Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 97-10-15
From: The Greek Press & Information Office, Ottawa Canada <grnewsca@sympatico.ca>
ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No. 1315), October 15, 1997
Greek Press & Information Office
Ottawa, Canada
E-Mail Address: grnewsca@sympatico.ca
CONTENTS
[01] Simitis, Clerides confer on Cyprus issue amid continued Turkish
provocations
[02] Greece, EU coincide on economic forecasts
[03] Greece to tighten up on spending
[04] Greek shipping currency inflows drops 5.8 pct in Jan-Jun
[05] Greek stocks slip on profit-taking
[06] EU raps Greece over flag rules for shipping
[07] Greece promises demarche over multiple airspace violations by
Turkish fighters
[08] Multiple Turkish violations for Athens, Nicosia FIRs
[09] Turkish press
[10] Turkish warplanes fly armed over Cyprus
[11] US official Miller says Madrid communique 'continues to be alive'
[12] Military exercises won't lead to crisis, Holbrooke says
[13] US calls on Greece, Turkey to show 'self-restraint'
[14] Clerides briefs several ambassadors in Athens
[15] Karamanlis
[16] Ecevit blames EU, Greece for Turkey's exclusion from membership
[17] Britain concerned about Cyprus tension
[18] Papandreou meets Bulgarian leaders, stresses support for Sofia's
EU prospects
[19] Press interview
[20] Athens hosts SE European parliament summit
[21] Greek navy chief to visit Romania
[22] Simitis at head of large gov't delegation in Tirana today
[23] Romeos on law enforcement co-operation
[24] Kalamata shaken by series of aftershocks
[25] Skandalidis refers to political co-operation in municipal
elections
[26] Aegean maritime exhibition opens Thursday
[27] SETE proposal on replacement of hotel categories
[28] Bulgarian cabinet approves new border bridge to Greece
[29] European lignite conference in Athens
[30] Harsh ND criticism on gov't handling of economy
[31] Gov't welcomes Spraos report, ND unimpressed
[32] Farmakis: 'No decisions taken'
[33] Satisfaction over "Nikiforos '97"
[34] National Guard manoeuvres end
[35] Officials visit air base
[36] Tsohatzopoulos
[37] Turkey to stage two manoeuvres
[01] Simitis, Clerides confer on Cyprus issue amid continued Turkish
provocations
Athens, 15/10/1997 (ANA)
Prime Minister Costas Simitis and Cypriot President Glafcos
Clerides met yesterday in Athens to discuss the Cyprus issue,
while Mr. Simitis commented on Greece's relations with Turkey in
view of the repeated air space violations over the past few days
during Greek and Cypriot military exercises in the southeastern
Aegean and Cyprus. Mr. Simitis said that meetings held since
July between President Clerides and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf
Denktash had not been successful due to the continued
intransigence of the Turkish side, although he said one would
have expected Turkey to alter its policy, particularly in view
of developments in Europe.
The prime minister reiterated Greece and Cyprus' two main goals,
which were the solving of the Cyprus problem according to UN
resolutions and Cyprus' accession to the European Union.
At the same time, he added, Cyprus will continue to bolster its
defences. The joint defense doctrine, he said, continues to hold
in regard to Greece's relations with the Republic of Cyprus.
If there was no progress towards solving the Cyprus issue,
continued the prime minister, and if President Clerides'
proposal for the demilitarization of Cyprus was not accepted,
"there will be difficulties, and these difficulties should be
avoided".
"We are ready to reconsider our defense program, provided Turkey
accepts President Clerides' proposal for demilitarization with
Turkey," Mr. Simitis said.
Mr. Simitis said he expected "significant developments" over the
next few months, particularly with regard to Cyprus' accession
negotiations with the EU.
Referring to relations between Turkey and the EU, Mr. Simitis
reiterated that Turkey will have to take decisive steps, and
abide by the "acquis communautaire".
"It isn't possible for Turkey to want to develop a special
relationship with the EU and not to recognize fundamental rules
of international law," said the prime minister.
He added that there could be no normalization of Greek-Turkish
relations without a just and viable solution to the Cyprus
issue. He urged all countries that wanted peace and stability in
the region to support efforts being made within the framework of
the United Nations.
Meanwhile, commenting on the Greek military exercise "Toxotis"
and the concurrent Cypriot exercise "Nikiforos", Mr. Simitis
praised the "courage and preparedness" shown by the Greek air
force over the last three days in dealing with Turkish
provocations .
He reiterated that Greece did not want tension and confrontation
conflict with Turkey.
President Clerides expressed his thanks for Greece's support
with regard to finding a just and viable solution to the Cyprus
issue, accession to the EU, the demilitarization proposal and in
the effort to strengthen Cyprus' defense capability.
He also echoed Mr. Simitis' praise for the Greek air force
pilots in intercepting Turkish fighters during the current
exercises.
Asked to comment on a statement by US presidential envoy Richard
Holbrooke that the exercises were a waste of money, he said that
Mr. Holbrooke would be right if there were no threat from
Turkey, if there were not 35,000-40,000 Turkish soldiers in
Cyprus.
Otherwise, he added, the Cypriot Republic was obliged not only
to continue with the exercises but also with arming itself.
He also drew attention to his proposal to demilitarize the
island, observing that Turkey was free to agree to this proposal.
Finally, President Clerides reiterated that he expected
substantial developments in the Cyprus issue after the Cypriot
presidential elections in February next year.
[02] Greece, EU coincide on economic forecasts
Athens, 15/10/1997 (ANA)
Forecasts by Greece on its economy have coincided with those of
the European Union for the first time, National Economy and
Finance Minister Yiannos Papantoniou told reporters yesterday.
Speaking after a meeting with Prime Minister Costas Simitis, Mr.
Papantoniou was commenting on references to Greece contained in
an EU Commission report on member state economies released
earlier yesterday in Brussels.
The Commission's report agreed with the Greek government's
prediction that the state budget deficit would be 4.2 percent of
gross domestic product for 1997 and fall to 3 percent in 1998,
Mr. Papantoniou said.
"Greece is being put on the map. According to the Commission, in
1998 we shall be in the position to seek entry into economic and
monetary union," he said.
Mr. Papantoniou said the coincidence in forecasts by the
government and Commission reflected the economy's growing
credibility.
According to the EU report, Greece has made the greatest
progress in containing inflation among EU member states with
inflation expected to fall to 3.5 percent in 1999 from 8.5
percent in 1996.
The report forecast economic growth at 3.5-4.0 percent by 1999,
the same as Spain and Portugal.
It predicted unemployment of 9.5 percent in 1997 and 9.3 percent
in 1998 when the EU's average unemployment rate was expected to
exceed 10 percent.
The report forecast economic growth in 1999 of 3.9 percent, a
fiscal deficit of 2.7 percent of GDP and public debt at 104.2
percent of GDP. Unemployment would be 9.2 percent, the report
said.
[03] Greece to tighten up on spending
Athens, 15/10/1997 (ANA)
Greece's 1998 budget will slash spending but leave taxation
mostly intact, National Economy and Finance Minister Yiannos
Papantoniou told reporters yesterday.
"The budget will be bold over spending and conservative over
taxes," Mr. Papantoniou said.
He was speaking after a meeting on the budget with Prime
Minister Costas Simitis, Finance Undersecretaries George Drys
and Nikos Christodoulakis, National Economy Under-secretary
Christos Pachtas, and the premier's financial advisor, Tassos
Yannitsis.
Mr. Papantoniou said he had no new information to relay on the
budget, which is currently being drafted and has to be submitted
to parliament by November 30.
[04] Greek shipping currency inflows drops 5.8 pct in Jan-Jun
Athens, 15/10/1997 (ANA)
Shipping currency inflows fell 5.8 percent in January-June to
total 1.03 billion dollars against 1.1 billion a year ago.
In June the inflows were 177 million dollars against 193.1
million in June 1996, down 8.3 percent.
[05] Greek stocks slip on profit-taking
Athens, 15/10/1997 (ANA)
Greek equities came under pressure from profit-takers and eased
on the Athens Stock Exchange despite a price surge in the
construction sector.
The general index closed 0.24 percent lower at 1,780.70 points
with most sector indices losing ground. Banks eased 0.47
percent, Insurance fell 1.32 percent, Leasing dropped 2.06
percent, Investment eased 0.43 percent, Industrials were 0.21
percent off, Miscellaneous rose 0.28 percent, Holding was 01.6
percent down and Construction jumped 4.28 percent.
The parallel market index for small cap companies was 0.22
percent lower and the FTSE/ASE-20 index dropped 0.41 percent to
1,635.79 points.
Trading remained heavy and turnover was 26.6 billion drachmas.
Broadly, advancing issues led declining ones by 120 to 110 with
another 23 issues unchanged.
Aegek, TEB, Ideal, Etma, Lanakam and Bitros scored the biggest
percentage gains, while Katselis, Demetriades, Eskimo and
Minerva suffered the heaviest losses.
National Bank of Greece ended at 31,710 drachmas, Ergobank at
19,200, Alpha Credit Bank at 21,200, Delta Dairy at 4,060, Titan
Cement at 16,280, Intracom at 16,500 and Hellenic
Telecommunications Organization at 6,650.
[06] EU raps Greece over flag rules for shipping
Athens, 15/10/1997 (ANA)
An advocate at the European Court in Luxembourg has said that
Greece should extend rights allowing nationals of other European
Union states to fly the Greek flag on their ships.
In an opinion given to the court on September 25 and released
yesterday, the advocate proposed the court should declare that
Greece had failed to meet its obligations under EU rules and
order the country to pay the costs.
Greece had maintained in force provisions of law that restricted
the right to join Greek shipping registers and the right to fly
the Greek flag exclusively to vessels more than 50% owned by
Greek nationals or legal persons established under Greek law w
hose capital is held in the same proportion by Greek nationals.
[07] Greece promises demarche over multiple airspace violations by
Turkish fighters
Athens, 15/10/1997 (ANA)
Greece reacted strongly yesterday to continuing infringements of
the Athens FIR and violations of Greek airspace by Turkish
warplanes, saying it will lodge a demarche with Turkey.
Government spokesman Demetris Reppas also said Athens will brief
ambassadors of all European Union member-states in Athens as
well as the US charge d'affaires.
Mr. Reppas said the frequency and regularity of the violations
over the last two days indicated that Turkey had made a
political choice to create tension in the region.
However, he added, this did not offer Turkey any advantage, but
simply showed its lack of willingness to normalize its relations
with Greece. It also showed that Turkey felt itself to be at a
disadvantage, he said. Commenting on the buzzing by Turkish air
force planes of a Greek transport plane carrying National
Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos to Cyprus on Monday, Mr.
Reppas replied:
"It is childish for the Turks to believe that they can annoy the
Greek defense minister in this way, this behaviour of Turkey's
is anything but honourable."
Asked to comment on statements by special US presidential envoy
Richard Holbrooke on Monday that he had gained a positive view
of Turkey's positions in his talks with the Turkish leadership,
the spokesman said the US official had his own yardstick to
judge by and that Greece had no way of knowing if any euphoria
Mr. Holbrooke may have expressed was justified.
Meanwhile, Mr. Reppas said he did not believe reports that said
Turkish planes were flying over Cyprus with live ammunition, but
if the reports were indeed true, then it was a most unfortunate
choice on the part of Turkey and one which created many dangers.
"We would like to believe that the Turkish military would not go
that far," he said.
Finally, referring to a report that Denmark had signed an accord
with Turkey for the supply of military equipment in the event of
a crisis, Mr. Reppas said that the report was being
investigated, but emphasized that if it were true, then it would
be an important issue.
[08] Multiple Turkish violations for Athens, Nicosia FIRs
Athens, 15/10/1997 (ANA)
Turkish warplanes continued to infringe on the Athens and
Nicosia Flight Information Region (FIR) regulations yesterday,
over the area south-southeast of Rhodes, Greek national defense
ministry sources said.
The sources said some 30 Turkish F-16 and F-4 fighter planes
were intercepted by Hellenic Air Force F-16s, F-1s and Mirage
2000s, while some interception developed into aerial engagements.
Meanwhile, Greek air and naval forces and the Cypriot National
Guard carried out their exercises as scheduled on the final day
of the concurrent war games.
Greek A-7 "Corsairs" and F-16s carried out a two-phase air
support exercise for land forces on Cyprus with target shooting
and, later, with live ammunition.
Hellenic Navy vessels continued their exercises close to the
Larnarca-Limassol coast.
[09] Turkish press
Ankara, 15/10/1997 (ANA/A. Kourkoulas)
Meanwhile, the Turkish press yesterday cited military sources
saying that Greece's "Nikiforos" exercise was an attempt to
display its offensive force and the ability to transfer military
forces.
The same sources said that Turkey would show that the northern
Turkish-occupied part of Cyprus was "defended".
Most papers reported Turkish Foreign Minister Ismail Cem's
statement on Monday that the breaking of the moratorium on
military flights over Cyprus was "a foolish act".
[10] Turkish warplanes fly armed over Cyprus
Athens, 15/10/1997 (ANA)
In a related development, a Reuters dispatch from Ankara
reported that Turkish warplanes have begun flying armed over
Cyprus for the first time in 10 months, citing tension with
Greece.
The "Sabah" daily said Turkish F-16s had broken an agreement
with Washington last year not to fly armed over the island, in
retaliation for Greek participation in Greek Cypriot military
manoeuvres.
Turkish papers said Turkish warplanes from two bases in western
Turkey had carried out 50 sorties in the Cyprus-Rhodes-Crete
triangle in two days to show its backing for the self-styled
Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, a breakaway Turkish Cypriot
"state" recognized only by Ankara.
[11] US official Miller says Madrid communique 'continues to be alive'
Athens, 15/10/1997 (ANA)
Visiting US State Department special coordinator for Cyprus,
Thomas Miller, stated yesterday that the spirit of the
Greek-Turkish Madrid communique covering principles for
smoothing out relations "continues to be alive", and that it was
"a dynamic text on the basis of which we are trying to build new
efforts."
After his arrival in Athens, Mr. Miller met with Foreign
Minister Theodoros Pangalos and Under-secretary Yiannos
Kranidiotis later in the afternoon.
The Madrid communique was signed by Prime Minister Costas
Simitis and Turkish President Suleyman Demirel in July.
His statement came only days after Turkish Prime Minister Mesut
Yilmaz, whom Mr. Miller met in Ankara on Monday while
accompanying special US presidential emissary for Cyprus Richard
Holbrooke, declared that "the spirit of Madrid is dead", blaming
Mr. Pangalos in particular.
Mr. Miller said the US side was now was better acquainted with
Turkish positions on the Cyprus problem and wished to share
certain of its observations with Athens.
He reiterated US support for a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation
in Cyprus, adding that the US side had made it clear to the
Turks that it also fully supported the course towards European
Union membership of Cyprus, which was "a reality".
Regarding the proposed deployment of Russian-made S-300 missiles
on Cyprus, the US official said the expression of concerns by
Washington did not mean "that we refuse a country's legitimate
right to its defense", but their installation complicated the
problem, while efforts for a solution were underway.
Asked to comment on the latest spate of Turkish violations of
Greek and Cypriot national airspace, he responded: "As a general
comment I would say the infringements, the issue of the S-300
missiles and the Turkish threats over these missiles do not help
in the necessary reduction of tension in the area".
He confirmed that apart from Cyprus, he also discussed other
matters with the Turkish leadership, which he declined to
specify. Regarding the situation in the Aegean, he said efforts
to achieve progress in the recent New York meetings (between
foreign ministers Pangalos and Turkey's Ismail Cem) had not
materialized, but expressed hope this would happen in future.
He noted that a radical breakthrough in Greek-Turkish relations
would be very important, but if this was not attainable, weight
might be placed on small steps in various issues.
He refused to answer questions on US efforts to persuade Turkey
to accept referral of the eastern Aegean Imia islets dispute to
the International Court at The Hague.
Finally, Mr. Miller said that the US side believed Turkey's
prominent concern at present was the security of the Turkish
Cypriots, and described Cypriot President Glafcos Clerides'
proposal for a demilitarization of the island as positive, on
condition that it took into account the necessary security
measures for the population.
He was also categorical that EU accession negotiations with
Cyprus must be conducted with the Republic of Cyprus, after the
participation of the Turkish Cypriots in a single negotiating
delegation is secured.
[12] Military exercises won't lead to crisis, Holbrooke says
Ankara, 15/10/1997 (ANA/A. Kourkoulas)
The Cyprus military exercise "Nikiforos" will not lead to a
crisis in Greek-Turkish relations, US presidential envoy for
Cyprus Richard Holbrooke told the Turkish press yesterday.
"Every year there are exercises going on somewhere and they are
always carried out at the wrong time, but these exercises will
not lead to a crisis," Mr. Holbrooke said.
[13] US calls on Greece, Turkey to show 'self-restraint'
Washington, 15/10/1997 (ANA/T. Ellis)
The United States observed equal distances over tension created
in past days by repeated violations of Greek airspace by Turkish
warplanes and corresponding interceptions.
In the first official comment on developments by Washington, US
State Department spokesman James Rubin called on both sides to
show self-restraint. The Greek side concerning the remaining
"Nikiforos" military exercises and the Turkish side in relation
to military exercises planned to take place in the northern
Turkish-occupied part of Cyprus over the next few days.
Mr. Rubin reiterated that the US believes it is preferable that
fewer military exercises of the kind take place, while he noted
the displeasure of the US over the abolition of the moratorium
for overflights over Cyprus and called on Athens and Ankara to
return to the implementation of this moratorium.
"We urge all sides to assess benefits provided by the
overflights moratorium by Greek and Turkish aircraft," Mr. Rubin
said and termed the carrying out of exercises in the area an
"unfortunate event."
He expressed the hope that "when they are completed we will be
able to return to our effort to work again on ways of preventing
unnecessary overflights which complicate a situation which is
already one of the most complicated."
Mr. Rubin said that Washington has requested a long time ago
from the parties involved in the Cyprus issue to proceed with
steps which contribute towards promoting dialogue and
negotiations.
He reiterated that Washington is working hard to decrease
overall tension existing between Athens and Ankara and the visit
paid to Ankara by presidential envoy Richard Holbrooke is part
of this effort.
[14] Clerides briefs several ambassadors in Athens
Athens, 15/10/1997 (ANA)
Cyprus President Glafcos Clerides yesterday briefed four
ambassadors of European Union member-states and three EU
candidate-countries on the latest developments regarding the
Cyprus problem as well as the island republic's EU accession
course.
He also briefed the ambassadors on his contacts in New York,
Strasbourg and Britain.
President Clerides met for one hour with EU troika ambassadors
Hendrik Wagenmakers (the Netherlands) and Sir Michael Llewellyn
Smith (Britain); the Austrian ambassador, the Irish ambassador,
as well as the ambassadors of Hungary, Slovenia and Poland.
Speaking after the meeting, Poland's ambassador, Voitek
Lamentowick, who is also accredited to Cyprus, said the
president informed them about his meetings in the US, Europe and
the prospects of negotiations with the Turkish Cypriot side for
a settlement.
He said Cyprus and Poland "are in the same boat" as far as
European integration is concerned and negotiations will "start
on time" early next year.
"We are assured by the EU member-countries that it will happen,"
he added.
Austrian Ambassador Hans Sabaditsch said the Cyprus president
briefed them on latest developments so that they can report to
their governments in view of the EU summit in Luxembourg in
December, which he described as "instrumental".
Mr. Sabaditsch, who is also accredited to Cyprus, said the key
to fruitful negotiations for a Cyprus settlement, "lies in
Ankara".
"I hope the EU can offer something to Turkey to change its hard
line", he added.
He said Mr. Clerides briefed them on violations of Cyprus' air
space by Turkish planes and statements by Turkish Cypriot leader
Rauf Denktash that all doors for a solution are closed.
The ambassador expressed the view that Cyprus' EU prospect is
"one of the tools to find a reasonable solution that both
communities can live with."
Present at yesterday's briefing were Cyprus Foreign Minister
Ioannis Kasoulides and Cyprus' ambassador to Athens.
[15] Karamanlis
Athens, 15/10/1997 (ANA)
President Clerides later met main opposition New Democracy party
leader Costas Karamanlis and briefed him on latest developments
over the Cyprus issue and on military exercises taking place in
Cyprus.
Speaking to reporters afterwards, Mr. Karamanlis said that he
again repeated to President Clerides his party's undivided
solidarity and support for the efforts of Cyprus to join the
European Union.
[16] Ecevit blames EU, Greece for Turkey's exclusion from membership
Stockholm, 15/10/1997 (ANA/N. Servetas)
Turkish deputy Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit said yesterday that
his country should have become a member of the European Union,
if the Union had not gone back on its promises and if Greece did
not exercise a negative influence.
Speaking at Sweden's Foreign Affairs Institute, he claimed that
Cyprus was not a real problem, and that it was going through the
first peaceful period in its history since the 1974 Turkish
invasion which had divided the island.
He said the only way for relations between the two communities
of the island to be restored was Turkey's admission to the EU,
reiterating the view that Cyprus could not become a member of an
international organization of which Turkey was not.
[17] Britain concerned about Cyprus tension
Ankara, 15/10/1997 (Reuters/ANA)
Britain said yesterday it was concerned about Greek and Turkish
flights over Cyprus.
"I expressed my concern at the air movements which are currently
taking place in Cyprus," British minister of state for Europe,
Douglas Henderson, told reporters after meeting Turkish
officials in Ankara.
"I believe they are destabilizing and dangerous incidents, which
if they go wrong, could cause havoc", he said.
"A similar communication has been sent to the Greek government
today (yesterday) from my London office", Mr. Henderson said.
[18] Papandreou meets Bulgarian leaders, stresses support for Sofia's
EU prospects
Sofia, 15/10/1997 (ANA/N. Hios/D. Stamboglis)
Bulgarian President Petar Stoyanov and visiting Greek Alternate
Foreign Minister George Papandreou yesterday discussed
Bulgaria's options in the European Union (EU) as well as
co-operation between Greece, Bulgaria and Romania.
Prior to his meeting with the Bulgarian president, Mr.
Papandreou had already met with Bulgarian Vice-President and
Industry Minister Alexander Boskov, discussing issues of
co-operation in the economic sector.
The Greek alternate minister also met with Bulgarian Foreign
Minister Nadezhda Mikhailova and Foreign Under-secretary A.
Primarakova.
After the meeting, he reiterated Athens' support for a start to
negotiations between the European Union and states in central
and eastern Europe applying to join the 15-nation bloc.
Bulgaria reportedly asked the Greek government to urge the EU to
adopt a proposal for a simultaneous start to negotiations for EU
candidate states.
On his part, Mr. Papandreou praised Sofia for strides taken in
promoting domestic reform.
He also said that it was in Greece's interests for Bulgaria to
be included in the first wave of countries to start accession
talks with the EU.
The talks included discussion of the issue of the return of a
rare medieval manuscript written by the monk Paisios and stolen
from a monastery on Mount Athos. Reliable sources said that Mr.
Stoyanov expressed the intent of returning the manuscript to the
all-male monastic community at a special ceremony.
[19] Press interview
Athens, 15/10/1997 (ANA)
At a later press conference, Mr. Papandreou stressed that Greece
supports Bulgaria's interest in becoming an EU member, and
called on the 15-member Union to take into account the progress
the Balkan nation is making. He also said the EU should prove
that it does not view the Balkans as a forgotten region of
Europe.
Asked whether he thought a meeting between the presidents of
Bulgaria, Romania and Greece was probable, Mr. Papandreou said
Greece supports co-operation with both countries on issues of
joint interest and EU membership.
Commenting on a summit meeting in Crete for leaders of
southeastern European countries on Nov. 3 and 4, Mr. Papandreou
said Greece promoted Balkan co-operation and noted the meeting
of foreign ministers from the same countries in Thessaloniki
recently.
In other statements, Mr. Papandreou said that Greece desired
good relations with all countries as long as they adhered to
certain conditions.
"These conditions are self-evident," Mr. Papandreou said in an
interview with a local television channel.
He said these conditions included respect of borders, respect of
international treaties, refrain from using violence and from
threatening to use violence.
"Unfortunately, Turkey has not shown respect to these
self-evident regulations," the minister said.
"It is unacceptable that Turkey raises the issue of sovereignty
and violates our airspace," he added, noting that Turkey, "which
occupies the northern part of Cyprus and does not desire to
solve the problem."
Mr. Papandreou said that as long as these problems as well as
Turkey's domestic problems remained unsolved, not only Greece
but all EU member states would not accept Turkey's European
course.
Mr. Papandreou is on a tour of EU candidate states in central
and eastern Europe.
[20] Athens hosts SE European parliament summit
Athens, 15/10/1997 (ANA)
A two-day meeting of the presidents of parliament from the
countries of southeastern Europe opens in Athens today, the
first top-level meeting of the parliaments of the region.
Greek Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis, who initiated
the meeting, said such initiatives contributed to and
strengthened Greece's role as a positive factor in the region
and also reinforced regional co-operation.
He said regional co-operation had benefited the common interests
through exchanges of views and the setting up of bodies with
decisive authorities at political as well as economic level. In
addition, he added, sideline meetings were scheduled with the
parliament presidents of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia,
Bulgaria and Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM).
Mr. Kaklamanis will open the meeting with an address, followed
by his counterparts.
Prime Minister Costas Simitis will deliver a greeting to the
meeting on Thursday, while Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos
will also address the parliament presidents.
The meeting will be attended by the parliament presidents of
Albania, Bosnia, Bulgaria, Yugoslavia, FYROM, Romania, Croatia
and Slovenia, with observers from the parliamentary assemblies
of international organizations.
The president of the Turkish parliament had also been invited,
but was unable to attend.
[21] Greek navy chief to visit Romania
Athens, 15/10/1997 (ANA)
The Navy Chief of Staff Vice-Admiral Leonidas Paliogiorgos is to
make an official courtesy visit to Romania from today until
October 18, it was announced yesterday.
Vice-Admiral Paliogiorgos is returning a visit by his Romanian
counterpart to Athens.
[22] Simitis at head of large gov't delegation in Tirana today
Athens, 15/10/1997 (ANA)
Prime Minister Costas Simitis will pay a one-day visit to
neighbouring Albania today, at the head of a large Greek
government delegation.
After his arrival in Tirana this morning, Mr. Simitis will have
a private meeting with his counterpart Fatos Nano. Later, he
will meet the leadership of the Albanian parliament, as well as
Albanian President Rexhep Mejdani, opposition leader Sali
Barisha and the president of the "Human Rights Union" party.
During their meeting, the prime ministers of the two countries
are expected to sign a joint communique, as well as an agreement
for the opening of two new border posts and a memorandum on
terms of Greece's macroeconomic assistance to Albania.
Mr. Nano will then host an official lunch in honour of the Greek
prime minister, which will be followed by a joint press
conference.
After a meeting with Archbishop Anastasios of Tirana and All
Albania, Mr. Simitis will attend the official inauguration in
Tirana of the new National Bank of Greece branch. He will then
visit the military hospital in the Albanian capital.
The Greek delegation includes Foreign Minister Theodoros
Pangalos, Public Order Minister George Romeos, Press and Mass
Media Minister Demetris Reppas, and the undersecretaries of
National Defense, Demetris Apostolakis, as well as National
Economy, Alexandros Baltas. The Greek ministers will have
meetings with their Albanian counterparts.
The prime minister's visit to Albania occupied a large part in
yesterday's daily press in Tirana, with most newspapers placing
emphasis on the issues to be on the agenda of talks between Mr.
Simitis and the Albanian leadership.
The focus was mainly on getting Athens' support on a number of
Albanian requests.
Issues of interest to Greece were also raised by some
newspapers, such as a pledge given by Mr. Mejdani to his Greek
counterpart Kostis Stephanopoulos during their meeting in
Strasbourg, related to the extending of the operation of
Greek-language school s outside the strictly ethnic Greek
minority regions to the rest of Albania.
Mr. Simitis is expected to arrive back in Athens at 5:30 p.m.
[23] Romeos on law enforcement co-operation
Athens, 15/10/1997 (ANA)
Public Order Minister Romeos, who is accompanying the prime
minister in Albania, will reportedly ask Albanian authorities
for closer co-operation in fighting crime.
He said yesterday in Athens that "Albanian police should
contribute in order to secure the borders from drug smugglers
and illegal immigrants."
He added that for this reason the issue of the deployment of a
special border police unit will be discussed with Albanian
authorities.
[24] Kalamata shaken by series of aftershocks
Athens, 15/10/1997 (ANA)
Kalamata was shaken yesterday morning by an tremor measuring 4.0
on the Richter scale, the sixth tremor since Monday's earthquake
of 5.8 Richter, which was situated in the sea bed about 100 km
south of the port city.
Seismologists see the tremors as a sign that the seismic
activity is gradually waning, although they expect minor tremors
to continue for approximately another two months. Monday's quake
caused cracks in old buildings but otherwise did not disrupt
life in the prefecture of Messinia. Although schools were open
as usual yesterday, Prefect Panayotis Foteas has ordered a check
on all school buildings.
A team of experts from the environment, public works and town
planning ministry was expected in Kalamata later yesterday to
make a general inspection of the prefecture.
Monday's quake caused minor damage to homes in Koroni and
Harokopiou and to two churches and a school.
Seismologists warned those residing in homes with previous
faults that they should not remain in their homes for the next
48 hours.
The director of the Geodynamic Institute George Stavrakakis
said, however, that even if there were another quake of the same
magnitude as Monday's quake, there was no cause for concern as
the epicentre was situated 100 kms from built-up areas.
He said aftershocks in the most active seismic region in Greece
could last for months.
[25] Skandalidis refers to political co-operation in municipal
elections
Athens, 15/10/1997 (ANA)
In the forthcoming municipal elections next year the ruling
PASOK party will seek to co-operate with other political forces
in the country's three largest municipalities, according to
PASOK Secretary Costas Skandalidis.
The secretary was speaking after yesterday's meeting of the
party's political secretariat, which was held to examine issues
related to the municipal and prefectural elections. The meeting
was also attended by Interior Minister Alekos Papadopoulos.
[26] Aegean maritime exhibition opens Thursday
Athens, 15/10/1997 (ANA)
Aegean Minister Elisavet Papazoi will open on Thursday in Athens
an exhibition entitled "Maritime Tradition in the Aegean -
Stocks and Shipyards."
The exhibition is organized in the framework of the European
Days of Cultural Heritage, which this year is dedicated to ports.
"Aegean culture is interwoven with Greece's maritime tradition,"
Ms Papazoi said.
The exhibition shows the evolution of the maritime tradition in
the Aegean from prehistoric times to the 18th century, the
evolution of the modern Greek shipping until the end of the 19th
century and the evolution of the ship captain to shipowner in
the 20th century. The exhibition features rare traditional
vessels as well as small shipyards, maps, photographs and scale
models. The exhibition will be displayed in several Aegean
communities.
[27] SETE proposal on replacement of hotel categories
Athens, 15/10/1997 (ANA)
The Federation of Greek Tourist Enterprises (SETE) unveiled a
specific proposal yesterday on how the planned replacement of
Greece's hotel categories with the five-star system should be
implemented.
As a general principle, SETE agrees with the position set out by
Greek Tourist Organization (EOT) Secretary General Nikos
Skoulas, namely, that in no way should an automatic transfer of
hotels from the existing categories system to the five-star
system occur.
SETE supports a system similar to the Swiss model, which
classifies lodging in stars in accordance with points collected
on a scale ranging from 10,000 to 3,500.
[28] Bulgarian cabinet approves new border bridge to Greece
Sofia, 15/10/1997 (BTA/ANA)
The Bulgarian cabinet on Monday approved a Bulgarian-Greek
agreement on the construction of a new cross-border motorway
bridge at the Kulata-Promahonas checkpoint.
The bridge will be built close to an already existing one and
will be ready by the end of 1998 at the latest, the cabinet
press office said.
Greece will fully finance the project, including planning,
feasibility study, the tender dossier draft, the tender
arrangements and the construction. The contract will be awarded
at an international tender.
The agreement envisages the setting up of a Bulgarian-Greek
technical co-operation team.
PHARE will cover the expenses of the Bulgarian delegation and
INTERREG II those of the Greek side, the Council of Ministers
press office said.
[29] European lignite conference in Athens
Athens, 15/10/1997 (ANA)
A European conference on "Lignite in an Expanded Europe" will
take place in Athens tomorrow and Friday, under the auspices of
the European Commission, the Public Power Corp. (DEH) and the
Union of German Lignite Producers.
A DEH announcement said the conference was taking place at a
turning point for the electric energy market and a Commission
decision to deregulate this market is resulting in major changes
in the fuels currently used.
The conference will include issues related to the political,
economic and environmental aspect of lignite production.
Speakers are expected to include European Commissioner Christos
Papoutsis, who is responsible for energy matters in the Union as
well as Development Under-secretary Anna Diamantopoulou.
[30] Harsh ND criticism on gov't handling of economy
Athens, 15/10/1997 (ANA)
The head of the main opposition New Democracy party's economic
affairs sector, Giorgos Alogoskoufis, painted a grim picture of
the Greek economy and its indicators in a report released
yesterday.
He charged that the government's economic policy was deadlocked,
and the proof was its failure to secure the country's
participation in EMU on time.
The government, he said, had exhibited acceptable
ineffectiveness and lack of boldness over the last four years,
avoiding decisions to restrict consumption in the public sector,
to fight tax evasion, absorb Community funds and proceed with
real privatizations.
Mr. Alogoskoufis predicted that the budget deficit would be 750
to 800 billion drachmas higher than the government's prediction,
amounting to between 8.3 and 8.6 per cent of GDP, instead of 6.2
per cent.
The real fiscal deficit is more than double from that required
for participation in EMU, and inflation is almost double the
target set in the convergence program, he said.
He further claimed that the real situation in the economy was
even worse, with one in 10 Greeks out of work, the country's
international competitiveness at a record low, and an
unsatisfactory growth rate.
He also leveled a serious charge that "the government
systematically resorts to falsifying economic data," that the
real reduction in the deficit was five percentage points (from
12 to 7) and not as the government claims from 14.2 to 4.2, and
that the inflation rate was one percentage point higher than
that the announced monthly figure.
Mr. Alogoskoufis said New Democracy agreed with the stability of
the drachma. Referring to the fall in interest rates, he claimed
that "real interest rates have not improved and the government
is refusing to see the divergence of interbank market rates and
of the state bond rates".
[31] Gov't welcomes Spraos report, ND unimpressed
Athens, 15/10/1997 (ANA)
A report by noted economics professor Yiannis Spraos,
recommending major reforms to the social security system was a
"responsible contribution to the social dialogue", said
government spokesman Demetris Reppas yesterday.
He said the government would be presenting its positions on the
issue within the framework of the debate to be held in the
second round of social dialogue.
Meanwhile, main opposition New Democracy shadow minister on
economy issues Giorgos Alogoskoufis said that the Spraos report
was "an academic exercise" that had not revealed anything new.
The issue, Mr. Alogoskoufis, was which initiatives the
government would take to reform the social security system.
PASOK governments are responsible for the prevailing situation
as it was their decisions that brought the social security and
pension fund system to the state it was in.
The day after the government announces its measures, New
Democracy will present its specific proposals, he said.
ND spokesperson Aris Spiliotopoulos said the report was "flat
and static" and that "it was like trying to improve the steam
engine when we are already in the space age".
The Coalition of the Left and Progress, in a statement yesterday
accused the government of promoting solutions without first
debating them.
It said the government had not taken a stand by "setting out its
own specific proposals", and called for a social dialogue which
would abolish the "anti-social security laws" passed by the New
Democracy (governments).
[32] Farmakis: 'No decisions taken'
Athens, 15/10/1997 (ANA)
In a related development, Social Security Under-secretary Nikos
Farmakis told striking building workers yesterday that no
decisions have been taken in advance regarding the insurance
issue, while the contents of the Spraos report will be set out
for social dialogue.
The builders, a day after the publication of the report,
demonstrated in front of the labour ministry and then marched to
Parliament, demanding pensioning at 55, while at present the
limit is 58.
By virtue of the Sioufas Law, the retirement age will reach 60
as of Jan. 1, 1998, while according to the Spraos report, it
should reach 65.
At the same time, demonstrators from trade unions in the
Thriasio Pedio of western Attica visited Labour Under-secretary
Christos Protopapas and demanded measures to combat unemployment.
[33] Satisfaction over "Nikiforos '97"
Nicosia, 15/10/1997 (ANA/CNA)
Cyprus and Greece will continue their joint defence pact unless
a just solution to the Cyprus problem is reached, acting
President of the Republic, House President Spyros Kyprianou said
here yesterday.
Mr. Kyprianou was speaking after the completion of the five-day
National Guard annual military exercise code-named "Nikiforos
'97", the last phase of which he watched with visiting Greek
National Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos.
He said this year's exercise has been the "best" so far
conducted with the participation of Greek air and naval forces.
The two men expressed full "satisfaction" with the "success" of
yesterday's manoeuvres.
Greek Air Force and Navy forces that took part in "Nikiforos
'97" also participated in the Greek military exercise "Toxotis"
which took place in the sea area between Cyprus and the Greek
Aegean islands of Rhodes and Crete.
Meanwhile Turkish State Minister Sukru Gurel claimed, referring
to "Nikiforos" that such moves and "military showing off not
only poison relations between Turkey and Greece, but can also
lead to an increased possibility of accidents, including armed
confrontation".
[34] National Guard manoeuvres end
Athens, 15/10/1997 (ANA)
Greek warplanes and parachutists took part in the last phase of
"Nikiforos '97", during which live ammunition were used.
Two Greek A-7 Corsair bombers and two F-16 fighters overflew the
exercise area and attacked mock land targets.
Taking part in the annual manoeuvres were National Guard tanks,
armoured vehicles, personnel carriers and heavy weapons.
All air force, navy and land forces participated while
parachutists fell from a Greek C-130 military transport plane.
Also taking part were Greek navy vessels.
Meanwhile, the Turkish Air Force provocations against Greek
aircraft taking part in the National Guard's manoeuvres
continued yesterday.
It was reported that 30 Turkish F-16 and F-4 fighters yesterday
violated international civil aviation regulations in the Athens
FIR (Flight Information Region) in the area southeast of the
Greek island of Rhodes and in the Nicosia FIR.
All the violations were intercepted by Greek F-16 and Mirage
2000 jets, which in some cases engaged with the Turkish fighters.
The exercise will climax today when President Glafcos Clerides
(who returned from Greece yesterday), flanked by the two Defense
Ministers, will take the salute of a parade of the units which
took part in the "Nikiforos '97" exercise.
[35] Officials visit air base
Athens, 15/10/1997 (ANA)
Mr. Kyprianou and the Defense Minister of Cyprus and Greece
Costas Eliades and Akis Tsohatzopoulos and National Guard
Commander Lieutenant General Nikolaos Vorvolakos flew to Paphos
from Larnaca yesterday in a C-130 Greek military transport plane.
They toured the base for about an hour and were briefed on the
progress of the works.
No statements were made, and reporters were not allowed to enter
the area of the air base.
Three Greek navy vessels, namely the submarine "Okeanos", the
destroyer "Themistoklis" and the frigate "Limnos", docked
yesterday afternoon at Larnaca port.
They all participated in "Nikiforos'97", which ended yesterday.
Mr. Tsohatzopoulos was to be presented later yesterday evening
with the golden key of the town by Paphos Mayor Phedias Sarikas.
[36] Tsohatzopoulos
Athens, 15/10/1997 (ANA)
Following the conclusion of the exercise, Mr. Tsohatzopoulos
said the high efficiency of the manoeuvres has sent a message to
all those whose behaviour was nothing but a threat.
Mr. Tsohatzopoulos was implying Turkish threats against Cyprus
and Greece, in view of the military exercises the two countries
conducted in parallel within the framework of a joint defense
pact their governments agreed in November 1993.
At an interview in Paphos, following the tour of the base, he
said, "In terms of the Aegean, its status is set under
international treaties and will not change," no matter how many
provocations Turkey carried out.
He expressed satisfaction over progress in works on the airport
base and said that Cyprus' defense was showing definite progress.
"This is very important because next year we look forward to
positive developments on the Cyprus issue. We are moving into
the final stages for the negotiations over Cyprus' accession in
the European Union," he added.
[37] Turkey to stage two manoeuvres
Ankara, 15/10/1997 (DPA/ANA)
Turkey announced yesterday that it will stage two military
exercises in November in southern Anatolia that will also
include the Turkish occupied north of Cyprus in response to the
Greek Cypriot manoeuvre in the free areas of the island republic.
Ankara government spokesman Sukru Sina Gurel said postponing the
two planned manoeuvres, planned to start on November 1, was "no
issue." The latest tensions triggered by the Greek military
exercise had not been caused by Ankara, but by Greece and the
Greek Cypriots, he said. Turkey has beefed up its troops
stationed in the occupied part of Cyprus ahead of the planned
manoeuvres, dubbed Toros and Kararlilik (Determination).
More than 35,000 Turkish troops have been stationed in Cyprus
since Turkey invaded the island republic in 1974.
End of English language section.
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