Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 97-03-27

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

ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No. 1148), March 27, 1997

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

CONTENTS

[01] Greece says top Turkish general's remarks have 'positive value'

[02] Gov't spokesman

[03] Karadayi visit discussed

[04] Ciller: Ankara 'satisfied' with Greek position at recent EU foreign ministers' meeting

[05] Turkish warplanes violate Athens FIR east of Rhodes

[06] Simitis briefed on transport- related issues, state-run utilities

[07] Greece flatly dismisses allegations by outgoing Albanian secret service head

[08] Tsohatzopoulos chairs defense council meeting

[09] Greece offers battalion for any police force in Albania

[10] Bulgarian FM Stalev in Athens next month

[11] No Simitis visit to FYROM before name issue resolved

[12] Public Order Minister Romeos meets with FYROM counterpart

[13] Stephanopoulos receives new ND president Costas Karamanlis

[14] Other meetings

[15] Gov't spokesman

[16] Pol.An

[17] Tsovolas harshly criticizes PASOK, ND

[18] Transport commissioner Kinnock due in Athens today

[19] KEDKE conference underway in Crete

[20] Pangalos meets with Arab ambassadors in Athens

[21] Yiannopoulos meets with Palestinian Authority official

[22] Greek Independence Day commemorated by US administration

[23] US officials attend Greek Independence Day reception

[24] FYROM officials attend Greek reception

[25] Euromerchant Bank to buy Credit Lyonnais Greece retail network

[26] Canadian interest displayed in regional construction sector

[27] Soumakis says maritime shipping's competitiveness an issue for shipowners, seamen

[01] Greece says top Turkish general's remarks have 'positive value'

Athens, 27/03/1997 (ANA)

Government spokesman Dimitris Reppas called Turkish Chief of General Staff Gen. Ismail Hakki Karadayi's attendance at the reception a "polite gesture".

Mr. Reppas said that while his statements have a "positive value", he hoped they also expressed a more general political direction and that Greece expected similar political initiatives to show these were not empty words, while the important thing was for Turkey to express fully and concisely its positions on the entire spectrum of Greek-Turkish issues.

Gen. Karadayi reportedly spoke to Greece's Ambassador to Ankara, Dimitris Nezeritis, of the need to resolve bilateral differences "so that future generations will not be burdened by these problems".

He also drew attention to the ease with which Greeks and Turks developed friendly relations on a social level.

Referring to his presence at the reception, he said that Greece and Turkey were "neighbours in the same apartment building" and that there were more things uniting than dividing the two countries.

"We are under the same security umbrella, we are members of NATO," he said, adding that the two countries should "sit down and talk before the differences get beyond certain points. We haven't gotten anywhere with differences". The Turkish chief of general staff extended an invitation, via the Greek military attache in Ankara Constantine Balanos, to his counterpart to visit Turkey. He also indicated that he himself was willing to visit Greece.

[02] Gov't spokesman

Athens, 27/03/1997 (ANA)

Meanwhile, national defense ministry sources said that Turkey should "practically demonstrate its changed attitude towards our country by complying with the rules of international law and with international treaties."

"In this case Greece will no longer be Turkey's adversary on the issue of its accession to the European Union but will express its own view," the same sources said.

[03] Karadayi visit discussed

Istanbul, 27/03/97 (ANA/A. Kourkoulas)

It was the first time in a decade that the Turkish chief of general staff had attended the Greek embassy's Independence Day reception. The Turkish press gave extensive coverage to the story, also emphasizing the low-level representation of the foreign ministry at the reception, which was attended by an assistant under-secretary.

Informed sources said Gen. Karadayi, who is considered to be a moderate and stabilizing force and had indirectly criticized the Ciller government's handling of the Imia crisis in early 1996, was sending a message to the political leaders of Turkey's diplomatic service.

The general is also seen to be responding to recent gestures by Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos, gestures which were positively received by Turkish public opinion but was met with a lukewarm response from the Turkish foreign ministry.

There was a high turnout by politicians, the military and business circles at the receptions held by the Greek embassy in Ankara and the Greek consulate in Istanbul.

[04] Ciller: Ankara 'satisfied' with Greek position at recent EU foreign ministers' meeting

Istanbul, 27/03/97 (ANA/A. Kourkoulas)

"We must neither exaggerate nor underestimate the importance of Greece's position," Ms Ciller said, adding that "Turkey desires good relations with its neighbours."

She further said statements by the Turkish General Staff Chief Gen. Ismail Haki Karadayi at the Greek embassy's reception in Ankara were "important."

Gen. Karadayi attended the embassy's reception in honour of Greek Independence Day, March 25.

On his part, Mr. Kinkel reiterated that "Turkey's accession to the European Union cannot be carried out soon due to problems continuing to exist in the human rights sector, the Kurdish issue, Greek-Turkish relations and Turkey's economic problems."

Mr. Kinkel stressed the considerable importance that "the normalization of Greek-Turkish relations" has for Europe and appealed to Athens and Ankara for "necessary flexibility in handling problems."

Referring to the Cyprus issue, Mr. Kinkel said that "convergence must be reached between the two sides."

[05] Turkish warplanes violate Athens FIR east of Rhodes

Athens, 27/03/1997 (ANA)

The Turkish warplanes were identified and intercepted by Hellenic Air Force Mirage 2000 fighters.

According to the same sources, a Turkish mine-sweeper yesterday illegally entered Greek territorial waters east of the islet of Imia.

The Hellenic Navy gunboat "Armatolos", which was patrolling the area at the time and a coast-guard vessel, escorted the Turkish vessel out of Greek territorial waters.

[06] Simitis briefed on transport- related issues, state-run utilities

Athens, 27/03/1997 (ANA)

Speaking afterwards to reporters, Mr. Simitis said that "only the faster-paced absorption of the Community Funds by public utilities and companies (DEKO) will contribute to their modernization and improve their competitiveness."

He was briefed by Transport Minister Haris Kastanidis.

Mr. Simitis expressed satisfaction at international ventures and initiatives assumed by the ministry, "in contrast with certain other organizations," he added.

Referring to "certain organizations," Mr. Simitis said they should implement modernization programs and absorb community funds at a satisfactory pace. Asserting that the boards of directors of DEKOs "are capable of proceeding with implementation of their programs," he called for "greater attention to the satisfaction of the citizen."

"Greece is at the crossroads between east-west, north-south, therefore," the premier added, "greater attention should be given to the sectors of transport, telecommunications and road safety."

Specifically, the premier said he was not satisfied with the operation of urban transport in Attica, underlining the problems which emanate from the construction of the new Athens metro.

Turning to the Greek Telecommunications Organization (OTE), the premier said OTE, a state monopoly, was doing positive work, pointing to the organization's many ventures in the Balkans and eastern Europe.

The premier said he felt that the European Commission will give OTE more time to organize before allowing deregulated competition in the local telecommunications sector.

On the issue of traffic safety, Mr. Simitis announced the establishment of a Road Safety Council with the task of coordinating the competent services at the transport ministry and the environment, town planning and public works ministry.

Regarding the operation of the Greek Railway Organization (OSE), Mr. Simitis said the organization's modernization process was continuing, adding that the organization had been instructed to absorb community funds at a faster pace.

The prime minister said the project of a railway "Egnatia" - a route linking the cities of Durres (Albania), Florina, Thessaloniki and Ormenio - was being considered. If approved, the project, falling in line with a US plan for developing the Balkans, w ill be funded by Washington.

Referring to the operation of the Post Office (ELTA), the premier said that "much work is needed."

Mr. Simitis said the ELTA was plagued by deficits, adding its business plan has been delayed.

Turning to developments in the civil aviation sector, the premier said a new automated traffic control system will be completed next month, while attributing delays in the Olympic Airway's restructuring plan to differences between the Olympic and the Commission. Mr. Simitis forecast that a solution will be given in about two months.

[07] Greece flatly dismisses allegations by outgoing Albanian secret service head

Athens, 27/03/1997 (ANA)

"The statements by the outgoing chief of the Albanian secret service are not even worthy of being denied and must be attributed to the confusion in which the individual in question has naturally found himself," foreign ministry spokesman Costas Bikas said.

"The Greek government has signed a friendship and co-operation agreement with Albania and during the current crisis actively shows its assistance in this time of need for the neighbouring country. Greece is also working within the framework of international initiatives for the restoration of democratic normality.

"(Albanian) President (Sali) Berisha and Prime Minister (Bashkim) Fino, by public statements as well as to Greek government officials, have already praised the Greek stance.

"Greece will continue to help its neighbouring country, both in the framework of common European efforts and on a bilateral level," Mr. Bikas concluded.

Bashkim Gazidede, the outgoing secret service chief, told the Albanian parliament yesterday that Greek groups were also behind the insurrection which has enveloped the neighbouring country during the past weeks.

[08] Tsohatzopoulos chairs defense council meeting

Athens, 27/03/1997 (ANA)

The meeting was also attended by National Defense Under-secretary Dimitris Apostolakis and the armed forces' general staff chiefs.

According to reports, the council examined other current issues, such as developments in Albania.

National defense ministry sources believe that the situation in Albania will not be normalized in a short period of time. On the contrary, they noted that very soon the neighbouring country will also be faced with the problem of hunger, as current levels of foodstuffs are dwindling.

[09] Greece offers battalion for any police force in Albania

Athens, 27/03/1997 (ANA)

The Greek armed forces has organized a C-130 aircraft to transfer 20 tonnes of medicines and food to Tirana. The humanitarian aid will be donated to Albanian authorities for distribution.

[10] Bulgarian FM Stalev in Athens next month

Sofia, 27/03/1997 (ANA/N. Hios)

According to Mr. Vlajkov, Mr. Stalev's visits are part of preparation for high-level meetings, while bilateral relations and possibilities for their intensification will also be discussed, as well as certain regional problems.

[11] No Simitis visit to FYROM before name issue resolved

Athens, 27/03/1997 (ANA)

He added that bilateral summit talks would be held once the necessary groundwork had been laid in bilateral relations, which needed improvement. He called on Skopje to show its willingness to improve those relations.

Mr. Reppas indirectly ruled out a visit to Skopje by Mr. Simitis in order to discuss the Albanian crisis. He referred to the recent visit by Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos on the same issue, adding that if the need arose, Greece would then decide o n what action to take.

[12] Public Order Minister Romeos meets with FYROM counterpart

Athens, 27/03/1997 (ANA)

Discussions focused on the combating of organized crime, drug smuggling, terrorism as well as the smuggling of weapons, people and stolen vehicles from neighbouring Albania.

Mr. Romeos said that both countries must co-operate to face the growing problem of illegal drug production, stressing to the FYROM delegation that Greek authorities have information that large quantities of drugs are manufactured in the neighbouring former Yugoslav republic.

[13] Stephanopoulos receives new ND president Costas Karamanlis

Athens, 27/03/1997 (ANA)

Speaking to the press after the meeting, Mr. Karamanlis focused on New Democracy's institutional role as the main opposition, stressing the party's importance for the country and democracy.

The 41-year-old nephew of ND founder and former president of the republic Constantine Karamanlis, Mr. Karamanlis was elected from four contenders to the party's leadership at ND's fourth congress late last week.

In welcoming Mr. Karamanlis, President Stephanopoulos wished the Thessaloniki deputy "success in his work."

Mr. Stephanopoulos said he considered it very important that a young politician had been elected to such a high position.

"Capable young politicians should be helped and promoted," he added.

In a related development, Mr. Karamanlis yesterday took over the reins at the party's headquarters on Rigilis street in central Athens, after outgoing ND president Miltiades Evert received the new leader at his office, officially handing over ND's presidency.

[14] Other meetings

Athens, 27/03/1997 (ANA)

Mr. Karamanlis will visit Mr. Rallis at his home at 11 a.m. and Mr. Mitsotakis, ND's honourary president, at his office at 6 p.m. A meeting with Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis is scheduled to take place at 2 p.m.

According to reports, Mr. Karamanlis thanked Mr. Evert during their meeting for his position at the ND congress and discussed the party's future course. The issue of Mr. Evert becoming an honorary party president was also discussed, although the former ND leader ruled out such a possibility. Mr. Evert has reportedly told his associates that he will vigorously support the party and its new president. Next week Mr. Karamanlis will be meeting Mr. Souflias and ND deputy Dora Bakoyianni.

[15] Gov't spokesman

Athens, 27/03/1997 (ANA)

"The government hopes that ND will from now on exhibit greater responsibility and seriousness," he said.

[16] Pol.An

Athens, 27/03/1997 (ANA)

He was speaking in the wake of press reports that he will rejoin ND.

Mr. Samaras said that at this time, the exclusive issue both for himself and the party is its first congress. He added that with "deliberate rumours" and leaks, politics cannot be carried out, only disinformation.

[17] Tsovolas harshly criticizes PASOK, ND

Athens, 27/03/1997 (ANA)

Mr. Tsovolas said that the "conservative and anti-popular nature of the New Democracy party" will not change with the party's new leadership. He added that PASOK did not change either which, under the leadership of Costas Simitis, is promoting "conservative and anti-popular policies on a daily basis."

He said DHKKI believes that developments in the ND party are aimed at perpetuating bi-polarization and the dual party system.

"A situation for succession is being set up to enable extra-institutional factors, as well as the major powers in the west to continue the control of the political system and economic policy. Another target is also to close national issues with consensus at high level," he said.

Mr. Tsovolas made it clear that his party will not participate in discussions concerning the centre-left because, as he said, they constitute disorientating methodizations and their aim is to trap the progressive voters.

Mr. Tsovolas referred at length to the country's national issues. Starting from the question of Albania, he said his party is opposed to the sending of a multinational force under any name. He added that such a force will create great dangers that these events will spread to other parts of the Balkans and also because it can create dangers against the rights of ethnic Greeks in Albania.

Commenting on Greek-Turkish relations, Mr. Tsovolas accused the government of conducting secret diplomacy which, he assessed, will lead the country step-by-step to a dialogue on all issues.

Mr. Tsovolas also spoke of secret diplomacy in referring to the issue of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM). He said that the government's aim is to close the issue of that state's name by June with a composite name, adding that his party is completely opposed to this.

[18] Transport commissioner Kinnock due in Athens today

Athens, 27/03/1997 (ANA)

Announcing the visit yesterday, Mr. Soumakis said both he and Transport and Communications Minister Haris Kastanidis would be having talks with Mr. Kinnock.

Mr. Kinnock will also be meeting with Prime Minister Costas Simitis, Mr. Soumakis said.

[19] KEDKE conference underway in Crete

Athens, 27/03/1997 (ANA)

"The KEDKE conference is a good start to create a local self-administration that is deserved," Interior, Public Administration and Decentralization Minister Alekos Papadopoulos said after being welcomed by Irakleio Mayor Costas Aslanis in the town hall.

Mr. Papadopoulos is scheduled to speak at the conference today.

"Along with KEDKE we will proceed with mergers and we will solve the great problems of large municipalities," he added.

KEDKE President and Athens Mayor Dimitris Avramopoulos is to suggest during the conference the "metropolitan organization of municipalities".

Under this system, which has already been implemented in many local self-administration organizations in other European countries, the "metropolis-municipality" coordinates the activities in municipalities under its jurisdiction.

Mr. Avramopoulos met yesterday with municipal authorities and mayors of the Irakleio prefecture.

[20] Pangalos meets with Arab ambassadors in Athens

Athens, 27/03/1997 (ANA)

Mr. Pangalos said he will raise the issue with the European Union.

The Arab ambassadors, who requested the meeting, briefed Mr. Pangalos on latest developments on the Middle East issue in the wake of the decision taken by the Israeli government to build 6,500 new residences in the Abu Gneim region of East Jerusalem.

[21] Yiannopoulos meets with Palestinian Authority official

Athens, 27/03/1997 (ANA)

The Palestinian official was accompanied on his visit by the head of the Palestinian Authority's diplomatic mission, Abdullah Abdullah.

[22] Greek Independence Day commemorated by US administration

Washington, 27/03/1997 (ANA/T. Ellis)

Mr. Clinton stressed the close ties currently enjoyed between Greece and the US and their co-operation within NATO and on a bilateral level. "Our country envisages close co-operation with Greece during the next years as we are seeking manners in which to achieve comprehensive peace, stability and prosperity in all the states of Europe and of the world."

Mr. Clinton yesterday met with leading members of the Greek-American community in the White House, in his first direct contact with the expatriate Greek community since his re-election.

The 15-minute meeting was attended by Archbishop of America Spyridon, Council of Hellenes Abroad (SAE) President Andrew Athens, American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA) President Spyros Makris and President of the National Coordinating Effort - Justice for Cyprus Andrew Manatos as well as Greece's ambassador to Washington, Loukas Tsilas.

[23] US officials attend Greek Independence Day reception

Athens, 27/03/1997 (ANA)

The reception was also attended by members of a Greek inter-party delegation, who later gave a joint press conference on promoting national issues and co-operation in the education and cultural fields.

The delegation had previously met with the director for southern European affairs at the US State Department Carey Cavanaugh on the latest developments concerning the Cyprus issue and Greek-Turkish relations.

[24] FYROM officials attend Greek reception

Skopje, 27/03/97 (ANA/M. Vihou)

The reception was attended by almost all the leaders of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia's political parties, including representatives of the Albanian minority.

FYROM's foreign, defense and culture ministers, as well as journalists, businessmen and members of diplomatic corps were among the dignitaries.

[25] Euromerchant Bank to buy Credit Lyonnais Greece retail network

Athens, 27/03/1997 (ANA)

The international group Credit Lyonnais has been operating in Greece since 1977 through a Representative Office and since 1981 through its subsidiary - Credit Lyonnais Greece S.A. - which will continue to develop its capital market, corporate banking, shipping and treasury activities in Greece.

According to the Euromerchant Bank announcement, the subsidiary will also continue to operate in international private banking for major clients of the Credit Lyonnais Group.

Euromerchant Bank was established in 1990 and is part of the European Financial Group (EFG) - a banking group held by Latsis family interests.

In 1996, the company agreed to merge its operations with Interbank in Greece, following the sale of 95 per cent of Interbank's shares from Banque Worms to the EFG.

The merger will create the third largest private sector bank in Greece.

[26] Canadian interest displayed in regional construction sector

Athens, 27/03/1997 (ANA)

The proposal was conveyed yesterday by the international affairs consultant of Canada's Industry, Commerce and Science and Technology Ministry, Genevieve Filion, during a meeting with members of the board of directors of the central Macedonia department of the Technical Chamber of Greece (TEE-TKM) in Thessaloniki.

According to a TEE-TKM announcement, the co-operation proposal is to be discussed in November or December during a meeting between representatives of Greek and Canadian construction companies. This will be preceded by a written briefing between TEE-TKM and the relevant Canadian ministry.

[27] Soumakis says maritime shipping's competitiveness an issue for shipowners, seamen

Athens, 27/03/1997 (ANA)

The merchant marine ministry cannot formulate the shipping sector, the minister said, adding that "the merchant marine ministry is not the maritime sector."

Mr. Soumakis made the statements in regard to a joint announcement on Tuesday by the members of the board of directors of the Greek Shipping Co-operation Committee and the Greek Shipowners Union, after their meeting in London.

During their first joint meeting this year, the members of the two boards focused on issues concerning the maritime shipping sector at a national and international level.

They said that the course of Greek-flagged shipping was "extremely worrying," in view of the sharp decline in competitiveness of the ships sailing under the Greek flag.

"The fruitless discussions with the government over a 10-month duration regarding the adaptation of shipping policy to that which our EU partners have adopted and implemented successfully, have formulated 'a climate of flight' which will be transformed into an economic, social and national problem for our country," the announcement read.

According to the announcement, "the government must proceed with the taking of necessary measures, based on the broader national interest, in order to avert the danger to the country's shipping sector collapsing."

End of English language section.

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