Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 98-05-18

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From: The Athens News Agency at <http://www.ana.gr/>

CONTENTS

[01] PASOK adopts text citing `third road` between unrestrained market, `asphyxiating state` control

[02] Tsohatzopoulos calls for complete demilitarisation of Cyprus

[03] Harassment of Greek fishing vessel by Turkish patrol boat reported

[04] Turkish memo reiterates Ankara's policy of 'grey areas'

[05] Socialist Int'l Council opens in Oslo

[06] Tsohatzopoulos in Norway

[07] Health ministry assures ambulance crews of overtime payments

[08] Greek ambassador lauds Cyprus' economic potential

[09] Employees at state-run banks continue rolling strikes

[10] V. Papandreou inaugurates wind parks on Crete

[11] Bomb attacks at OA,Ionian offices on Syngrou Avenue

[12] Kosmopoulos resings as Thessaloniki mayor after ND backs other candidate

[13] ANEK hopes for bourse listing

[14] Arsonists target diplomats' vehicles over weekend

[15] Autopsy uncovers surgical gaze, 2 metallic files in British tourist's body

[01] PASOK adopts text citing `third road` between unrestrained market, `asphyxiating state` control

Athens 18/05/1998 (ANA)

The session ended amid strong protests by striking employees outside the event at a downtown Athens hotel.

Addressing the session, PASOK Secretary Costas Skandalidis said the government's basic orientations were the country's participation in Economic and Monetary Union (EMU), regional development and productive restructuring, accelerated growth, decentralis ation and administrative and educational reform.

The resolution approved refers to fiscal readjustment, increasing production and productivity, restructuring the public sector and rehabilitation of public utilities, and a reform of the social insurance system and the labour market.

The text endorses state maintenance of control and management only of state monopolies of strategic importance, such as telecommunications and power production. Services of a social nature, such as transport and urban transport utilities may be run by mixed or private enterprises. The aims of changes being promoted in other public utilities, the resolution adds, include the securing of jobs, the establishment of strict rules in pricing, and a clearing of the picture as to which of them must be shut down or sold.

The central committee rejected the inclusion in the resolution of a proposal, submitted by former minister Anastasios Peponis and supported by 20 committee members, calling for a re-examination of the government's plans on privatisations and labour rela tions.

Earlier, in his summing up address, Prime Minister and PASOK leader Costas Simitis stressed that radical reforms were the hallmark of socialist policy.

"Preserving the status quo belongs to the mentality of conservatism, while reform and creativity to the mentality of a socialist movement. We search for what is new, this is why we meet obstacles, but this should not cause fear, because PASOK is not dog matic," he said.

"Our targets are the equal participation in European developments, without solely focusing on nominal convergence, but rather on enabling the economy acquire internal strength, which must be attained through consensus involving broader sections of society," he added.

Tsohatzopoulos support for 35-hour work week : On his part, National Defence Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos said that working people should be rewarded for their sacrifices with the introduction of a 35-hour work week, and that the way to deal with unemployment was through development policies and not piecemeal jobs boosting measures.

He added that PASOK should not give out the impression that it was promoting a shrinking of the state and retaining only the ailing sectors of the economy, and that particular attention should be given to the potential for exercising a national fiscal policy after joining EMU.

"PASOK must remain in the framework of the mixed economy. The state has both a role and a responsibility for the state, which must continue intervening to avert the complete dominance of market forces," he said.

Athens News Agency

[02] Tsohatzopoulos calls for complete demilitarisation of Cyprus

Athens 18/05/1998 (ANA)

"A new Turkish attack against Cyprus would constitute a casus belli for Greece," Mr. Tsohatzopoulos also stressed, while he reiterated that Cyprus' defence is part of a joint defence doctrine agreed to between Nicosia and Athens in 1993.

Mr. Tsohatzopoulos exchanged views on the latest developments in the Cyprus problem and bilateral cooperation, especially in the defence field, with Mr. Omirou.

Speaking after the 90-minute meeting, Mr. Omirou said "our defence cooperation is moving forward and developing in order to back political efforts to settle the Cyprus problem."

The Cyprus defence minister also said "threats and provocations expressed lately are aimed at misleading efforts to tackle the substance of the Cyprus question."

Commenting on threats by Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash that deployment of the S-300 anti-aircraft missile system would have consequences both in Cyprus and the Aegean, Mr. Omirou reiterated the government's right to build its defences.

"Mr. Denktash must understand that he cannot ignore international law and create problems," Mr. Omirou said.

He pointed out that the government will not deploy the S-300 only if there is substantial progress to settle the Cyprus problem or if demilitarisation is agreed.

Mr. Omirou said that "we will exercise our sovereign right to build our defences in order to protect ourselves if the need arises."

Mr. Tsohatzopoulos called on the Turkish Cypriot side "to abandon its present positions and take advantage of the opportunity it has before it with Cyprus' accession to the European Union".

"The result of all efforts for a solution must guarantee the prospect of the accession of the whole of the Republic of Cyprus to the EU which will lead to a new relation between Greece and Turkey, on the basis of international law, and to a stable prosp ect of peace," he said.

Cyprus opened accession talks with the EU in March, but Mr. Denktash has turned down a proposal by Cypriot President Glafcos Clerides to nominate representatives in the official negotiating team.

Mr. Tsohatzopoulos also said threats regarding the S-300 missiles' deployment are nothing but an effort to further upgrade the Turkish military presence in the occupied part of Cyprus, estimated at 40,000 troops armed with modern tanks and firepower.

He invited those showing concern to explore and demand the commencement of a process for demilitarising the whole island, for otherwise, "judging by the history of the Cyprus problem, we will be obliged to be suspicious vis- a-vis the mediators regarding their role and behaviour in the past".

The Cyprus government ordered the Russian-made S-300 missile system in January 1997, while the system is expected to be deployed there later this year.

Clerides : NICOSIA (ANA- G. Leonidas) - The Greek Cypriot side refuses to discuss any issue related to overflights of the island, Mr. Clerides said yesterday in response to questions on reports of a proposal for creating a no-flight zone over Cyprus.

He denied that any such proposal had been submitted.

Mr. Clerides also noted that there was no guarantee that Turkey would change its stand if EU-Turkish relations improved, as Turkey itself stated that it was not prepared to make any concessions on the Cyprus issue to that end.

"The Greek Cypriot side does not take Turkish positions at face value, because these positions could change for reasons of strategy or tactics or both until the Turks saw what they could secure from Europe," he said.

Athens News Agency

[03] Harassment of Greek fishing vessel by Turkish patrol boat reported

Athens 18/05/1998 (ANA)

According to reports, Turkish crewmen called on the Greek fishing boats to stop for inspection and used their high-pressure water hoses on the boat before attempting to board it. However, the Turkish vessel fled when other Greek vessels appeared in the area, after being notified by the Greek fishing boat's skipper.

Athens News Agency

[04] Turkish memo reiterates Ankara's policy of 'grey areas'

BRUSSELS 18/05/1998 (ANA - G. Daratos)

In the text,entitled "Turkish-Greek Relations, The Problems In The Aegean," Turkey accuses Greece of aiming to create faits accomplis and to turn the Aegean into "a Greek lake by populating such small uninhabited isla nds". The memo does not, however, contain specific reference to particular islands.

"There are many small islands, islets and rocks in the Aegean which have not been ceded to Greece through international treaties...Greece has attempted to change their status quo, allowing artificial (human) settlement on some of these geographical form ationsITurkey sees this new policy of Greece as a new attempt to create faits accomplis, with the aim of closing the Aegean and turning it into a Greek lake," the memorandum states.

"This constitutes further proof of Greece's thirst for territorial expansion beyond the areas ceded to it through the Treaty of Lausanne of 1923 and the Treaty of Paris of 1947," it charges.

"Turkey has no objections to the sovereignty of these islands, islets and rocks ceded to Greece in clear statements of relevant provisions of international treaties. However, the ownership deeds of other geographical formations must be confirmed by the provisions of authoritative international treaties," the memo reads.

The EU Council of Ministers, in response to a question by Greek Euro-MP Michalis Papagiannakis earlier this week, categorically reiterated that Turkey can resort to the International Court at The Hague for any differences it believes it has with Greece.

Athens News Agency

[05] Socialist Int'l Council opens in Oslo

OSLO 18/05/1998 (ANA - S. Sideris)

The ruling PASOK party is represented by Euro-MPs Paraskevas Avgerinos and Anna Karamanou, as well as Foreign Undersecretary Yiannos Kranidiotis.

Issues on the agenda are the strengthening of democracy and protection of human rights, promotion of humanitarian actions and initiatives for peace, as well as the fight against poverty.

The Council will also discuss reports on issues of peace, security and disarmament, as well as on the Mediterranean, the Middle East, central and eastern Europe.

Athens News Agency

[06] Tsohatzopoulos in Norway

Athens 18/05/1998 (ANA)

The two defence ministers will discuss matters related to European defence and security policy, the internationalisation of the defence industry and bilateral relations.

Mr. Tsohatzopoulos is also due to visit the Berga naval base and the installations of hi-tech equipment manufacturers, during which he will attend a display of the "ERIEYE" airborne radar.

This evening he will address members of the local ethnic Greek community on Greece's defence policy.

Mr. Tsohatzopoulos is due to leave Stockholm early Tuesday afternoon for the return to Athens.

Athens News Agency

[07] Health ministry assures ambulance crews of overtime payments

Athens 18/05/1998 (ANA)

EKAB employees' representatives said they had been assured that overtime would begin to be paid as of today.

Ambulance services were seriously disrupted on Friday with only one in five employees working normally and fewer than 30 of EKAB's 70 ambulances on call. Protesting employees were at their place of work but withholding services.

Athens News Agency

[08] Greek ambassador lauds Cyprus' economic potential

Athens 18/05/1998 (ANA)

"The effort is not simply one for economic cooperation, it is a move of wider national significance," he stressed.

Mr. Rodousakis added that Cyprus' strong economy, which met Maastricht criteria, provided the basis for a strong diplomacy that is necessary for a solution to the Cyprus problem.

Athens News Agency

[09] Employees at state-run banks continue rolling strikes

Athens 18/05/1998 (ANA)

Ionian Bank employees have been on an indefinite strike for a week now, paralysing the bank's operation in all sectors.

Rolling strikes by bank staff are scheduled to continue until June 12 when Commercial Bank shareholders vote on whether the approve the sale of subsidiary Ionian.

On Saturday, National Economy and Finance Minister Yiannos Papantoniou told reporters that the government's decision was "without doubt or reservation" the only solution that would support the interests of the staff of Ionian.

"This solution completely ensures both jobs and prospects for jobs for all the staff," Mr. Papantoniou said, speaking on the sidelines of the ruling party's joint meeting of the central committee and its Parliamentary group.

He said a "small minority" of unionists were calling for Ionian to be merged with parent firm Commercial, which he added would lead to "mass lay- offs, more than 3,000 firings and the closure of 153 branches, in effect, the dissolution of the bank".

"I am truly surprised by this stance, which includes elements which are outside the realm of legality and are harming the economic interests of Ionian Bank and undermining its very futureIIt is a tactic leading to a dead-end and irresponsible both for t he employees as well as the future of the bank," he said.

Earlier on Saturday, a large gathering of striking Ionian employees heckled the prime minister and ministers arriving at a downtown Athens hotel where the session took place.

Protesters briefly threatened to invade the hotel, but were prevented by riot police and later allowed to continue their gathering.

Athens News Agency

[10] V. Papandreou inaugurates wind parks on Crete

Athens 18/05/1998 (ANA)

She stressed the importance of wind parks and renewable energy sources, as well as DEH's need for moderisation.

The DEH wind park is situated in the Toplou region, while the Rokas park is in the Xirolimni region near Mytatos village.

Ms Papandreou said that while Greece was one of the top energy consumers in the world, it was among the last with respect to energy conservation.

The minister warned that DEH would have problems with the deregulation of energy as of 2001 if it did not modernise, as it would not be able to maintain its present role in the production and distribution of electrical energy.

The DEH park comprises three 500KW wind generators and seventeen 300KW generators, while the Rokas park, a 4.5 billion drachmas investment the construction of which began last year, has a capacity of 10MW.

Athens News Agency

[11] Bomb attacks at OA,Ionian offices on Syngrou Avenue

Athens 18/05/1998 (ANA)

Police said an unidentified caller had phoned a private Athens television station before the twin explosions, warning of the bombs. The call led to the area being cordoned-off and traffic diverted, although police went to the wrong Ionian Bank branch, as the caller reportedly didn't specify which branch on Syngrou was targetted, reports state.

The shadowy terrorist group "fighting guerrilla formation" later claimed responsibility.

According to initial reports, the first bomb blast occurred at around 8:20 p.m. at the Olympic office (Syngrou 100), followed by the second at the Ionian branch (Syngrou 137)approximately eight minutes later. No injuries were reported.

The main opposition New Democracy party and the Coalition of the Left and Progress party issued statements afterwards condemning the attacks.

"We condemn today's double bomb attack as well as every other terrorist action. As we've said repeatedly, we will offer complete political support to any government action leading to an effective attack on terrorism," ND spokesman Aris Spiliotopoulos said.

Athens News Agency

[12] Kosmopoulos resings as Thessaloniki mayor after ND backs other candidate

Athens 18/05/1998 (ANA)

Mr. Kosmospoulos told reporters that his decision to quit was linked to what he called "a recital of hypocrisy" from the main opposition New Democracy party and at plans to undermine his candidacy.

The Thessaloniki mayor claimed that ND leader Costas Karamanlis had publicly said he supported his candidacy for the past four months

On Friday, New Democracy said it would support ND deputy Vassilis Papageorgopoulos in his run for the position. Mr. Papageorgopoulos hinted at a press conference that ND-affiliated Mr. Kosmopoulos would drop out of the race.

ND spokesman Aris Spiliotopoulos on Saturday said the party and Mr. Karamanlis had been informed of Mr. Kosmopoulos' charges with "surprise and regret".

"Mr. Kosmopoulos, twice elected mayor of Thessaloniki, has offered much in this position over the past 10 years.

"However, it must be stressed that the demand for 'renewal' at the Thessaloniki municipality was general. We understand his bitterness which led him to his statements but these statements are not a reflection of the truth," the ND spokesman added.

Athens News Agency

[13] ANEK hopes for bourse listing

Athens 18/05/1998 (ANA)

The company's general director, Pavlos Frangoyiannis, said on Saturday that he expected a positive response from the general assembly meeting and that shares would be listed by the end of 1998.

Athens News Agency

[14] Arsonists target diplomats' vehicles over weekend

Athens 18/05/1998 (ANA)

On Saturday, another anonymous caller said the group had carried out an attack that same day on a vehicle belonging to the European Commission representation in Athens.

Neither of the attacks,using makeshift incendiary devices, caused any injuries.

Two fire trucks were called in to put out the fire caused by the torching of the vehicle belonging to the Turkish embassy, which was parked at an apartment building in the northern Athens suburb of Halandri.

The Commission's vehicle, parked on a street in the downtown Kolonaki district, suffered serious damage from the incendiary device, comprised of two gas cannisters and a four-litre can of petrol.

Another four vehicles, including one with diplomatic plates and two state- owned cars, targetted by arsonists in Athens were early Saturday.

The first attack with a makeshift incendiary device, at 1:20 a.m., was against a Mercedes belonging to a Libyan embassy attache, parked near his home in Agia Paraskevi. Two hours later, a Toyota jeep belonging to retired judge Costas Kakaris, 79 , was seriously damaged in a similar attack. The car was parked outside his home in Kolonaki.

Twenty minutes later, at 3:40 a.m., two cars parked in the Neo Psychico district belonging to the state-run Anti-Seismic Planning and Protection Organisation were seriously damaged in a firebomb attack.

No group claimed responsibility for those attacks.

Athens News Agency

[15] Autopsy uncovers surgical gaze, 2 metallic files in British tourist's body

Athens 18/05/1998 (ANA)

According to reports, the young tourist died from an apparent heart attack late Friday evening, shortly after arriving on the Ionian holiday island with her boyfriend. She was rushed to a nearby hospital the same day suffering from stomach pains and vom iting, before expiring in an ambulance while being transported to another facility.

The woman's boyfriend, identified as Brian Holloway, told authorities his girlfriend had been severely injured in a traffic accident in England about two and a half months ago and had undergone surgery in Liverpool.

Police said the Corfu coroner requested the presence of a prosecutor before removing the surgical gaze and files. A local police offical was also summoned by the prosecutor to witness the procedure.

Corfu coroner Stephanos Gasteratos later told reporters that medical negligence was ruled the cause of death of Karen Murray.

Athens News Agency

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