Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 97-10-23

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

ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No. 1322), October 23, 1997

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

CONTENTS

[01] Athens satisfied with Holbrooke stance; State Dept. correction

[02] State Dept. spokesman retracts 'overflight' statement

[03] Turkish denial

[04] More airspace violations reported

[05] Tzoganis

[06] Pangalos

[07] Greek-American leader condemns Turkish provocations

[08] 12 public utilities set for partial bourse floatation

[09] Greece may bar Kopelouzos Group from Russian natural gas project

[10] Greece has yet to finalize taxes in 1998 budget

[11] Greek stocks edge up after four-day slump

[12] Parmenion '97 to begin Oct. 31

[13] Greece won't accept NATO decision encroaching on sovereign rights

[14] Tsohatzopoulos briefs Parliament on defense ministry issues

[15] Gov't on Madrid communique

[16] Greek concern over Turkish military exercise expressed

[17] BSEC forum underlines will to develop co-operation

[18] Zigdis buried on Saturday in Rhodes

[19] Patriarch received by Clinton, to meet with Albright

[20] Orthodox Church of Albania issues clarifications on recent Patriarchate visit

[21] Papandreou begins US visit

[22] Tension-filled debate on Kapodistrias begins

[23] Synaspismos positions

[24] Farmers' unions schedule mobilizations

[25] News in Brief

[26] Eurocourt expected to convict Greece over used cars tax

[27] Greek-Venezuelan tourism agreement signed

[28] Most services on strike today

[29] Workers' participation in DEH strike reported high

[30] Archaeologists strike

[01] Athens satisfied with Holbrooke stance; State Dept. correction

Athens, 23/10/1997 (ANA)

Government spokesman Demetris Reppas expressed satisfaction over Mr. Holbrooke's statements, reiterating that the position expressed on Monday by US State Department spokesman James Rubin was "unacceptable and unprecedented."

In a new development yesterday Mr. Rubin retracted his Monday statements, saying top US officials have set the issue before the Turkish government.

Mr. Reppas, in particular, referred to the points in Mr. Holbrooke's statements criticizing the way in which the US State Department handled the issue.

"We have kept the positive positions expressed and recorded the negative ones. What now remains to be seen is how Washington will proceed concerning issues which are in progress and whether Mr. Holbrooke's observations will have practical consequences," Mr. Reppas said.

"As far as those who remain quiet are concerned, the evidence in the hands of Greece will convince them to take a stance on the basis of law and the truth," the spokesman added.

National Defense Minister Tsohatzopoulos said the US presidential envoy was "near to the reality", adding that "this confirms his credibility as a mediator".

"The question is Turkey's behaviour," Mr. Tsohatzopoulos continued, noting that this issue would be raised at the forthcoming meeting of NATO following a request which he himself had submitted to Alliance Secretary General Javier Solana.

In an exclusive statement to the Athens News Agency (ANA) correspondent in Washington, Mr. Holbrooke put the blame on State Department bureaucracy, saying:

"I have no doubt that the provocative action of harassment of the aircraft by Turkish fighters indeed happened, and I consider it a mistake on the part of the State Department that it does not publicly admit this reality," Mr. Holbrooke said.

He said there was no justification for what happened, and it was not possible that it be disputed, particularly when it had been recorded on camera.

The incident was recorded by TV cameramen accompanying Mr. Tsohatzopoulos on the Hercules C-130 transport plane to and from Cyprus last week to observe a military exercise. The minister's plane was buzzed by Turkish fighters in both instances.

"Even if the defense minister of Greece had not been on the plane, it is an unacceptable action which does not at all help in defusing tension between Greece and Turkey. It is a very serious incident in which human lives were endangered," Mr. Holbrooke added.

He said he "fully understood" the fear and concern of all those aboard the C-130 transport plane carrying Mr. Tsohatzopoulos.

Referring to what he called the confusion caused by State Department spokesman James Rubin's statement that the transport plane had violated an agreed moratorium on military flights over Cyprus, Mr. Holbrooke said that Mr. Rubin had not been properly in formed by the State Department bureaucracy. The Rubin statement was called by Athens "unprecedented and unacceptable" as it "ignored or distorted true facts", adding that it was "impermissible that the existing facts and evidence are disregarded or hushed up for reasons of expediency".

[02] State Dept. spokesman retracts 'overflight' statement

Washington, 23/10/1997 (ANA/T. Ellis)

"On Monday I didn't do my job properly," he said. "The last 24 hours top officials of the US administration have set the issue before the Turkish government," he added.

"Our Turkish allies realize the gravity with which we deal with the information we have and the need in the future for Turkish acts not to contribute to creating an atmosphere of tension between Turkey and its neighbours," he said.

Regarding the steps Washington took, he said: "We have expressed directly to the Turkish government our position that we find the act of (their) flying near the aircraft of the Greek defense minister disturbing".

Replying to a Reuters question on the exact location of the harassment, the spokesman replied: "We believe on the basis of public information and data that it (incident) occurred exactly where it is said to have happened. We have no reason to doubt that ".

Mr. Rubin reiterated that both countries should avoid possible friction and tension points, saying "we believe it is important that Greece and Turkey guarantee that the Turkish exercises scheduled early in November will not create new tension...

"We continue to urge both countries to return to the moratorium of flights of fighter planes over Cyprus."

He noted that it was necessary to focus on the future "and that the US remains determined to work with Greece and Turkey to improve relations between the two countries".

Replying to questions on whether Mr. Tsohatzopoulos was on a civilian or fighter aircraft, Mr. Rubin said: "From what I realize from public statements, it was not a fighter aircraft."

[03] Turkish denial

Athens, 23/10/1997 (ANA)

"Turkish aircraft never harassed any plane," foreign ministry spokesman Omer Akbel was quoted as telling reporters.

Asked to comment on Mr. Holbrooke's statement on Tuesday that in his opinion there was no doubt that harassment did indeed take place, Mr. Akbel said "the Turkish aircraft flew over the international waters of the Aegean, in the framework of international regulations."

[04] More airspace violations reported

Athens, 23/10/1997 (ANA)

Four of the Turkish F-16 pairs also violated Greek airspace south of Lesvos.

In all cases the Turkish warplanes were intercepted by Hellenic Air Force F-16, Mirage 2000 and F-1 fighters, while in two cases interceptions developed into engagements.

[05] Tzoganis

Athens, 23/10/1997 (ANA)

Turkey's provocative behaviour continued yesterday, this time during Tzoganis' briefing of NATO defense attaches at the National Defense Ministry.

As the attaches were requesting clarifications about the harassment incident, the Turkish defense attache said that his country desired good relations with Greece and Cyprus, a fact which, he continued, it had proven in 1974 when, "although it could have seized the whole of Cyprus, it seized only half."

National Defense General Staff second-in-command Lt.-Gen. Efthymios Petinis replied:

"We thank you for your magnanimity."

[06] Pangalos

Athens, 23/10/1997 (ANA)

[07] Greek-American leader condemns Turkish provocations

Chicago, 23/10/1997 (ANA)

He explained that "the State Department should clarify its position and use harsh language with Turkey".

Mr. Tomaras said that the "intense and dangerous harassment" of Turkish aircraft against the plane on which Greek Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos was returning from Cyprus... "is yet more proof that Turkey does not respect international agreements and rules of lawful behaviour".

[08] 12 public utilities set for partial bourse floatation

Athens, 23/10/1997 (ANA)

"Our target is either no actual rises or a minimum increase (in charges)," National Economy and Finance Minister Yiannos Papantoniou told a news conference yesterday.

State-owned companies to be partly privatized in the next three years included Thessaloniki International Trade Fair, Piraeus and Thessaloniki harbours, Olympic Catering, Olympic Travel and Athens water utility. The government intends to float 20-30 percent of their capital on the Athens Stock Exchange.

Mr. Papantoniou said that the government will seek in the next three years a rationalization of loss-making public sector enterprises, a review of shareholding policy for unlisted public utilities, and a settlement of cross-company debts.

Strategic deals in the high-technology sector would also be pursued, he said.

[09] Greece may bar Kopelouzos Group from Russian natural gas project

Athens, 23/10/1997 (ANA)

The move would be made if the Group's interests over supplies failed to coincide with those of the state, Mr. Reppas said.

He was responding to a statement by a representative of the major project's supplier, who did not rule out terminating supplies due to delays in the project cited by Russia.

The government was eager to see the project go ahead but also was seeking alternative supply sources, Mr. Reppas said.

Development Minister Vasso Papandreou also responded:

"Natural liquid gas and its transport by submarine pipelines are competitive, alternate solutions to the land transport of gas. In this way new possibilities are opened up for simultaneous supply from other sources which not only do away with dependence on one source but increase the security of the system," Ms. Papandreou said.

[10] Greece has yet to finalize taxes in 1998 budget

Athens, 23/10/1997 (ANA)

Final decisions on tax changes had yet to be taken, Mr. Reppas said.

On Tuesday, National Economy and Finance Minister Yiannos Papantoniou said the budget's key figures had been set and taxes in the budget decided, but he did not name them.

According to government sources, the level of a monthly tax on mobile phones had yet to be decided.

Meanwhile, main opposition New Democracy party deputy responsible for economic issues George Alogoskoufis said yesterday that the new taxes the government was considering imposing indicated the failure of its economic policy.

"The government is resorting to desperate means of drawing in income.... as it is in no position to restrict either state expenditure or tax evasion," he said.

He added that the only way to promote growth and solve the country's fiscal problems was to limit state spending and to computerize all services.

[11] Greek stocks edge up after four-day slump

Athens, 23/10/1997 (ANA)

The general index closed 0.20 percent higher at 1,735.94 points, but trading slowed further. Turnover was light at 16 billion drachmas.

Sector indices ended mixed. Banks rose 0.27 percent, Insurance fell 0.50 percent, Leasing dropped 1.16 percent, Investment eased 0.20 percent, Construction was 1.07 percent off, Industrials rose 0.67 percent, Miscellaneous dropped 0.73 percent and Holding fell 0.07 percent. The parallel market index for small cap companies eased 0.12 percent. Broadly decliners led advancers by 126 to 100 with another 27 issues unchanged.

Ideal, Keranis, Cambas and Boutaris scored the biggest percentage gains while Alysida, Zamba suffered the heaviest losses.

National Bank of Greece ended at 31,300 drachmas, Ergobank at 18,990, Alpha Credit Bank at 20,520, Delta Dairy at 4,050, Titan Cement at 15,890, Intracom at 15,895 and Hellenic Telecommunications Organization at 6,580.

In the domestic foreign exchange market the US dollar rose substantially against the drachma.

[12] Parmenion '97 to begin Oct. 31

Athens, 23/10/1997 (ANA)

The aim of the exercise, which is held annually, is to train staff officers and military units in the planning and execution of joint operations in a modern warfare environment and in general to enhance the combat efficiency of the armed forces.

The all-service exercise, with the participation also of reservists, will be directed by the Chief of the National Defense General Staff, General (Air) Athanasios Tzoganis, and reservists will also be called up to take part.

[13] Greece won't accept NATO decision encroaching on sovereign rights

Athens, 23/10/1997 (ANA)

The prime minister said NATO was planning more flexible tactics in view of the prospective enlargement, stressing that certain general orientations and the form of the new regional headquarters were under discussion and that certain informal decisions h ad been reached.

He was categorical that no decisions would be approved without Greece's agreement, and that in no way would the new NATO structure encroach upon the sovereign rights of member-states.

"We shall have a view and it will not be possible for the command or direction of operations to be given to a Turkish commander," he said.

"The peculiarities of each country, and particularly in the Aegean and the eastern Mediterranean due to Turkey's tactics, must be taken into account," he added.

He explained that NATO's new military structure will not have the form of the previous one. There will be new regional headquarters which will operate according to the wishes of the member-states.

"In no case are we prepared to let the Turks control, intervene and determine matters," he added.

[14] Tsohatzopoulos briefs Parliament on defense ministry issues

Athens, 23/10/1997 (ANA)

Mr. Tsohatzopoulos said the draft laws currently in Parliament related to officers' pay, obligatory military duty and a civilian training program for border defense.

Another draft law soon to be tabled relates to forming a public fund for armaments.

[15] Gov't on Madrid communique

Athens, 23/10/1997 (ANA)

Mr. Reppas said the neighbouring country is not in line with the document signed something which Greece's uses at a diplomatic level for its own benefit.

Asked whether the positive balance for Greece stemming from the Madrid communique includes the release of three frigates from the US to Turkey immediately after the signing of the relevant document, Mr. Reppas said that was a decision taken by the legislative body of the US, adding that the Greek government cannot impose on another country what to do.

[16] Greek concern over Turkish military exercise expressed

Athens, 23/10/1997 (ANA)

Government spokesman Demetris Reppas said Foreign Under-secretary Yiannos Kranidiotis had expressed Athens' concern to Turkish Foreign Minister Ismail Cem on the sidelines of a Black Sea Economic Co-operation (BSEC) ministerial meeting in Kiev on Tuesday.

According to the spokesman, Mr. Kranidiotis told Mr. Cem that if he believed a problem might arise, then Ankara had no other option but to cancel the exercise, in order to eliminate the source of the problem.

[17] BSEC forum underlines will to develop co-operation

Kiev, 23/10/1997 (ANA/S. Sideris)

The statement also makes special reference to the organization's Black Sea Commerce and Development Bank which will be based in Thessaloniki. The member-states underlined the important role which the bank has to play in the development and prestige of the organization and expressed their will for its full operation at the earliest.

Addressing the meeting yesterday morning, Foreign Under-secretary Yiannos Kranidiotis stressed that Greece would do everything possible for the development of the BSEC.

Member-states which have not yet deposited their financial contributions, he said, should do so by the end of the year so that the bank could begin operating as soon as possible. Mr. Kranidiotis also referred to the Black Sea Centre for International Studies, which will be based in Athens, underlining the important role it had to play in the further development of the BSEC.

On relations between the BSEC and the European Union, Mr. Kranidiotis said Greece, as the only BSEC member in the EU, could serve as a bridge between the two institutions.

He said the government would examine ways in which the EU could strengthen the BSEC.

Yesterday's meeting meanwhile rejected a Turkish proposal that the BSEC be headquartered in Turkey. It was decided that the organization should not have a permanently-based headquarters.

Consequently, ministerial meetings and other BSEC sessions will take place in the country holding the presidency at the time in question.

Taking part in the Kiev meeting were Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Georgia, Greece, Moldova, Romania, Russia, Turkey and Ukraine.

The next ministerial meeting will be held in Armenia in April next year.

[18] Zigdis buried on Saturday in Rhodes

Athens, 23/10/1997 (ANA)

The Rhodes City Council in an extraordinary session yesterday, decided to name a street in the island capital after the veteran politician, as well as to erect his bust and grant a scholarship in Zigdis' name to a Dodecanese student.

Zigdis' funeral is expected to be attended by Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis, representatives of the government and opposition parties, local officials and a large crowd.

[19] Patriarch received by Clinton, to meet with Albright

Washington, 23/10/1997 (ANA/T. Ellis/A. Kourkoulas)

Vartholomeos and President Clinton met for approximately 45 minutes, before First Lady Hillary Clinton hosted a reception for the world's pre-eminent Orthodox leader.

He will later visit the US State Department for a meeting with US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright. An official dinner hosted by Ms Albright will follow, with Alternate Foreign Minister George Papandreou scheduled to attend.

The Patriarch is continuing his month-long, 16-city visit to the United States with several high-level meetings.

In a speech to Congress, Vartholomeos extolled religious and spiritual freedom in the US, saying: "Unfortunately, not all peoples have acquired the intelligence of Americans, which is based on the principles of the Holy Scriptures and accepts that spiritual freedom is more beneficial than the forceful imposition of beliefs.

"The result is that America is progressing through spiritual freedom, while other people are wasting their strength persecuting ideas and obstructing the free expression of religious and other beliefs".

Vartholomeos pointed out that though freedom may at times be abused, "perhaps this is less harmful than the abuse of power and authority, because the reaction of the remaining free citizens constricts the activity of those citizens who abuse freedom, while this is difficult to achieve when the abuser is the state."

[20] Orthodox Church of Albania issues clarifications on recent Patriarchate visit

Athens, 23/10/1997 (ANA)

The announcement reads as follows:

"Since quite a few inaccuracies have been published in connection with the visit of an Ecumenical Patriarchate delegation to Tirana, we clarify that:

"The Patriarchal delegation composed of the reverend Metropolitans of Pergis, Evangelos, and of Philadelphia, Meliton, as well as the reverend elder Ilias Katre, from the Albanian Diaspora of America, met (Oct. 6, 1997) with the member appointed by the Albanian government, Mr. Kastrioti Islami, the Minister to the Presidency of the Albanian government and discussed the issue of the Holy Synod of the Orthodox Autocephalous Church of Albania.

"Mr. Islami stated that he has been assigned with announcing to the delegation of the Ecumenical Patriarchate that the unanimous decision of the government and presidency of the republic is that the three Greek Metropolitans, who were elected and ordained for the Orthodox Church of Albania, will not be accepted in Albania. He clarified that this position is in agreement with the historical tradition of the Albanian state, which insists that the Orthodox Autocephalous Church of Albania will be governed by Albanian citizens, in accordance with the charter of the Church.

"It was finally decided that dialogue should continue between the Ecumenical Patriarchate of the Church of Albania and the Albanian government for the finding of a mutually acceptable solution.

"It is reminded that from the press offices of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the Orthodox Autocephalous Church of Albania an Announcement was issued (Oct. 8, 1997), which refutes the irresponsible rumours on the ordaining of bishops of a certain national origin for the Metropoli in Albania."

At the same time it stresses that "following a persistent invitation by the reverend Archbishop of Tirana and All Albania Anastasios, the issue of composing the Holy Synod of the Autocephalous Church of Albania was discussed in a friendly atmosphere and between the sole relevant officials, namely, representatives of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, with which it maintains excellent relations, the aforesaid Archbishop Anastasios and representatives of the Albanian government."

[21] Papandreou begins US visit

Washington, 23/10/1997 (ANA/T. Ellis)

Mr. Papandreou was later due to have talks with US Senator Paul Sarbanes and the ranking Democrat member of the US House of Representatives' International Relations Committee, Lee Hamilton (Indiana).

He was then due to attend receptions given in honour of the Ecumenical Patriarch by First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton at the White House and Secretary of State Madeleine Albright at the State Department.

Mr. Papandreou is scheduled to meet with Deputy Secretary of State Strobe Talbott at the State Department today before traveling on to Boston.

[22] Tension-filled debate on Kapodistrias begins

Athens, 23/10/1997 (ANA)

The majority voted to invite members of three local government bodies, including the Central Union of Greek Municipalities (KEDKE).

Interior Minister Alekos Papadopoulos said that the issue had already been discussed for eight months and that KEDKE was already represented at the debate. He was against inviting members of coordinating committees.

PASOK deputy Athanasios Tsouras spoke in favour of the new model of local government being promoted by the government as being representative of a new mentality.

Main opposition New Democracy party deputy Athanasios Nakos said his party would abolish the law when it returned to power as it would lead to the disappearance of communities.

Coalition of the Left and Progress (Synaspismos) deputy Maria Damanaki said her party agreed with the plan but objected to some of its fundamental provisions of the bill.

Communist Party of Greece (KKE) deputy Nikolaos Gatzis said the mergers were "authoritarian", while the Democratic Social Movement representative George Tsafoulias made reference to a "coup".

[23] Synaspismos positions

Athens, 23/10/1997 (ANA)

Party leader Nikos Constantopoulos said the party considers the bill to be a major step towards promoting strong and functional local government.

However, he said the bill did not meet the requirements of such an undertaking, nor had sufficient effort been made to achieve a broader consensus.

Mr. Constantopoulos also criticized the government for being influenced by local officials and deputies.

Synaspismos deputy Maria Damanaki and Demetris Hatzisocrates presented the party's counterproposals, which Synaspismos will raise at the Parliamentary committee hearings.

These include stipulations for a review of the town planning laws four years after the law is passed and a ratification of decentralization in the review of the Constitution.

[24] Farmers' unions schedule mobilizations

Athens, 23/10/1997 (ANA)

Farmers' representatives yesterday cited, among other problems, delays in the payment of compensation and subsidies, inadequate investment, a growing gap between producer and consumer prices (reaching the ratio of one to three in fruit and vegetables) and delays in the payment of producers by traders.

Such problems are causing a significant reduction in farmers' incomes, they said.

[25] News in Brief

Athens, 23/10/1997 (ANA)

[26] Eurocourt expected to convict Greece over used cars tax

Brussels, 23/10/1997 (ANA/G. Daratos)

The decision is expected to be based on Article 95 of the Treaty of the Union, according to which no member state has the right to impose taxes of any sort on the products of another member state which are higher than those levied on similar national products.

The Court has in the past issued a similar decision condemning Portugal, which had to harmonize its legislation according to the Commission's recommendations.

It is considered that Greece will have between 12 and 15 months if it decides to follow Portugal's example.

[27] Greek-Venezuelan tourism agreement signed

Athens, 23/10/1997 (ANA)

The agreement anticipates co-operation to further promote and strengthen relations between the two countries in the tourism sector through the development and increase in tourist travel between the two countries and the activation of travel agencies and their other tourist enterprises.

The two countries will encourage mutual tourist travel, possibilities of their participation in tourist events (exhibitions, seminars, etc.), attraction of visitors from third countries and co-operation in the sector of vocational training for specialized tourist personnel.

Furthermore, the exchange of know-how and experts is anticipated in tourist issues, as well as facilitating businessmen from both sides in investing and creating joint tourist businesses.

[28] Most services on strike today

Athens, 23/10/1997 (ANA)

- Buses, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

- Olympic Airways, from 12 noon to 3 p.m.

- Ferry boats, from 8 a.m. to 12 noon.

- Trains (OSE), 24 hours.

- Hospitals, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Shop employees will also be out all day, while civil servants will hold a four-hour stoppage from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

A rally will be held at Pedion Areos in Athens at 11 a.m.

Meanwhile, municipal employees are also holding a 24-hour strike in protest against changes in the employment status of those municipalities which are being abolished under the government's plan of extensive mergers of local government organizations.

[29] Workers' participation in DEH strike reported high

Athens, 23/10/1997 (ANA)

GENOP-DEH also organized a protest march to the labour ministry yesterday, where the federation's presidium and General Confederation of Workers of Greece (GSEE) President Christos Polyzogopoulos held talks with Labour Under-secretary Christos Protopapas .

Mr. Protopapas pledged that the government will reply to the strikers' demands in about 10 days. DEH employees want a solution to their insurance claims and measures to protect DEH from the EU-mandated deregulation of the energy market.

Over the next few days, trade unionists will meet Labour Minister Miltiades Papaioannou and Development Minister Vasso Papandreou for renewed talks.

[30] Archaeologists strike

Athens, 23/10/1997 (ANA)

At a press conference yesterday, they expressed their opposition to the creation of a Museum Policy Council, which would separate museums from archaeological sites, and of a European Centre for Byzantine and Post-Byzantine Monuments which it said undermined the archaeology profession. They threatened to hold rolling strikes if the bill was passed.

End of English language section.

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