Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 96-11-12

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

ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No. 1038), November 12, 1996

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

CONTENTS

[01] Greece, Ukraine sign friendship and co-operation agreement following Kuchma visit

[02] Pangalos, Udovenko meeting

[03] Kuchma contacts with opposition leaders

[04] Official luncheon

[05] Gov't defines terms for bourse's reopening

[06] Gov't spokesman

[07] Inner cabinet to consider economic policy, budget

[08] Dukakis urges a US gov't initiative on the Aegean

[09] Turkish press reports, high-ranking official focus on Greek-Turkish relations, Cyprus

[10] US representative for Cyprus due in Athens today

[11] Armaments to be discussed at KYSEA meeting tomorrow

[12] Tsohatzopoulos reiterates decision that sunken missile boat will be salvaged

[13] High Court deputy prosecutor reviewing statements by Andreas Papandreou's private physician

[14] Yiannopoulos promises amendments to law reducing convicted drug dealers' sentences

[15] Mitsotakis declines to attend ND political council meeting today

[16] Yiannopoulos in Cyprus today

[17] Vartholomeos receives key to the city of Adelaide

[18] Greek rural postmen win odd book title award

[19] Greece backs flexible fiscal Stability Pact

[20] Insurance companies continue efforts to prevent proposed abolition of tax exemptions

[21] New framework for Thessaloniki, Piraeus ports ready next year

[01] Greece, Ukraine sign friendship and co-operation agreement following Kuchma visit

Athens, 12/11/1996 (ANA)

Three accords on the transport, tourism, and cultural sectors were also signed after talks between Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos and his counterpart, Gennady Udovenko.

Mr. Kuchma, who arrived in Athens yesterday on an official two-day visit, said he had received the fullest support from Athens on issues that had been discussed, including the region's problems, Russian-Ukrainian relations, his country's relations with the European Union and the expected enlargement of NATO. He said particular emphasis was placed on economic co-operation and European security issues.

Mr. Kuchma, who earlier met with President Kostis Stephanopoulos, extended an invitation to Mr. Simitis to visit the Ukraine. "The multi-dimensional character of Greek foreign policy and multi-faceted relations being developed with the countries of eastern Europe was very much in evidence in the talks with Mr. Kuchma," Mr. Simitis said.

The prime minister confirmed Athens' support for Kiev's efforts to find its place in the new world emerging and noted the ties of friendship binding the two peoples and the long and dynamic presence of Hellenism in the Caucasus.

Mr. Simitis added that the two men had also discussed Greek-Turkish relations and the Cyprus problem, agreeing that differences between the states should be resolved on the basis of the principles of international law and respect for international treaties.

[02] Pangalos, Udovenko meeting

Athens, 12/11/1996 (ANA)

Mr. Pangalos said at the end of talks that Greece shares a number of the Ukraine's ideas related to the organization of the international community. "We support the validity of the borders in Europe as they have been defined by international treaties an d we are opposed to whatever effort to revise them," he said. Mr. Pangalos said Greece will encourage the strengthening of relations between the Ukraine and the European Union and its progressive association with NATO. He further expressed support for its complete participation in Balkan co-operation.

He said trade between the two countries had developed in leaps, speaking of considerable Greek investments in Ukraine and adding that plans exist to create new motorways, such as the one linking Helsinki with Athens via Kiev.

Mr. Pangalos said this highway should be funded by the EU, by all countries using it and by a Black Sea Investment Bank to be created in 1997 and headquartered in Thessaloniki.

On his part, Mr. Udovenko referred to the tens of thousands of Greeks living in the Ukraine who constitute an important bridge of friendship between the two countries.

Mr. Udovenko said the signing of a friendship and co-operation agreement by Mr. Simitis and Mr. Kuchma is an important foundation stone, announcing that the mayor of Kiev, who is a member of the Ukrainian delegation, will sign a co-operation agreement wit h Athens Mayor Dimitris Avramopoulos today.

Replying to a question on the problem posed by the Chernobyl nuclear plant, Mr. Udovenko said the biggest problem does not concern the two reactors that continue to operate but the one which exploded in 1986.

Mr. Udovenko said the reactor has been covered with cement and continues to contain 180 tons of nuclear material in an unknown condition. He added that ways are being sought with foreign experts to extract the nuclear material from the reactor, but added that this will not be possible without economic aid from the international community.

[03] Kuchma contacts with opposition leaders

Athens, 12/11/1996 (ANA)

After his meeting with Mr. Kuchma, Mr. Evert said the two men discussed the possibility of political and economic co-operation between the two countries.

[04] Official luncheon

Athens, 12/11/1996 (ANA)

In his address, among others, Mr. Stephanopoulos said that it was Greece's wish to improve relations with the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) as soon as possible.

He said, however, that in order to improve relations, FYROM should show respect to "our history and our cultural heritage."

Referring to Greek-Turkish relations as well as the continued Turkish occupation of a part of Cyprus, Mr. Stephanopoulos said that Ankara, by "refusing to respect the international treaties regulating the status quo in the Aegean has reached the point o f disputing our sovereign rights, causing tension in the region and not allowing for the development of harmonious relations and peaceful co-operation" in the southeastern Mediterranean.

Mr. Stephanopoulos also referred to Greece's initiatives in the Balkans and opportunities for further development of bilateral relations between Greece and the Ukraine.

[05] Gov't defines terms for bourse's reopening

Brussels, 12/11/1996 (ANA/M. Spinthourakis)

"The government and the supervisory authorities yesterday (Sunday) agreed in principle with SMEHA's governing board on the terms and conditions for its (ASE) reopening. This agreement was overturned by the stockbrokers' general assembly today (yesterday). I would like to note that as far as the government and the supervisory authorities are concerned, what was agreed upon yesterday is valid and will be applied. There will be no change as regards our positions, because it is clear that the state budget cannot shoulder the burden of every firm which breaks the law or faces financial problems," he said.

"This, as in every stock exchange in the world, is the responsibility of the stock market itself," he added.

Mr. Papantoniou expressed the view that the severe crisis currently facing the Athens bourse is one of adjustment to a new legal framework established with laws passed in 1995 and this year, the latter of which came into effect on Nov. 1.

"It is no coincidence that this crisis broke out following the expressed instruction for the new legal framework to be applied most strictly, and for severe sanctions to be applied in the case of those who violate the rules," he said.

In addition, the national economy and finance minister advised stock market traders to be more careful in future and to adhere to all trading rules and procedures meticulously, as the government and justice would be very strict.

Finally, Mr. Papantoniou expressed the hope that the ASE would reopen today.

[06] Gov't spokesman

Athens, 12/11/1996 (ANA)

"This is not a problem which has been created or will be solved by the government," Mr. Reppas said. "It is a problem which the Athens Stock Exchange has faced within the framework of its modernization," he added.

The bourse remained closed for a second successive session yesterday, as members of the Union of Stock Exchange Members (SMEXA) continued their marathon meeting on whether to abstain from trading. Reports said that the majority of members appeared to be in favor of keeping the bourse shut for the next few days.

The ASE suspended trading on Friday for the first time in its history when SMEXA abstained following the inability of Delta Securities to cover cash obligations to the titles depository, which is responsible for clearing transactions.

The brokers had called on the national economy ministry to ensure the correct operation of the system of clearance of transactions, claiming that the titles depository owed brokerage firms money.

National Economy Ministry Secretary General Apostolos Fotiadis said that the government's main concern is the resumption of trading on the ASE with the full clearance of transactions.

Mr. Fotiadis added that all investors hit by Delta's inability to meet its obligations would be reimbursed by the brokerage firms' joint-surety fund.

Reports later said that the stock exchange would remain closed for another two days to enable all transactions to be cleared and allow the bourse a fresh start.

The reports added that a further eight brokerage firms were involved in the 'Delta affair'.

[07] Inner cabinet to consider economic policy, budget

Athens, 12/11/1996 (ANA)

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Costas Simitis will chair a meeting of the ruling PASOK party's executive bureau tomorrow afternoon, while a cabinet meeting will be held on Thursday morning. A meeting of the Government Council of Foreign Affairs and Defense (KYSEA) will also be held concerning the country's armaments program.

Irish Prime Minister John Bruton will visit Greece on Thursday afternoon for talks with his Greek counterpart.

[08] Dukakis urges a US gov't initiative on the Aegean

Montreal, 12/11/1996 (ANA/I. Frangoulis)

"The United States should proceed with initiatives in the Aegean before an unpredictable 'explosion' breaks out in the region," Mr. Dukakis told the Athens News Agency yesterday.

Asked on US President Bill Clinton's policy on Greek-Turkish relations, Mr. Dukakis said President Clinton "has done more on the issue than any other US president in the past."

"The problem is that Turkey has been of strategic importance for the US, at first during the Cold War, then due to the situation in Iraq and then because of its role as a regulator of Islamic fanaticism until we found out that this Islamic fanaticism is urged by Turkey's prime minister himself," Mr. Dukakis said.

"I believe that the Clinton administration is now reviewing its policy regarding Turkey," he added.

Mr. Dukakis said that the United States should call a Dayton-type conference with the participation of Ankara and Athens to examine whether the two sides can enter dialogue. "I think that the president himself should undertake the initiative to put an end to the continuing provocations of the Turkish government (against Greece's sovereign territorial rights) and then make a serious attempt to solve the Cyprus problem," Mr. Dukakis said.

Regarding Cyprus, Mr. Dukakis said that the EU-Cyprus accession as well as Turkey's will to gain full membership in the Community may lead Turkey to finding a settlement to the issue.

"But the United States will play a leading role in this. This is certain," Mr. Dukakis said.

Mr. Dukakis added that the Greek lobby in the United States "is today more powerful than ever."

"We work closely with the president and his associates," Mr. Dukakis said, adding that "certain Greeks have special influence on Washington."

"I believe," he said, "that we have to continue being organized and exert influence in the right direction."

Commenting on Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis's recent election, Mr. Dukakis said Mr. Simitis is "a very firm and responsible man," and "can lead Greece to convergence without problems."

[09] Turkish press reports, high-ranking official focus on Greek-Turkish relations, Cyprus

Athens, 12/11/1996 (ANA)

The Turkish official said the time is right for Turkey to not only solve the Cyprus issue, but to also solve its differences with Greece, saying there must be "an opening in relations between Ankara and Athens on the threshold of the third millennium."

Meanwhile, in an interview in the "Miliyet" newspaper, archaeologist Ekrem Akourgal stressed that a past climate of friendship between Turkey and Greece must prevail.

"Sensitivities must be abandoned in part and there must be realism," Mr. Akourgal said, adding: "In particular, Ms Ciller's attitude must be avoided, namely, exploitation for internal consumption of our relations with our western neighbor."

Mr. Akourgal concluded that "the most acceptable stance would be an unconditional dialogue, which Mesut Yilmaz had begun."

Meanwhile, well-known Turkish columnist Mehmet Ali Birant said a seminar organized in Rome by the US-based Rand Corp. and the Italian Center of Military Studies (CEMISS), stressed the dangers of a Greek-Turkish war in Cyprus or in the Aegean.

The columnist noted that "Cyprus, for the first time, has become a direct scene of conflict..."

Speaking on the Aegean, he noted that "until now, tensions between Turkey and Greece stemmed from roughly legal concepts, such as the continental shelf, territorial waters of 12 (nautical) miles, airspace, while recently the disagreement on the Kardak-Imia islets was converted into a specific territorial difference."

"It is clear that Turkey did not emerge a winner from the crisis," he wrote, but noted that for Turkey to be saved from the difficult position in which it finds itself, it has been forced to accept the Greek position for recourse to the International Court at The Hague."

The columnist stressed that the hardening of the Greek position followed demands for Turkey's one-sided recourse to The Hague.

[10] US representative for Cyprus due in Athens today

Athens, 12/11/1996 (ANA)

After his visit to Athens, Mr. Cavanaugh will continue his consultations in Ankara and then Nicosia.

Sources said that the US official will have a meeting with Ilias Klis, the head of the Greek-Turkish relations department at the foreign ministry.

[11] Armaments to be discussed at KYSEA meeting tomorrow

Athens, 12/11/1996 (ANA)

Asked to comment on reports that two missile boats will be purchased in the place of the missile boat "Kostakos", which sank last week after colliding with a passenger ferry, National Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos said an overall armaments programme exists, for which suitable preparation has been made and which will be discussed by KYSEA, where final decisions will be taken.

[12] Tsohatzopoulos reiterates decision that sunken missile boat will be salvaged

Athens, 12/11/1996 (ANA)

The state-of-the-art warship sank last week after being rammed by the passenger ferry "Samaina" off the northern shore of the eastern Aegean island of Samos.

Referring to the way with which the vessel will be salvaged from a depth of about 190 meters, he said the best possible solution will be sought.

A search is still underway to locate one of the missiles carried by the vessel, which became detached after the collision.

According to an announcement by the naval general staff, continuing searches conducted by the Hellenic Navy in the sea region off Samos have not uncovered any significant evidence, while further action is being considered.

At the same time, a committee of experts is continuing its task of preparing a report on the missile boat's sinking.

Meanwhile, the navy has scheduled a Te Deum service at 2 p.m. tomorrow in memory of the four sailors lost during the sinking of the missile boat.

[13] High Court deputy prosecutor reviewing statements by Andreas Papandreou's private physician

Athens, 12/11/1996 (ANA)

Mr. Kremastinos had given a similar interview to "Epsilon" - an insert of the "Kyriakatiki Eleftherotypia" newspaper - claiming that Papandreou "did not even take an aspirin before consulting him."

In response to a question on whether Mr. Papandreou was taking homeopathetic medication, initially reported by the magazine "Nitro", Mr. Kremastinos replied that if he did take this type of medication, he (Papandreou) would not have been aware of it himself.

[14] Yiannopoulos promises amendments to law reducing convicted drug dealers' sentences

Athens, 12/11/1996 (ANA)

"For the restoration of lawfulness in the state, such provisions will be amended or abolished," he said.

Speaking on the drug problem in general, Mr. Yiannopoulos announced that a meeting of appeals court prosecutors from around the country has been called in order to discuss the crime and drug situation in their prefectures.

The findings of the meeting will be sent to the ministries of public order and education in order to help combat the trafficking and use of illegal narcotics.

[15] Mitsotakis declines to attend ND political council meeting today

Athens, 12/11/1996 (ANA)

Mr. Mitsotakis said he disagreed with Mr. Evert's decision to convene the political council meeting, which is expected to discuss the issue of ND's party leadership.

In a reply to Mr. Mitsotakis' statement, ND spokesperson Prokopis Pavlopoulos said the presence of the political council's meeting today was not "compulsory," reiterating that the decision which was taken at the previous session of the political council was "clear, binding and should be retained by everyone.

A party announcement said on Sunday that the political council will hold the special session to examine "the situation created by the attitude of certain deputies who question, either directly or indirectly and in fact publicly, both the recent decision taken by the political council on holding the congress and clauses contained in the party's charter."

Stating that last week's political council agreed to raise the issue of party leadership at next year's ND congress, Mr. Mitsotakis said that today's meeting would not contribute to efforts for "an honest and representative congress."

"Therefore, I don't think it is useful to attend tomorrow's (today) political council and I will also not attend the one which will discuss the substance of the issue at the proposal of the party's deputy president Ioannis Varvitsiotis," he said.

Mr. Varvitsiotis stated in an interview with the "Kyriakatiki Eleftherotypia" newspaper that he will submit a proposal this week on holding the party's congress.

Former minister and ND deputy Stephanos Manos held a distance from the deputies urging Mr. Evert to resign saying that such "high tones" were unnecessary at present.

On his part, former ND minister George Souflias, who recently unsuccessfully contested the leadership from Mr. Evert, yesterday sniped at the main opposition leader for calling a second meeting of the party's political council, following the one last Thursday."

"I believe that it was not necessary to call an extraordinary meeting of the political council, because it may sharpen the prevailing situation and may add to problems," he said.

He added he would, nevertheless, attend the meeting, "only to express his views", adding that everyone should try to avoid tension in the party and "contribute to an authentic, democratic, and representative congress (next year), with political arguments and proposals, in a high sense of responsibility and without animosities and discriminations of the type 'them and us.' "

[16] Yiannopoulos in Cyprus today

Athens, 12/11/1996 (ANA)

The Turkish Cypriot regime in the occupied territories is not recognized by any country, other than Turkey.

This year's events are dedicated to the memory of Tassos Isaac and Solomos Solomou, the two young Greek Cypriot men killed by Turkish occupation forces earlier this year.

Mr. Yiannopoulos will be received by Cyprus President Glafcos Clerides and will have meetings with president of the Cyprus Socialist Party Vassos Lyssarides, the Speaker of the House of Representatives Spyros Kyprianou, as well as with Archbishop Chrysostomos. Mr. Yiannopoulos is expected back in Athens on Thursday.

[17] Vartholomeos receives key to the city of Adelaide

Melbourne, 12/11/1996 (ANA)

At a ceremony earlier, the Patriarch received the key to the city.

Today, the Patriarch is due to visit the federal capital of Canberra for meetings with Prime Minister John Howard and Australia's Governor-General William Dean.

Meanwhile, the five-member inter-party delegation of the Greek Parliament visiting Melbourne to attend meetings within the framework of the "Dimitria" festival were received yesterday by Bishop Ieezekiel and held meetings with leading figures of the Greek community of Melbourne.

[18] Greek rural postmen win odd book title award

London, 12/11/1996 (ANA/Reuter)

It fought off some tough competition from "God's Chewable Vitamin C for the Spirit" and "Tractors and the Men Who Love Them".

"We feel this year's winner will be of lasting worth," Horace Brent, chairman of the judges, told the London Times after sifting through the obtuse entries for the magazine award.

Previous winners have ranged from "Oral Sadism and the Vegetarian Personality" to "Proceedings of the Second International Workshop on Nude Mice".

[19] Greece backs flexible fiscal Stability Pact

Brussels, 12/11/1996 (ANA/M. Spinthourakis)

Disagreements emerged during the session, particularly regarding the pact involving countries which will adopt the single currency from its inception, and mainly due to the inflexible stand of the German side, who insisted on the imposition of strict sanctions against countries which do not achieve the continuous and steady reduction in fiscal deficits.

National Economy and Finance Minister Yiannos Papantoniou, who represented Greece, said Athens does not disagree with the proposal for the imposition of sanctions, but noted that they must be proportionate with the breadth of the fiscal deficit and have a ceiling. He added that an account ought to be taken of "situations of extraordinary and temporary nature", the level of investment and defense expenditure, which should mitigate the severity of the sanctions.

He stated that, in general, he was in favor of a flexible definition regarding the "situations of extraordinary and temporary nature".

Regarding the new ERM, which will be applied from 1999 for countries that will not initially participate in the single currency, Mr. Papantoniou said it would contain significant margins of fluctuation, possibly in the order of 15 per cent, as the old E RM.

He added that although participation in the new mechanism will be formally voluntary, in essence, it will be compulsory for the countries wishing to participate in the single currency, and stressed that the drachma will participate in the new mechanism to the degree that integration in the single currency is a declared aim of the Greek government.

[20] Insurance companies continue efforts to prevent proposed abolition of tax exemptions

Athens, 12/11/1996 (ANA)

Mr. Palaiologos presented data and relevant tables, showing that although the numbers of insured vehicles has recently remained stable, compensations keep rising.

The two insurance industry executives said that after a meeting with National Economy and Finance Minister Yiannos Papantoniou, they believe the government had understood the role which private insurance could play in complementing social insurance, particularly of low and medium-level incomes.

[21] New framework for Thessaloniki, Piraeus ports ready next year

Athens, 12/11/1996 (ANA)

The institutional framework needs to be amended in order to allow for a more sufficient operation of the ports.

Mr. Soumakis ruled out the possibility of the ports' privatization adding that the process of changing the institutional framework included proposals by the employees and administration officials in the two organizations.

He noted that the government was open to any "radical proposals" regarding the operation of the ports.

Mr. Soumakis also expressed the government's interest in the development of the Thessaloniki port which he visited on Sunday and yesterday.

According to figures, the balance of operation in the Thessaloniki port is positive with a 10 per cent increase in cargo transportation in the first eight months of the year as against the same period last year.

Infrastructural works under construction are estimated at four billion drachmas.

End of English language section.

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