Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 97-10-03
From: The Greek Press & Information Office, Ottawa Canada <grnewsca@sympatico.ca>
ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No 1305), October 3, 1997
Greek Press & Information Office
Ottawa, Canada
E-Mail Address: grnewsca@sympatico.ca
CONTENTS
[01] Grossman hopeful over Simitis-Yilmaz meeting on Crete
[02] ... Karamanlis meeting
[03] Gov't spokesman expresses surprise at Karamanlis statements
[04] SYN leader lashes out against US
[05] Papandreou to visit US
[06] Demirel doing Turkey a disservice, Athens says
[07] Gov't comments on "terrorism" allegations
[08] Greece, US working closely on fighting terrorism, Foley says
[09] Turkish allegations aim at instability, defense minister says
[10] Greece's ambassador to Ankara expresses hope for improved
relations
[11] Greek and FYROM reps meet with UN mediator Cyrus Vance
[12] Greek, Turkish local Gov't to co-operate on environment
[13] European stability and security a shield against eastern
upheavals
[14] Manos calls for new ND Congress to 'tie up loose ends'
[15] Simitis confers with health ministry on issues
[16] Reppas unveils plans to bring order to television stations
[17] Vartholomeos stops over in Xanthi before leaving Greece
[18] Four CAS directors relieved of duty
[19] Patras hosts international obstetrics-gynaecology conference
[20] ND party notes slow pace of privatization
[21] Draft decrees tabled on legalizing illegal immigrants
[22] OA board abandoning hope of own funding for move to Spata
[01] Grossman hopeful over Simitis-Yilmaz meeting on Crete
Athens, 03/10/1997 (ANA)
Visiting US Assistant Secretary of State for European Affairs
Marc Grossman was hopeful yesterday that next month's meeting
between Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis and his Turkish
counterpart Mesut Yilmaz on the sidelines of a Balkan summit in
Crete would result in "progress in Greek-Turkish relations".
Mr. Grossman arrived in Athens Wednesday night on a tour of
Athens, Ankara and Nicosia in a bid to keep channels of
communication open between Greece and Turkey after the collapse
of last week's talks in New York between the two countries'
foreign ministers.
Mr. Grossman, a former US ambassador to Turkey, had talks
yesterday with Alternate Foreign Minister George Papandreou
which focused on NATO enlargement and European Union (EU)
relations with Turkey, Cyprus and the United States.
According to informed sources, Mr. Grossman expressed the view
that the perspective of Cyprus' accession to the EU could act as
a catalyst for resolving the long-standing Cyprus problem.
Commenting on the 90-minute meeting, the same sources said
Washington would like to see Turkey joining the EU but
considered the issue to be one concerning the EU only.
Mr. Papandreou reportedly reiterated that Greece was in favor of
Turkey's European orientation.
Replying to reporters' questions, Mr. Papandreou underlined the
positive role played by US initiatives on Greek-Turkish
relations and efforts to find a Cyprus settlement. He clarified
that the meetings with US officials were within the framework of
diplomatic procedures "and one should not expect the immediate
resolution of problems from such meetings".
Asked about the possibility of a meeting between the Greek and
Turkish premiers on the sidelines of the Balkan Summit in Crete
next month, Mr. Papandreou said that the summit should not be
"Turkified" since it would be held within the framework of a
Balkan initiative "and the Turkish issue should not be allowed
to marginalia all the other important issues which will be
discussed".
[02] ... Karamanlis meeting
Athens, 03/10/1997 (ANA)
The firm US position on the Imia islets issue was that the
matter should be referred to the International Court of justice
at The Hague or any other arbitration body acceptable to both
Greece and Turkey, Mr. Grossman said after meeting with main
opposition New Democracy leader Costas Karamanlis yesterday.
Mr. Karamanlis said he had expressed to Mr. Grossman "serious
concern" over the course of Greek-Turkish relations, noting that
"Turkish provocativeness continues to escalate".
He said that not even the joint communiqui signed between the
Greek and Turkish prime ministers on the sidelines of a NATO
summit in Madrid in July -- "albeit problematic and one-sided
(in Turkey's benefit)" -- had led to "containment of the Turkish
attitude, which is constantly escalating".
Mr. Karamanlis attacked the government over its policy, terming
it "a policy of concessions and unilateral conciliation" which,
he said, leads nowhere.
"It is finally a destabilizing policy which pushes us along
dangerous passes and paths," he said.
Mr. Karamanlis said Greece must make it clear that in no way
does it negotiate its sovereign rights, adding that he told Mr.
Grossman that "the goodwill of the US to help the situation can
only be beneficial on condition that it will follow a policy by
which the side not respecting international law and continuously
violating all its concepts will not be equated with the side
respecting and observing it, a policy meaning that the policy of
supposed distances does not help the situation."
[03] Gov't spokesman expresses surprise at Karamanlis statements
Athens, 03/10/1997 (ANA)
Government spokesman Demetris Reppas expressed surprise and
sadness over criticism leveled at the government by Mr.
Karamanlis after his meeting with the US official yesterday.
"It is surprising and sad that the leader of the opposition
party (...) resorted to statements on national issues in order
to criticize the Greek government," Mr. Reppas said, charging
Mr. Karamanlis with "converting his own fantasies into
government policy".
He added, "Greece's policy, as applied by the government, is
based on international law and international treaties and is in
full harmony with the international legal order. (...) If ND
truly wishes to contribute to responsible dealing with national
issues, it should be rid of opposition party syndromes".
[04] SYN leader lashes out against US
Athens, 03/10/1997 (ANA)
Coalition of the Left and Progress (SYN) leader Nicos
Constantopoulos yesterday lashed out against the United States,
saying that the US should unequivocally state that Turkey ought
to respect the international rules and not cause destabilization
and tension in the region.
"The US government should unequivocally declare that Turkey is
obliged to respect the international rules and not cause
destabilization and tension in the region, instead of adopting
and encouraging suspicious and fabricated scenarios," Mr.
Constantopoulos said.
He made the statement in response to a US State Department
statement related to an article in the "Observer."
[05] Papandreou to visit US
Athens, 03/10/1997 (ANA)
Mr. Papandreou will attend the General Affairs Council in
Luxembourg on Monday and Tuesday and visit the US on October 20
to give a lecture at Harvard University.
On October 22 he will have talks with representatives of the
State Department, Congress and the National Security Council.
Accompanied by President Kostis Stephanopoulos, he is due to
attend the Council of Europe summit, to be held on October 10-11.
[06] Demirel doing Turkey a disservice, Athens says
Athens, 03/10/1997 (ANA)
Greece said yesterday that Turkish President Suleyman Demirel
was providing "negative services" to his country following
statements in which he warned Cyprus not to install Russian-made
S-300 anti-aircraft missiles to bolster its defense.
Government spokesman Demetris Reppas said Mr. Demirel was
adopting "the well known policy" recently expressed by a number
of Turkish officials which, he added, was beyond the bounds of
international rules. With his stance, Mr. Reppas said, Mr.
Demirel is exacerbating relations between the two countries.
[07] Gov't comments on "terrorism" allegations
Athens, 03/10/1997 (ANA)
The Greek government yesterday responded to statements by the US
State Department related to an article in the British newspaper
"Observer", saying that Washington's interest and sensitivity on
terrorism issues was quite understandable, particularly in view
of the recent Oklahoma bombing.
Replying to a question by a Turkish reporter Wednesday night
concerning the "Observer" article which claimed that Greece was
supporting Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) separatists, State
Department spokesman Jim Foley said that the latest State
Department report on terrorism had noted that the Greek
government continued to tolerate the official existence of
offices by two "terrorist" groups.
Mr. Foley was referring to the ERNK, the PKK's political wing,
and the Turkish Revolutionary People's Liberation Party Front,
previously known as Dev Sol.
He added that the latter group was responsible for killing two
US businessmen in Turkey.
Mr. Reppas said Greece maintained close collaboration with the
security services of other friendly countries to combat
terrorism "and up to now there have been good results".
His comments were prefaced earlier by visiting US Assistant
Secretary of State for European Affairs Marc Grossman who said,
"Greece and the United States share the position that terrorism
must be combated."
On the presence of Kurdish organizations in Greece, Mr. Reppas
pointed out that these organizations were based in many
countries and in some cases in the form of a parliament. This,
he added, should not constitute a matter for political
exploitation.
Mr. Reppas underlined that various organizations could operate
in Greece, on condition that they did not violate the laws of
the host country. "Different states have different approaches on
many issues," he said.
Replying to questions on the whereabouts of Kurd Seydo Hazar, on
whose claims the Observer based its article, Mr. Reppas said he
was not in Greece and was traveling in various countries
"without this meaning that these countries foster terrorism".
[08] Greece, US working closely on fighting terrorism, Foley says
Washington, 03/10/1997 (ANA-T. Ellis)
US State Department spokesman Jim Foley yesterday reiterated the
displeasure of his country regarding the existence of offices of
dissident Kurdish organizations in Greece, when he was asked to
clarify the confusion arising from another statement he made on
Wednesday.
"We have not reached the conclusion that Greece is a state which
supports terrorism. My statement yesterday concerned the
existence in Athens of the offices of two Turkish (sic)
terrorist organizations. We regret their presence there. But we
are working very closely with the Greek government to fight
terrorism," he said.
"We consider Greece a close ally, a country with which we have
fully positive relations, and I would like to repeat White House
spokesman Mike McCurry, who said that there is no reference in
the annual State Department report which would confirm any hint
that Greece is a country which supports terrorism," he added.
[09] Turkish allegations aim at instability, defense minister says
Athens, 03/10/1997 (ANA)
National Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos yesterday placed
responsibility for tension and destabilization in the area on
Turkey and underlined that Greece rejects terrorism in every way.
"Those who are trying to attribute responsibilities for
conditions of tension and destabilization in the region anywhere
else than to Turkey are wasting their time. Greece rejects
terrorism in every way and is fighting steadily as a force of
peace, security and stability in the region for human rights,
human freedoms and international law," he said.
Mr. Tsohatzopoulos made his statement in Maastricht, Holland,
when asked to comment on reports in the international press
accusing Greece of supporting terrorist Kurdish organizations,
as well as on Wednesday's reference by the US State Department's
spokesman.
He said there was a series of fabricated charges and suspicions
that only succeed in creating certainty that it is a coordinated
act to create false impressions aimed at concealing other
ulterior motives.
Mr. Tsohatzopoulos warned that it is dangerous to play with fire
and once again denounced Turkey for its destabilizing attitude,
the questioning of international law on its part and its effort
to change the existing status quo with the threat of the use of
force or with the actual use of force.
[10] Greece's ambassador to Ankara expresses hope for improved
relations
Istanbul, 03/10/1997 (ANA - A. Kourkoulas)
Greece's Ambassador to Ankara Demetris Nezeritis told the
Turkish news agency Anadolu that "no reasonable man can approve
the present state of relations between our countries (Greece and
Turkey)", expressing the hope that "relations of real friendship
will be concluded as soon as possible."
"It is inexplicable how one can imagine that Cyprus will pursue
an attack against Turkey," he said, commenting on the furor
created in Turkey over the Russian-built surface-to-air S-300
missiles.
"Whoever has military knowledge knows that the weaponry systems
in question have purely defensive purposes," he said.
Mr. Nezeritis said Greece will not support whatever terrorist
activity, referring to alleged assistance provided by Greece for
the PKK. "Greece does not wish to create an issue with any of
its neighbors," he added.
Mr. Nezeritis stressed that repeated incidents in past years
create the conviction that Turkey poses a threat against the
territorial integrity of Greece.
[11] Greek and FYROM reps meet with UN mediator Cyrus Vance
New York, 03/10/1997 (ANA - M. Georgiadou)
UN mediator Cyrus Vance held an hour-long talk yesterday with
Greece's permanent representative to the United Nations Christos
Zaharakis and representative of the Former Yugoslav Republic of
Macedonia (FYROM) Ivan Todevski in the framework of negotiations
anticipated by the interim agreement on the issue of the state's
name.
According to diplomatic sources, the sides agreed to meet again
at a date to be set in the future.
[12] Greek, Turkish local Gov't to co-operate on environment
Athens, 03/10/1997 (ANA)
Although relations between Greece and Turkey may be strained at
a political level, local government authorities of the two
countries are getting together in an effort to confront
environmental problems in the Aegean.
The three-day conference "Environment-Aegean Clean" is due to
begin on October 19 on Lesvos with the participation of local
government representatives from the Aegean islands and the
Turkish coast.
From the Turkish side, some 63 mayors of coastal towns and five
prefects are expected to attend. The conference, organized by
the Lesvos Prefectural Council, will focus on refuse management
and fisheries resources.
"We view this meeting as a further effort to get to know our
neighbors and improve the atmosphere between the two peoples,"
Lesvos Prefect Alekos Mathielis said.
"We are taking such steps so that the two governments may at the
earliest move towards improving Greek-Turkish relations in
general, which are currently going through a difficult phase,"
he added.
"Most importantly, we believe that we will be discussing issues
of substance, given that both sides have acknowledged that
pollution of the Aegean and the exploitation of its fisheries
resources are matters which equally concern both," Mr. Mathielis
said.
[13] European stability and security a shield against eastern
upheavals
Athens, 03/10/1997 (ANA)
A single and indivisible Europe in matters of security is an
answer to all phenomena of destabilization appearing in eastern
Europe, Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos said in reference
to NATO enlargement eastwards under discussion at the informal
defense ministers meeting of the alliance in Maastricht,
Holland, yesterday.
The Greek defense minister attributed such phenomena to
nationalism, claims against the national sovereignty of UN
member-states, and the threat of use of violence as a means of
attaining political aims.
Mr. Tsohatzopoulos described as very positive Russia's
participation in NATO's institutional functions, and stressed
the need for setting up regional security institutions in the
framework of both NATO and the Euro-Atlantic Co-operation in
areas such as the Balkans, the Caucasus and the Black Sea.
These institutions, he said, must secure the participation of
all countries, and ensure the promotion of co-operation in
training for modern forms of intervention wherever a crisis
arises.
[14] Manos calls for new ND Congress to 'tie up loose ends'
Athens, 03/10/1997 (ANA)
Former minister Stephanos Manos of the main opposition New
Democracy party yesterday called for an extraordinary party
congress to examine "many issues which remain pending from the
last one" in March this year. "It wouldn't be a bad idea to hold
an extraordinary congress since there are many issues which
remain pending from the last one regarding organizational,
institutional and functional matters which should be cleared
up," Mr. Manos said.
Replying to reporters' questions, Mr. Manos said it was not time
to start judging specific persons, indicating that there was no
question with respect to the leadership of Costas Karamanlis.
Associates of Mr. Karamanlis however said the ND leader "is not
considering, is not planning and does not intend to call an
extraordinary party congress".
Mr. Manos' call was backed by ND deputy and Central Committee
member Apostolos Andreoulakos who said an extraordinary congress
would be useful "to examine ideological issues and the
opposition tactics against a government which is causing
hardship for t he country and the people".
[15] Simitis confers with health ministry on issues
Athens, 03/10/1997 (ANA)
Prime Minister Costas Simitis visited the health ministry
yesterday for a meeting with the ministry leadership that
focused on ways to create a health "safety-net" for every
citizen.
Mr. Simitis noted that although significant steps had been
taken, problems still existed. He said that priorities for the
next few years were the creation of a satisfactory standard of
primary health care, based on the introduction of general
practitioners, and welfare networks around the country.
Pilot programs, the prime minister said, are to begin within the
next few months and are to be gradually expanded around the
country.
He added that 25 hospitals were to be renovated and plans
existed for the construction of 15 more.
With regard to pharmaceutical prices, the prime minister said
recent interventions were a "courageous step" towards regulating
expenditures and securing public health.
"We have shown with these measures that a reduction in the price
of medicines is possible," he said, adding that a unified
pharmaceuticals list was being drawn up to meet citizens' every
need.
More emphasis would also be given, he stressed, to groups such
as drug addicts, the mentally ill and AIDS patients.
Other priorities included improvements to the ambulance service,
school medical services, the decentralization of specialized
services, day nurseries, the disabled, as well as home care for
the aged. The prime minister stressed the need for community
support in all these areas.
[16] Reppas unveils plans to bring order to television stations
Athens, 03/10/1997 (ANA)
A plan was unveiled by Press Minister Demetris Reppas yesterday
to put an end to what he called "the unprogrammed and
uncoordinated operation of the plethora of television stations
around the country".
Mr. Reppas briefed a gathering of over 300 station owners on the
requirements for being issued operating licenses.
The National Radio and Television Council is to make 117
licenses available (six national, 53 regional and 58 local),
while thirty-eight transmission "parks" are to be installed
around the country.
[17] Vartholomeos stops over in Xanthi before leaving Greece
Athens, 03/10/1997 (ANA)
Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos paid a visit yesterday to
Xanthi, where he was made an honorary citizen.
Presenting him with the city's key, Mayor Filippos Amoiridis
said, "Your arrival in Xanthi is the highest honor and blessing
for the city, where Christians and Moslems live together with no
discrimination".
The Ecumenical Patriarch officiated at a liturgy in the Theou
Sofias church, with Xanthi metropolitan Chryssostomos, and later
visited the University of Thrace where he was given the honorary
title of professor in the department of environmental engineers.
Later in the day, he returned to Thessaloniki where he concluded
his official visit with an address to the people of the city.
In the message delivered at the airport, the Patriarch
congratulated the Greek people for their "vitality, hard work,
energy and achievements", but delivered a warning on the
country's demographic problem, which he described as "acute".
He appealed for greater interest by all in younger generations
which should be aided by a greater concern for the conservation
of the natural environment and improvements in the quality of
education.
Before flying back yesterday night, the Patriarch said that on
his return to Istanbul he would be preparing for his visit to
the Greek Orthodox community in the United States, the members
of which, as he said, "are pressed by the sirens of secularism".
[18] Four CAS directors relieved of duty
Athens, 03/10/1997 (ANA)
The service council of the Civil Aviation Service convened
yesterday and relieved four directors from their duties who were
considered responsible for bad communication between the CAS and
the Aerospace's Dornier aircraft which was forced to make an
emergency landing at Tanagra airport.
Meanwhile, staff representative Vassilis Alexopoulos considered
yesterday's meeting as being in violation of the charter because
in the position of the presidium member who resigned a staff
member was "christened" airport director to replace him.
[19] Patras hosts international obstetrics-gynaecology conference
Athens, 03/10/1997 (ANA)
Oncology professor Vassilis Tsigounis yesterday urged women over
40 to have a mammogram, stressing that breast cancer was the
most common form of cancer affecting women.
Greek women were not aware of the health benefits of having
mammograms, he said, although one in eleven women risked
developing breast cancer.
The professor further pointed out that the incidence of breast
cancer was number one on the list of all types of cancer
affecting both men and women.
The incidence rate for northern Greece, he added, was quite low,
estimated at around 0.4%.
Prof. Tsigounis was speaking at a press conference in advance of
an obstetrics-gynaecology conference that opens today in Patras
and will run through Sunday.
A number of Greek and foreign researchers will be attending the
conference, which will focus on modern developments in
obstetrics and gynecology and prospects for the year 2000.
Prof. Tsigounis said heredity was the most significant factor in
breast cancer, followed by diet, exposure to the sun and smoking.
Early diagnosis was possible through mammograms, the professor
said, noting that physical examination was unable to detect the
first signs, thereby reducing the success rate for therapy.
Patras University rector Prof. Stamatis Alahiotis will deliver
the opening lecture on "Ethics and Biomedicine", presenting the
questions arising over biotechnology achievements such as
cloning.
[20] ND party notes slow pace of privatization
Athens, 03/10/1997 (ANA)
New Democracy party leader Costas Karamanlis yesterday chaired a
party meeting on the trimming of the state sector.
A statement afterwards said that the government had, with great
delay and without planning, announced the liquidation or merger
of public organizations with a view to reducing the size of the
public sector, but its policies to date were contradictory to
this end.
The statement also said that the only thing that the government
did in four years was to sell a minimal number of shares of
public organizations to cover deficits, without substantial
modernization or promotion of their competitiveness.
It charged that far from trimming the state, the government was
creating new public organizations.
Finally, it said that ND is in favor of a policy of broad and
substantial privatization, but not for revenue-raising purposes,
and in favor of a policy of a real reduction in public expenses,
with organizational restructuring of the public sector without
favoritism.
[21] Draft decrees tabled on legalizing illegal immigrants
Athens, 03/10/1997 (ANA)
The drafts of two presidential decrees legalizing illegal
immigrants from non-European Union (EU) countries were submitted
to the Council of State for review yesterday by the ministries
of labor and public order.
According to the two decrees, and under conditions not
publicized yet, illegal immigrants from non-EU countries will be
able to take out a limited card allowing them to live and work
in Greece for one to three years.
The card would allow holders to work anywhere in Greece under
any terms, including free-lance, and give them full wage and
health rights.
The card will not be issued to persons who have been sentenced
for misdemeanors or criminal offenses carrying jail sentences of
more than three months.
The ministry of public order will also have the right to deny
permission to issue a card to anyone for security reasons.
[22] OA board abandoning hope of own funding for move to Spata
Athens, 03/10/1997 (ANA)
Members of Olympic Airways' (OA) board are slowly abandoning the
idea of obtaining adequate funds from within the company for its
move from Hellinikon airport to the new international airport
under construction at Spata.
According to press reports, the airline's leadership is
cooperating with its single shareholder, the Finance ministry,
in examining ways of overseas bank borrowing.
The reports said they had not ruled out a proposal by the German
construction company Hochtief, involved in the new airport's
construction, for self-funding of the space to be occupied by OA
at Spata.
Lastly, a report by the committee on the prospect of
co-operation with Motorola was presented during yesterday's
meeting. It concerns the joint exploitation of fuel
installations at Spata airport.
End of English language section.
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