Antenna: News in English (PM), 98-11-02

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

Last Updated: Monday, 02-Nov-98 20:37:13

CONTENTS

[01] Parliament-confidence vote

[02] Cyprus-E.U entry

[03] Sports

[01] Parliament-confidence vote

The prime minister called for the confidence vote after a mini cabinet reshuffle last week. Kostas Simitis thus laid down a challenge to Pasok MPs who disagree with his policies, to either show their dissent with a no vote, or step into line.

Addressing parliament Sunday, Simitis defended his economic policies, which are one of the main sources of discord within his party.

A determined Kostas Simitis told parliament and the nation Sunday, what he's been saying for some time: there will be no softening up of the tough economic policies designed to lower inflation and the deficit; policies necessary to get Greece into European economic and monetary union in a few years.

"Not one step backward, no compromises", said the prime minister on the first day of debate that will end in a vote of confidence in the government.

"The cycle of lost opportunities must end", added Kostas Simitis. "We will not sacrifice the national interest to opportunists" whose only interest is making themselves popular with voters.

The prime minister made it clear that he has no intention of letting groups that traditionally gravitate to Pasok get in the way of implementing his economic policies. He pointed out that he has not allowed the trade unions to block his attempts to privatise state companies.

Much of the prime minister's message is directed at his in-house critics. But his aim is to unite Pasok against the opposition parties.

Calling the opposition parties' political platforms "hazy and inconsistent", he vowed once again to take the country forward into the single European currency with the policies that work.

"Modernisation means a series of breaks with the past", said Simitis, setting himself at odds with what Greece needs from its leaders today, what it's had from them in the past, and what the other political parties are still offering.

New Democracy, said the prime minister , represents the past. When New Democracy leader Kostas Karamanlis said the prime minister lacks the personal qualities to lead the country, Simitis seized on it as an opportunity of obsolete political methods.

New Democracy, Simitis argues, has no clear policy alternatives. It's simply trying to build an anti- government block on the basis of vague, insubstantial, and often personal criticism.

"These personal attacks are for the cafe", said the prime minister. "They belong to the ways of the past. This is parliament, and we should respect it as an institution".

Karamanlis countered: "Who's insulting you? You're not up to the task of leading the country. That's not a personal insult, it's something even many people in your own party know".

In his remarks, Karamanlis said the government has stolen New Democracy policies, but not implemented them effectively. Karamanlis cited privatisations as an example of an area where Pasok has ineffectively adopted policies long central to the conservative platform.

[02] Cyprus-E.U entry

Cyprus is one of several nations to be included in the next round of EU expansion. EU membership talks with start on November 10th.

But Turkish-Cypriot leader Raouf Denktash says that if the talks go ahead, then it will make it more difficult to solve the Cyprus problem.

Denktash and Ankara have resolutely been trying to get the EU-Cyprus talks shelved for months. But the EU has refused to back down in the face of Turkey's threats to break off relations with the EU and formally annex occupied northern Cyprus if the talks proceed.

The Cypriot government argues that EU admission would be good for the Turkish Cypriots too, and has accordingly invited them to sit in on negotiations with the EU.

But Denktash has refused the offer. The Turkish-Cypriot press quotes him as saying the EU has given into Greek blackmail in refusing to cancel the admission talks.

EU officials have repeatedly told Denktash and Turkey that no one can tell the EU what to do and what not to do.

Turkey is miffed that Cyprus will become a member of the EU early in the next century, while it, Turkey, isn't even being considered for candidacy.

Turkey's relations with the EU have been strained because of its poor treatment of Greece, its refusal to help solve the Cyprus problem, and its poor human rights record.

The EU wants all three areas addressed before it gives Turkey the development aid that will help it get its economy on the road toward EU membership.

[03] Sports

Asanovich gets things going for Pao with a goal in the 13th minute of the match.

Karassavides equalises for the visitors befor half time.

And as time wanes in the second half, it looks like this one'll end in a draw. But Liberopoulos drives home the winner for Pao in injury time.

With seven wins and a loss, Pao has 21 points in the standings.

Aek is just a point behind it. Aek has six wins and two draws this season.

Olympiakos is in third place, after its weekend match with Paok was called after Paok fans rushed the field to protest an official's decision to disallow a goal. Olympiakos was ahead 2-1 when the incident occurred. The league will now decide which team should get how many points for the match.

Elsewhere over the weekend:

Xanthi and Paniliakos are in fourth and fifth place respectively after their triumphs.

Kavala proves too much for last-place Ethnikos. Aris and Apollon Athinon win at home. And Veria- Ofi: no score in that one.

Panathinaikos is also on the top of the heap in pro basketball. Pao cagers ran their record out to eight and oh over the weekend.

Dino Radja purs in 24 points for Pao as it whips visiting Iraklio 88-72. Radja, who also collects eleven rebounds, is one of four Pao players to hit for double figures.

(c) ANT1 Radio 1998

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