A.N.A. Bulletin, 03/10/96

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

ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No 1005), October 3, 1996

Greek Press & Information Office
Ottawa, Canada
E-Mail Address: [email protected]

CONTENTS

[01] Nicosia, Athens coordinate moves concerning Cyprus issue

[02] Simitis airport statements

[03] Premier honored

[04] Clerides honors Simitis

[05] Simitis honors fallen Cypriot fighters

[06] Intracom to participate in development of new air-to-air missile program

[07] Tsohatzopoulos visit to Cyprus announced

[08] Petrol prices increase

[09] Evert, Souflias continue contacts prior to ND election tomorrow

[10] Solana declines to provide details on NATO's policy vis-a-vis Turkish expansionism

[11] 252 Eurodeputies back return of Elgin Marbles

[12] Florida the latest stop of exhibition on Macedonian culture

[13] Farmers' subsidies increase by 15.1 per cent in Jan-August

[14] Greek artist's work featured in Geneva exhibit

[15] Council of State upholds measure forbidding public debtors from leaving country

[16] Fishermen lift blockade of ports after protesting for tax-free fuel

[17] KKE, Synaspismos statements

[18] Papantoniou meets with GSEE delegation

[19] Coalition leader meets with ADEDY leadership

[20] Laliotis reportedly rejects renegotiation of new Athens metro contract

[21] OTE, SEB consider methods of increasing co-operation

[22] Economic experts' council to be re-established

[23] Greek homeopathy pioneer wins 'Alternative Nobel'

[01] Nicosia, Athens coordinate moves concerning Cyprus issue

Nicosia, 03/10/1996 (ANA - S. Liarellis/CNA)

A joint communiqui, issued here yesterday after lengthy talks between Cyprus President Glafcos Clerides and Greek Premier Costas Simitis, who yesterday wound up a two-day official visit to the island, and their aides, stressed that "the necessary planning on future moves was dealt with at the talks" in view of anticipated increased efforts by the international community to move closer to a resolution of the Cyprus problem.

"The two governments, having reviewed extensively the Cyprus question in the light of recent developments, established that the current phase is particularly crucial and needs to be tackled carefully," the communiqui said.

"It is within this framework that we confirm our dedication to finding a peaceful solution to the problem on the basis of the resolutions of the United Nations and of the Summit Agreements of 1977 and 1979, as well as the support of the good offices of the UN Secretary-General," it added.

"The Greek Cypriot side has made it clear that it is ready to resume negotiations, provided the necessary ground work has been made to allow substantial approach between the two sides on the basic principles," the communiqui read.

The Greek and Cypriot sides also stressed the importance of the initiatives of the international community, which backed the efforts of the UN, while at the same time calling for greater coordination of the initiatives.

Both governments "recognized the importance of defense co-operation between them in the framework of the joint defense pact and made it clear that any renewed offensive by Turkey in Cyprus is casus belli."

Athens and Nicosia reiterated that the total demilitarization of Cyprus could secure peace and stability not only on the island but also in the broader region.

Noting that great progress had been made towards Cyprus' accession to the EU, the communiqui underlined the need for "further intensification of joint efforts in order to secure Cyprus' accession at the earliest".

Negotiations on Cyprus' accession are scheduled to begin six months after completion of the inter-governmental conference (IGC).

The issues of missing persons and Greek Cypriot enclaved were also on the agenda of the bilateral talks and it was decided to follow closely developments in efforts for their resolution and make the necessary moves in the direction of the UN to have a third (UN) member appointed to the Committee of Missing Persons.

This, the communiqui added, would facilitate and speed up the task of the Committee, which is to establish the fate of the 1,493 persons listed as missing since the 1974 Turkish invasion of Cyprus.

"The meetings were held in an excellent climate and provided the opportunity to reconfirm the close co-operation existing between Greece and Cyprus in all sectors. Within this framework, the two sides committed themselves to further increase reciprocal contacts, ensure the exchange of full and comprehensive information and in general to continue co-operation at all levels," the communiqui read.

[02] Simitis airport statements

Nicosia, 03/10/1996 (ANA)

Mr. Simitis said the Greek side was ready to co-operate with the UN Secretary-General and third parties intending to undertake initiatives on the Cyprus problem.

He described his talks with the Cyprus government, political leaders and Archbishop Chrysostomos during his two-day visit to the island, which coincided with independence celebrations, as "useful, productive and constructive."

"The talks provided the opportunity once again to confirm the absolute coincidence of views concerning tactical and strategic targets and the further handling of the Cyprus problem," Mr. Simitis said.

"We agreed that the UN is the only natural framework within which efforts must be made to find a solution," he added.

Apart from the initiative of the United States and the intention of three EU countries to express interest in finding a solution, Mr. Simitis said, other Community member-states had also expressed their intention to help during contacts with the Greek government.

[03] Premier honored

Nicosia, 03/10/1996 (ANA)

Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Simitis stressed that Nicosia remained the last city in Europe divided by force.

"The (dividing) wall of shame is a disgrace, not only for Cypriots but for the entire international community, which has not shown the required will and courage in order to contribute to the overturning of the faits accomplis of the (Turkish) invasion and impose justice," Mr. Simitis said.

"We are determined to work hard in order for Cyprus to again find its independence, full sovereignty, unity and indivisibility of its territory and people," he added.

Welcoming all international initiatives aimed at finding a peaceful solution to the Cyprus problem, Mr. Simitis said "we are willing to listen to all thoughts and proposals with an open mind, provided the illegal occupation and division of Cyprus is not legitimized either directly or indirectly".

"The main thrust of efforts, however," he went on, "must be made in the direction of the invader, which remains entrenched in its intransigent positions."

Mr. Simitis said Greece and Cyprus would strongly oppose any attempt to "shrink" Hellenism.

"The joint defense doctrine is here, as strong as ever, and it will continue to exist for as long as Turkey persists in its expansionist policy," Mr. Simitis said.

"The strengthening of the Cyprus Republic's defenses," the Greek premier added, "has no other objective other than to protect free Cyprus from the proven and internationally condemned aggressiveness of Turkey, which is continually on the increase."

Speaking later at a ceremony at which he was made an honorary professor of the school of economic sciences and administration of the University of Cyprus, Mr. Simitis said that Turkish aggressiveness on Cyprus and in the Aegean constituted the biggest threat for Hellenism.

"Turkey, despite its severe social, economic and political problems it is facing, is seeking a dominant role in the region and is developing a steady policy of disputing the sovereign rights of Greece and Cyprus. Our basic principle is to protect our national independence and sovereignty. The reply to Turkish aggressiveness is a Greece which is strong economically, defensively, diplomatically and politically. A Greece belonging on an equal basis to the European area and the international system, which will make use of its alliances, its international support and negotiating advantages, without trading on patriotism and isolationism," Mr. Simitis said.

"Greece has formulated a specific strategy to confront Turkish provocativeness. At the level of deterrence, there is the readiness of our armed forces and the joint defense doctrine which covers Thrace, the Aegean and Cyprus. At a diplomatic level we have undertaken an international campaign to inform and enlighten the international community and international organizations, in order for Turkish aggressiveness to be condemned. This policy of ours, which has already begun to bear fruit, will be further developed and intensified," he added.

"We have already proposed to the Turkish side," Mr. Simitis continued, "a step-by-step approach to our relations. In the first stage, Turkey should have recourse to the International Court at The Hague if it believes that it has claims on the Imia islet. Subsequently, the drawing up of an agreement to refer the issue to arbitrators could be discussed, in order for the issue of the delineation of the Aegean continental shelf to be submitted to the Hague. Lastly, in the third phase, there could be discussion of various bilateral issues which do not bear on our sovereign rights, such as tourism and trade issues. We have made it clear that Greece desires good relations with Turkey but we will not negotiate our territorial integrity and sovereign rights."

The Greek premier underlined that Greek-Turkish relations could not be normalized unless the Cyprus problem was resolved in a just, permanent and viable way on the basis of US resolutions.

"As far as Greece is concerned, the Cyprus problem is a national issue of top priority. It is our desire that a settlement should be found using peaceful and diplomatic means, on the basis of UN resolutions and decisions," he said.

During his address, Mr. Simitis noted that Greece was located in a geographical region characterized by "fluidity, instability and nationalistic outbursts," while at the same time it has "a strategic location in a region which obliges it to be neighbors with a country such as Turkey, which represents a serious and permanent threat for Greece, Cyprus and the general stability of the region."

[04] Clerides honors Simitis

Nicosia, 03/10/1996 (ANA/CNA)

President Clerides told Mr. Simitis that the presentation of the highest decoration to him is a recognition of his sincere and keen interest in Cyprus, not only as a prime minister of one of the guarantor powers of the independence of the Cyprus Republic but mainly as a Greek brother.

He noted the fact that Mr. Simitis had placed the Cyprus problem on top of his priorities.

President Clerides said the national policy followed on the Cyprus problem by Mr. Simitis strengthens the struggle of the Cyprus people in their effort to find a solution through diplomatic means.

He particularly mentioned Premier Simitis' pledge to strengthen even more the joint defense pact agreed upon by the two countries in November 1993, in order to face Turkish expansionist designs against Cyprus and Greece.

President Clerides also referred to Greece's declaration that in case the Turkish occupation troops advance towards the government-controlled southern part of Cyprus would mean war between Greece and Turkey.

Receiving the decoration, Premier Simitis thanked President Clerides for the honor bestowed on him and assured the Cypriot people that Greece would always support their struggle for vindication.

"We are tied with a contract of honor, until the final vindication, until the withdrawal of the occupation forces, until the restoration of the unity of the independent Cyprus Republic, until the day that all Cypriots, regardless of origin, language and religion, will be able to live free in a prosperous country, equal member of the big European family," Mr. Simitis declared.

[05] Simitis honors fallen Cypriot fighters

Nicosia, 03/10/1996 (ANA)

The director of the prison gave Mr. Simitis a guided tour of prison cells where the imprisoned fighters were held before being led to the gallows by the British colonial regime.

Mr. Simitis later visited the Tomb of Makedonitissa, where he laid a wreath at the graves of mainland Greeks and Greek Cypriots who fell during the Turkish invasion.

[06] Intracom to participate in development of new air-to-air missile program

Athens, 03/10/1996 (ANA)

[07] Tsohatzopoulos visit to Cyprus announced

Athens, 03/10/1996 (ANA)

Mr. Athanasakis said there is no problem over the fact that Mr. Tsohatzopoulos is not currently visiting the island republic with the prime minister.

He added that Cyprus Defense Minister Costas Eliades will visit Athens and meet with Mr. Tsohatzopoulos during the next few days.

[08] Petrol prices increase

Athens, 03/10/1996 (ANA)

The the retail price of diesel oil will also increase by 2.70 drachmas per liter.

The above prices will be in effect from today until Oct. 10.

[09] Evert, Souflias continue contacts prior to ND election tomorrow

Athens, 03/10/1996 (ANA)

Both men expressed optimism regarding the outcome.

Commenting on Wednesday's election of the 76 electors that will participate in the voting, along with the 108 ND deputies and nine Eurodeputies, Mr. Souflias stated: "We went very well and the message from the grass-roots is clear".

Meanwhile, ND Vice-President Ioannis Varvitsiotis yesterday issued a message of support for Mr. Evert, saying that "his candidacy in the present phase would secure the goals of party unity, renewal and future prospects, and the smooth course towards a democratic party congress."

[10] Solana declines to provide details on NATO's policy vis-a-vis Turkish expansionism

Brussels, 03/10/1996 (ANA - M. Savva)

"I understand your concerns, we have them also. However, I hope that in practice fears will not come true," Mr. Solana replied to a question on NATO's position vis-a-vis Turkish territorial claims against another member-state of the alliance.

Mr. Solana avoided going into details, but expressed the view that the best way for problems among allies to be resolved is by peaceful dialogue.

On the question of NATO's enlargement, Mr. Solana said the process is on a good course. Although pressured with continuous questions, he avoided naming countries having priority. "The doors are open," he said.

Referring to relations between NATO and Russia, he said these relations must become more substantive and what will be helpful in this context will be his impending meeting with Russian Security Council Secretary Alexander Lebed.

[11] 252 Eurodeputies back return of Elgin Marbles

Brussels, 03/10/1996 (ANA - M. Savva)

A relevant request was submitted by British Labor Eurodeputy Alfred Lomas with a European Parliament protocol.

Speaking at a press conference in Brussels yesterday, Mr. Lomas said the signatures of such a large number of Eurodeputies confirm the strong feeling of European peoples that the marbles should be returned to their proper place - the Acropolis in Athens .

He also called on the Major government to examine the Greek request positively, because "it would constitute a major act of international solidarity. These marbles are a crucial part of Greek history and culture."

On his part, Coalition of the Left and Progress Eurodeputy Alekos Alavanos, who has received a negative reply from London to the same request he had made in the past, told the same press conference that "although, due to strict processes, it was not possible to gather half (314) of the total number of European Parliament members in support of the Lomas proposal so that it will constitute an official position of Parliament, support for the request for the return of the friezes is great, warm and comes from various groupings."

Specifically, 252 signatures were gathered, while in usual practice most decisions taken by a Europarliament plenary session are approved with about 200 votes.

Mr. Alavanos said that after the recent decision by UNESCO's ninth intergovernmental conference, there is a good basis and moral and political support for the "mature and just request for the return of the Parthenon sculptures to their proper place, to enable us to move to the next step, which will be to prepare a special exhibition on this issue through the European Parliament's culture committee."

The Greek request was supported by 39 Eurodeputies from Britain, 34 from Italy, 33 from Spain, 26 from France, 22 from Germany, 19 from Portugal, 14 from Belgium, 10 from Ireland and by the Greek Eurodeputies.

[12] Florida the latest stop of exhibition on Macedonian culture

Athens, 03/10/1996 (ANA)

The exhibition includes 428 ancient works and 10 replicas, and is aimed at presenting the history of Macedonia through archeological findings, from the nomadic way of life in the third millennium B.C. until the spreading of Hellenic culture to Asia.

A special dedication is made to the era of Alexander the Great, while the same location comprises a second exhibition on the renown Macedonian leader, constituting continuation of the first, which is being organized by the Memmo Foundation of Rome.

The exhibition has so far toured Montreal, Hannover, Copenhagen, Marseilles, Rome and Buenos Aires.

[13] Farmers' subsidies increase by 15.1 per cent in Jan-August

Athens, 03/10/1996 (ANA)

Specifically, payments made during the above period, which are in line with predictions made by the agriculture ministry's annual programme, amounted to about 502 billion drachmas.

[14] Greek artist's work featured in Geneva exhibit

Athens, 03/10/1996 (ANA)

The exhibition, the third of its kind, was organized by the Artists for Peace Associations and sponsored by the Permanent Mission of Greece to the United Nations office at Geneva.

Opening the annual event, the director-general of the United Nations office at Geneva, Vladimir Petrovsky, spoke of the Greek artist's paintings, saying "it is most appropriate that Artists for Peace have chosen to display these works for this years' exhibition that commemorates World Peace Day.

"At a time when many people involved in internal conflicts are sending the message that differences undermine their well-being, we must counter this falsehood with educating the world that such distinctions enrich our global civilization. Tolerance and dialogue are the best ways to deal with outstanding issues and disputes," Mr. Petrovsky said.

[15] Council of State upholds measure forbidding public debtors from leaving country

Athens, 03/10/1996 (ANA)

The ban on leaving the country can be lifted only if authorities provided with a monetary guarantee, if there are adequate property assets to cover the debt or if there are exceptionally serious reasons for travel abroad, such as severe illness.

The Council of State has rejected an application by a debtor who requested to be allowed to leave the country, suggesting a mortgage be taken out on a foreign-flagged vessel in order to cover the public debt. According to court records, the debt was incurred through the levying of a multiple fine for a smuggling charge, amounting to 120.6 million drachmas.

The nation's highest administrative court judged that irrespective of problems of the businessman's ownership of the vessel, the proposal for a mortgage does not satisfy the state's demands, mainly due to problems which would arise in the confiscation o f the foreign-flagged ship.

[16] Fishermen lift blockade of ports after protesting for tax-free fuel

Athens, 03/10/1996 (ANA)

Representatives of the fishermen held repeated meetings with the merchant marine ministry's leadership and the finance under-secretary, who proposed that 50 per cent of fuel for their fishing vessels be sold to them at transit prices as an initial step.

Fishermen are expected to hold a meeting today and, according to the government's position, they will decide on whether to continue their mobilizations.

Earlier in the day, owners of about 150 fishing boats operating in the Saronic Gulf blocked the entrance to Piraeus' harbor for passenger vessels, despite previously promising Merchant Marine Minister Stavros Soumakis that their action would be purely symbolic.

In addition to the protest over fuel prices, they also demanded a freeze on their outstanding debts to the Agricultural Bank of Greece.

The head of the fishermen's union, Nikos Bonafatsos, met with Mr. Soumakis who, according to sources is not the competent minister to deal with the issue of tax-free fuel, since professional fishing vessels fall under the jurisdiction of the agriculture ministry.

Mr. Soumakis listened to the fishermen's demands but referred them to Finance Under-secretary George Drys, who took the relevant decision in February.

Meanwhile, the head of the Coastguard, Pericles Ousatzopoulos, and deputy prosecutor Leonidas Nikolopoulos undertook negotiations with the fishermen in an effort to get them to end their action, pointing out that the blockade constituted a criminal offense.

Fishermen also blocked the entrance to Thessaloniki harbor protesting the government's fuel decision, and also demanded that a European Union directive prohibiting fishing within three miles of the coast and in depths of less than 50 meters not be implemented.

The EU directive, according to the fishermen, would prevent them from fishing for gilthead bream.

[17] KKE, Synaspismos statements

Athens, 03/10/1996 (ANA)

In a similar development, officials from the Coalition of the Left and Progress (Synaspismos) visited fishermen's representatives in Keratsini, Piraeus yesterday and called on the government to abandon "intransigence" and reinstate full and tax-free coverage for the fishermen's fuel needs.

[18] Papantoniou meets with GSEE delegation

Athens, 03/10/1996 (ANA)

GSEE representatives said they requested a redistribution of incomes in favor of workers, who, they said, have lost a significant part of their income over the past decade.

They reiterated their demands for the resolution of outstanding matters regarding insurance, health, welfare, education, the loss of income for pensioners and the improvement of employer-employee relations.

They also stressed the need to promote a Community charter for workers and the fight against unemployment at the European Union. According to reports, the minister requested that there be "under-standing" over the next two years and reassured his interlocutors that workers would not be burdened with new taxes, but that the government would continue its efforts to combat tax evasion by high wage-earners.

[19] Coalition leader meets with ADEDY leadership

Athens, 03/10/1996 (ANA)

Mr. Constantopoulos said after the meeting that they discussed the problems affecting public administration and how best to deal with them. He said there was agreement on many issues, saying that these problems were due in many cases to "clientelistic relations" in the political system.

He stressed the need to first deal with economic issues and claimed that the programme to modernize public administration had been delayed by successive governments.

Mr. Constantopoulos also called for the upgrading of the Parliament's public administration committee, which, he added, was confined to discussing legal initiatives and had lost its institutional character.

He said he agreed with ADEDY that meritocracy, transparency and objectivity were essential principles in decentralization and the better utilization of public servants.

ADEDY President Yiannis Koutsoukos said that the needs of the public sector had to be defined and that this would provide the basis for a long-term appointments policy which would not be at the mercy of electoral or other goals.

[20] Laliotis reportedly rejects renegotiation of new Athens metro contract

Athens, 03/10/1996 (ANA)

Attiko Metro, which represents the Greek state in the project, issued an announcement on Tuesday evening stating that problems arising in the construction of the 520-billion-drachma metro project were the fault of Olympic Metro. Environment, Town Planning and Public Works Minister Costas Laliotis told the Athens daily "Ta Nea" yesterday that the government would not sign a new contract and would not renegotiate terms beyond those already in the current contract.

If there is no agreement, the minister added, there is always the possibility of arbitration or court adjudication.

[21] OTE, SEB consider methods of increasing co-operation

Athens, 03/10/1996 (ANA)

At a joint press conference after a meeting of the two organizations' board of governors yesterday, OTE managing director P. Lambrou said their joint venture was at present executing projects worth more than $40 million, with prospects of surpassing $1 00 million in 1997.

Both Mr. Lambrou and OTE president D. Papoulias stressed the significance of programmatic agreements with SEB for the supply of high quality and competitively priced equipment.

Mr. Papoulias also underlined the large potential for joint investments in Greece and abroad, especially in the Balkans.

Referring to OTE's expected financial performance, Mr. Lambrou said profits were forecast at 1.5 trillion drachmas in the 1996-2000 period, with investment reaching about the same amount, and turnover topping four trillion drachmas.

SEB president Iason Stratos said the organization's members in the telecommunications equipment, construction and cable manufacturing sectors were eagerly expecting extension of agreements with OTE.

[22] Economic experts' council to be re-established

Athens, 03/10/1996 (ANA)

The national economy ministry will assign Athens University professor Yiannis Stournaras as the council's president.

[23] Greek homeopathy pioneer wins 'Alternative Nobel'

Athens, 03/10/1996 (ANA)

Other winners were US economist Herman Daly, a group of Russian soldiers' mothers campaigning for better conditions in the military and the Indian organization Science Writer's Forum of Kerala.

Daly will receive no cash award, while the other three winners will share $250,000.

The Right Livelihood Award was founded in 1980 by Jacob von Uexkull, a philatelic expert who sold his stamp collection to endow the programme to honor "practical and exemplary answers to the most urgent problems facing us today".

A press release from the institute said Mr. Vithoulkas had "made an outstanding contribution to the revival of classical homeopathy" and "for his tireless efforts in training homeopaths to the highest standards, so that homeopathy can claim a place in science as an effective alternative to other medical schools and traditions".

The practice of homeopathy is becoming increasingly widespread in many countries: 42 per cent of British physicians refer patients to homeopaths, 40 per cent of Dutch physicians use homeopathy and it is also widely used in Germany and France. In the US, sales of homeopathic medicines have been rising by 20-25 per cent annually over the past 10 years. Its use is more prevalent in India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, due in part to the low costs involved in the treatment.

George Vithoulkas was born in Athens in 1932 and studied homeopathy at a number of colleges, before receiving a degree from the Indian Institute of Homeopathy in 1966.

Mr. Vithoulkas started practicing homeopathy on his return to Greece in 1967 and taught the discipline to a small group of Greek doctors. Their successes prompted the establishment of the Athenian School of Homeopathic Medicine in 1970. In 1976, Mr. Vithoulkas organized the first international homeopathic seminar in Greece, and since then, seminars attended by health professionals from at least 20 countries are held every year.

As director of the Athenian School of Homeopathic Medicine, Mr. Vithoulkas heads a team of 30 doctors who practice as they study under his supervision. He has established homeopathy in Greece as a science respected by the medical profession and made Greece one of the leading centers for homeopathy in the western world.

His books - 'Homeopathy: Medicine of the New Man' and 'The Science of Homeopathy' - have been translated into 20 languages. He is currently working on a new 16-volume homeopathic 'Materia Medica Viva' which will include experiences from the more than 15 0,000 cases at the Athens Center.

Work with homeopathic teachers takes place at the new International Academy for Classical Homeopathy, established by Mr. Vithoulkas on the island of Alonissos, which has been designed as a prototype for such centers in other countries. Among his goals is the establishment of a university-standard homeopathic degree course.

End of English language section.

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