Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 97-03-06
From: The Greek Press & Information Office, Ottawa Canada <grnewsca@sympatico.ca>
ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN
Greek Press & Information Office
Ottawa, Canada
E-Mail Address: grnewsca@sympatico.ca
CONTENTS
[01] Crisis in Albania 'a problem of democracy, human rights',
Simitis says
[02] Papandreou talks in Paris
[03] Pangalos says Greece wants to help
[04] Government spokesman
[05] Tirana says ethnic Greeks not instigators of violence
[06] Greek armed forces on alert along border
[07] Opposition positions
[08] Reppas meets Albanian Socialist Party delegation
[09] Simitis presents PASOK's new agricultural proposals
[10] European Socialist Party to issue resolution on Albania
[11] Pangalos meets Albright today
[12] G. Papandreou discusses Cyprus problem with French counterpart
[13] Amnesty Int'l: EU 'silent witness' to Turkish human rights
[14] Motion to lift development minister's parliamentary immunity
defeated
[15] Palestinian Interior Under-secretary holds talks in Athens
[16] ND members vote for party congress delegates
[17] Athens presents candidacy for 2004 Olympics today
[18] Popular support for Athens 2004 bid Greece's trump card, mayor
says
[19] Hermes Expo '97 to open in Atlantic City in April
[20] Support programs for SMEs announced
[21] Size of Greek merchant fleet drops in February
[22] Greece has lowest per capita contribution to EU, report says
[23] Italian interests invest in Drama
[01] Crisis in Albania 'a problem of democracy, human rights',
Simitis says
Athens, 06/03/1997 (ANA)
Prime Minister Costas Simitis said yesterday that the current
crisis in Albania was "a problem of democracy, peaceful
evolution of political life and human rights," and that it was
not an issue that concerned Greece in particular.
"It is not an issue that concerns Greece in particular, and it
is certainly not an issue connected only with the Greek
minority. I am in constant contact with the European Union. All
the necessary actions for the protection of the Greek minority
have been made and I hope that the situation will evolve
smoothly," he stated.
"In a telephone communication I had with Mr. Berisha last
(Tuesday) night, he assured me that there will not be a climate
that will lead to negative consequences for the Greek minority.
And he also assured me - and there is also a relevant statement
of the Albanian government - that the Greek minority has no
relation to the issue," he added.
He said that the EU was promoting a political solution.
"The European Union is activating itself today (yesterday) in
order to promote a political solution to the problem, and in any
case, a solution leading to arrangements that will protect human
lives," he said.
Earlier, Mr. Simitis had talks with Foreign Under-secretary
Yiannos Kranidiotis focusing on Greece's stance.
The two men also further elaborated the proposals being put
forward by Athens at the level of the European Union prior to
the arrival here today of Dutch Foreign Minister Hans van
Mierlo, who will visit Tirana on Friday.
Although no statements were made after the meeting, informed
sources said the Greek government was not ruling out the
dispatch of a high-ranking Greek official to Tirana, possibly
Mr. Kranidiotis himself.
The same sources said that such a visit would take place after
Mr. van Mierlo's visit to Tirana because Greece does not want to
appear to be acting antagonistically to the efforts of the Dutch
EU presidency, but rather complementary.
According to the sources, Mr. Simitis again spoke by telephone
yesterday with his Italian counterpart Romano Prodi in order to
coordinate any efforts by the two countries with regard to the
dispatch of humanitarian aid and medical supplies to Albania.
The Greek government intends to send such aid as soon as Athens
has consulted with the Albanian authorities on the matter.
The West began diplomatic efforts to calm the chaos in Europe's
poorest country as Albanian troops went into action yesterday to
put down an armed uprising in southern Albania.
According to press reports, tanks and fighter planes joined the
operation, which was launched under a state of emergency imposed
to end unrest.
Beginning with street protests by investors fleeced by pyramid
investment schemes, violent unrest in Albania now threatens to
ignite full-scale civil war.
[02] Papandreou talks in Paris
Paris, 06/03/1997 (ANA)
Meanwhile, Alternate Foreign Minister George Papandreou briefed
his French counterpart, European Affairs Minister Michel
Barnier, on the situation in Albania during lengthy talks in
Paris yesterday, according to an ANA dispatch from the French
capital.
During the talks, Mr. Barnier requested Greece's contribution in
immediately confronting the crisis in the neighboring country.
Yesterday's talks, which extended beyond the time initially
scheduled, were described by Mr. Barnier as "particularly
constructive."
If order is to be restored in Albania through dialogue and a
government enjoying national confidence, Mr. Barnier said, there
must be a strong European voice.
"This is the prerequisite set by the EU, which cannot remain
indifferent on Albania," Mr. Barnier added.
Mr. Papandreou underlined the need for a commonly accepted
government in Albania.
Speaking to reporters later in the evening, Mr. Papandreou said
Albania, yielding under European Union pressure, was
contemplating elections.
[03] Pangalos says Greece wants to help
Washington, 06/03/1997 (ANA-A.Ellis)
In an interview yesterday with the "Voice of America", Greek
Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos expressed regret at the
"dramatic developments in Albania," stressing that "Greece does
not want to impose solutions, merely to help."
Mr. Pangalos told the "Voice of America" that Premier Simitis
will call on the European Union to undertake an initiative aimed
at uniting the Albanian people and to contribute to the return
of stability in the country.
"Greece is not ready to accept an infinite number of refugees
even though it is always willing to offer humanitarian aid,
especially regarding the operation of schools, hospitals and
organizations," Mr. Pangalos said.
The foreign minister further suggested that a meeting be held in
Athens with the participation of all Albanian political leaders
with the aim of finding a solution to the current situation.
[04] Government spokesman
Athens, 06/03/1997 (ANA)
Dimitris Reppas yesterday described Mr. Simitis' telephone
conversation Tuesday night with Albanian President Sali Berisha
as "effective."
This, he added, was shown by the Albanian government's
subsequent announcement saying that the Greek minority was not
responsible for the strife in the neighboring country.
Mr. Reppas described this development as important because, as
he said, "certain circles were insinuating that responsibility
lay with the minority."
Mr. Simitis Tuesday night reiterated to Mr. Berisha Athens'
concern for the safety and property of the ethnic Greek
community in Albania and stressed how important the minority
issue was for Athens' relations with Tirana.
On reports of concern voiced that a campaign of ethnic cleansing
might be attempted against the Greek minority, the spokesman
ruled this out as a possible target of the Albanian side.
The minority has the same problem as the Albanians, he said,
noting that Mr. Simitis had impressed upon Mr. Berisha the need
to guarantee the security of the ethnic Greeks who, he added,
"must remain where they are today and prosper."
Mr. Reppas reiterated the Greek government's position that a
political solution should be given to the crisis in Albania
through dialogue with the participation of all political forces
in the neighboring country.
The spokesman said National Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos
had also contacted his Albanian counterpart, who had agreed on
the need for a political solution.
Mr. Reppas said that Mr. Tsohatzopoulos had underlined to his
counterpart the importance of the Albanian army not being used
in any initiative which would exacerbate the situation.
He also spoke about Greece's initiatives on the issue, noting
that Mr. Simitis had two telephone conversations with German
Chancellor Helmut Kohl, one with European Commission President
Jacques Santer and one with former chancellor of Austria, Franz
Vranitzky, who is reported to be preparing to play an
intermediary role as an envoy to Albania.
The spokesman said co-operation was also underway with Italy,
with which Greece was discussing the adoption of a common stance.
Meanwhile, he continued, the EU was examining ways of sending
aid to Albania, which may soon be visited by Commissioner for
External Affairs Hans van den Broek.
[05] Tirana says ethnic Greeks not instigators of violence
Athens, 06/03/1997 (ANA)
The Albanian government late Thursday night denied reports that
the riots throughout mostly southern Albania had been instigated
by members of the ethnic Greek minority, according to a dispatch
from the ANA's correspondent in Gjirokaster.
The Albanian government spokesman stated that the instigators
were "leaders of the former communist party of Albania,
ex-policemen and members of the former 'Sigurini' (ex-leader
Enver Hoxha's secret service) who are being funded by foreign
secret services".
Meanwhile, no independent or opposition newspaper was published
in Tirana yesterday.
[06] Greek armed forces on alert along border
Athens, 06/03/1997 (ANA)
The Greek armed forces have been put on the alert along the
border with Albania to prevent any increase in illegal
immigration as a result of the riots sweeping Greece's northern
neighbor, according to informed sources.
By order of Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos, reinforcements
have been called in to the eighth army division stationed in the
area. Military and police patrols along the border have been
stepped up, although the number of illegal immigrants
apprehended has been markedly low.
[07] Opposition positions
Athens, 06/03/1997 (ANA)
Main opposition leader Miltiades Evert yesterday stressed the
need to give emphasis to the provision of humanitarian aid to
Albania, expressed support for a political solution and stressed
that President Berisha had to understand that he could not
"play" with the Greek minority.
In a related development, Parliament President Apostolos
Kaklamanis expressed serious concern over developments in
Albania, placing special emphasis on the ethnic Greek minority
in the south of the neighboring country.
Mr. Kaklamanis was speaking to reporters after a meeting with
the Agricultural Committee of the Cyprus House of
Representatives visiting Greece for talks with the Greek
Parliamentary Committee for Production and Commerce.
Mr. Kaklamanis said it was possible that these developments lead
to an escalation of the crisis in the entire region.
"We try to close fronts in order to concentrate all our efforts
on our eastern border, where the main danger for our country
lies," Mr. Kaklamanis said, adding that Greece's role in the
Balkans aims to consolidate peace and stability in the region.
Drawing attention to the need for calm, Mr. Kaklamanis
criticized the Greek mass media for their "negative contribution
in covering the events in Albania through broadcasting armed
Albanian protesters making statements in the Greek language and
thus creating the impression that the rioters are members of the
ethnic Greek community."
"Such coverage which is transmitted through the international
media causes immense damage to Hellenism," he said.
Communist Party of Greece honorary president Harilaos Florakis
stated his opposition to the defense of the ethnic Greek
community in southern Albania by a multinational military force
with the intervention of the Greek army and criticized those who
raised the issue.
Mr. Florakis was speaking to reporters just before his departure
for Sofia.
"Albania's problem is democracy for the entire people," Mr.
Florakis said, adding that those responsible for the unrest in
the country were the United States "and the various
imperialistic centers" for supporting Albanian President Sali
Berisha.
"The problem must be resolved through political means and the
solution must be given by the Albanian people," Mr. Florakis
said.
Political Spring party leader Antonis Samaras proposed that
Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos and his Dutch counterpart
Hans van Mierlo jointly visit Tirana, in order to encourage
dialogue between the political forces and promote the political
solution of holding general elections.
[08] Reppas meets Albanian Socialist Party delegation
Athens, 06/03/1997 (ANA)
Press and Media Minister Dimitris Reppas last night met with an
Albanian Socialist Party delegation and reiterated the Greek
government's positions that a solution to the situation in
Albania should be found through discussion.
He also stressed the government's intense interest in
contributing to the rehabilitation of democratic institutions
and of normality in the neighboring country.
[09] Simitis presents PASOK's new agricultural proposals
Athens, 06/03/1997 (ANA)
Prime Minister Costas Simitis yesterday called on members of the
ruling PASOK party's farmers' associations to work towards the
restructuring and upgrading of the role of agricultural
cooperatives.
Speaking at a nationwide meeting of the associations in Piraeus,
and in view of forthcoming elections in the cooperatives, he
called on farmers to elect those who will be able to secure the
effective functioning of cooperatives, and will ignore
considerations of political clientele.
The prime minister said that the national strategy for
agriculture could be nothing but a strategy of big changes,
particularly structural, which would aim to create a
"competitive agriculture", the viable and all-round development
of all farming regions and the creation of a nationwide social
protection network for the farming population.
"For the implementation of the government's agricultural
policy," he added, "we are adopting a series of measures aiming
to either directly support producers, or promote restructuring
and the creation of more dynamic prospects for the farmers."
These measures include:
-Social dialogue, through the setting up of the Agricultural
Policy Council.
-a policy for new farmers,
-an agricultural land policy, aiming at better management and
securing viable agricultural concerns,
-the drawing up of a Farmers' Register,
-the training of farmers,
-additional measures for reducing production costs,
-the promotion of development programs and investments in
agriculture and fisheries, amounting to 1.4 trillion drachmas in
the 1994-99 period, while total funds devoted to the regions
amount to 2.7 trillion drachmas, or about one-third of the
second Community Support Framework.
He stressed that the government's and the main opposition's
approaches to agriculture and practices were diametrically
opposed:
"The one is the conservative, old-party perception and practice,
connected with the clientele system and demagogic
pork-barelling. The other, which is our perception, aims to
provide viable and stable solutions with specific proposals and
without slogans," he said.
[10] European Socialist Party to issue resolution on Albania
Brussels, 06/03/1997 (ANA - M. Savva/ P. Pantelis)
The European Socialist Party is to issue a resolution today on
developments in Albania, which, according to sources, stresses
that the imposition of a state of emergency cannot solve the
problem and that only political dialogue and the avoidance of
violent activities can restore peace and order.
Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos, who participated in
yesterday's session, spoke to reporters afterwards and referred
to "a civil war with unknown consequences and prospects, not
only for the Albanian people, but also for stability,
co-operation and peace in southeast Europe and the Balkans."
Meanwhile, Greek Commissioner Christos Papoutsis said during a
Commission session yesterday that Albania's problem was purely
political and that pressure ought to be exerted for a truly
democratic dialogue between the ruling party and the opposition.
"We must not give the impression that united Europe is unable to
react, and is following American initiatives," he was quoted as
saying.
[11] Pangalos meets Albright today
Washington, 06/03/1997 (ANA - T. Ellis)
Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos is expected to discuss
developments in Albania, Greek-Turkish relations and the Cyprus
issue in Washington today in contacts with his US counterpart
Madelene Albright, President Clinton's National Security adviser
Sandy Berger and Richard Shifter, a Council member responsible
for southeastern Europe.
Repercussions from the Albanian crisis both inside Albania and
in the wider region are preoccupying the US and American
officials have said they are interested in listening to the
positions and proposals Mr. Pangalos will be conveying to them.
Mr. Pangalos is the first high-ranking official from the region
(and the European Union) who they are meeting after the crisis
broke out in Albania.
[12] G. Papandreou discusses Cyprus problem with French counterpart
Paris, 06/03/1997 (ANA - G. Zitouniati)
Alternate Foreign Minister George Papandreou expressed
satisfaction over European activity on the Cyprus issue,
following talks with his French counterpart Michel Barnier.
Mr. Papandreou said Greece is not opposed to the European
Union's contacts with the Turkish Cypriot side, but on
conditions which, he said, were understood by his interlocutor.
Mr. Barnier assured Mr. Papandreou that the Turkish Cypriots'
participation will not be of decisive importance for the
accession of Cyprus, neither does it constitute in any way an
indirect recognition of Rauf Denktash's state.
On the issue of Greek-Turkish relations, Mr. Papandreou
reiterated to Mr. Barnier that Athens was in favor of Ankara's
European orientation, but only to the extent that Turkey did not
create problems for Greece with its aggressive policy.
Each time a climate of rapprochement between Athens and Ankara
is created, he said, Turkey puts forward a new claim against
Greece.
[13] Amnesty Int'l: EU 'silent witness' to Turkish human rights
violations
Brussels, 06/03/1997 (ANA - M. Savva)
Amnesty International yesterday hailed Europarliament
initiatives aimed at improving the state of human rights in
Turkey, but criticized the European Commission for not proposing
sufficient and specific measures to battle the violations,
despite the severity of the situation.
In a press conference held yesterday, Amnesty International
described the 15 EU member-states as "silent witnesses" of the
violations occurring in Turkey and made fresh appeals for
specific EU measures, including the promotion of special
training programs for security forces in Turkey and the
appointment of European observers in sensitive regions.
According to the organization's most recent report, the human
rights situation in Turkey "has been deteriorating since 1990.
Tortures have become systematic. Over the last two years, there
has been an increase in complaints of children being tortured,
of disappearances, of illegal detention."
[14] Motion to lift development minister's parliamentary immunity
defeated
Athens, 06/03/1997 (ANA)
A Parliamentary committee yesterday rejected an application for
lifting Development Minister Vasso Papandreou's parliamentary
immunity, in connection with a libel suit brought against her by
New Democracy party deputies Theodoros Kassimis and
Triantafyllos Bellos for statements made in connection with the
Floisvos casino affair.
The application was defeated by 25 votes to 12, with ND deputies
voting in favor and PASOK deputies against.
Ms. Papandreou had questioned the integrity of the two deputies,
who are members of the committee of inquiry into the affair.
The parliamentary committee yesterday also decided not to refer
former PASOK tourism minister Dionysis Livanos to a special
court for initially approving the project, but pronounced that
he bore heavy political responsibility for the way in which he
handled the affair.
Ms. Papandreou eventually revoked the license for the casino,
implementing a relevant government decision.
[15] Palestinian Interior Under-secretary holds talks in Athens
Athens, 06/03/1997 (ANA)
Palestinian Authority Interior Under-secretary Ahmad al Tamimi
yesterday requested Greek co-operation in matters of public
order and administration during talks here with Interior, Public
Administration and Decentralization Under-secretary Tassos
Mantelis.
Yesterday's talks covered bilateral co-operation in a number of
areas of public administration, while two experts from each
ministry have already been appointed to begin working out a
specific action plan in co-operation with the Palestinian
authorities.
Meanwhile, a team of Greek experts will visit Palestine in the
next few days for an on-the-spot examination of those fields in
which the two sides can develop further co-operation.
Subsequently, joint groups of experts will be appointed for each
separate sector of public administration.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Mr. al Tamini said
"just as Greece daily stands at the side of Palestine, the
Palestinians will always be allies of Greek positions on issues
such as the Cyprus problem."
The meeting was also attended by Interior, Public Administration
and Decentralization Minister Alekos Papadopoulos and the
ministry's Secretary General, Evdokia Sereli.
Mr. al Tamimi later had an informal meeting with Prime Minister
Costas Simitis which, according to Mr. Mantelis, focused on
"current issues".
[16] ND members vote for party congress delegates
Athens, 06/03/1997 (ANA)
Roughly 70,000 New Democracy party members yesterday voted for
the election of 1,309 delegates to participate in the party's
national congress, due to take place later this month.
Results were expected late last night.
All four candidates for the leadership appeared optimistic that
they would secure a majority of delegates who support them, as
they will play a crucial role in the election of a leader.
[17] Athens presents candidacy for 2004 Olympics today
Athens, 06/03/1997 (ANA)
Athens' official candidacy to host the 2004 Olympic Games is to
be presented to the International Olympic Committee's (IOC)
14-member Selection Committee in Lausanne today.
The presentation will be made by President of the Athens 2004
Olympic Games Committee Yianna Angelopoulou-Daskalaki. "This is
an important milestone for our candidacy," she told Greek
reporters in Lausanne.
A day before the official presentation, the Athens 2004 Olympic
Games Committee sent an olive branch to all competing Committees
in a bid to stress the principles of peace and friendship.
"It is a symbolic gesture," Ms. Angelopoulou-Daskalaki said,
adding that it has been greatly appreciated by the contenders.
The IOC Selection Committee will announce the shortlist from the
11 candidates tomorrow.
According to IOC President Juan Antonio Samaranch, the shortlist
will contain four candidacies. A fifth candidacy will be allowed
only in the case of a consensus.
[18] Popular support for Athens 2004 bid Greece's trump card, mayor
says
Athens, 06/03/1997 (ANA)
Athens' main "weapon" in its bid to host the 2004 Olympic Games
is the virtually universal support for the city's candidacy from
Athenians and the Greek people in general, Athens Mayor Dimitris
Avramopoulos said yesterday.
Speaking at a press conference, Mr. Avramopoulos, who is a
member of the committee responsible for promoting Athens'
candidacy, praised "the unity of spirit" prevailing among all
parties involved in the city's bid. Mr. Avramopoulos expressed
guarded optimism about the chances of Athens being included on
the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) shortlist of four or
five candidate cities for the 2004 Olympics.
The IOC will announce the shortlist in Lausanne on Friday.
Cities included on the shortlist will continue to vie for the
event until September 5 when the winner will be announced.
IOC President Juan Antonio Samaranch said recently that in
addition to the necessary infrastructure, the eleven candidates
must be able to convince the selection group that the general
population backed a particular city's candidacy.
[19] Hermes Expo '97 to open in Atlantic City in April
Montreal, 06/03/1997 (ANA - J. Frangouli)
The commercial exhibition Hermes Expo '97 will be held in
Atlantic City in the US for the fifth consecutive year on April
13-14, with the expected participation of over 150
Greek-American, Cypriot and Greek-Canadian exhibitors.
The exhibition aims to strengthen business relations between
Greeks in north America and to promote them in the Greek and
American markets.
The trade fair will include exhibitors such as banking
institutions, insurance companies, tourist offices and products
such as food, beverages, clothing, ceramics and jewelry.
Distinguished personalities from the Greek and American economic
and commercial sector will explain issues concerning
professionals of Greek origin, as well as their prospects for
investment in the Balkans.
A mini Greek cinema festival will be held during the two-day
exhibition, while at the official dinner, awards will be
presented to Greek businessmen who have made a significant
contribution to the Greek business and commercial world in the
US and Canada .
[20] Support programs for SMEs announced
Athens, 06/03/1997 (ANA)
Development Minister Vasso Papandreou yesterday announced
support programs worth a total of 100 billion drachmas, for
small-and-medium size enterprises (SMEs), and called on
businessmen to respond to the challenge and use the opportunity
to modernize their firms.
Businessmen are invited to submit investment plans for projects
including those in energy saving, renewable energy sources,
declining regions and tourism, by May 15.
[21] Size of Greek merchant fleet drops in February
Athens, 06/03/1997 (ANA)
The size of the Greek merchant fleet dropped by 120,566 gross
registered tons in February, according to figures released
yesterday by the merchant marine ministry.
During February, the ministry said, three vessels with a total
capacity of 87,030 grt joined the Greek registry - one
passenger/car ferry, one passenger/tourist vessel and one tanker.
In the same period, ten vessels with a total capacity of 207,596
grt left the registry. Of these, one was a passenger/car ferry
and nine were cargo vessels.
[22] Greece has lowest per capita contribution to EU, report says
Athens, 06/03/1997 (ANA)
Greece's gross per capita contribution to the European Union's
budget in 1996 amounted to 114 ECU, the lowest of all 15
member-states, according to an EU report issued every four
months.
The report said the largest contribution was made by Luxembourg,
with 457.8 ECU, followed by Belgium, the Netherlands, Denmark,
Germany, Austria, Sweden, France, Finland, Ireland and Italy.
The countries just above Greece on the list were Britain, Spain
and Portugal.
[23] Italian interests invest in Drama
Athens, 06/03/1997 (ANA)
Italian interests have decided to construct a plant at an
estimated cost of 1.6 billion drachmas for the manufacture of
high-pressure tanks at Xeropotamo, Drama in northern Greece.
The community of Xeropotamo will allocate an area of land for
the plant near the prefecture's industrial estate.
Despite more favorable investment incentives in Thrace, the
Italians preferred Drama, partly because of the imminent opening
of the Exochi customs post on the Greek-Bulgarian border.
Another incentive making the investment more attractive is the
subsidy which may be as high as 52 per cent.
Initially, the plant is expected to employ 50 persons, but when
fully operational it will have a workforce of about 800.
The estimated cost of 1.6 billion drachmas will be covered 25
per cent by own capital, while the remainder will come from bank
lending and the subsidy.
End of English language section.
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