Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 97-01-18

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

ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No 1092), January 18, 1997

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

CONTENTS

[01] Prime minister reiterates support for Cyprus' defense effort

[02] Clerides' meeting with Stephanopoulos

[03] Gov't spokesman

[04] EU foreign minister to discuss Cyprus situation

[05] Simitis says renewed threats of farmers' blockades equal 'blackmail'

[06] Tzoumakas accuses KKE of undermining efforts

[07] Opposition

[08] Reppas

[09] Industrialists' address to Simitis

[10] State Dept. refers to US envoy's mission over Cyprus

[11] Bonn appoints official to permanently monitor Cyprus issue

[12] G. Papandreou meets with British MPs O' Hara, Cox

[13] Vartholomeos meets with Cavanaugh

[14] Foreign ministry's Balkan affairs director meets with Italian counterparts

[15] Six-nation group of writers meet in Sweden to discuss Rhodes literature center

[16] Greek researchers present new 'hi-tech' cigarette filter

[17] Piraeus court rules seamen's strike illegal

[18] Int't business conference in Piraeus

[19] Cretabank sale falls through after sole bidder withdraws

[20] National Olympic committees from eight Balkan nations meet in Athens

[21] Greek judges to officiate World Athletics Championships

[22] Migrating swans get little respite from cold

[23] Airport Strike 'unjustified', official says

[24] Zero coupons to be issued Monday

[01] Prime minister reiterates support for Cyprus' defense effort

Athens, 18/1/1997 (ANA):

"Greece fully supports the Cypriot people's struggle, and we clearly back Cyprus' defense effort," Mr. Simitis told reporters after a meeting with visiting Cyprus President Glafcos Clerides.

Nicosia earlier this month announced the purchase of the advanced Russian-made S-300 anti-aircraft missiles, which elicited strong reactions and threats of military strikes against the island republic by Ankara.

During the meeting, Mr. Simitis said all recent developments on the issue were examined, while the unity and determination of the Greek people for finding a peaceful solution to the problem was underlined.

President Clerides, on his part, underlined the "unwavering position" of his government for reinforcement of Cyprus' defense capability, adding that the meeting confirmed that the defense co-operation between Greece and Cyprus within the framework of the joint defense doctrine is a steady choice of the two governments.

Mr. Simitis added that "our decision to promote President Clerides' proposition for the demilitarization of Cyprus is also steady."

Other high-ranking officials attending the meeting included the defense ministers of Greece and Cyprus, Akis Tsohatzopoulos and Costas Eliades, respectively, the two countries' foreign ministers, Theodoros Pangalos and Alecos Michaelides, Greek Alternat e Foreign Minister George Papandreou as well as newly appointed Foreign Under-secretary Yiannos Kranidiotis, Press Minister Dimitris Reppas and Cypriot government spokesman Yiannakis Cassoulides.

Mr. Simitis said that during the meeting, both international and domestic aspects of the Cyprus problem were discussed, as were all possible scenarios in view of "the opening of accession negotiations (to the European Union) and in view of the various initiatives which are being announced."

The prime minister called on the international community to tell Turkey to "stop cultivating false tension, emitting threats in violation of international law" in order to create the most suitable climate for the holding of talks.

"On our side," he added, "we are ready to contribute to the safeguarding of this climate, but within a prospect for a solution under the condition that fundamental rights will not be violated and the security of Cyprus will not be harmed."

President Clerides expressed his satisfaction over the results of yesterday's meeting, which he said confirmed that "we have common positions on the Cyprus issue."

Replying to a press question regarding whether there was any agreement on a moratorium of military flights over Cyprus, Mr. Simitis said that it is not possible for there to be an abandonment of the Cypriot Republic's legal rights.

However, he noted that Cyprus can, in order for it to ease the climate of negotiations, to take whatever decisions it believes will promote a solution to the Cyprus issue whenever it deems this to be necessary.

Replying to another question regarding the moratorium, Mr. Clerides said that "if we ourselves judge that any tension must be avoided in order for negotiations which have already started to be safeguarded, then it is an issue which we will examine."

[02] Clerides' meeting with Stephanopoulos

Athens, 18/1/1997 (ANA):

Neither president made statements after the 40-minute meeting, which was also attended by the rest of the Cypriot delegation and the island republic's ambassador in Athens, Charalambos Christoforou.

Tomorrow, Mr. Clerides is due to meet with main opposition New Democracy party leader Miltiades Evert, former premier Constantine Mitsotakis and representatives of the Federation of Cypriots in Greece.

[03] Gov't spokesman

Athens, 18/1/1997 (ANA):

Mr. Reppas said that there was interest in raising the Cyprus issue, including the missile deployment issue, at the EU General Affairs Council on Monday, adding that Athens had strong arguments, which it had already set out to European governments on a bilateral level.

[04] EU foreign minister to discuss Cyprus situation

Brussels, 18/1/1997 (ANA - M. Spinthourakis/M. Savva)

The Cyprus issue will be discussed at the luncheon on Monday during which only the 15 EU foreign ministers will be present, although it is highly unlikely that a common statement will be issued following the meeting.

Yesterday, the European Commissioner for external relations Hans van den Broek was due to meet with the US State Department official Carey Cavanaugh following the latter's recent visit to Athens, Nicosia and Ankara.

[05] Simitis says renewed threats of farmers' blockades equal 'blackmail'

Athens, 18/1/1997 (ANA):

Speaking in Parliament during a scheduled debate on agricultural policy, Mr. Simitis addressed himself to opposition parties, saying "no government, no society can tolerate the coercion of the few, coercion which tramples on the rights of other citizens, their freedom and daily struggle for their own income".

The premier said the opposition parties had a duty to make it quite clear whether they supported or would support the protest actions announced by farmers, "which surpass all legitimate limits of our society's democratic functioning."

The Pan-Thessaly Farmers' Coordinating Committee on Wednesday announced that farmers would begin protests on Jan. 28, gradually escalating until Feb. 4 when they would resume road and rail blockades - mobilizations that caused widespread nationwide disruptions last December.

Continuing his criticism of the stance of opposition parties on farmers' protests, Mr. Simitis said "those who wish to indulge in demagoguery must realize that the Greek people are not willing to support a course which leads to the destruction of the agricultural economy and Greek society as a whole." During his 50-minute speech, Mr. Simitis announced that the government would soon table a draft law introducing special tax measures and additional loan terms as incentives for young farmers.

The measures, he said, would be part of a 14-point framework of intervention in the agricultural sector.

[06] Tzoumakas accuses KKE of undermining efforts

Athens, 18/1/1997 (ANA):

"The government has announced a realistic policy for the problems facing farmers, which include long-term solutions giving the Greek farming community the means to deal with competition in a united Europe," the minister said in Parliament.

Mr. Tzoumakas stressed that "infrastructural" problems plagued Greek agriculture, admitting that previous PASOK governments were also in part to blame for the current situation.

"What is needed is a national strategy so that problems can have their solutions," he said.

He called the farmers' demands "groundless and beyond all logic", adding that if the government agreed to write-off all overdue interest payments, it would cost the state 318 billion drachmas.

Mr. Tzoumaks added that rescheduling debts in the manner demanded by farmers would cost the budget 70 billion drachmas annually, rising to 130 billion drachmas in the fifth year.

[07] Opposition

Athens, 18/1/1997 (ANA):

He also accused the government of refusing to hold a dialogue with the protesting farmers, adding that the government itself was ultimately responsible for the situation in the agricultural sector.

He also referred to what he called the "lost opportunity" afforded by European Union funds, which he said had been wasted on consumer goods instead of investments.

The government had also failed to support Greek agricultural produce such as cotton, tobacco, rice, grains olive oil and wine during discussions in Brussels, he went on, accusing the prime minister of incompetence.

Finally, he urged Mr. Simitis to keep his campaign promise that the agriculture ministry would secure cotton producers' incomes at last year's prices and would compensate those who had suffered losses. Mr. Evert also called for a faster absorption of EU funds for regional development projects and land reclamation works.

KKE secretary general Aleka Papariga also attacked the government for its handling of agricultural policy and the farmers' protests.

The government's positions on lawful order and anarchy "is the green light for the prosecution of farmers defending the agricultural economy of the country and the interests of small- and medium-sized farming," Ms Papariga said.

"The farmers are not a minority and agriculture does not have the luxury of waiting," she said. "The problems of agriculture are directly connected to mass unemployment, new poverty and a total downgrading of the quality of life."

Coalition of the Left and Progress leader Nikos Constantopoulos called on the government to hold talks with farmers immediately.

"Dialogue, however," he warned, "for solutions not for alibis; dialogue with propositions, not slogans; ongoing dialogue, not opportunistic."

He criticized the government for not having an agricultural policy or plans to protect farmers and said debts should be immediately rescheduled, auctions frozen and decisions taken on developing and modernizing the sector.

Democratic Social Movement (DHKKI) leader Dimitris Tsovolas condemned the government's handling of agricultural issues, saying that the government had become "administrators of vested interests".

"The recent protests were the tip of the iceberg," he warned, adding that the government's claims of the need to modernize concealed the deeper truth, namely, that its policy made "the rich richer and the poor poorer".

Political Spring (Pol.An) leader Antonis Samaras also criticized the government's handling of the crisis in the agricultural sector following the announcement by the farmers' unions of new strike actions.

Mr. Samaras accused the prime minister of not having realized that farmers' incomes were decreasing and debts were accumulating while the "party state" remained "coldly indifferent" to the problem.

[08] Reppas

Athens, 18/1/1997 (ANA):

"The daily life of Greeks cannot be disrupted for reasons which violate the law," he added, saying this perception would guide the government's handling and adding that he hoped it would also guide the farmers.

[09] Industrialists' address to Simitis

Athens, 18/1/1997 (ANA):

The letter was sent by the Federation of Greek Industries (SEB), the Confederation of Greek Commerce, the Panhellenic Exporters' Association, the Athens Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Hoteliers' Chamber of Greece, etc.

"The recent mobilizations of farmers have had serious effects on the national economy. Unfortunately, the likelihood of repetition of similar events is again visible today, and if they take place, they will multiply the problems already created," the letter said.

It adds that the State must do its duty and protect the whole of the Greek people from the arbitrary action of groups, irrespective of the fairness or not of their demands.

[10] State Dept. refers to US envoy's mission over Cyprus

Washington, 18/1/1997 (ANA - A. Ellis)

"Mr. Cavanaugh is convinced that an agreement on a ban of flights of Greek and Turkish military aircraft over Cyprus is being seriously considered," Mr. Burns said, referring to the possibility of a moratorium.

On public assessments over the recent days concerning the handling by both sides of measures aimed at reducing tension on the "green line" dividing the island republic, Mr. Burns said UN representative in Cyprus Gustave Feissel has reportedly stated that he is optimistic over the course of talks to reduce tension along the line, after meeting Mr. Cavanaugh and Cyprus President Glafcos Clerides.

He said this was important, adding that both the UN and the US believe that the sides are facing steps aimed at minimizing sources of conflict along the cease-fire line with seriousness.

Replying to a question by a Turkish reporter, Mr. Burns said that in his talks with Mr. Clerides, Mr. Cavanaugh conveyed to him the opposition of Washington to the introduction of the Russian-made S-300 anti-aircraft missiles and the US assessment that this is a mistake.

"But this is a decision for the Cypriot government," he said.

Mr. Burns said his talks with the Turkish leadership were useful, adding that Mr. Cavanaugh will go to Brussels on Monday to meet European Union representatives.

[11] Bonn appoints official to permanently monitor Cyprus issue

Bonn, 18/1/1997 (ANA - P. Stangos)

The matter was the subject of a meeting yesterday with the participation of Foreign Under-secretary Peter Hartman and Chancellor Helmut Kohl's close aide, Rudolf Seiters.

Mr. Seiters, a former minister and Vice-President of the Christian Democrats party, has visited Cyprus and has expressed an intention to contribute constructively.

A recent statement by Christian Democratic deputy Friedbert Pflyger, which expressed doubts on the expediency of the S-300 purchase, but also condemned the Turkish threats that followed, had Mr. Seiter's full approval.

An initiative is also expected in the Bundestag.

[12] G. Papandreou meets with British MPs O' Hara, Cox

Athens, 18/1/1997 (ANA):

Talks focused on issues concerning promotion of relations between Greece and Britain in various sectors and within the framework of the European Union. Political developments in the Balkans were also discussed, as well as the role played by Greece as the sole EU member-state in the region. The Cyprus issue was also touched upon.

Additionally, prospects were examined for strengthening co-operation between PASOK and the Labor Party in the overall framework of co-operation between EU socialist parties.

[13] Vartholomeos meets with Cavanaugh

Istanbul, 18/1/1997 (ANA - A. Kourkoulas)

Speaking after the meeting, Mr. Cavanaugh said he visited the Ecumenical Patriarch in the Phanar in order to press "efforts for a reduction of tension and for peace in the region."

"We are happy for the support of our efforts, the prayers, and (Patriarch Vartholomeos') wish to do all that is possible to help reduce the problems in this region of the world," he said.

"I am certain that with his support and the support of the people of Greece, Cyprus and Turkey, solutions can be found to the problems we face today," he concluded.

[14] Foreign ministry's Balkan affairs director meets with Italian counterparts

Rome, 18/1/199 (ANA - L. Hatzikyriakos)

The talks and the exchange of views are taking place in the framework of an agreement concluded during a meeting between Premier Costas Simitis and Italian Prime Minister Romano Prodi on coordinating the two countries' political and economic activities in the Balkans.

Mr. Kypraios also briefed Italian officials on contacts Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos had with Serb President Slobodan Milosevic and a delegation of the opposition last week.

[15] Six-nation group of writers meet in Sweden to discuss Rhodes literature center

Stockholm, 18/1/1997 (ANA - N. Servetas)

The Center, created at the initiative of the Greek and Swedish writers' unions, was inaugurated last September and will host the first writers/translators next month.

A similar center operates on the Swedish island of Gotland since 1993.

"The Gotland and Rhodes centers have been adopted by UNESCO as literature translation centers. This recognition alone gives them great prestige," Peter Coorman, the former chairman of the Swedish Writers' Union and current chairman of Sweden's Artists' Council told ANA.

The committee discussing the drafting of the charter was formed in Thessaloniki in 1995, and includes writers from Greece, Sweden, Turkey, Norway, Germany and the Ukraine.

Greek writer Thanasis Valtinos, a member of the Greek delegation, said "the Rhodes and Gotland centers create a north-south axis. In Rhodes, writers will have the possibility of acquainting themselves and working in Greece."

The committee will also meet Swedish Culture Minister Marita Ulfsug during dinner at the Hellenic Culture Center in Stockholm.

In addition, the Rhodes center plans to present book titles, small summaries and data on translations through the worldwide Internet computer web, thus allowing readers the ability to order copies without the intermediation of publishers. Publishers, on the other hand, will be able to request excerpts in order to study them and decide whether to publish the books in their respective languages.

Further details will be announced at a press conference on Monday.

[16] Greek researchers present new 'hi-tech' cigarette filter

Athens, 18/1/1997 (ANA):

Details on the filter were announced at a press conference by Athens University physiology professor Ioannis Stavridis, assistant professor G. Deloconstantinos and the director of the Onassion Heart Surgery Center's medical service, Prof. S. Geroulanos.

The new filter, according to its creators, provides effective protection against both tar and cigarette emissions. In addition, they said the cost of its production isn't higher than that of conventional filters, while at the same time preserving cigarettes' fragrant ingredients and without changing their taste.

The new filter reportedly has the same appearance as conventional cigarette filters.

Medical research over the past few decades has linked cigarette smoking with a number of health problems in the respiratory and cardiac systems, among others.

According to Prof. Stavridis, the basic ingredient of the biological filter's is hemoglobin, which is found in the pores of active charcoal. He said the filter can withhold or neutralize carcinogens - such as nitrogen monoxide derivatives - to a high degree.

[17] Piraeus court rules seamen's strike illegal

Athens, 18/1/1997 (ANA):

The Panhellenic Seamen's Union (PNO) decided late Thursday night to extend a four-day strike - due to end at 6 a.m. yesterday - for another four days until Tuesday morning.

The strike affects Greek-flagged vessels of all categories as well as foreign-flagged vessels employing Greek merchant seamen.

PNO is pressing demands for increased insurance and unemployment benefits, an increase in minimum pensions and preservation of tax breaks enjoyed since 1955.

The court, acting on a lawsuit filed by the shipowners' federation, ruled that if seamen do not call off their strike within the day, the 14 trade unionists comprising the PNO administration would be sentenced to two months' detention and a 100,000 drachmas fine for each violation of the court ruling.

In Kavala, meanwhile, workers on ferry boats and hydrofoils in the Kavala prefecture suspended their strike, with all scheduled routes operating normally since yesterday morning.

[18] Int't business conference in Piraeus

Athens, 18/1/1997 (ANA):

The meeting will take place within the framework of Europartenariat Hellas program in Piraeus on June 23-24.

The event, in which more than 3,000 enterprises from 77 countries will participate, is supported by the national economy ministry and the European Union.

[19] Cretabank sale falls through after sole bidder withdraws

Athens, 18/1/1997 (ANA):

The committee formed to evaluate purchase offers for Cretabank convened yesterday morning.

Quite suddenly however, the Bank of Piraeus at noon yesterday informed the committee that it was withdrawing from the auction, effectively putting an end to the procedure.

[20] National Olympic committees from eight Balkan nations meet in Athens

Athens, 18/1/1997 (ANA):

The president of the Olympic Games Committee, Antonis Zikas, spoke of the decisiveness of the committees for peace and friendship in the Balkans, and referred to the introduction of "Olympic education" into schools in the Balkans.

The conference is scheduled to end on tomorrow.

[21] Greek judges to officiate World Athletics Championships

Athens, 18/1/1997 (ANA):

The final selection of judges for the championships will be carried out by the "Athens '97" technical-executive committee, in co-operation with the relevant IAAF committee.

[22] Migrating swans get little respite from cold

Athens, 18/1/1997 (ANA):

Forestry officials and hunters have been feeding the birds as well as protecting them from poachers.

Seven swans remained in the area yesterday, out of some dozens spotted on previous days.

There has been widespread local interest in the phenomenon, since older residents of this northern border region have no recollection of migrating swans visiting the area in recent years.

[23] Airport Strike 'unjustified', official says

Athens, 18/1/1997 (ANA):

In fact, he added, in 1996 civil aviation workers received substantial increases in benefits, the average monthly benefit totaling 320,000 drachmas.

OSYPA has announced four-hour work stoppages today and tomorrow from 14.00-18.00 for air traffic controllers and electronic engineers. The latter also held a work stoppage the same times yesterday. The other sectors have announced three 24-hour strikes beginning at 00.01 on Saturday and ending at 24.00 on Monday.

[24] Zero coupons to be issued Monday

Athens, 18/1/1997 (ANA):

Small investors will be able to replace their treasury bills with a similar title of greater duration.

The coupons will be available to the public at prices lower than their nominal value. Titles priced at one million drachmas will be available for 821,957 drachmas and buyers will receive 986,647 drachmas in two years' time, less the 13,353 drachmas tax.

The interest rate for the zero coupons will be 10.3 percent.

End of English language section.

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