A.N.A. Bulletin, 08/10/96
From: The Greek Press & Information Office, Ottawa Canada <[email protected]>
ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No 1009), October 8, 1996
Greek Press & Information Office
Ottawa, Canada
E-Mail Address: [email protected]
CONTENTS
[01] New Parliament sworn-in
[02] Gov't denies receipt of official US proposal on ban of military
flights over Cyprus
[03] Numerous violations of Athens, Nicosia FIRs by Turkish fighters
[04] Turkish soldiers crash through border to freedom
[05] Ankara call for 'dialogue' again issued toward Athens
[06] Simitis begins consultations with ministers
[07] Gov't pondering political restrictions for ministries'
secretary-generals, utility heads
[08] Papadopoulos meets with ADEDY leadership
[09] Communist party deputies convene
[10] Evert chairs ND Parliamentary group meeting, internal
maneuvering continues
[11] Stephanopoulos leaves for official visit to Finland
[12] Reppas comments on Imia incident
[13] Papoutsis to pay official visit to China
[14] Irini Pappa among several film veterans to be given 'Valentino'
awards
[15] Piraeus residents protest as flash floods slowly subside
[16] Community prepares '97 budget with eye on MEDA funding
[17] Event focuses on problems, prospects facing Greek industry
[18] Eurocourt rules against Greece on directive concerning pesticides
[19] Industry officials lobby to keep tax exemption on life insurance
[20] Eurochambers sign agreement giving Mediterranean a high profile
[01] New Parliament sworn-in
Athens, 08/10/1996 (ANA)
Greece's new 300-member Parliament that emerged from the
September 22 early general elections was sworn in yesterday, in
two different ceremonies.
First to be sworn in before Archbishop Serapheim of Athens and
All Greece were 295 deputies who are members of the Greek
Orthodox faith.
Three others deputies, members of Greece's Moslem minority, were
sworn in immediately afterwards. In the new Parliament, the
ruling PASOK party controls 162 seats, the main opposition New
Democracy party (ND) 108 seats, the Communist Party of Greece
(KKE) 11, the Coalition of the Left and Progress (SYN) 10, and
the newly formed Democratic Social Movement (DHKKI) nine.
Parliament will meet again today to elect its new presidium.
Prime Minister Costas Simitis will present the government's
policy statement to Parliament on Thursday, to be followed by a
three-day debate that ends midnight Saturday with a vote of
confidence.
According to informed sources, the government will target a one
trillion drachma increase in revenues in the next year primarily
through a crackdown on tax evasion, reducing public expenditures
and curbing tax exemptions.
[02] Gov't denies receipt of official US proposal on ban of military
flights over Cyprus
Athens, 08/10/1996 (ANA)
Greece has not received any official proposal from the United
States pressuring Athens and Nicosia to follow a moratorium on
Greek and Turkish military flights over Cyprus, government
spokesman Dimitris Reppas said yesterday.
The only related draft proposal which exists, he added, was one
sent by the US ambassador to the UN Madeleine Albright for
military dialogue in Cyprus, which has been welcomed by the
Cypriot side but not by Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash.
Mr. Reppas stressed that Greek-Cypriot co-operation in military
exercises, currently under way, were part of the "defensive and
deterrent" joint defense doctrine, which, he added, existed
precisely because a portion of Cyprus is under Turkish
occupation. He added that any pressure on the Cypriot government
concerning the way it organizes its defense or its invitation to
Greek forces for joint military exercises was "illogical".
Meanwhile, National Defense Under-secretary Dimitris Apostolakis
said yesterday that the joint exercises between Greece and
Cyprus are taking place according to schedule, adding that there
has been no reduction in forces participating in relation to
initial planning.
In a related development, two F-16 fighters and two A-7 Corsair
fighter/bombers of the Hellenic Air Force flew over the free
parts of Cyprus yesterday as part of the exercises. The
maneuvers also include Hellenic Navy vessels. According to
reports, C-1 30 "Hercules" transport planes will drop
paratroopers today over undisclosed areas on the island republic.
[03] Numerous violations of Athens, Nicosia FIRs by Turkish fighters
Athens, 08/10/1996 (ANA)
Turkish warplanes engaged in large-scale violations of the
Athens and Nicosia Flight Information Regions (FIR) between
Rhodes and Cyprus late yesterday.
According to reports, 12 pairs of Turkish fighters violated air
traffic regulations on 25 instances and harassed Greek aircraft
taking part in joint Greek and Cypriot military exercises.
In every instance the violators were intercepted, while close
engagements were reported on 20 interceptions.
[04] Turkish soldiers crash through border to freedom
Athens, 08/10/1996 (ANA)
Two young Turkish soldiers crashed through the Kipoi border post
in northern Greece shortly after midnight yesterday in a
dramatic escape from what they called "unbearable conditions in
the Turkish army".
Police identified them as Urkun Usal, 21, Mumin Cicek, 20. With
them was a civilian, identified as Rifat Ayaz, 17.
Border authorities said the three crashed through the border
barriers in a truck in an attempt to avoid customs control.
Police patrol cars chased them and arrested them a short while
later.
Questioned by police, they claimed that they had chosen to
escape in this way because they "could no longer tolerate the
Turkish regime and particularly conditions in the army".
The three were referred to the Alexandroupolis public prosecutor
on charges of illegally entering the country and the destruction
of public property.
Government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said later that the two
soldiers, who are of Kurdish origin, intended to apply for
political asylum. He said that the competent authorities were
dealing with the matter.
[05] Ankara call for 'dialogue' again issued toward Athens
Istanbul, 08/10/1996 (ANA)
Ankara has reiterated its standard position for resolution of
Greek-Turkish differences through unconditional dialogue.
Referring to speculation about US plans for settling differences
between the two countries in the Aegean and Cyprus, Turkish
foreign ministry spokesman Shermet Atancali said yesterday that
"Turkey continues to support the resolution of existing problems
with Greece through constructive and substantial dialogue,"
adding that Greece avoids such a dialogue.
[06] Simitis begins consultations with ministers
Athens, 08/10/1996 (ANA)
Prime Minister Costas Simitis last night began meetings with top
ministers in view of a debate in Parliament on the government's
policy statements, which will begin on Thursday evening.
Sources said the government is highly concerned with the
drafting of the 1997 budget, as a significant increase in
revenues will be required without the imposition of new taxes,
one of PASOK's pre-election campaign planks.
It is considered that the policy statements will provide ample
indication of the government's intentions regarding economic
policy in 1997.
The budget was also discussed at a meeting at the finance
ministry.
One of Mr. Simitis earlier meetings was with Agriculture
Minister Stephanos Tzoumakas at the Maximos Mansion.
Mr. Tzoumakas said afterwards that issues concerning his
ministry were discussed in connection with the government's
policy statements.
Replying to a question on his statements concerning instances of
mismanagement of certain sectors by the ministry, Mr. Tzoumakas
said he has given several files on the matter to a judicial
investigator, which will be examined by court officials.
[07] Gov't pondering political restrictions for ministries'
secretary-generals, utility heads
Athens, 08/10/1996 (ANA)
Government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said yesterday that Prime
Minister Costas Simitis is entertaining the thought of setting
political restrictions for ministerial secretary-generals and
heads of organizations in order to combat a clientele system and
pr event high-ranking officials from exploiting their positions.
According to the Constitution, secretary-generals of ministries
have to resign six months before their four-year period of
office is up if they wish to participate in elections.
Referring to the heads of public organizations, and their
general directors in particular, Mr. Reppas said such executives
are chosen with objective criteria through international
tendering. The process, he said, starts with the Hellenic
Telecommunications Organization (OTE) and will continue with
other public utilities.
The government spokesman added that criticism against the
appointment of individuals failing to be elected to Parliament
at the head of public utilities is unfair, saying this does not
mean they cannot be utilized.
[08] Papadopoulos meets with ADEDY leadership
Athens, 08/10/1996 (ANA)
Interior, Public Administration and Decentralization Minister
Alekos Papadopoulos held talks yesterday with senior officials
of the Civil Servants' Supreme Administrative Council (ADEDY),
who raised the issues concerning the upgrading of public
services, a new salary scale, initiation of collective
negotiations and the civil servants' code.
ADEDY representatives said afterwards that the talks were held
in a positive atmosphere.
According to ADEDY President Yiannis Koutsoukos, Mr.
Papadopoulos warned that hiring in the public sector will be
very limited, but avoided any commitment on whether the ratio of
departures and hiring will be five to one or three to one.
Mr. Papadopoulos reportedly appeared to agree with ADEDY on the
issue of transfers, which will be postponed. He also told union
officials that a new code will be ready in six months. Mr.
Papadopoulos appeared positive on a request for working people
at prefectural self-administration to maintain insurance rights
linked to the civil servant capacity.
[09] Communist party deputies convene
Athens, 08/10/1996 (ANA)
"A government offensive of harsher austerity" was forecast
during the government's new term by Communist Party of Greece
(KKE) deputies when the party's Parliamentary Group convened
yesterday.
The KKE said it would exercise "real opposition, condemning and
opposing each bill, measure and decision which acts against the
interests of the people and the country".
"Center-left scenarios and the resultant philosophy," an
announcement said, did not interest the Communist Party. "The
true defense of the interests of the workers and our national
independence, a left progressive stance, is judged by the stance
of each before small and great problems."
The Parliamentary Group ratified a party Central Committee
decision to appoint Orestis Kolozof chief parliamentary
represenative/spokesperson.
[10] Evert chairs ND Parliamentary group meeting, internal
maneuvering continues
Athens, 08/10/1996 (ANA)
Main opposition New Democracy party leader Miltiades Evert
chaired a meeting of the party's Parliamentary group yesterday,
in light of the government's policy statements, which will be
unveiled in Parliament on Thursday with discussions to follow.
At the meeting, the recently re-elected ND leader showed his
dissatisfaction over reports that he will be the party's leader
only until an ND congress takes place.
Replying to a question on whether the congress will take place
as planned, Mr. Evert said "the congress will take place as
anticipated by the charter, and what is being written and said
about my being a provisional (leader) is absurd, and if that was
the case neither would I be here nor would the party's
Vice-President."
Some deputies interpreted the statement as reaction to
statements by ND deputy Costas Karamanlis, who in an interview
in Sunday's "Kyriakatiki Eleftherotypia" newspaper, alluded his
possible candidacy for the main opposition's leadership at a
congress under certain conditions.
In replying to a proposal by deputy Mihalis Liapis on examining
the reasons behind the party's defeat in the Sept. 22 general
elections, Mr. Evert said: "this should take place calmly and
not during the heat of the moment. An assiduous analysis should
be made of results in urban, suburban and agricultural regions.
What the Greek people now expect from New Democracy is to
counter-attack, focusing its attention on the government's
policy statements."
In a related development, ND deputies and former ministers
George Souflias, Stephanos Manos and Dora Bakoyianni held a
90-minute meeting before the Parliamentary group gathering to
discuss their upcoming moves. All three had originally announced
their candidacy for the ND presidency last week, with Mr. Manos
and Ms Bakoyianni subsequently bowing out of the race in favor
of Mr. Souflias.
According to sources, the three top ND cadres are close to
adopting a unified stance on all problems and against Mr. Evert.
[11] Stephanopoulos leaves for official visit to Finland
Athens, 08/10/1996 (ANA)
President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos leaves for a
three-day official visit to Finland today, at the invitation of
his counterpart Martti Ahtisaari.
Discussion is expected to center on bilateral relations, the
situation in the Balkans and developments in the European Union.
[12] Reppas comments on Imia incident
Athens, 08/10/1996 (ANA)
The national defense ministry is examining the specifics of the
case of the Turkish patrol boat which violated Greek waters and
approached the islet of Imia over the weekend, government
spokesman Dimitris Reppas said yesterday. Once the foreign
ministry is briefed on the incident, he added, the appropriate
diplomatic initiatives will be taken.
Referring, meanwhile, to the recent bomb attack on the
Ecumenical Patriarchate, he said that he had no further news as
the Turkish government had not reacted.
He added however that the Ankara had been targeted by the
Turkish press over its non-action and reiterated Greece's
position that such actions hindered Greek-Turkish rapprochement
and served to distance Ankara from the European Union.
[13] Papoutsis to pay official visit to China
Athens, 08/10/1996 (ANA)
European Union Energy Commissioner Christos Papoutsis will pay
an official visit to the People's Republic of China from Oct.
13-20 at the invitation of Beijing for talks on further
promoting and strengthening the EU's relations with the world's
most populous country.
In addition, the Commission's General Energy Department will
organize an international conference in Beijing from Oct. 13-15
entitled "The European Union and China: Co-operation in Energy,"
in co-operation with China's State Science and Technology
Committee and within the framework of the SYNERGY Program.
During his visit, Mr. Papoutsis is expected to sign a joint
statement with the Chinese government on the need to continue
and strengthen co-operation between the two sides in the energy
sector to further facilitate the development of China's energy
infra structure, as well as to encourage the European energy
industry's participation in this development.
[14] Irini Pappa among several film veterans to be given 'Valentino'
awards
Bonn, 08/10/1996 (ANA - P. Stangos)
Greek actress Irini Pappa will be honored with the "Rodolfo
Valentino International Film" Award in Berlin tomorrow.
The golden statuette portraying the legendary cinema lover will
also be awarded to Spanish actor Antonio Baderas and his equally
famous compatriot, noted producer/director Pedro Almodovar,
while veteran Italian actor Alberto Sordi will be given a
special award.
The awards ceremony will take place under the aegis of Italian
Prime Minister Romano Prodi, with all receipts going toward
charity.
[15] Piraeus residents protest as flash floods slowly subside
Athens, 08/10/1996 (ANA)
Dozens of local residents yesterday blocked a major road in the
port town of Piraeus, demanding to see a government delegation
and calling for immediate solutions to the problem of
anti-flooding works in the port city and surrounding districts.
The protest came a day after roads flooded following sudden
heavy rains.
Residents said the area had been hit for the second time in a
year by flash floods and had destroyed dozens of homes and
basement stores.
Municipality work teams have been on the move since yesterday
morning in a mopping-up operation to clear blocked road drains.
Deputy mayor of Piraeus Pierros Seremetis said the
municipality's comments on the unblocking of drains had been
ignored by the Water and Sewerage Company (EYDAP), resulting in
flash floods each time it rained heavily.
Meanwhile, a public prosecutor yesterday began a preliminary
inquiry into who was responsible for the clearing of drains in
Piraeus, which appears to have been disrupted by work currently
under way on local roads for the natural gas pipeline.
Meanwhile, EYDAP Secretary-General Giorgos Ioannidis denied
claims by residents that EYDAP services had not cleaned out
blocked drains.
He said that anti-flooding works had to be constructed with the
counsel of EYDAP and not the municipalities because the public
utility had a unified plan.
[16] Community prepares '97 budget with eye on MEDA funding
Brussels, 08/10/1996 (ANA - M. Spinthourakis)
The European Union has entered a period of consultations over
the past few days on the funding of the MEDA program as part of
a process for preparing the 1997 Community budget - and just one
month after the Europarliament called for a freeze of MEDA
funding targeted for Turkey.
According to EU records, Ankara submitted three plans to the
MEDA committee (the advisory committee examining plans submitted
for MEDA funding) on Sept. 26 and amounting to ECU 18 million.
Turkey proposed funding for university scholarships, reinforcing
quality control of Turkish agricultural products and
establishment of a center for business innovation.
Ankara's plans received approval for financing out of Community
funds by all EU member-states, with the exception of Greece.
Only approval by the European Commission is pending.
According to well-informed Community sources, Turkey will submit
another 10 programs for financing to the MED committee in
November.
On the question of entering MEDA program funds into the 1997
Community budget, the European Parliament's Foreign Relations
Committee offered its appraisal on Sept. 25, which called on the
budget committee to freeze all funding towards Turkey.
This issue will be discussed at the budget committee's meetings
this week in Brussels where, among others, a proposal by the
Foreign Relations Committee will also be discussed on freezing
Ecu 53 million destined for Turkey, not by MEDA, but emanating
from the EU-Turkey customs union agreement.
[17] Event focuses on problems, prospects facing Greek industry
Athens, 08/10/1996 (ANA)
The problems and prospects in the development of Greek industry
were discussed at the Athens Chamber of Commerce and Industry
(EBEA) yesterday, during an event organized on the occasion of a
report prepared by the "Industrial Review" magazine, in
collaboration with the Economist Intelligence Unit.
The government was represented by Development Under-secretary
Anna Diamantopoulou, who in a brief address, reviewed problems
facing Greek industry as related to size, management and the
organization of units as well as its general infrastructure.
She stressed that a constructive co-operation between the state
with the private sector would constitute the basic factor in the
future development of Greek industry.
In his address, Association of Greek Industries president A.
Kannelopoulos stressed that labor-intensive and low-technology
investments were the main structural problem in Greek
manufacturing.
"Industry in our country needs to be strengthened through
mergers and strategic alliances so as to create large
competitive units," he added.
[18] Eurocourt rules against Greece on directive concerning pesticides
Brussels, 08/10/1996 (ANA - P. Pantelis)
The European Court has convicted Greece for failure to implement
Community directive 414/1991 concerning the procedure required
for pesticide products to be marketed.
The directive should have been included in Greek legislation
before July 26, 1993. The Greek government had maintained at the
hearing that the agriculture ministry has processed a draft
Presidential Decree which must be ratified by the Council of
State in order to be signed by the president of the republic.
In the European Court's view, Greece's "good intentions" on
implementing the directive cannot absolve it from violating its
commitment.
[19] Industry officials lobby to keep tax exemption on life insurance
Athens, 08/10/1996 (ANA)
The presidium of the Insurance Companies Union has called on
National Economy Minister Yiannos Papantoniou not to abolish a
tax exemption on life insurance premiums.
During their meeting with Mr. Papantoniou yesterday, the
representatives of insurance companies gave him a document
containing the union's positions.
Mr. Papantoniou listened to their positions on the issue but did
not state his views.
However, he promised that when he received the relevant
committee's proposals studying the issue of tax exemptions, he
will call the presidium of the union for talks on their specific
request.
The discount for life insurance premiums at present can in no
way exceed the amount of 200,000 drachmas per family.
[20] Eurochambers sign agreement giving Mediterranean a high profile
Athens, 08/10/1996 (ANA)
An agreement signed here yesterday between Eurochambers and the
Associations of the Mediterranean Chambers of Commerce and
Industry (ASCAME), which together represent thousands of
European firms, stresses the role of the Mediterranean in
European unification and calls for the strengthening of the
European Union's Mediterranean policies.
The agreement, signed in the seaside resort of Vouliagmeni on
the eve of the 4th international conference of European Union
industrial chambers and Eurochambers annual general assembly,
recognizes the important role Greece has to play as both a
Mediterranean country and EU member.
ASCAME aims to accelerate the transfer of Community funds to the
less-developed southern Mediterranean countries and to promote
Euro-Mediterranean co-operation in sectors such as development
initiatives, tourism, transport, culture and the environment.
Among its goals is the linking of databases of chambers in
Mediterranean ports as well as investigating ways to co-operate
with chambers in Black Sea countries.
The conference officially begins today and ends on Wednesday,
under the theme "The firm in the 21st century: Technical
assistance and support from chambers", with the participation of
more than 400 European entrepreneurs. The conference will be
opened b y Greece's European Commissioner for small and
medium-size enterprises Christos Papoutsis.
End of English language section.
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