Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 97-01-11

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

ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No 1086), January 11, 1997

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

CONTENTS

[01] Greece welcomes US warning to Turkey against attacking Cyprus

[02] US warning falls on deaf ears

[03] US condemns Ciller statements

[04] ND on Ciller statements

[05] Lyssarides

[06] Turkey announces purchase of US missiles

[07] Van den Broek statement on Cyprus canceled following Papoutsis intervention

[08] Pangalos meets Russian ambassador

[09] Turkish Ambassador says improvement in relations between Greece, Turkey "essential"

[10] Lyssarides meets with Simitis, Arsenis

[11] Simitis reveals policy to "create strong agricultural sector"

[12] Greece's General Consul at Gjirokaster receives warm welcome

[13] Gov't comments on Pangalos visit to Belgrade

[14] Meeting at Evros prefecture examines problems of region's Black Sea Greeks

[15] Anniversary of first Greek radio station celebrated

[16] Avgerinos in the running for Socialists' Europarliament elections

[17] Garbage collectors' strike continues

[18] New ministerial decision to limit spending on hospital care abroad

[19] OTE surfs the Net with new subsidiary

[20] Greeks most dissatisfied consumers in Europe

[21] EBEA to host conference on development programs

[22] IOBE report stresses need for structural changes to farm sector to ride out GATT developments

[23] Albania protests to Greece over immigrant expulsions

[01] Greece welcomes US warning to Turkey against attacking Cyprus

Athens, 11/01/1997 (ANA)

Government spokesman Dimitris Reppas in particular noted the reference by US State Department spokesman Nicholas Burns about the need to respect international law and specifically, the non-use of military force.

Mr. Burns on Thursday warned Ankara against using force on Cyprus, after reports surfaced that Turkey was seriously considering a military strike if Cyprus went ahead with plans to deploy advanced Russian-made anti-aircraft missiles.

"This is no time for the Turkish government to be making wild and dramatic statements which will not be supported by any sensible member of the international community. It would be completely out of bounds for Turkey to take this action," Mr. Burns said .

Mr. Burns was commenting on threats by Turkish Defense Minister Turhan Tayan that Ankara would "use all possible means to halt the missile deployment."

"There can be no question that Turkey must respect the rules of the road here, which are no country, and specifically in the case of Turkey, should threaten the use of military force against Cyprus; no country, specifically here Turkey, should undertake military force against Cyprus," Mr. Burns said.

[02] US warning falls on deaf ears

Athens, 11/01/1997 (ANA)

"If they are deployed, we will do what is needed. If this means they need to be hit, they will be hit," Ms Ciller added.

"Turkey will not stand by as Cyprus is turned into a powder-keg," she said, adding that Ankara would lodge a protest with Moscow about the sale of the S-300 missile system to Cyprus.

Asked meanwhile, to comment on the inflammatory statements by Turkish officials, Mr. Reppas said they were returned to those that launch them, adding that "they expose those that make them and at the end of the day create a problem for Turkey itself."

In a related development, Alternate Foreign Minister George Papandreou told reporters in Alexandroupolis, northern Greece, yesterday that Mr. Burns' statement was "a clear message as to the need for Turkey to conform with the rules of international law and respect the other states in the region, and in particular Greece's borders."

Mr. Papandreou described Mr. Burns' statements as "positive" and stressed that "Turkey must be prepared to take the political decision and contribute substantially to the settlement of the Cyprus problem."

[03] US condemns Ciller statements

Washington, 11/01/1997 (ANA-T.Ellis)

[04] ND on Ciller statements

Athens, 11/01/1997 (ANA)

President of the Coalition of the Left and Progress party (Synaspismos) Nikos Constantopoulos said that "Greece must take initiatives for the safeguarding of supports which will lead to the defusion of tension."

Mr. Constantopoulos called on the prime minister to inform the people and the parties on the recent developments and not conduct exhaustive negotiations which "do not affect events." He added that the government must not transfer its internal problems into the field of national policy.

Meanwhile, Political Spring party leader Antonis Samaras described the statement made Thursday by US State Department spokesman Nicholas Burns as being positive, "provided it works."

Mr. Samaras said that on the Greek side, "unity and decisiveness is needed in order for there to be peace."

Commenting on yesterday's statements by Turkish Foreign Minister Tansu Ciller, the Political Spring leader said "Ms. Ciller's hysteria is a matter for a psychiatrist and cannot be related even with Turkey's foreign policy."

[05] Lyssarides

Athens, 11/01/1997 (ANA)

Mr. Lyssarides, currently in Athens for talks with Greek political leaders, yesterday met with ruling party PASOK Secretary Costas Skandalidis and PASOK's head of international affairs, Eurodeputy Paraskevas Avgerinos.

Mr. Lyssarides added that, although he did not see Turkey provoking an incident, Greece and Cyprus had to be prepared for any possibility.

There was no question, however, of canceling the contract for the S-300 missiles, he said, adding that those who were interested in seeing a solution to the Cyprus problem would be better off pressuring Turkey.

Mr. Lyssarides said the Burns statement warning Turkey against any action on Cyprus was a positive development.

On his part, Mr. Skandalidis told the press that there was an identity of views during the talks and added that the two parties have decided to launch an information campaign especially towards socialist parties.

[06] Turkey announces purchase of US missiles

Istanbul, 11/01/1997 (ANA - A. Kourkoulas)

The Turkish press quoted military sources as saying the purchase was within the framework of an agreement signed last year with the American firm Loral-Wougt and that the missiles would cost $700,000 each.

The missiles will be delivered in May 1998 and will be able to be launched by systems already in the possession of the Turkish armed forces.

They have a range of 150 km and are for "defensive use", the sources said.

"Turkey never had, does not have and will not have the intentions that the Greeks and Greek Cypriots have," a senior military official was reported as saying.

The news of the missile purchase ran alongside Ankara's criticism of Nicosia's purchase of Russian-made S-300 missiles in most papers.

Turkish commentators, meanwhile, noted that the "winds of war" had conveniently swept away the clouds of scandal hanging over Ankara's political elite over the past two months.

[07] Van den Broek statement on Cyprus canceled following Papoutsis intervention

Brussels, 11/01/1997 (ANA - P. Pantelis)

According to reports, the Dutch commissioner had received pressure from various sides to express a view supporting Ankara with regard to the Cypriot purchase of anti-aircraft missiles.

As he was on an official visit to Norway, he was to express his position in a written statement of the European Commission, without, however, having previously informed the Commission, which meant he was not authorized to express its views.

Mr. Papoutsis contacted European Commission President Jacques Santer and Mr. van den Broek and broached the issue of jurisdiction. He said the European Commission had neither a legal nor an institutional right to take a position on defense issues, particularly regarding a third country which is a member of the United Nations.

In the Commission's press briefing yesterday, no statement was made on behalf of Mr. van den Broek. A Turkish journalist inquired as to the absence of the statement on Cyprus, and was told by Mr. van den Broek's press spokesman that "there is no statement , nor will there be. I think, however, that Mr. van den Broek shares the concerns regarding this situation."

Replying to journalists' questions, Mr. Papoutsis expressed his surprise and concern over the various statements made regarding Cyprus' decision to purchase the missiles.

"I am concerned because with these statements, the right of an independent state to organize and ensure its defense is doubted, particularly in the case of Cyprus, whose northern section has been occupied for the last 22 years by the Turkish army," he said.

"I am also concerned because with these statements, a wrong impression is created as to who is the victim and who is the aggressor, who respects and who violates international law.

"I would like to underline that the consolidation of the safety of both communities in Cyprus is necessary. However, for this to be achieved, pressure must be exercised on that side which is responsible for the present situation and the stagnation of the Cyprus issue.

"Besides, the prudence and responsibility which the political leadership of the Cyprus Republic has shown until today is well-known and recognized in the European Union."

[08] Pangalos meets Russian ambassador

Athens, 11/01/1997 (ANA)

Mr. Pangalos expressed his satisfaction with the stance adopted by Russia over Turkish threats, stressing that Cyprus is an independent state and has every legal right to take necessary measures for its defense.

[09] Turkish Ambassador says improvement in relations between Greece, Turkey "essential"

Athens, 11/01/1997 (ANA)

On arrival in Iraklion, Crete, yesterday to attend an international conference in Rethimno, he said moderation and a special effort on both sides was necessary for an improvement in relations between the two countries. "As an ambassador, I must work for an improvement in relations between the two countries. This is essential," he said.

Questioned on whether there is a possibility of war between the two countries, he responded with a categorical "no". He expressed the wish for an improvement in relations between the two countries and said all should work in this direction.

Replying to a question, he said Turkish Foreign Minister Tansu Ciller agrees with his positions. Mr. Pamir is visiting Crete in order to participate in the third International Conference on "Natural disasters in the Ottoman Empire and their consequences", jointly organized by the Institute of Mediterranean Studies and the Technology and Research Foundation.

[10] Lyssarides meets with Simitis, Arsenis

Athens, 11/01/1997 (ANA)

Speaking after his meeting, Mr. Lyssarides said his talks with Mr. Arsenis focused on national and educational issues as well as on the education minister's forthcoming visit to Cyprus.

Replying to a question by the Athens News Agency (ANA) after meeting Mr. Lyssarides, Mr. Arsenis said all those who want the defusion of tension in Cyprus "must not speak about the missiles in Cyprus, but for the need for a departure of foreign (Turkish) military forces from the island."

[11] Simitis reveals policy to "create strong agricultural sector"

Athens, 11/01/1997 (ANA)

Addressing the council, Mr. Simitis confounded expectations that he might announce measures in favor of farmers, whose protests caused widespread disruption to road and rail traffic throughout the country last December.

"The government is implementing with steadfastness and consistency a program with a time framework up to the year 2000 aimed at creating a strong agricultural sector," Mr. Simitis said.

Although the government was doing all it could through structural intervention in the sector, he added, this was not enough.

"In order to bring about the necessary changes, the active participation of all is required - farmers, people living in the countryside, cooperatives and all those who are involved in the production process," Mr. Simitis stressed.

"The Agricultural Policy Council," he added, "must formulate the policies and strategy to create an agricultural sector which will survive in the 21st century."

Noting that Greek agriculture has evolved "in a greenhouse of protectionism," Mr. Simitis said the government was planning a series of structural changes to create the conditions for viable growth.

Stressing that the operation of the farming industry was changing globally, the Prime Minister said Greek agriculture "must remain the leverage and guarantor of balanced development in the Greek countryside."

Mr. Simitis said the government's agricultural policy aims at helping Greek farmers produce highly competitive products through shifting from problematic produce to more competitive cultivation and building alliances with other industries.

Pledging that the government will implement its strategies in the next years, he called for "a broad social acceptance and support" of the agriculture policy and requested that Greek farmers endorse the government's growth strategies.

Mr. Simitis said the government's plan for agricultural growth included investment in human resources and infrastructural projects, development of the countryside and reorganization of public and other agricultural-related organizations.

Elaborating, he added the government's plan aimed at consolidating the professional status of the farmers as well as providing the necessary tools in order to meet future developments and opportunities.

He said the government planned to make a more efficient use of Community measures such as training and early retirement for farmers as well as giving farmers special tax and investment incentives in an effort to improve the competitiveness of Greek farming products.

"The government's strategic answer to the problems facing the agricultural sector is expressed in the Community Support Framework and entails a special and a complementary action plan, Mr. Simitis said.

According to the Prime Minister, the government will fund the agricultural policy plan with 2,7 trillion drachmas, approximately one third of the total funds derived from the Second Community Support Framework for improving regional living standards.

Mr. Simitis said the investment funds, coupled with a range of necessary regulatory and legislative measures including the establishment of quality control systems and reorganization of the payments and subsidies system, will help the Greek farming sector become more competitive and allow the Greek farming products to gain access to international distribution networks.

Elaborating on the government's agricultural policy, Agriculture Minister Stephanos Tzoumakas said it aimed at reducing both surplus products and production costs while increasing added value and improving quality.

"It must be understood that it is not always possible for one to produce the products one wants at the quantities one wants and through the methods of one's choice," Mr. Tzoumakas said.

The agriculture minister said he proposed the European Union reconsider the subsidies system with direct payment of Community subsidies to cotton producers as well as the establishment of a fairer penalties system for surplus products.

Main opposition New Democracy party leader Miltiades Evert described Greek agriculture as a national problem, while expressing regret at the government's decision not to announce measures for the immediate relief of farmers.

Predicting that 250,000 youths will leave their homes in the countryside and crowd big cities, he said the government should take the necessary measures to lure farmers into remaining in their regions.

Mr. Evert suggested that the government proceed with measures to cut production costs, such as cheaper fuel and the abolition of interest rates and the Value Added Tax.

Concluding, Mr. Evert requested an agenda debate in Parliament on the farming problem.

The Communist Party of Greece (KKE) issued an announcement criticizing Mr. Simitis' measures as "an effort to deceive farmers..."

"Mr. Simitis has cited the negative results of the agricultural policies of the Greek governments in order to justify the huge problems facing the agricultural economy today," the announcement said.

The prime minister, the announcement added, "passed on to the farmers the problems which ND and more systematically (ruling) PASOK have been creating for years."

Coalition of the Left and Progress party leader Nikos Constantopoulos called on the government to define the scope of the Agricultural Policy Council, expressing reservation at the Council's structure and calling on the government to commit itself regarding its operation rules.

Political Spring party leader Antonis Samaras called for an "in-depth" and "bold" revision of the Agricultural Policy, while accusing the government for "negotiation inadequacy".

The Democratic Agricultural Associations of Greece (SYDASE) President, Yiannis Pittas, called for an efficient operation of the Agricultural Policy Council saying that unless supported, the Council could become merely a decorative body.

The Panhellenic Confederation of Agricultural Cooperatives (PASEGES) President, Nikos Liolios, said the Council could play a decisive role and could broaden its consulting role with the responsibility to make suggestions and advise the government or Parliament.

The president of the General Confederation of Agricultural Associations (GESASE), Marinos Yiannakidis, said the Council could have a determining influence over the formulation of Greek agricultural goals and the strategic planning to achieve these goals.

[12] Greece's General Consul at Gjirokaster receives warm welcome

Gjirokaster, 11/01/1997 (ANA - D. Tsakas)

Accompanied by his wife, the General President of the ethnic Greek minority organization "Omonoia" George Lambovitiadis and Gjirokaster Deputy Vangelis Doules, Mr. Kanellos once again assured Greeks from these villages that they have the full support of the Greek government and the Greek foreign minister himself.

Mr. Kanellos' speech focused on the equal treatment of Greeks living in Albania by Greece, rapprochement with the Albanian people and the efforts of the Greek state to have social justice applied.

The citizens thanked the visitors and said they will only survive with Greece and "Omonoia.

[13] Gov't comments on Pangalos visit to Belgrade

Athens, 11/01/1997 (ANA)

According to diplomatic sources in Belgrade, diplomatic sources in the Yugoslav capital confirmed yesterday that Greek Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos will pay a one-day visit to Belgrade tomorrow.

Mr. Pangalos will meet Serb President Slobodan Milosevic, opposition leaders Zoran Jijic, Vuk Drascovic and Vesna Pesic, while a meeting has also been arranged with the Patriarch of Serbia Paul.

According to Greek diplomatic circles in Belgrade, the purpose of Mr. Pangalos' visit is a briefing for the Greek government on the current political situation prevailing in Serbia, without it being some kind of mediating effort.

Greece wishes a democratization process in Serbia and an exit to the crisis to be found in a political and democratic way, because this is in the interests of stability in the Balkans, the sources said, and this is the message Mr. Pangalos is expected t o convey both to the government and the opposition.

The news of Mr. Pangalos' visit to Belgrade received widespread publicity in the Yugoslav press and was given front-page coverage in the newspaper "Nasa Borba" and was broadcast by all radio news bulletins on Thursday night.

[14] Meeting at Evros prefecture examines problems of region's Black Sea Greeks

Athens, 11/01/1997 (ANA)

The Prefects of Evros and Rodopi, George Dolios and Stergios Stavropoulos, said it is necessary to have the headquarters of EIYAPOE transferred to Thrace, in accordance with the prime minister's proclamations.

Mr. Papandreou said the effort to rehabilitate Black Sea Greek refugees constitutes a part of the overall development of Thrace and will continue with enlarged responsibilities for the foundation.

Referring to the Moslem minority, Mr. Papandreou said Greece is promoting a policy of equality of rights and respect for human rights on the basis of rules of international law.

In a statement, Mr. Iakovou expressed the hope the foundation's program will continue with speedier rates, particularly in the sector of labor rehabilitation for those returning to Greece.

Mr. Papandreou met at noon with representatives of Black Sea Greek societies in Sapes in Rodopi, while later he was due to attend the ceremony in which the President of EIYAPOE George Iakovou will be proclaimed an honorary citizen of Sapes.

[15] Anniversary of first Greek radio station celebrated

Athens, 11/01/1997 (ANA)

Greece's first radio station was set up in Thessaloniki by Christos Tsiggiridis in his garden.

The anniversary event, which was officially opened by Macedonia-Thrace Minister Philippos Petsalnikos and Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos, is being attended by politicians, academics and media personalities.

Mr. Venizelos described radio as being a cheap, subtle, flexible and familiar medium for information and said that as such, it is directly related to politics, as it not only allows the control of power, but also the participation of the people in this control.

Speaking to the Athens News Agency, Mr. Venizelos expressed his satisfaction with state-run radio, saying the celebrations provide an opportunity for all concerned with this broadcasting medium to "question the situation of radio in Greece and in the world today."

The General Director of state-run ERT3, Mihalis Alexandridis, said the anniversaries come at a time that "radio is in a critical phase, seeking its new role in the new era of television and world-wide networks."

[16] Avgerinos in the running for Socialists' Europarliament elections

The Socialist Group, the European Parliament's biggest, on Thursday selected seven candidates for next Tuesday's elections for the assembly's 14 vice presidencies. They are Paraskevas Avgerinos of Greece, Magdalene Hoff of Germnay, Renzo Imbeni of Italy, Luis Marinho of Portugal, Britain's David Martin, Nicole Pery of France and Jospe Verde of Spain.

[17] Garbage collectors' strike continues

Athens, 11/01/1997 (ANA)

Their main demands are that the employment contracts of workers hired by the municipalities on a temporary basis should be converted to contracts of indefinite duration, a doubling of the lump sum payment given on retirement from the present 1.3 million drachmas and the lowering of the retirement age.

According to the President of the workers' labor union, Zafeiris Perro, a total of 5,000 employees need to be hired to fill vacant positions, mainly in municipal garbage collection services.

Yesterday's march ended outside the interior, public administration and decentralization ministry building where a delegation sought a meeting with minister Alekos Papadopoulos.

Due to the indisposition of the minister however, a meeting was not possible and the protesters marched on to Parliament, where a 10-member delegation met with representatives of the House presidium and political parties.

Meanwhile, Athens deputy mayor Angelos Moschonas told Mr. Zafeiris by phone that Mr. Papadopoulos had undertaken the commitment to resolve the issue of employment contracts in the first draft law to be tabled by the ministry in Parliament.

The march caused serious traffic problems in the center of Athens, while garbage continued to pile up on the streets of the capital due to the ongoing strike.

The striking municipal workers later announced the continuation of their action for the fifth day today and until their demands have been met.

A delegation of workers met with Interior, Public Administration and Decentralization Under-secretary Lambros Papadimas, who acknowledged that their demand for a conversion of seasonal contracts to permanent ones was just.

Mr. Papadimas promised legislation to satisfy the demand in February, on the condition that all the political parties agree.

Mr. Perros however said that "the parties must agree with the interior ministry about when the amendment concerning the conversion of employment contracts will be tabled in Parliament and precisely what the amendment will contain".

"If the ministry gives us specific guarantees about this and our other two demands, we will end our strike immediately. But now, we shall carry on striking until we receive firm commitments," Mr. Perros said.

[18] New ministerial decision to limit spending on hospital care abroad

Athens, 11/01/1997 (ANA)

Treatment will be approved by a final decision of the patient's social security fund following the recommendation of special health committees being set up in the regional branches of the Social Security Foundation (IKA) in Athens, Thessaloniki, Patras, Heraklion (Crete), Ioannina and Alexandroupolis. Expenses will not be paid for treatment in private clinics, unless the patient is a child. Also, expenses shall not be approved for treatment in countries outside Europe unless the necessary treatment is not available in Europe.

The ministerial decision does not apply to the social security funds of the civil service.

[19] OTE surfs the Net with new subsidiary

Athens, 11/01/1997 (ANA)

OTEnet, which officially began operating yesterday, was established in April 1996 on the initiative of the state-run telecommunications organization which is the main shareholder with 98 percent.

The remaining 2 percent belongs to Athens Polytechnic.

Speaking at a special inauguration event yesterday, the Chairman of OTEnet's board of directors, Ioannis Pateryiannakis, referred to the need for the establishment of the new company and said the results of its brief pilot operation had given rise to great optimism.

The company's managing director, Costas Maravellas, said OTEnet was addressing itself not only to individual netsurfers but to large and small professional organizations and the public sector in general.

[20] Greeks most dissatisfied consumers in Europe

Athens, 11/01/1997 (ANA)

The complaints to INKA and the General Confederation of Consumers of Greece, the former group said in an announcement yesterday, show that "the standard of living of the great majority of Greek households has not only not improved, but has declined," since they are unable to maintain albeit the same consumer behavior.

According to INKA's figures, the purchasing power of Greek consumers dropped by about 12 per cent in 1996.

At a municipal level, the highest number of complaints came from the relatively affluent Athens suburbs of Psyhico, Kifissia and Paleo Phalero, while at a prefectural level, Rethymno, Chania and Attica.

Of the 66,920 complaints, 11,245 concerned the cost of living. Of the remainder, most related to adulterated products, electricity and phone bills, cellular phone bills and contracts, insurance, banks, tourism and the mass media.

[21] EBEA to host conference on development programs

Athens, 11/01/1997 (ANA)

Speakers at the conference will include the Chamber's President Yiannis Papathanasiou, National Economy Ministry Secretary-General Nikos Zachariadis and EU representatives.

[22] IOBE report stresses need for structural changes to farm sector to ride out GATT developments

Athens, 11/01/1997 (ANA)

According to the report, entitled "The Uruguay Round Agreement on International Trade and the Repercussions for Greek Agriculture", adverse developments are expected with certainty after the year 2002.

Namely, a new revision of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) due to the accession to the European Union of east European countries, and a further revision of GATT which will entail even greater liberalization.

These developments, the report said, will undoubtedly exert "substantial pressure" on Greek agriculture, which must immediately begin its restructuring and redefine its strategy, with emphasis on assistance to selected farm products rather than all products irrespectively.

Only then, the report added, will Greek agriculture be able to "aggressively" exploit its comparative advantages, even without the "crutch" of CAP subsidies which, according to the report, had lulled Greek farmers to sleep.

[23] Albania protests to Greece over immigrant expulsions

Tirana, 11/01/1997 (ANA/DPA)

Tirana's state radio said the deportations could cause tensions in bilateral relations, which have been steadily improving over the past two years.

Greek police began deporting Albanian nationals following a series of burglaries carried out by a suspected ring of Albanians in Athens, the Tirana radio station reported.

"It is wrong to deal with all Albanians as criminals," the radio station said.

Roughly 400,000 Albanian nationals are currently in Greece, most of them illegal immigrants.

End of English language section.

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