Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 97-02-24

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

ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No 1123), February 24, 1997

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

CONTENTS

[01] Simitis defends the creation of an "open society" against critics

[02] Arsenis appeals to teachers to end strike

[03] Lithuanian president begins official visit to Greece today

[04] Invitation to Berisha has no political overtones, Greek president says

[05] PASOK Central Committee decides to proceed with restructuring

[06] Joint defense doctrine has contributed to efforts to resolve Cyprus issue, Tsohatzopoulos says

[07] Tsohatzopoulos to visit Belgrade in early March

[08] Turkish planes attempt to document defensive positions

[09] Turkish official disputes ownership of Aegean islets

[10] US, Turkish officials discuss tensions in Aegean, Cyprus

[11] Holbrooke accepts 'Excellent Citizen' award from Turkish-American Council

[12] Stephanopoulos calls for unity to achieve economic targets

[13] Varvitsiotis calls on Evert to step aside in favor of Karamanlis candidacy

[14] Meteora international airport plans unveiled

[15] Canada to participate in Thessaloniki Cultural Capital events

[16] Venizelos asks EU for support and study of less-spoken languages

[17] Simitis promises the handicapped Gov't support

[18] Earthquake in Aigion

[01] Simitis defends the creation of an "open society" against critics

Athens, 24/02/1997 (ANA)

Mr. Simitis was addressing the party's youth organization political and organizing conference on Saturday.

Replying to complaints by PASOK's youth wing's Secretary Tonia Antoniou on the government's social policy and the party's political orientation, Mr. Simitis criticized the "representatives of trade unions who put forward partisan interests at the expense of the general interest," referring to cotton growers in Thessaly as an example.

"The Coordinating Committee of Thessaly Farmers does not express Greek farmers, but cotton growers with large expanses of land. This is what figures say. They receive three times the international price of cotton thanks to European Union subsidies. Nobody has heard the poor farmers of Sparta and Pindos," Mr. Simitis said.

"We are standing by real needs and not those claimed. We are also examining those who lack a voice and means to impose their will," he said, adding that confrontations should not daunt the government and the party. "Jobs necessitate investments and the latter cannot be achieved in an economy which is sliding, has huge fiscal deficits and resorts to loaning. Grants and subsidies are easy and they are paid for by society at large. Out of a thousand drachmas, 340 are paid in interest on loans of the past 15 years. These 340 drachmas could be used on education, welfare, culture and quality of life. The other course is all of us being poorer," he said.

Mr. Simitis stressed that the government does not fear critical thought but dogmatism.

"However, the contrary and substantiated view will have greater value as long as PASOK's youth develops its ability to effectively face situations, propose, mobilize and have social responsibility. You will acquire these characteristics the more the organization's doors open to new forces, for as long as PASOK is turned into a massive, progressive youth force of modernization, renewal and democratic socialism," he said.

In her opening speech, Ms Antoniou expressed the organization's skepticism over the course of the government's work and the party's character, stressing the need to support policies for youth with emphasis placed on education and employment.

[02] Arsenis appeals to teachers to end strike

Athens, 24/02/1997 (ANA)

Mr. Arsenis stressed that the strike was hurting students and said increases granted to teachers were the highest in the public service and that they stood to gain an annual increase of between 300,000-800,000 drachmas.

Their appeal came after a threat from the high school teachers' union (OLME) that it would recommend the continuation of the strike at a meeting today if there was no positive response from the government in the meantime.

In the course of a press conference, OLME board members accused the government of misleading the public on the size of their salaries, and reiterated demands for the appointment of 6,000 new teachers and 250,000 drachmas as net starting monthly pay.

Mr. Christodoulakis however maintained that new teachers would receive 266,000 drachmas per month as net starting pay.

"With this adjustment, note that we have exhausted all margins in the budget, which has been stressed by the education minister as well as the prime minister and the Cabinet," he said.

Mr. Arsenis said that discussion on institutional demands was open but that the issue of economic demands was closed.

"I believe that the appeal we are making tonight will have results. I believe that OLME must re-examine its position," Mr. Arsenis said.

[03] Lithuanian president begins official visit to Greece today

Athens, 24/02/1997 (ANA)

President Brazauskas is expected to request Greek support for Lithuaniais applications for European Union and NATO memberships. Talks will focus on these issues as well as bilateral relations.

Talks on NATO membership will be of particular interest since Russia is reacting strongly to the accession of the Baltic states.

Details of these issues will be discussed by the foreign ministers of the two countries, Theodoros Pangalos and Algirdas Saudargas, while a cultural agreement is expected to be signed between Greece and Lithuania.

[04] Invitation to Berisha has no political overtones, Greek president says

Athens, 24/02/1997 (ANA)

"The invitation and everything concerning it have no relation whatsoever with events in Albania," Mr. Stephanopoulos said while on a visit to northern Greece.

"We do not wish to be involved in these in any way, or express liking or dislike for anyone. I believe this will be understood by our friends in Albania," he added.

The statements were prompted by reports from Albania that the neighboring country's opposition had reacted unfavorably to the announcement on Saturday that Greece's ambassador had handed Mr. Berisha an official invitation to Athens.

Albania has been buffeted by demonstrations and social unrest since the collapse of get-rich-quick pyramid schemes in which thousands of poor Albanians had sunk their savings.

Mr. Stephanopoulos explained that the invitation, on the recommendation of the Greek government, was in response to his own visit to Tirana last spring.

[05] PASOK Central Committee decides to proceed with restructuring

Athens, 24/02/1997 (ANA)

The decision on agricultural policy, however, was unanimously ratified. PASOK's two-day Central Committee session ended on Saturday.

Before voting started, Central Committee Secretary Costas Skandalidis said the discussion on restructuring and the overall course of the party was very constructive and fruitful.

Mr. Skandalidis said the tabling of written proposals was a positive development, regardless of whether there is agreement or disagreement with the proposals. He said the proposals will be incorporated in a document concerning the party's course.

PASOK will promote its agricultural policy, which Mr. Simitis summed up with the phrase "new agricultural reform", with a nationwide conference scheduled for Athens on March 5.

In his brief address at the Central Committee's 4th session, Mr. Simitis said cooperatives remain the basic lever for developing Greek agriculture.

The party's Executive Bureau member and Agriculture Minister Stephanos Tzoumakas analyzed the country's agricultural problem and presented the government's four-year program, saying Greek agriculture was undoubtedly faced with serious problems which have been intensified due to international developments.

[06] Joint defense doctrine has contributed to efforts to resolve Cyprus issue, Tsohatzopoulos says

Athens, 24/02/1997 (ANA)

"We aspire to enter a new era which will provide a solution to the Cyprus problem," he said in the course of a speech on the doctrine in Lamia, central Greece, attended by Cypriot Interior Minister Dinos Michaelides.

Referring to the failure to obtain a solution to the Cyprus problem, Mr. Tsohatzopoulos said, "we relied exclusively on the hope that international organizations and solidarity would dictate a just solution to the problem. Unfortunately, it is not so. To the degree that we managed to formulate a dynamic defense effort in view of an apparent perpetuation of the problem, prospects for a solution materialized very quickly. The Republic of Cyprus is not a hostage of the occupation forces any longer."

He linked Cyprus's procurement of Russian S-300 surface-to-air missiles with an upgrading of the strength of the island-republic's National Guard, adding that "all this boosts our capability of defending our rights and negotiating under more favorable terms."

He said the effort coincided with favorable circumstances, when "issues of security, co-operation and peace in eastern Europe and the Mediterranean have become dominant."

"We are fortunate that precisely at this period a new effort for the formulation of a common defense security system for the whole of Europe has matured. Both the European countries of the West, as well as those of eastern Europe are coming increasingly nearer a common defense system for the whole of Europe," he stressed.

[07] Tsohatzopoulos to visit Belgrade in early March

Belgrade, 24/02/1997 (ANA - M. Mouratidis)

In a meeting on Friday under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Radoje Kodic, the Yugoslav government planned the framework for the talks Yugoslav Defense Minister Pavle Bulatovic will have with Mr. Tsohatzopoulos.

The visit will take place at the invitation of the Yugoslav side and Mr. Tsohatzopoulos will have the opportunity of holding talks with Yugoslavia's civil and military leadership.

[08] Turkish planes attempt to document defensive positions

Nicosia, 24/02/1997 (ANA - G. Leonidas)

The two reconnaissance RF-4 planes, specialized in taking photos, violated the Nicosia Flight Control Region on Thursday, flying over the area between Rhodes and Cyprus, while for about half an hour they flew over the sea region between Paphos and Limas sol.

The planes first appeared 80 km west of Paphos and then flew 50 km south of the British base at Akrotiri. They reappeared to the northeast and flew at very low heights for some of the time.

From the moment they entered the Nicosia Flight Control Region they were placed under surveillance by the radar systems of the National Guard and the Nicosia Air Traffic Control Center.

According to information by the National Guard General Staff and the National Defense General Staff, the Turkish aircraft were seeking out targets to photograph which are related to the unified defense doctrine, because programs concerning the transfer of defense equipment to Cyprus are under way.

The government of Cyprus has lodged a demarche with the UN over the new provocation.

[09] Turkish official disputes ownership of Aegean islets

Washington, 24/02/1997 (ANA - T. Ellis)

Speaking in the framework of the Turkish-US Conference, currently taking place in Washington, Mr. Osbey claimed Greece wanted to overturn the status quo in the Aegean (with the case of Imia being the latest example) in contrast to Turkey who, he claimed , wants to maintain it.

Mr. Osbey said Greece's position on a 10-mile airspace is unacceptable and claimed that the extension of territorial waters to 12 miles will turn the Aegean into a "Greek lake", adding that this is something which Ankara will never accept. Commenting on Cyprus, he said Turkey's vital interests are at risk there and that it has rights on the island and will exercise them. Mr. Osbey said the unified defense doctrine between Greece and Cyprus (which he claimed might be joined by Syria soon) constitutes a threat to Turkey, particularly now that it is combined with the plans to bring Russian missiles to Cyprus which can deal a blow at Turkey.

[10] US, Turkish officials discuss tensions in Aegean, Cyprus

Washington, 24/02/1997 (Xinhua/ANA)

White House spokesman Michael McCurry told reporters that Turkish State Minister Abdullah Gul and Defense Minister Turhan Tayan are in Washington holding meetings with US officials "in various places in our government." The talks "reflected the close relationships we have with the government of Turkey, consistent with the close relationships we have with the government of Greece, consistent with our desire to ameliorate tensions that might exist in the Aegean over disputes on borders," Mr. McCurry said.

They also addressed the issue of the divided island of Cyprus, as well as US-Turkish bilateral relations, he added. But he declined to go into further detail on the talks.

A Pentagon spokesman said Mr. Tayan met with US Defense Secretary William Cohen Thursday evening.

[11] Holbrooke accepts 'Excellent Citizen' award from Turkish-American Council

Washington, 24/02/1997 (ANA - T. Ellis)

Mr. Holbrooke said he believed US policy towards Turkey had dramatically changed by the steadfast promotion it gave to Ankara's new image, while the European Union's decision to proceed with a customs union with Turkey was the result of strong US pressure.

"When the crisis at Imia came a year ago, the US was the one which intervened to avert an absolutely unnecessary military conflict from reaching the next level," he said, adding that when it was necessary to take decisions on the oil pipelines it was the US which ensured that the most important of them pass through Turkey.

"When Turkish forces moved south of the border (against the Kurds), we were faced with the most difficult of all cases. Reactions were tremendous in Congress, as well as in the executive authority. President Clinton decided that we should show understanding over the situation. Despite great pressure in Congress, we averted six or seven resolutions and gave Turkey time to tackle the situation," he said.

He said that those Americans placing emphasis on Turkey believe the relation to be strategic in the traditional sense of the word, adding that he was sincere in saying that 1996 was a disappointment compared to what they had hoped to achieve.

"Many of you are aware that it was my personal hope, immediately after Bosnia, to turn my attention to the eastern Aegean, the eastern Mediterranean and maybe Cyprus. In any case, I stated this publicly many times at the end of 1995. Unfortunately, 1996 was not a year in which our dreams could be materialized. (There were) Political problems in Athens due to the illness of Prime Minister Papandreou and a long period until his replacement and a political situation in Ankara which was also fragile. These problems rendered the tackling of issues in the eastern Mediterranean to the necessary level more difficult," he said.

Mr. Holbrooke said two important allies of the US in NATO, Greece and Turkey, must remain allies of the US in NATO while it is being enlarged towards eastern Europe, and must also create a more natural relation between them.

"A stable and economically powerful Greece is in the interests of Turkey. I was pleased to hear that the Greek Ambassador Loukas Tsilas attended the dinner today. I think that it was very polite on his part and maybe a little courageous. Issues between Greece and Turkey are real. But I wish to stress that the present tension is unjustified," he said.

Mr. Holbrooke called on all businessmen present to use all their contacts to maintain dialogue and show that mutual benefits for both countries are considerable.

[12] Stephanopoulos calls for unity to achieve economic targets

Athens, 24/02/1997 (ANA)

The president was speaking in Litohoro, in the Pieria prefecture, on Saturday night where he had arrived in the afternoon to attend events marking the anniversary of the Olympus revolution in 1878.

"Greece is the least-developed country in the European Union," Mr. Stephanopoulos said, urging a "collective effort to achieve economic targets which will allow for an increase in national income and consequently its fairer distribution."

"All of us together must make the necessary effort. We are obliged to think of the national interest and our economic development is in the national interest," he said.

Referring to difficulties faced abroad, President Stephanopoulos said Greeks will confront them with steadfastness, unanimity and self-confidence and criticized "the powerful of the earth" who, he said, "do not understand or pretend not to understand the just causes of Greece when they are questioned by other peoples."

[13] Varvitsiotis calls on Evert to step aside in favor of Karamanlis candidacy

Athens, 24/02/1997 (ANA)

Mr. Varvitsiotis, heading a group of 29 ND deputies, last week proposed Mr. Karamanlis' candidacy for the leadership. Mr. Karamanlis said he would be ready to assume any task the party would entrust him with.

"Today there is a definitive solution of long-term prospects, supported by the majority of our voters. Mr. Evert... must back this solution," Mr. Varvitsiotis said in an interview with the 'Sunday Eleftherotypia' newspaper.

Mr. Evert, who met with party deputies supporting him on Saturday, was quoted as saying that he would not back down.

"There is no way I will back down. We are going forward. In the worst case scenario, we shall not win in the first round."

Panagiotis Lambrias, a close aide of the party founder, told a radio interview that the veteran politician was in no way involved in the leadership race, but "I believe he would be glad to see his nephew ND leader".

In a related development, MP and leadership contender George Souflias met with MPs Dora Bakoyianni and Stephanos Manos on Saturday to discuss proposals for the party's constitution, its program as well as issues of ideology.

Ms. Bakoyianni and Mr. Manos reaffirmed their support for Mr. Souflias' leadership candidacy. The three, however, disagreed on the length of term for the party presidency with Mr. Manos calling for a presidential ballot every two years while Mr. Souflias and Ms. Bakoyianni supported a four-year term.

Later on Saturday, Mr. Varvitsiotis said from Corfu that Mr. Karamanlis' candidacy was continually gaining momentum and was bound to succeed. When asked to comment on a recent statement by ND honorary president Constantine Mitsotakis about this initiative not being serious, Mr. Varvitsiotis said that it was insulting to the 29 MPs involved and challenged anybody in the party to achieve consensus of such magnitude.

[14] Meteora international airport plans unveiled

Athens, 24/02/1997 (ANA)

The project will be constructed by the "Meteora Airport S.A." company and "Daimler Benz Aerospace" with the co-operation of the firm Faulen Bach da Costa Airport.

The head of the Greek research team Haralambos Gotsis said the creation of the airport will facilitate a change in agricultural production in the region of Thessaly from cotton to perishable goods which will be able to be transported to central Europe speedily.

The president of the board of "Meteora airport S.A." Mr. V. Sommer assessed that work on the new airport will start in 1997 and will be completed in two years' time. It will be fully operational in 2012 and its construction will cost 105 billion drachmas.

In a related development, the international "Alexander the Great" airport in Kavala will obtain a special electronic information system. The relevant study was presented by the governor of the Civil Aviation Service Dionysis Kalofotos.

Thousands of Greeks and foreign tourists will be able to obtain useful information through an audiovisual system on archaeological regions, sights, beaches, hotels, fiestas organized for tourists and other information useful to tourists.

[15] Canada to participate in Thessaloniki Cultural Capital events

Montreal, 24/02/1997 (ANA - J. Frangoulis)

Stressing the strong ties linking Canada and Greece, Eleni Bakopanos, a federal MP of Greek descent, said Canada's participation would be significant.

A message from Foreign Minister Lloyd Axworthy noted that Canada considered Greece to be a country which safeguarded the peace and security of the Balkans, due to its position in the European Union and NATO.

Pianist Alain Lefevre, Greek-Canadian artist Paul Soulikias, dance troupes Gala des Etoiles and Dancemakers, the Tafelmusik Baroque Ensemble, the New World Symphony Orchestra, Nexus, the Smith Gilmour Theater Company, Canadian Brass Quintet and guitarist Liona Boyd are some of the acts to perform in Thessaloniki.

[16] Venizelos asks EU for support and study of less-spoken languages

Athens, 24/02/1997 (ANA)

In a related development, the minister on Saturday announced that annual funding for teaching of the Greek language had been increased to 200 million drachmas this year, from 45 last year.

The minister was speaking at a meeting of Modern Greek studies institutes from Europe, Australia and America in Thessaloniki.

[17] Simitis promises the handicapped Gov't support

Athens, 24/02/1997 (ANA)

In his address, Mr. Simitis referred to the great difficulties faced by handicapped persons, PASOK's consistent social policy shown them since 1981 and the state's great responsibilities to include them in its ranks on an equal basis.

He announced that a law will be ratified in March on special treatment.

[18] Earthquake in Aigion

Athens, 24/02//1997 (ANA)

Police said there were no reports of damage or casualties.

Aigion was the site of a major earthquake in June 1995.

End of English language section.

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