Antenna: News in English, 96-11-20

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From: Antenna Radio <http://www.antenna.gr> - email: antenna@compulink.gr

News in English, of 20/11/1996

TITLES

• The prime minister announces tough economic measures for '97.
• New Democracy grapples with its problems at the polls.
• And, a book that sheds new light on some old beacons.

SIMITIS

"The main task before us", he said in justifying the belt-tightening, "is guaranteeing that Greece can participate in further European economic integration, defend its national interests against Turkish aggression and play an important role in the Balkans". At home, the job is modernising the economy and creating a caring state.

Kostas Simitis said European Union currency integration, due to begin in 1999, is of key importance to Greece.

In the EU, he said, decisions of importance to Greece's national security interests will be made. Greece must be fully integrated into the economic developments or risk diplomatic marginalisation in the region, a weakening of the country's negotiating power. In addition, there will be economic problems if Greece is left out in the European cold: EU funds that subsidize vital infrastructure projects and farmers incomes will be lost.

Pasok's goal is making sure Greece is among the second group of EU states to enter the European monetary unit at the beginning of the next century. Simitis says Greece must be where the other developed nations are, and that his government will make the economy competitive, and society economically just.

The prime minister said that all Greeks have a duty to contribute to the difficult task of strengthening the economy. But he repeated that the wealthiest must shoulder more of the burden than the economically weak, out of fairness.

In recent years, he continued, progress has been made. Inflation has been brought down, the state deficit reduced. But the deficit is still a monster, and it must be dealt with.

For that reason, he said, in 1997, "unjustifiable" tax breaks will be abolished, and corporate tax breaks will be restricted; public sector spending will be slashed, meaning fewer public sector hirings; and interest on state bonds will be taxed, as will large properties.

Kostas Simitis also said that Pasok will boost the economically weak, offering as examples his plans to enhance agricultural pensions and invest in programmes to cut unemployment.

More than that, he added, the government cannot offer. Attempts by various social groups to get more than what the budget allows for will get nowhere, he said, arguing that attempts to win concessions not in the budget can only work against the goal of creating a strong Greece.

A strong Greece means strong armed forces, according to the prime minister. He made special reference to plans for massive armaments outlays, saying the heavy cost of upgrading the military makes it imperative that the economy is strenghtened. That alone will give the country greater diplomatic muscle and enable it eventually to ease up on military spending.

Mr Simitis says Greece is at the dawn of the most important period since 1974, when the military dictatorship ended. A period which will determine whether or not Greece can realize its quote "new Great Idea", the dream of a Greece participating activley in international developments.

If all Greeks work together, says Simitis, then the idea will become a reality.

ECONOMY/PAPANTONIOU

Iannos Papantoniou said bond interest will be taxed at 7.5 per cent, 282 tax breaks are being stricken from the books, and the tax man will become more zealous about collecting what the state's due.

Properties valued at over 300 thousand dollars will be hit with progressive taxes.

That all relates to those the government calls the "haves".

The have nots, public sector employees and pensioners, will be getting modest raises next year which the government SAYS will keep pace with inflation.

Finally, to raise money for the red-spattered treasury, the government intends to sell off a number of state-owned enterprises.

REACTIONS

ND

The vice president of New Democracy is getting lots of advice from various quarters within his party. Party members are telling him HOW they think additional delegates to next year's party congress should be chosen.

The congress will elect a new party leader, so the delegates are important. Opponents of party leader Miltiades Evert want them elected by the party base.

Varvitsiotis has been charged with making a proposal on the issue to the party's political council. That recommendation was expected Wednesday. But with conflicting pressures making themselves felt, that meeting won't come before next week.

The September general election loss is also causing tension in the opposition party. A party report on the reasons for the loss has some people upset. The report says the party failed to convince voters it was capable of running the country. It also says people were disappointed by the LAST New Democracy government, and by squabbling within the party.

Leading party members are asking Evert to postpone a meeting to discuss the report, so that further tension can be avoided.

SHIP

Divers had been hoping to find the four seamens' bodies on board the ship, which sits 160 metres under the sea; they've also been conducting salvage operations.

Three naval vessles will now continue the search. The navy justified reducing the resources given over to the operation, saying that damage to a submarine camera has temporarily reduced the need for divers and support.

That camera is expected to be back in service in three or four weeks.

In the meantime, the navy is looking for alternative ways of stepping up the search and salvage operations.

BASKETBALL

On Monday night, Pao, Ofi and Kavala win at home. Kalamata and Athinaikos triumph on the road. And Aris and Paok - no score in that one.

In pro-basketball, Panathinaikos upends Larisa. Peristeri and Piraikos - no DEFENCE in THAT one. And Papagou gets the win over Panionios.

©ANT1-Radio 1996

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