Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 97-01-20

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

ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No 1093), January 20, 1997

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

CONTENTS

[01] Clerides: Proposed moratorium on military overflights 'dead'

[02] Meetings with Evert, Mitsotakis

[03] No agreement on a moratorium

[04] Cyprus issue expected to surface at EU meeting

[05] Arsenis on official Cyprus visit

[06] Simitis to attend Socialist International meeting

[07] Weekend scuffles mark seamen's ongoing strike

[08] Air traffic controllers strike

[09] Farmers

[10] Couple convicted for stealing skeleton

[11] New entity to promote culture announced

[12] Contract for new Patras port signed

[13] Ancient marble head of Alexander the Great handed over to Thessaloniki Museum

[14] Greek-Italian trade symposium gets underway in Athens

[01] Clerides: Proposed moratorium on military overflights 'dead'

Athens, 20/01/1997 (ANA)

The meeting centered on promoting plans for defense co-operation between the two countries.

President Clerides, heading a Cypriot governmental delegation, on Friday held important talks with Prime Minister Costas Simitis.

Mr. Tsohatzopoulos noted that the Cypriot president had been given satisfactory answers to his questions, while the Greek side had been given the opportunity to draw attention to crucial points. Mr. Clerides told the press that nothing had changed regarding Cyprus' defense issues. Responding to a question on the Greek military overflights, he replied: "The mora-torium is dead".

[02] Meetings with Evert, Mitsotakis

Athens, 20/01/1997 (ANA)

Recent developments regarding the island republic's defense were discussed, as well as future initiatives in the Cyprus issue.

Following the meeting Mr. Evert stressed the mutual (Greek and Cypriot) responsibility on these issues.

"Greece could not keep passing the responsibility on to the Cypriot government and simply declaring its support," he said.

Asked whether he agreed with the manner in which the issue of a moratorium on military flights over Cyprus had been decided on by the Greek and Cypriot governments, Mr. Evert replied: "The Cyprus issue and the Aegean, even though not identical, have a common denominator, which is Turkey. These issues should be handled with a sense of shared responsibility despite the fact that they are in no way connected." He added that ND's positions were no different from those of the Greek government on the issue, although he believed that the best way to solve problems was for everyone to work out a unified foreign and defense policy, as well as on the Cyprus issue.

In his own meeting with Mr. Clerides, Mr. Mitsotakis agreed with Mr. Evert's views regarding the need for a joint Greek and Cypriot policy.

He noted that recent moves regarding the Cyprus issue presented the potential for a solution to be found, although reserved optimism was needed.

Mr. Mitsotakis said he did not feel the Turkish side was displaying the maturity necessary for a serious discussion of the Cyprus issue. Ankara's stance, he added, did not inspire much hope for change.

KKE

Athens, 20/01/1997 (ANA)

Referring to the Cyprus issue in particular, Ms Papariga said: "Unfortunately, we are closer than ever to the normalization of Cyprus' partitioning. This is the big problem we have. We consider a US employee coming to Greece, Turkey and Cyprus, and carrying Mr. Clinton's various ultimatums unacceptable and a provocation.

"We are judging the government by its subservient position on this issue and the fact that it is also rendered jointly responsible for developments in Cyprus and directly responsible, because it is supporting the American plans in the Aegean," she said.

[03] No agreement on a moratorium

Athens, 20/01/1997 (ANA)

Speaking to reporters at Larnaca airport, Mr. Clerides said the Cypriot government would decide if there should be a ban on Greek military overflights in order to avoid any negative repercussions when a dialogue on the Cyprus issue began and showed sign s of progress.

Stressing that in his meeting with Mr. Simitis, decisions had been made with regard to the future handling of the Cyprus issue, Mr. Clerides said there were indications that a US initiative on Cyprus would be undertaken in early April.

[04] Cyprus issue expected to surface at EU meeting

Athens, 20/01/1997 (ANA)

US State Department envoy Carey Cavanaugh will also arrive in Brussels.

Meanwhile, the president of the European Parliament's socialist group, Pauline Green, said the Cyprus issue is the greatest threat to security in the Mediterranean and called on the European Union to exercise discreet diplomacy for the resumption of the peace process.

In another development, according to a report in the British newspaper "Observer", weapons which the British government has sold to Turkey are being used in the Turkish-occupied part of Cyprus. The development is contrary to Britain's public position on arms sales.

[05] Arsenis on official Cyprus visit

Larnaca, 20/011997 (CNA/ANA)

He also expressed opposition to a Cyprus settlement that would racially and geographically divide the people of the island republic.

Speaking on arrival here at the start of a three-day visit, Mr. Arsenis said he will sign a memorandum of co-operation on educational matters with his Cypriot counterpart, Claire Angelidou.

"I am particularly pleased to be here..." the former national defense minister and one of the architects of a joint defense pact between Greece and Cyprus said.

Mr. Arsenis has visited Cyprus in the past in his previous capacity as defense minister.

"Hellenism is called upon to play its historic and cultural role in the wider region, the Balkans and the eastern Mediterranean," he said, adding that the younger generation must be properly equipped to meet this challenge.

Replying to questions, he said "any kind of federation which essentially introduces confederation under the guise of federation, and which would divide people on the basis of their race and in geographical terms is contrary to our policy and UN resolutions."

Welcoming Mr. Arsenis, Ms Angelidou said both ministries will work towards the consolidation of the ideals of Hellenism in Cyprus and expressed the hope that co-operation will benefit both countries.

Speaking later during a memorial ceremony in honor of late Cyprus president Archbishop Makarios, Mr. Arsenis said Cyprus' future was common with Greece's and no Greek foreign policy and national strategy could be established without including the Cyprus issue.

Underlining the "need for a common national strategy against a common threat", Mr. Arsenis said that "two separate strategies is a recipe for disaster".

"Behind Cyprus' tragedy there is not only Turkish expansionism but the policy of the major powers in the region, which aim at controlling Greece's foreign policy, Greek political and military absence from the region and Cyprus' partition," he said, adding that it would be "unforgivable national naiveti to let a third power, with interests in the region, to mediate for a solution to the Greek-Turkish problem".

[06] Simitis to attend Socialist International meeting

Rome, 20/01/1997 (ANA - L. Hatzikyriakos)

He will be accompanied by PASOK's foreign policy secretary and recently appointed foreign under-secretary, Yiannos Kranidiotis, central committee Secretary Costas Skandalidis and executive bureau member and Eurodeputy Paraskevas Avgerinos.

The council's agenda will focus on the Middle East and support for the peace process, the Dayton agreement, Zaire, Rwanda and Burundi and the reform and renewal of the Socialist International.

The agenda does not include Greek-Turkish relations and the Cyprus issue. However, according to press reports, Mr. Simitis will refer in his address to the two issues.

Reference will also be made, according to reports, to the installation of Russian-made S-300 anti-aircraft missiles in Cyprus by Erdal Inonu who, together with Deniz Baykal, will represent the Turkish Republican People's Party.

Cypriot socialist EDEK party leader Vassos Lyssarides will outline the situation created in Cyprus. The session will be inaugurated by Italian Democratic Left party leader Massimo D' Alema.

The council will be attended by 350 representatives of 139 socialist parties from 120 countries.

[07] Weekend scuffles mark seamen's ongoing strike

Athens, 20/01/1997 (ANA)

Meanwhile, calm returned to the port of Irakleio, Crete last night, although tension had mounted in the afternoon when local farmers from Ierapetra gathered in an effort to exert pressure for the transport of their perishable produce. Farmers were expecting two ferry boats to sail which, according to reports, the Panhellenic Maritime Federation (PNO) decided to let sail for Athens on the condition that no dismissals follow.

The ferry "Aptera" sailed from Hania in the afternoon with 70 trucks loaded with perishable farm products, while some quantities of vegetables were carried by C-130 "Hercules" military transport planes.

On his part, Merchant Marine Minister Stavros Soumakis accused dock workers of "dogmatic insistence", and of leading producers and island residents to desperation as well as compounding problems for the country.

He said the government's margins (of compromise) have been exhausted, adding that if their intransigence continues the government has the "duty to protect the interests of society".

In a related development, an announcement by the Communist Party of Greece (KKE) accused the government of what it called an "orgy of terrorism" against the dockers in order to satisfy the interests of shipowners, it noted.

On Saturday, scuffles broke out between farmers and seamen near the mooring of the "Knossos" ferry boat in Irakleio, after the latter refused to break their strike.

The Knossos and two other ferries, the "Kazantzakis" and the "Candia", sailed away from the docks after angry farmers tried to burn the ships' mooring ropes and threw rocks at crews trying to put out the fires.

PNO decided on late Thursday night to extend a four-day strike for another four days until 6 a.m. Tuesday. The strike affects Greek-flagged vessels of all categories as well as foreign ships employing Greek seamen.

A Piraeus court on Friday ruled the extension of the ongoing seamen's strike "illegal and an abuse (of their right to strike)". The court, acting on a lawsuit filed by shipowners, ruled that if seamen do not call off their strike action within the day, the 14 trade unionists comprising the PNO administration would be sentenced to two months' detainment and a 100,000-drachmas fine for each violation of the court ruling.

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

[08] Air traffic controllers strike

Athens, 20/01/1997 (ANA)

Most flights were rendered possible after the suspension of mobilizations by air traffic controllers.

Meanwhile, flights to and from Macedonia Airport in Thessaloniki, which had closed down on Saturday night due to thick fog, are being carried out according to schedule.

[09] Farmers

Athens, 20/01/1997 (ANA)

According to unanimous decisions taken by farmers' representatives, tractors from Thessaly will drive into village squares as of Tuesday. Public buildings will be blockaded the next day, while the Athens-Thessaloniki rail link will be blocked on Jan. 30 . Toll gates at Tempi and Moschochori will close on Jan. 31 and, if no solution is found by then, a general blockade of the road and rail network will follow on Feb. 4.

[10] Couple convicted for stealing skeleton

Athens, 20/01/1997 (ANA)

Philippos and Evangelia Daglis were convicted of desecrating a corpse following charges by the deceased's widow, Vassiliki Grabova.

[11] New entity to promote culture announced

Athens, 20/01/1997 (ANA)

The meeting was organized by the culture ministry and the Local Union of Municipalities and Communities of the Thessaloniki prefecture, within the framework of events marking Thessaloniki as Cultural Capital of Europe. Mayors from around Greece, local self-administration representatives, directors and representatives of cultural agencies and culture ministry cadres were invited to attend.

The meeting was aimed at coordinating all regional cultural institutions and efforts supported and financed by the culture ministry and local administration.

"The 'cultural territory' is the convergence of all individual existing cultural networks and operating in our country in a single national culture network. All the networks are placed in motion, are extended to other sectors and converge on a single cultural path, which will help our self-consciousness and the promotion of Greek culture abroad over the years," Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos said.

The official inauguration of events, within the framework of the cultural capital, will take place in the presence of the president of the republic on Jan. 30-31 and Feb. 1. Culture ministers from about 50 countries have been invited.

[12] Contract for new Patras port signed

Athens, 20/01/1997 (ANA)

The contract concerns the first phase of building the new port of Patras and anticipates works amounting to 13 billion drachmas.

In a statement, Port Fund President Yiannis Dimaras stressed the great significance of the contract for the construction of the new port, which will enable the Port Fund to continue competition with the other two ports in the region (Igoumenitsa, Astakos) with much better means.

[13] Ancient marble head of Alexander the Great handed over to Thessaloniki Museum

Athens, 20/01/1997 (ANA)

The head, dated to the Hellenistic period and sculpted in natural size, was placed in a special display at the entrance of the museum.

In referring to the exhibit, the superintendent of the 16th Prehistoric and Classical Antiquities Service, Dimitris Grammenos, said the marble head is one of three known works depicting the facial features of Alexander, the other two having been found in Asia Minor and Venice, respectively. The ancient sculpture was purchased by the culture ministry for approximately 75 million drachmas three months ago at a special auction in Austria.

Initially, the head was part of a private collection that was later seized by the Nazis and moved to the Mauerbach Monastery.

[14] Greek-Italian trade symposium gets underway in Athens

Athens, 20/01/1997 (ANA)

"1997 is a crucial year for all European economies. However, it is particularly crucial for the Greek economy, since it is called on to accelerate its step more than all, both on the course of development and the course of the adjustment of fiscal imbalances," she said.

Finance Under-secretary George Drys said "attainment of high targets, such as coverage of health and social insurance needs, support for employment and equal opportunities, care for the environment and the avoidance of phenomena of social marginalization requires a strong economy with high development rates.

"However, development means planning and controlling the contribution of each project in a chain aimed at increasing the total product. Development means choices and classifications," he said.

Vassilis Kontoyiannopoulos (main opposition New Democracy), G. Dragasakis (Coalition of the Left and Progress) and Th. Vardas (Political Spring) agreed on the necessity of the country's European orientation but disagreed on the methods of achieving this course, while Communist Party of Greece (KKE) representative M. Kachris expressed his party's opposition to the Maastricht Treaty.

End of English language section.

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