Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 97-05-17

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

ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No 1188), May 17, 1997

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

CONTENTS

[01] Greece rejects Dutch EU presidency proposal for 'experts committees' to meet

[02] NATO CBMs

[03] Dutch response

[04] Greece signs US$1.3 billion syndicated refinance loan

[05] Interest rates cut for civil servants' housing loans

[06] Banktech exhibition opening on Tuesday

[07] Kranidiotis counters opposition critics on Gov't foreign policy

[08] Gov't says Cyprus' EU accession valid in response to French diplomat's comment

[09] UN secretary general's assistant to arrive in Athens for talks on Cyprus

[10] Greece supports Slovenia's bid for NATO, EU

[11] State Dept. supports NATO proposals on Aegean

[12] Symposium to examine Greek-Montenegrin relations until 1918

[13] G. Papandreou to hold talks with Austrian leadership during late May visit

[14] FYROM weekly reports on latest name proposal by Skopje

[15] Tirana TV says Albanian officials to be temporarily stationed on Greek side of border

[16] Costas Karamanlis calls for solid economic development

[17] Greenpeace calls for urgent measure to prevent marine pollution

[18] Inner cabinet examines education, energy issues

[19] Simitis meets with Skandalidis, PASOK's Youth Secretariat

[20] Pan-European peace conference in Athens

[21] "Better co-operation between Greece, Cyprus on law enforcement issues studied

[22] Aid transported by plane to quake-stricken Iran

[23] Prepatory work for ag ministry's legislative initiatives completed

[24] Greek Eurodeputy calls for strong EU policy on development in island regions

[25] Aget Iraklis unveils urban renewal plan for five sites

[01] Greece rejects Dutch EU presidency proposal for 'experts committees' to meet

Athens, 17/5/1997 (ANA)

Mr. Pangalos said Dutch Foreign Minister Hans van Mierlo proposed that the two committees should meet at the end of the month.

Expressing the view that such a meeting would serve no useful purpose, Mr. Pangalos spoke in terms of a "mistake" on the part of Mr. van Mierlo.

The Greek minister confirmed that he had received a letter on Thursday from his Dutch counterpart proposing a meeting of the two committees between May 26 and 28.

"First of all, the process of exchanging views by correspondence must proceed," Mr. Pangalos said. He also stressed that in order for Greece to lift its veto of the EU financial protocol to Turkey within the framework of the EU-Turkey customs union, Ankara would first have to satisfy all three conditions set by Greece, irrespective of any process or initiative in progress. Athens has repeatedly stated that Ankara must reject the use and threat of force, respect international law and international treaties and have recourse to the International Court at The Hague for settlement of any claims it may have.

In the letter from the Dutch foreign minister, Mr. Pangalos said, the Dutch EU presidency accepted a Greek proposal that views should be exchanged between the committees of experts in the form of memorandums.

He added, however, that Greece did not accept the Dutch presidency's proposal for a direct meeting of the two committees until the two sides had exchanged memoranda. Mr. Pangalos described Mr. van Mierlo's proposal for a meeting of the two committees as "naive" and "mistaken".

Speaking to reporters after talks with his Slovenian counterpart, Zoran Thaler, Mr. Pangalos said: "If the aim of the (EU) presidency is to exert pressure for the commencement of direct talks, in order to secure the release of the EU-Turkey financial protocol, then it is a naive approach, because Greece has repeatedly stated that it will not consent to the release of these funds unless Turkey satisfies the three conditions set by Athens."

Mr. Pangalos assured, however, that the procedure regarding the committees would continue, adding that the letter of the Greek side would be sent to the Dutch presidency at the beginning of next week, although on the condition that the van Mierlo proposal for a meeting of the committees is withdrawn.

[02] NATO CBMs

Athens, 17/5/1997 (ANA)

Both countries have accepted the proposal for the monitoring by NATO of Greek and Turkish military flights over the Aegean, Mr. Pangalos said, noting that this was already being implemented.

With respect to the other three proposals, concerning the disarming of military aircraft taking part in training flights, the use of the IFF electronic system for identification of aircraft in order to avoid engagements and the setting up of a center for direct communication between Greece and Turkey, Mr. Pangalos said Athens did not accept these proposals because in one way or another they disputed Greece's responsibility in the Athens Flight Information Region (FIR).

Speaking later to reporters, National Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos also said that Greece accepted to discuss only two of the proposals announced by Mr. Bacon. "Greece has accepted to send on a four-month trial basis a picture of activity in the Aegean to NATO headquarters in Naples, in order to confirm and prove the extent and frequency of violations of national airspace by Turkish aircraft, which is taking place on an almost daily basis," Mr. Tsohatzopoulos said.

He added that Greece had been sending a Reconnaissance Aircraft Projector (RAP) image to Naples since Feb. 6.

"When the four-month period expires, we shall see NATO's reaction and have contacts with the alliance in order to examine the results of this effort and the conclusions," Mr. Tsohatzopoulos said. He also confirmed that Greece was willing to discuss extending the moratorium on military flights and exercises in the Aegean in the summer from two to three months.

Mr. Tsohatzopoulos said, however, that it was out of the question for Greece to discuss the disarming of Greek aircraft flying over the Aegean.

"There are instances when Greek aircraft are not armed when flying in national airspace. But when someone has not submitted a flight plan, you are obliged by international treaties to go out and confront the aircraft in question armed," he stressed.

[03] Dutch response

Brussels, 17/5/1997 (ANA - M. Savva)

The spokesman reiterated that the Dutch presidency accepts the proposed by Greece exchange of written memoranda, but declined to expand further on The Hague's intentions.

[04] Greece signs US$1.3 billion syndicated refinance loan

London, 17/5/1997 (ANA - L. Tsirigotakis)

The new loan carries a premium of 0.25 percentage points above Libor, the most favorable lending terms to be secured by the Hellenic State over the past 15 years.

Mr. Christodoulakis briefed representatives of the 28 banks participating in the joint venture during a luncheon following the signing of the loan on the Greek economy's indicators and stressed that at present Greece provides the best prospects and conditions for investments.

[05] Interest rates cut for civil servants' housing loans

Athens, 17/5/1997 (ANA)

Moreover, the amount granted for housing loans also increases to 12.5 million drachmas (from 10 million drachmas) for an eligible civil servant; 18.5 million drachmas (from 15 million drachmas) for couples employed in the public sector and to 25 million drachmas (from 20 million drachmas) when the eligible civil servants are a husband and wife living in border areas.

Lastly, the interest rates are set as follows: 11 per cent for region A; 10 per cent for region B and 9 per cent for region C and D. In special cases the interest rate will be 9 per cent.

[06] Banktech exhibition opening on Tuesday

Athens, 17/5/1997 (ANA)

The exhibition features integrated solutions provided by US companies in the banking technology sector. It includes three special features concerning the change of the date in computers in the year 2000, the impact of economic and monetary union in the banking sector, and the provision of banking services through the Internet.

[07] Kranidiotis counters opposition critics on Gov't foreign policy

Athens, 17/5/1997 (ANA)

He was replying to criticism from Social Democrat Party (DHKKI) leader Dimitris Tsovolas who accused the government of engaging in "secret diplomacy" and playing "dangerous games" in its handling of Greek-Turkish relations.

Mr. Kranidiotis repeated several times that "there is not the slightest trace of Greece making concessions to Turkey".

The government, he said, had not begun any kind of dialogue with Turkey.

"Talking is one thing, dialogue another and negotiation yet another," he stressed.

Mr. Tsovolas accused the government of moving away from Greece's fixed positions and engaging in "secret diplomacy" with the tacit approval of the main opposition New Democracy party.

Mr. Kranidiotis underlined that the government would never negotiate Greece's sovereign rights, noting that the three conditions set by Greece for dialogue with Turkey included the attainment of a just and viable solution for the Cyprus problem.

"As far as we are concerned, the Cyprus problem is the number one national issue and we are pursuing a solution through peaceful and diplomatic means," he said.

Mr. Kranidiotis announced meanwhile that he had received the assurance of the new British government that negotiations for Cyprus' accession to the European Union would commence in early 1998.

[08] Gov't says Cyprus' EU accession valid in response to French diplomat's comment

Athens, 17/5/1997 (ANA)

"The Turkish Cypriots can participate as part of a delegation of the Cypriot state. The European Union talks with the legitimate government of Cyprus, the Clerides government, and there can be no two separate discussions, with two separate authorities," Mr. Reppas said.

He also welcomed the statement by new British foreign secretary that Cyprus' EU membership is not linked with conditions related to the Cyprus problem.

Replying to other questions, Mr. Reppas described the cancellation of a planned joint US-Turkey-Israel exercise as a positive development, adding that another Greek-Israeli exercise will take place as planned.

Regarding a scheduled joint concert at Cyprus' buffer zone on Monday by Greek and Turkish artists Sakis Rouvas and Murat Kout, respectively, the spokesman said the matter is being handled by the Cypriot government, and that despite his conviction that t he motive of the two artists was to help in the improvement of relations between the two countries, good intentions do not always suffice.

[09] UN secretary general's assistant to arrive in Athens for talks on Cyprus

Athens, 17/5/1997 (ANA)

Mr. Kranidiotis met yesterday with the Canadian special representative on the Cyprus issue, Ambassador Michael Bell, with whom he also discussed the Cyprus issue.

[10] Greece supports Slovenia's bid for NATO, EU

Athens, 17/5/1997 (ANA)

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Mr. Pangalos described relations between the two countries as "excellent", noting that a number of bilateral agreements had already been signed, while other accords would follow shortly.

Mr. Pangalos stressed that Greece fully supported Slovenia's efforts for NATO and European Union membership.

Echoing Mr. Pangalos' assessment of the present relations between Greece and Slovenia, Mr. Thaler expressed the view that there was room for further development.

Mr. Pangalos announced that he would visit Slovenia in September.

The Slovenian foreign minister was later received by National Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos. According to sources, the two men discussed regional developments.

[11] State Dept. supports NATO proposals on Aegean

Washington, 17/5/1997 (ANA - T. Ellis)

"The US supports the efforts of NATO's Secretary General Javier Solana on the implementation of measures to reduce the danger of accidents in the Aegean. We hope that UN Secretary General Solana will achieve progress between Greece and Turkey," Mr. Burn s said, adding that it is up to the two governments to reply whether or not they accept NATO's proposals.

State Department officials stressed with emphasis yesterday that there are no US pressures or proposals but measures proposed by Mr. Solana and that the US believes that every measure contributing to a decrease in tension in the Aegean is a positive development. ANA

[12] Symposium to examine Greek-Montenegrin relations until 1918

Belgrade, 17/5/1997 (ANA - M. Mouratidis)

Conclusions from the symposium will be presented at a meeting of historians from Greece and Yugoslavia, which will focus on World Wars I and II.

[13] G. Papandreou to hold talks with Austrian leadership during late May visit

Vienna, 17/5/1997 (ANA - D. Dimitrakoudis)

He will also meet with Chancellery Under-secretary responsible for European, cultural and sports issues Peter Witmann.

Mr. Papandreou will discuss a series of issues on bilateral relations between Athens and Vienna, the Intergovernmental Conference, European Union enlargement, the situation in the Balkans, with special emphasis on the Albanian crisis, as well as the Cyprus issue and Greek-Turkish relations.

The two sides will make special reference to the three-day working visit paid to Vienna by Prime Minister Costas Simitis a month ago.

It is a general assessment that Mr. Simitis visited friends during his recent stay in Vienna, since Austria and its policy are close to Greek positions.

A coincidence in views between the prime minister and his interlocutors on all important issues confirmed the intention of both sides to act together to safeguard their interests and secure their influence in current developments.

In the framework of visit exchanges this year, Mr. Schussel had visited Athens in February and Austrian Defense Minister Woerner Fasslabed in March.

Greek-Austrian relations in past years have been marked by Greece's permanent support for Austria's efforts for European Union membership. The completion of accession negotiations was achieved during the Greek EU presidency in the first half of 1994 and following relevant initiatives and their promotion by Athens.

[14] FYROM weekly reports on latest name proposal by Skopje

Skopje, 17/5/1997 (ANA - M. Vihou)

According to the newspaper, the proposal calls for use of the neighboring country's current constitutional name, i.e. Republic of "Macedonia"; a start to direct negotiations on the name which Greece will use in its bilateral relations with FYROM, and finally, that the former Yugoslav republic be alphabetically listed under the letter R and not M. The article's author, Eleonora Karanfilovska, further writes that points b and c presuppose acceptance of point a, and that Mr. Vance is expected to visit Athens and Skopje in connection with the proposal.

[15] Tirana TV says Albanian officials to be temporarily stationed on Greek side of border

Gjirokaster, 17/5/1997 (ANA - D. Barkas)

The Albanian minister relayed the National Reconciliation government's satisfaction with the decision to Greek ambassador to Tirana, Constantine Prevedourakis, Albanian state television reported.

The Albanian customs agents will be stationed at the Greek border posts because facilities on the Albanian side have been completely destroyed.

In a related development, Albanian officials have not decided on whether duties will be levied on goods imported to that country during months-long crisis plaguing the neighboring country, at which time Albanian customs posts were not functioning.

[16] Costas Karamanlis calls for solid economic development

Athens, 17/5/1997 (ANA)

The ND leader was speaking at the 22nd international Fur Exhibition in the northern city of Kastoria.

He laid particular emphasis on the role of medium-size enterprises, saying that they do not need protectionist interventions, but a steady framework of rules and tax system.

Mr. Karamanlis called for the abolition of the 'objective criteria' taxation system, and the 35 per cent tax for personal companies.

[17] Greenpeace calls for urgent measure to prevent marine pollution

Athens, 17/5/1997 (ANA)

"There is no time to lose when 100,000 tons of oil are spilled in Greek seas every year," a Greenpeace statement read yesterday.

The group also called for an immediate ban on the unloading and loading of oil cargo under poor weather conditions, the use of oil dispersants, and the transit of dangerous cargoes through ecologically sensitive areas.

[18] Inner cabinet examines education, energy issues

Athens, 17/5/1997 (ANA)

Education Minister Gerassimos Arsenis told reporters after the meeting that the ministry's two bills on the university teaching staff and on their wage scale were discussed.

He also announced that he would submit one of the bills to Parliament on Monday while the second, referring to wages, would be tabled later in the month, following consultations with the finance ministry.

Government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said later that the meeting had discussed energy issues such as the deregulation of the domestic electricity market.

The state-run Public Power Corporation (DEH), in line with Community directives, must become more "flexible" in regard to the production, transfer and distribution of electrical energy, Mr. Reppas said.

The deregulation of the electrical power market will mean that the private sector will be able to become involved in the area, he added.

The issue will be discussed further in meetings between the development and finance ministries before a bill is drawn up.

[19] Simitis meets with Skandalidis, PASOK's Youth Secretariat

Athens, 17/5/1997 (ANA)

Sources said discussion included the planning of events which will mark the first anniversary of the death of the party's founder, Andreas Papandreou. Also discussed was the policy which PASOK will follow for the strengthening of its relations with other European socialist parties.

[20] Pan-European peace conference in Athens

Athens, 17/5/1997 (ANA)

"I have come to Greece from Cyprus. It was very painful for me to see the 'green line', and it is terrible that at the end of the 20th century there are arrogant people who divide peoples, or governments such as the British one, which occupy lands in foreign countries," she said.

The conference, held at Athens' Panteion University, is being attended by delegates from 12 countries.

In his introduction, the honorary president of the World Peace Council and former president of the Athens Bar Association, Evangelos Mahairas, noted a certain lost ground in the peace movement recently, which he said, had to be regained.

The older successes and the collapse of the Warsaw Pact "have not led to the abolition of NATO, as we demanded, but on the contrary, to the strengthening of the role of the United States, and the application of the 'new world order'," he said.

Referring to Greek-Turkish relations, Mr. Mahairas stressed that Greece "is being pressured for dialogue with Turkey on issues which were resolved 70 years ago. If it does not give in, there is a danger of armed conflict, either at Ankara's initiative, or at the instigation of the US, so that they may have an excuse for intervening.

[21] "Better co-operation between Greece, Cyprus on law enforcement issues studied

Nicosia, 17/5/1997 (ANA)

After meeting Cypriot Justice and Public Order Minister Nicos Koshis, Mr. Romeos said co-operation will be achieved between the two police forces with a state-of-the-art fingerprint scanning system, while Greek police is ready to receive Cypriots at the police officers academy in Greece. Mr. Koshis will pay a two-day visit to Athens in June, aimed at strengthening co-operation in tackling the spread of drug abuse, illegal immigration, terrorism and money laundering.

[22] Aid transported by plane to quake-stricken Iran

Athens, 17/5/1997 (ANA)

The cost of purchasing and transferring the materials was covered by the foreign ministry, while implementation of the mission was undertaken by the Greek bureau of the international physicians' group Medecins sans Frontieres. Two members of the organization will stay in Iran to offer their services to earthquake victims.

Five more tons of medical and pharmaceutical aid has already been purchased, while 25 tons of materials and medicines provided by the health ministry will also be sent.

[23] Prepatory work for ag ministry's legislative initiatives completed

Athens, 17/5/1997 (ANA)

In addition, a bill regulating the status for pesticides and debts owed by cooperatives will be submitted next week.

Obstacles and disputes regarding the bill on forests were overcome and it will also be tabled in June. The bill on new organizations to be created at the agriculture ministry will be ready during the same period.

The management of European Union funds, which exceed one trillion drachmas a year, will be assigned to agencies because the ministry's employees have other work, Mr. Tzoumakas said.

Among others, the bill for young farmers anticipates a 50 per cent increase in the tax-free amount for the first five years and 25 per cent for the next five years and 50 per cent of expenditure for the purchase of fixed assets will be deducted from tax able income.

After the bill on young farmers is ratified in Parliament, a program containing supplementary measures and incentives for young farmers will be forwarded to the European Union for approval.

[24] Greek Eurodeputy calls for strong EU policy on development in island regions

Strasbourg, 17/5/1997 (ANA)

PASOK Eurodeputy Anna Karamanou, who tabled the proposal on behalf of the Socialist group, stressed the need for a policy ratified legally within the new (Maastricht) treaty and which would deal effectively with the structural inequalities between island and mainland regions. "Coming from Greece, which has 42 per cent of the EU's inhabited islands (167 in a total of 400), I am well aware how urgent the need is for measures to counteract negative trends created by the isolation and abandonment of islands, " she said.

Ms. Karamanou called for an emphasis on transport and communications, support for small and medium-sized businesses and incentives for employment as well as a range of other steps to support the economy, environment and culture of these regions.

[25] Aget Iraklis unveils urban renewal plan for five sites

Athens, 17/5/1997 (ANA)

The effort was presented by Aget President Massimo Guidishi and the program's coordinators, professor Nikos Karydis of the Athens Polytechnic's architectural department, and professor Cesare Mahi Cassia from Milan Polytechnic.

Specifically, these regions are the zone including the two railway stations in central Athens, the state-run horsetrack near the Faliro coastline, the central coastal zone in Patras, that city's central region; part of the port in Volos as well as the area of Epano Skala in Mytilene.

Mr. Guidishi said the initiative concerns a plan study assigned to five groups of Greek architects and town planners and to five groups of Italians.

The complete "Iraklis Program" will be presented at an exhibition to take place at the National Research Foundation on May 23.

End of English language section.

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