A.N.A. Bulletin, 27/07/96

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

Athens News Agency Directory

ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No 948), July 27, 1996

Greek Press & Information Office

Ottawa, Canada

E-Mail Address: [email protected]

CONTENTS

[1] Human rights a cornerstone of EU-Turkey relations, Gov't says

Greece has always linked the issue of human rights with development of relations between Turkey and the European Union, government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said yesterday in reply to questions on the situation prevailing in Turkish prisons.

Athens considers any matter related to human rights as a "high priority" issue," Mr. Reppas said. EU-Turkey relations "must be constantly governed by principles such as respect for human rights," Mr. Reppas stressed, adding that Athens had already "raised" the issue, but declined to elaborate on the manner this had been done, saying that "what is important is the result."

Eight leftist hunger strikers have died over the past week in Turkish jails in a protest against prison conditions. Dozens more are believed to be in critical condition.

Mr. Reppas said Athens felt some vindication from the fact that "many now acknowledge that the issue of violation of human rights in Turkey is today a real problem." Asked to comment on a US State Department announcement which spoke of a Turkish "domestic problem," Mr. Reppas said:

"Whatever relates to the domestic situation in Turkey is a domestic issue, but when we speak of human lives, which are being lost, all of mankind cannot remain indifferent and must show its interest with deeds," he added.

Meanwhile, Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis yesterday sent a letter to the presidents of the parliaments of European Union member-states, Canada, Russia, the US House of Representatives as well as the presidents of the European Parliament, the

Council of Europe, the Western European Union, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, and the NATO Assembly, pointing out that successive Turkish governments have engaged in recent years in an attempt to suppress all free speech and dissent, while the abolition of the elementary rights of a legal defense and inhumane conditions of detention of prisoners constitute only a sample of the flagrant violation of these rights.

"With the present letter, I return to this issue once again in order to express the strong concern of the Parliament of the Hellenes with this situation, which has repercussions not only within that country, but also constitutes yet one more provocation to the international community, and particularly to the countries of the European Union with which Turkey is already associated," Mr. Kaklamanis wrote.

He concluded by addressing an appeal to his counterparts to exert their influence for restoration of the legal rights of thousands of political prisoners in Turkey.

[2] Opposition remarks

Main opposition New Democracy party honorary president and former premier Constantine Mitsotakis said "the safeguarding of the basic freedoms and human rights of the Turkish people is an issue which concerns all of us."

In a statement yesterday, Mr. Mitsotakis spoke of "the tragic and inhuman events unfolding in Turkish prisons.

"Not only the majority of the Turkish people, but also Europe, the United States and Greece have every reason to support Turkey's course toward Europe begun by Kemal Ataturk," Mr. Mitsotakis said. On the "real and major" Kurdish problem, the former premier said that it was in Turkey's interests to confront it as a "minority issue, without the unity of the Turkish state being threatened."

Mr. Mitsotakis called on Europe and the United States not to turn a blind eye to Turkish violations of international law and human rights "because this will undermine their credibility" while at the same time encouraging Ankara.

Political Spring party leader Antonis Samaras criticized the official US reaction that the hunger strike issue in Turkey was an internal political matter.

"Human rights are an internal affair of no country. Respect for them is an issue of humanitarianism and civilization. Let Americans and Europeans then stop pretending they don't understand the difference between freedom and repression," he said.

In an announcement issued, the Communist Party of Greece (KKE) called on the Greek government to take "practical measures and initiatives" at international organizations concerning the plight of political prisoners in Turkish jails.

The KKE accused the United States and Germany of declaring their support for the "reactionary regime" of Ankara.

Party spokesman Makis Kopsidis described as "cynical" the statements of the US and German governments, the former speaking of "a Turkish domestic affair" and the latter calling on the political prisoners to end their hunger strike.

The Coalition of the Left said the "monstrous cynicism" of the world's major powers and "lack of reflexes" of the international community facilitated the "brutal violence" of the Turkish regime which was "exterminating" the political prisoners on hunger strike in jail.

In a statement, the Coalition said Washington was being provocative in speaking of "a domestic affair of Turkey" and called on the EU to suspend the financial protocol foreseen under its customs union with Ankara.

It also called on Athens and Greece's European Commissioner Christos Papoutsis to undertake "specific initiatives" at a Community level.

In addition, the Federation of Construction Workers and Related Professions of Greece issued a statement expressing solidarity with the Turkish political prisoners on hunger strike.

"The struggle of the political prisoners in Turkey is a struggle against the Turkish fascist regime, a struggle of all those who refuse to bow their head to barbarity," the federation said.

The Athens Bar Association also categorically condemned the violation of human rights in Turkish prisons.

"The victims of the struggle political detainees have begun in Turkey, asking for humane living conditions, elementary respect for human dignity, and safeguarding of the right of defense for those accused in political trials, constitute a stigma not only for the Turkish government, but also for the governments of the so-called civilized nations, whose indifference and toleration are a provocation to the whole of mankind," the statement said.

[3] NY Times report cites superior Athens airport security compared to JFK's

The day after US President Bill Clinton admitted the need for increased security measures at US airports, the "New York Times" published an article yesterday stating that Athens' airport is safer than JFK Airport, following recent press speculation after the crash of TWA flight 800 off Long Island, New York.

Some foreign media outlets questioned security in Greece's largest airport after it was reported that the downed TWA plane had previously flown an Athens-to-New York route. The plane subsequently remained in New York' JFK several hours before departing for its fatal flight to Paris.

In an article entitled "Experts say Greek airport's precautions against bombing are better than Kennedy's", reporter Pam Belluck writes: "Airline and airport staffs based in Athens and New York, along with aviation security experts, say that Hellenikon International Airport in Athens has more security precautions in effect than Kennedy International Airport. In fact, these experts say, European airports have gone much further toward combating the threat of explosives on airplanes than airports in the United States...

"For example, before the plane left Athens on the morning of July 17 as flight 881 to New York, a security firm that is a subsidiary of TWA searched for bombs, contraband or suspicious items hidden in parts of the aircraft, like the panels that line the luggage compartment and the crevices underneath the toilet or other bathroom fixtures.

"Such a security sweep was not done when the plane landed at Kennedy Airport or before it took off for Paris."

"Takis Tassopoulos, director of the Aviation Security Division in Athens, said Greek police dog units inspect each flight leaving for New York. Also in Athens, hand luggage is X-rayed twice, when passengers enter the terminal and just before they get on the plane, reducing the possibility that someone could place an explosive device in a passenger's carry-on luggage. At Kennedy Airport, hand luggage is X-rayed only upon entering the terminal, which is supposed to be sealed off from anyone who is not a passenger or an employee.

"Air cargo is also more strictly scrutinized in Athens, said a representative of a United States air carrier there who insisted on anonymity.

'We secure all our cargo,' said the official, who said most American carriers in Greece have their own cargo X-ray machines. 'I can't tell you we X-ray everything. But there are systems in place so everything is secured. Cargo is often manually searched,' " Ms Belluck writes, adding:

"The airlines in Athens have formed their own monitoring committee, which makes surprise visits to air carriers to make sure the carriers and their fuel and catering subcontractors are following security procedures, the official said.

"United States airlines in Greece designate a guard to observe the catering staff that loads meals on the plane, the official said. Cleaning crews and others with access to the plane must pass through a security checkpoint when they enter the plane and again when they leave. After the plane is cleaned, guards search the vacuum cleaner and the trash.

"Mr. Tassopoulos said that several major European airlines also had additional screening services at the Athens airport until last February, when they became convinced that the Greek security was adequate."

[4] Greek, Russian foreign ministry officials conclude latest round of talks

Russian and Greek foreign ministry officials yesterday completed their latest round of talks within the framework of their agreed regular political co-operation.

The two delegations were headed by Deputy Russian foreign minister Nikolai Afanasiefski and Greek foreign ministry secretary general Costas Georgiou.

A Greek embassy statement later said that during the talks there was a thorough examination of issues of European security, developments in the Balkans, the Cyprus issue, Greek-Turkish relations, co-operation in the Black Sea region and co-operation in the Balkans, including construction of the proposed Burgas to Alexandroupolis oil pipeline.

According to the statements, talks took place in a climate of mutual confidence, while there was broad consensus.

Preparation of higher level bilateral meetings was also discussed, and it was agreed to resume bilateral discussions in Athens in the coming months.

[5] Military replacement depart for Bosnia

Seventy-nine Greek soldiers left for Visoho, Bosnia yesterday to replace men of the Greek mission participating in IFOR's operations.

The soldiers departed from Macedonia airport in Thessaloniki, where they were seen off by relatives and friends.

[6] Suspect charged as accessory to shooting incident outside PASOK headquarters

A 27-year-old Athens ironworker charged as an accessory in an attack on PASOK's Athens headquarters earlier this month was remanded in custody yesterday by joint decision of a judicial investigator and prosecutor handling the case.

Panayiotis Drymilis, who claims that he and the late Christoforos Marinos were the perpetrators of the July 5 attack, in which policeman Nikos Vaiopoulos sustained a gunshot wound in the stomach, will be incarcerated on charges of complicity in an attempted murder.

The judicial investigator deemed that the defendant might attempt committing new offenses.

Drymilis was taken to the Athens courthouse under increased police custody yesterday morning where he gave a deposition for about six hours on the attack and ensuing shooting of the police guard.

Marinos was found dead on a passenger ferry earlier this week with a bullet wound in the head.

[7] Evert on tour of the Dodecanese

Main opposition New Democracy party leader Miltiades Evert said that "the degree of sensitivity and the cultural level of a society are revealed by the standard of operation of psychiatric institutions, hospitals and prisons."

Mr. Evert made the familiar statement yesterday during a tour of the island of Leros where he visited the state psychiatric hospital. He referred to measures he had taken in 1989 as health minister to improve living and treatment conditions for patients and said "the best defense for the islands is their economic development."

He said speedy development was required in tourism and in the first-stage sectors of agriculture, stock-breeding and fishing.

He assured working people that the psychiatric institution would not close down, adding that the ratio between working people and patients should reach international standards.

Mr. Evert was due to continue his tour at Agathonisi, Arkeious, Leipsous and Kalymnos. He is accompanied by eight ND deputies (Voulgarakis, Papaligouras, Sideris, Pavlidis, Papadongonas, Varinos, Desyllas and Spiliopoulos).

[8] Tsohatzopoulos satisfied with premier's statement on completing Gov't's 4-year mandate

Interior, Public Administration and Decentralization Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos yesterday expressed satisfaction with a statement by Prime Minister Costas Simitis on Thursday re-affirming decisions to complete the government's present four-year term.

Addressing the ruling PASOK party's central committee Thursday, Mr. Simitis dismissed speculation about early elections, saying that decisions already adopted about the future course remained valid.

"We shall continue our work as announced," the premier said.

Speaking to reporters after a meeting with Mr. Simitis yesterday, Mr. Tsohatzopoulos said only issues pertaining to his ministry and the government's work were discussed.

Asked whether a government reshuffle was in the works, he replied: "Happy holidays".

[9] Parthenios' body to lie in state in Athens Cathedral

The body of the late Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa Parthenios was taken from the Petraki Monastery yesterday morning to the Athens Cathedral to lie in state.

Hundreds of people, primarily Greeks originally from Egypt, and clergymen from around the country and Africa began visiting the Cathedral to pay tribute to Parthenios.

The Patriarch's body will remain at the cathedral until this morning. A te deum service will be held at 10 a.m. in the presence of Archbishop of Athens and all Greece Serapheim as well as government representatives.

It will then be taken to the Athens airport with head of state honors before being flown to Cairo in a Hellenic Air Force plane. He will lie in state at Agios Nicholas church and be buried at the Patriarchs' cenotaph at the Agios Georgios monastery on Tuesday.

[10] Greece dismisses Skopje's accusations regarding interim agreement

Athens yesterday categorically denied accusations by the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) that it was violating the interim agreement signed last September in New York, according to reports.

"It's Skopje which does not want normalization," government spokesman Dimitris Reppas told AFP.

Skopje's foreign ministry sent a protest letter accusing Greece of "multiple violations" to the EU, the Council of Europe, NATO, the OSCE and the embassies of countries that maintain diplomatic relations with FYROM.

The protest claims Athens is attempting "to obstruct" an agreement between FYROM and the EU; is forbidding Skopje to use the international initials "MK"; that Greek border authorities are refusing to issue validations to FYROM citizens and are refusing to acknowledge FYROM products' travel invoices.

[11] 2 Greek mountain climbers reported safe on Italian peak

Two Greek mountain climbers reported missing on the Italian side of Mont Blanc have been found safe by an Italian civil defense helicopter.

The two were members of a Greek alpine group surprised by a summer snowstorm. They relayed their ability to reach base by themselves. Their identities were not immediately available.

Three German mountain climbers lost their lives in the same region due to bad weather conditions.

[12] Constantopoulos on visit to Israel

Coalition of the Left and Progress leader Nikos Constantopoulos held talks with former Israeli prime minister and Labor Party leader Shimon Peres in Tel Aviv yesterday in the framework of his visit to Israel and the West Bank, heading a delegation.

Mr. Constantopoulos arrived in Israel at the invitation of the Israeli United Labor Party (MAPAM) and Palestinian authorities.

In a statement afterwards, Mr. Peres expressed hope that the peace process will prove to be stronger than current difficulties, stressing the need for the building of a new Middle East and a new relation with Europe.

Referring to Greek-Israeli relations, and underlining continuous development in the economic sector, he said they were very important, with possibilities of further strengthening due to historic and geographical ties between the two countries.

Mr. Constantopoulos insisted on the need to strengthen peace processes and political initiatives in ditente between Israel and the Palestinians, adding that any delay or stagnation will have tragic consequences for the entire region.

Earlier, the Coalition's delegation visited Yosi Sarid, the president of the left-wing Mepetz coalition, the environment minister in the previous government and a member of the negotiating team in the peace agreement.

Mr. Constantopoulos will continue his visit in Gaza today with talks with Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat, Vice-President Feysal Husseini, government ministers and Palestinian deputies.

[13] M3 rises at slower rate

The money supply grew at a slower rate based on an yearly basis at the end of June, in comparison with the annual periods ending in the previous two months, the Bank of Greece's monthly bulletin out yesterday said.

Specifically, M3 grew by 9 per cent in the period June 1995-June 1996, compared to 10.6 per cent in the period May 1995-May 1996, and 10.6 per cent in the period December 1994-December 1995.

The slowing down in the growth of M3 is linked with the absorption of domestic liquidity by the state in order to meet the requirements of cashing dollar, deutchmark, and ECU-denominated treasury bills bought by foreign investors at the end of 1995.

Other components of M3, notably private deposits, and money circulation also grew at a slower rate.

The broader liquidity indicator, M4, also grew at a slower pace in the same period, 6.4 per cent, compared to 7 per cent in the period May 1995-May 1996.

[14] DEPA pipeline contract signed

A contract was signed yesterday between the Public Natural Gas Enterprise (DEPA) with a Greek-Russian Consortium for construction of a high-pressure gas pipeline to eastern Macedonia and Thrace.

Specifically, a 118-km-long pipeline will be built from the Karperi region in the Serres prefecture to Kavala with 86 km of the pipeline then reaching Komotini's industrial zone.

When the project is completed, the phosphoric fertilizers industry in Nea Karvali will initially be provided with natural gas and then the Public Power Corp.'s (DEH) power plant in Komotini.

Construction of the ambitious project will pave the way for natural gas supply for eastern Macedonia, and particularly the Serres and Drama municipalities, as well as for Xanthi and Komotini in the sensitive region of Thrace.

The project will cost 25.5 billion drachmas, with a contractual time required for its completion up to Komotini slated at 840 days (480 days to Kavala and then 360 days to Komotini.

[15] Acheloos' diversion discussed among officials

The re-routing of the Acheloos River was discussed yesterday during a meeting between Environment, Town Planning and Public Works Minister Costas Laliotis, deputies and the prefect from the Aitoloakarnania prefecture as well as the mayors of Agrinio and Messolongi.

Mr. Laliotis presented the redesigning of the project, which he says reduces the quantity of diverted water by roughly half, while also foreseeing a comprehensive management of the prefectures' water resources.

The minister said that under the new plan, the Thessaly area's local water resources are better exploited. Development of these resources include anti-flooding works on the rivers of Nafpaktia, Agrinio, Messolongi, Xiromeri and Valtos.

However, representatives of the Aitoloakarnania prefecture said the river's diversion would have negative consequences on the prefecture and expressed their doubts regarding the project's economic benefits.

[16] Shipping exchange rises

Shipping exchange increased 2.3 per cent in the first quarter of 1996, amounting to $525 million compared to $513 million in the corresponding period last year.

End of English language section.