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

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

ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No 1011), October 10, 1996

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

CONTENTS

[01] Stephanopoulos pleased with official talks in Finland

[02] Meeting with Lipponen

[03] Strong tremor hits Cyprus

[04] Hungarian FM in Athens on Monday

[05] Tsohatzopoulos reiterates Greek position on dialogue with Turkey

[06] Tzoganis letter

[07] Pangalos

[08] Violations continue

[09] Turkish defectors request asylum

[10] Commission adopts van den Broek report on EU relations with Ankara

[11] Papandreou speaks at London School of Economics

[12] Souflias rejects Evert's overtures

[13] Parliament deputy presidents elected

[14] Petsalnikos to visit Australia

[15] Senate to discuss resolution condemning Turkey

[16] Thessaloniki police investigating reports of baby-selling rings from Bulgaria

[17] Labor under-secretary meets with ADEDY officials

[18] Effort focuses on efforts to reduce occupational hazards

[19] European insurance firms' general assembly in Thessaloniki

[20] Xiosbank drops interest rates on loans

[21] Intracom to participate in NATO's new Sea Sparrow production program

[22] Conference of European chambers concludes

[01] Stephanopoulos pleased with official talks in Finland

Helsinki, 10/10/1996 (ANA - S. Sideris)

Mr. Stephanopoulos was replying to a Finnish reporter during a press conference in Helsinki yesterday on whether he requested Finland's intervention in resolving Greek-Turkish problems.

President Stephanopoulos said Finland's position on the issue of Greek-Turkish relations has been modified, saying that not much effort was required for us to agree absolutely.

On his part, Finnish President Martti Ahtisaari several days ago had said that Greek-Turkish differences can be tackled through dialogue between the two countries.

Mr. Stephanopoulos said Athens has no problem in discussing issues with Turkey, but there can be no dialogue at present unless Ankara does not withdraw its claims on Greek sovereign rights first, and threats of war, which it hurls against Greece at times. He said that as time goes by, Greece's position is being better understood. He said he is also pleased with Finland's positions on the Cyprus issue, since Helsinki supports Cyprus' accession to the European Union. Finland believes that the process of Cyprus' accession to the EU will create favorable preconditions for a solution to the Cyprus issue as well.

President Stephanopoulos said the Finnish side raised the Baltic countries' request for accession to the EU and called for support from Greece.

Referring to the issue of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) and replying to a relevant question, President Stephanopoulos said he is neither optimistic nor pessimistic about a solution to the problem of that landlocked state's name.

He recalled that the signing of an interim agreement between the two countries on Sept. 13 and the assumption of commitments emanating from it. He added that the policy of FYROM more closely resembled a denial of commitments Skopje has accepted from the agreement it has signed.

Appealing to the United States, President Stephanopoulos urged Washington to remind FYROM of the commitments, stressing that so far Greece has fulfilled all its commitments.

In his opening statement, Mr. Stephanopoulos expressed satisfaction over the results of his talks in Helsinki, saying that differences with Finland are non-existent, while there is ample ground for the two countries to improve their relations, primarily in the commercial field.

Earlier, President Stephanopoulos gave a speech to the members of the Pasikivi Society, which derives its name from the former Finnish prime minister. The society focuses on the study of issues of international politics and its members are senior personalities of the country's economic and political life.

President Stephanopoulos referred at length to the positions of Greek foreign policy on the course of the EU, the situation in the Balkans and Greece's relations with all its neighboring countries.

He also referred to the need for the EU to shape a common foreign policy and security and defense policy, expressing optimism that the problems currently being faced can be resolved in a satisfactory way, despite the fact that the shaping of common foreign policy and security and defense policy is rendered difficult by various factors having their source in the different historical experiences of each member-state, different economic possibilities and, of course, differences in conceptions which each country has on external dangers it might be facing.

President Stephanopoulos said that what is necessary for these targets to be achieved is, firstly, respect for human rights and democratic freedoms, and secondly, prevention of conflicts and the consolidation of stability primarily in the countries of central and eastern Europe, the Baltics and the Mediterranean. He also said guaranteeing of the territorial integrity and external borders of the EU through the adoption of a clause of solidarity and mutual defense backing is necessary.

[02] Meeting with Lipponen

Helsinki, 10/10/1996 (ANA)

[03] Strong tremor hits Cyprus

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

Most injuries occurred in the southern coastal town of Limassol when residents tried to leave buildings.

One man, who was recovering from surgery in the intensive care unit of Limassol hospital, died in the afternoon, however, doctors have not established any link between the man's death and the earthquake.

The quake, whose epicenter was 40 kilometers west of the coastal town of Paphos, measured 6.1 points on the Richter scale, and was also felt as far as Egypt, where one person also died. It was also felt in Israel, Lebanon, Syria, the Dodecanese islands and Turkey.

More than 100 aftershocks were recorded, measuring 3.5 to 5.5 points on the Richter scale.

Last year the western town of Paphos was hit by a strong earthquake which left two elderly people dead and many injured.

[04] Hungarian FM in Athens on Monday

Vienna, 10/10/1996 (ANA - D. Dimitrakoudis)

Apart from bilateral relations, talks Mr. Kovac will have with his Greek counterpart Theodoros Pangalos, President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos, Prime Minister Costas Simitis and Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis will focus on efforts being made by Hungary to join European and Atlantic institutions. His visit to Greece is taking place about five months after the one paid to Athens by Hungarian President Arpad Genc at the end of May, and exactly 40 years after the restoration of diplomatic relations between Greece and Hungary which had been severed before World War II.

In Nicosia, Mr. Kovac will have talks with Foreign Minister Alecos Michaelides, President Glafcos Clerides and Parliament President Spyros Kyprianou, and will visit Hungarian soldiers participating in the Austrian detachment of the UN peacekeeping force.

[05] Tsohatzopoulos reiterates Greek position on dialogue with Turkey

Athens, 10/10/1996 (ANA)

Mr. Tsohatzopoulos made the comments after briefing Prime Minister Costas Simitis and in response to press questions concerning a letter National Defense General Staff chief Gen. Athanasios Tzoganis addressed to his Turkish counterpart yesterday expressing his regret over a Turkish F-16's crash and a hope that the missing second pilot would be found.

The US-made Turkish warplane fell southwest of the eastern Aegean island of Hios on Tuesday while violating the Athens FIR and after it had been intercepted by Hellenic Air Force fighters.

Mr. Tsohatzopoulos said understandable reactions of a humanitarian nature regarding the saving of human life should not be misinterpreted as having any political extensions.

"We cannot draw political conclusions from humanitarian initiatives," he said, reiterating that there was no dialogue with Turkey, nor are there any pressures.

On his part, government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said conditions for peace and security in the Aegean can only be achieved by respect for international treaties and international rules. He was also responding to questions on whether Athens was prepared to talk to Turkey on how to avert incidents such as the crash of the Turkish fighter. In a related development, the rescued pilot of the Turkish fighter plane, Osman Cicekli, returned to Turkey yesterday after being plunked out of the water by a Hellenic Navy helicopter after both pilots bailed out.

A search and rescue operation for the missing Turkish pilot is continuing.

Mr. Reppas said Athens "at the present time" was not working towards dialogue with Turkey either on a political or military level as no such issue has been brought up.

Greece insists in its position of a step-by-step rapprochement of the two countries, in contrast to Turkey's desire for an unconditional dialogue, he added.

Asked to comment on Turkish President Suleyman Demirel's statement that after 22 years of occupation the division of Cyprus could not be resolved, Mr. Reppas said the statement was indicative of Ankara's intentions and called on the international community to take it into serious consideration and to place pressure on Turkey.

"Greece without ignoring the reality of the past 22 years is in no way inclined to legalize it. It wants to reverse it," he said.

[06] Tzoganis letter

Athens, 10/10/1996 (ANA)

Meanwhile, sources said a Hellenic Air Force C-130 "Hercules" transport plane transported the pilot to Izmir late yesterday.

The same sources said the search for the missing pilot was being continued by a Greek frigate, a torpedo boat and a minesweeper as well as coast guard vessels and Turkish vessels coordinated by a Greek commander.

[07] Pangalos

Athens, 10/10/1996 (ANA)

Mr. Pangalos, who is accompanying President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos on his official visit to Finland, said that the Greek government had underlined the dangers created by the Turkish practice of violations.

Greece, he added, is dealing with the situation with moderation, calmness and decisiveness.

Asked whether Ankara had made any sort of protest to Athens, Mr. Pangalos said any such protest would be "outrageous, they violate and at the same time they protest?"

President Stephanopoulos added that there had been no protest from the Turkish side but that, in fact, Turkey had thanked the Greek government for the rescue of the Turkish pilot.

[08] Violations continue

Athens, 10/10/1996 (ANA)

In all cases the violators were intercepted by Greek aircraft, with close engagements in some cases reported.

[09] Turkish defectors request asylum

Athens, 10/10/1996 (ANA)

In requesting the asylum, the two soldiers cited their "opposition to the socio-political regime prevailing in Turkey.

[10] Commission adopts van den Broek report on EU relations with Ankara

Brussels, 10/10/1996 (ANA - M. Spinthourakis)

Reliable sources said the report, whose main points will be released today, despite accepting in general terms that the human rights situation in Turkey remains problematic with deterioration in certain cases, and that Ankara's behavior towards Greece presently does not seem to be aimed at a de-escalation of tension, essentially comes out against the freezing of credits to Turkey, thus conflicting with a recent resolution adopted by the European Parliament.

In his address, Greek Energy Commissioner Christos Papoutsis stressed that the Commission ought to side with the Europarliament's view in order to put pressure on Turkey to realize that the strengthening of its relations with the EU is not possible with out respect for human rights and if it does not stop its provocative actions against Greece.

He called for an end to instances of EU "double-talk" regarding Turkey, emphasizing that the Union must play a prominent role in the solution of the Cyprus problem and stop watching in embarrassment the diplomatic efforts of the United States to impose its own terms.

Mr. van den Broek accepted several of the amendments to the text of the report proposed by Mr. Papoutsis and several other commissioners. The final text, which will be submitted to the Europarliament for briefing purposes, clearly states that the de-escalation of tension in the Aegean must be realized on the basis of the principles of international law, and that the Union must remain firm regarding the maintenance of an open dialogue aiming at a permanent and fair solution of the Cyprus problem.

It also clearly states that the Commission will ensure that Turkey's financing through the MEDA program - if and when approved by the Europarliament - is linked with actions aimed to improve the state of human rights and living conditions in the predominately Kurdish areas of southeast Turkey.

[11] Papandreou speaks at London School of Economics

London, 10/10/1996 (ANA - L. Tsirigotakis)

"I set out personal thoughts on how politics ought to be treated in the very different society we are entering, which views politics as an educational process, very different from the traditional manner of exercising policy," he said.

The under-secretary today is due to inaugurate the Greek Section at LSE - the research section of the Modern Greek Studies Department.

"Generally, I consider that the creation of chairs of Greek studies is very important. We make important contacts with educationalists and researchers to the benefit of our country and to the mutual benefit with the countries we co-operate," he said.

[12] Souflias rejects Evert's overtures

Athens, 10/10/1996 (ANA)

George Souflias, former education minister and the defeated ND candidate in last week's leadership election, rejected proposals by Mr. Evert that he remain spokesman for ND deputies and to participate in the party's Political Council.

"My candidacy supported a permanent solution to the leadership of New Democracy but in the end the solution chosen was that of a transitional period leading to the congress, which will give a definitive answer," Mr. Souflias said. "I asked Mr. Evert to call the congress for spring, as foreseen in the party charter, and that it give a definitive solution to the issue of the leadership of the party, to redefine its political physiognomy and its political and programmatic focus and to shape a strategy for ND that will lead to victory."

Mr. Souflias stressed that there should be a genuine democratic representation of the ND rank and file at the congress.

He said he told Mr. Evert to choose someone to replace him as Parliamentary Group spokesman and that he would not be participating in the Political Council, an advisory body comprised of members hand-picked by the president of the party.

He said he was at the service of the president for any serious issue and would work with all his might for ND to exercise a responsible and dynamic opposition and to become government in the next elections.

[13] Parliament deputy presidents elected

Athens, 10/10/1996 (ANA)

Panayiotis Kritikos (PASOK) was elected First Deputy President with 198 votes (in the 300-seat Parliament), Panagiotis Sgouridis (PASOK) Second Deputy President with 186 votes and Loukas Apostolidis (PASOK) Third Deputy President with 178 votes. Nikos Katsaros (main opposition New Democracy) was elected fourth Deputy President with 177 votes and Mitsos Kostopoulos (Communist Party of Greece) Fifth Deputy President with 186 votes.

The voting process was attended by 286 deputies, while eight PASOK and six ND deputies were absent. The 30 present deputies of the Communist Party of Greece (KKE), the Coalition of the Left and Progress and the Democratic Social Movement cast blank votes.

[14] Petsalnikos to visit Australia

Melbourne, 10/10/1996 (ANA - S. Hatzimanolis)

Mr. Petsalnikos will arrive in Sydney on October 30 for a two-day visit and will then visit Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth.

[15] Senate to discuss resolution condemning Turkey

Athens, 10/10/1996 (ANA)

"It is necessary that this proposal be approved by the Australian Senate so as to act as pressure on Turkey to abandon its provocation. At the same time, however, it puts pressure on the Australian government to more vigorously support Greek positions in the Aegean," Senator Bolkus said. "The refusal of Foreign Minister Alexander Downer to take a position is worrying. It sends the wrong message to Ankara."

The senator, who is of Greek origin, said there were international treaties which clearly show that Imia was a part of sovereign Greek territory.

"Unfortunately," he continued, "Turkey has lately ignored international treaties and repeatedly provoked Greece. Recently the European Parliament called on Turkey to respect international legality. I, too, call on the Australian government to condemn in the most vehement fashion Turkish provocations in the Aegean."

[16] Thessaloniki police investigating reports of baby-selling rings from Bulgaria

Athens, 10/10/1996 (ANA)

Bulgarian newspapers recently reported police officials in the town of Burgas saying they had uncovered a network dealing in selling infants from Bulgaria in Greece.

Mr. Economou added that the Thessaloniki police had dealt with such a case once before, in September last year, when a young Bulgarian couple and three Bulgarian women were arrested and charged with acting as middlemen selling infants from Bulgaria to couples in northern Greece.

[17] Labor under-secretary meets with ADEDY officials

Athens, 10/10/1996 (ANA)

According to ADEDY and pension fund administrations, if these increases, which were not subject to deductions, are recognized in estimating pensions they will lead to a weakening of funds, benefiting only one branch, the judiciary.

ADEDY also received the promise that the request by employees falling under prefectural self-administration to maintain full insurance rights entailed under a civil servant status will be met positively.

Mr. Farmakis and ADEDY will continue its dialogue on necessary reforms for insurance funds in the public sector.

[18] Effort focuses on efforts to reduce occupational hazards

Athens, 10/10/1996 (ANA)

"The state, employers, labor unions and all social agencies are obliged to sensitize themselves and intensify their efforts through a network of measures, which are already initiated, as well as new infrastructures which will be created to minimize occupational hazards and illnesses," Mr. Protopapas said on the occasion of European Hygiene and Labor Safety Week.

Visits to enterprises and schools have also been planned on the same occasion.

A conference on "Prospects of National Policy for Safety and Health in the Workplace" will be held in Athens on Nov. 20 and in Thessaloniki on Dec. 2.

Additionally, a poster competition will be held.

[19] European insurance firms' general assembly in Thessaloniki

Athens, 10/10/1996 (ANA)

The CEA constitutes the Federation of Insurance Unions from 25 European countries, which it represents officially in international organizations. It also plays a decisive role in all issues connected to private insurance in the EU's unified market.

About 150 leading insurance agents from around Europe will participate in the general assembly, scheduled to be held at the Makedonia Palace Hotel. Decisions will be taken concerning the current rapid developments in the insurance sector, with an emphasis being placed on the consequences the future establishment of a single currency will have on private insurance.

The event is being organized by the Union of Insurance Companies of Greece.

[20] Xiosbank drops interest rates on loans

Athens, 10/10/1996 (ANA)

Specifically, Xiosbank's new interest rates are as follows:

- Xios Stegi (housing loan): 16 per cent (from 17 per cent).

- Housing loan of limited action (for the first year): 9 per cent (from 10 per cent).

- Repairs loan with prior notification: 18.5 per cent (from 19.5 per cent).

- Multi-loan (consumer loan): 23 per cent (from 24 per cent).

- Xiosbank Visa (credit card): 26.5 per cent (from 27.5 per cent).

The above interest rates do not include a 1 per cent contribution anticipated by Greek law.

[21] Intracom to participate in NATO's new Sea Sparrow production program

Athens, 10/10/1996 (ANA)

Under the terms of the contract, Intracom will develop and manufacture the missile's telemetric guidance system (WCT) and will participate in the initial stage of the preliminary design of the ESSM, as well as coordinating other Greek subcontractors working on the missile. The development program for the missile involves another 10 NATO countries and is budgeted at $2 billion.

The contract was signed by an Intracom official and the managing consultant of the German firm RamSys, which is coordinating the European portion of the program. The signing was attended by officials of the national defense ministry, as well as US and German officials.

[22] Conference of European chambers concludes

Athens, 10/10/1996 (ANA)

The conference, focusing on "Business in the 21st century-Technical Aid and Support from the Chambers of Commerce and Industry", concluded that the European business community is faced with two main challenges: the global expansion of the economy and enlargement of the European Union, which will include countries from central and southern Europe.

Giorgos Yiourgas was elected president of the work group for tourism, succeeding Bernard Theman from France.

End of English language section.

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