A.N.A. Bulletin, 12/10/96

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

ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No 1013), October 12, 1996

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

CONTENTS

[01] Opposition strongly criticizes Gov't policy statements

[02] KKE response

[03] Other opposition

[04] Papantoniou

[05] SEB and SBBE

[06] Greece again cautions against MEDA funding for Turkey

[07] Ankara meeting to focus on foot-and-mouth disease, cowpox

[08] Stephanopoulos phones Clerides over earthquakes

[09] Greek UN representative reiterates view on Turkey's destabilizing role in region

[10] Souflias announces that he will again contend for ND's presidency

[11] Premier meets with Skandalidis, executive bureau members

[12] Council of Ministers memo lists preconditions for self-government bodies

[13] Melissanidis visits UN headquarters

[14] German woman arrested on suspicion of being involved in terrorist activity

[15] 8 EU universities to participate in program for better education of unionists

[16] ECOFIN Council convenes on Monday

[17] EBEA to organize business mission to Tel Aviv

[18] Conference to focus on business possibilities in Bulgaria

[19] OTE organizes seminars for senior officials

[20] Bids in for customs service computerization

[21] Grevena tremor no cause for worry, seismologists say

[22] Taxi fares to increase after Jan. 1

[01] Opposition strongly criticizes Gov't policy statements

Athens,12/10/1996 (ANA)

Main opposition New Democracy party leader Miltiades Evert said the premier's policy statements lacked radical proposals, bold initiatives and necessary reforms.

"The prime minister has not realized that any government attempting to face Greece's current problems through mere management is doomed to fail. The government's policy statement was revealing. We find before us the government we left behind. The government of social injustice and taxes, compromises and prevarications, (a government) of concealing the great challenges and problems," he charged.

Mr. Evert accused the PASOK governments of failing completely in its foreign policy, and wondered why the prime minister yesterday invited Turkey to seek international adjudication for any disputable issues, when the only difference Greece recognized was that of the continental shelf. "Following the Imia crisis, the government suggested Turkey also take that claim to The Hague. What is the prime minister implying? Is it simply a slip, or has he entered into commitments?," he asked.

Referring to Cyprus, he said that an announced US initiative could make a positive contribution if it really placed weight on the side that has broken the (international) law.

"Any attempt by the Turks to push south to the free areas of Cyprus is a casus belli for Greece," he added, accusing the government of repeated delays in implementing the country's armaments program.

Regarding differences with the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), Mr. Evert said a solution envisaging a triple name for different uses would be tragi-comic.

He said his party would maintain a responsible national attitude on external issues, and reiterated his belief in the need for formulating a single long-term national strategy, with the setting up of an appropriate council and the convening of a party leaders' council.

Turning to the economy, Mr. Evert accused the prime minister of saying the exact opposite from statements he made in the pre-election period, and of seeking "a new formula, pretext and excuse in order to break the commitments and promises he had given."

"One needs a great deal of suspicion, planning in order to discern his real intentions, and it has become apparent that the government will give local government the right to impose new taxes, as well as levies which are difficult to bear for the economically weaker farmers".

He accused the government of planning "a tax-robbing raid".

"Your only concern is how to take more. We didn't hear a word about what you are going to give, except vague promises and empty talk," he charged, calling on the government to deny reports about plans to impose new taxes.

He said his party would support "any reasonable endeavor by the government," but warned that "there is no grace period, because the economy cannot wait, and national issues do not lend themselves for acrobatic movements".

[02] KKE response

Athens,12/10/1996 (ANA)

It is that same electoral law which KKE will struggle to change and have simple proportional representation established, Ms Papariga said.

She added that the government aimed at increasing the productivity and efficiency of its unpopular measures.

Ms Papariga said the only modernization it will achieve with the consent of the majority in Parliament are "modernization of mechanisms and arguments of hypocrisy, deception and the manipulation of public opinion," adding that the Greek people should pay no attention to alarmist talk that "either we enter first speed and fulfill the terms set out by the EMU or we are doomed."

She said the danger comes from the success of the EMU's targets, namely, success in achieving the targets of monopolistic big capital, adding that social dialogue the government has promised to carry out is a "trap".

Ms. Papariga predicted that as of next year hundreds of modern and productive businesses will close down, the most important sectors of the Greek economy will be up for sale and the demolition of the social insurance system and public education will be accelerated.

She expressed support for maintaining tax exemptions of a social character and called for the abolition of tax exemptions for large companies and businesses.

On the question of social insurance funds, Ms Papariga urged the state to assume its responsibilities and finance them, adding that the state, public utilities and publishing and television companies owing huge amounts of money to the Social Insurance Foundation (IKA) are primarily to blame for its coming to the brink of bankruptcy.

Referring to Greek-Turkish relations and the Cyprus issue, Ms Papariga said the government has slipped down the path of Greek-Turkish dialogue through the United States on its own accord, a dialogue including the Cyprus issue as a unified package, while at the same time seeking the intervention of the European Union.

She added that KKE will vote against the government's policy statements.

[03] Other opposition

Athens,12/10/1996 (ANA)

Democratic Social Movement (DHKKI) president Dimitris Tsovolas said that he will exercise a "systematic" and not "corrective" opposition.

He also noted that if development and social justice do not co-exist then economic policy will have failed.

[04] Papantoniou

Athens,12/10/1996 (ANA)

He said such a pact was the only practical solution that could guarantee success in the course towards convergence with the other Europeans economies.

"Only PASOK can achieve such an agreement, being the only political force that has relations of trust with all social partners," he added.

He described as the basic aim of the proposed pact as holding of inflation at low levels, and thereafter the maintenance of real incomes and acceleration of development.

"The pact must include commitments for a stable drachma, no increases in indirect taxes, small hikes in public utility rates, and restraint in prices and incomes," he specified.

He forecast that the fiscal adjustment looming ahead would be "ambitious and difficult", explaining that the emphasis would not be on revenues and taxes, but on expenses.

He also referred to a "shake-up" in the structures of the economy so as to increase competition as the only solution for keeping inflation low.

He added that the government aspired to achieving convergence by the year 2000.

[05] SEB and SBBE

Athens,12/10/1996 (ANA)

"The government's policy statements raise the serious problems of the Greek economy with clarity, and vividly describe the dangers threatening the country if no progress is achieved soon in the crucial sectors of stabilization, development and convergence," a SEB announcement read.

SEB's announcement stressed that the target of Greece's equal participation in the European Union, set by the government, constitutes a paramount national priority which has a positive effect on the business climate.

However, SEB added that the positive impression is weakened by the fact that the policy statements do not provide clear replies on the methods, the means and the timetable for their implementation.

SEB announced that it will reserve judgment on the government's policy statements until after relevant discussions in Parliament are completed.

Meanwhile, the Association of Industries of Northern Greece (SBBE) expressed tentative support yesterday for the economic aspects of the government's policy statement, also reserving final judgment until after it has studied "the detailed positions of economic ministers".

SBBE "considers that the clarity of the main aim of Greece's equitable participation in European unification provides the policy statement with the right orientation for government policy in the coming years," an announcement read yesterday.

[06] Greece again cautions against MEDA funding for Turkey

Athens,12/10/1996 (ANA)

"The bodies of the European Union must be careful in the transfer of funds to Turkey in case this fact flatters their behavior," government spokesman Dimitris Reppas told reporters.

He was commenting on the European Parliament's budgetary committee's decision to not accept a freeze on Community funds towards Turkey, decided by the European Parliament last month.

The resolution, supported by nearly all political groups in the assembly, froze all funds to Ankara under the MEDA program, "except those regarding the promotion of democracy, human rights and social life."

The resolution was taken following Turkey's failure to meet its obligations to the European Union on improving its human rights record and its increasingly aggressive policies in Cyprus and the Aegean.

Mr. Reppas said that Athens desired good relations with Turkey as long as it respected the rules of international law, treaties and conventions", adding that Greece rejected the adoption of confidence-building measures (CBMs) with Turkey.

"There is no form of communication or dialogue with Turkey whatsoever on political questions," he said, stating that Greece must continue its weapons procurement program.

Asked to comment on Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash's statement that if Cyprus became a member of the European Union, then the Turkish-occupied territories on the island republic would be annexed by Ankara, the government spokesman said Mr. Denktash "rather than intensifying tension, might be better off doing something for the Turkish Cypriots, who live in conditions worse than ever before."

[07] Ankara meeting to focus on foot-and-mouth disease, cowpox

Athens,12/10/1996 (ANA)

The Greek side was expected to call on EU representatives to oblige Turkey to inoculate all its animals along the Evros border against foot-and-mouth disease and cowpox, since animals on the Greek side are infected by them, as was the case with foot-and-mouth disease in July, and cowpox this month.

In the event Turkey refuses, Greece will call on the EU and FAO to impose sanctions on the neighboring country.

Additionally, the Greek side will call on Bulgaria to take measures in the south of that country, where cowpox is endemic over the past two years.

The results of the meeting, taking place for the first time at an international level, will be communicated to the Community, which is prepared to meet the largest part of costs required for the inoculation of affected animals in Turkey and Bulgaria. ANA

[08] Stephanopoulos phones Clerides over earthquakes

Athens,12/10/1996 (ANA)

President Stephanopoulos expressed his sympathy over the ordeal being experienced by Cyprus as a result of recent earthquakes that hit the island this week.

[09] Greek UN representative reiterates view on Turkey's destabilizing role in region

United Nations, 12/10/1996 (ANA)

Mr. Kaskarelis was replying to what had been said at the UN General Assembly by Turkish alternate permanent representative Tuluy Tans, namely that most of Turkey's problems with Greece concern the Aegean region. He also noted what he referred to as Turkey's characteristic and systematic contempt for the principles and rules of international law, as well as Ankara's refusal to comply with international treaties which it has counter-signed.

"The continuing illegal occupation of part of Cyprus for more than 20 years is in direct contrast to relevant decisions taken by the UN's Security Council and General Assembly," Mr. Kaskarelis added.

In his address at the close of the UN's 51st General Assembly on Thursday, Mr. Tans replied to the address made by Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos.

Specifically, Mr. Tans claimed that Greece is the only country that has "different sea and air boundaries."

[10] Souflias announces that he will again contend for ND's presidency

Athens,12/10/1996 (ANA)

"It has been my standing position that New Democracy does not need solutions that are either transitive or the result of compromise," he added.

[11] Premier meets with Skandalidis, executive bureau members

Athens,12/10/1996 (ANA)

Speaking to reporters afterwards, Mr. Skandalidis said Mr. Simitis co-operated with certain members of the executive bureau, adding that there was a free discussion and co-operation concerning the ruling party.

[12] Council of Ministers memo lists preconditions for self-government bodies

Lisbon, 12/10/1996 (ANA)

Specifically, the conference's memorandum to the Council of Ministers responsible for local self-administration, despite reaction from the Turkish delegation, listed the preconditions as follows:

Respect for human rights, observance of international rules and treaties allowing for cross-border co-operation between local authorities and the resolution of problems continuing to divide European cities with peaceful means, such as the Nicosia municipality in Cyprus.

The Greek delegation was headed by Interior, Public Administration and Decentralization Under-secretary Lambros Papadimas.

[13] Melissanidis visits UN headquarters

New York, 12/10/1996 (ANA - M. Georgiadou)

Silvana Foa, a spokeswoman for UN Secretary General Boutros Boutros-Ghali, presented Mr. Melissanidis to foreign correspondents. She said it was a great opportunity for those who did not succeed in watching the Olympic Games in Atlanta close up to meet with one of the most celebrated athletes of this year's Olympics.

Many correspondents and UN officials took the opportunity to ask Mr. Melissanidis for autographs. He invited Ms. Foa to visit his hometown, Thessaloniki, and was photographed with her.

Mr. Melissanidis also visited Archbishop of America Spyridon on Thursday.

[14] German woman arrested on suspicion of being involved in terrorist activity

Athens,12/10/1996 (ANA)

According to sources, Brousler Herschler was arrested on suspicion of being involved in terrorist activities in her homeland. An unnamed judicial official said the woman is being held at the Diavata prison in Thessaloniki, while declining to reveal the reasons for her incarceration and saying only that the arrest followed a request by German officials.

Press reports claim the German national is wanted for questioning in relation to a 1986 bomb attack on a Berlin discotheque, while Greek authorities are reportedly interested in her contacts in Greece as well as when she has previously visited the country.

The woman was arrested by police at her hotel in the Psakoudia region, where she had recently arrived with a group of compatriots. She was accompanied by a male companion and a 2 1/2-year-old child, both of whom were not detained.

[15] 8 EU universities to participate in program for better education of unionists

Athens,12/10/1996 (ANA)

"It is a pioneering, exciting program, through which participants will be updated on how to respond to their new tasks, on expected changes in the productive process and labor legislation after the year 2000, and generally on what the trade union scene will be like in a few years' time," Thessaloniki Labor Center official Costas Pangarliotas told ANA yesterday.

The program will last for two years, while instruction will be carried out through a computer network linking the participating universities.

[16] ECOFIN Council convenes on Monday

Athens,12/10/1996 (ANA)

Other issues to be examined by national economy and finance ministers are the presentation of work progress on the common Value Added Tax system, the European Commission combating fraud, a report on financing inter-European networks and the course of the intergovernmental conference.

ECOFIN members will also meet national economy and finance ministers from European Free Trade Association countries during a dinner.

National Economy and Finance Minister Yiannos Papantoniou will represent Greece at the ECOFIN Council. He will meet his counterparts and economic affairs representatives of European Union socialist parties tomorrow.

[17] EBEA to organize business mission to Tel Aviv

Athens,12/10/1996 (ANA)

The visit, part of efforts being made by EBEA to further promote economic relations between Greece and Israel, anticipates contacts between Greek businessmen with ministry and organization officials, aimed at a mutual briefing over possibilities of cooperation in the commercial and industrial sectors.

Products having export potential toward Israel include building materials, clothing, textiles, foodstuffs, electrical appliances, furniture and toys, according to reports.

[18] Conference to focus on business possibilities in Bulgaria

Athens,12/10/1996 (ANA)

The conference, including participation by the European Restructuring and Development Bank and the sole investment bank in Bulgaria, will analyze possibilities of Greek investments in Bulgaria, either through a privatization program being implemented by the Bulgarian government or through an autonomous business presence.

[19] OTE organizes seminars for senior officials

Athens,12/10/1996 (ANA)

The seminars in Thessaloniki, Patras and Athens are being held in the framework of OTE's five-year business plan and its organizational and administrative modernization plan.

Entitled "Strategies for telecoms management", the seminars will broach some of the essential issues facing the organization.

[20] Bids in for customs service computerization

Athens,12/10/1996 (ANA)

The evaluation of the bids by Ameridata, Bull, Hewlett Packard, IBM, Intrasoft and Unisys-A.C.E. will take three months and will be conducted by a panel including two university professors and members of the Informatics Center (KEPYO) and the customs authority.

[21] Grevena tremor no cause for worry, seismologists say

Athens,12/10/1996 (ANA)

The tremor, registering 4.1 on the Richter scale, was recorded at 10:08 p.m. on Thursday night.

According to seismologists, the latest tremor is part of normal seismic activity noted in the region.

In a related development, noted seismologist Professor Vassilis Papazahos told the ANA the resurgence of activity in Messinia - which has seen tremors of between 4.6 and 4.8 Richter - was of concern.

"In the normal course of developments after a quake, aftershocks differ in magnitude by at least one point and in this way one can say there was a main quake followed by smaller aftershocks. However, in the case of Pylos (in Messinia), there have been f our to five quakes of almost the same magnitude and subsequently we do not know if there was a main quake. For this reason, we should be cautious in case of a stronger quake," he said.

Regarding seismic activity near Cyprus following Wednesday's quake, he said that developments were normal and said there was absolutely no connection between the Cyprus quake and the seismic activity noted in Messinia.

However, a professor of geology at the University of Athens said that while on the surface there may seem to be no connection between the two, a link could not be ruled out as it was not yet clear if the two incidents were the sounding bells for a larger quake in the region.

[22] Taxi fares to increase after Jan. 1

Athens,12/10/1996 (ANA)

End of English language section.

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