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Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 96-11-08

Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

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

ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No 1035), November 8, 1996

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


CONTENTS

  • [01] ND political council decides on party congress as soon as possible
  • [02] Evert says he will not violate party charter
  • [03] Manos, Souflias response
  • [04] Vasso Papandreou calls for more professionalism in tourism sector
  • [05] Simitis pledges full support for '97 World Athletics Championships in Athens
  • [06] Kaklamanis to attend EU parliament presidents' meeting in Sicily
  • [07] ND Eurodeputy Anastasopoulos among 3 finalists for EPP's candidate to Europarliament presidency
  • [08] New civil servants salary scale goes into effect as of Jan. 1
  • [09] Kastanidis says Commission expected to approve increase in OA's equity capital
  • [10] Transport minister stresses importance of economic, transportation co-operation in Balkans
  • [11] "All Balkan nations should be admitted to European Union"
  • [12] Armaments program and defense ministry budget discussed
  • [13] Greece urges enlargement of Council of Europe with central, eastern European countries
  • [14] President, premier meet on current issues
  • [15] US State Department official due in Athens next week
  • [16] KEDKE conference begins in the presence of Stephanopoulos inside, protests outside
  • [17] Greenpeace says Motor Oil has turned ravine into toxic waste landfill
  • [18] Translation of French philosopher Garaudy's book launched
  • [19] Venizelos, French Minister Blazi discuss Greek-French cultural relations
  • [20] Sunken missile boat located
  • [21] Pensioners' representatives unsatisfied after meeting with Papantoniou
  • [22] Opposition strongly criticizes proposed customs code provisions
  • [23] GSEE warns against abolition of tax exemptions for salary earners

  • [01] ND political council decides on party congress as soon as possible

    Athens, 08/11/1996 (ANA)

    The main opposition New Democracy party's political council, which convened yesterday afternoon, arrived at a compromise solution on the controversial issue of the procedure to be followed for next year's party congress, deciding to hold it as early as possible - March or April - with an expanded composition.

    Deputy party leader Ioannis Varvitsiotis was entrusted with the task of exploring existing possibilities towards that goal, while no leadership issue was raised during the session, and with ND leader Miltiades Evert reiterating his recent public commitment that on the first day of the congress he would table a proposal for election of the party leader by congress delegates.

    On his part, ND honorary president and former prime minister Constantine Mitsotakis stated: "The idea is maturing that the solution to the problem afflicting New Democracy will be found at the congress, which will be held as soon as possible".

    Concerning the meeting, recent leadership contender George Souflias said discussion had been "very good", while former premier Tzannis Tzannetakis said there had been full agreement.

    According to sources, the issue of a transition leadership was not raised, while others reported that Mr. Evert stressed that his only concern was for the party, and that if his presence in the leadership posed a problem, he ought to be told so bluntly.

    [02] Evert says he will not violate party charter

    Athens, 08/11/1996 (ANA)

    Earlier yesterday, Mr. Evert reiterated that he would not "violate the party's charter" but left open the possibility of taking a new role in the party.

    Addressing a meeting of the party's council of regional committee presidents, Mr. Evert remained firm in his position regarding party elections saying that "I will not under any circumstances, and in any capacity I may have, violate the charter."

    Noting that "everyone should respect the rules governing the operation of the party," Mr. Evert said that the unity of New Democracy was of primary importance.

    "What is important is the party, not Evert," he said, adding that "we must retain the unity of the party for which we have the obligation to be sacrificed."

    ND entered a new phase of crisis following its defeat in recent general elections, which gave PASOK another four-year mandate.

    Following the party's defeat, Mr. Evert submitted his resignation on the night of ND's electoral defeat, but soon returned to the ND leadership after winning internal party elections.

    ND deputy and former minister Souflias was Mr. Evert's opponent in the race for those elections. He was supported by former ministers and ND deputies, Stephanos Manos and Dora Bakoyianni. Known as "the alliance of the three", the ND deputies have been putting pressure for new party elections to be held in June at the party congress, and requesting that a transitional leader lead the party to the ND congress.

    Commenting on his decision to re-claim the party leadership, after his decision to resign, Mr. Evert said:

    "Since efforts to find a candidate of mutual acceptance did not yield results, I decided to help by leading the party to the congress."

    Mr. Evert also claimed that New Democracy lost the elections to PASOK due to "internal party opposition."

    In an indirect reference to Mr. Mitsotakis, Mr. Evert said "how it is possible for the party to progress when party officials say that the (PASOK) prime minister is competent, that the foreign and economy ministers are excellent and that de-nationalizations lead to unemployment?"

    "How is it possible for a party to progress when party officials do not want the party to be on the side of those who have just claims, such as the farmers, pensioners and the small-to-mediumd-sized business owners, branding the party's positions as populist?"

    Stressing that New Democracy "is not the big capital's party or (the party) of the Greek Federation of Industries (SEB)," Mr. Evert said New Democracy won votes in "the poor neighborhoods," and lost votes in the "high income regions."

    Soon, he said, those earning high incomes who voted for Mr. Simitis will realize their mistake.

    "Unfortunately the whole of the Greek people will pay for this choice, since a storm of taxes is at the gates," he added.

    Commenting on Mr. Evert's statements, Mr. Mitsotakis later said "I see an effort to cause a climate of tension."

    Asked, Mr. Mitsotakis said, however, that he did not anticipate a rupture in the party.

    In another development, Mr. Varvitsiotis met yesterday in Parliament with the 22 ND deputies that have undertaken the task of defusing the crisis in the party.

    Mr. Varvitsiotis said the initiative of the 22 deputies was very positive, adding that he was optimistic regarding its outcome.

    [03] Manos, Souflias response

    Athens, 08/11/1996 (ANA)

    In a letter to the presidents of the ND regional committee presidents regarding Mr. Evert's statements earlier in the day, Mr. Manos said that "the first violation of the party's charter is Mr. Evert's commitment to the Parliamentary group that he will seek the election of the party's leadership in the forthcoming congress."

    Mr. Manos said that in order to be government the New Democracy must have a leadership that unites and not causes partition in the party.

    Sources close to Mr. Souflias later said that Mr. Evert's address yesterday was bordering on conflict rather than convergence.

    Despite this, the sources said, Mr. Souflias "will continue efforts in the direction of weathering the crisis in the ND in an atmosphere of understanding."

    [04] Vasso Papandreou calls for more professionalism in tourism sector

    Athens, 08/11/1996 (ANA)

    Development Minister Vasso Papandreou yesterday called on the private tourism sector to raise its professionalism, promising that the state would also show similar concern.

    Speaking at a meeting with dozens of representatives of the tourism industry from around the country at a central Athens hotel, the minister promised a speedy tackling of many outstanding problems, with a view to improving the country's image and tourism product, as well as reducing visitors' complaints in 1997.

    "1996 has not been such a bad tourist year as originally described," she said, adding that on the basis of all indications, the reduction in arrivals will finally be less than 10 per cent from the previous year, however, with a projected increase in for eign exchange receipts from tourism.

    She warned that not all hotel units in Greece could survive with state assistance if they did not show greater professionalism and willingness for an upgrade in quality, ruling out abolition of the special airport levy for the under construction international Athens airport at Spata (Spatosimo) - since such an abolition prohibited by a contract with the Hochtief-led consortium building the facility - or a change in the government's hard drachma policy. "The economic policy does not change," she stressed, despite admitting that it has had adverse effects on tourism.

    For their part, tourism sector operators, in view of the upcoming 1997 budget, called for the maintenance of a series of tax exemptions threatened with abolition, immediate measures for improving conditions in the country's entrance points, methodically pursuing an improvement of its image abroad, strict penalties for noise pollution, etc.

    Among the measures being planned, Ms Papandreou mentioned the auctioning off or long-term leasing of Greek Tourism Organization (EOT) property in Halkidiki, the Peloponnese, Attica, and Rhodes to private individuals, training programs for improved behavior on the part of taxi drivers, and an advertising campaign for domestic tourism.

    She also said there was now a possibility for the granting of group tourist visas to visitors from eastern and central European countries - such as Russia and Serbia - although the foreign ministry had a rather reserved attitude regarding certain airports.

    [05] Simitis pledges full support for '97 World Athletics Championships in Athens

    Athens, 08/11/1996 (ANA)

    Prime Minister Costas Simitis yesterday met with the president of the International Amateur Athletics Federation (IAAF), Primo Nebiolo, to discuss next year's World Athletics Championships which will be held in Athens from Aug. 1-10.

    Mr. Nebiolo was later received by President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos at the Presidential Mansion.

    During his meeting with Mr. Simitis, Sports Under-secretary Andreas Fouras was also present.

    "Mr. Simitis promised that he would provide us with all assistance and assured that the Greek government would do everything possible for the faultless holding of the world championships," Mr. Nebiolo told reporters immediately after the meeting.

    Mr. Nebiolo noted that the prime minister was well aware of the fact that the world championships will be held just a few days before the International Olympic Committee decides on the country to host the 2004 Olympic Games, for which Athens is a candid ate.

    "Perhaps Athens holds the most important card," Mr. Nebiolo said.

    Mr. Fouras said that for the first 10 days of August 1997, Athens would be "the sports capital of the planet", adding that "we have the full support of the prime minister and the government in general."

    Mr. Nebiolo also had talks yesterday with Mr. Fouras and Greek Athletics Federation (SEGAS) President Stratos Molyvas at a meeting which confounded expectations of a continuation of a row between SEGAS and the sports ministry over which entity should have overall responsibility for organizing the world championships next year.

    At the meeting, held in a friendly atmosphere, Mr. Fouras and Mr. Molivas were in full agreement as to the duties and responsibilities of their respective sides concerning the staging of the event.

    "During my meeting with Messrs. Fouras and Molivas, we discussed the problems which existed between the two sides and reached full agreement. The three of us signed a text setting out the relations between the sports ministry, SEGAS and the organization al and technical committee for the championships," Mr. Nebiolo told reporters after the meeting.

    "I am very pleased that the problems have been overcome and I believe that we will have the best championships in the history of world athletics," Mr. Nebiolo added.

    "We are ready to stage a grand event," Mr. Fouras said, adding that "when I met in Atlanta in the summer with IOC President Juan Antonio Samaranch and Mr. Nebiolo, we agreed that the decisions pertaining to financial matters would be the responsibility of the organizational committee. This agreement was reconfirmed yesterday. At the same time, SEGAS will be responsible for all technical matters pertaining to the staging of the event."

    Mr. Molivas said that the text signed yesterday fully reflected the federation's positions.

    According to the text of yesterday's agreement, SEGAS will receive 10 per cent of all gross income from the event.

    [06] Kaklamanis to attend EU parliament presidents' meeting in Sicily

    Athens, 08/11/1996 (ANA)

    The presidents of European Union parliaments are to meet in Palermo in order to discuss several issues, including the further democratization procedures for the 15-member Union, Euro-Mediterranean co-operation and the condition of women in Afghanistan.

    Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis is scheduled to depart for Italy today in order to participate in the meeting.

    According to a Parliament announcement, Mr. Kaklamanis will expand Greek positions regarding the implementation of Euro-Mediterranean co-operation, reinforcement of co-operation in the sectors of culture and the economy, while he is also expected to raise the issue of protection of the EU's external borders.

    [07] ND Eurodeputy Anastasopoulos among 3 finalists for EPP's candidate to Europarliament presidency

    Brussels, 08/11/1996 (ANA - M. Savva)

    A crucial vote will be held by the European Peoples' Party (EPP) next Wednesday on sending one of its three candidates for the post of Europarliament president to a plenary session of the EU body. Commenting on the candidacy of

    New Democracy party Eurodeputy Georgios Anastasopoulos, Greek EU Commissioner for Energy, SMEs and Tourism, Christos Papoutsis, said: "I think Mr. Anastasopoulos' candidacy reminds us that all the countries of the European Union are equal and I think that a president of the European Parliament can be equally efficient, regardless of whether or not he comes from a large country."

    Mr. Papoutsis referred to his long acquaintance with Mr. Anastasopoulos from the time they were colleagues at the European Parliament, and expressed an appreciation for his personality and important work as well as wishing him luck.

    The other two candidates are Nicole Fontaine from France and Robles Delgado from Spain. The candidate who will receive the mandate from the EPP will be judged at a plenary session in January.

    [08] New civil servants salary scale goes into effect as of Jan. 1

    Athens, 08/11/1996 (ANA)

    A new salary scale for civil servants will take effect as of January 1, 1997, while anticipated increases will constitute the incomes policy for the year.

    Finance Under-secretary Nikos Christodoulakis said civil servants will receive salary increases totaling 8-9 per cent in 1997, adding that the draft for the new salary scale will be tabled in Parliament for ratification in December.

    Mr. Christodoulakis presented the administration of the Civil Servants Supreme Administrative Council (ADEDY) with the finalized plan of the new salary scale yesterday, which radically alters the existing salary status, since index-linked increases and benefits will be incorporated.

    [09] Kastanidis says Commission expected to approve increase in OA's equity capital

    Athens, 08/11/1996 (ANA)

    Transport and Communications Minister Haris Kastanidis said in Brussels this week that the European Commission was soon expected to approve an increase in the equity capital of Olympic Airways, from 12 to 23 billion drachmas.

    He added that OA's board of governors was to decide yesterday on the signing of a contract with the MacKenzie Co. for the drawing up of its administrative structure plan within four months.

    Finally, he said that the state carrier's airplane fleet planning would be completed by March 1997, and announced that the draft bill on public procurements was nearing completion.

    The European Commission asked Athens in July for additional measures in the company's financial recovery plan, such as a change in its taxation status and the system for hiring seasonal staff.

    Mr. Kastanidis also said that his European Union counterparts would decide on increases in toll charges and the creation of free "rail corridors" across countries in the Union until Dec. 18.

    He added that he had told his counterparts in their Council meeting yesterday that any increases could not burden equally all transporters in the Union, and that account should be taken of differences in distances.

    Mr. Kastanidis said that the proposal, which was accepted by EU Transport Commissioner Neil Kinnock, would secure competitive prices for Greek produce.

    [10] Transport minister stresses importance of economic, transportation co-operation in Balkans

    Athens, 08/11/1996 (ANA)

    Transport Minister Haris Kastanidis said yesterday that Greece, as the only Balkan EU member, must promote, both at bilateral and at a European level, the creation of an inter-related economic co-operation region in the Balkans.

    He made the comments during the fourth two-day seminar in Thessaloniki, this time on the subject of "Businesses in a Market Without Borders."

    The transport and communications minister noted that Greece supports the demands of other Balkan countries for the development of their infrastructure. He added that in view of the expansion of the EU, Greece has taken on a leading role in the Balkan region.

    Mr. Kastanidis said Greece must promote certain basic choices which will give it a leading role in the transport sector of southeastern Europe, at the same time serving vital Greek interests and reinforcing the country's economy.

    The main issues being promoted by the government include the completion of the Egnatia Highway and the creation of transportation junctures with Albania, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Bulgaria and Turkey as well as a coastal highway connecting Igoumenitsa with Dubrovnik, which will cross Albania and the Dalmatian coast. Another project is the opening of a Florina-Pogradec rail link.

    [11] "All Balkan nations should be admitted to European Union"

    Athens, 08/11/1996 (ANA)

    National Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos yesterday proposed the accession of all Balkan countries in the European Union so as to establish a Balkan pillar.

    He made the proposal while addressing the Second European Conference on Peace and Co-operation in the Balkans, which began yesterday at the Zappeion Hall.

    In statements immediately after, referring to developments in the Cyprus issue following the US elections, he said he was awaiting the manifestation of the US initiative, but was not aware of its precise content.

    Mr. Tsohatzopoulos said he would be briefed in detail during his visit to Cyprus from November 21 to 24. However, he added, "the Greece-Cyprus joint defense doctrine remains firm".

    Replying to questions, the minister stressed the need for the continued presence of the UN force in Bosnia (IFOR) in order to ensure peace in the region, adding that the relevant decision would be taken at the NATO meeting of defense ministers.

    [12] Armaments program and defense ministry budget discussed

    Athens, 08/11/1996 (ANA)

    Mr. Tsohatzopoulos also attended a two-hour meeting chaired by Prime Minister Costas Simitis yesterday on the defense ministry's budget and the armed forces' armaments program.

    Sources said the meeting discussed ways to realize the procurements program and that the final decision will be taken at a meeting of the Government Council for Foreign Affairs and Defense (KYSEA) following another meeting chaired by the prime minister and including ministers of competent ministries.

    National Economy and Finance Minister Yiannos Papantoniou, Defense Under-secretary Dimitris Apostolakis, Finance Under-secretary Nikos Christodoulakis and the Chief of Staff General (Air Force) Athanassios Tzoganis were also present. Government spokesman

    Dimitris Reppas later announced the KYSEA would meet on November 13 to finalize the new armament program for the armed forces.

    [13] Greece urges enlargement of Council of Europe with central, eastern European countries

    Strasbourg, 08/11/1996 (ANA-T. Antonopoulos)

    Alternate Foreign Minister George Papandreou yesterday reaffirmed Greece's position in favor of the enlargement of the Council of Europe through the accession of the countries of central and eastern Europe.

    Speaking at the 99th meeting of Council of Europe foreign ministers, Mr. Papandreou also reiterated Greece's position that the prerequisites for accession should be fulfilled without discrimination or political expediency.

    Such prerequisites for membership are that a candidate state must be one ruled by law with a democratic system of government in which human rights are respected.

    Yesterday's meeting focused on the issue of safeguarding democracy in Europe. The 40 countries represented acknowledged that the co-operation between the European Union and the Council of Europe in the struggle against racism and xenophobia was not progressing due to the opposing views of the EU member-states.

    [14] President, premier meet on current issues

    Athens, 08/11/1996 (ANA)

    President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos and Prime Minister Costas Simitis held a meeting yesterday focusing on a wide range of current issues from foreign policy to defense and the government's economic policy.

    Asked by reporters if the Skopje issue was discussed, Mr. Simitis said "all issues were discussed."

    According to reporters the two men began their conversation on the issue of "taking walks."

    Asked by Mr. Stephanopoulos whether he arrived to the Presidential Mansion on foot, Mr. Simitis said that he enjoys walking since one can also think at the same time.

    Faced with a multiplicity of issues, Mr. Simitis said, walking was therefore good for him and proposed that he and the president take a walk together.

    The president noted that it would be nice to have company when taking a walk.

    [15] US State Department official due in Athens next week

    Athens, 08/11/1996 (ANA)

    Carey Cavanaugh, director of the office of southeastern European affairs at the US State Department, arrives in Athens on November 12 in the context of an informational tour of Athens, Ankara and Nicosia, foreign ministry spokesman Constantine Bikas said yesterday. Mr. Cavanaugh recently took over dealing with the Cyprus issue after James Williams, the State Department Special Coordinator for Cyprus, moved on to another post in the department last month.

    Mr. Bikas said Mr. Cavanaugh would meet with Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos to discuss "thoughts and ideas that exist on solving the Cyprus problem".

    [16] KEDKE conference begins in the presence of Stephanopoulos inside, protests outside

    Athens, 08/11/1996 (ANA)

    A three-day annual regular conference of the Central Union of Municipalities and Communities of Greece (KEDKE) began in the presence of President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos yesterday as well as with a protest and small-scale scuffling outside t he Athens Music Hall.

    Recriminations were made on the issue of parking meters, while Athens Mayor and KEDKE President Dimitris Avramopoulos warned that local government entities are prepared to mobilize in the event that revenue-producing measures are curbed.

    In inaugurating the conference, President Stephanopoulos assured mayors and community leaders that he is attentively watching the development of affairs in local self-administration, expressing satisfaction over the announcement that a timetable will be created to reorganize municipalities and communities in the country, while new duties will be given to them with the hope that corresponding funds will be provided for them.

    "We have already entered a period of close and harmonious co-operation between the central authority and local self-administration for many years," Mr. Stephanopoulos said, adding that "friction observed in the past in the relationship between the two authorities is no longer there, and neither is past competition on the extent of duties between them continuing. The political convictions of local officials do not constitute a cause of conflict with the central authority and neither is support or attrition of governments sought through self-administration."

    He also ascertained creative activity on the part of municipalities and communities, adding that he recognizes the existence of many and major problems, primarily of an economic nature. Mr. Stephanopoulos said the way local administration bodies function constitutes a considerable political example and stressed the role local administration is called on to play as part of Greece's European effort.

    Addressing President Stephanopoulos, Mr. Avramopoulos said it is the first time a president of the republic is present at such a conference and referred to problems faced by local administration, saying he expects the government to resolve them.

    "We hope relevant ministers, and first of all the interior minister, will deny intentions to decrease funds initiated by law 1828/89, which will supposedly constitute local administration's contribution to the convergence program. We all believe that it is an improvised and unstudied proposal," Mr. Avramopoulos said, expressing the hope that a proposal will be made to the government in the conference which will accept it in the framework of targets set in the budget.

    He said it is unfair that local government administrations should be faced with stubbornness of a problematic state organization, adding that determination existed to shake off the "wretchedness of the state sector and lead the way towards a new and modern state required by the times."

    Mr. Avramopoulos said he favored organized and effective dialogue and believes that this is also sought by the new government.

    "However, we are ready for difficult struggles which I hope will not be necessary if there are actions leading the institution backwards," he said.

    "A modern self-administration must be created which the state should not manipulate with indirect and direct methods since each one should be master in the sector of his duties," he added.

    The government was represented at the conference by Development Minister Vasso Papandreou and Interior Under-secretary Lambros Papadimas. The ruling PASOK party was represented by Thanassis Tsouras, the main opposition New Democracy party by Leonidas Kouris and the Democratic Social Movement (DHKKI) by Yiannis Dimaras.

    Early in the morning, employees from Attica municipalities and communities and a number of mayors affiliated to the Communist Party of Greece (KKE) gathered outside the Music Hall to protest the measure of electronically controlled parking. Some of the employees, together with other protesters, burnt parking tickets in protest.

    [17] Greenpeace says Motor Oil has turned ravine into toxic waste landfill

    Athens, 08/11/1996 (ANA)

    The international environmental organization Greenpeace yesterday charged the Motor Oil company with converting a ravine near its installations in Agioi Theodoroi, west of Athens, into a "toxic waste landfill".

    Members of the organization showed the area to reporters, and called on public prosecutors to arrest those responsible as swiftly as they had arrested 16 Greenpeace activists who had chained themselves to mooring buoys and loading cranes near the Motor Oil refinery on Monday. The activists demanded stricter safety measures in tanker loading and unloading procedures.

    The 16 activists were set free late Wednesday night after being referred for trial.

    [18] Translation of French philosopher Garaudy's book launched

    Athens, 08/11/1996 (ANA)

    The Greek translation of French philosopher Roger Garaudy's latest book was launched yesterday in an Athens hotel.

    The 83-year-old former communist, who is now a Muslim, dedicated his book "The Fundamental Myths of Israeli Politics" to the "fight against political Zionism", as a "heresy which seeks to reduce the (Jewish) religion, through a selective and literal rea ding of sacred texts, to an organ of a policy, so canonizing it."

    Presenting his book, Mr. Garaudy said he does not doubt Judaism or the legality of the Israeli state, but "the policies of Zionism". He said this policy consists of "the substitution of the God of Israel by the state of Israel, an unsinkable, nuclear aircraft carrier of the temporary rulers of the world: The United States, which wants to take over the oil of the Middle East."

    Although Mr. Garaudy stressed that his two previous books, against Christian and Islamic fundamentalism, received harsh criticism, he faced a "lynching without arguments" for the first time in France over this book.

    In his latest book, Mr. Garaudy, who was held in a concentration camp during the Second World War, attempts to include the words "holocaust" and "genocide" in the "contemporary mythology" of the state of Israel, doubting the number of Jewish victims of the Nazis, claming that those (Jews) killed in Nazi concentration camps were nearer 1.5 million than the four million originally claimed.

    He has also doubted that the Jewish genocide was the largest in history, speaking of the 60 million American Indians, the 100 million African slaves in the New World and the 17 million Slavs killed by the Nazis during the WWII, bringing the total dead i n that war to 60 million.

    [19] Venizelos, French Minister Blazi discuss Greek-French cultural relations

    Paris, 08/11/1996 (ANA - Y. Zitouniati)

    Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos held a meeting yesterday with his French counterpart Philippe Douste-Blazi, where they discussed a new Greek-French educational agreement providing, among other things, the establishment of a Greek Institute in Paris.

    The agreement also includes coordination of action between the two countries regarding organization of events marking the year 2000.

    France has endorsed Mr. Venizelos' proposal for the convening of an unofficial meeting of the 15 EU member-states to promote the cultural equality of the member-states.

    Greece has endorsed a French proposal for reinforcement of regional co-operation in the audiovisual sector between the five Mediterranean members-states of the European Union with a Greek-Latin culture and tradition.

    Talking to the press after the meeting, Mr. Blazi said the discussion also focused on the film industry, the cultural charter and Europe's cultural capitals.

    "Mr. Venizelos brought with him to Paris a specific action plan," he said, adding that "we have common plans, such as the consolidation of a common cultural charter between Greece and France."

    In addition, Mr. Blazi said he will visit Thessaloniki at the invitation of the Greek minister.

    On his part, Mr. Venizelos mentioned the meeting of the five Mediterranean member-states on Dec. 12.

    He added: "We agreed to meet with other ministers to search for a European identity in the audiovisual sector. A non-Anglo Saxon identity."

    In a related development, Mr. Venizelos also requested direct French support, apart from international forums such as UNESCO, for return of the so-called Elgin Marbles from the British Museum back to Greece. The Greek minister said return of the marbles , taken from the Parthenon in the early 19th century, is a priority for the ministry.

    [20] Sunken missile boat located

    Athens, 08/11/1996 (ANA)

    The wreck of the missile boat "Kostakos" which sank after being rammed by a ferry boat was yesterday located at a depth of 151 meters about one kilometer from the coast of Samos.

    Preparations immediately began to send divers down to examine the wreck in which the bodies of four crew members are believed to be trapped.

    According to informed sources, the search for the four missing is expected to be extended beyond the normal 72 hours stipulated by regulations.

    The Kostakos was taking part in the all-service "Parmenion" military exercise on Monday night when it was rammed by the ferry boat "Samaina" off the coast of Samos.

    All but four of the missile boat's 38-man crew were rescued.

    [21] Pensioners' representatives unsatisfied after meeting with Papantoniou

    Athens, 08/11/1996 (ANA)

    The Federation of Pensioners Organizations presented pensioners' claims to National Economy and Finance Minister Yiannos Papantoniou yesterday, who promised the representatives that a social solidarity benefit will be funded entirely by the 1997 state bud get and that the lowest pension levels will start to be index-linked as of the first of the year.

    Referring to the social insurance problem and pensioners' claims for low-level pensions to be linked to 20 daily wages of an unskilled worker, Mr. Papantoniou offered assurances that solutions safeguarding pensioners will be discussed in the framework of dialogue to take place on the insurance issue.

    After the meeting, the pensioners' representatives said they left empty-handed and that the government turned its back on them.

    In another development, pensioners of the IKA, TEBE and TSA insurance funds gathered at Kaningos Square in Athens yesterday and then marched to the national economy ministry.

    Diamantis Mavrodoglou, the president of the Social Insurance Foundation's (IKA) Pensioners Federation, said the government turned its back on pensioners and warned of new and more dynamic mobilizations.

    [22] Opposition strongly criticizes proposed customs code provisions

    Athens, 08/11/1996 (ANA)

    Finance Under-secretary George Drys yesterday introduced an amendment for the exemption from favorable settlement of outstanding debts to the state from private individuals or companies which were issued orders for audits until Oct. 25.

    The proposal, contained in a draft bill on the customs code, and introduced after strong reactions from deputies of all parties against the settlement of cases already under judicial investigation, is mainly directed against those accused of tax evasion through irregularities in the importation of luxury yachts and cars.

    During yesterday's relevant debate in Parliament, Democratic Social Movement (DHKKI) leader Dimitris Tsovolas accused the government of favoring economically strong individuals and corporate groups by introducing what he called "scandalous provisions."

    On his part, Mr. Drys responded that Mr. Tsovolas had himself introduced similar measures as finance minister in the mid 1980s. Other deputies strongly criticized the provisions regarding collection of outstanding VAT dues, amounting to $2.3 trillion drachmas.

    Main opposition New Democracy party deputies charged that "Mr. Simitis' government is giving away tens of billions of drachmas to the 'haves' with such scandalous provisions."

    Deputy Kostopoulos stressed that the draft bill's provisions would prove ineffective and would do nothing to counter smuggling.

    [23] GSEE warns against abolition of tax exemptions for salary earners

    Athens, 08/11/1996 (ANA)

    The General Confederation of Workers of Greece (GSEE) warned yesterday that it will under no circumstances accept abolition of tax exemptions given to salary earners to recoup losses in their income.

    Referring to yesterday's press reports on the government's decisions on tax exemptions, an announcement by GSEE noted what it called continuous decreases in working peoples' income over the past years, adding that it will consider the government's upcoming bill on the criteria of positions unions have communicated to the relevant committee.

    End of English language section.


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