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Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 97-06-09

Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

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

ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No 1207), June 9, 1997

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


CONTENTS

  • [01] Balkan FMs to discuss regional issues in Thessaloniki today
  • [02] Balkan mayors meet in Thessaloniki
  • [03] Gorbachev arrives in Athens on private visit
  • [04] Tsohatzopoulos returns from European Socialist Party meeting
  • [05] Kok, van den Broek in Athens today
  • [06] Parliament president returns from Helsinki meeting
  • [07] Karamanlis criticizes Gov't ineffectiveness
  • [08] PASOK secretary heads information campaign to Xanthi
  • [09] Mitsotakis sees Turkey moving towards signing non-aggression pact
  • [10] European talks need "patience and persistence", Papandreou says
  • [11] Injunction against Olympic Metro over subway construction filed
  • [12] First thalassotherapy center opens in Crete
  • [13] Parliament debate on social dialogue tomorrow
  • [14] Papandreou monument unveiled
  • [15] Acropolis Rally begins
  • [16] OTE purchases 20% of Serbian PTT's shares
  • [17] Two killed in minefield
  • [18] Police make five drug arrests over weekend
  • [19] Garbage collectors begin cleaning up

  • [01] Balkan FMs to discuss regional issues in Thessaloniki today

    Athens, 09/06/1997 (ANA)

    A two-day conference of foreign ministers from the Balkans gets under way in Thessaloniki today for the purpose of consolidating stability and peace in the region and to promote political, economic and social co-operation.

    Taking part in the conference will be foreign ministers from Greece, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), Bulgaria, Federal Yugoslavia and Romania, the foreign under-secretary of Albania and the assistant under-secretary of Turkey.

    The Greek side will be represented by Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos, Alternate Foreign Minister George Papandreou and Foreign Under-secretary Yiannos Kranidiotis.

    Countries attending as observers include Ukraine, Bosnia, Russia, France, Germany, Britain, the United States, Armenia, Austria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Moldova, Slovakia, Slovenia and Sweden.

    Representatives from the European Union, international organizations, including banks, will also attend.

    The delegations will be received at noon by Macedonia-Thrace Minister Philippos Petsalnikos, following which Mr. Pangalos will give an opening speech.

    The conference will take place at the Macedonia Palace Hotel.

    Issues to be examined at the conference will include promoting political co-operation, measures for building security and confidence in the region, developing economic co-operation and coordinating action for environmental protection and advancing humanitarian, social and cultural co-operation.

    Development of co-operation will be sought in the judicial sector to combat organized crime, terrorism and the trafficking of weapons and drugs.

    A meeting of Balkan businessmen will be held on the sidelines of the conference, held at the initiative of the Greek foreign ministry and supported by the Northern Greek Exporters' Association.

    The main topic of discussion at the businessmen's meeting will be the privatization of state assets in the Balkans.

    Those attending will include government officials, company representatives and bank governors.

    [02] Balkan mayors meet in Thessaloniki

    Athens, 09/06/1997 (ANA)

    A one-day meeting of mayors from Balkan cities was held in Thessaloniki on Saturday, on the topic: "Local government as a factor of peace and co-operation towards development in the agitated Balkans".

    The mayors discussed means of cooperating on cultural and economic sectors through the application of joint European Union programs for the area.

    Discussions also included strengthening initiatives to exchange technical know-how and experience in sectors related to local government.

    The meeting was attended by mayors from Bulgaria, Romania, Federal Yugoslavia, Bosnia, Albania and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) and representatives from Thessaloniki, Macedonia, Thrace and the European Union.

    [03] Gorbachev arrives in Athens on private visit

    Athens, 09/06/1997 (ANA)

    The last president of the former Soviet Union, Mikhail Gorbachev, arrived in Athens on Saturday afternoon on a ten-day private visit at the invitation of the Apostolopoulos group of companies.

    Mr. Gorbachev, accompanied by his wife Raisa, arrived in the Greek capital from Geneva where he and former Israeli prime minister Shimon Peres were guests of the International Union of Diplomats.

    Mr. Gorbachev was received at Athens Airport by his friend George Apostolopoulos, who is president of the Athens Medical Center.

    Asked by reporters how he viewed Russia's participation in an enlarged NATO, Mr. Gorbachev said: "I consider a very bad idea the activation of the Paris Charter of 1990 for the enlargement of NATO with countries such as Poland, the Czech Republic and Hungary."

    "When we signed the Charter of Europe we were in favor of the creation of a United Europe. I now believe however that instead of concerning themselves with the construction of a new Europe, they - NATO and Russia- are instead concerning themselves with an issue which has no reason to exist," " he added.

    Mr. Apostolopoulos said he has been friends with Mr. Gorbachev since 1989.

    [04] Tsohatzopoulos returns from European Socialist Party meeting

    Malmo, Sweden 09/06/1997 (ANA-N. Serveta)

    The third congress of the European Socialist Party (ESP) came to a close on Saturday with a joint statement calling for greater co-operation among European Union (EU) members in development, democracy and security.

    The meeting set the future direction of the party which should concentrate on security, expansion and support of the EU as a means of solving problems that defy solutions on a national level.

    Representing Greece was Akis Tsohatzopoulos, national defense minister, who was re-elected as one of eight vice-presidents of the ESP.

    Mr. Tsohatzopoulos said it was necessary to have "another economic policy, which would be shared by all countries in the EU to deal with the problems of unemployment, environmental protection, etc." National policies are not adequate, he said, although for Greece the aims were clear.

    Greece expressed satisfaction with the inclusion in the statement of a chapter encouraging "the strengthening of the role of the EU in the Mediterranean region, with greater co-operation in terms of development, democracy and security".

    The statement also included a section on EU expansion, mentioning that accession talks "shall start simultaneously with all candidate states, even if some of them become union members sooner than others".

    The ESP representatives also drew up a joint resolution on Albania, recognizing the efforts of Albanian Prime Minister Bashkim Fino to solve the crisis, and stressing the importance of free general elections with all parties represented and observers at tending.

    [05] Kok, van den Broek in Athens today

    Athens, 09/06/1997 (ANA)

    The president of the European Council, Dutch Prime Minister Wim Kok and president of the EU council of foreign ministers Dutch Foreign Minister Hans van den Broek arrive in Athens today for talks with the Greek government in light of the Amsterdam EU summit on June 16-17.

    [06] Parliament president returns from Helsinki meeting

    Athens, 09/06/1997 (ANA)

    The regular meeting of European Union (EU) parliament presidents came to a close in Helsinki on Saturday, with Greece represented by Apostolos Kaklamanis.

    Mr. Kaklamanis said that the items discussed included the role national parliaments can play in terms of the union, expansion of EU membership to include more members from central and eastern Europe, and improvement of their relationship with the average citizen.

    "It is the parliaments which express the peoples of Europe, not the Commission and the councils, which are more technically-oriented," Mr. Kaklamanis said.

    [07] Karamanlis criticizes Gov't ineffectiveness

    Athens, 09/06/1997 (ANA)

    New Democracy (ND) President Costas Karamanlis launched his first official attack on the government as opposition leader in Thessaloniki on Saturday saying ruling party PASOK was for "sustaining party nomenclature", and being ineffective in the European Union convergence program.

    "In its nine months in power, the government has not promoted a single privatization, neither has it cut back in the public sector," Mr. Karamanlis said.

    Speaking to party officials at the Vellidion Center, Mr. Karamanlis said that "the government calls on the Greek people to make sacrifices while it doesn't dare clash with party nomenclature, which is being sustained at the expense of the taxpayers". Before the government launches into social dialogue, he said, it should give a good example by cutting back in expenditures.

    Referring to Greek-Turkish relations, Mr. Karamanlis expressed reservations about the effectiveness of the expert committees.

    Mr. Karamanlis arrived in Thessaloniki from Brussels, where he had met with European Union officials on his first official visit as opposition leader.

    In statements on his arrival at Thessaloniki airport, Mr. Karamanlis called for Greece to "change mentality and stop bringing up the rear and acting like the poor relative".

    "But in order to do this, we must improve our showing in all sectors, and show active participation and interest in all European issues," the ND leader said.

    The government, he charged, was strengthening the old mentality by "desperately trying to present false successes about the Inter-governmental Conference, which everyone knows is not doing so well".

    The government's effectiveness in issues directly related to Greece, such as joint foreign policy and the policy of security, provided only "scant results", he charged.

    [08] PASOK secretary heads information campaign to Xanthi

    Athens, 09/06/1997 (ANA)

    PASOK party Secretary Costas Skandalidis led a delegation of ministers to the Xanthi prefecture, where they met with local officials and were briefed on problems in the area.

    Education and Religious Affairs Under-secretary Ioannis Anthopoulos, Macedonia-Thrace Minister Philippos Petsalnikos and Agriculture Under-secretary Dimitris Sotirlis were members of the delegation that visited Stavroupolis, Echinos, Abdera and Erasmio to speak with local people and explain government initiatives for the prefecture as a whole.

    Mr. Skandalidis explained the party and government's development aims and the main points of social dialogue. He also said "the solution to problems of the minority and the responsibility for them lies with the Greek state" and called on Moslem Greeks to participate in the country's development. "We are all equal before the laws of the state, but the state should also see all Greeks as citizens with equal rights".

    Asked to comment on the archives of the late founder of PASOK and former prime minister Andreas Papandreou, Mr. Skandalidis said the archives were party archives, and as such the party would "establish a foundation that will hold and manage his archives ".

    To another question he replied that the government would seek a revision of the Maastricht Treaty in order to give it a stronger social image.

    [09] Mitsotakis sees Turkey moving towards signing non-aggression pact

    Athens, 09/06/1997 (ANA)

    Former prime minister and main opposition New Democracy party honorary president Constantine Mitsotakis returned to Athens on Saturday following a private visit to Turkey.

    In statements on his arrival, Mr. Mitsotakis expressed satisfaction from his visit to the neighboring country and said he foresaw that Turkey would take a step towards the signing of a non-aggression pact.

    He said his impression was that the Turkish side accepted the view that war, as a means of settling differences between the two countries, should be categorically excluded.

    Asked by reporters whether Turkey intended to announce such a position, he replied: "This will be the next step."

    Mr. Mitsotakis said Greece and Turkey should attempt to find solutions to their differences through dialogue based on his agreement with (then Turkish prime minister and now President) Suleyman Demirel in Davos in 1992. It should also be based, he said, on "respect of the territorial integrity of both sides, the treaties which have been signed, as well as on the general principles of international law."

    Acknowledging the unstable situation prevailing in Turkey, Mr. Mitsotakis said "national Turkish policy also exists today", guaranteed by the presence of Mr. Demirel in the presidency.

    The former prime minister said that during his stay in Turkey he dealt at length with the Cyprus problem "to which we must focus all our efforts so as to this time achieve a result".

    Asked to comment on the appointment of Richard Holbrooke as US President Bill Clinton's special envoy on the Cyprus issue, he replied: "Deeds will show whether his appointment is positive."

    Mr. Mitsotakis, who met with Turkish President Demirel, was in Turkey last week to be awarded the Abdi Ipekci Greek-Turkish peace and friendship prize.

    [10] European talks need "patience and persistence", Papandreou says

    Athens, 09/06/1997 (ANA)

    Talks at the Inter-governmental Conference (IGC) to prepare the revision of the Maastricht Treaty are in their final stage, which needs calmness, patience and persistence, Alternate Foreign Minister George Papandreou said yesterday.

    In a statement, Mr. Papandreou said that "negotiations are in their last and most critical phase. All sides want the process of forming a new treaty for the European Union (EU) to finish" but at the same time tried to pass as many amendments as possible .

    "All countries want, with last-minute moves and interventions, to satisfy their perception for the future shape of the European Union and certain special national interests," he explained, but "negotiations are continuing, therefore we need calmness, patience and persistence."

    Mr. Papandreou pointed out that the revised treaty would "determine to a large extent the future of Europe and affect directly the future of great negotiations on public finances and the European Union budget", among other things.

    Referring to Greece's part in the IGC talks, Mr. Papandreou said that "it was the first time Greece entered such a round of negotiations with such adequate and long preparation, by supporting its stance with scholarly data and through alliances."

    What was very pleasing to note, he said, was that "it was possible for Greece to contribute in the creation of a climate of co-operation among the smaller states of the Union".

    [11] Injunction against Olympic Metro over subway construction filed

    Athens, 09/06/1997 (ANA)

    The government will file an injunction against the Olympic Metro consortium because it refuses to leave the worksite of Kerameikos, Environment, Town Planning and Public Works Under-secretary Christos Verelis said yesterday.

    Mr. Verelis said Olympic Metro had forfeited its right to work at that particular section of the subway project, and the government was holding another auction for the construction of a test tunnel between Syntagma and Kerameikos.

    The government planned to give the assignment to the winning bidder, but the joint venture was obstructing the procedure by refusing to vacate the premises. Mr. Verelis denied press reports that the company had agreed anew with the government to deliver the disputed section in 2001 instead of 1999, at an added cost of 31 billion drachmas.

    [12] First thalassotherapy center opens in Crete

    Athens, 09/06/1997 (ANA)

    Greece's first thalassotherapy center, the Royal Mare Village Thalasso, was inaugurated late on Saturday by Development Minister Vasso Papandreou at Anisara, near Iraklion.

    Ms Papandreou said that the center fell within the government's policy to upgrade tourism services and expressed the hope that others would follow the example. The center's director, Nikos Angelopoulos said that investment had cost eight billion drachmas.

    The inauguration was also attended by National Defense Under-secretary Dimitris Apostolakis, Greek National Tourist Organization (EOT) Secretary General Nikos Skoulas, government officials, deputies and local officials.

    [13] Parliament debate on social dialogue tomorrow

    Athens, 09/06/1997 (ANA)

    Prime Minister Costas Simitis and main opposition New Democracy party president Costas Karamanlis will meet in Parliamentary debate on Tuesday on the issue of 'social dialogue' between government, unions and employers to discuss proposed changes to the job market.

    Sources said the prime minister will stress the role of 'social dialogue' as a permanent choice of ruling PASOK under present conditions which demand significant changes. He is also expected to challenge the positions expressed to date by the opposition parties and call on them to support the effort.

    On his part, Mr. Karamanlis will charge that the government is using social dialogue to avoid paying the costs of decisions and pushing the cost onto social partners to avoid internal party conflict.

    [14] Papandreou monument unveiled

    Athens, 09/06/1997 (ANA)

    Sculptor Kyriakos Rokkos yesterday unveiled the marble monument to be placed at the grave of late ruling PASOK founder and president Andreas Papandreou at ceremonies commemorating the first anniversary of his death on June 23.

    The four-ton bronze and marble monument was designed after joint consultations with Papandreou's children and his widow, Dimitra Liani. It is, Mr. Rokkos said, "a symbolic re-enactment of the course and struggle conducted by Andreas Papandreou with the Greek people".

    The cost of the 10 million drachma monument will be borne by PASOK.

    The monument will be officially unveiled on June 22.

    [15] Acropolis Rally begins

    Athens, 09/06/1997 (ANA)

    The 44th Acropolis Rally began yesterday at the foot of Greece's most famous landmark.

    The rally will end on Tuesday after drivers have covered a total distance of 1,263 kilometers, which includes 20 special sections stretching 458 kms.

    Some 30 foreign and 71 Greek crews are participating in this year's rally, which is regarded as one of the toughest on the World Championship circuit.

    [16] OTE purchases 20% of Serbian PTT's shares

    Belgrade, 09/06/1997 (ANA-M. Mouratidis)

    The Hellenic Telecommunications Organization (OTE) will buy 20 per cent of the Serbian Telecommunications Organization (PTT) under an agreement being signed in Belgrade today.

    The agreement was originally scheduled to be signed yesterday.

    State-owned PTT has also agreed to sell 29% of its shares to the Italian telecommunications company STET. Together, the deals carry a total value of 1.56 billion marks.

    The three parties will sign the agreement at the presidential building in the presence of Serbian Prime Minister Mirko Marianovic.

    They will then be received by Serbian President Slobodan Milosevic, and later give a joint press conference in which Serbian Privatization Minister Milan Beko will present the details.

    According to local press reports, 1.24 billion marks of the total amount will be paid immediately, and the remainder at the start of 1998.

    The PTT board of directors will comprise of nine members, including two representatives from OTE and another two from STET. The remainder will be appointed by the Serbian government.

    [17] Two killed in minefield

    Athens, 09/06/1997 (ANA)

    The General Army Staff announced on Saturday that the bodies of two men, believed to be illegal immigrants, had been found inside a minefield on the Greek-Turkish border.

    It said the bodies were found on Friday in an area near the village of Vissa, adding that the minefield was clearly marked and well fenced.

    It is believed that the two unidentified men were killed on the night of May 30, when bad weather covered up the sound of the exploding mines.

    [18] Police make five drug arrests over weekend

    Athens, 09/06/1997 (ANA)

    Police yesterday netted 12 kilos of heroin and arrested four people in two different operations in the northern Greek area.

    All four were nationals of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM).

    Two men, believed by police to be members of an international narcotics smuggling ring, were arrested at a police roadblock in Sappes, Rodopi in possession of seven kilos of heroin.

    Police said the two were the driver and co-driver of a tourist coach with Serb license plates. The names of the two have not yet been released.

    Another two men were arrested early yesterday by Evros customs police who found 5.5 kilos of heroin hidden in their car.

    The two, who were traveling from Istanbul to Skopje, were identified as Adem Kazimi and Naim Zekiri, both aged 21.

    The men will appear before the Alexandroupoli public prosecutor.

    On Saturday, an Argentinean man was arrested at Iraklion airport for attempting to smuggle one kilo of cocaine into the country.

    Nestor Aquilino Rodriguez, 55, was arrested after arriving in Crete on a Dutch airline flight from Amsterdam. The police said the starting point of his journey to Iraklion was Buenos Aires.

    Rodriguez, who claimed to be a construction worker, reportedly told the police that he was neither a dealer nor a user.

    [19] Garbage collectors begin cleaning up

    Athens, 09/06/1997 (ANA)

    Garbage collectors on Saturday began the mammoth task of clearing tons of refuse from the streets of Athens and Piraeus after calling off a week-long strike.

    The decision to go back to work was taken late Friday night after agreement was reached during talks between local government organization workers' representatives and Interior Under-secretary Lambros Papadimas.

    It was estimated three days will be needed for the collection of the 10,000 tons of garbage which accumulated on streets during last week.

    End of English language section.


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