Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 96-11-05

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

ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No 1032), November 5, 1996

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

CONTENTS

[01] Contacts over Cyprus issue heat up prior to expected initiative

[02] Kaklamanis, Kyprianou discuss inter-parliamentary co-operation

[03] Venizelos signs agreement founding modern Greek chair at University of Venice

[04] Exhibition on Harilaos Trikoupis inaugurated

[05] Reppas sees speedier procedures to resolve FYROM problem

[06] Canada prepared to help find a settlement to Cyprus problem

[07] Simitis chairs meeting of PASOK Eurodeputies

[08] Numerous Turkish violations of Greek airspace reported

[09] Navy ship sinks after collision with ferry boat, 4 missing

[10] Mount Athos monastery representative denies reports of Karadzic, Mladic asylum requests

[11] Reppas confirms Pangalos letter to NATO

[12] KKE response

[13] ND political council to reconvene in face of internal party crisis

[14] Mitsotakis statement

[15] Skandalidis begins contacts aimed at new party organization

[16] NATO general calls on Turkey to diffuse Greek-Turkish tension

[17] Petsalnikos meets with PM of South Australia

[18] Shop assistants says they will continue battle against extended Saturday trading hours

[19] OA employees call for drafting of administrative structure plan

[20] Premier to endorse package of economic measures

[21] Moody's to upgrade Greece's int'l credit rating

[22] Greece, Czech Republic agree on exports co-operation

[23] Unified strategy between Greece, Cyprus on earthquake response proposed by scientists

[24] Avramopoulos, basketball federation discuss '98 World Basketball Championship in Athens

[25] Greek directors promote films in Canada, US

[26] Bertolucci to be honored at Thessaloniki Film Festival

[27] Seminar outlines wide-ranging Japanese environmental protection programs

[01] Contacts over Cyprus issue heat up prior to expected initiative

Athens, 05/11/1996 (ANA)

Government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said that Mr. Rozakis, who arrived in Cyprus on Sunday at the head of a delegation, will have talks with the Nicosia government and opposition parties in order to gain a "comprehensive view" of the problem.

The Greek government delegation will be discussing a common stance between Athens and Nicosia regarding latest developments on the Cyprus problem in view of a US initiative expected to be taken within the next few months.

"There is a new period before us in view of US elections and also because the time is approaching for commencement of negotiations on Cyprus' accession to the European Union. There is also talk of initiatives being taken, and besides, there is increased movement (on the Cyprus problem)," Mr. Reppas said.

"For this reason and in order that there be no surprises, and in order for there to be better coordination, all these efforts are being made, including the foreign under-secretary's visit to Nicosia," Mr. Reppas said.

On his part, Mr. Rozakis described as his meeting yesterday with Cyprus President Glafcos Clerides as productive. The Greek official was briefed on Nicosia's positions on the Cyprus problem, according to an ANA dispatch from the island republic's capita l.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Mr. Rozakis said that the purpose of the Greek delegation's contacts with the Cyprus government was "to gather the material which is necessary in order to finalize positions in view of the new phase into which the Cyprus problem is entering."

Mr. Rozakis said the delegation would have further contacts later yesterday and today, "in order to gain a comprehensive picture and work out its views when it returns to Athens".

[02] Kaklamanis, Kyprianou discuss inter-parliamentary co-operation

Athens, 05/11/1996 (ANA)

Both men said they discussed actions at better informing international public opinion on the positions and just causes of Hellenism through the national parliaments, the Europarliament and other organizations. Mr. Kyprianou later said that such efforts will emphasize the fact that the problem of Cyprus is an issue of occupation, invasion and infringement of human rights.

Regarding recent international diplomatic activity on the Cyprus problem, Mr. Kyprianou, a former president of the island republic, said pressure should be directed at Turkey in order to force Ankara to abandon its expansionist designs and its unacceptable claims.

Mr. Kyprianou also held talks with National Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos, focusing on developments on national issues and problems faced by both Cypriot Hellenism and Hellenism in general.

Mr. Tsohatzopoulos expressed optimism that with the two countries' common effort the greatest possible defense capacity will be achieved, which guarantees peace, security and co-operation in the region.

On his part, Mr. Kyprianou said views were exchanged on national issues, the Cyprus issue and initiatives expected from various sides.

Mr. Kyprianou said the joint defense doctrine between Greece and Cyprus is a very important factor in the effort for an appropriate settlement and vindication for Cyprus and Hellenism.

Commenting on information that two Turkish warplanes landed in Turkish-occupied northern Cyprus, Mr. Tsohatzopoulos said such landings worsen the position of the Turkish occupation troops in Cyprus.

Mr. Kyprianou said the incident is an additional provocation to recent Turkish provocativeness.

In another development, Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos gave a working lunch yesterday for Mr. Kyprianou at the foreign ministry.

Earlier, Mr. Kyprianou visited President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos.

Mr. Kyprianou is currently on a working visit to Greece aimed at exchanging views on the Cyprus issue in light of initiatives expected to be undertaken to resolve the issue.

[03] Venizelos signs agreement founding modern Greek chair at University of Venice

Rome, 05/11/1996 (ANA - S. Aravopoulou)

The agreement provides for a permanent instructor's position, which will be paid for by the Greek culture ministry's budget over the next five years.

During the signing of the agreement, Mr. Venizelos spoke of the historical and cultural ties connecting Greece and Venice, which for a significant period was the center of Greek language printing and literature.

Mr. Venizelos visited an exhibition on the subject of "Greeks in the West" during his stay in Venice.

[04] Exhibition on Harilaos Trikoupis inaugurated

Athens, 05/11/1996 (ANA)

"To remind the Greek people of the contribution of certain politicians in this country and for our people to know their modern history," President Stephanopoulos said while touring the exhibition.

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the late 19th century Greek premier's death, while a Parliamentary session has declared 1996 as the year of Harilaos Trikoupis.

[05] Reppas sees speedier procedures to resolve FYROM problem

Athens, 05/11/1996 (ANA)

Mr. Reppas made the statement when asked by reporters if the resolution of the name issue was a prerequisite for a visit to FYROM by a Greek minister or for high-level talks between the two Balkan neighbors.

The spokesman underlined also that Greece's relations with FYROM were governed by the 1995 interim agreement.

"On the Greek side, there is a desire for co-operation," Mr. Reppas added.

[06] Canada prepared to help find a settlement to Cyprus problem

Toronto, 05/11/1996 (ANA-I.Frangouli)

Mr. Axworthy was speaking during an official dinner organized by the Greek-Canadian community.

The minister said Canada had always been active in efforts to solve the Cyprus problem and had contributed for two decades to the UN peacekeeping force in Cyprus.

"Today, when certain new favorable prospects appear for a final and viable solution to Cyprus, Canada will be present," he said.

In past statements, Mr. Axworthy has referred to the need for demilitarization of the island with the intervention of the international community and his own country.

[07] Simitis chairs meeting of PASOK Eurodeputies

Athens, 05/11/1996 (ANA)

The meeting was also attended by Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos and Alternate Foreign Minister George Papandreou.

"The meeting was effective," Eurodeputy Paraskevas Avgerinos said afterwards. "The PASOK Eurodeputies issues and priorities were discussed, as well as European and political issues".

Mr. Papandreou said the discussion was "fruitful" and that there would be good co-operation between the foreign ministry and the Eurodeputies.

He added he would also soon meet with Eurodeputies belonging to other political parties.

[08] Numerous Turkish violations of Greek airspace reported

Athens, 05/11/1996 (ANA)

According to reports, Hellenic Air Force F-16s and F-4s along with French-made Mirage 2000 fighters intercepted the intruders in every instance.

[09] Navy ship sinks after collision with ferry boat, 4 missing

Athens, 05/11/1996 (ANA)

In addition, according to a merchant marine ministry announcement, no injuries were reported aboard the Greek-flagged "Samaina" ferry boat.

No details were as yet available concerning the causes of the accident. The warship had a crew of 38.

Commenting on the accident, Premier Costas Simitis expressed last night his regret for the likely loss of human life and said he had given instructions for "the exemplary punishment of those who were criminally negligent of their duties".

[10] Mount Athos monastery representative denies reports of Karadzic, Mladic asylum requests

Athens, 05/11/1996 (ANA)

The denial was made by a representative of the monastery, who categorically denied that any such request had ever been made by anyone.

[11] Reppas confirms Pangalos letter to NATO

Athens, 05/11/1996 (ANA)

Noting that the letter had been sent before the late September general elections, which renewed PASOK's four-year mandate, Mr. Reppas added that NATO had not officially answered.

According to Mr. Reppas, however, certain NATO ministers have discussed the issue with Mr. Pangalos.

[12] KKE response

Athens, 05/11/1996 (ANA)

KKE claims that any such recommended procedures will be within the organization's charter, which in the framework of NATO territory does not recognize the existence of borders between Greece and Turkey, nor does it protect member-states from attacks by other member-states.

"It is obvious that both the United States and NATO are only interested in keeping both countries and their people locked in a permanent state of guardianship and dependence," KKE stated.

"In this way, the only thing the government manages is to show its deep submission to those who encourage and are behind the expansionist policy of Turkish governments," KKE concluded.

[13] ND political council to reconvene in face of internal party crisis

Athens, 05/11/1996 (ANA)

Members of the political council expressed concern at the situation at the three-hour meeting chaired by leader Miltiades Evert yesterday.

According to sources, political council members discussed the possibility of ND Vice-President Ioannis Varvitsiotis taking over the party leadership as a "transitional president," until the party's congress convenes in June.

Mr. Evert did not make any statements to the press after the meeting.

Meanwhile, a written text signed by party deputies is due to be handed in tomorrow to leading party officials. The co-signatories request a meeting with the party's leadership in order to agree on a specific course in view of the congress.

[14] Mitsotakis statement

Athens, 05/11/1996 (ANA)

In an interview with the daily "Adesmeftos Typos", Mr. Mitsotakis said that "at this hour ND is in danger," adding that he would make his proposals in public and urging all party officials to do the same.

On her part, ND deputy and former culture minister Dora Bakoyianni, one of the three prominent rivals of leader Miltiades Evert and Mr. Mitsotakis' daughter, yesterday said she would accept assumption of ND's leadership by Mr. Varvitsiotis as an interim solution, on the condition that the proposal garners endorsement by all sides in the party.

Speaking on the "98.4 Athens" radio station, she reiterated that recent contender George Souflias was the person best suited to express the party's new profile.

[15] Skandalidis begins contacts aimed at new party organization

Athens, 05/11/1996 (ANA)

Mr. Skandalidis made the statement during a PASOK meeting in Rhodes to discuss the imminent party restructure.

The meeting also discussed the government's economic policy after many participants expressed concern that the party was faced with the risk of losing its social profile.

Stressing that "there is no organization in PASOK," Mr. Skandalidis described the party's current structure as "the sum total of individual and trade unions' effort to handle power."

Stressing the need for more local party offices, Mr. Skandalidis said that in the cities, the party should create organizations to deal with specific subjects such as athletics, health or economics.

Warning that PASOK was threatened by shrinkage, Mr. Skandalidis stressed the need for party restructure.

According to Mr. Skandalidis, a joint meeting of the party's Central Committee and Parliamentary Group will be held by November 20 to discuss the government's economic policy.

[16] NATO general calls on Turkey to diffuse Greek-Turkish tension

Istanbul, 05/11/1996 (ANA)

The general, who recently visited Antalya, said in an interview that "some way must be found in order to ensure a climate of trust between the two countries, which are in need of peace and stability.

"The issues among the two countries can be solved if there is sensitivity, imagination, decisiveness and trust," Gen. Naumann said.

[17] Petsalnikos meets with PM of South Australia

Australia, 05/11/1996 (ANA - S.Theologidis)

At the meeting, Mr. Petsalnikos stressed the need to promote Greek-Australian trade relations and for establishment of an Australian general consulate in Thessaloniki.

The two men also discussed the possibility of trade co-operation between Greece and the State of South Australia.

After the meeting, Mr. Brown expressed satisfaction at the opportunity to meet with Mr. Petsalnikos, adding that Thessaloniki was "a gateway to the Balkans and Europe."

Mr. Petsalnikos also had meetings with Greek-Australian businessmen and met with Ralph Clarke, the alternate leader of the main opposition party in South Australia.

Mr. Petsalnikos also held talks with the president of the Adelaide Business Chamber, Lyndsey Thompson, with whom he discussed a series of meetings between Greek and Australian businessmen, due to be held in Adelaide next March.

[18] Shop assistants says they will continue battle against extended Saturday trading hours

Athens, 05/11/1996 (ANA)

"We will obstruct with all means the attempt by department stores to extend trading hours," president of the Federation of Shop Assistants Angelos Frangokopoulos said yesterday. "Each Saturday there will be a work stoppage, rallies and protests in front of stores that remain open".

Mr. Papaioannou called on retail bodies to co-operate, stressing that at the present time there was no issue of trading on Sunday.

That position also appears to be supported by the development ministry, with both ministries in the process of stepping up checks on stores operating on Sundays. Only stores situated in designated tourist areas are allowed to open on Sundays.

The labor minister called on unionists to work out a feasible compromise with merchants - possibly by extending trading until 5 p.m. on Saturdays.

[19] OA employees call for drafting of administrative structure plan

Athens, 05/11/1996 (ANA)

Michalis Perros, the president of the Federation of Civil Aviation Associations (OSPA), said yesterday that although OA's administration has undertaken to draft an organization program since last March, and despite a cap on salaries, Olympic only showed profits of 10 billion drachmas in 1996.

Mr. Perros also said that 1,000 seasonal employees hired by the company are redundant personnel.

[20] Premier to endorse package of economic measures

Athens, 05/11/1996 (ANA)

These measures include taxes on large real estate holdings, interest on treasury bills and government bonds, financial derivatives, abolition of tax exemptions, an increase in taxation criteria for conspicuous consumption, cutbacks in state expenses and a slashing of waste in the public sector.

The estimated fiduciary yield of the new measures has been included in the new budget, which envisages an increase in revenue in the region of one trillion drachmas.

Yesterday, National Economy and Finance Minister Yiannos Papantoniou, after successive meetings with colleagues and top officials, put the final touches on a package of measures which also includes proposals for incomes policy.

In another development, Agriculture Minister Stephanos Tzoumakas said after a meeting with the prime minister yesterday that he had submitted a four-year program with specific priorities for his ministry's sector and the cost of its application.

The plan includes three draft bills tabled in Parliament in September, which deal, among others, with the establishment of appropriate bodies for the management of European Union subsidies and for quality control of agricultural products, leasing in the agricultural sector and farmers' insurance.

Mr. Tzoumakas also mentioned that in a meeting with Mr. Papantoniou, it was agreed that a tax added to general commercial activities and distribution of agricultural products could be necessary to support an autonomous pension fund for farmers. He added that the possibility of such funds being sought from EU coffers and Structural Programs would also be examined, saying farmers' social insurance is a structural issue in Greece.

Referring to farmers' demands for budget subsidies on certain products, he reiterated the prime minister's position that this was not possible.

After another meeting with the prime minister, Labor Minister Miltiades Papaioannou said the government's final positions regarding farmers' insurance and the supplementary social solidarity benefit for pensioners would be made known a few days after t he release of the new budget.

[21] Moody's to upgrade Greece's int'l credit rating

Athens, 05/11/1996 (ANA)

According to a Reuters dispatch, Moody's sees an improvement of the Greek economy in its basic figures, particularly a decline in inflation to single-digit levels, and believes that the country poses fewer risks to foreign investors, both in their short - and in their long-term investments.

[22] Greece, Czech Republic agree on exports co-operation

Prague, 05/11/1996 (ANA)

The agreement provides for the organization of a symposium in Greece, training of employees of the two organizations, a visit by a Czech trade mission to Greece, and Greece's assistance regarding promotion of Czech programs through existing EU programs.

OPE President Ioannis Tzen said the new prospects for co-operation between the two countries in the direction of developing trade relations looked promising.

[23] Unified strategy between Greece, Cyprus on earthquake response proposed by scientists

Athens, 05/11/1996 (ANA)

A scientific "scan" of the subsoil in Cyprus, undertaken after a strong earthquake on the island recently, and its results, were presented at a conference of seismologists and other officials in Cyprus last week.

It was shown that the island republic's seismic arc is surprisingly similar to that of Greece, which begins from the islands in the Ionian and extends to Rhodes.

"The rift in Cyprus is identical to the Greek seismic arc, with which it has surprising resemblance, as research has shown," Prof. Vassilis Papazahos of the Aristotelion University's geophysics laboratory told ANA.

"This means that it gives us the possibility to implement results of plans and research, which we have on the Greek seismic area and on anti-seismic protection of Cyprus, as well as to derive experiences," he added.

[24] Avramopoulos, basketball federation discuss '98 World Basketball Championship in Athens

Athens, 05/11/1996 (ANA)

"This tournament will certainly play a very important role in promoting Greek basketball, as well as the city of Athens, in light of the Olympic Games of 2004," Mr. Avramopoulos said after the meeting.

"Therefore, we must support the World Basketball Championship of 1998 from now, we must encourage it and facilitate it in every way to secure its success," he added.

[25] Greek directors promote films in Canada, US

Montreal, 05/11/1996 (ANA-I.Frangouli)

Mr. Voulgaris told the ANA this was an opportunity for international audiences to gain an impression of Greece beyond that of "sea, folkdances and moussaka".

Mr. Voulgaris and Mr. Kokkinos left yesterday for the United States to present their movies, "Akropol," and "End of an era," respectively, at another film festival.

[26] Bertolucci to be honored at Thessaloniki Film Festival

Athens, 05/11/1996 (ANA)

One hundred and thirty movies will be screened at this year's 37th Thessaloniki Film Festival.

Fourteen of Mr. Bertolucci's movies will be screened at the festival in a special tribute to the director.

The international part of the festival also includes seven French movies and another seven films directed by Balkan directors.

[27] Seminar outlines wide-ranging Japanese environmental protection programs

Athens, 05/11/1996 (ANA)

Among the main participants was S. Kusuda, the director for global environmental technology at Japan's ministry of international trade and industry.

The seminar was organized in co-operation with the Association for Greek-Japanese Business Co-operation.

End of English language section.

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