A.N.A. Bulletin, 06/05/96

From: "Greek Press & Information Office, Ottawa Canada" <[email protected]>

Athens News Agency Directory

ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No 878), May 6, 1996

Greek Press & Information Office

Ottawa, Canada

E-Mail Address: [email protected]

CONTENTS

[1] Simitis: New program, targets needed for PASOK

In an interview published yesterday in the Sunday edition of the respected French daily "Le Monde," Prime Minister Costas Simitis said potential changes in the ruling party decided at an upcoming party congress should deal with both individuals and PASOK' s program.

I have been supporting the need for us to modernize PASOK for a long time. It needs a new program, new targets and new organization. My ideas have started being imposed. I hope that the congress in the summer this year will take the appropriate decisions," he said.

Mr. Simitis added that thanks to his government "politics have been once again placed at the focal point of public interest," since the period after the fall of the junta, that began in 1974, has been completed, as he stated.

He defended his economic policy, saying "there is no slackening" and that the policy "leading to European convergence" is being continued, "we will take necessary measures if the need arises."

Mr. Simitis said the government was determined to achieve targets for monetary union and that what should be taken into consideration, when the time comes, were progress, efforts made, economic conjuncture and political criteria, along with additional support that should be given to countries with an "economic lag."

Referring to Greek-Turkish relations, Mr. Simitis rejected the proposal put forward by Turkish Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz for a dialogue on all issues, and said that both the European Union and the United States agreed to a recourse to international judicial bodies.

Mr. Simitis clearly implied that he will insist on a veto at the European Union concerning implementation of the EU-Turkey customs union, should Ankara fail to accept preconditions set by Greece, and does not resort to the International Court of Justice at The Hague on the issue of the Imia islets.

"Turkey's recent claims over the Imia islets unfortunately proves that it nourishes territorial designs. The Greek government was thus forced to change its positions. It will not tolerate the use of threats and the repeated claims," the premier said. "If Turkey condemns the use of threats and refers to the (International) Court at The Hague the issue of Imia, Greece is ready to follow it," he added.

Mr. Simitis said the 15-member Union should have a common foreign policy and mechanisms expressing it, expressing disappointment because "the interest of EU member-states over the Imia crisis was non-existent," but added that following his contacts in Europe "they are showing some interest in resolving the problem."

Referring to the issue of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), Mr. Simitis expressed a hope "that negotiations in New York would be concluded soon," adding that a solution to the name dispute would allow for the granting of aid from Greece to FYROM.

Mr. Simitis underlined that Greece was prepared "to contribute together with its partners toward convening a conference of countries in the region aimed at confirming the inviolability of borders and territorial integrity, as well as a peaceful solution to differences."

[2] EDU resolution calls for respect of int'l law, existing border

The European Democratic Union (EDU) said in a resolution issued in Thessaloniki over the weekend that "respect for international law, international treaties, existing borders of states and dedication to the peaceful settlement of disputes are prerequisite s for the peaceful development of the (Balkan) region."

The EDU administrative committee was chaired by Austria's former foreign minister, Alois Mock, at the invitation of the main opposition New Democracy party.

Specifically, the committee primarily discussed the political situation in the Balkans and particularly developments in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia.

"The EDU is gravely concerned about the difficulties in the political development of Yugoslavia, which is not allowing a just multi-party evolution, nor the development of a free and independent mass media," the organization stated in the resolution. It added that the EDU would closely follow political developments in Yugoslavia, particularly regarding opposition parties, while expressing concern over the proceedings initiated against Zoran Djindjic, the leader of the Democratic Party for statements he made criticizing Premier Marianovic.

Concerning the situation in Kosovo, the EDU expressed not only its concern but also sadness over what it called "the continuing mass oppression of the Albanian population and failure of Belgrade to provide up to now a sound legal, political, economic an d social framework for the population."

Furthermore, EDU called on all European countries and the United States to use their diplomatic relations with Yugoslavia to convince Belgrade over the need for a peaceful settlement in Kosovo and other areas, as well as adherence to agreements on the protection of ethnic groups and minorities which were adopted at the London Conference in 1993.

[3] Martens reiterates EPP support for Athens' positions in disputes with Ankara

European Peoples' Party (EPP) President and former Belgian premier Wilfred Martens expressed support over the weekend for Greece's positions in its difficult relations with Turkey, accusing the European Union of adopting a passive stance on problems which have arisen between the two neighbors.

"If Europe wants to have a single policy, it must support Greek positions and Greece's demands," the EPP president told reporters Saturday, shortly after being made an honorary citizen of Nafplio.

Mr. Martens promised that Belgium and the EPP would continue to provide solidarity and assistance to Greece. Main opposition New Democracy party leader Miltiades Evert accompanied Mr. Martens, who left shortly afterwards for the island of Spetses.

[4] Parliament debate tonight on national issues

A debate on national issues in Parliament tonight at the party leaders' level is awaited with particular interest, in view of recent developments on several foreign policy fronts. The Parliament session will be the first comprehensive debate in the representative body since the latest crisis in Greek-Turkish relations following a stand-off in the eastern Aegean over the Imia islets at the end of January.

The debate will also provide an opportunity for views to be aired on the latest round of New York negotiations on the issue of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia's (FYROM) name, and comes shortly after visits by Prime Minister Costas Simitis and Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos to the United States and Europe.

Mr. Simitis is expected to brief Parliament on developments in Greek-Turkish relations and the FYROM issue, following his recent United States trip and a meeting with US President Bill Clinton.

It also appears likely that main opposition New Democracy party leader Miltiades Evert will focus criticism on the commencement of an informal Greek-Turkish dialogue in light of a meeting between Mr. Pangalos and his Turkish counterpart, Emre Gonensay, on the sidelines of a Black Sea Economic Cooperation Conference in Bucharest, which was held last week, as well as anticipated talks between the two foreign ministers in Berlin, slated for June.

ND has already warned the government not to "slide" into what it described as a "dangerous" dialogue with Turkey. Meanwhile, the Political Spring and Communist Party of Greece (KKE) are expected to also target their criticisms on the government's handling of Greek-Turkish problems and the FYROM issue.

Apart from the prime minister and opposition party leaders, Mr. Pangalos and a representative from each of the parties are expected to participate in the debate, which is being held on the government's initiative.

National Defense Minister Gerassimos Arsenis may also address Parliament. The debate will be broadcast live by the state-run ET-1 television network beginning at 7 p.m. and is expected to end at around midnight.

[5] Turkish warplanes repeatedly violate Athens FIR

Turkish aircraft violated air traffic rules in the Athens FIR on Friday and infringed Greek national airspace on several occasions in the northeastern Aegean area and the Dodecanese over the weekend, according to reports. In one violation of Greek airspace between the islands Symi and Tilos by a formation of Turkish aircraft, there was also "involvement" with Greek fighters, reports state.

In addition, Ankara's military is currently conducting an aeronautical exercise in the southeastern Aegean as far south as Kastellorizo. The exercise is being monitored by Greek warships, while in all cases of violations of national airspace by the foreign planes, interception is undertaken by Hellenic Air Force aircraft.

According to reports, tension has slightly increased in the southeastern Aegean over the past few days, but all moves by Turkish armed forces units are being monitored, although military forces in the region have not been alerted. In a related incident, a Turkish helicopter flew over the islet of Strongyli, adjacent to Kastellorizo, a week ago.

[6] Clerides arrives in Athens for meetings with Greek leadership

Cypriot President Glafkos Clerides arrived in Athens yesterday for talks with President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos and Prime Minister Costas Simitis.

On his arrival, the island republic's head of state commented on statements he had made during his departure from Larnaca earlier in the day regarding the Cyprus issue.

"If there is progress on the question of security, then substantial amendments will have to be made to existing conventions regarding alliances and guarantees. A five-party summit will have to be convened to work out those amendments," he said, adding that the security issue included withdrawal of Turkish illegal settlers and Turkish occupation troops, future guarantees and the creation of an international force under the mandate of the United Nations Security Council.

This force, Mr. Clerides continued, would have the right to intervene if the independence or territorial integrity of Cyprus, or if either one of its communities, were endangered.

Replying to a press question as to the possible participation of the European Union or the United States, the Cypriot president said: "If this were to happen, then certainly for certain questions of internal administration the views of the European Union should be heard, since any agreement would need to contain no impediments to (Cyprus') accession into the EU."

During his stay in Athens, President Clerides will be awarded an honorary doctorate from Athens University's law school, as well as the gold medal of honor from the City of Athens.

[7] Premier winds up tour of eastern Macedonia, Thrace

Prime Minister Costas Simitis concluded a three-day tour of eastern Macedonia and Thrace with a visit Saturday afternoon to Alexandroupolis and Sappes, Rodopi.

Earlier in the day, Mr. Simitis visited the Ormenio border community in the Evros prefecture, where the borders of Greece, Turkey and Bulgaria meet. That trip marked the first time a Greek prime minister visited the area. During a speech to local residents, Mr. Simitis referred to the sensitive location of the town and commented on the need for the presence by the armed forces, which would be able to give a "strong and effective response when necessary," he stated.

However, he expressed a view that the government's diplomatic efforts had put Turkey on the defensive, while more efforts were required to make Ankara abandon its claims against Greece. The prime minister referred at length to plans for infrastructure works in Thrace, including improvements to Alexandroupolis' port and airport, creation of a zone for small-to-medium-sized manufacturing businesses in Orestiada, housing projects and a university hospital under construction in Alexandroupolis.

In addition, law enforcement academies are to open in Xanthi, Didymoticho and Komotini, training some 2,500 police officers, he continued, while he also noted improved services offered by drug interdiction units investigating such crimes in Alexandroupolis and Orestiada. A third unit is being considered for Komotini, he added.

In Ormenio itself, border posts are being constructed to help facilitate increased tourism and a power plant is under construction, while funding has been acquired for a local development program..

The premier concluded his visit with a visit to the university hospital under construction in Alexandroupolis. The 670-bed facility, the largest in the Balkans, is expected to be completed by the year 2000 at a total cost of 20 billion drachmas.

Mr. Simitis' final stop was the town of Sappes, which he called a unique experiment in Greece, in that it was an example of a multicultural society where Christian and Moslem Greeks, along with Greek refugees from the Pontos region (Black Sea), lived in harmony.

"This is a challenge which we must rise to," Mr. Simitis observed, remarking on a regional program. in progress for the area's development. He replied to a petition from Pontic refugees by drawing attention to plans to transfer the services of the Repatriated Greeks' Foundation to Thrace.

Mr. Simitis, along with the delegation of several ministers accompanying him, visited the town's youth center and a refugee housing project, the largest of its kind in Greece, with 285 homes.

[8] Coalition calls for development, not words on Thrace issue

A Coalition of the Left and Progress (Synaspismos) announcement on Saturday said Thrace needed projects promoting development and equality of rights, and not words repeating past and unfulfilled promises.

Referring to Prime Minister Costas Simitis' tour of the border region, Synaspismos attributed responsibilities to the governments of PASOK and New Democracy "for abandoning Thrace, which remains the poorest region in the country and the European Union," adding that "the multiform development of the region and a new policy of equality of rights, equality of status and cultural equality for all, constituted the best reply to the destabilizing scenarios of extremist circles."

[9] More development funds earmarked for eastern Macedonia, Thrace

Development programs for eastern Macedonia and Thrace were unveiled yesterday by Development Minister Vasso Papandreou in Xanthi, where she addressed a gathering of regional authorities. Ms. Papandreou said that of 223 billion drachmas approved for public works in the area, 55.5 billion consisted of additional funds for construction projects in the prefectures of Kavala, Drama, Xanthi, Rodopi and Evros.

The greater part of the money will go toward completing a natural gas project for Komotini's new power unit, an underwater electricity cable connecting the island of Samothrace and for hydroelectric dams.

On Saturday, during a visit to a Public Power Corp. (DEH) hydroelectric project, under construction since 1983, the development minister expressed a view that the project, along with the Komotini natural gas unit, would be one of the largest in Europe and would play a major role in developing the region, as well as in Greece's co-operation with other Balkan nations.

When completed, the project is expected to top the 240 billion drachmas mark, while participation by Greek technical firms is expected to stand at 95 per cent.

In addition, Nestos River waters will be used, which will subsequently be channeled to irrigate some 200,000 acres of agricultural land in Drama, Nestos, Xanthi and Rodopi prefectures. The project, consisting of three hydroelectric stations, is expected to begin operation next spring.

Meanwhile, in regard to tourism, Ms. Papandreou yesterday announced the government's intention to develop a ski resort at the Falakro site in the Drama prefecture; to complete a marina on the island of Thasos and operate mineral baths at Kessani, Xanthi, while it also plans completion of works at the Ormenio border post as well as opening an underground cavern network at Maronia, Rodopi, to tourists. In addition, plans call for nine additional tourist information bureaus in eastern Macedonia and Thrace.

[10] 'Dual leadership' issue dominating PASOK discussions

The issue of dual leadership is turning into a major issue in an internal conflict within the ruling PASOK party, while leading party cadres are continuing to voice their views on the issue in light of an upcoming party congress.

In an interview with the "Kyriakatiki Eleftherotypia" newspaper yesterday, National Economy Minister Yiannos Papantoniou warned of the danger of an election defeat for PASOK if the congress decided in favor of dual leadership, and appealed for less public contentiousness, because it created uncertainty and because it harms the course of the economy.

In an interview with the same newspaper, PASOK Eurodeputy Paraskevas Avgerinos said electing a party Vice-President was unnecessary and proposed that PASOK's secretary should participate in the cabinet as a minister, while the prime minister should participate de jure in the executive bureau.

In an interview with the newspaper "Ethnos," government spokesman Dimitris Reppas called on PASOK's leadership to take an initiative with party leader Andreas Papandreou to pave the way for the election of a new PASOK president at the congress. On the other hand, Panayiotis Kritikos called on Andreas Papandreou to "respond dynamically" concerning proposals for his resignation from the party's leadership.

In the main opposition New Democracy party, despite a truce observed in an intra-party conflict due to organizational changes, interest is being focused on the party's national council next month. In an interview with "Ethnos," former ND deputy and minister Andreas Andrianopoulos called on party cadres to have the party's leadership replaced if they believed the party was not forging ahead with its present leadership.

Mr. Andrianopoulos expressed opposition to changes in the party and, referring to Prime Minister Costas Simitis, termed him serious, moderate and logical, but added that he did not want him to be a prime minister faced with a deadline.

[11] New generation Secretary-General resigns

It was reported yesterday that new generation Secretary-General Panayiotis Tsilingaridis has submitted his resignation, charging that individuals close to the prime minister are "undermining his work."

[12] WWII resistance figure speaks on war reparations issues

A meeting of the National Council for German War Reparations Claims in Thessaloniki yesterday was addressed by former World War II resistance hero Manolis Glezos, who commented that the reparations issue was proceeding satisfactorily.

Mr. Glezos, one of two youths that removed the swastika from the Acropolis soon after the Nazi occupation in 1941 and a former Parliament deputy, noted a recent meeting between Prime Minister Costas Simitis and German Chancellor Helmut Kohl, in which the latter accepted that the issue existed and referred the matter for discussion by the two countries' foreign ministers.

Meanwhile, turning to an earlier statement by German Foreign Minister Klaus Kinkel that Germany had already paid Greece 115 million deutschmarks for war victims, he said: "In fact, that money was paid so the Greek state would release the commandant of Nazi Germany's occupation forces in Thessaloniki, who had been arrested in 1959 while trying to recover treasure obtained from Jews sent to death camps."

The amount of German reparations, according to Mr. Glezos, totals at least US$10.5 billion, using 1938 values. He concluded that the only issues negotiable were the relative interest rate and the date and means of repayment.

[13] Int'l center for Orthodoxy to operate on Rhodes

Rhodes is envisioned as an international center for Orthodoxy following a foundation-laying ceremony for a Patriarchical Center, which was held yesterday on the island by Metropolitan of Halkidon Ioakeim, who represented Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos.

The Patriarchical Center will be constructed on public property to deal with the needs of the Dodecanese islands and at the same time constitute tangible proof of the Patriarchate's presence, Ioakeim said in an address.

The purpose of the center will be to organize theological and other conferences and to operate a library as well as to facilitate the study and promotion of the Orthodox Church. The environment, town planning and public works ministry has funded the project with 600 million drachmas, while the Patriarchical Center is expected to be completed in a year's time.

[14] Northern Greece cemetery badly vandalized

About 180 graves in a northern Greece cemetery were vandalized over the weekend, causing a large-scale mobilization by authorities to find the perpetrators.

According to police reports, the unknown vandals smashed marble crosses and tombstones as well as frames containing photographs of the deceased at the cemetery, outside the town of Iraklio in the Langadas district of Thessaloniki prefecture.

Thessaloniki police commander Giorgos Fritzalas visited the site, while a preliminary investigation into the incident is being carried out by the Langadas police precinct in co-operation with the Thessaloniki security department.

[15] New law on shareholders registration throws bourse into a spin

The Athens stock exchange (ASE) appears to have been thrown into confusion by a new legislation requiring registration of company stocks by firms involved in public contracts valued at more than one billion drachmas, a process taking more than three weeks.

In its initial phase, implantation of the law, which would require identification of principal shareholders, involves 39 companies now listed on the bourse. ASE officials have expressed fears over the bourse's short-term performance, while a number of foreign investors have reportedly begun liquidating a significant part of their stock portfolios in the construction sector.

It is also believed that individual shareholders' registration, as required by presidential decree 82-96, will have repercussions on major public construction works in progress, such as the Stavros-Elefsina toll-way around Athens and the Rio-Antirrio spanning bridge.

Foreign companies participating in these projects will also be required to register the total amount of their shares, something which is considered almost impossible.

In addition, reservations have been expressed as to the ability of the state telecommunications utility (OTE) to participate in public tenders (Spata airport, railways, etc.) since it will have to register individual shareholders.

According to unconfirmed reports, the government as well as opposition parties which had voted in favor of the law, are examining the possibility of adjustments in order to tone down any upheaval created in the stock exchange and the economy.

End of English language section.