidacy in his statement, Mr. Souflias said "I read the
statements he made the day before yesterday in which he said I
would become a good prime minister."
In a statement last night, Mr. Souflias kept his distance from
the Mitsotakis-Evert dispute, expressing regret because on the
course towards the congress "methodizations and expediencies are
not being avoided." He said it was the duty of all to see that a
fair congress was held without disputes.
"I am struggling for this congress and I will submit my
candidacy at this congress, as a third unifying solution, which
will put an end to this long-standing internal dispute harassing
ND," Mr. Souflias added.
In addition, ND spokesman and close associate of party founder
Constantine Karamanlis, Prokopis Pavlopoulos, said history has
registered the political contribution and consistency of
Constantine Karamanlis and Constantine Mitsotakis, and they
cannot be falsified by anyone.
As conflicting trends in the crisis-ridden party are balancing
on a tightrope, reports state that at today's political council
meeting Mr. Evert will seek a majority decision to ratify Mr.
Varvitsiotis' proposal to lead the party to its congress. In
this event, Mr. Mitsotakis will be on the side of the minority,
since Mr. Souflias does not participate in the body.
Mr. Mitsotakis was ND leader from 1984 to 1993 and prime
minister from 1990 to 1993 when he resigned after ND lost to
PASOK in the 1993 general elections by 46.9 per cent to 39.3 per
cent.
Mr. Evert, who took over as ND leader after that electoral
defeat, was also defeated in general elections on Sept. 22,
1996, when ND's vote dipped to 38.1 per cent against PASOK's
41.5 per cent.
[05] Gov't pleased with results of latest Council of Ministers meeting
Athens, 27/11/1996 (ANA)
The government yesterday described as "positive" the results of
Monday's EU Council of Ministers meeting in Brussels, where no
changes were made to a unanimous July 15 decision concerning
Greek-Turkish relations and the further advancement of
EU-Turkish ties.
"The government continues to be always prepared and is following
developments in the Union's bodies in order to safeguard the
country's interests," government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said.
He added that the government believes the nation's EU partners
had understood that Athens was making an effort towards
rapprochement with Turkey and the facilitation of the
neighboring country's entry into "the European orbit."
"In order for this policy to bear fruit, it presupposes Turkey's
reconciliation with rules and principles which will enable it to
acquire a European orientation," Mr. Reppas said.
Asked whether a commitment had been undertaken in Brussels to
incorporate the July 15 declaration in the common position of
the EU-Turkey Association Council, Mr. Reppas replied:
"Among other things, what was discussed at yesterday's (Monday)
meeting was that relations between the EU and Turkey must to a
great extent be determined by the text of July 15, both the
spirit and letter of which express positions that find all the
EU member-states in agreement."
The July 15 decision calls for respect by Turkey of human
rights, adherence to international agreements and resolution of
Greek-Turkish differences. An official reply from Ankara is
still pending.
[06] Report says Erbakan balks at invitation to Dublin summit
Brussels, 27/11/1996 (ANA)
Turkish Prime Minister Necmettin Erbakan will not travel to the
EU's Dublin summit in December if the 15-member Union does not
invite him as "the prime minister of a candidate country for
entry into the European Union," the Spanish News Agency (EFE)
reported from Ankara yesterday.
According to the Turkish labor minister, the Islamist prime
minister will not participate in what he (Erbakan) reportedly
referred to as a "social dinner".
EFE reported that the Turkish prime minister stressed that "we
reject this dishonor, and as an answer they (EU) can keep the
ECU 500 million of aid they have promised us, but the prime
minister will not go to a meeting of this kind."
In a related issue, PASOK Eurodeputy and Vice-President of the
Socialist Group Yiannis Roubatis has asked to be informed by the
Council of Ministers on how the Council reacts to such
"insulting statements" by high-ranking Turkish officials.
He also asked whether the Council intends to explain to the
Turkish leadership that this type of behavior will not be
tolerated by the European Union and could lead to a greater
deadlock in EU-Turkish relations.
Mr. Roubatis also asked the Council why European citizens should
pressure Turkey to accept aid which Ankara has said, through Mr.
Erbakan's statements, it does not want.
[07] Malta's decision not to pursue EU accession won't affect Cyprus
Brussels, 27/11/1996 (ANA - F. Stangos)
Malta's decision not to further pursue its application to join
the European Union will not affect Cyprus' accession process,
Alternate Foreign Minister George Papandreou said here yesterday.
"Procedures leading to the accession of Cyprus into the EU are
continuing unimpeded with the same speed, and are not affected
by Malta's decision to freeze its application for entry," he
said during a joint press conference with the island republic's
Foreign Minister Alecos Michaelides after an EU-Cyprus
ministerial meeting.
During the meeting, it was stressed that in view of its
potential accession, Cyprus has already harmonized 40 per cent
of its legislation with the 15-member Union, and hopes to reach
70 to 80 per cent until commencement of negotiations, scheduled
six months after the end of the IGC.
Meanwhile, EU External Affairs Commissioner Hans van den Broek
expressed the Commissions' willingness to provide technical and
financial assistance for the achievement of this "ambitious"
aim, and stressed the importance of organizing meetings with
representatives of the Turkish Cypriot community in order to
project the benefits of accession to the whole population of the
island.
Finally, there was a broad review over the aftermath of the
Barcelona conference, where the Cypriot side stressed the
importance of the island's role as a bridge of Europe with the
Mediterranean and Middle East, as well as the need to adopt the
Euro-Mediterranean Charter of Peace and Stability.
Mr. Michaelides said the climate at the meeting was very
positive, and added that du ring the Dublin summit next month,
where Cyprus President Glafcos Clerides has been invited, he
expected a reaffirmation of his country's accession prospects,
as in previous summits.
[08] G. Papandreou: Greece opposes 'flexibility clause' in revised EU
Treaty
Brussels, 27/11/1996 (ANA - G. Daratos)
Athens opposes the "principle of solidarity" by which European
Union member-states will co-operate more-or-less closely on
certain issues based on their potential, interests and specific
aims, Alternate Foreign Minister George Papandreou made clear
yesterday at a Council of Ministers session focusing on issues
related to the Intergovernmental Conference (IGC).
Incorporation of the principle of flexibility in the revised
Maastricht Treaty has been proposed by Bonn and Paris during the
IGC.
Mr. Papandreou told his counterparts that Greece opposes the
adoption of a general "flexibility clause", as this could lead
to a multi-tiered European Union.
"Flexibility cannot be treated as a principle or rule, but only
as an exception in sectors such as defense," he added.
In addition, Mr. Papandreou proposed that the principle could be
adopted in sectors agreed upon in advance and incorporated into
a new Treaty only as a last resort, if the principle of
unanimity cannot operate, if the acquis communautaire is not
encroached upon, and if the aims of European unification are
served. Countries which cannot participate from the start will
have to be given support so that they may be able to join later.
"We believe that our common aims can be attained much more
effectively through the extension of the special majority rather
than through the principle of flexibility... This extension is
coordinated with the more general need for strengthening the
European Parliament, as it would strengthen the joint decisions
procedure," he added.
"Greece, in principle, is in favor of extending the joint
decisions procedures, as this would upgrade the European
Parliament and the legitimacy of EU decisions," he said.
[09] General staff chief to officially visit Bulgaria next week
Sofia, 27/11/1996 (ANA - N. Hios)
National Defense General Staff Chief Gen. Anastasios Tzoganis
leaves for a two-day official visit to Bulgaria next Monday at
the invitation of his Bulgarian counterpart Gen. Totomirov, the
Bulgarian defense ministry announced yesterday.
Gen. Tzoganis' schedule includes a meeting with the neighboring
country's parliamentary external affairs committee, and the
signing of a bilateral military co-operation agreement for 1997.
[10] Consulate's lending library in Gjirokaster to open on Jan. 1
Gjirokaster, 27/11/1996 (ANA - D. Tsakas)
The lending library of the Greek consulate here will be
officially opened on New Year's Day by Consul-General Nikolaos
Kanellos.
Speaking to the Athens News Agency, Mr. Kanellos said the
library will hold material that will enable teaching staff at
the Gjirokaster University to conduct historical and scientific
research. The library will operate every Tuesday, Thursday and
either Saturday or Sunday.
Meanwhile, Gjirokaster has been receiving 50 Sunday newspapers
from Athens and Yiannina since last Sunday, which are available
from the consulate.
[11] Constantopoulos calls for political party leaders meeting on
foreign policy
Athens, 27/11/1996 (ANA)
Coalition of the Left and Progress leader Nikos Constantopoulos
yesterday met with President Kostis Stephanopoulos to put
forward his party's request for a meeting of the political party
leaders to discuss the Intergovernmental Conference (IGC) and
Greek foreign policy particularly with regard to Turkey.
If agreement was reached among the parties, such a meeting would
be chaired by Mr. Stephanopoulos. Speaking to reporters after
the meeting, Mr. Constantopoulos said that the president had
listened to his party's views with interest.
Mr. Constantopoulos accused the government of "double talk, the
lack of a steadfast position and the absence of a national
strategy"
"As far as national issues are concerned, one of two things is
happening. Either the government does not understand the
critical nature of the present period in time or there are
different views within the government itself," Mr.
Constantopoulos said.
Replying to press questions, Mr. Constantopoulos said that in
the view of his party there could be no question of a single
"package" lumping together the issue of Turkey's disputing of
the Aegean islet of Imia and the issue of the delineation of the
Aegean continental shelf.
He noted however that both issues should be referred to the
International Court at the Hague, adding that in the case of
Imia, the initiative for referring the issue must be taken by
Turkey.
[12] Athens considering trade credits for Yugoslavia
Belgrade, 27/11/1996 (ANA - M. Mouratidis)
Greece is seriously considering extending credits to the Federal
Republic of Yugoslavia in order to boost trade between the two
countries, which totaled only $170 million in the first 10
months of 1996.
The dispatch quoted the counsellor for economic and commercial
affairs at the Greek embassy in Belgrade, Christos Farmakis, who
addressed a meeting of Greek and Yugoslav businessmen.
Mr. Farmakis said that Greece had a clear-cut policy and was
expressing a greater desire for the improved development of
economic relations with Yugoslavia.
At present, he added, 150 Greek companies are cooperating with
Yugoslavia, either directly or through joint ventures.
Representatives of the Economic Chamber of Yugoslavia informed
the Greek delegation attending the meeting about Yugoslav
legislation, the law on foreign investments, the law on the
formation of companies, legislative framework in force in the
sector of foreign trade and possibilities for co-operation in
the agricultural sector.
[13] Vasso Papandreou speaks on competitive strategies
Athens, 27/11/1996 (ANA)
Development Minister Vasso Papandreou said yesterday the
government should seek social consensus on specific goals while
not trying to avoid conflict on others.
"Social consensus on everything means passivity," Ms Papandreou
told a conference entitled "Competitive strategies for Greece."
Replying to questions from the audience, the development
minister insisted that the hard drachma policy would not change
in order to facilitate the competitiveness of Greek products.
She further stressed the government's intention to accelerate
the process of privatizations in 1997, attributing delays so far
to time-consuming procedures. The minister further criticized
businesses of raising prices even though the cost of raw
materials is falling or stable.
[14] Infrastructure in relation to nation's development examined at
conference
Athens, 27/11/1996 (ANA)
Environment, Town Planning and Public Works Under-secretary
Christos Verelis expressed optimism yesterday over the course of
major construction projects, which he said are expected to come
to completion over the next years.
Addressing a conference organized by the Hellenic American
Chamber, Mr. Verelis elaborated on the issue of "The Importance
of Infrastructure in Attracting Investment."
He said the completion of major infrastructure works will make
Greece's outlook more positive to foreign investors.
Mr. Verelis further stressed the importance of reaching "a
viable and balanced development to pave Greece's way to the
European Unification."
On his part, main opposition New Democracy deputy Costas
Karamanlis stressed the "technical weakness" of Greece's
infrastructure works, which are currently under construction,
stressing what he called "unjustified delays in the completion
of the works."
Saying that Greece's road and railway networks as well as the
airports, ports and telecommunications sectors were of an
inferior quality as compared to those in other European Union
countries, Mr. Karamanlis said the existing situation was a
deterrent t o new investments in Greece, especially in view of
rising installation and production costs, poor quality of public
works, ineffective administration and rising communication and
transport costs.
[15] Privatizations will proceed, Protopapas says
Athens, 27/11/1996 (ANA)
Labor and Social Security Under-secretary Christos Protopapas
yesterday told Greek businessmen that "all of us should have the
power to see the privatizations issue through."
Addressing a conference on the "Time of the Greek Economy,"
organized by the Hellenic-American Chamber, Mr. Protopapas said
the government was proceeding with the privatization of all
public sector companies falling under the jurisdiction of the
Business Restructuring Organization.
Referring to efforts to contain state intervention in the
banking system, Mr. Protopapas said that only if the
governments, the parties and the social forces agreed on certain
principles and procedures, while bureaucracy was lessened as
well, could denationationalization procedures come to fruition.
Elaborating on the same issue, President of the Federation of
Greek Industries (SEB) Jason Stratos said that denationalization
was the answer to the dilemma of "stabilization or development."
A state that is less present will lead to cut backs in
expenditures and abolish a range of unproductive activities, Mr.
Stratos said.
Denationalization, he added, will free resources which can be
channeled to the private sector thus encouraging development.
SEB's president stressed the lack of signs for an expanded
denationalization to other sectors where the presence of the
state is strongly-felt, such as the banking system, with the
exception of smaller banks.
[16] Workers strike to protest new economic measures
Athens, 27/11/1996 (ANA)
General Confederation of Workers of Greece (GSEE) President
Christos Polyzogopoulos yesterday warned of a wave of strikes
organized to coincide with the parliamentary debate on the state
budget for 1997 which should be held by the end of the week.
"There is will for an escalation of labor action and I believe
that there will be such an escalation," Mr. Polyzogopoulos told
a press conference.
A 24-hour general strike has already been organized for tomorrow
in which all major trade union federations will be participating.
Public utilities such as the Public Power Corporation (DEH), the
Hellenic Telecommunications Organization (OTE), the Athens and
Piraeus Water Company (EYDAP) and the Greek Postal Service
(ELTA) will be operating with skeleton staffs.
The strike is expected to hit public transport in particular,
with the national carrier Olympic Airways (OA) aircraft being
grounded and considerable disruption to ferry-boat, train and
bus services.
Ships' pilots went on strike on Monday to press their demand for
an additional pay allowance based on length of service to be
paid out of the Seamen's Pension Fund (NAT). Secondary school
and kindergarten teachers will hold a 24-hour strike today t o
protest a new salary scale and proposed government spending on
education.
The administrative board of the Union of Public Secondary School
Teachers (OLME) also warned yesterday of the possibility of a
two- and three-day strike in December and an indefinite work
stoppage in January.
One of the main demands of the unions is that the government
index-link tax brackets to inflation. Its failure to do so for
the past five years, they say, will in effect result in a drop
in real income in 1997.
[17] EOT employee unions opposed to EOT's reorganization
Athens, 27/11/1996 (ANA)
Employee union representatives for the Greek Tourist
Organization (EOT) gave a press conference yesterday,
criticizing Development Minister Vasso Papandreou that she "has
not substantively addressed the real problems of EOT and the
country's tourism sector."
They also expressed opposition to EOT's designation as a sociiti
anonyme, which they believe is tantamount to its dissolution.
Representatives will visit main opposition New Democracy party
leader Miltiades Evert today to brief him on their opposition to
Ms Papandreou's policy regarding the reorganization of EOT. They
will likewise brief Coalition of the Left and Progress leader
Nikos Constantopoulos tomorrow.
EOT employees are also opposed to the sale of assets and to
long-term leasing contracts (up to 99 years), which the
government is planning to promote for EOT's property.
[18] Mobilizations planned by Larisa-area farmers
Athens, 27/11/1996 (ANA)
Farmers in the Larisa region are launching mobilizations today
that will culminate in blockades of the Athens-Thessaloniki
highway tomorrow.
The decision was taken following yesterday's sentencing of three
farmers to one-year imprisonment for obstructing traffic during
protests in February-March 1995.
End of English language section.
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