Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 97-04-15
From: The Greek Press & Information Office, Ottawa Canada <grnewsca@sympatico.ca>
ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No. 1164), April 15, 1997
Greek Press & Information Office
Ottawa, Canada
E-Mail Address: grnewsca@sympatico.ca
CONTENTS
[01] Greece to propose initiatives for Euro-Mediterranean co-operation
[02] Gov't unveils blueprint on social dialogue
[03] Gov't: Greece-Cyprus military exercise to go ahead
[04] Athens reiterates support for Bulgaria's NATO accession, Stalev
in Greece
[05] Stalev visit
[06] Gov't welcomes response to Theodorakis Skopje performance
[07] Greek force expected to leave for Albania tomorrow
[08] Albanian FM Starova thanks Greece for recent support
[09] Foreign policy developments discussed by Simitis, FM leadership
[10] Bundestag fact-finding delegation meets with Patriarch
[11] Meeting brings together women from Bulgaria, Turkey and Greece
[12] Greece's ambassador to Iran will stay put while Athens examines
the issue
[13] Iranian FM attends independence day ceremony at Greek embassy
[14] EU must stress cultural equality, roundtable concludes
[15] Women's meeting on peace ends on Lesvos
[16] Conference of young parliamentarians on Rhodes
[17] People's Republic of China delegation visits Yiannopoulos
[18] V. Papandreou defends annulment of Floisvos casino licence
[19] Gov't on DEH workers' social security issue
[20] PM supports decision to rescind Flisvos casino licence
[21] Current accounts deficit reaches $4.5 billion
[22] Public enterprises and organizations must adjust to new market
realities, conference told
[01] Greece to propose initiatives for Euro-Mediterranean co-operation
Athens, 15/04/1997 (ANA)
Greece is to propose several important initiatives for the
development of co-operation between European Union countries and
12 Mediterranean nations at the Euro-Mediterranean Conference of
Foreign Ministers, which opens today in Valletta, Malta.
Alternate Foreign Minister George Papandreou, who represents
Greece at the conference, told the press yesterday that Athens
will propose the convening of an informal meeting of the
Euro-Mediterranean Conference - probably on a Greek island.
Greece, he said, is also expected to play a significant role in
the beginning of a dialogue on religion in the Mediterranean as
part of a cultural co-operation between the 15 EU member-states
and the 12 non-EU Mediterranean states.
Mr. Papandreou said this would open a "new significant level of
initiatives in Euro-Mediterranean co-operation".
Greece's role, he said, focuses on a dialogue between Orthodoxy
and Islam.
The Ecumenical Patriarchate and the Autocephalus Orthodox Church
of Greece would be invited to begin talks on these issues, he
added.
He said the spirit of co-operation among Mediterranean countries
had begun with the EU summit on Corfu during the Greek
presidency in 1994, and was bolstered in Barcelona, at which it
was decided that co-operation should centre on three axes:
economic and institutional issues, culture and society as well
as security.
In the economic sector, the creation of a free trade zone is
anticipated by the year 2010 and tariffs and other obstacles for
industrial products will be gradually abolished and based on a
timetable which will be negotiated by the participating
countries.
Replying to questions, he said that the Middle East issue
(Israel and the Palestinian areas) will not constitute a main
issue at the Euro-Mediterranean Conference because the EU has
decided to have Euro-Mediterranean co-operation promoted
regardless of discussions between the two sides.
He also said that he will also request a meeting with his
Turkish counterpart Onur Oymen at the Malta meeting, adding
however, that Greece continued to have reservations on the
release of EU funds to Turkey.
[02] Gov't unveils blueprint on social dialogue
Athens, 15/04/1997 (ANA)
The government yesterday unveiled a 19-point blueprint with the
topics of the proposed social dialogue on economic, investment
and labour policy.
The text was sent to trade unions, agricultural organizations,
local government, the Federation of Greek Industry (SEB),
merchants and small manufacturers organizations, banks, chambers
etc., in the form of a letter by the ministers of National
Economy, Yiannos Papantoniou, and Labour and Social Security,
Miltiades Papaioannou.
It includes topics such as securing real incomes under
conditions of low inflation, changes in investment incentives,
developmental criteria for ailing enterprises, the promotion of
efficiency in the public sector, work time and part-time
employment, for eign workers, and employment policy in the
European Union.
The stated aims of the dialogue include participation in the
Economic and Monetary Union of the EU in time, control of
profiteering, the introduction of the principle of 'funding
investments on basis of attaining targets', strong economic
presence and cooperation in the Balkans, quality and efficiency
control of training programs, privatization of ailing
enterprises, wage increases on the basis of an inflation plus
national productivity clause, and the linking of new forms of
work with social security systems.
There are also aims regarding the restriction of the
exploitation of foreign workers, their recording and the
granting of temporary residence and work permits.
The letter describes social dialogue as a means for "a new
social charter of balance, a new 'treaty of trust', aiming at
the development and productive restructuring of the country".
The first meeting is expected within the next 20 days.
[03] Gov't: Greece-Cyprus military exercise to go ahead
Athens, 15/04/1997 (ANA)
The "Toxotis" combined military exercise between Greece and
Cyprus will go ahead as planned in early May, government
spokesman Dimitris Reppas said yesterday.
[04] Athens reiterates support for Bulgaria's NATO accession, Stalev
in Greece
Sandanski, Bulgaria, 15/04/1997 (ANA/N. Hios)
Greece unconditionally supports Bulgaria's admission to NATO,
National Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos said following a
meeting with his Bulgarian counterpart Georgi Ananiev, here
yesterday.
The two ministers had a working meeting at the Bulgarian border
town of Sandanski, while Bulgarian caretaker Foreign Minister
Stoyan Stalev arrived yesterday in Athens for talks with his
Greek counterpart Theodoros Pangalos and Premier Costas Simitis.
In Sandanski, Mr. Tsohatzopoulos told his Bulgarian counterpart
during a 90-minute meeting that Athens unreservedly supported
Bulgaria's accession to NATO.
It was also announced after the meeting that Greece and Bulgaria
would in the near future sign a military economic co-operation
agreement. According to sources, the Greek side proposed that a
contingent of the Bulgarian army's medical corps participate in
the multinational protection force approved for Albania.
Mr. Ananiev deferred the issue until after elections and the
formation of a new parliament in Bulgaria.
[05] Stalev visit
Athens, 15/04/1997 (ANA)
Mr. Stalev's visit to Greece comes after an invitation from Mr.
Pangalos. The talks in Athens will centre on Bulgaria's desire
to join NATO and the European Union, bilateral trade relations
and cross-border programs, according to the ANA dispatch from
Sofia.
Mr. Stalev will also meet President of the Republic Kostis
Stephanopoulos, Parliament Speaker Apostolos Kaklamanis and
visit Thessaloniki.
In a statement at Sofia Airport before leaving for Greece, Mr.
Stalev said "Greece, being simultaneously a member of the
European Union and NATO, is a particularly important partner for
Bulgaria and we will seek Greek support in connection with the
future enlargement of these two organizations."
Referring to his visit to Greece, he said it is "part of a
series of talks related to the priorities of Bulgaria's foreign
policy."
Moreover, a visit to Greece by Bulgarian President Petar
Stojanov is also on Mr. Stalev's agenda.
"Our desire is that this visit will take place as soon as
possible," he said.
Mr. Stalev said there is a need to intensify co-operation on
attracting investments, fighting crime, accelerating work to
open new border crossings and a slackening of the procedures
governing entrance visas into Greece.
[06] Gov't welcomes response to Theodorakis Skopje performance
Athens, 15/04/1997 (ANA)
The concert conducted by Mikis Theodorakis in Skopje over the
weekend was "a positive move", government spokesman Dimitris
Reppas said yesterday.
"It illustrated the good relations that both peoples desire,"
Mr. Reppas said.
He added he hoped that these relations would become closer if
accompanied by the resolution of the problem of the name of the
Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, which continues to be a
thorn in the side of the two countries' relations.
[07] Greek force expected to leave for Albania tomorrow
Athens, 15/04/1997 (ANA)
The government said yesterday that the Greek contingent set to
participate in the multinational protection force in Albania
would probably leave for the neighbouring country tomorrow.
Government spokesman Dimitris Reppas did not, however, rule out
the possibility of the force departing as early as this evening.
Mr. Reppas said the Government Council for Foreign Affairs and
Defense (KYSEA) would meet tomorrow morning for the sole purpose
of giving its approval to the dispatch of the contingent. The
spokesman also clarified that KYSEA would hold a scheduled
meeting as planned on Friday.
According to plans by the Hellenic Army general staff, the first
company - comprising 120 men - of the Greek contingent is
expected to arrive in the Adriatic port of Vlore on Thursday.
The 120 troops, all officers and NCOs, will probably leave for
Albania in a landing craft tomorrow night.
The unit will be equipped with armoured personnel carriers, a
modern mobile kitchen and sanitary facilities and advanced
communications equipment.
The second company of Greek troops will arrive with a C-130
transport plane in Tirana on Saturday. Lightly-armed, this unit
will be part of the Greek battalion to be stationed in the
Albanian capital. The rest of the Greek contingent will arrive
by landing craft in the port of Durres on April 22, together
with 20 jeeps and more than 90 armoured personnel carriers.
The Greek troops will have the right of self-defense and, if
attacked, will respond in accordance with United Nations
provisions. The estimated cost of the mission will be 2.5-3
billion drachmas for the 90 days initially foreseen under the UN
mandate.
[08] Albanian FM Starova thanks Greece for recent support
Athens, 15/04/1997 (ANA)
Albanian Foreign Minister Arjan Starova has addressed a letter
to his Greek counterpart Theodoros Pangalos expressing Tirana's
gratitude for the aid and support offered so far by the Greek
government.
Mr. Pangalos had sent a letter to Mr. Starova on March 28
listing the efforts being made by Athens to enable Albania to
tackle the severe political crisis in the neighbouring country.
Mr. Starova stresses in his letter that the national
reconciliation government of Albanian Prime Minister Bashkim
Fino "is making every possible effort to implement in practice
the platform of national reconciliation planned by (Albanian)
President (Sali) Berisha, and approved by Albania's 10 most
important parties, and we ascertain with satisfaction that the
internal situation in Albania is showing some improvement and is
moving ahead."
The Albanian foreign minister also expressed his appreciation
for support given to his country by Greece, both at bilateral
and international level, and for its readiness to be included in
the international force to be sent to Albania.
Mr. Starova also expressed his conviction and the Albanian
government's disposition for the further upgrading of relations
between the two countries in all sectors.
[09] Foreign policy developments discussed by Simitis, FM leadership
Athens, 15/04/1997 (ANA)
Prime Minister Costas Simitis and the political leadership of
the foreign ministry yesterday discussed current foreign policy
developments and particularly the Cyprus problem and
Greek-Turkish relations. Speaking to reporters after the
meeting, For eign Minister Theodoros Pangalos said
Under-secretary Yiannos Kranidiotis had briefed participants on
his visit last week to Cyprus.
Other issues discussed at the meeting, he added, were matters
related to the EU-Turkey Association Council meeting, scheduled
for April 28-29, and the meeting of the Black Sea Economic
Co-operation Organization - on April 30 - in Istanbul, which
will be attended by Mr. Pangalos.
The Greek foreign minister, meanwhile, reiterated the conditions
set by Greece for an improvement in Greek-Turkish relations,
namely, that Ankara retract its threat of war and reject the use
of force in settling differences. In addition, Athens has set as
a prerequisite that Turkey acknowledge the existing legal
framework governing relations between the two countries.
If these conditions were met, Mr. Pangalos said, Greece would be
willing to discuss matters pertaining to the interpretation and
implementation of the legal framework with the ultimate
objective of referring issues to the International Court at the
Hague.
Mr. Pangalos said Greece was awaiting a "satisfactory" reply
from Turkey "in order for Athens to give its consent to the
release of the (fourth EU) financial protocol".
[10] Bundestag fact-finding delegation meets with Patriarch
Istanbul, 15/04/1997 (ANA)
A seven-member German Bundestag delegation currently visiting
Turkey to examine that nation's human rights situation visited
Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos yesterday for talks on
problems faced by the Patriarchate.
The German deputies, headed by Irmgard Schwaetzer, said
afterwards that the reports they will prepare and submit to both
the Bundestag and the Bonn government will detail problems faced
by the Greek minority and the Ecumenical Patriarchate. They also
criticized the continuing refusal of Ankara to grant a licence
for the Halki Theology School to reopen.
Apart from the issue of Halki, the Ecumenical Patriarchate and
its charitable foundations are also experiencing administrative
pressures lately. The prosecution of the Metropolitan of
Laodikia for attending a church service in an ethnic Orthodox
Bulgarian parish in the city underlined such pressures.
In addition, the German deputies said that Turkey is not
honouring promises it has given on human rights, adding that
disappearances of individuals held in detention are continuing;
suspicious murders still take place with unidentified
perpetrators, while the ill-treatment of prison inmates and
prisoners held in custody is continuing.
[11] Meeting brings together women from Bulgaria, Turkey and Greece
Athens, 15/04/1997 (ANA)
Women from Greece, Bulgaria and Turkey yesterday took part in a
meeting on the topic of "Peace-Co-operation-Human Development:
The Role of Women", organized by Coalition of the Left and
Progress' local committee in the border town of Alexandroupoli
in Thrace. Bulgarian parliament Vice-President Nora Ananieva
noted there are special forms of co-operation, such as social
and welfare programs, which women from the three countries could
make good use of.
[12] Greece's ambassador to Iran will stay put while Athens examines
the issue
Athens, 15/04/1997 (ANA)
The government said yesterday that there had been no change
regarding the issue of recalling its ambassador from Tehran,
following a European Union presidency call that EU member-states
should do so.
The EU suggestion came after a German court accused Iranian
political leaders of ordering the assassination of exiled
Kurdish dissidents in Berlin.
Government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said Athens was continuing
to examine the issue "in its details" in order "to see how it
will handle" the matter.
Greece late last week expressed reservations on "the necessity
of this measure", drawing a reaction from Bonn, with the German
foreign ministry expressing surprise at the fact that Greece was
the only EU country not to recall its envoy from Iran and "thus
refusing European solidarity towards Germany".
Mr. Reppas said that "there is solidarity with Germany", adding
however that "but there is no antagonism with Iran".
Asked to comment on media reports claiming that a telephone
conversation took place between German Foreign Minister Klaus
Kinkel and adviser to Prime Minister Costas Simitis, Nikos
Themelis, during which Mr. Kinkel reportedly used the phrase
"it's gone far enough", Mr. Reppas said he was not willing to
make statements "on whatever is bandied about". Mr. Reppas
underlined that "co-operation is frequent and each side
expresses its views".
"There is not always agreement," the spokesman said, "but there
is a desire for agreement."
[13] Iranian FM attends independence day ceremony at Greek embassy
Tehran, 15/04/1997 (IRNA/ANA)
Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Velayati attended the Greek
Independence Day ceremony at the Greek embassy here on Sunday.
At the ceremony, Mr. Velayati and Greek ambassador Dimitris
Tsikouris exchanged views on promotion of bilateral and
multilateral co-operation at the international level, as well as
the deepening of the ties between Athens and Tehran.
The two officials also focused on expansion of co-operation
between Iran, Greece, Georgia and Armenia.
A Greek embassy official stated that Athens has clearly
announced its stance in matters related to the Islamic Republic
of Iran.
The independence day reception was held on Sunday and not on
March 25, due to the long Islamic New Year holidays in Iran.
[14] EU must stress cultural equality, roundtable concludes
Athens, 15/04/1997 (ANA)
The principle of cultural equality between the member states of
the European Union is the foundation of the cultural Charter
drawn up in Thessaloniki during a three-day international
symposium "Culture on the Threshold of the Third Millennium"
that concluded in Thessaloniki on Sunday. The charter stresses
that every form of cultural imperialism is essentially
"anti-cultural" and that states should encourage cultural
contacts and exchanges. It also emphasized the importance of
educational programs and the participation of youth, as well as
the contribution that could be made by using new technology to
disseminate culture.
The Charter was drawn up by 40 personalities from around the
world. After the final text is issued, it will be sent via the
Greek culture ministry to the appropriate bodies of the European
Union and others such as UNESCO to form the basis of discussion
for culture around the world.
[15] Women's meeting on peace ends on Lesvos
Athens, 15/04/1997 (ANA)
"The defense of peace is nothing but the defense of life which
we, women, give birth to," according to a resolution issued at
the end of a three-day meeting of women from the Greek islands
of Lesvos, Hios and Samos, and their counterparts on the
opposite Turkish coast.
During the meeting, which ended on Lesvos yesterday, there was
an exchange of views on issues of peace, work, and education.
The resolution called on "the governments of the two countries
to improve the political climate and solve existing problems,
without foreign interventions, through talks, and on the
assumption of respect for international agreements, treaties and
borders, as determined after World War II." The women taking
part also stated their opposition to proliferation of armaments,
the perpetuation of hostile relations as especially cultivated
through school books.
[16] Conference of young parliamentarians on Rhodes
Athens, 15/04/1997 (ANA)
A conference of young parliamentarians, including
representatives from the European Union and the Council of
Europe, is continuing on Rhodes with discussions on issues
concerning peace and economic co-operation between eastern
Mediterranean countries.
Representatives of Jordan, Egypt, the Palestinian self-rule
areas and Cyprus expressed concern over the situation prevailing
in the Middle East and the Aegean and criticized Israel and
Turkey.
The Palestinian representative said "Israel is a bulldozer which
is digging away at the foundations of peace in the region" and
is not implementing agreements which have been signed.
The representative of Cyprus referred to the absence of the
Turkish Cypriot community from the conference and the continuing
Turkish occupation on the island for the past 23 years.
The conference is attended by representatives from Egypt,
Jordan, Turkey, Malta, Israel, the Palestinian authority, Cyprus
and Greece, as well as observers from Russia.
[17] People's Republic of China delegation visits Yiannopoulos
Athens, 15/04/1997 (ANA)
A five-member delegation from the People's Republic of China,
headed by Minister and General Auditor Guo Zuengyan, paid a
visit to Justice Minister Evangelos Yiannopoulos yesterday.
Discussion centred on issues related to the functions of the
State Audit Council, whose president Apostolos Botsos, also
attended.
Mr. Yiannopoulos was invited to visit China.
[18] V. Papandreou defends annulment of Floisvos casino licence
Athens, 15/04/1997 (ANA)
Development Minister Vasso Papandreou yesterday defended her
role in annulling the Floisvos casino licence concession in
April last year.
"I am proud to be a member of the PASOK government, and that we
restored legality in the casinos issue," she said during a
debate in Parliament last night.
The initial licence had been granted by former tourism minister
Dionysis Livanos, but met with controversy. Since the annulling
of the licence, the issue has been the subject of acrimonious
confrontation between Ms Papandreou and members of the
parliamentary fact-finding committee, whose integrity she threw
into question.
"Mr. Livanos' policy was not that of PASOK," she said, adding
that had she not acted in the way she did, the affair would have
cost the taxpayer an enormous amount of money.
The debate was prompted by a call from the main opposition New
Democracy party for the setting up of a preliminary
investigating committee that would look into possible criminal
responsibilities on the part of both ministers.
[19] Gov't on DEH workers' social security issue
Athens, 15/04/1997 (ANA)
Labour and Social Security Minister Miltiades Papaioanou
yesterday said the social security problem facing employees at
the Public Power Corp. (DEH) is a high priority issue on the
government's social dialogue agenda, due to begin after Easter.
The president of the DEH workers' trade union (GENOP), Nikos
Exarchos, said the minister handed a written statement providing
guarantees for the current level of pensions and other subsidies
and noting that the problem would be settled in a "trilateral
social dialogue."
Mr. Exarchos said he was satisfied with the statement.
[20] PM supports decision to rescind Flisvos casino licence
Athens, 15/04/1997 (ANA)
Prime Minister Costas Simitis yesterday expressed full support
for Development Minister Vasso Papandreou's decision to rescind
the Flisvos casino licence and ruled out the possibility of the
government paying compensation to the casino consortium which is
seeking resource to justice.
Mr. Simitis yesterday visited the tourism sector of the
development ministry and the Greek National Tourism Organization
(EOT), the first time a prime minister has called on state
tourist services.
Speaking at a joint press conference with Ms. Papandreou and EOT
Secretary-General Nikos Skoulas, Mr. Simitis said the cabinet
would soon discuss and table a bill in Parliament formally
rescinding the Flisvos licence.
The same bill, he said, would provide for stricter controls of
private casinos already operating in the country, while
legislation will be introduced renewing the state's control of
the Mt. Parnes casino, assigning its management to the private
sector and offering a minority share package.
Underlining that the government was restoring legality, Mr.
Simitis said that as far as the Flisvos casino was concerned,
"everything was done in accordance with legislation in force"
and that "the matter is now closed."
Noting that his government had "inherited a situation which does
not conform with what we believe," Mr. Simitis stressed that
"casinos do not constitute a linchpin for development and
moreover create social problems."
This, he added, was why licences had not eventually been granted
for the operation of casinos in Epirus and Doirani, as had
initially been planned.
[21] Current accounts deficit reaches $4.5 billion
Athens, 15/04/1997 (ANA)
The current accounts deficit reached $4.5 billion in 1997,
compared to $2.8 billion in 1996, according to figures released
yesterday by the Bank of Greece. The increase was mainly due to
a $1.2 billion rise in the trade deficit and a $469 million drop
in the invisibles surplus.
In contrast, inflows of private capital increased last year to
reach $7.2 billion.
Exchange reserves meanwhile totaled $19.2 billion at the end of
1996, compared to $15.7 billion in December 1995.
According to the central bank, the high level of exchange
reserves was maintained in March this year, reaching a record
total of $19.4 billion.
[22] Public enterprises and organizations must adjust to new market
realities, conference told
Athens, 15/04/1997 (ANA)
The role of public enterprises and organizations in the new
competitive conditions being shaped are the focus of concern at
the 14th European Centre for Enterprises with Public
Participation (CEEP) conference, which began yesterday at the
Athens Concert Hall.
"Enterprises which belong to this category must adjust to the
competitive environment and approach the market and the client,"
Greek commissioner for SMEs, tourism and energy, Christos
Papoutsis said.
He stressed that this did not necessarily entail a change in the
ownership of the organization.
Mr. Papoutsis pointed to examples of public enterprises in
European Union member-states in the energy and
telecommunications sector which had adjusted successfully to the
new deregulated market conditions and had contained prices and
improved the quality of services without reducing employee
levels.
Mayor of Athens Dimitris Avramopoulos said the problems facing
organizations of a public character were of four distinct kinds:
a large number of employees without any specialization; the
selection of personnel on the basis of party affiliations; the
in ability to take business risks; and major debts inherited
from previous administrations.
"The criteria for operation of businesses of the private sector
must be applied to enterprises participating in the public
sector without this meaning necessarily their privatization,"
Mr. Avramopoulos said.
The conference was opened by Transport and Communications
Minister Haris Kastanidis who referred to the institutional and
operational framework of the organizations on both a national
and European level.
End of English language section.
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