Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 96-12-04

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

ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No 1057), December 4, 1996

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

CONTENTS

[01] Simitis says Greece's position reinforced with principles adopted at OSCE summit

[02] Meetings with Demirel, Gligorov

[03] OSCE declaration

[04] No agreement on ban of military overflights of Cyprus

[05] No agreement on ban, Clerides says

[06] Papandreou

[07] Opposition

[08] Farmers' reject Gov't proposals, traffic problems mount around Greece

[09] Simitis

[10] Opposition statements

[11] Convicted terrorist Rashid scheduled for release

[12] Air force chief concludes high-level contacts in Moscow

[13] Papandreou to attend London conference on Bosnia

[14] Kaklamanis calls for immediate response to needs of the handicapped

[15] Kranidiotis to again raise issue of return of Parthenon Marbles

[16] PNO says maritime workers will strike if demands aren't met

[17] Eurostat: 86 per cent of Greek work for SMEs

[18] 91 new investment programs approved for eastern Macedonia, Thrace

[19] Prosecution launched into non-payment of tax by private airlines

[20] Athens' ambassador to Sofia presents his credentials to Zhelev

[21] Turkish business leaders in Athens for economic talks next week

[22] Joint Greek-Romanian business federation planning investment programs

[23] Funds released from EU for retraining of jobless persons

[01] Simitis says Greece's position reinforced with principles adopted at OSCE summit

Lisbon, 04/12/1996 (ANA/Reuter - S. Liarellis)

The central issue now, the Greek premier added "is how to find those rules which will consolidate security in the 21st century, how it will be possible to secure multilateral co-operation..."

The premier underlined that this issue was particularly important for Greece, "because as awareness increases of the need to eliminate or limit phenomena of violence, threat of the use of force, regional claims, contempt for international law and the trampling of human rights, our country's position becomes stronger vis-a-vis the dangers or threats which exist.

"We want a climate which rejects aggressive behavior. A climate of general rejection of such behavior already exists, despite the fact that such phenomena prevail everywhere and almost daily," Mr. Simitis said.

Addressing the summit conference earlier in the day, Mr. Simitis said OSCE should play an important role in peace procedures in conflicts or disputes between countries. This statement was considered by observers as a clear referral to Greek-Turkish relations.

"OSCE is called upon to play a unique role in settling crises and in assisting the process of reconstruction following such crises," Mr. Simitis said, adding that the organization's member-states should have the right to fully use the mechanisms and institutions of OSCE to promote peace procedures.

Mr. Simitis said Greece's policy in the broader region of southeast Europe was based solely on the principles of international law, adding that OSCE should have the appropriate mechanisms to promote peace procedures.

"It is the hope and intention of Greece to see that its neighboring countries are entering the family of democratic states, respecting the rights of minorities, the values of a pluralistic democracy, international law and human rights in an environment free of tension, dangers and threats," Mr. Simitis said.

Describing the organization as a key institution for security and stability in Europe, Mr. Simitis said the Paris Charter and the Helsinki Act should form the basis for dialogue in order to promote and reinforce stability and security in the region.

The Greek prime minister further stressed the need to find "a new golden rule for co-existence amongst the European peoples," adding that the organization should deepen its relations with Mediterranean nations.

[02] Meetings with Demirel, Gligorov

Lisbon, 04/12/1996 (ANA)

He later described the contacts as being of a "social nature with political content," indicating also that he had discussed developments in the region.

Mr. Simitis clarified that there was no question of direct dialogue with FYROM other than that which is being conducted under the United Nations' auspices in New York on the issue of the neighboring state's name.

Replying to reporters' questions, Mr. Simitis said he had pointed out to Mr. Gligorov that relations between the two countries should be further developed and that "he too, should look at the issue."

Referring to his meeting with Mr. Demirel, Mr. Simitis said "Athens ascertains that there are no margins for a dialogue between Greece and Turkey."

Citing European Union decisions in particular, Mr. Simitis reiterated that "Turkey must make specific moves."

He clarified that he had not discussed the issue of his visiting Ankara.

Meanwhile, an ANA dispatch from Istanbul quoted the Anadolu news agency as reporting that the two leaders "noted the importance of developing bilateral relations within the framework of friendship."

[03] OSCE declaration

Lisbon, 04/12/1996 (ANA)

"We reaffirm the inherent right of each and every participating state to be free to choose or change its security arrangements, including treaties of alliance, as they evolve. Each participating state will respect the rights of all others in this regard .

"They will not strengthen their security at the expense of the security of other states. Within the OSCE, no state, organization or grouping can have any superior responsibility for maintaining peace and stability in the OSCE region, or regard any part of the OSCE region as its sphere of influence," the declaration stated.

OSCE member-states also committed themselves "not to support participating states that threaten or use force in violation of international law against the territorial integrity or political independence of any participating state... (and) to attach importance to security concerns of all participating states, irrespective of whether they belong to military structures or arrangements."

The Greek side has expressed its satisfaction over this statement, considering that it can be applied to Greek-Turkish relations.

A decision was also taken for the commencement of negotiations in 1997 concerning adaptation of the Conventional Forces of Europe (CFE) Treaty, "to a changing security environment in Europe."

The OSCE members added that they "will consider developing a charter on European security, which can serve the needs of our peoples in the new century."

[04] No agreement on ban of military overflights of Cyprus

Athens, 04/12/1996 (ANA)

Addressing reporters on the sidelines of the Organization of Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) summit in Lisbon, both Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis and Cyprus President Glafcos Clerides denied the existence of any agreement on this issue.

Mr. Simitis said that there had been "no negotiations and no agreement" at the OSCE summit meeting on the moratorium issue.

He made the statement when replying to press questions on a reported proposal for an eight-month moratorium proposed by Cyprus Foreign Minister Alecos Michaelides to US State Department official Carey Cavanaugh on the condition that progress was made in political negotiations for settlement of the Cyprus problem.

According to a CNA dispatch from Nicosia quoting Cyprus state radio, Carey Cavanaugh, the southern European affairs director at the State Department, proposed to Mr. Michaelides that flights of Greek and Turkish warplanes over Cyprus be suspended for a period of one year.

The premier clarified that within the framework of his talks in Lisbon with President Clerides on the Cyprus problem, the flights issue was discussed, saying: "(we) examined what are the needs and which are the directions of Cyprus' policy."

"It is not permitted for me to convey these views," Mr. Simitis said, adding that the Greek and Cyprus governments had a "specific tactic", while Nicosia was responsible for "direct initiatives".

Mr. Simitis reiterated several times that no decision had been taken on the issue. When pressed by reporters to express his own views on the matter, he said: "If I replied, I would make the efforts of the Cyprus government more difficult."

[05] No agreement on ban, Clerides says

Nicosia, 04/12/1996 (ANA/CNA)

The president has also made it clear that the joint defense doctrine with Greece will continue to be enhanced.

According to Cyprus radio, Mr. Clerides told Mr. Cavanaugh at a meeting in Lisbon that nothing has been agreed on the US-proposed ban of overflights.

The government, Mr. Clerides was quoted as saying, places special emphasis on efforts to settle the Cyprus question, the start of substantive consultations to find common ground and on direct talks. He also said the government would be ready to listen t o any ideas concerning decreasing tension and it would co-operate towards this goal.

Mr. Clerides said the defense doctrine will continue to be strengthened and noted that plans for the construction of an air base in Cyprus would go ahead.

[06] Papandreou

Lisbon, 04/12/1996 (ANA)

According to Greek diplomatic sources, Mr. Cavanaugh asked Mr. Papandreou for Greece's views on the flight moratorium issue. The sources said Mr. Papandreou replied that if the Cyprus government believed that such a decision would contribute to progress in the Cyprus problem, Greece would have no objection.

Meanwhile in Athens and speaking to reporters in Parliament on the moratorium issue, National Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos said that as both the Cypriot president and the Greek prime minister stated that there was no such proposal, and therefore , there has been no decision on this issue in relation with Turkey.

"There could not be on the side of the Cypriot government such a one-sided commitment, " he said.

[07] Opposition

Athens, 04/12/1996 (ANA)

"This means an overthrow of the joint defense doctrine to which the government has given much importance," Mr. Evert said.

Communist Party of Greece (KKE) Secretary General Aleka Papariga criticized the proposal regarding the suspension of flights of warplanes over Cyprus as being "an important step for the legalization of the split of Cyprus."

Ms Papariga accused the government of having the intention to "slaughter the Cyprus issue" through promoting the US plan, "which foresees the Balkans, the Aegean and the Middle East developing into a new Dayton."

On the contrary, the Coalition of the Left and Progress (Synaspismos) party described the proposal as "a development which could contribute to the defusion of tension and to aid a military disengagement on the island."

The president of the Democratic Social Movement (DHKKI), Dimitris Tsovolas, said that "the agreement of Mr. Simitis and Mr. Clerides constitutes a new unacceptable withdrawal of the Greek side against the Turks and their protectors."

[08] Farmers' reject Gov't proposals, traffic problems mount around Greece

Athens, 04/12/1996 (ANA)

"The government does not believe we are facing such a possibility, and is trying to solve all problems it can in the framework of the potential of the Greek economy and in accordance with the policies of the European Union," acting government spokesman Yiannis Nikolaou told reporters.

"The government has shown good faith and understanding, has satisfied the majority of the farmers' demands and expects the same good faith from the organizers of the mobilizations," the government spokesman said.

He recognized that problems existed, but accused opposition parties of overbidding in favor of farmers' demands, even though "they (opposition parties) knew they contradicted European Union policies.

In particular, Mr. Nikolaou criticized a statement by main opposition New Democracy leader Miltiades Evert that the farmers had no other means to express their demands other than "blockading the country", calling the ND leader's statement "unprecedented ".

Mr. Nikolaou said that the farmers should also be aware that their actions created problems affecting other social groups.

"The government will not place under negotiation the country's overall course, but the situation cannot and must not continue," he stressed.

Nevertheless, he said the government was not considering resorting to force to open blocked national and provincial highways.

"We have not reached the point of discussing such matters. The government remains put in its position for dialogue and understanding," Mr. Nikolaou said.

Earlier yesterday, farmers' groups rejected a package of measures put together by Agriculture Minister Stephanos Tzoumakas, saying that they would continue their protests and hold out for a meeting with the prime minister, who was due back from Lisbon last night. It emerged later in the evening that Mr. Tzoumakas would travel to Thessaly today, to meet with a delegation of farmers in the central Greece region, considered the most militant.

[09] Simitis

Athens, 04/12/1996 (ANA)

In a related development, a Thessaloniki public prosecutor has issued a lawsuit against anyone responsible for obstructing traffic, as much of Macedonia remained blockaded, particularly around the city, whose airport could only be reached with difficult y. Access to roads leading to Athens and central and western Macedonia was difficult to impossible.

Although problems in the supply of fresh produce did not become apparent, concern among producers and exporters in northern regions was reported to be mounting, given that Macedonia and Thrace provide 64 per cent of Greek exports, and that access to roads leading to the Balkans and central Europe has been interrupted.

[10] Opposition statements

Athens, 04/12/1996 (ANA)

Coalition of the Left and Progress (Synaspismos) leader Nikos Constantopoulos also made statements after a meeting with farmers' representatives in Thessaly.

"We are opposed to the policies of prosecutors, riot squads and blackmail," he said, adding: "The farmers are being spurred by years of abandonment, anxiety about the future and the reneging of government promises," he said.

Mr. Constantopoulos called on Mr. Simitis to meet immediately with the farmers, not to deal with their protest action in an "authoritarian" manner and not to remain indifferent.

He also called on the prime minister to undertake specific commitments in order to implement "what he promised during the election campaign".

[11] Convicted terrorist Rashid scheduled for release

Athens, 04/12/1996 (ANA)

According to the terms of a relevant Piraeus court decision, Rashid will upon release be immediately deported from Greece for life.

Rashid, 46, a self-proclaimed officer of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) was arrested at Athens airport in 1988 following a tip-off from US authorities.

He was convicted of premeditated homicide and for planting a bomb in a Hawaii-bound Pan Am airliner. A Japanese teenager was killed and 15 other passengers injured as a result of that explosion.

[12] Air force chief concludes high-level contacts in Moscow

Moscow, 04/12/1996 (ANA)

According to Gen. Antonetsis, the Hellenic Air Force will soon assess the operational capacity of two anti-aircraft missile systems, namely the US-made Patriot, and the Russian S-300, and is also interested in the purchase of more sophisticated fighters. While in Moscow, he flew on a "Sukhoi 27".

The air force chief described the S-300 as effective, and stressed that Greece will have to choose between this and the Patriot system in the next few months. The new system will cover Greece's needs for the next 20 or 30 years, he added.

In addition, he expressed satisfaction with the hospitality offered by his Russian hosts.

[13] Papandreou to attend London conference on Bosnia

Athens, 04/12/1996 (ANA)

The conference will focus on civilian aspects of peace implementation in Bosnia and cover issues such as respect for human rights, policing, democratization, preparations for municipal elections next year and general elections in 1998, freedom of movement, refugee issues, reconstruction and efforts to create free market conditions and promote reconciliation.

The meeting, the second of its kind, is expected to be followed by a third towards the end of 1997. It will be attended by some 50 countries and international agencies, as well as by the newly elected Bosnian leaders.

On the sidelines of the meeting, Mr. Papandreou will have the opportunity to have talks with his British counterpart, David Davis, with whom he is expected to discuss IGC-related issues and bilateral relations, particularly in view of Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos' forthcoming visit to London.

[14] Kaklamanis calls for immediate response to needs of the handicapped

Athens, 04/12/1996 (ANA)

"Your problems are our problems," he said.

Mr. Kaklamanis was handed a report by the Confederation of Handicapped Peoples' Organizations, which called for policies for their full and unimpeded participation in all aspects of social life.

In his message for the day, main opposition New Democracy party leader Miltiades Evert, called for social programs among population groups especially exposed to social exclusion, the application of modern training systems for handicapped people, and stronger incentives for their vocational integration.

[15] Kranidiotis to again raise issue of return of Parthenon Marbles

Athens, 04/12/1996 (ANA)

The important monument for the Scottish nation is being returned from Westminster Abbey in London to Edinburgh Castle in Scotland.

Mr. Kranidiotis maintains that respect for the cultural heritage of each member-state constitutes a basic principle for the EU, adding that the so-called Elgin Marbles should be returned to their natural environment in Athens.

He also said that for this purpose a new Acropolis Museum is being created in Athens, which will be able to house the Marbles under suitable conditions.

[16] PNO says maritime workers will strike if demands aren't met

Athens, 04/12/1996 (ANA)

Speaking at a press conference yesterday, PNO Secretary General Yiannis Halas stressed the need to redefine crew compositions on the basis of vessels' real needs, removal of all foreign seamen from Greek vessels and the radical reorganization of the Maritime Labor Finding Bureau (GENE) to enable it to function for purpose for which it was established. Mr. Halas said cabotage must be preserved and illicit and unacceptable competition against the work of Greek seamen by uninsured and convenience-flag ships sailing to Italian and other overseas ports should be countered.

He also referred to the state's obligation to provide what he called a "dignified pension" for retired seamen, which should amount to 80 per cent of collective labor agreement salaries and without binding commitments being attached. The press conference was attended by deputies and representatives of all political parties, who in brief speeches acknowledged that the seamen's claims are just.

[17] Eurostat: 86 per cent of Greek work for SMEs

Brussels, 04/12/1996 (ANA - F. Stangos)

Most of these enterprises are small and employ between 1-9 people, while the percentage of medium-size businesses (10-249 employees) is small. In all, there are 15.780 million SMEs in the European Union having a turnover of more than ECU 11.63 billion and employing some 101 million people, or approximately 66 per cent of people employed in the private sector.

[18] 91 new investment programs approved for eastern Macedonia, Thrace

Athens, 04/12/1996 (ANA)

The investments will amount to a total of 43.4 billion drachmas, while 1,650 new jobs will be created in the region. In the Evros prefecture, 37 new investments have been approved, with 17 in the Rodopi prefecture, 22 in Xanthi, nine in Kavala and six in Drama.

Eastern Macedonia and Thrace Secretary General Athanasios Lagos said that factors affecting the approval of investments were the plan's viability, the competitiveness of the investment and the developmental consequences on the area.

[19] Prosecution launched into non-payment of tax by private airlines

Athens, 04/12/1996 (ANA)

He referred the case to a judicial investigator to conduct the main investigation. Prosecution was also launched due to a preliminary investigation conducted by prosecutor G. Vrakatselis and in the wake of press reports over the non-payment to the state of the duty paid for the building of the new Athens airport at Spata, known as "Spatosimo".

[20] Athens' ambassador to Sofia presents his credentials to Zhelev

Sofia, 04/12/1996 (ANA - N. Hios)

"The many joint enterprises created so far as well as interest existing for the creation of more, shows that bilateral co-operation has wide prospects," he added.

Mr. Karakasis, after delivering his credentials to Bulgarian President Zhelyu Zhelev, is paying acquaintance visits to a number of Bulgarian political leaders.

Within this context, he met Mr. Gechev yesterday, assuring him that Athens supports Sofia's efforts for full accession to European institutions.

[21] Turkish business leaders in Athens for economic talks next week

Istanbul, 04/12/1996 (ANA)

The meeting is being organized by the council of Greek-Turkish Business Co-operation following an invitation by the Union of Young Businessmen of Greece, which visited Istanbul last October.

Academics, union members and reporters are also due to attend the meeting.

"I believe the chain of meetings that will be held will constitute a positive base for the policies of both countries," the president of the Istanbul Industrial Chamber, Husametin Kavi, said.

"We are in favor of the Aegean becoming a lake of peace and not a sea of cold war," Mr. Kavi said. "Sincerity on the part of the Greek side in this matter will also significantly contribute to ditente between the two countries."

The Committee of Foreign Economic Relations (DEIK) has announced that trade between the two countries totals US$ 400 million, adding that the Athens meeting will further improve existing co-operation.

[22] Joint Greek-Romanian business federation planning investment programs

Athens, 04/12/1996 (ANA)

EPES, three-quarters of which are comprised of Greek enterprises with the rest Romanian, is organizing a mission to Romania on Dec. 8-14 for contacts with Romanian politicians and economic officials. Additionally, EPES has established a bank investment planning committee aimed at improving coordination of bilateral business contacts.

EPES' immediate plans include opening a bank in Bucharest, "Tetractus Black Sea Bank", with share capital amounting to 25 billion lei (about US$ 7 million), 70 per cent of which will belong to Greek interests and 30 per cent to Romanian concerns.

Moreover, a modern business center will be created in the Romanian capital, while a Bucharest-based business radio and television station will operate with the ambitious goal of sending a signal throughout the Black Sea basin.

[23] Funds released from EU for retraining of jobless persons

Brussels, 04/12/1996 (ANA - A. Davanelos)

Specifically, 25 billion drachmas will be available in cash as of January for vocational training centers, to pay off 1995 programs, and 15 billion drachmas will be in Greek coffers for 1996 programs. It was also agreed that the closure of all pending issues concerning the first Community Support Framework will be addressed.

However, Mr. Flynn set out tough preconditions for the future of vocational training funding, but said the program of the labor ministry's present leadership is positive.

It was specifically agreed that the director of the European Community Fund, Mr. Riera, will visit Greece on December 10 for an on-the-spot examination and for the amendment of programs, while a visit by Mr. Flynn himself is expected in the first quarter of 1997.

The conclusion is that the flow of funds for training is starting again for Greece, but under strict observance by the European Commission.

Two positive developments were also agreed. A permanent committee will be created for employment, with two representatives from each country to better coordinate employment policies and a continuation of social and political cohesion after the end of the second Community Support Framework, on condition that member-states will show higher rates of absorption than the present ones.

The Greek delegation was composed of Labor Minister Miltiades Papaioannou, Labor Under-secretary Christos Protopapas and Community Fund Management Secretary Nikos Tountziarakis.

End of English language section.

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