Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 00-09-04

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

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

CONTENTS

[01] Simitis unveils policy to build Greece of tomorrow

[02] Simitis says Greece needs to take further steps forward

[03] Opposition parties sharply criticise premier's statements in TIF

[04] Simitis inaugurates National Research and Technology Centre

[05] Simitis addresses PASOK members in Thessaloniki

[06] Premier calls for insistence in Cyprus negotiations

[07] Papandreou comments on course of Greek-Turkish relations

[08] Papandreou addresses EU FMs on Balkans, Greek-Turkish relations, Cyprus problem

[09] Kaklamanis pleased with outcome of conference of national parliaments

[10] Yovanovic says Belgrade determined to send troops and police to Kosovo

[11] Pangalos - Burns inaugurate Andy Warhol exhibition

[12] Northern Attica coastline threatened by oil-spill

[13] Italian TIF exhibition ramada inaugurated

[14] Germany beats Greece 2-0 in World Cup qualifier

[15] President Clerides heads for New York

[01] Simitis unveils policy to build Greece of tomorrow

Athens, 04/09/2000 (ANA)

In his annual economic policy speech at the Thessaloniki International Trade Fair, Mr. Simitis said that the plan was based on promoting a social state, equal growth, boosting employment, improving the quality of life, prosperity for all, social cohesion and justice.

"Last June, EU leaders approved Greece's participation in Economic and Monetary Union. With this decision they acknowledged Greece's credibility and its capability to move along towards economic union. Greece has earned its position inside one of the biggest poles in the world economy," the premier told a dinner. "With our EMU entry, we promote our national interests, we gain a stronger voice to defending and promoting our policies. In a rapidly transforming Europe, Greece takes part in the first gear and has a position in any advanced future formation of these countries, from a simple coordination of economic policies to the building of a federal Europe," Mr. Simitis said.

He reiterated that Greece entered EMU on its own merits.

The premier said that the government's answer to a dilemma: stabilisation or growth, was stabilisation and growth. "Our economy is growing at a faster rate compared with the EU's average paving the way for a real convergence of living standards between Greece and the European core. We succeeded in this double task because we ignored political costs. Because we convinced our social partners for the credibility of our policy," he said.

Simitis said that following Greece's entry in EMU, the govern-ment faced the challenge to offer Greek citizens the chance to enjoy "the fruits of their efforts in the last few years. And to close the distance with our European partners in the critical sectors of public life, institutions, social organisation and welfare."

"Having achieved macro-economic stability and nominal convergence our primary goal is to accelerate economic growth and real convergence. Ten years ago we accounted for 60 percent of the EU's standard of living. Today, we have reached 70 percent and we continue moving higher," he said.

To achieve real convergence we need investments. We need dynamic modern technology businesses, of high added value, to offer competitive products and services. "We also need a continuously updating skilled workforce to easily adapt to changes from a rapid technological progress. That's how productivity is increased. That's how real wages are increased," Simitis said.

He stressed the need to equally distribute national income.

The back-bone of Greece investment strategy is funds from a Third Community Support Framework for the next six years. "We secured an unprecedented sum of 17.5 trillion drachmas following hard negotiations and thanks to our credibility," he said.

Simitis noted that 80 percent of community funds were earmarked for regional Greece with the aim to achieve equal growth in the country.

"We support and encourage farm businesses and other new activities such as eco-tourism and agro-tourism," the prime minister said.

Simitis said the government has earmarked 11 trillion drachmas in direct community and national funds for agriculture.

The investment programme also envisages funds of 5.6 trillion drachmas to upgrade the country's basic infrastructure.

"Our aim it to ensure a social, productive and environmental cohesion in Northern Greece, with Thessaloniki as a centre," he said.

Simitis stressed that structural changes were the key to increase economic effectiveness.

"In the deregulated sectors of the economy, competition has flourished with impressive results," the premier said. "In the capital market a total of 15,000 new jobs have been created in the last five years and another 6,500 jobs in the mobile telephony. We insist in deregulating domestic markets. We are fully deregulating the telecommunications market by the end of the year, and the electricity market by February 2001. We are also deregulating domestic sea transports before 2004," he said.

The prime minister said the government was giving great importance in supporting small- and medium-sized enterprises through tax cuts and other measures.

Simitis said that another important aspect of structural changes was seeking a more efficient function of public administration, and reforming the country's social security system.

"Our government has the responsibility to offer right, viable and steady solutions to the social security problem, based on the country's economic growth prospects and population figures," he said.

Growth is both a target and a weapon, the premier said. "Growth will lead us to increased employment and to increased workers' income. Growth and employment move together," Simitis noted.

He said that foreign conditions were favourable to create new jobs in the country. "Our economy is ready for a growth take-off, with an expected growth rate of 5.0 percent," he said.

Simitis said the government was seek a dialogue with its social partners on the issue of combatting unemployment and boosting employment, but stressed that it was determined to move forward with its vision of creating mass job positions and not just improvements.

He also urged for an overhaul of the education system to adapt to a "knowledge society".

"Our aim is that all Greek pupils will have access to the Internet by the end of 2001," Simitis said.

The prime minister also referred to the need for reforms in the health sector and in particular in the National Health System in order to become a modern, efficient and competitive health system.

"A new millennium finds Greece with economic, social and political stability. We are moving forward with confidence to our power and capabilities. We do not close our eyes in globalisation, nor we put our heads in the sand facing technological challenges," Simitis said.

The prime minister urged for consensus from workers, businesses and the state to build a strong Greece.

[02] Simitis says Greece needs to take further steps forward

Athens, 04/09/2000 (ANA)

"You will see me for many more years to come," Simitis said when asked whether he would be a candidate for prime minister in the next four year term and a candidate for president of the ruling PASOK at its next congress. He went on to explain the reasons why the political horizons of his personal plans will exceed by far the four-year period.

"I have received a mandate from the Greek people to complete my work," he said, adding that his work and PASOK's objective is henceforth, following Greece's approval into the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU), "for the country to proceed even more into the real convergence."

"We are at 70 per cent of the average standard of living of the citizens of the EU-member countries. There is still a distance on issues such as education, health and infrastructure. Greece must take more steps and we should not forget that Greece was once an underdeveloped country," Simitis said.

The prime minister went on to dismiss as totally false and slanderous impressions being cultivated that the government is being controlled by powers and economic interests. Of course vested interests and pressures exist, but the government is aware of this problem and has taken a series of measures to check all agreements, as well as through a new legislation for the assignment of projects," he said.

"There are rules and the rules will be respected. We must also not forget that there are European Union rules, and those who are interested can recourse to the European Commission as has been done in the case of the Thessaloniki Metro," Simitis added.

The prime minister was also categoric on the issue of the new police identity cards. He said that the government and the state was not in juxtaposition with the Church and that their roles are different. The issue of the IDs is of the competency of the state and this issue is closed, he stressed.

Simitis said that issues which could constitute an object for dialogue with the Church hierarchy are those of ecclesiastical education, church property and ecclesiastical justice.

He made it clear that he had no intention of meeting Archbishop Christodoulos. Simitis said it was the Archbishop's turn to meet him.

Regarding the Archbishop's call for a referendum on the issue of the IDs, Simitis said that human rights are not confronted with referendums and that the right of every citizen to have his personal data respected cannot be restricted.

Asked whether he was pleased with the government's pace of work, Simitis noted that continuous efforts are required at all times, citing as two different examples the issue of Olympic Airways and the Athens 2004 Olympic Games. On the Olym-pics, he said that what is judged is the image of Greece as a developed country.

Simitis also said that the government would not hesitate to proceed in disputes concerning labour relations, insurance issues and other outstanding issues. "We would not be a government if we simply submitted proposals in discussions with competent agencies and in the event that we did not agree we would remain with our hands folded," he added.

Referring to the Athens Stock Exchange, the prime minister said that the healthy course of the economy constitutes a basis for the course of the bourse. He added that the Greek economy was stable and that the Athens Stock Exchange had prospects.

On the broader political scene, he said that "what is needed today is new blood, young people and new procedures."

[03] Opposition parties sharply criticise premier's statements in TIF

Athens, 04/09/2000 (ANA)

"He said nothing, on how he aims to protect the country from the threats it is faced with and on how he will defend our national positions. He said nothing for the youth and the continual deconstruction of our educational system. He said nothing on the explosion of unemployment that is damaging the country. He said nothing regarding the small and mid-size enterprises and the farmers," Karamanlis said.

On its part, the Communist Party of Greece (KKE) issued a press release stating that "the continuation of the same policy via fire and brimstone, will make worse the conditions for the lower income classes and will add more income to the plutocracy," adding that "the labour and oppressed popular forces" will collide with this policy.

Coalition of the Left and Progress (Synaspismos), in its press release, noted that "Simitis demands 'consensus' by the weak social classes, which bore the weight of entry to the European Monetary Union (EMU). The dogma-like attachment to this policy is a threat to our society, anymore."

Democratic Social Movement (DHKKI) leader Dimitris Tsovolas warned the prime minister regarding, what he called, the oncoming "social turbulence following decades of sacrifices aiming at Greece's entry to the EMU".

Opposition parties, also, reacted to the premier's speech at the TIF on Saturday, with ND saying that Greece is the only country in the European Union, where unemployment is increasing.

KKE claimed that reality can not be hidden, while Synaspismos said that the new Greece can not be build on old conservative policies and DHKKI calling the speech an "empty leftist verbalism with rightwing policy".

On his part, on Saturday, Government spokesman Dimitris Reppas, in response to the opposition parties' comments said that the speech reflects the demands of today and called the decision of ND cadres to stay away from events at the TIF an insult.

[04] Simitis inaugurates National Research and Technology Centre

Athens, 04/09/2000 (ANA)

Simitis told reporters after the opening ceremony that EKETA will be "a nucleus for research and cooperation in Europe" and "a centre of cooperation in the the Balkans. "

The centre, located at the Technological Park in the area of Thermi, is supervised by the Development Ministry's General Secretariat for Research and Technology.

The aim of the centre is to support technological research in such fields as industry, informatics, telematics, telecommunications, transport, agricultural production and food control.

Present at the inauguration ceremony were Development Mi-nister Nikos Christodoulakis, Macedonia-Thrace Minister Giorgos Pashalidis, National Economy Deputy Minister Christos Pahtas, deputies and many business people.

[05] Simitis addresses PASOK members in Thessaloniki

Athens, 04/09/2000 (ANA)

The prime minister, speaking on the eve of the 26th anniversary of the establishment of PASOK, told the gathering that the economic and political changes that are currently taking place throughout the world are already being dynamically expressed in Greek society.

He said that the challenges to be faced are enormous as "the rules and terms of the game are now being shaped for the next two decades."

[06] Premier calls for insistence in Cyprus negotiations

Athens, 04/09/2000 (ANA)

"We should insist in negotiating, to get up and leave, would be the worst service we can provide," he said, adding that "(Rauf) Denktash is playacting" and that "we should make clear to the international community".

Speaking on Greek-Turkish relations, the prime minister said that as far as Greece is concerned there is only one problem to be resolved with Turkey and that is the continental shelf issue, adding that this will be accomplished by relating to everybody that the demands and the questions set forth by the other side from time to time "are not in any way acceptable by Greece".

He said, however, that the policy of completing and signing side-issue agreements with Ankara would continue.

Simitis, also, noted that with the Helsinki decision to accept Turkey's candidacy to the European Union, "we included Turkey to a process" which by itself is creating pressures to make deci-sions and forces Turkey to recognise the rules of International Law".

"We will continue to attempt to bring Turkey to recognise its responsibilities and then its up to it to act or to find it self left at the margin," he said, adding that the remarks of President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos on Greek-Turkish relations were correct.

Speaking on the government's policy regarding the Balkans, Simitis said that Greece's standing in the region is much better than in past years, saying "we entered a correct course, our strategy is yielding results, there is a feeling of a common mission, there is a feeling shared by all and especially by the others, that they can depend on Greece regarding their course toward the European Union."

Responding to comments of problems regarding Greek investments in Albania and accusation of Belgrade on Athens' policy toward the Yugoslavian problems, Simitis said that these are normal symptoms, which are part of the long-term course of development of the relations between Greece and its northern neighbours.

"Our aim in the region is much wider. Our strategy aims to formulate our relations with our neighbours, in such a way as to promote economic exchanges and investments from within a relation of friendship, cooperation and common understanding," he said.

He called Yugoslavia a "special problem" and a "source of tension", which "because of the policies it pursues does not aid a peaceful development" in the region, meanwhile refusing the accusations of the current Serbian leadership over Greece's stance in the Yugoslav problem, analyzing Greece's efforts to avoid the embargo imposed on that country, as well as its efforts to lift it later on.

"The Yugoslav political leadership, should recognise the creative contribution of Greece in confronting the problem and especially for the country to contribute at last to a better relationship in the Balkans", Simitis concluded.

[07] Papandreou comments on course of Greek-Turkish relations

EVIAN, France 04/09/2000 (ANA - M. Spinthourakis)

Commenting on statements made by his Turkish counterpart Ismail Cem on Friday concerningf the settlement of Greek-Turkish differences as well as on the contents of the Turkish minister's letter to the 15 EU-member states, Papandreou said that Turkey, like any other candidate country for EU accession, had every right to express its views, especially on issues concerning its prospects for EU entry.

Papandreou said that through this letter, Turkey claims anew that the Cyprus issue is a problem which is not linked with the course of its accession to the EU. This, the Greek minister stressed, does not correspond to the reality which was shaped following the EU summit in Helsinki last December. The Cyprus issue, and the differences with Greece, are problems which Turkey is obliged to face from the time it was officially named as a candidate country seeking entry into the EU, Papandreou said. This view will also be recorded in the text of Turkey's partnership relation with the EU which is currently at the stage of being drafted, Papandreou added.

The Greek foreign minister also referred to his upcoming meeting with Cem in New York on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly and said that this meeting will constitute a chance to assess the course of Greek-Turkish relations but also to plan on the steps which will follow. Without going into detail, Papandreou said among the issues which he will discuss with his Turkish counterpart will be the procedure of confidence-building measures between Greece and Turkey.

Papandreou said the the situation prevailing in the Balkans and particularly in Serbia, in light of the forthcoming elections there, is among the topics which the EU foreign ministers will discuss at their informal meeting here. He said that Greece will reiterate its opposition to the continuation of economic sanctions against Yugoslavia.

[08] Papandreou addresses EU FMs on Balkans, Greek-Turkish relations, Cyprus problem

EVIAN, France 04/09/2000 (ANA - M. Spinthourakis)

He stressed that Greece is the European Union's member-state most heavily affected by the economic and social instability of the Balkan countries, noting that these conditions were in their greater part due to the disappointment of those countries as the Union's policies for the region were ineffective, since they did not produce tangible results.

Papandreou noted that Greece was interested in promoting, immediately, the democratization and economic development of the Balkans, adding that he will convey that message to - possibly - all Balkan countries and especially those who are about to hold elections, including Yugoslavia.

Regarding Yugoslavia, Papandreou said that the Union's policy, in showcasing Yugoslavia as the "demon", was not the best possible course of action, thus briefing his counterparts of his planned visit to Belgrade, which did not meet with resistance.

In fact, French Foreign Minister Hubert Vedrine, who was presiding at the meeting, said that such a visit "is a Greek diplomatic initiative, which could prove useful."

Papandreou, during the ministers' luncheon, discussed the Gre-ek-Turkish relations and the Cyprus problem, reiterating Gree-ce's position that the decisions of the Helsinki Summit, regar-ding Greek-Turkish differences and Cyprus, be included without changes to the relevant document on Turkish-EU par-tnership relations, which is under formulation by the responsible European Commission services.

Speaking to Greek journalists, Papandreou noted that there were no negative reactions to all that he said at the conference by any of the representatives of other member-states, stressing that there would be many intra-Union talks regarding the text of the Turkish-EU partnership agreement, which will not reach the Council before November.

[09] Kaklamanis pleased with outcome of conference of national parliaments

NEW YORK, 04/09/2000 (ANA)

The conference focused on the Cyprus problem and on the need for closer cooperation between the national parliaments and the United Nations for the securing of more democratic procedures in the organisation's decision-taking.

Kaklamanis said that the Cyprus issue was going through a critical phase due to the efforts by Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash and Ankara to undermine the UN-led proximity talks.

He added that "during my meetings, I ascertained with satisfaction that there is a better briefing with regard the problem of Cyprus and I can say that I am returning to Greece more optimistic than when I started this trip."

In arrival statements in Athens on Sunday morning, Kaklamanis said "our positions concerning the course of the Cyprus issue, which was a central issue in the discussions I had, have met with response on the level of parliaments."

He said "the European governments are those which will shape the European Union's partnership relation with Turkey, some-thing which is of importance for the Cyprus issue, in the sense that the terms set out in (the EU summit in) Helsinki (last De-cember) must be included." Kaklamanis said "these terms impo-se that progress must be made in the Cyprus issue with Turkey making efforts to modernise, respect international law and make progress in its relations with Greece. All these factors must be incorporated in the partnership relation, because they will determine to what extent Turkey will forge towards Europe."

Kaklamanis added that "on this issue, the parliaments have a more accurate, more friendly view of our positions because they are not influenced by expediencies which are related to orders for arms or any other type of economic interests, which, unfortunate-ly, for certain governments are more important than principles and declarations, to which at least the European Union must insist on with firmness."

[10] Yovanovic says Belgrade determined to send troops and police to Kosovo

The Yugoslav foreign minister described Kosovo as an integral part of Serbia and Yugoslavia and that its present regime was temporary.

"Serbia will return to Kosovo with its own authority, its own army and police. Serbia will return to its borders with all its neighbours, including Albania. Those who calculate differently do not take Serbia into account and misinterpret the history of Yugoslavia," he said.

It is recalled that the agreement which was signed following the end of the bombardments provides for the development of certain military and police forces in Kosovo for the safeguarding of the borders and of the border crossings. However, the UN Security Council has not set a timetable for such a thing.

Yovanovic stated that "the return of the Yugoslav armed forced is something unnegotiable and can happen at any time," adding that "we insist and are ready to return even tomorrow to Kosovo."

In mid-week, Yugoslav troops and police held exercises with live ammunition on the Serbia-Kosovo border, while Belgrade let it be understood that President Slobodan Milosevic is planning to visit Kosovo.

Independently of the Serbian side's moves, it is regarded as highly unlikely that Serbian troops and police will return to Kosovo under the present conditions given that such a thing would spark a new round of armed clashes with the Albanian nationalists.

In the same interview, the Yugoslav foreign minister launched a stinging attack against international policy and the military command in Kosovo, accusing them of cooperating with terrorism. He claimed that "Kosovo has been transformed into a vault for crime and terrorism."

[11] Pangalos - Burns inaugurate Andy Warhol exhibition

Athens, 04/09/2000 (ANA)

"Thessaloniki is being established as a centre of modern art not only in Greece, but in the Balkans and Europe, " he said, adding "in Thessaloniki, we are already rich concerning modern art, while in Athens we have just begun to take our first steps."

On his part, Burns called Warhol "a chronicler of the national culture of the USA" and a great translator of the relation between culture and trade, adding that he and his wife were very proud to showcase in their living room a portrait depicting Alexander the Great, painted by Warhol.

The exhibition includes 74 paintings by Warhol and 8 by his mother Julia Warhola, and is part of the contribution of the United States to the 65th Thessaloniki International Trade Fair, where the US is the honored country.

[12] Northern Attica coastline threatened by oil-spill

Athens, 04/09/2000 (ANA)

The dry cargo vessel "Eurobulker 10" split in two and sank while it was being loaded with cement at Lefkanti bay in Evia.

The Cambodian-flagged leaked 670 tons of fuel, 25 tons of diesel and 15,000 litres of other petrol products, polluting the area. Authorities were working to contain the spill.

[13] Italian TIF exhibition ramada inaugurated

Athens, 04/09/2000 (ANA)

Italy's Ambassador Augustino Matis was also present at the event.

[14] Germany beats Greece 2-0 in World Cup qualifier

Athens, 04/09/2000 (ANA)

In another Group Nine match, Finland beat Albania 2-1. The other team in the group is England which has yet to play.

[15] President Clerides heads for New York

LONDON, 04/09/2000 (CNA/ANA)

Speaking Saturday in London after a meeting with the Secretariat of the Cyprus Federation of Great Britain, President Clerides said the only way to solve the Cyprus problem was compliance with the parametres set out by the United Nations, adding that "any effort outside these parametres cannot lead to a settlement" and expressed hope that "the Turkish side will perceive this".

The proximity talks, separate meetings of the UN with President Clerides and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash, began last December and a fourth round is scheduled to start on September 12, in New York, aiming at paving the way for substantive negotiations leading to a comprehensive settlement in Cyprus, divided since Turkey invaded and occupied the northern third of the island in 1974.

The President noted that he discussed with the Federation the current situation of the Cyprus problem and stressed "the difficulties we arefacing".

He said there were "various ways" of proceeding and that the aim was "to find a peaceful, viable, functional solution, which will safeguard Cypriot Hellenism in its ancestors' homeland".

President Clerides noted his appreciation towards the Greek Cypriot community in Great Britain, which "for years has been following developments in the Cyprus problem" and has made efforts "to influence British governments in the right direction".

He also described Turkey's partnership with the European Union as an important milestone in the Cyprus problem and stressed the significance of Cyprus' European Union accession prospects.

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