Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 96-12-18
From: The Greek Press & Information Office, Ottawa Canada <[email protected]>
ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No. 1069), December 18, 1996
Greek Press & Information Office
Ottawa, Canada
E-Mail Address: [email protected]
CONTENTS
[01] Debate on budget begins in Parliament amid strike actions
[02] High-ranking meeting focuses on national issues
[03] UN spokesman says no proposal on FYROM name submitted so far
[04] Avramopoulos on official Tirana visit
[05] Athens 'stupefied' by Ankara's foreign policy tactics
[06] Comprehensive proposal for Cyprus solution already exists,
Athens says
[07] Tsohatzopoulos reiterates Athens' commitment to Bosnia
peacekeeping forces
[08] Greece to officially request return of Parthenon Marbles from
Britain
[09] Clinton bows to help resolve Cyprus conflict
[10] Farmers' blockades drag on for 20th day, Gov't remains steadfast
[11] Papantoniou
[12] Opposition
[13] Fischler favorable to support for beleaguered Greek farmers
[14] Greek tobacco growers join Brussels protests
[15] Papantoniou, ADEDY talks fail to break impasse
[16] ADEDY Rally
[17] Dockworkers prevent disembarkation of ferry passengers
[18] Magazine reports cite Karamanlis displeasure over recent
Mitsotakis comments
[19] Mitsotakis
[20] State Dept. says Washington expects good-neighborly relations
from all its allies
[21] Gov't unconcerned by new opinion poll
[22] Diplomats to consider further strike action
[23] Turkeys seized by health officials
[24] Suit filed after priest refuses to perform funeral service
[25] Faikoglou handed suspended sentence for election fracas
[01] Debate on budget begins in Parliament amid strike actions
Athens, 18/12/1996 (ANA)
Parliamentary debate on the government's new 1997 state budget
began yesterday afternoon, while the General Confederation of
Workers of Greece (GSEE) staged a protest rally outside the
legislature against the government's economic policy.
A vote on the budget will be taken on Saturday evening.
The Parliamentary debate was accompanied by a 24-hour nationwide
strike called by the Civil Servants Supreme Administrative
Council (ADEDY).
A delegation of ADEDY met with National Economy and Finance
Minister Yiannos Papantoniou, who did not rule out the
possibility of improvements being made to the unified salary
scale.
Elementary school and kindergarten teachers continued their
mobilizations, while the Panhellenic Seamen's Federation (PNO)
decided to continue the 48-hour strike called on all
Greek-flagged vessels.
In another development, farmers from Thessaly in central Greece
and their families will hold a rally in Athens tomorrow. The
farmers' roadblocks in Kastro, Voiotia and on the road leading
to the city of Edessa opened yesterday, while farmers in
Thessaloniki will decide today on whether they will maintain
their roadblocks.
The government has ruled out the possibility of Prime Minister
Costas Simitis meeting the farmers for as long as tractors
remain on the streets.
[02] High-ranking meeting focuses on national issues
Athens, 18/12/1996 (ANA)
Prime Minister Costas Simitis chaired a meeting on national
issues at the Maximos Mansion yesterday with the participation
of Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos, Alternate Foreign
Minister George Papandreou, Foreign Under-secretary Christos
Rozakis and Eurodeputy Yiannos Kranidiotis.
According to government sources, the meeting focused on the
Cyprus issue, Greek-Turkish relations, Greek tactics in light of
the upcoming US initiative, as well as proposals made by
Washington and the UN on measures aimed at defusing tension on
the island republic. An exchange of views also followed on the
proposals presented in Nicosia by British Foreign Secretary
Malcolm Rifkind, and in light of his meeting in London with Mr.
Pangalos and Mr. Kranidiotis today.
[03] UN spokesman says no proposal on FYROM name submitted so far
Skopje, 18/12/1996 (ANA - M. Vihou)
A spokesman for United Nations mediator Cyrus Vance said in New
York yesterday that no proposal on a descriptive name concerning
the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) has been
submitted so far, according to a broadcast by the private
channel A1.
The spokesman said the new round of talks, concerning the
finding of a compromise name for FYROM, has not yet started and
that consultations are taking place but it is yet unknown when
they will get underway.
Meanwhile, after news of the appointment of Kofi Anan as UN
secretary general, the media in Skopje presented past statements
by Mr. Anan when he had visited Skopje in his capacity as the
official responsible for the UN peacekeeping forces in the
former Yugoslavia.
[04] Avramopoulos on official Tirana visit
Athens, 18/12/1996 (ANA)
Athens Mayor Dimitris Avramopoulos leaves for Tirana today at
the invitation of his local counterpart.
He will also meet with the country's president, Sali Berisha,
and visit the town of Sarande, with a sizable ethnic Greek
population.
[05] Athens 'stupefied' by Ankara's foreign policy tactics
Athens, 18/12/1996 (ANA)
The way in which Ankara exercises foreign policy is
"stupefying", government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said
yesterday commenting on the latest tirade of threats against
Greece by Turkish Foreign Minister Tansu Ciller. "Turkey's
foreign policy is characterized by inconsistency,
shilly-shallying, retractions and is two-faced - one (feigning)
moderation towards Europe, and one of threats and references to
military strength for domestic consumption," Mr. Reppas said.
In statements in Ankara after returning from the EU summit in
Dublin, Ms Ciller said "Has Greece pondered on the kind of
threat Turkey might pose in the event Turkey remains out of
Europe?".
Ms Ciller added that "Greece fears our military might. It is a
justified fear...".
Apart from causing perplexity, Mr. Reppas said, Ms Ciller's
threats "express fear about the future of Turkey".
If Turkey wishes to come closer to Europe, the spokesman added,
"it should take care not to obstruct itself.
[06] Comprehensive proposal for Cyprus solution already exists,
Athens says
Athens, 18/12/1996 (ANA)
The government yesterday acknowledged that the ten proposals put
forward by British Foreign Secretary Malcolm Rifkind for a
Cyprus solution contained "positive elements" which corresponded
to positions of Nicosia and Athens. Government spokesman
Dimitris Reppas stressed however that Mr. Rifkind's proposals
expressed British policy, adding that a comprehensive proposal
of the Cyprus government already existed, on the basis of which
Greece also wished a solution to be found.
Mr. Rifkind outlined the ten "elements" at a press conference
yesterday at the end of a two-day visit to Cyprus, during which
he held talks with President Glafcos Clerides, Foreign Minister
Alecos Michaelides and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash.
He said he hoped that Mr. Clerides and Mr. Denktash would turn
the "elements" into "the provisions of a detailed settlement."
According to Mr. Rifkind, a solution should be based on "a
bizonal, bicommunal federation in conformity with the high level
agreements and (UN) Security Council resolutions."
[07] Tsohatzopoulos reiterates Athens' commitment to Bosnia
peacekeeping forces
Brussels, 18/12/1996 (ANA - M.Spinthourakis)
National Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos reaffirmed
yesterday that Greece had participated and will actively
participate in NATO's peacekeeping forces in Bosnia.
Speaking to reporters after a council of NATO's defense
ministers in Brussels, Mr. Tsohatzopoulos also referred to
aggressive statements recently made by Turkish Foreign Minister
Tansu Ciller, saying she is slipping from political reality for
reasons of domestic consumption in Turkey.
Yesterday's session, attended by France after many years and by
Spain for the first time, focused on granting approval for
NATO's new mission in Bosnia under the name SFOR, to replace
NATO's current force IFOR, and the Alliance's new structure in
light of its discussed enlargement eastwards.
On the question of NATO's new structure and operation, Mr.
Tsohatzopoulos said both NATO and the European Union were going
through a transitional phase aimed at finding a new defense and
security policy in Europe, which will safeguard peace and
cooperation between countries.
Referring to discussions on NATO's internal adjustment and new
structure, Mr. Tsohatzopoulos said no specific decision was
taken yesterday, adding that discussion is difficult due to
frequent conflicting interests between member-states and the
finding o f an agreement in relation with the role Russia must
play in the new European balance.
One of the issues discussed was responsibility for NATO's
southern administration, where there are conflicting views
between the US and France.
"It appears we are headed for the creation of four regional
inter-branch and multinational headquarters - one each in
Greece, Spain, Italy and Turkey," he said.
Mr. Tsohatzopoulos said the Turkish side reiterated its proposal
for the creation of a branch headquarters (naval or air) in
Izmir, which will be responsible for the entire Mediterranean
region. He said the Greek side reiterated its disagreement with
the Turkish proposal, considering it a significant change in
NATO's existing administrative balance.
He further said Greece presented its own six-point proposal on
NATO's future structure, saying that in his address at the
Council of Ministers he had the opportunity of referring to
relations between the West European Union and NATO, adding that
despite the need for co-operation between the two organizations
each enjoyed its autonomy.
Mr. Tsohatzopoulos also held bilateral talks with his Belgian
and German counterparts yesterday, while today he will
participate in a meeting with the Russian defense minister
together with the other NATO defense ministers.
[08] Greece to officially request return of Parthenon Marbles from
Britain
Athens, 18/12/1996 (ANA)
Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos has announced that Greece
will officially submit an application for the return of the
Parthenon Marbles from the British Museum.
"I explained to my British counterpart that in the next few days
he will receive a letter with Greece's official demand for
return of the marbles," the Agence France Presse (AFP) quoted
Mr. Venizelos as saying after the EU Culture Ministers' Council
session in Brussels yesterday.
[09] Clinton bows to help resolve Cyprus conflict
Washington, 18/12/1996 (Reuter/ANA-T. Ellis)
US President Bill Clinton on Monday called on Greece and Turkey
to re-examine their positions and reach out to one another.
"I intend to do whatever I can in these next four years to try
to help work out the situation in Cyprus, and work out the
problems generally between Greece and Turkey," President Clinton
said at a news conference with European Commission President
Jacques Santer and Irish Prime Minister John Bruton.
"I intend to invest an enormous amount of effort in trying to
succeed there and I ask them to re-examine their positions and
try to reach out to one another," President Clinton said.
"I believe that the future of the European Union and the future
of the United States will be much brighter and much less
troublesome if these things can be resolved," he said.
"Greece and Turkey," he added, "are two great nations that have
an enormous commonality of interests, either in NATO or European
unification or the minimization of the chaos in their region, if
only they can just solve these long-standing difficulties
between them."
"It is clear that they have a lot more in common when facing the
future than those separating them. It is the past which
continues to poison their relations," President Clinton said,
noting that Greece and Turkey are two very important countries
for a " stable 21st century."
President Clinton said he has already spent a lot of time trying
to end the conflict between the free part of Cyprus and the
breakaway Turkish pseudo-state in the North.
Mr. Santer said that Cyprus' accession talks to the European
Union were expected to start in 1998.
"The position of the European Union in this is very clear," he
said.
President Clinton said he supported the enlargement of the
European Union, but recognized that it was for the Europeans to
decide the terms, parties and timetable for expansion.
[10] Farmers' blockades drag on for 20th day, Gov't remains steadfast
Athens, 18/12/1996 (ANA)
Farmers in Viotia prefecture yesterday appeared to be scaling
down their protests as they lifted their main roadblock on the
Athens-Lamia national highway at the Kastro region, while
protesting farmers elsewhere continued mobilizations for the
20th consecutive day.
Two smaller blockades at Akraifnio and Thebes, as well as
roadblocks in the area of Domokos and Neo Monastiri, Fthiotida
remained in place.
Meanwhile, the old and new highways to Patra continued to remain
blocked at Aigio, while farmers in Fthiotida approved the
decision of the Pan-Thessaly coordina-ting committee and will
participate together with their families in the farmers' protest
rally in Athens on Thursday.
On his part, government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said yesterday
that the farmers' protest rally in Athens was an "acceptable"
means of pressing their demands since it did not harm the
country nor the interests of other social groups. He reiterated,
however, that dialogue between protesting farmers and Prime
Minister Costas Simitis was impossible as long as the country's
highways remained blocked. Expressing a hope that a solution
would be found in the next few days, Mr. Reppas described as
"encouraging" a reported de-escalation of protests in certain
regions.
In a related development, the president of the hoteliers'
association of Kavala, Costas Stavropoulos, noted that tourism
in eastern Macedonia and Thrace had been badly hit by the
farmers' protests. "The damage is enormous. There have been a
large number of cancellations by individuals and groups," he
said.
Mr. Stavropoulos estimated that the arrival of 3,000-3,500
tourists had been canceled, while there had been numerous
cancellations of visitors who had planned to arrive on charter
flights.
More than 100 hoteliers are facing serious financial
difficulties, Mr. Stavropoulos said.
The Macedonia-Thrace Farmers Coordinating Committee is convening
today in order to evaluate the situation and take decisions as
to whether to continue the blockades in northern Greece. The
meeting is expected to discuss a Thessaloniki prefecture
initiative for a meeting between Mr. Simitis and a delegation of
the coordinating committee, under the condition that the
blockades end.
[11] Papantoniou
Athens, 18/12/1996 (ANA)
In discussing the farmers' protests, National Economy Minister
Yiannos Papantoniou told Reuters Television that the government
was deeply concerned about the 20-day-old road blockades, which
he said were crippling the economy, but added that the
government would not give in to the farmers' demands.
"As far as the government is concerned our position is very
clear. We shall not give in. There is no room for further
concessions to farmers," he said in the interview.
"The consequences are quite substantial... The government is
really very, very worried about the situation. Our patience is
wearing thin," he added.
Mr. Papantoniou said he hoped that on Thursday there would be a
turning point in the confrontation after farmers march to Athens
in a protest rally.
Farmers are demanding lower fuel rates, higher price supports,
lower Value Added Tax (VAT) on their equipment and re-scheduling
of some US $1.3 billion in debts.
Refraining from giving a clear answer as to what action the
government could take to get the farmers off the highways, Mr.
Papantoniou said "the government has the responsibility for the
proper functioning of the country."
After convening in Naoussa earlier in the day, the Central
Macedonia Regional Council appealed to farmers to free the road
axis ending the blockades, thus conforming to the government's
terms for the commencement of dialogue.
[12] Opposition
Athens, 18/12/1996 (ANA)
The Coalition of the Left and Progress' agricultural department
yesterday made a five-point proposal to Thessaly farmers in an
effort to overcome the impasse between farmers and government.
The Coalition proposal recommends the temporary lifting of the
blockades in the event Prime Minister Costas Simitis agrees to a
meeting with farmers representatives. The meeting would be
attended by representatives of all the major farming groups -
GESA SE, SYDASE and PASEGES.
Following the meeting with the prime minister, there would be
meetings with farmers to discuss the content of the meeting and
the future of the protests.
The third proposal refers to a mass rally of women and children
at Parliament and a visit to the president of the republic, the
prime minister, the president of Parliament and political party
leaders.
The Coalition also proposed daily contact with representatives
of other social groups as well as an expansion of the
coordinating committee to represent other demands.
Political Spring party leader Antonis Samaras also called for an
end to the crisis which he said was costing a "high price to the
economy and the people."
Mr. Samaras called on the premier to propose a "peace agreement"
and commit himself to the commencement of a broader dialogue
procedure including the entire farming problem.
[13] Fischler favorable to support for beleaguered Greek farmers
Brussels, 18/12/1996 (ANA- P. Pantelis)
European Union Agriculture Commissioner Franz Fischler yesterday
expressed full understanding with Greek farmers' problems, and
the intention of the Commission to help in a spirit of Community
solidarity.
The Commissioner's statement came in response to problems
besetting flood- and disease-stricken farmers and cotton
growers, as set out in a letter by Agriculture Minister
Stephanos Tzoumakas. He had asked for direct subsidies to cotton
farmers, and that penalties imposed for excess production be
imposed on the farmers and areas specifically responsible.
Mr. Fischler said during the Farm Ministers' Council that the
Commission would examine as soon as possible and in a positive
spirit all Greek proposals, so as to amend the Greek Support
Community Framework, and support flood-stricken producers
directly through the 1996 budget.
He said that community action and budget funds were not
envisaged for such cases, but it was possible to draw funds from
existing structural actions.
[14] Greek tobacco growers join Brussels protests
Brussels, 18/12/1996 (ANA-P.Pantelis)
Hundreds of Greek, Italian, Spanish, French and German tobacco
growers blocked a central square in Brussels yesterday prior to
a European Commission discussion today, expected to focus on the
common tobacco market organization within the framework of
anti-smoking campaigns.
Greek protesters from the tobacco-producing regions of
Macedonia, who flew to Brussels on Sunday, joined their European
Union colleagues in front of the European Commission building.
Shouting slogans, the Greek protesters handed a memorandum to
Greek EU Commissioner Christos Papoutsis, disputing anti-smoking
arguments and requesting that their demands be met.
Meanwhile, Agriculture Minister Stephanos Tzoumakas supported
the protest, saying that Greek tobacco producers were right to
take their demands in Brussels, since "this is the place where
all decisions are made for the sensitive farming products."
[15] Papantoniou, ADEDY talks fail to break impasse
Athens, 18/12/1996 (ANA)
National Economy and Finance Minister Yiannos Papantoniou
yesterday held fruitless talks with representatives of the Civil
Servants' Supreme Administrative Council (ADEDY), which began a
24-hour nationwide strike yesterday morning.
During the meeting, however, Mr. Papantoniou left open the
possibility of slight improvements being made to the final draft
of the new pay scale for civil servants, which will be submitted
to ADEDY in January.
A new meeting between ADEDY representatives and ministry
officials is expected in the next few days.
Mr. Papantoniou reiterated that the 1997 budget exhausted all
margins for further state hand-outs, while the new pay scale
proposed by the government gave civil servants increases higher
than inflation.
ADEDY President Yiannis Koutsoukos said he hoped the government
would "get the message" from yesterday's strike and effect
improvements to the pay scale.
Mr. Koutsoukos added that Mr. Papantoniou was insisting on
maintaining a "tough stance" towards employees and therefore the
trade unions would continue their struggle.
Civil servants held protest rallies and marches in Athens, the
northern port city of Thessaloniki, Larisa and Patra yesterday.
Workers in a number of other sectors joined the employees in the
protests, including doctors, public secondary school teachers
and customs officials.
Bank employees also held a three-hour work stoppage from 12:30
p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
[16] ADEDY Rally
Athens, 18/12/1996 (ANA)
At a rally marked by low attendance in Athens yesterday, and
marred by incidents caused by some protesters, General
Confederation of Greek Workers (GSEE) President Christos
Polyzogopoulos called on the government to adopt corrective
measures in its economic policy.
The rally was held in view of the beginning of Parliamentary
debate on the 1997 budget.
[17] Dockworkers prevent disembarkation of ferry passengers
Athens, 18/12/1996 (ANA)
Striking dockworkers yesterday prevented the disembarkation of
passengers and vehicles from the ferry-boat "Cephalonia" at
Patras which had to leave the port after only one ill passenger
was allowed to get off.
The ferry-boat operates between Sami on Cephalonia, stopping off
at Ithaki before sailing on to Patras.
After the refusal of the dockers to allow disembarkation, the
"Cephalonia" was forced to return to Sami.
Minor scuffles broke out on the quay but order was restored by
port police and no arrests were reported.
The ferry-boat has a carrying capacity of 100 passengers, six
trucks, 15 cars and one coach.
Greek ports have been closed since yesterday due to a 48-hour
strike called by the Panhellenic Seamen's Federation (PNO) to
press demands for fringe benefits and the continuation of
certain tax privileges to be abolished under the government's
new fiscal law.
[18] Magazine reports cite Karamanlis displeasure over recent
Mitsotakis comments
Athens, 18/12/1996 (ANA)
According to this month's issue of the magazine "Crash", former
president of the republic and the founder of the New Democracy
party, Constantine Karamanlis, is vexed over comments made by
former party leader and premier Constantine Mitsotakis in an
inter view carried by the same magazine last month.
Mr. Mitsotakis claimed in the interview that Karamanlis first
became prime minister in the 1950s on account of being favored
by the palace, and criticized him for several nationalizations
after assuming power again in 1974.
According to an unidentified source quoted by the magazine,
after hearing of Mr. Mitsotakis' comments, Mr. Karamanlis said:
"No-one is capable of showing greater ingratitude than someone
who has received favors."
According to the same source, the former president seems to be
maintaining interest in the current ramifications in the party
he founded, and is urging his former close aides to back
incumbent leader Miltiades Evert, despite not being wholly
satisfied with his performance.
"Miltos (Evert) must be competent both inside and outside
Parliament. What annoys me is that at party headquarters they
cannot listen to what the people want," Mr. Karamanlis is quoted
as saying.
[19] Mitsotakis
Athens, 18/12/1996 (ANA)
On his part and in unrelated statements, Mr. Mitsotakis
expressed concern for the country's future, saying that Prime
Minister Costas Simitis is "inadequate."
"I am deeply concerned for this country's course. The Greek
people do not hear the truth from the parties. I have the
feeling that Greece is being dissolved," Mr. Mitsotakis said in
an interview in Crash.
Stressing that his daughter, former minister and ND deputy Dora
Bakoyianni, is "without a doubt, among the three young
politicians who are capable to rise high," Mr. Mitsotakis
expressed regret over his decision to resign from the ND
leadership in 1993.
[20] State Dept. says Washington expects good-neighborly relations
from all its allies
Washington, 18/12/1996 (ANA - A. Ellis)
State Department spokesman Nicholas Burns avoided comment on
threats recently made against Greece by Turkish Foreign Minister
Tansu Ciller, saying he had not seen her statements, but made an
overall statement on threats of such a nature. "Firstly, the US
expects from all its allies, including Greece and Turkey, to
have relations of co-operation without any kind of threats of
force or use of force.
This is a basic principle in relations between allies and all
our allies in NATO will agree with us. Secondly, we support
absolutely Turkey's inclusion in European mechanisms and we made
this known both to the European Union and to European countries
at a bilateral level. "We do not support any kind of threats by
one NATO ally against another. NATO is an organization of
collective defense to safeguard the collective security of all.
It is not an organization whose members fought against each
other ever, or should fight against each other," he said.
[21] Gov't unconcerned by new opinion poll
Athens, 18/12/1996 (ANA)
Opinion polls express the inclinations of public opinion at a
particular point in time and do not determine the choices of
interviewees for a four-year period, government spokesman
Dimitris Reppas said yesterday.
Mr. Reppas was responding to questions regarding a new opinion
poll showing conservative opposition New Democracy leading PASOK
by a slight margin.
The poll, conducted by MRB Hellas, also showed a dip in Prime
Minister Costas Simitis' popularity.
"We will let whoever wants to feel joy over this opinion poll
feel joy, while we keep the joy we felt over winning the
elections, which determined the course of the country," Mr.
Reppas said.
[22] Diplomats to consider further strike action
Athens, 18/12/1996 (ANA)
Union representatives from the foreign ministry's diplomatic and
administrative employees will convene general assemblies at noon
today to consider whether or not to continue their strike.
The strike, and primarily that of the diplomatic corps, has
created serious problems for the country's diplomatic missions
abroad as well as for communication between Greek embassies with
Athens.
According to reports, Foreign Under-secretary Christos Rozakis
had a meeting with a representation of diplomatic officials on
Monday. Mr. Rozakis said the government is examining the demand
that an overseas bonus for diplomats should not be taxed, which
Finance Under-secretary Nikos Christodoulakis rejected last week.
According to the same sources, the government intends to handle
the diplomats' claim through the tax bill. Consequently, a
decision might be taken at the general assembly today to suspend
the strike since the diplomats' initial aim of having the
government address and sensitize itself over their claim was
achieved.
[23] Turkeys seized by health officials
Athens, 18/12/1996 (ANA)
Health officers yesterday seized 10 tons of US-originated
turkeys, whose consumption date had expired, owned by the
Veropoulos supermarket chain.
According to reports, market checks in view of the holiday
season are intensifying.
[24] Suit filed after priest refuses to perform funeral service
Athens, 18/12/1996 (ANA)
A man from Drama, northern Greece has filed a complaint "against
all persons responsible" after a local priest refused to perform
the funeral service for his wife because she had not been
married in church.
Christos Fyssanidis, 48, filed the complaint at the police
station in Drama following the death of his wife, Sofia, 43, who
had died in Thessaloniki, and the priest's refusal.
The last wish of the deceased was to be buried in her hometown.
The priest at the church of Agia Triada (Holy Trinity) in Drama,
Theodoros Topalidis, 45, refused to perform the funeral service,
saying that "the deceased was married in a civil no t a
religious ceremony."
Called by the police to make a deposition, the priest claimed he
had simply been carrying out the instructions of the Metropolis
(bishopric).
[25] Faikoglou handed suspended sentence for election fracas
Athens, 18/12/1996 (ANA)
Former independent deputy Ahmet Faikoglou was sentenced
yesterday to two months in jail with a three-year suspension by
an appeal's court in Komotini for "disturbing the election
process."
During parliamentary elections in 1989, Faikoglou forced his way
into a polling station in Kimmeria, Xanthi and caused a
commotion when the local polling representative prohibited him
from entering, in accordance with existing electoral legislation.
Faikoglou had initially been sentenced to five months in jail by
a court in Xanthi.
End of English language section.
|
