Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 97-04-09
From: The Greek Press & Information Office, Ottawa Canada <grnewsca@sympatico.ca>
ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No 1159), April 9, 1997
Greek Press & Information Office
Ottawa, Canada
E-Mail Address: grnewsca@sympatico.ca
CONTENTS
[01] Greece 'a stone's throw' from EMU, Papantoniou says
[02] No new taxes
[03] V. Papandreou
[04] Commission representative
[05] Laliotis
[06] Karamanlis
[07] Greek peacekeeping troops in Tirana, Vlore
[08] Stationing
[09] Albanian opposition leaders
[10] Greece, Slovakia sign air transport agreement
[11] European official to visit Athens
[12] Apostolakis in US to look at WEU-NATO co-operation
[13] Meeting on southeastern European stability held in Skopje
[14] Greek-Turkish issues dominate G. Papandreou, van Mierlo meeting
[15] Foreign ministry dismisses Turkish protests of pseudo-mufti's
conviction
[16] Several G. Papandreou proposals accepted at EU-Group of Rio
conference
[17] Karamanlis outlines several proposals for reorganization of
higher education
[18] Simitis, Skandalidis meeting
[19] Burgas-Alexandroupolis pipeline discussed at EU-sponsored
conference
[20] Tzoumakas proposals to EU
[21] Labor ministry leadership confers with PM
[22] Niles broaches US copyright issue with Yiannopoulos
[23] Business-related data bank
[24] Greece 'dying', demographic study shows
[25] Gov't readies bill on opinion polls
[26] Meeting of women from eastern Aegean
[27] President to meet with opposition leader
[01] Greece 'a stone's throw' from EMU, Papantoniou says
Athens, 09/04/1997 (ANA)
National Economy Minister Yiannos Papantoniou told a conference
yesterday that Greece was just "a stone's throw away" from
meeting the criteria of the European Union's Maastricht Treaty,
calling for decisive action in both the public and private
sectors to bridge the remaining gap.
The annual "Roundtable with the Greek Government" held by the
Economist Intelligence Unit opened on Monday night with a speech
by Germany's former foreign minister Hans-Dietrich Genscher.
Mr. Papantoniou, saying Greece was the only EU member-state to
have made such great strides towards convergence in such a short
time, called for a faster rate of privatization and share
offers, the deregulation of the markets, the attraction of
private capital for public works and support in making Greek
enterprises more competitive.
He predicted that the public deficit would fall to 4.2 per cent
of GNP by the end of the year and that inflation would drop to
4.5 per cent. Over the next five to ten years, added Mr.
Papantoniou, it was expected that the inflow of foreign capital
would continue at an increased rate, irrespective of the level
of interest rates due to the trust displayed by foreign
investors.
He dismissed concern over the large current accounts deficit,
saying that over the next two to three years it was expected to
be at the level of 4.5 to five billion US dollars, but would be
easily funded.
[02] No new taxes
Athens, 09/04/1997 (ANA)
In statements later, Mr. Papantoniou assured that the government
would not introduce new fiscal measures, despite the shortfall
in state revenue in March, and expressed optimism that by the
end of the year there would be no problem. Mr. Papantoniou said
that revenue inflows would pick up in May because of the taxes
to be levied, with retroactive force, under the provisions of
the new tax law.
Acknowledging the shortfall in revenue, Mr. Papantoniou
underlined that it pertained to non-tax income of a temporary
nature, since the 60 billion drachma reduction in March in Bank
of Greece and Hellenic Telecommunications Organization (OTE)
dividends would be made up over the next few months.
[03] V. Papandreou
Athens, 09/04/1997 (ANA)
Development Minister Vasso Papandreou told the conference that
Athens would adhere to the implementation of the convergence
program as well as its development program, while privatizations
would go ahead as scheduled, with significant structural changes
allowing for an improved operation of the market and general
business environment.
Finance Under-secretary Nikos Christodoulakis spoke of the need
for an expansion of the tax base in Greece over the next few
years, along with a gradual reduction in taxpayers' burden. He
also stressed that the Greek government would make a greater
effort to manage the public debt.
On his part, Democratic Social Movement (DHKKI) leader Dimitris
Tsovolas called for more social justice and solidarity on the
part of the European Union towards Greece.
He claimed that the Maastricht Treaty led to an inhumane and
extreme form of neo-conservatism. Greece should not have as its
priority the convergency of a few unrealistic macro-economic
indicators but should aim at a more populist economic policy and
a social policy more characteristic of a welfare state.
Federation of Greek Industries (SEB) president Andreas
Kanellopoulos complained of insufficient privatization,
infrastructure problems, overvaluation of the drachma, which he
said undermined the competitiveness of Greek products, and too
much state intervention. He called for a reduction in public
spending, emphasizing that despite progress that had been made
in the Greek economy, the problems remained.
[04] Commission representative
Athens, 09/04/1997 (ANA)
Despite efforts, the Greek economy has still a great distance to
cover in many fronts, Giovanni Ravajio, the head of the European
Commission's economic affairs department said yesterday.
Addressing the "Economist" conference, Mr. Ravajio said Greece
had made satisfactory progress in bringing down inflation and
the public deficit, warning that the situation should be
stabilized. This way Greece will meet the Stability Pact
provisions, he said.
Mr. Ravajio said Greece will meet convergence criteria and
participate in the European Monetary Union faster than expected.
Urging the Greek government to make convergence the central
focus of its economic policy "very soon after 1999," he went on
to say that Greece's monetary policy remains "fragile to the
possibility of an investors' crisis of confidence," and that
real interest rates remain excessively high.
Concluding, he said Greece's accession to the European Monetary
Union is be "a historic opportunity."
[05] Laliotis
Athens, 09/04/1997 (ANA)
Environment and Public Works Minister Costas Laliotis said more
than 7,000 projects, programs and actions of national, regional
and prefectural importance were underway, stressing their
positive implications for the country's development course.
Mr. Laliotis cited the Egnatia Highway across the breadth of
northern Greece, the Patra-Athens-Thessaloniki-Bulgarian road
axis, the Rio-Antirrio Bridge, the Aheloos River diversion, port
and airport projects throughout the country.
He stressed the importance of his ministry's co-operation with
European Union services, and the attraction of private capital
for joint funding.
Concluding, Development Under-secretary Anna Diamantopoulou
yesterday called on western entrepreneurs to make use of the
government's "extremely favorable incentives" and move their
headquarters to Greece.
Elaborating on the government's industrial policy, Ms
Diamantopoulou called on foreign investors to establish joint
cross-border ventures which, if based in Greece and keep
production plants in the neighboring countries, would make use
of both Community benefits and lower labor costs.
[06] Karamanlis
Athens, 09/04/1997 (ANA)
Concluding later in the evening, main opposition New Democracy
party leader Costas Karamanlis presented his proposals for the
Greek economy's convergence with the rest of the European Union.
He also charged that the PASOK government's policy doesn't
facilitate convergence with the other EU member-states.
Mr. Karamanlis said the cost of Greece not entering the European
Monetary Union is "hard to contemplate," adding that a
courageous policy of privatizations should follow.
[07] Greek peacekeeping troops in Tirana, Vlore
Rome, 09/04/1997 (ANA - L. Hatzikyriakos)
Units of the proposed Greek contingent in Albania will be
deployed in Tirana and Vlore at an initial phase with
Gjirokaster, Kakavia and Krystalopigi at a second stage,
military officials of the countries participating in the
multinational force decided yesterday in Rome, after finalizing
plans for the deployment of the respective national units.
In Athens earlier, National Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos
said Italy proposed that the main Greek battalion participating
in the multinational peace force in Albania be stationed in
Tirana, with another company in Vlore.
The minister said the battalion will consist of both regular
soldiers and volunteers with a five-year tour of duty. There
will be no need to include conscripts in the Greek contingent,
as 1,000 volunteers have already applied, he said. The
multinational force is expected to be ready to depart at the
beginning of next week.
On his part, government spokesman Nikos Athanasakis said later
that Athens had agreed to the Italian proposal concerning the
stationing of a Greek battalion in Tirana and a company in Vlore.
Mr. Athanasakis said the government considered the issue
concerning the stationing of the Greek contingent "closed" at
the present stage. He added that only the issue of access routes
and road axes remained open and that this matter would be dealt
with soon.
Mr. Tsohatzopoulos clarified that the purpose of the
multinational force to be sent to Albania was for procedures to
be set in motion in June or July for the holding of general
elections in the neighboring country, the disarming of civilians
and to sec ure the safe distribution of humanitarian aid.
He was speaking after a meeting with Coalition of the Left and
Progress leader Nikos Constantopoulos for talks on developments
in Albania, the Cyprus problem, Greek-Turkish relations and
Greece's role at the Intergovernmental Conference (IGC).
Mr. Tsohatzopoulos said it was only natural for "different
desires" to be expressed by the countries participating in the
force regarding the geographical positioning of the troops,
adding that it was not impossible for some "combination" of
these desires to be attained.
[08] Stationing
Athens, 09/04/1997 (ANA)
The detailed plan with deployment of the various national
contingents in the first phase is as follows:
- Tirana: Italy (assuming command), France (assuming the
sub-command), Turkey (a battalion assuming control of the
airport), Greece, Austria, Denmark.
- Skoder: Spain,
-Fieri: Turkey,
-D0rres: France,
-Vlore: Italy and Greece (one battalion under Italian command),
-Gjirokaster: Romania
Deployment will commence next week, but the exact date has
remained confidential.
There is also provision for a Greek presence in Elbasan, but a
date has not been set. A 10-member Greek military delegation is
expected in Rome today to discuss the last details.
[09] Albanian opposition leaders
Strasbourg, 09/04/1997 (ANA - Y. Zitouniati)
The Greek troops in the multinational force should be deployed
in the southern part and towards the center of the country,
Albanian opposition leaders told a press conference in
Strasbourg yesterday.
Praising Greece's position, Socialist Party leader Fatos Nano,
Social Democratic Party leader Skender Gjinushi and the
president of the Democratic Alliance, Nevitan Ceka, said
"Greece's presence is not a concern for anybody," and that "the
Greek government's positions are known and beyond
misunderstanding."
Replying to questions, the Albanian leaders said the security
force could not be regarded as "a blow to Albania's
independence."
They clarified that the troops of the security force will not be
faced with armed insurgents, "the overwhelming majority of which
still keep arms as an act of defense against the Berisha regime,
and in claiming real elections."
The Albanian leaders said the troops in the security force will
mostly have police duties with the aim to assist the legal
government of the country to proceed to democratic elections.
"Only the democratic institutions can guarantee democracy, not
people," they said, hinting that Europe has relied for too long
"on Berisha's democratic mask."
The Albanian leaders were visiting Strasbourg at the invitation
of the European Parliament's Socialist Group.
[10] Greece, Slovakia sign air transport agreement
Bratislava, 09/04/1997 (ANA - D. Dimitrakoudis)
Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos held prolonged talks here
yesterday with his Slovakian counterpart Pavel Hamzik as well as
with the country's President, Mihal Kovac, and Prime Minister,
Vladimir Meciar.
According to reports, the talks ascertained a very good level of
Greek-Slovak relations.
The two foreign ministers signed an agreement on air transport
in the framework of bilateral co-operation, while the visit of
National Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos to Bratislava on
Sept. 25-26 was also announced.
The two sides also ascertained possibilities for further
improving economic co-operation between the two countries, such
as in the tourism sector, which is "supplementary" since
Slovakia is indicated for winter tourism and Greece for sea
tourism. The volume of trade exchanges, limited to only US$ 44
million last year, can be increased considerably through the
exploitation of existing potential.
Mr. Pangalos assured his interlocutors of Greece's support for
Slovakia's efforts for accession to NATO, the European Union and
the OECD. In relation to NATO, he said Greece rejects the
creation of new dividing lines in Europe resulting from the
selective accession of new members to NATO and shares the desire
of countries to participate in European security. He also
maintained that Russia's sensitivities should be taken into
consideration during NATO's enlargement process.
Pointing to various reservations by Brussels on the democratic
nature of certain candidate countries for NATO accession, Mr.
Pangalos said no one can invoke a lack of democratic nature at a
time when Turkey is a NATO member, where in no way is there
respect for the principles of democracy, human rights or freedom
of expression.
In connection with Slovakia's accession to the OECD, Mr.
Pangalos said that in this case criteria must be purely economic
and various political preconditions must not be necessary.
Commenting on the issue of an Islamic upsurge in Turkey raised
by his Slovak interlocutors, Mr. Pangalos said it constitutes
the reaction of the Turkish people to the so-called democracy
their politicians are offering to them.
Mr. Pangalos left Bratislava for the Caucasus region yesterday
afternoon to pay official visits to Armenia, Georgia and
Azerbaijan. He will also sign a series of bilateral agreements
in these countries.
[11] European official to visit Athens
Brussels, 09/04/1997 (ANA - G. Daratos)
The president of the European Economic and Social Committee, Tom
Jenkins, will pay an official visit to Greece on April 15 and
have talks with Prime Minister Costas Simitis.
The dispatch said Mr. Jenkins and Mr. Simitis will have the
opportunity to exchange views on the participation of
socio-professional agencies in the decision-taking process at a
European level.
They are also expected to discuss the positions and
institutional role of the European Economic and Social Committee
within the framework of negotiations at the Intergovernmental
Conference (IGC).
During his stay in Athens, Mr. Jenkins will also meet with
Professor Ioannis Koukiadis, president of the Greek Economic and
Social Committee.
[12] Apostolakis in US to look at WEU-NATO co-operation
New York, 09/04/1997 (ANA - M. Georgiadou)
Defense Under-secretary Dimitris Apostolakis, currently heading
a Western European Union delegation to the US within the
framework of the WEU's Transatlantic Forum, said the visit was
designed to find ways the European Union's defense wing could
work together with NATO towards peace, stability and security in
Europe, from the Atlantic to the Urals.
"Greece assumes the WEU presidency on January 1, 1998. The
purpose of our visit here is to have contacts with various US
officials and to answer any questions... the American public
might have about the WEU's intentions, chiefly with regard to
NATO," the under-secretary said in an interview in New York on
Monday.
He stressed there were no differences of opinion between the two
defense organizations.
"We are particularly interested in the ways these two
organizations can co-operate... we simply want to ensure that
the way in which expansion towards the east will occur, the way
new countries are included in the Atlantic Alliance, will result
in as few 'tremors' and concerns as possible on the part of
Russia, which of course is interested in what happens around
it," explained Mr. Apostolakis.
He added that progress had been made and the details were
expected to be worked out easily.
[13] Meeting on southeastern European stability held in Skopje
Skopje, 09/04/1997 (ANA - M. Vihou)
A meeting on "Stability and Good Neighborliness in Southeastern
Europe" was held in Skopje yesterday in the framework of the
Royaumont Initiative.
About 30 delegations from European countries, the United States,
the European Union and the OSCE, among others, participated.
The meeting focused on a general review of good neighborliness,
the contribution of the media to stability and inter-regional
dialogue, contacts and co-operation in sectors such as
education, the society of citizens, an exchange of information
on economic co-operation initiatives and stability measures in
the security sector.
Greece participated with a five-member representation headed by
the chief of its liaison office in Skopje, Ambassador Alexandros
Mallias.
[14] Greek-Turkish issues dominate G. Papandreou, van Mierlo meeting
Noordwijk, The Netherlands 09/04/1997 (ANA - S. Sideris)
Alternate Foreign Minister George Papandreou held a meeting
yesterday with the acting president of the EU Council of
Ministers and Dutch Foreign Minister Hans van Mierlo.
Presenting Greece's positions during the meeting, Mr. Papandreou
said Athens would be positive regarding a European orientation
for Turkey and the institutionalization of a special EU-Turkish
relationship, as long as there were positive developments on the
Cyprus problem and on the condition that Turkey accepts July 15
EU resolution for the normalization of Greek-Turkish relations.
Sources said the Dutch presidency is determined to continue its
initiatives for normalization of Greek-Turkish relations. Within
this framework, Mr. van Mierlo is sending three envoys to Ankara
and Athens, today and tomorrow, respectively. In Athens, Mr. van
Mierlo's envoys will meet with Mr. Papandreou.
The envoys' mission to the two capitals is to present a new set
of ideas for the formulation of a committee or committees to
help normalize relations between Turkey and Greece.
[15] Foreign ministry dismisses Turkish protests of pseudo-mufti's
conviction
Athens, 09/04/1997 (ANA)
The foreign ministry yesterday dismissed as "groundless"
protests by Ankara over the recent sentencing of a Thrace man to
20 months imprisonment for usurping religious authority.
Mehmet Aga was sentenced by a Lamia court earlier this month for
unlawfully using the title of "mufti" when signing messages to
Greece's Moslem minority in Thrace.
The Turkish foreign ministry on Monday claimed that Aga's
conviction illustrated that Greece was "using the legal machine
to wear down the rights of the 'Turkish' minority of western
Thrace."
However, foreign ministry spokesman Costas Bikas underlined that
the procedure for electing a mufti in Greece was the same as
that applying all over the world, as well as in Turkey, "where
muftis are appointed, not elected."
Refuting Turkey's invocation of the Treaty of Lausanne in
criticizing Greece, Mr. Bikas said the treaty in question did
not refer to the election of muftis and countered by reminding
Ankara of its failure to fulfill its obligations towards the
Greeks of Istanbul, of Imvros and of Tenedos, "obligations which
indeed emanate from the Treaty of Lausanne."
Mr. Bikas said that the dramatic reduction of the Greek
population in Turkey after the 1923 treaty in any case spoke for
itself.
"According to the law in force since 1991, muftis are chosen by
a committee made up exclusively of Moslems. Their selection is
then submitted for approval to the minister of education and
religious affairs. This procedure is the same as that in effect
all over the world, including Turkey, where muftis are
appointed, not elected. In addition, in Greece muftis also have
judicial duties which emanate from sacred Islamic texts," Mr.
Bikas said.
The spokesman emphasized that in the event of usurpation of
religious authority, such as that of the mufti, it was clear
that offenders would suffer the consequences of the law in order
to protect the standing of the legitimate mufti.
[16] Several G. Papandreou proposals accepted at EU-Group of Rio
conference
Noordwijk, 09/04/1997 (ANA - S. Sideris)
The work of the European Union's ministerial conference and the
Group of Rio Countries was completed yesterday with the signing
of a joint proclamation.
Issues concerning the development of Latin American countries
and co-operation with EU countries were also examined.
Addressing the session, Alternate Foreign Minister George
Papandreou said the EU's contribution must be supported and
widened for the purpose of mutual interest.
Mr. Papandreou said top priority must be given to the protection
of the environment, especially tropical forests, adding that it
is necessary for the EU's economic aid to Latin American
countries to also be directed toward the sectors of education,
improving nutrition, securing better health services and
combating crime.
He made special reference to the problem of drugs and to a
conference Greece will organize in Athens from June 20-22, in
co-operation with the Dutch presidency, on the issue of illegal
drugs. The Greek minister invited Latin American countries to
attend the Athens conference. The proposal was accepted.
He also proposed an improvement in co-operation between the EU
and Latin American countries on developing informatics and
telecommunications technology. These proposals were likewise
accepted.
[17] Karamanlis outlines several proposals for reorganization of
higher education
Athens, 09/04/1997 (ANA)
Main opposition New Democracy party leader Costas Karamanlis
yesterday addressed a meeting of the ND-affiliated DAP-NDFK
student group at the Athens University's law school, in light of
today's student elections.
He called on students to participate in the elections, saying:
"abstention means yes to the bad state of affairs, misery and
retrogression."
Speaking of the need for innovations in the institutional
framework of higher education, Mr. Karamanlis proposed
establishment of private non-profit institutions, administrative
and economic independence for universities, direct financing for
students, the granting of loans to students, a textbook
guideline, alternative methods of examination, incentives for
learning computer skills and university-affiliated job placement
offices.
[18] Simitis, Skandalidis meeting
Athens, 09/04/1997 (ANA)
Prime Minister Costas Simitis and PASOK Secretary Costas
Skandalidis held a meeting yesterday focusing on current
developments on a variety of issues.
Asked to elaborate on the government's positions concerning
social dialogue, Mr. Skandalidis told reporters afterwards that
these will be formulated on Thursday during a mixed group of
government and PASOK party officials.
[19] Burgas-Alexandroupolis pipeline discussed at EU-sponsored
conference
Athens, 09/04/1997 (ANA)
A two-day conference on security and protection of the
environment from overland oil pipelines and sea terminals ended
in Alexandroupolis yesterday.
The conference, organized by the European Commission in the
framework of the "Thermie" program, was attended by more than
100 representatives of Greek and foreign companies active in the
construction and management of oil and gas distribution networks.
A preliminary study on the environmental implications of the
proposed Burgas-Alexandroupoli oil pipeline was presented at the
conference, as well as its significance for local communities
and co-operation in the political, social, economic and energy
sectors in the Balkans.
Meanwhile, an ANA dispatch from Sofia yesterday reported that
Bulgarian Public Works Minister Nikola Karantimov said the
Burgas-Alexandroupolis oil pipeline project will be revised.
"Before we proceed to official negotiations with Greece and
Russia, we must clarify the political and economic aspects of
the project," Mr. Kantamirov was quoted as saying, and adding
that a new technical and economic study was required for
Bulgarian interests.
Another report stated that Russia and Bulgaria yesterday arrived
at an agreement regarding the development of a network for the
transportation and supply of Russian natural gas to Bulgaria.
The agreement will be signed by Bulgarian Prime Ministers Stefan
Sofianksi and his Russian counterpart Victor Chernomyrdin during
the former's upcoming visit to Moscow.
[20] Tzoumakas proposals to EU
Strasbourg, 09/04/1997 (ANA - Y. Zitouniati)
EU Agriculture Commissioner Franz Fischler yesterday suggested
that experts study a series of proposals submitted by Greek
Agriculture Minister Stephanos Tzoumakas concerning various farm
products of interest to Greece.
Mr. Tzoumakas proposed, among others, the payment of subsidies
directly to the producer regarding cotton, industrially
processed tomatoes and peaches, the distribution of fines when
quotas are exceeded proportionately and each country's national
price, and the carrying out of two estimates (instead of one)
regarding the volume of production for the minimization of the
margin of error when fines are imposed.
[21] Labor ministry leadership confers with PM
Athens, 09/04/1997 (ANA)
Labor and Social Security Minister Miltiades Papaioannou and
undersecretaries Christos Protopapas and Nikos Farmakis met
yesterday with Prime Minister Costas Simitis to discuss
preparations for today's meeting at the labor ministry which
will effectively begin social dialogue between the government,
unions and employers.
There were no statements after the meeting but sources said the
meeting decided on more "flexible" timetable for the dialogue,
with a more gradual dealing of the labor relations and social
insurance issues being attempted, which, it is hoped, will
offset reactions from unions and to ensure a greater consensus.
[22] Niles broaches US copyright issue with Yiannopoulos
Athens, 09/04/1997 (ANA)
US Ambassador to Greece Thomas Niles yesterday visited Justice
Minister Evangelos Yiannopoulos to raise the issue of
intellectual property rights and the loss being incurred by US
beneficiaries from the illegal use of films and music.
According to a justice ministry announcement, Mr. Yiannopoulos
told Mr. Niles that a bill to be voted on in Parliament in the
next few days contained a provision foreseeing the establishment
of special divisions at the first instance courts of Athens,
Thessaloniki and Piraeus to hear intellectual property cases.
Similar divisions will also be set up at appeals courts, the
announcement said.
[23] Business-related data bank
Athens, 09/04/1997 (ANA)
The Athens Chamber of Small Manufacturers (BEA) has set up a
data bank complete with options for business co-operation with
prospective partners abroad. The bank provides information on
foreign importers, those interested in participating in trade
fairs an d missions abroad. For more information call
36.35.313-9.
[24] Greece 'dying', demographic study shows
Athens, 09/04/1997 (ANA)
Greece is heading with mathematical precision towards the
"abyss" of demographic disaster due to the country's extremely
low birth rate and gradual aging of the population, according to
a study carried out over four years by Greek-American professor
of medicine and biochemistry at the University of California,
Mihalis Giokas.
The findings of the study will be presented at the 3rd Science
conference of Medical Students of Greece and the 3rd Paneuropean
Conference of Medical Students which will be held from April
11-13 at Ayia Pelagia, Iraklion.
According to the study, Greece has a birth rate of just 1.4 per
cent - one of the lowest in Europe - which, together with the
300,000 abortions annually, and the 4,000 deaths and 38,000
injuries in road accidents each year "will most certainly lead
to biological decline and to fundamental and undesirable changes
in Greek society".
In the introductory part of his findings, Mr. Giokas underlines
that "only a small percentage of the people and leadership have
realized the enormous danger facing the country".
The majority of Greeks are unconcerned, Mr. Giokas says, even
though the figures clearly show that Greece is slowly dying.
According to Mr. Giokas's calculations, if the birth rate
remains at the same low level (1.3-1.4 per cent), Greece's
population in the year 2015 will be reduced by 500,000 as
compared to today.
By way of comparison, Turkey, despite all its problems, will
have an estimated population of 91.8 million.
[25] Gov't readies bill on opinion polls
Athens, 09/04/1997 (ANA)
The government intends to draw up a bill defining the framework
governing opinion polls, Interior, Public Administration and
Decentralization Minister Alekos Papadopoulos said yesterday.
Mr. Papadopoulos called on all parties to contribute towards
formulating the bill's clauses to enable it to constitute a
shield against "expro-priation" of politics being attempted by
many sides.
He made his announcement during a discussion on a draft proposal
made by the main opposition New Democracy party on "regulating
the carrying out and publication of opinion polls."
ND speaker Manolis Kefaloyiannis proposed creating a "national
opinion poll committee" to be responsible for controlling all
opinion polls. He said that in this way the effort to manipulate
information and victimize citizens will be repelled.
Mr. Papadopoulos proposed instead of creating this committee to
have an inter-party committee to control the way with which
political opinion polls are conducted.
[26] Meeting of women from eastern Aegean
Athens, 09/04/1997 (ANA)
Female residents from the eastern Aegean islands of Lesvos,
Hios, Samos, Ikaria and the Asia Minor coast will have a three
day meeting in Samos starting on Saturday.
The meeting will take place at the initiative of the Hios Women
Association, the Samos Progressive Women Movement and the Lesvos
Progressive Women Movement.
The meeting will focus on common problems and social policies in
education and employment issues.
[27] President to meet with opposition leader
Athens, 09/04/1997 (ANA)
President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos will meet today
with Coalition of the Left and Progress Nikos Constantopoulos
who will brief the president on the party's positions on foreign
and national policy.
End of English language section.
|
