Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 96-12-07
From: The Greek Press & Information Office, Ottawa Canada <grnewsca@sympatico.ca>
ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No 1060), December 7, 1996
Greek Press & Information Office
Ottawa, Canada
E-Mail Address: grnewsca@sympatico.ca
CONTENTS
[01] Gov't refuses to 'sacrifice nation's efforts' to farmers' demands
[02] Opposition
[03] Blockades
[04] November inflation crashes 8 per cent barrier, falls to 7.7 per
cent
[05] Public utilities given ability to sign programmatic agreements
[06] Greece responds favorably to Irish IGC draft proposals
[07] Strike by foreign ministry employees
[08] Premier chairs meeting focusing on IGC
[09] G. Papandreou comments on Athens' efforts for peace in region
[10] Navy honors its patron saint
[11] Apostolakis notes importance of Balkan co-operation in defense
sector
[12] Rozakis says latest Turkish policy forwarding 'territorial
claims"
[13] Simitis to officially visit The Hague this month
[14] More Turkish violations of Greek airspace reported
[15] Stephanopoulos to tour flood-stricken regions
[16] Evert to meet with ND cadres in Achaia
[17] No decision taken on Cyprus flyover moratorium, Reppas says
[18] Athens rejects charges of mistreatment of immigrants
[19] US displeased over convicted terrorists' early release
[20] Relief aid funneled to Thrace
[21] ITO Conference
[01] Gov't refuses to 'sacrifice nation's efforts' to farmers' demands
Athens, 07/12/1996 (ANA)
While no compromise solutions appeared forthcoming yesterday to
end week-long farmers' blockades of national roadways, the
government reiterated that it "cannot take measures that will be
a burden on the budget."
In referring to protesting farmers' demands, Prime Minister
Costas Simitis said "If we accept farmers' demands we have
sacrificed the efforts of the Greek people for this year."
The blocking of national roads is blackmail and no government
can succumb to blackmail, he added in Parliament.
"We must all understand that the blocking of national roads is a
form of blackmail which is being perpetrated against the Greek
people. It endangers the employment and income of other workers
and if it continues it will cause a chain reaction with
repercussions for all," Mr. Simitis said, replying to questions
tabled by the leaders of the four opposition parties.
"Nobody, in the name of the interests of his own sector, can
impose his will on all," the premier said.
The opposition strongly criticized the government and the prime
minister personally over the handling of farmers' protests which
have severely disrupted road and rail traffic throughout the
country for the past nine days. The opposition parties in
particular accused the government of refusing to hold a dialogue
with the farmers which, they said, had resulted in serious
problems for the entire Greek people.
The premier replied, however, that the government was adamant
that it would follow the economic policy which would guarantee a
stable economy for the future and claimed that the fruits of the
economic policy being followed were already apparent.
He specifically referred to the fall in inflation to 7.7 per
cent for November, down from 8.3 per cent, the first time in
more than a quarter of a century that inflation has broken the
8.0 per cent barrier.
In relation to the farmers' problems, Mr. Simitis said the
government had taken drastic measures, such as transforming
their pension fund into a major security fund with an initial
subsidy of 14 billion drachmas annually so that farmers could
have pensions equivalent to other workers.
Indexation of farmers pensions, he added, would cost 44 billion
drachmas, while the write-off of agricultural cooperative debts
would cost many hundreds of million of drachmas.
"No one measure can cancel out the sacrifices of the Greek
people, to cancel out this massive attempt because certain
groups close the roads. We are not prepared to do it," he said.
Mr. Simitis said attempts by farmers and certain opposition
parties, such as the Communist Party of Greece (KKE), to
"renationalize" Greek agricultural policy was "a tremendous
mistake" because it was exactly the thing that Germany and other
major countries wanted, exercising pressure for the
re-institution of national subsidies in EU farming countries.
The premier also stressed that the government had taken measures
to protect cotton farmers, saying that "all debts cannot be
resettled willy-nilly. The debts which must be rescheduled are
those of producers who farm products which have a real problem".
[02] Opposition
Athens, 07/12/1996 (ANA)
On his part, main opposition party New Democracy leader
Miltiades Evert claimed that the government was refusing
dialogue with farmers, "acting with arrogance and disdain" and
that the prime minister had personally lied to the farmers to
gain their votes and was now trying to get one social group to
turn against the other.
"The government's farm policy leads to impasses and is
ineffective," Mr. Evert said.
KKE Secretary General Aleka Papariga accused the government of
holding a "national spoon" which distributes money whenever it
wants. She also accused the government of not abolishing tax
breaks worth 600 billion drachmas.
The Coalition of the Left and Progress (Synaspismos) leader
Nikos Constantopoulos accused the prime minister of autocratic
behavior, saying the government was following a "callous" policy
of "provocative social injustice".
He asked the prime minister why the government had made a
favorable resettlelemt of the debts of tax-evaders and could not
do the same for the farmers.
The president of the Democratic Social Movement (DHKKI),
Dimitris Tsovolas, also condemned the prime minister for his
"autocratic behavior" and claimed that Mr. Simitis had
"overstepped the people's mandate" and that he was only adding
"fat to the fire " with his comments in Parliament.
However, the prime minister said in his closing speech that the
opposition "does not understand, does not listen and does not
see."
"It is a time of responsibility for all and for the opposition,"
Mr. Simitis said, calling on the parties to clarify their
position on the demands puts forward by the farmers.
In a related development, the public prosecutor's office in
Larisa yesterday took legal steps against protesting farmers,
initiating proceedings against "all persons responsible for
obstructing communications."
[03] Blockades
Athens, 07/12/1996 (ANA)
Farmers' roadblocks have mostly affected central and northern
regions, particularly eastern Macedonia and Thrace, Epirus, and
the islands of Corfu and Lefkada, while trucks have been
blockaded for the sixth consecutive day at the border crossings
of Promahonas, Kipoi, Kastanies and Ormenio, while Kavala
international airport has also been cut off.
No intrastate bus services to Athens, Thessaloniki and other
major cities were carried out yesterday, with Olympic scheduling
extra flights.
The situation which has evolved so far is considered to be
putting increased pressure on the Coordinating Committee of
farmers by public opinion and various producers' groups,
including certain categories of farmers of perishable goods.
Nine business and producers' organizations (Association of Greek
Industries , the Athens Chamber of Commerce and Industry,
Northern Greece's Exporters' Association) yesterday issued a
joint statement condemning the particular method of exercising
press ure for eliciting solutions to problems, and are asking
farmers to stop holding society hostage.
Transport and export companies have begun sustaining large
losses, as are shopkeepers in the provinces, due to the evolving
psychology among the public which prompts them to purchase only
the absolute necessities.
Many businessmen and public organizations are reported to be
considering suing for losses. In addition, the Organization of
Railways of Greece (OSE) said yesterday it was sustaining losses
of 30 billion drachmas daily.
Despite the stand off between government and farmers, it appears
that both sides wish to avoid a head-on collision which would
benefit neither. As regards the government, it ruled out the
possibility of using force to end the stalemate.
The farmers' coordinating committee is meeting today to decide
whether to escalate or otherwise the mobilizations.
[04] November inflation crashes 8 per cent barrier, falls to 7.7 per
cent
Athens, 07/12/1996 (ANA)
Greece's inflation rate dipped beneath the 8 per cent mark for
November, the first time in more than 25 years.
According to official figures released yesterday from the
National Statistics Service (ESYE), inflation was calculated at
an annualized rate of 7.7 per cent, down from 8.3 per cent in
October.
During the same month last year, inflation was running at 8.2
per cent, compared to 10.6 per cent in 1994.
ESYE said that the drop from 8.3 per cent in October to 7.7 per
cent in November this year was due primarily to a reduction in
the prices of fuel, fruit and hotel rates.
These decreases, ESYE added, resulted in a 0.3 per cent
reduction in the Consumer Price Index in November, compared to a
0.2 per cent increase in the same month of 1995.
[05] Public utilities given ability to sign programmatic agreements
Athens, 07/12/1996 (ANA)
Development Minister Vasso Papandreou yesterday submitted an
amendment in Parliament giving public organizations in the
energy, transport, water and telecoms networks the ability to
sign programmatic agreements.
According to a relevant EU directive, these sectors are exempt
from the procedures of assigning supplies which applies to other
sectors. This exemption is in force for Greece and other less
developed EU countries and aims to develop industry within the
country.
On the occasion of the amendment's submission, the Federation of
Greek Industries (SEB) issued an announcement saying that
programmatic agreements present comparative advantages for the
organizations as they ensure a reduction in prices, direct
access t o deliveries and fewer bureaucratic procedures.
[06] Greece responds favorably to Irish IGC draft proposals
Brussels, 07/12/1996 (ANA - M. Spinthourakis)
Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos, who attended the EU Foreign
Ministers' Council here yesterday, said "the new draft treaty of
the European Union presented yesterday by the Irish presidency
can constitute a positive basis for the beginning of
negotiations for revision of the Maastricht Treaty."
The Irish presidency's plan includes issues of particular
interest for Greece, Mr. Pangalos noted, including respect of
the integrity of member-states, and expression of solidarity
between EU member-states.
However, relations with Turkey and the signing of an economic
and commercial co-operation agreement between the EU and the
Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) were not discussed
during yesterday's meeting.
Speaking on yesterday's session, the foreign minister said
Greece and Italy disagreed with the initial text of conclusions
regarding the situation in the former Yugoslavia. Certain
observations were changed following this disagreement, with the
final text being approved by all.
Referring to an invitation by the Irish presidency of Turkish
Prime Minister Necmettin Erbakan to an EU leaders' dinner in
Dublin, Mr. Pangalos said the Irish presidency has not yet taken
any decisions on the issue, adding that Athens has already
expressed its disagreement with the invitation to the Turkish
premier.
[07] Strike by foreign ministry employees
Athens, 07/12/1996 (ANA)
In another development, Mr. Pangalos was not accompanied by
diplomats and foreign ministry employees during the session as
usual, as the latter were on strike.
The national economy ministry should examine the issue of
compensation for work abroad in a different manner, Mr. Pangalos
said, adding that this compensation is not a bonus and should
not be taxed.
"I agree with the government's economic policy, but the foreign
ministry has already cut many of its expenses and the national
economy ministry should perhaps deal with the issue
differently," he said.
[08] Premier chairs meeting focusing on IGC
Athens, 07/12/1996 (ANA)
Prime Minister Costas Simitis yesterday chaired a meeting
focusing on the Intergovernmental Conference (IGC) in view of
the presentation of the draft treaty by the Irish presidency and
ahead of the European Union summit, due to be held in Dublin on
Dec. 1 3-14.
Participants included Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos,
National Economy and Finance Minister Yiannos Papantoniou,
Foreign Under-secretary Christos Rozakis, Eurodeputy Yiannos
Kranidiotis, who is also Athens' representative to the IGC, as
well as other top government officials.
Over the past weeks, Mr. Pangalos and Alternate Foreign Minister
George Papandreou have visited several EU capitals and also held
meetings with their European counterparts in Athens as part of
efforts to find common ground with other member-states in order
to promote Greece's positions vis-a-vis its European partners.
The IGC, focusing on revising the Maastricht Treaty, began on
March 29, 1996 in Italy, while 22 meetings have already taken
place so far at a foreign ministers' level and another eight on
other ministerial levels.
A special European Council to assess IGC progress so far was
held in Dublin in October. Currently, the Irish EU presidency
has been focusing its efforts in narrowing down the scope of
negotiations and shifting focus on alternative article
provisions.
Negotiations for the revision of the Treaty are basically
structured around three primary sectors:
a) The 15-member Union and the citizen: Basic rights,
employment, policies, justice issues and internal affairs.
b) Institutional issues.
c) Common foreign and security policy.
The most crucial of issues regarding Maastricht, however, is
"flexibility", giving the right to certain EU member-states to
group together and act autonomously from the other members.
The Union's founding members as well as the European Commission
support the principle of "flexibility", claiming this is the
only way to European unification in view of future enlargement
as well as the only way to curb resistance occasionally
expressed by certain member-states.
The remaining EU countries, including Greece, believe that
"flexibility" should be applied selectively and under strict
conditions.
Institutional reform is another crucial issue currently
considered by the IGC and anticipated to draw more attention in
the last stages of negotiations.
Greece submitted a "written statement" last May with its views
on the role of the European Parliament and a memorandum in
September on its positions regarding European political parties.
The conference is also focusing on a Common Foreign and Security
Policy and the prospects of reinforcing Europe's defense
"identity."
In June, Athens submitted its positions on the Common Foreign
and Security Policy, including the need to reinforce its goals
and principles through incorporating the principle of border
inviolability, respect for territorial integrity and political
independence of member-states.
In October, Mr. Pangalos submitted a draft revision of the
Treaty's 1.1 Article.
Regarding the defense sector, views differ between neutral
non-aligned members and member-states of NATO and the Western
European Union (WEU).
The latter organization - with the exception of Britain -
support the gradual incorporation of the WEU into the European
Union. Taking this position one step further, Germany, followed
by Italy and Greece, pursue the establishment of a "collective
defense clause," which will be open to those wishing to assume
such commitments and obligations.
Greece has submitted a series of memorandums on the sectors of
tourism, energy and political protection, including a memorandum
for the development of the European Union's border islands.
The IGC is also centering on employment-related issues.
On his part, Prime Minister Simitis has stressed the need for
consideration by the IGC of European citizens' concerns on
employment and external security and therefore, solidarity
between the member-states regarding the guarantee of respect of
the Union' s external borders.
[09] G. Papandreou comments on Athens' efforts for peace in region
Athens, 07/12/1996 (ANA)
Greece is focusing efforts on development and reinforcing
co-operation in the Balkan region, Alternate Foreign Minister
George Papandreou told an interview with the BBC yesterday.
Referring to Greece's traditional ties with the countries of the
region, as well as Greece's participation in the peace
initiatives and the reconstruction of Yugoslavia, Mr. Papandreou
said Greece was pressuring the former warring states to
consolidate peace in the region.
Mr. Papandreou said regional co-operation could lead to an
environment of stability, which is necessary for the
consolidation of peace.
"Our aim is to create a multinational community operating at the
principles of human rights protection, stability and economic
development," he said.
[10] Navy honors its patron saint
Athens, 07/12/1996 (ANA)
The Hellenic Navy celebrated its patron, Agios Nicholas,
yesterday at a special ceremony at the Naval Cadets Academy in
the presence of President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos.
Also present were National Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos,
National Defense Under-secretary Dimitris Apostolakis, the armed
forces leadership and other national and local officials.
In a statement, Mr. Tsohatzopoulos praised the efforts of the
Hellenic Navy in achieving national goals. At the same time, he
referred to the sacrifices of its members this year, who lost
their lives serving duty.
Mr. Tsohatzopoulos reiterated that the state will support every
effort and initiative by the navy for its modernization and
restructuring, as well as for the improvement of its staff.
In his order of the day, Navy General Staff Chief Rear-Adm.
Leonidas Paliogiorgos referred to increasing Turkish
provocativeness and said the Aegean, an inseparable part of
Hellenism which starts in Thrace and ends in Cyprus, is
threatened by Turkish expansionism.
[11] Apostolakis notes importance of Balkan co-operation in defense
sector
Athens, 07/12/1996 (ANA)
National Defense Under-secretary Dimitris Apostolakis told a
symposium here yesterday that Greece's policy in the Balkans was
aimed at further developing co-operation with its northern
neighbors, which included co-operation in the defense sector.
Mr. Apostolakis cited Greece's co-operation with Albania and
Bulgaria within the framework of the program "Partnership for
Peace", preliminary steps being taken as part of the program in
the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) as well as the
country's participation in the implementation of the Bosnian
peace accord.
He was speaking at the opening session of a two-day
international symposium on the subject of "Balkans and
Mediterranean - partners for stability and co-operation - The
role of international organizations - The role of Greece",
organized by the Greek Association for Atlantic and European
Co-operation.
Greece's position, Mr. Apostolakis said, was that southeastern
Europe should constitute an integral part of European structures
and the countries of the region should be incorporated in
European organizations.
"The new Europe must be built without new dividing lines on the
basis of the principles which govern international law and the
relevant treaties. The use of force or the threat of force as a
means of solving any disputes between countries cannot be
accepted," he said.
[12] Rozakis says latest Turkish policy forwarding 'territorial
claims"
Athens, 07/12/1996 (ANA)
Foreign Under-secretary Christos Rozakis told Parliament
yesterday that Turkey was following a "slippery" road and new
tactics, which he described as "creeping territorial claims."
The issue of Greek-Turkish relations and the government's
foreign policy was brought up in Parliament following questions
by main opposition New Democracy deputies.
Mr. Rozakis said resorting to the International Court at The
Hague was the final option for peaceful settlement. He said the
other option would be to resume negotiations, "a process from
which Greece has a bitter experience."
Regarding US initiatives, the foreign under-secretary said the
government had to consider them first before deciding whether to
accept or reject them.
New Democracy leader Miltiades Evert likened the possibility of
Greece resorting to the International Court at the Hague to
signing an agreement with Turkey for six nautical miles in the
Aegean, and thus abandoning negotiation leverage.
Replying to criticism regarding a US proposed moratorium of
military overflights as part of a variety of measures aimed to
reduce political tension in Cyprus, Mr. Rozakis said
consultations at the moment were focusing on mere thoughts and
not proposals.
[13] Simitis to officially visit The Hague this month
The Hague, 07/12/1996 (ANA / AFP)
Prime Minister Costas Simitis will pay a visit to the
Netherlands on Dec. 12, according to a report by the Dutch
government's information service (RVD) yesterday.
During his stay in the country, Mr. Simitis will hold talks with
his Dutch counterpart Vim Kok, sources said.
[14] More Turkish violations of Greek airspace reported
Athens, 07/12/1996 (ANA)
Turkish aircraft formations violated air traffic regulations in
the Athens Flight Information Region (FIR) and Greek national
airspace on eight occasions yesterday between Lesvos and Hios,
east of Rhodes and between Limnos and Lesvos, reports state.
In all cases, the Turkish aircraft were intercepted and escorted
out of Greek airspace by Hellenic Air Force fighter planes.
Meanwhile, the Turkish military exercise codenamed "Gildirim
Deniz" currently being carried out in international waters in
the central Aegean is scheduled to end this morning.
According to reports, yesterday's exercises were held off the
coast of Skyros, outside Greek territorial waters.
[15] Stephanopoulos to tour flood-stricken regions
Athens, 07/12/1996 (ANA)
President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos will visit the
flood-stricken prefecture of Xanthi today, traveling by military
helicopter from Thessaloniki and remaining in the city of Xanthi
until the afternoon.
During his stay, he will be briefed on damages caused by the
floods from regional officials.
Mr. Stephanopoulos will tour the city of Xanthi and probably
other stricken areas.
[16] Evert to meet with ND cadres in Achaia
Athens, 07/12/1996 (ANA)
Main opposition New Democracy party leader Miltiades Evert will
arrive in Patra this afternoon for contacts with party cadres
from the Achaia region and western Greece.
Mr. Evert will speak at a hotel at 7 in the evening and will
refer to the current political situation prevailing in the
country.
He will also take the opportunity to meet representatives of the
business and social partner sectors and comment on the issue of
the farmers' mobilizations.
[17] No decision taken on Cyprus flyover moratorium, Reppas says
Athens, 07/12/1996 (ANA)
The government said yesterday that a dialogue on the issue of a
possible moratorium on flyovers by combat aircraft over Cyprus
had ended and that no decisions had been taken.
Government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said that "in the present
circumstances there can be no agreement concerning a moratorium
on overflights over Cyprus", citing inter alia recent statements
by Turkish President Suleyman Demirel. The United States pro
posed a moratorium on flyovers as a measure aimed at reducing
tension and the potential for violence on the divided island.
[18] Athens rejects charges of mistreatment of immigrants
Athens, 07/12/1996 (ANA)
The government said yesterday that no one should doubt Greece's
willingness to be a host country for the citizens of other
states, in response to a reference in the annual report of the
New York-based Human Rights Watch.
Government spokesman Dimitris Reppas made the statement when
asked to comment on a reference in the report claiming that the
fate of nine Albanians was still unknown following police
round-ups and deportations of illegal immigrants in March.
"The authors of such reports should know that Greek society is
at a very high level in this respect, indeed a level which many
other countries should envy," Mr. Reppas said.
[19] US displeased over convicted terrorists' early release
Athens, 07/12/1996 (ANA)
The United States on Thursday expressed displeasure over the
release and deportation of convicted Palestinian terrorist
Mohammed Rashid by Greece.
According to an ANA dispatch from Washington, State Department
spokesman Nicholas Burns told a press briefing that Rashid "is a
terrorist who deserves to be behind bars," adding "it is
inexplicable to us why he would have been allowed to leave
Greece be fore serving his just sentence... This is an
incomprehensible move."
Rashid left Greece on Thursday after being freed from prison
early for good behavior after serving 8.5 years of a 15-year
sentence.
"We understand that the Council (of Piraeus) based its decision
on the fact that Mr. Rashid was a model prisoner. This is an
extraordinary assessment, given that Mr. Rashid led a prison
uprising, while prohibited goods and weapons were found in his
cell," Mr. Burns said.
He said the US government had conveyed its positions to the
Greek government in Athens and the Greek Embassy in Washington.
Rashid, 46, was sentenced to 18 years imprisonment by a Greek
court in 1992 for premeditated murder in the 1982 midair bombing
of a Pan American airliner in which a Japanese teenager was
killed.
In 1993 his sentence was reduced to 15 years, while a parole
court recently ruled that he could be freed after serving 8.5
years, but must be expelled immediately. His time in detention
before his sentencing was calculated as part of his sentence.
He was taken to Athens airport after his release where he
boarded a flight to Cairo, from where he was to travel to Tunis.
[20] Relief aid funneled to Thrace
Athens, 07/12/1996 (ANA)
Citibank has donated 20 million drachmas to the Greek Red Cross
to help relieve the plight of residents in Thrace affected by
last weekend's heavy rains, which resulted in flooding and four
deaths.
The donation was originally to be given as Christmas gifts to
the bank's customers and clients. Meanwhile, the environment,
town planning and public works ministry yesterday sent a further
130 million drachmas to the Xanthi prefecture for flood victims,
many of whom have been left homeless. The money, from the
ministry's reserve fund, will be given to victims on the basis
of lists drawn up by municipal and community authorities.
Each family affected by the floods is entitled to the sum of
200,000 drachmas as emergency relief aid. At the same time,
residents of flooded villages began to be vaccinated yesterday
by members of the Red Cross in an effort to prevent the outbreak
and spread of diseases.
[21] ITO Conference
Athens, 07/12/1996 (ANA)
The first conference of the International Trade Organization,
focusing on the free movement of goods, will be held on December
in Singapore with the participation of 124 countries.
Greece will be represented at the meeting by National Economy
Under-secretary Alexandros Baltas and the ministry's
Secretary-General Nikos Zachariadis.
End of English language section.
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