Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 97-02-07

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

ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No 1109), February 7, 1997

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

CONTENTS

[01] Gov't says farmers' road blockades will be dealt with 'decisively'

[02] Thessaloniki farmers

[03] Opposition

[04] Greece reiterates support for closer EU, NATO ties with Slovakia

[05] Meeting with Tsohatzopoulos

[06] VOA license approved

[07] Government view of NATO enlargement

[08] Greek positions on EU enlargement discussed

[09] Pangalos cites violation of international law by Turkey

[10] Mitsotakis says wrong handling by both Ankara, Athens led to Imia crisis

[11] Apostolakis comments on joint defense doctrine

[12] Gov't on buffer zone incident

[13] Bakoyianni's hopes for ND congress

[14] Solana expresses NATO concern over Cyprus

[15] Arsenis meets with Athens University faculty senate

[16] Evert calls for Gov't to begin talks with striking teachers

[17] Greek consumers' average purchasing power ranks last in EU

[18] Agreement reached on settling Iraqi debt to Greece

[19] Finance under-secretary affirms budget targets

[20] Greek athletes win five medals at Toronto Special Olympics

[21] Telephone exchange will be providing sports results

[01] Gov't says farmers' road blockades will be dealt with 'decisively'

Athens, 07/02/1997 (ANA)

"It is useful to reiterate that every effort to block the transport network will be dealt with decisively. We call on these groups of farmers to halt (their) occupations; to end mobilizations of this type. Solutions to problems are derived from agreement and co-operation, not with arbitrary actions and the blockading of roads," government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said.

About 500 tractors late yesterday night blockaded the Athens to Thessaloniki highway near the Mikrothives site, implementing Wednesday's threat by the Pan-Thessaly Coordinating Committee that they would block the national roadway if a meeting with the prime minister did not take place.

Another 1,000 tractors from other areas later reached the location through country roads and fields.

Earlier, scuffles broke out at Neo Monastiri, near Almyros, Magnesia prefecture, when farmers manually removed three police patrol cars blocking the road in order to open the way for their tractors.

Earlier in the day, Mr. Reppas reiterated that Prime Minister Costas Simitis would only meet with protesting farmers of Thessaly, who began a new round of mobilizations this week, if their coordinating committee stopped blocking national roadways.

Commenting on protesting farmers' demands for a meeting with Mr. Simitis, the spokesman also wondered whether such a meeting would be worthwhile.

"The prime minister does not give opportunist hand-outs and has repeatedly stated since December that the government has taken all measures which it possibly could, bearing in mind circumstances and the country's international obligations," Mr. Reppas s aid.

He added that efforts for Greece's participation in the European Union on an equal basis with its partners would be sabotaged if some of the farmers' demands were met.

"Any meeting under these conditions would be a meeting for appearance's sake only and the government says no to this," he added.

[02] Thessaloniki farmers

Athens, 07/02/1997 (ANA)

When police tried to block the road leading to the bridge, protesting farmers simply drove their tractors across fields. Police then allowed them to continue, provided they did not obstruct traffic.

Finally, the Macedonia-Thrace farmers' committee was to meet late last night to review the situation.

[03] Opposition

Athens, 07/02/1997 (ANA)

"People are on the verge of despair," Mr. Evert noted.

"The government's attitude and ethos, especially that of certain ministers are unacceptable," he added, stressing that Mr. Simitis should remove these ministers or distance himself from their statements which are offending to farmers.

"It is the duty of the party to protect the citizens and this also is the decision of the political council. We remain steadfast in our positions and support all just demands," he said.

According to sources, the ND political council expressed the view that the prime minister is afraid of internal party dissension, and this is the reason he canceled a cabinet meeting and a PASOK central committee meeting.

The Social Democratic Movement (DHKKI) also called on Mr. Simitis to hold a dialogue with protesting farmers.

In an announcement yesterday, DHKKI said the prime minister "must realize his responsibilities and respond to the farmers' demand for dialogue"

The Political Spring party said Mr. Simitis should enter into talks with the farmers.

[04] Greece reiterates support for closer EU, NATO ties with Slovakia

Athens, 07/02/1997 (ANA)

Mr. Hamzik arrived in Athens on Wednesday on a two-day official visit at the invitation of Mr. Pangalos. He had separate meetings yesterday morning with Prime Minister Costas Simitis, Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis as well as Mr. Pangalos.

After his meeting with Mr. Hamzik, Mr. Pangalos praised Slovakia's "important achievements" in the economic sector, noting that there was great margin for the further development of bilateral relations in all sectors.

Mr. Hamzik said the enlargement of EU and NATO was a matter of political and economic stability for Europe as a whole, underlining that all European countries should work towards consolidating this stability.

On his country's bid to join NATO, Mr. Hamzik noted that all European countries should enjoy the same level of security. Slovakia, he added, was in favor of a "new structure" for European security which would cover all European states and prevent the creation of new partition lines.

He said discussions on NATO enlargement should be oriented along this direction, without leaving out "important countries" such as the Ukraine and Russia.

Mr. Pangalos reiterated Greece's position in favor of the accession to NATO of all countries wishing to join, but only after "a detailed discussion on the future operation and role of the defense organization." "We must not let justifiable suspicions be created in Russia that a broad rallying of European countries is being created in which it is not included. Russian concern must be taken into consideration and addressed," Mr. Pangalos said.

[05] Meeting with Tsohatzopoulos

Athens, 07/02/1997 (ANA)

The meeting also focused on European Union co-operation and enlargement terms with the countries of central Europe.

On his part, Mr. Tsohatzopoulos said Slovakia wishes to gain full European Union accession after Hungary, Poland and the Czech Republic.

"We hope that Cyprus will be one of the first countries to be included in the enlargement," he said.

The Slovak minister said that Mr. Tsohatzopoulos will visit Slovakia in the near future for talks with his Slovak counterpart. He also stressed the possibility of the two ministers signing a defense co-operation pact between the two countries.

[06] VOA license approved

Athens, 07/02/1997 (ANA)

Foreign Under-secretary Yiannos Kranidiotis, who recommended approval, said the agreement is within the framework of Greece's good relations with the United States.

He added that "these stations do not have the political role they had in the past, while also promoting our vital interests in the region".

However, smaller opposition parties, including the Communist Party of Greece (KKE), the Coalition of the Left and Progress (Synaspismos), and Democratic Social Movement (DHKKI) reacted against the decision.

In addition, the agreement provides for concession of 400 hectares in northern Greece for use by the VOA station.

[07] Government view of NATO enlargement

Athens, 07/02/1997 (ANA)

Speaking to reporters about the proposed five-power conference, which would include Russia, on NATO's expansion, Mr. Reppas said the expansion of the alliance concerned all the member-states but that "other nations which have a significant role" should also be consulted so "there are no imbalances or destabilization".

[08] Greek positions on EU enlargement discussed

Athens, 07/02/1997 (ANA)

The meeting took place with the participation of the ministry's secretary general responsible for community affairs, Stelios Perrakis.

The task force's work for Greece's preparation in view of EU enlargement includes analysis of positions by EU countries and bodies, preparation of Greek positions on the enlargement - given that the first phase of the enlargement will include Cyprus - and coordination of the administrative units involved.

[09] Pangalos cites violation of international law by Turkey

Athens, 07/02/1997 (ANA)

Mr. Pangalos was commenting on statements by Turkish foreign ministry spokesman Omer Akbel concerning an interview given by the foreign minister to a Greek monthly magazine on the Cyprus issue and the possibility of armed conflict between Greece and Turkey. Mr. Akbel had implied that Mr. Pangalos was in favor of conflict.

Commenting on the issue yesterday, Mr. Pangalos cited recent statements made by Mr. Akbel one year since the Imia crisis which brought Greece and Turkey to the brink of war after Ankara disputed Greek sovereignty of the islets.

Mr. Pangalos said Mr. Akbel had expressed the view that any islet, rock or island not specifically named in international treaties signed by Turkey are "disputed" and Greece must negotiate with Turkey concerning the future of these territories.

"These statements constitute a violation of the fundamental rules of international law, firstly because international treaties are not only binding on the signatories but also on parties which did not sign them, and secondly because it is a matter of great importance where the islands referred to by Mr. Akbel are located, how they are used and by whom they are inhabited," Mr. Pangalos said.

He added that the international community had taken note of the "thoughts" of Mr. Akbel and "his superiors" and that "the natural consequences of this behavior are already being manifested".

"What Mr. Akbel has not understood is that Greece will not be subjugated and will certainly not accept demands put forward in the form of ultimatums, irrespective of where they come from. (The Turks) have only to study our history," Mr. Pangalos said.

[10] Mitsotakis says wrong handling by both Ankara, Athens led to Imia crisis

Istanbul, 07/02/1997 (ANA)

"Internal expediencies played a determining role in these handlings," Mr. Mitsotakis said, adding that Ankara's positions during the crisis, which brought the two neighbors on the brink of war, "could be considered as designs on Greek territory."

"If this is a permanent turn, which I hope is not, then it signals a radical change for the worse in Turkish (foreign) policy after 70 years," he was quoted telling the newspaper.

"It is a denial of the Kemal Ataturk's policy," he added, noting that "it is a dangerous policy which sooner or later will lead to adventure."

"If Turkey has a specific design against Imia, then it should accept, as provided by international law, to refer it to the International Court at The Hague, something which Greece has accepted in advance," Mr. Mitsotakis said.

Referring to the future of Greek-Turkish relations, he said that "there is a one-way street ahead."

"We have to live in peace. Greek-Turkish friendship is a determining choice for the course of the two nations," he noted.

"Benefits for the two countries will be immense," he said, adding that "I will only note here that both people pay expensively the cost of the mad race for armament."

In reference to the future of relations between Turkey and the European Union, the former premier said that "the country which can help Turkey to this course (towards the European Union) is Greece."

[11] Apostolakis comments on joint defense doctrine

London, 07/02/1997 (ANA)

"There aren't exactly differences of opinion but different forms of expression," he said in reply to a question on how Greece and Cyprus each perceived the joint defense doctrine.

With regard to pressures against Cyprus' purchase of Russian-made S-300 anti-aircraft missiles and for a moratorium of Turkish and Greek military flights over Cyprus, he noted:

"When these pressures come within the framework of an effort to find a solution, and if this effort is accepted as being in good faith, then one is obliged to adjust one's policy somewhat."

However, the under-secretary stressed that neither Greece nor Cyprus had made any commitment to the United States regarding these two issues, although he did say that if within the 16 months expected to pass for the missiles' installation there was some progress on the Cyprus issue, this decision could be reviewed. However, he emphasized that any initiatives were the prerogative of the Cypriot government.

He also added that the S-300 missiles were part of a range of weapons systems being examined by the military general staffs as part of a five-year armaments program for Greece's armed forces.

Turning to Turkey, Mr. Apostolakis observed that it had failed to assume a leading role among the former Soviet Turkic-speaking republics or the Moslems in the former Yugoslav states, although it had tried to impose itself as a regional power.

Asked about Greece's reaction to Turkish forces gathering on the Asia Minor coast, he said:

"We are not an easy rival for Turkey. We have evaluated the threat and are trying to improve the composition of the Greek armed forces in order to overcome volume and quantity with better organization and training."

He concluded by reiterating Greece's position on dialogue with Turkey.

"We are ready for a step-by-step approach (to dialogue) with Turkey on the condition that it declares its respect for and acceptance of existing international conventions, that we accept the inviolability of each others borders and that there will be no use of force to bring about any change."

[12] Gov't on buffer zone incident

Athens, 07/02/1997 (ANA)

Replying to press questions, government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said that according to information received by the government, shots were heard coming from the Turkish-occupied side at about 2:30 a.m. yesterday morning. An investigation by the Cyprus National Guard, he added, revealed that no one was injured.

"There was no movement, no one was injured, no weapon was used," Mr. Reppas said.

The spokesman said that the Greek Cypriot side had not responded when it heard the shots, claiming also that no Greek Cypriot citizens had been injured.

[13] Bakoyianni's hopes for ND congress

Athens, 07/02/1997 (ANA)

Speaking in Hania, Ms Bakoyianni urged for efforts to be made to overcome the crisis in the country's political system and within the ND party itself. She saw the congress as an opportunity for the party to heed the message of its political grass roots and expressed the belief that the party would emerge triumphant.

With regard to the details of the congress, Ms Bakoyianni said with regard to a proposal by Stephanos Manos for a two-year tenure for party leaders, that the party's charter needed to be changed in order to become more in touch with the times and truly democratic.

She contended that a new leader would have more to offer the party and that George Souflias would be a tough opponent for Prime Minister Costas Simitis.

[14] Solana expresses NATO concern over Cyprus

Ankara, 07/02/1997 (ANA/AFP)

"We are very concerned about the situation in Cyprus," he told reporters yesterday in Ankara.

Mr. Solana was speaking at a press conference at the end of his 24-hour visit to Turkey.

"Arms in Cyprus are sufficient. We wish to de-escalate tensions" he added.

[15] Arsenis meets with Athens University faculty senate

Athens, 07/02/1997 (ANA)

Replying to reporters' questions regarding lost teaching hours caused by a continuing teachers' strike, the minister said he would discuss ways to make up for lost time with the teachers when schools open, while he did not rule out lessons being held on Saturdays.

[16] Evert calls for Gov't to begin talks with striking teachers

Athens, 07/02/1997 (ANA)

Following a meeting with the administrative board of the Federation of High School Teachers (OLME), Mr. Evert said the government's present stance would not persuade teachers to return to work. On Wednesday, teachers decided to extend their strike for a fourth week - and primary school teachers for a second week - to press demands for higher pay.

The strike has seriously disrupted school curriculums, with concern now being voiced about how pupils will make up the lost time.

"The teachers are determined to continue their protests and there is no way that we can make up the lost hours," OLME President Nikos Tsoulias said.

Meanwhile, teachers, students and parents rallied in Kavala yesterday in support of their demands.

A teachers' delegation marched to the city's Labor Center and handed a resolution to the prefect. Teachers in Irakleio, Crete will rally today in support of their demands, it was announced yesterday.

The rally will be held also with the participation of kindergarten teachers and students.

[17] Greek consumers' average purchasing power ranks last in EU

Brussels, 07/02/1997 (ANA - M. Spinthourakis)

Portuguese consumers rank second from bottom, with real purchasing power estimated at 67 per cent of the average.

According to the figures, the average Luxembourg citizen enjoys the greatest real purchasing power in Europe, recorded at 69 per cent over the average European purchasing power, followed by Danish citizens, whose purchasing power is estimated at 16 per cent over the average.

Germans have a buying power that exceeds the average European purchasing power by 11 per cent, followed by Austrian consumers with a buying power of 8 per cent over the average European.

The British have an estimated 96 per cent buying power of the average European figure, followed by the Irish with 93 per cent and the Spanish with 77 per cent.

On the other side of the Atlantic, the average American citizen has a spending power of 47 per cent more than the average purchasing power of the European citizen, while the purchasing power of Japanese consumers is estimated at 17 per cent more than the average European real purchasing power.

Additionally, EUROSTAT says the average community GDP recorded a lower rate of increase in 1995, up 2.5 per cent as against 2.9 per cent in the previous year.

The highest growth rate was recorded in Ireland, exceeding 10 per cent of GDP, followed by Finland with 4.2 per cent. Greece ranked 12th on the list with a GDP increase of 2 per cent, followed by Belgium, Germany and Austria, which recorded lower rates.

[18] Agreement reached on settling Iraqi debt to Greece

Athens, 07/02/1997 (ANA)

Replying to a question tabled by main opposition New Democracy deputy Dimitris Kostopoulos, Mr. Apostolakis said an agreement had been reached for a settlement of the debt under favorable terms for Greece. Iraq, he added, has acknowledged its obligations regarding both the main debt and default interest.

Mr. Apostolakis said Iraq had agreed to pay off the debt in cash when the embargo against Baghdad is lifted, and until then it would be paying installments in kind, with crude oil and other products.

[19] Finance under-secretary affirms budget targets

Athens, 07/02/1997 (ANA)

"It is in the country's interest for budget targets to be met and any demands and challenges have tot take this into account," he told reporters.

Mr. Christodoulakis added that incomes policy would be applied through the application of the new wage scale, which would burden the budget with 152.5 billion drachmas.

He said that the government's stance on collective bargaining with public utilities and organizations (DEKO) workers was that incomes policy in accordance with inflation targets would be applied.

Revenue inflow rates for January were satisfactory, he added, showing an increase of 14.02 percent in comparison to the same month last year.

[20] Greek athletes win five medals at Toronto Special Olympics

Montreal, 07/02/1997 (ANA)

In the 50-meter speed skating event, Thanassis Tsarouhas, 19, won the gold, George Kaplanis the silver, Panayotis Baklatzis the bronze medal, while Mihalis Koutsikos came fourth in the event. Georgia Loutzi won the gold in the women's speed skating event, as did Christina Koutsikou in the girls' event.

Their achievements are considered particularly impressive since there are only two ice rinks in Greece, both in Athens, according to their coach Marcella Karameri, physical education teacher at the Theotokos Foundation.

Around 2,000 competitors from 75 countries are participating in the games.

[21] Telephone exchange will be providing sports results

Athens, 07/02/1997 (ANA)

Results of horse races and state lottery tickets will be available on the numbers 1148 and 1145, respectively.

End of English language section.

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