Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 97-01-02
From: The Greek Press & Information Office, Ottawa Canada <grnewsca@sympatico.ca>
ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No. 1079), January 2, 1997
Greek Press & Information Office
Ottawa, Canada
E-Mail Address: grnewsca@sympatico.ca
CONTENTS
[01] 1997 a year of consolidation for Greece
[02] Prime Minister
[03] Thessaloniki New Year festivities ushers in Cultural Capital
events
[04] President, political leaders attend traditional New Year Service
at Athens Cathedral
[05] Athenians see in the New Year
[06] Three infants arrive in time for New Year
[07] 24-year-old last road fatality of the year
[08] President receives New Year wishes
[09] Roussel files appeal
[10] Bodies continue to be recovered from Distos
[11] New lending library in Gjirokaster seeks to bolster links
between Greece, Albania
[12] Exports of crude from Prinos field reach 50,000 tonnes per month
[13] Temporary residence permit for foreigners ready soon,
Papaioannou says
[14] Supreme Court prosecutor urges action on radio, television piracy
[15] News in Brief
[01] 1997 a year of consolidation for Greece
Athens, 02/01/1997 (ANA)
Greece's political leadership expressed its best wishes for the
New Year, stressing the need to put the country on course for
European unification and economic development, and that Greece
was on the brink of wide-reaching changes .
In a New Year's message on Tuesday, President Kostis
Stephanopoulos expressed satisfaction over the "impeccable way
with which democratic institutions have functioned", adding that
the country's economic development can be achieved with a
continuous effort by all.
"Proceeding together with the other peoples of Europe in the
coming century is a matter of national pride for the Greek
people. We must not be last," he said.
"Economic development is never achieved in a spectacular way. It
is achieved gradually with continuous effort which must be made
by all to enable Greece to gain the position suiting it in
Europe. economic effort we have undertaken is not only impose d
on us by the agreements concluded in the framework of Europe, it
is also imposed on us for the sake of ourselves, for the sake of
our very country to enable it to develop, strengthen itself and
prosper," he said.
President Stephanopoulos said economic development will help the
country promote achievements in the cultural sector with greater
success than in the past and render its national identity a
leading element in the modern European civilization.
[02] Prime Minister
Athens, 02/01/1997 (ANA)
Prime Minister Costas Simitis said he addressed his message
bearing in mind the families of the victims of the Distos
tragedy over the weekend in which 20 crew-members and others
were lost.
"The thoughts of all of us are with the families of the victims
of the maritime tragedy. I wish to express my sorrow to you and
assure that the state will stand by their side," he said.
Mr. Simitis said the historic opportunities being presented for
the country are related to the achievement of the targets of
promoting modernization, building a modern social state and
Greece's equal participation in European Union developments and
the country's new role in the Balkans and Europe.
Mr. Simitis said all together experienced the major political
changes which characterized 1996, the end of the cycle of the
post-junta era and the beginning of the new cycle of the
country's political and social modernization.
"But we also experienced economic and social changes. Our
society and economy are experiencing more intensely even at
present the consequences from the internationalization of
transactions and the continuous change of correlations in the
international framework. However, there are at the same time
more possibilities and opportunities," he said.
Mr. Simitis said that for the first time in the post-war era
Greece is faced with such great historic opportunities, adding
that it must achieve simultaneously four strategic targets to be
able to meet them positively.
He said it must promote society's modernization and speedy
development so as to secure a stable development prospect,
employment, prosperity and social justice for citizens.
He further said it should create a modern social state which
will take care of the weak social strata and primarily those
having real needs.
"We are living in a world in which poverty and unemployment
still have a strong presence. These days in particular, we must
consider that our society must pre-empt unhappiness," he said.
Mr. Simitis said the third strategic target is the country's
equal participation in the developments taking place in the
European Union. He said that Greece's accession to Economic and
Monetary Union is not a simple economic target, adding that
Greece's participation in this new decision-taking center is a
matter of national importance.
He said the fourth target is Greece's new role in the
geopolitical environment being shaped in the Balkans and the
Mediterranean.
"For this plan to become reality, what is necessary is a
systematic and laborious effort by all the living forces in
Greek society and particularly the new generation. In any case,
this plan is the proposal for the new generation's future," he
said.
Mr. Simitis further said the most visible difficulty is Turkey's
expansionist policy, a policy obliging Greece to embark on
armaments which are disproportionate to its economic and social
pursuits.
"We will continue to steadfastly pursue a policy of peace and
friendship. In the same way we will steadfastly continue efforts
to have the Cyprus issue resolved in accordance with UN
resolutions. There will be increased mobility in the New Year in
relation to all these issues. Prudence and cool-headedness will
be required," he added.
Mr. Simitis said tomorrow depended on all, adding that it was
not only distant state authorities, the government, parties and
politics which define daily reality.
"We all play a role. Let us carry it out as positively as we
can. Then 1997 will be a more creative year for all," he said.
In his message, main opposition New Democracy party leader
Miltiades Evert referred to the possibility of the country's
political forces "to avert unfavorable events and bring a strong
hope to our Greece."
Commenting on the past year, he said there were "accumulated
economic and social problems", adding that "for the first time
Greek territory was disputed."
Mr. Evert said that on national issues "international
initiatives and interventions are expected" for which "there is
no suitable national preparation" and repeated that "it is
necessary for us to define a unified long-term national
strategy."
"The duty of all of us is to seek an immediate solution to the
problems of the people through dialogue," he said, adding that
inciting conflicts between social groups is a mistake.
A message by the Executive Bureau of the ruling PASOK party's
Central Committee expressed optimism that PASOK will achieve
targets set for 1997 with the participation of the people.
Political Spring party leader Antonis Samaras said "the new year
will determine the result of the battle for the year 2000." He
made the assessment that the Greeks were entering the New Year
without "a policy and political consensus on the economy, with
out a clear foreign policy and in a climate of strong
unreliability and with the social classes protesting".
[03] Thessaloniki New Year festivities ushers in Cultural Capital
events
Athens, 02/01/1997 (ANA)
Greece's northern port city of Thessaloniki marked the advent of
1997 with city-wide festivities that bodes well for the city's
tenure as Cultural Capital of Europe.
"Thessaloniki, the tender north of Greece, capital of southern
Europe, a city of history, youth, daring and music...
Thessaloniki, the Lady of the Balkans, is as of today also the
Cultural Capital of Europe," renowned Greek tragedian Irene
Pappas told a gathering of thousands in the city's center,
ushering in the New Year and inaugurating the year-long Cultural
Capital events.
Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos told the huge crowd of
personalities and city residents he had "fighting optimism"
about the success of Thessaloniki's term as Cultural Capital of
Europe.
The heavy fog covering the coast around Thessaloniki's most
famous landmark, the White Tower, gave the entire scene an
ethereal feel, making an ideal backdrop for the Byzantine hymns
sung by Irene Pappas, accompanied by a choir.
The Cultural Capital inaugural events continued with dozens of
musical groups performing from five outdoor stages set up for
the events, ranging from old Greek rembetika to jazz, latino and
rock groups, including world-renowned rocker Bob Geldof.
But festivities also took place all along the coast, with
pantomime troupes, artists and jugglers, while various stands
offered revelers traditional "mezedes" (snacks) and sweets,
courtesy of the Thessaloniki Cultural Capital of Europe
Organization.
[04] President, political leaders attend traditional New Year Service
at Athens Cathedral
Athens, 02/01/1997 (ANA)
The traditional New Year Service was celebrated yesterday at the
Athens Cathedral in the presence of President of the Republic
Kostis Stephanopoulos and attended by the country's entire
political, judicial and military leadership.
President Stephanopoulos wished all Greeks health and happiness
for the New Year, and expressed the hope that all would go well
for the country, wishes that were also expressed by Prime
Minister Costas Simitis.
Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis stressed the need for
a sense of seriousness and responsibility in the country's
political affairs. He wished the Greeks a peaceful and happy
1997, and predicted that the country would do well in its
national and domestic matters.
Main opposition New Democracy leader Miltiades Evert wished
national unanimity for the difficult days he predicted were
ahead, while Coalition of the Left and Progress leader Nikos
Constantopoulos wished for days with more hope and less worry,
adding that Greece needed more creativity and less inhumanity.
Athens Mayor Dimitris Avramopoulos hoped for collective progress
and for all the gentle elements and characteristics of the Greek
people to be brought to the forefront.
[05] Athenians see in the New Year
Athens, 02/01/1997 (ANA)
Thousands of Athenians converged on the city's central Syntagma
Square on Tuesday night to see in the New Year with fireworks
and music.
The lighting of the city's Christmas tree - the tallest
Christmas tree in Europe with its 90,000 sparkling lights - also
lit a ray of hope in the Athenians' hearts for a good year ahead.
Balloons, treats, a concert by popular Greek singers, gifts and
Santa Clauses entertained revelers. A hush fell over the crowd
as all lights went out one minute before midnight, followed by
an explosion of fireworks and well-wishes as 1996 was relegated
to the past and 1997 made its entrance.
The Athens Municipality-sponsored outdoor New Year celebration,
in its second year, has become a popular custom, drawing
increasing numbers of Athenians to the festivities.
[06] Three infants arrive in time for New Year
Athens, 02/01/1997 (ANA)
Three babies were born in Athens with the coming of the New
Year. An infant girl weighing 3.3 kilograms and an infant boy
weighing 3.05 kilograms were born at 12:01 midnight at the Iaso
Maternity Hospital in Athens, while another little girl weighing
3.55 kilograms was born at the same time at the Mitera Maternity
Hospital.
[07] 24-year-old last road fatality of the year
Athens, 02/01/1997 (ANA)
Athanasios Mylonas, 24, was the last person to be killed in a
traffic accident in 1996. Four and a half hours before the end
of the year he lost his life when his car overturned on the
Serres-Thessaloniki motorway.
During the first 12 hours of the New Year, and for the first
time in many years, no one was reported killed in a traffic
accident throughout the country. In past years, it was usual for
a fatality to be recorded a few minutes or 2-3 hours into the
New Year.
[08] President receives New Year wishes
Athens, 02/01/1997 (ANA)
President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos yesterday
received the best wishes of the political, religious and armed
forces leadership at a reception at noon yesterday at the
Presidential Mansion.
Prime Minister Costas Simitis, Foreign Minister Theodoros
Pangalos, Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis and
political party leaders were among those in attendance.
Mr. Stephanopoulos told Merchant Marine Minister Stavros
Soumakis that he hoped "it would be a long while before any more
other accidents", referring to the capsizing of the Distos over
the weekend which took the lives of 20.
He also thanked Athens Mayor Dimitris Avramopoulos for the
city's New Year celebrations.
[09] Roussel files appeal
Athens, 02/01/1997 (ANA)
French businessman Thierry Roussel submitted a retraction appeal
to the Supreme Court, calling for revocation of decree number
4400/96 issued by the Athens Misdemeanors Council which had
acquitted the Onassis Foundation's administration of the charge
of bad faith following a lawsuit he filed.
Mr. Roussel maintains that the decree being contested required
serious indications of mismanagement at the Foundation, while it
should have conducted investigations for adequate indications.
An appeal had also been filed against the same decree which had
been overruled by an appeals court prosecutor.
[10] Bodies continue to be recovered from Distos
Athens, 02/01/1997 (ANA)
Five seamen were still missing as the death toll from Saturday's
capsize of the Greek-flagged dry bulk carrier "Distos" reached
15.
Among the bodies recovered are the two wives of crew-members and
the 12-year-old daughter of one.
Divers are continuing to search the half-sunk ship and comb the
surrounding sea area for the missing persons off Kymi, Evia,
where the freighter was overturned by two large waves causing
its cement cargo to shift.
The ship's captain, Yannis Tsitsirikis, was identified among the
bodies retrieved.
[11] New lending library in Gjirokaster seeks to bolster links
between Greece, Albania
Gjirokaster, 02/01/1997 (ANA)
A lending library for Greeks and Albanians has been operating at
the Greek General Consulate in Gjirokaster since Monday.
The library was inaugurated by General Consul Nikos Kanellos,
who stressed the significance of developing Greek-Albanian
relations. The library contains 1,300 titles provided by various
institutions in Greece and is the result of personal efforts by
the general consul himself.
A press department will also operate, primarily to serve
journalists, providing Greek newspapers and other publications.
Gjirokaster Mayor Mr. Aslani said the library is an important
possession for the city's rich and traditional culture and a
cultural communications institution linking Greeks and Albanians.
The Archbishop of Tirana and all Albania Anastasios, who
attended the inauguration ceremony, announced that a similar
library will be created at the Gjirokaster archdiocese.
[12] Exports of crude from Prinos field reach 50,000 tonnes per month
Athens, 02/01/1997 (ANA)
Exports of crude oil from the Prinos oil-field off the island of
Thassos, estimated at $4.5-5.4 million, have been resumed at a
rate of 50,000 tonnes per month.
Exports of oil from the Prinos field had declined sharply in
early 1996 as the deposit had reached a marginal level that
barely met the NAPC's contractual obligations. But a secondary
oil deposit discovered near the primary oil-field increased
production from 9-10,000 barrels of crude per day to about
14,500-15,000 barrels daily.
The crude oil is loaded at the North Aegean Petroleum Company's
(NAPC) land installations in Nea Karvali, Kavala and shipped by
tanker to France on behalf of BP.
The Greek state is participating in the net profits, while BP
pays $15-18 per barrel due to the upward trend in petrol prices
internationally.
[13] Temporary residence permit for foreigners ready soon,
Papaioannou says
Athens, 02/01/1997 (ANA)
Labor and Social Security Minister Miltiades Papaioannou said
Tuesday the presidential decree on granting a temporary
residence permit card for foreigners in Greece will be ready in
a few weeks time.
Mr. Papaioannou made his statement while attending an event
organized by the Polish immigrant community in Athens. Also
present were Labor Under-secretary Christos Protopapas,
Secretary-General Vassilis Bakatsoulas and President of the
Workers' Guild Dimitra Spiliopoulou.
Mr. Papaioannou called on the immigrants to respond promptly and
willingly to the Greek authorities' call and join processes
required for the residence card. He was given a warm welcome by
hundreds of Polish immigrants.
The event was jointly organized by the Polish priests and
teachers of the Polish school in Athens. At the end of the
ceremony, the Workers' Guild offered cakes, books, theater
tickets and many other gifts to immigrant children.
[14] Supreme Court prosecutor urges action on radio, television piracy
Athens, 02/01/1997 (ANA)
The Supreme Court prosecutor Panayiotis Dimopoulos has sent a
memorandum to all appeals court prosecutors in the country
regarding criminal sanctions for infringements of copyright and
intellectual property.
The violation of intellectual property is considered to be theft
of goods and offenders can receive up to 10 years jail and fines
of up to 20 million drachmas, the memorandum noted.
Mr. Dimopoulos said he had noted the country's judicial
authorities were dragging their feet on dealing with the
"worrying dimensions" that radio and television piracy had taken.
He added that the incidence of piracy harmed Greece's reputation
internationally, could not be allowed to continue and must be
combated with legal means.
[15] News in Brief
Athens, 02/01/1997 (ANA)
The merchant marine ministry has submitted a draft presidential
decree to the Council of State sharply raising fines imposed for
sea pollution caused by dumping petrol, residue and other
materials from ships.
The decree doubles fines already in effect, and in certain cases
increases them tenfold, and raises the largest fine to 250
million drachmas from the current 150 million drachmas.
End of English language section.
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