Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 97-04-16

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

ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No 1165), April 16, 1997

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

CONTENTS

[01] Premier optimistic on course of social dialogue

[02] GSEE, opposition

[03] Work stoppages by civil aviation employees

[04] Greek troops get official go-ahead as they set off for Albania today

[05] Greece-Bulgaria agree to intensify bilateral co-operation

[06] Meeting with Stephanopoulos

[07] Athens' policy on rapprochement with Turkey unchanged

[08] Ciller says Greek-Turkish problems 'complicated'

[09] Greek Eurodeputy

[10] Compromise reached on WEU decision-making processes

[11] Pangalos calls for expansion of economic co-operation with Turkey

[12] Turkish parliament president optimistic on efforts to improve relations

[13] G. Papandreou emphasizes territorial integrity, human rights at Euro-Mediterranean Conference

[14] US displeased over Athens stance on Iran

[15] Montenegro PM Djukanovic on private Athens visit

[16] Tsohatzopoulos, Eliades meeting

[17] Stephanopoulos at Strasbourg

[18] Record number of participants to attend World Athletics Championship

[19] Heightened co-operation agreed to between PASOK, British Labor Party

[20] Cultural events positive but not policy, Reppas says

[21] Traffic deaths claimed for 2,176 in 1996

[22] DEH initiatives in light of market deregulation

[23] Extensive manganese reserves located in Drama

[01] Premier optimistic on course of social dialogue

Athens, 16/04/1997 (ANA)

He was speaking to reporters after a meeting with Tom Jenkins, the president of the Economic and Social Committee of the European Union.

Mr. Simitis said the government would try to achieve a consensus on social dialogue-related issues in order to achieve "an equal participation of our country in European unification."

The prime minister added that the meeting with Mr. Jenkins focused on issues related to social dialogue on a European level.

Mr. Simitis emphasized that Greece will also undertake initiatives for the development of social dialogue on a Balkan level.

In addition, it was stated that a conference of economic and social committees focusing on co-operation between the Balkan countries will be held in Thessaloniki in June.

Mr. Simitis said Greece will also promote dialogue on a Mediterranean-wide level.

On his part, Mr. Jenkins said he agreed with the prime minister on the social dialogue issues, stressing that the issue of employment should be one of the top items on the agenda of the Intergovernmental Conference.

Regarding Greece's initiative for the meeting in Thessaloniki, he voiced his agreement, adding that "the aim is to avoid what happened recently in Albania..."

Government spokesman Dimitris Reppas later said that social dialogue would be open without prejudice.

The spokesman made the statement in reply to press questions, adding that the 19-point social dialogue framework could be enriched with issues that will be proposed by the participating parties. The goal of the social dialogue would be to achieve a social contract, he said.

The social dialogue will begin after the Easter holiday.

[02] GSEE, opposition

Athens, 16/04/1997 (ANA)

Mr. Polyzogopoulos said the list did not include social security, social policy and tax-related issues.

The GSEE president requested that the government be committed that the eight-hour work day remain unchanged, stressing that any other alternative would be against workers.

Mr. Polyzogopoulos said GSEE would participate in the social dialogue with its "known and elaborated positions" and will insist on the formulation of policies benefiting workers, pensioners and the unemployed.

In a related development, the main opposition New Democracy party said the 19-point social dialogue framework was "not specific" and "vague."

The issue of social dialogue was discussed in a party meeting yesterday presided over by party leader Costas Karamanlis.

ND said that the social dialogue should not provide the excuse for the legalization of decisions "already taken" or for shifting responsibilities.

"The statement by the prime minister on the issue of social security proves the timidity of the government and weakens substantially the content and the prospects of the social dialogue," an ND statement read, adding that it agreed with the necessity of "a substantive social dialogue."

The main opposition party also emphasized the need for economic growth but said this should be based on facing unemployment, bold denationalizations, direct and full absorption of Community funds, creation of a climate for productive investments and rationalization of the public sector.

"Without these conditions the social dialogue will fail," ND said adding that it "will not tolerate such failure..."

According to sources, Mr. Karamanlis said that the party must have clear positions regarding the social dialogue, noting that ND must be willing to "assume the social cost for all correct decisions reached by the government."

Mr. Karamanlis told the meeting that four working groups will be established to specify the party's proposals and follow government activity on the issue.

In reply to Mr. Karamanlis, Mr. Reppas praised what he called ND's "agreement toward the need for a substantive dialogue aimed at ensuring the country's developmental course and the social protection of all citizens."

The government spokesman called on ND to abandon the "(political) opposition syndrome" and contribute to the "success of this institutional framework for the good of Greece and the Greek people."

On its part, the Communist Party of Greece (KKE) lashed out against the government on the issue. KKE's political bureau issued an announcement after convening on the issue of social dialogue, saying that the government would take measures for the complete overturning of labor relations, social security and pension schemes.

The KKE announcement added that the generalization of part-time employment will deal a serious blow against the trade unions representing "working class interests".

In response to the premier's statements, a Democratic Social Movement (DHKKI) spokesman said "society will defend in order to uphold rights won over half a century. DHKKI will be present in those struggles," he said.

The president of the Political Spring (Pol.An) party, Antonis Samaras, said that "an honest social agreement means an honest social dialogue. Without prefabricated decisions. Otherwise, instead of acquiring a 'social approval certificate,' the government will lead the country to uncontrollable social upheavals."

[03] Work stoppages by civil aviation employees

Athens, 16/04/1997 (ANA)

Employees also want the Civil Aviation administration's state control safeguarded as well as a meeting with Transport Minister Haris Kastanidis to discuss the organization's legal status.

[04] Greek troops get official go-ahead as they set off for Albania today

Athens, 16/04/1997 (ANA)

Following the KYSEA meeting, National Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos said that according to the Italian command's final plan, the vanguard of the Greek force is scheduled to leave for Tirana this morning. The remainder of the total of 760 troops are expected to be in position by the end of the week.

The Greek troops will be using 20 jeeps and three armored vehicles, 17 armored personnel carriers (four in Vlore) and 90 trucks for transport.

The multinational force's mission is to secure the speedy distribution of humanitarian aid to the Albanian people. The Greek troops will have the right to defend themselves, and if attacked will respond in accordance with UN provisions.

Government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said later that KYSEA would reconvene on Friday to consider in detail the Albanian crisis.

Asked whether the issue of the Greek contingent's participation would be discussed in Parliament, Mr. Reppas said that foreign policy was conducted by the government "in a responsible and effective manner."

On his part, main opposition New Democracy party leader Costas Karamanlis expressed satisfaction with Greece's participation in the effort to restore peace in Albania, "despite reservations over the government's earlier handling (of the issue)".

"We are optimistic," a soldier participating in the Greek force told reporters in Thessaloniki.

Another soldier, Thomas Boulionis, said that "we hope that the Albanian people will realize that we are going there to help them."

In a related development, two university professors yesterday spoke to the Greek troops about Albania's economic and political problems, its relations with its neighbors and the consequences to the region from a possible spread of the Albanian crisis to the Balkans.

[05] Greece-Bulgaria agree to intensify bilateral co-operation

Athens, 16/04/1997 (ANA)

The Bulgarian caretaker foreign minister was also the guest of honor at a luncheon attended by Mr. Pangalos, Foreign Under-secretary Yiannos Kranidiotis, several foreign ministry officials and a number of prominent Greek businessmen, many of whom already have business activities in the neighboring country.

Stressing the traditional ties of friendship and co-operation between the two Balkan neighbors, Mr. Pangalos assured Mr. Stalev of Athens' support for Sofia's efforts to join the European Union and NATO.

In light of elections in Bulgaria next Sunday, Mr. Pangalos said he had not gone into "technical detail" during his talks with Mr. Stalev whom, he noted, would not be standing as a candidate.

Mr. Stalev underlined that Bulgaria was already exiting an acute economic crisis, while stating that Bulgarian foreign policy had remained "active" during this difficult period.

He described as "very important" Greece's support for Bulgaria's bid to join the EU and NATO and announced that Sofia would be participating in the two-day meeting of Balkan foreign ministers in Thessaloniki in June.

Mr. Stalev also stressed the importance for Bulgaria of matters such as the stabilization of public administration, the transportation of energy and the upgrading of road networks, issues on which it was decided to step up co-operation with Greece.

Replying to reporters' questions on the planned Burgas-Alexandrou-poli oil pipeline, Mr. Pangalos said the conditions and framework within which the project will be carried out have largely been clarified. He expressed the hope that a final agreement would be reached very soon.

Referring to his recent visit to the Caucasus, Mr. Pangalos said several countries in the region with large oil reserves, such as Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan, desired "multiple options for the export of their products", indicating that some would be channeled to the Russian Black Sea port of Novorossyisk.

"Our idea is for the (oil) pipeline to go from Novorossyisk to Burgas," Mr. Pangalos added.

The foreign minister also conveyed to Mr. Stalev the interest of the Hellenic Telecommunications Organization (OTE) in the imminent privatization of telecommunications in Bulgaria.

He also assured Mr. Stalev of Greek support for Bulgaria's efforts to improve its road and rail network and announced the Greek government's decision to reduce the cost of visas for Bulgarians wishing to travel to Greece from 50,000 to 30,000 lev.

[06] Meeting with Stephanopoulos

Athens, 16/04/1997 (ANA)

Mr. Stalev said Bulgaria's accession course and its participation as an associate EU member benefits relations between Athens and Sofia, adding that progress in bilateral relations benefits Greece in the framework of the EU.

[07] Athens' policy on rapprochement with Turkey unchanged

Athens, 16/04/1997 (ANA)

"Within the framework of this policy, the government is willing to examine certain procedural ways of discussing some of the issues in Greek-Turkish relations regarded by certain quarters as pending," government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said.

At all events, the spokesman added however, "all this presupposes respect for international law on the part of Turkey".

Mr. Reppas denied reports that a decision had been taken for the formation of a Greek-Turkish committee to examine these issues.

[08] Ciller says Greek-Turkish problems 'complicated'

Istanbul, 16/04/1997 (ANA - A. Kourkoulas)

Inaugurating the 40th session of the joint Turkey-European Union Parliamentary Committee meeting in Ankara, Ms Ciller said Greek-Turkish problems "do not constitute a single issue but are linked to each other and are complicated."

"We favor dialogue," she said, adding that efforts are continuing to find a solution.

Ms Ciller said the proposal for the creation of a "committee of wisemen" is a "new satisfactory process" and that Greece's position on the issue of Turkey's accession to the EU is "more friendly" recently.

Referring to the Cyprus issue, Ms Ciller said "it is one of the rare problems in the world which cannot be resolved despite the fact that its solution is known."

"The solution is a bi-communal and bi-zonal federation," she said, adding that "this solution is acceptable to both sides as well as to Europe and world public opinion. However, the biggest obstacle in implementing the solution is the discontinuation of dialogue over the past two years and this is due to the Greek Cypriot side which does not feel the need for a dialogue due to the fact it has been promised unilateral accession (to the EU)."

[09] Greek Eurodeputy

Istanbul, 16/04/1997 (ANA - A. Kourkoulas)

Mr. Hatzidakis said an extension in the deadlock in Greek-Turkish relations harms both countries, adding that "we know each other better than colleagues from west European countries know both you and us."

Referring to Turkey's accession to the EU, Mr. Hatzidakis said that "relations between Turkey and the EU create demands" but expressed the hope that Turkey will soon become a full member of the EU.

"Of course, your accession will not be easy," he said adding that this will be so "not for cultural or religious reasons" but for reasons of economic development and political reasons ranging from human rights to Greek-Turkish relations and the Cyprus issue.

Apart from Mr. Hatzidakis, Greece was represented at the session by Eurodeputies Nikitas Kaklamanis and Anna Karamanou.

The joint parliamentary committee had discontinued its sessions to protest the imprisonment of several former Turkish national assembly deputies of Kurdish origin, while it resumed its sessions last year.

[10] Compromise reached on WEU decision-making processes

Brussels, 16/04/1997 (ANA - M. Spinthourakis)

All 10 WEU members, which conferred at an ambassador-level meeting yesterday, announced after many months of consultations that an agreement was finalized, whereby allied non-associate (Turkey, Iceland and Norway) and observer (Denmark) members of the WE U - primed as the defense arm of the EU - will participate with full rights in decision-making processes.

Greece had long argued that the institutional independence of the WEU required that final decisions regarding missions of the organization are to be taken only by the 10 permanent members.

Reliable sources said, however, that the final text of the current WEU French presidency, which is an internal, non-publishable document of the organization, states that the existing status of associate and observer nations remains unchanged.

Greece consented to the above arrangement, considering that it secures the institutional independence of the WEU.

The participation of associate and observer WEU members in decision-making processes for missions not involving NATO is not envisaged as necessary.

Turkey and Norway have long insisted on their participation, threatening that they would otherwise block the use of allied installations during relevant consultations within NATO.

[11] Pangalos calls for expansion of economic co-operation with Turkey

Athens, 16/04/1997 (ANA)

"Greece must expand its contacts at all levels with that part of the economic and political establishment of Turkey which favors a different rationale of rapprochement between the two countries, far from extremism and sterile confrontations," he said during an address at the Athens Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

"There are two tendencies which conflict in Turkish diplomacy," he added.

"One, the 'old-type of diplomacy' supporting military power and its continuous proliferation. The second, a 'new-type diplomacy', is based on economic power and dominance in the sectors of raw materials, energy, transport axes, markets and new technologies. Greece has every interest in the prevalence of the second tendency," he said.

"But until that happens, it will necessarily continue defending its sovereign rights due to Ankara's illogical territorial claims," he emphasized.

Mr. Pangalos described economic diplomacy as the number one task of the Greek foreign ministry, and indirectly called for and increase in its budget.

[12] Turkish parliament president optimistic on efforts to improve relations

Istanbul, 16/04/1997 (ANA)

In a letter he addressed to Mr. Kaklamanis on April 11, which was publicized yesterday, Mr. Kalemli said "I believe that the issues we agreed on during our warm meeting will speed up efforts being made to improve our bilateral relations."

[13] G. Papandreou emphasizes territorial integrity, human rights at Euro-Mediterranean Conference

Valletta, 16/04/1997 (ANA)

Mr. Papandreou proposed to his counterparts from the other 26 countries participating in the conference to hold an informal meeting in Greece in order to discuss all issues concerning the Mediterranean basin and stressed that the creation of stability and security in the Mediterranean region will "bring one another closer together."

Referring to the economic sector, Mr. Papandreou said the target of creating a free trade zone is a challenge to strengthen the economies of all countries in the region.

In addition, he said the general conjuncture in the Mediterranean region is, unfortunately, not what all wish it to be and at this point he reiterated his proposal for an informal Euro-Mediterranean conference session in Greece.

[14] US displeased over Athens stance on Iran

Washington, 16/04/1997 (ANA - T. Ellis)

The other European Union member states have responded to a call from the EU presidency to recall their ambassadors after a German court last week accused Iranian leaders of ordering the killing of exiled Kurdish dissidents in Berlin. "We are of course displeased that the Greek government has not gone along with the EU's unanimous vote and recalled its ambassador," he said, adding:

"According to the evidence presented to the German people during the Mykonos trial, it is quite clear what happened regarding the murder of the people who were in the Cafe Mykonos. We therefore congratulate the countries of the European Union who acted decisively and we wish that all of them had done so."

[15] Montenegro PM Djukanovic on private Athens visit

Belgrade, 16/04/1997 (ANA - M. Mouratidis)

The sources did not rule out the possibility that Mr. Djukanovic will request a meeting with Greek government officials in order to brief them on the political crisis which recently broke out in that country.

Relations between Montenegrin President Momir Bulatovic and Mr. Djukanovic took a turn for the worse following the latter's statements regarding the future of the Yugoslav federation and the possible candidacy of the Serbian President Slobodan Milosevic for the presidency of the Federal Yugoslav Republic.

[16] Tsohatzopoulos, Eliades meeting

Athens, 16/04/1997 (ANA)

The meeting was also attended by the Cypriot ambassador to Athens, Haralambos Christoforou, and Cypriot National Guard Commander Lt.-Gen. Nikolaos Vorvolakos.

[17] Stephanopoulos at Strasbourg

Athens, 16/04/1997 (ANA)

[18] Record number of participants to attend World Athletics Championship

Athens, 16/04/1997 (ANA)

"We are trying to organize a distinguished championship, with excellent results in all sectors," he said.

The 1995 championship was attended by 2,648 participants from 192 countries.

"Athens '97" organizing committee general director Evangelos Savramis said a special terminal would be created at Athens airport to allow expected guests into the country without delays.

"Our aim is for all procedures to last not more than 15 minutes, and for the guests to be on their way... immediately," he said.

He added that of the 80,000 seats of the Athens Olympic Stadium, 26,600 have been earmarked for the needs of International Amateur Athletics Federation (IAAF) officials, while tickets for the rest will cost between 1,000 and 10,000 drachmas (approximately US$4 and $40).

In addition, Mr. Savramis said a recent 230-million-drachma investment program would ensure that the stadium will be equipped with one of the best anti-doping control laboratories in the world.

[19] Heightened co-operation agreed to between PASOK, British Labor Party

London, 16/04/1997 (ANA - L. Tsirigotakis)

The agreement was the result of contacts Mr. Skandalidis had in London over the past two days with members of the Labor Party and primarily his counterpart, Tom Sawyer.

Mr. Sawyer will visit Athens at the head of a Labor delegation by June or July, while Mr. Skandalidis will head a PASOK delegation in October, which will officially attend the Labor Party's annual conference in Brighton. Mr. Skandalidis has accepted a n invitation to address the conference.

Summing up his assessments of his contacts in Britain, Mr. Skandalidis said he considers close co-operation between PASOK and the Labor Party at all levels very important given, as he said, that the Labor Party's victory in general elections on May 1 is considered almost certain.

[20] Cultural events positive but not policy, Reppas says

Athens, 16/04/1997 (ANA)

Asked whether the government intended to encourage similar events in other neighboring countries, Mr. Reppas replied that the government neither supported nor undermined cultural activities.

The spokesman added however that such activities help to reduce acerbity and improve the climate in relations between neighboring peoples.

Replying to questions on the possibility of a Balkan cultural festival in Thessaloniki, Mr. Reppas said that the idea might be useful while stressing that it would be a mistake for one to believe that cultural activities could constitute a primary element of foreign policy.

[21] Traffic deaths claimed for 2,176 in 1996

Athens, 16/04/1997 (ANA)

Specifically, a total of 2,176 people died, 3,304 were seriously injured and 29,777 suffered minor injuries on Greek roadways in 1996, traffic police announced yesterday.

Commenting on the figures, Public Order Minister George Romeos said the main cause of accidents was the non-observance of traffic regulations, stressing that prevention would be far more effective than the policing of violations.

By far the largest number of traffic accidents - 9,384, or 88.12 per cent - took place in urban and semi-urban areas in 1996, while only 9.36 per cent occurred on the national highway network.

In 30,148 breathalyzer tests, 3,621 drivers were found to be legally intoxicated.

[22] DEH initiatives in light of market deregulation

Athens, 16/04/1997 (ANA)

At the same time, he added, what has top priority is DEH's reorganization.

Addressing a two-day conference for utility executives, where DEH assistant general directors presented initial studies for a 1997-1998 action program, Mr. Papathanasiou said development of a new business strategy is necessary.

The basic principle of this strategy anticipates DEH changing from a monopoly to a competitive enterprise, horizontal development and the creation of subsidiaries and activation in new markets, such as in the Balkans.

Mr. Papathanasiou said DEH's reorganization requires elaboration of a series of specialized and serious studies such accounting and informatics systems required to support the utility's new structure.

[23] Extensive manganese reserves located in Drama

Athens, 16/04/1997 (ANA)

The program, with European Union funding totaling 500 million drachmas, began last year.

The manganese reserves were located in the northern part of Drama prefecture near Nevrokopi where a manganese mine belonging to the state-controlled "Elefsina Bauxite" is already operating.

The area in which the manganese has been located is now being mapped prior to exploitation of the deposits by Elefsina Bauxite.

End of English language section.

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