Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 97-01-15

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

ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No 1089), January 15, 1997

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

CONTENTS

[01] Athens willing to consider overall proposals for Cyprus, not specific actions

[02] Reactions

[03] Natural gas network inaugurated

[04] Apostolakis denies press reports of warplanes based on Kastellorizo

[05] State Dept. says no agreement on UN measures for Cyprus finalized

[06] Dutch FM van Mierlo says common EU borders on IGC agenda

[07] Belgrade mission

[08] Tsohatzopoulos-Eliades meeting focuses on Cyprus' defense issues

[09] Gov't response

[10] Venizelos confirms reports of archaeological find

[11] Venizelos in Brussels

[12] Sponsorship programs for Athens' 2004 candidacy unveiled

[13] Greenpeace criticizes planning for Olympics bid

[14] Avgerinos, Anastasopoulos elected as Europarliament deputy presidents

[15] PASOK announces dialogue on socialism, center-left

[16] Skandalidis denies rumors of his pending resignation

[17] ND bodies ratify latest agreements

[18] Farmers' protests expected to take on new form

[19] Level of Larisa's Pineios river reaches danger point

[20] Livanos testifies before Parliament committee probing Floisvos casino

[21] Greece, Romania agree on pensions

[22] Spata airport contractors say project will be ready in February 2001

[23] SOFTEX employees in protest march to Development Ministry

[24] Bank of Central Greece lowers rates

[25] Seamen's strike extended

[26] Piraeus Port Authority

[01] Athens willing to consider overall proposals for Cyprus, not specific actions

Athens, 15/01/1997 (ANA)

"We told the Americans that we are ready to discuss all propositions leading to the decrease of third countries' military presence on Cyprus, and within this framework all concrete facts and actions, but we are not willing to isolate a specific action and discuss only this issue, because it bothers the Turkish side," Mr. Pangalos told reporters in relation to US State Department official Carey Cavanaugh's talks in Athens yesterday.

Mr. Pangalos spoke to reporters after meeting Dutch Foreign Minister Hans van Mierlo.

"Greek flights over Cyprus are part of a defense co-operation between Greece and the Republic of Cyprus, and in this respect are not subject to criticism and cannot be the subject of negotiations... but we must recognize the necessity of defusing as much as possible, the crisis concerning the island," Mr. Pangalos said, adding, "the proposal of the Cyprus government is the demilitarization (of the island republic) and it is logical that we work towards this direction."

On his part, Mr. Cavanaugh said the crisis in the region over Nicosia's decision to purchase the Russian-made anti-aircraft missiles had been defused, since the Cyprus government assured him that the S-300 system would not be installed for at least 16 months.

Speaking to reporters after meeting with foreign ministry general secretary Alexandros Filon, Mr. Cavanaugh said he had been given the assurance during "constructive" talks in Nicosia on Monday.

In Nicosia, Cyprus President Glafcos Clerides said yesterday that Russia had informed his government that it could not deliver the missiles before 16 months had elapsed, despite Nicosia's wishes to the contrary.

Mr. Clerides also made it clear that no agreement had been reached on the immediate implementation of a UN package of measures aimed at reducing tension on the island following talks on Monday with Mr. Cavanaugh.

In Athens, Mr. Cavanaugh said that his current tour of Cyprus, Greece and Turkey was within the framework of US efforts to reduce tension in the region, noting that "positive steps" had been taken in this direction during his talks on the island republic .

The purpose of his talks was to avert the possibility of conflict, he said, adding that he had ascertained the full support of President Clerides during a discussion about adoption of confidence-building measures to reduce tension along the cease-fire line dividing Cyprus.

In addition, Mr. Cavanaugh described as useful his talks in Athens, both with Mr. Filon and Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos. He said a 10-minute meeting with Mr. Pangalos focused exclusively on the latter's visit to Belgrade last Sunday for talks with Serbian President Slobodan Milosevic and opposition party representatives.

Mr. Cavanaugh confirmed that an "overall initiative" would soon be undertaken for the settlement of the Cyprus problem, adding that both the United States and the international community in its entirety were determined to contribute with all means to re solving the problem.

Commenting on his trip to Ankara today, the US envoy responsible for southeastern Europe expressed optimism that the stance of the Turkish leadership to his proposals would be positive.

There is a commitment, he said, concerning a package of confidence-building measures which are aimed at "making Cypriots feel safer."

[02] Reactions

Athens, 15/01/1997 (ANA)

"There must be an exchange of views at a top level regarding national issues," Mr. Evert noted. His repeated calls for a meeting of political party leaders to discuss national issues have been rejected by the government.

Meanwhile, Democratic Social Movement (DHKKI) leader Dimitris Tsovolas charged that the Greek and Cypriot governments were "playing dangerous games behind the backs of Hellenism."

Mr. Tsovolas claimed that Nicosia's order for Russian-made anti-aircraft missiles had in effect been canceled due to the "unacceptable pressure" from Washington and other major European powers.

[03] Natural gas network inaugurated

Athens, 15/01/1997 (ANA)

Speaking at the installations of the Public Gas Corp. (DEPA) in Elefsina, Mr. Simitis spoke about the prospects of Greece becoming an "energy crossroad" in the Balkans by providing energy-related services and exporting technology to other countries in the region.

On the benefits of the major infrastructure project, Mr. Simitis said it would improve the environment in industrial and urban areas, spur industrial development by reducing costs, contribute to technological modernization, reduce dependence on oil and increase "energy security", by providing another independent source.

In addition, the premier noted, the network would result in an increase in economic activity and create new jobs.

The natural gas to be imported to Greece from Russia is expected to cover approximately 15 per cent of the country's energy needs.

Its estimated cost is 600 billion drachmas, 40 per cent of which is financed by the European Union, and will extend for more than 1,000 kilometers.

Speaking in the presence of Russia's Energy Minister, Piotr Rodionov, Mr. Simitis praised Russian officials for exporting to Greece not only the natural gas but also "their know-how".

He said recent co-operation between Greece and Russia in the political sector would be "broadened, and placed on a firmer basis through development of relations in the economic and technology sectors."

Echoing Mr. Simitis' statements, Development Minister Vasso Papandreou described the project as being of enormous dimensions and unprecedented for Greece.

The aim of the government, she said, was the commercial exploitation of natural gas in co-operation and with the participation of local governments, the Public Power Corp.'s newly established subsidiaries and private investors.

Mr. Rodionov underlined the benefits of the project by saying that "one develops an appetite by eating", noting that natural gas satisfies 50 per cent of Russia's energy needs.

The Russian minister also expressed his country's willingness "to transfer to Greece all our experience and know-how related to natural gas."

Mr. Rodionov said the entire venture was part of "a plan to expand the cycle of commercial and economic co-operation between Russia and Greece."

Also attending the inauguration were Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos, European Energy Commissioner Christos Papoutsis, EU diplomats and commercial representatives.

[04] Apostolakis denies press reports of warplanes based on Kastellorizo

Athens, 15/01/1997 (ANA)

The misunderstanding appears to have arisen after the Turkish media read an article in a Greek newspaper where a typographical error reported the minister as having mentioned Kastellorizo, instead of Kastelli, in Heraklion prefecture.

[05] State Dept. says no agreement on UN measures for Cyprus finalized

Washington, 15/01/1997 (ANA - T. Ellis)

"This gives us breathing space to solve the problem in a friendly and cooperative climate," he added, reiterating that Mr. Cavanaugh had received assurances for full support for "measures along the cease-fire line", and adding that the US understood that UN representatives would discuss these matters with the Cypriot government and the Turkish Cypriots this week.

"Full support does not mean a signed agreement. It means full support for these issues to be negotiated and for a solution that would avert w hat we have seen: Two people dead in the last six months," he specified.

"It is time for all sides to show self-restraint in what they are saying and doing, and to try to solve these problems," he added, before expressing his regret that some of his previous statements had been criticized by the Turkish foreign ministry.

[06] Dutch FM van Mierlo says common EU borders on IGC agenda

Athens, 15/01/1997 (ANA)

The talks, apart from progress in the IGC, also touched upon a wide range of issues, particularly the Cyprus problem, prospects for a start to negotiations for the island-republic's entry into the EU, and the convening of the EU-Turkey Association Council.

Mr. Mierlo, nevertheless, provided a reminder that the EU is not a defense organization which can provide military assistance, as is the case with NATO.

"We must examine all the different aspects of the issue, and then arrive at the most appropriate framework," he added.

He described the Cyprus issue as "very important", which "has been in a stalemate for many years now, and must be overcome in the interests of Greece, Turkey, Europe, and of course, Cyprus". He also confirmed the Dutch presidency's adherence to a timetable for a start to negotiations for Cyprus' entry to the EU six months after the end of IGC, noting that "we have begun working on the preparation of this framework," and adding that the Cyprus problem has already been the subject of discussions with the UN, British special envoy Sir David Hannay, and Washington.

"The least we can do is work towards reducing tension on the island," he said.

The Dutch minister also had a brief informal meeting at the foreign ministry with State Department's southern Europe bureau chief Carey Cavanaugh, who is in Athens for talks on the latest developments on the Cyprus issue. He expressed support for US efforts to reduce tension on the island, and stressed the close co-operation which the EU must have with the United States on the issue.

Mr. Pangalos said that discussions also included the issues of illegal immigration, crime and drugs, on which "our positions are very close to those of the Dutch presidency."

He recognized the need for a reduction in tension on the island, stressing that the best solution in that direction is the demilitarization of Cyprus.

[07] Belgrade mission

Athens, 15/01/1997 (ANA)

"This initiative comprises a proposal to (Serbian) President (Slobodan) Milosevic to direct Belgrade's attorney general to re-introduce the issue of (municipal elections in) the city's greater district at the supreme court," he said. He added that Vuk Drascovic, one of the opposition leaders, had assured him that such a move by the attorney general would suffice to stop the mass mobilizations.

"Greece does not intend to advise solutions to anyone, but to contribute, in a capacity of a friendly country, to the overcoming of the crisis. I think our good intentions have been recognized by all," he said.

[08] Tsohatzopoulos-Eliades meeting focuses on Cyprus' defense issues

Athens, 15/01/1997 (ANA)

The two sides also discussed promotion of the Greece-Cyprus joint defense doctrine during the three-hour meeting.

Mr. Eliades, accompanied by the commander of the Cyprus National Guard and the defense committee, arrived in Athens on Sunday for talks with the Greek government on the entire range of issues pertaining to Cyprus' defense.

"We discussed issues relating to the defense sector and the joint defense doctrine, including co-operation between the Cyprus Republic and Greek defense industries," Mr. Eliades said. Mr. Tsohatzopoulos declined to comment on statements by US State Department envoy Carey Cavanaugh, currently on a tour of the region, who said in Cyprus on Monday that a deal had been struck between the Greek and Turkish Cypriot communities aimed at reducing tension along the cease-fire line dividing the island.

Mr. Eliades also declined to comment when asked about the ongoing military dialogue in Cyprus.

"Dialogue is in progress and we have undertaken a commitment not to make statements concerning it," he said.

"There is nothing to comment on. There is no decision," Mr. Tsohatzopoulos added.

When asked if the military dialogue was in any way linked with the fact that it would be 16 months before deployment of the Russian anti-aircraft missiles, both ministers underlined that the two issues were separate.

In Nicosia, meanwhile, Cyprus government spokesman Yiannakis Cassoulides also denied that the Greek and Turkish Cypriot communities were about to sign an agreement.

A Reuters dispatch from Nicosia quoted him as saying "we are still talking about it".

[09] Gov't response

Athens, 15/01/1997 (ANA)

"This report does not correspond to the truth," Mr. Reppas said.

Replying to questions, Mr. Reppas said that the government was not at the present time considering the matter of a moratorium on military overflights of the island republic's airspace.

[10] Venizelos confirms reports of archaeological find

Athens, 15/01/1997 (ANA)

The complex was discovered yesterday during construction work for the Goulandris Museum of Contemporary Art on Rigillis Street, about 600 metes from the parliament building in central Athens.

Mr. Venizelos said he had first been informed about the matter in November last year and had subsequently made statements in Parliament.

The find is to be discussed by the Central Archaeological Council next Tuesday.

It comes just three days after archaeologists claimed to have found the cave on Salamina used as a retreat by Euripides to write his classic tragedies.

In other culture ministry issues, Mr. Venizelos yesterday renewed the tenure of a number of positions, including that of director of the National Art Gallery Marina Lambraki-Plaka.

It was also announced that Mr. Venizelos would meet with mayors and heads of local government in Thessaloniki over the weekend in order to brief them on the course of public works projects and cultural events.

The meeting will be held at the city's Byzantine Museum and will be followed by a press conference.

[11] Venizelos in Brussels

Athens, 15/01/1997 (ANA)

Mr. Venizelos was attending the premiere at the invitation of Greek Eurodeputies.

At a press conference in Athens yesterday, he said the invitation was a great chance to promote Greek cultural issues in general and not only cinema.

He added that he and Alternate Foreign Minister George Papandreou had made a joint request to the Frankfurt Book Fair that the 2001 fair be dedicated to Greece.

If accepted, the Greek presence would be coordinated by the culture ministry.

[12] Sponsorship programs for Athens' 2004 candidacy unveiled

Athens, 15/01/1997 (ANA)

"Our proposal seeks to effectively project to the international community, in a different manner and spirit, the modern face of our culture, our will and ability to organize the games, as well as the potential of our contribution to the course of the Olympic ideal in the third millennium," Committee President Yianna Angelopoulou-Daskalaki said.

"Our strategy combines in a harmonious way the dynamics of the country's evolution, the existing infrastructure and our experience in organizing international sports events, in the context of one single heritage: the relation of Greek culture with the Olympic ideal," she added.

Referring to the likely positive results of a successful candidacy, 'Athens 2004' special advisor Marton Simicek, said these included, apart from the direct economic benefits, improvement in the country's international position and a beneficial influence on tourism.

The effort for a successful candidacy needs sponsorship programs for three reasons, he said.

First, to show that private enterprise approves of the endeavor. Secondly, to create a friendly environment for the sponsors among the Greek business world, and thirdly, to provide guarantees regarding our organizational ability.

[13] Greenpeace criticizes planning for Olympics bid

Athens, 15/01/1997 (ANA)

"Environmental impact studies should constitute a fundamental factor in the proposal in the planning phase, rather than a formality for legitimizing things which have been decided without environmental, area and town planning criteria," Greenpeace representatives told a press conference.

"As can be seen from the Greek dossier," they said, "not only is there no vision or development strategy for a city which appears to be walking a tightrope, but with the works which are being planned, the already disturbed relationship between city and city dweller is being further shaken..."

Under certain conditions, the representatives said, the holding of the Olympic Games could serve as a tool for the environmental upgrading of Athens and a model for similar interventions in the future.

[14] Avgerinos, Anastasopoulos elected as Europarliament deputy presidents

Strasbourg, 15/01/1997 (ANA - M. Spinthourakis)

Mr. Avgerinos was re-elected 10th among 14 deputy presidents, receiving 271 votes in the second round of the process.

Consequently, there are again two Greek Eurodeputies among the body's 14 deputy presidents. However, no Greek MP is expected to be elected president of a European Parliament committee.

According to EU officials, the election of a Greek Eurodeputy to the presidency of a parliamentary committee would only be possible in the event two Greek deputy presidents were not elected, since an informal status of national quotas exists in the European Parliament in connection with the body's major posts.

Since the re-election of Mr. Avgerinos and George Anastasopoulos, from the main opposition New Democracy party, as deputy presidents is a given, the election of another Greek Euro-MP to one of the so-called crucial posts appears unattainable.

[15] PASOK announces dialogue on socialism, center-left

Athens, 15/01/1997 (ANA)

According to the prime minister, the dialogue due to begin soon, aims to "stress the changes which mark the new era, for there to be reorganization of the direction of the left and of socialism and to examine how old principles can be adjusted to today' s conditions."

The Andreas Papandreou Foundation is to hold an international meeting of socialists at the beginning of the summer, to be organized by Eurodeputy and PASOK executive bureau member Paraskevas Avgerinos.

[16] Skandalidis denies rumors of his pending resignation

Athens, 15/01/1997 (ANA)

Mr. Skandalidis implied that the rumors emanated from circles close to Prime Minister Costas Simitis, although he refused to connect this group with the prime minister himself, who he said, "also lived through the fabrication of similar scenarios" in t he past.

He also expressed his dissatisfaction with efforts to "reproduce the climate of the congress, which is occurring in the name of the division of power and of personal strategy, which is dangerous when it is done by members who do not carry the equivalent historical and political weight."

When called on to comment on the interview, government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said the opinions expressed by Mr. Skandalidis also express the government.

Replying to questions regarding Mr. Skandalidis' comments on circles close to the prime minister, Mr. Reppas said both the government and the party are operating on a very high level, with decisions being taken democratically, and that in comparison to t he past, the current period does not present itself for such accusations.

He added that if there is something related to the activities of party members, it must be mentioned with direct evidence.

[17] ND bodies ratify latest agreements

Athens, 15/01/1997 (ANA)

The agreement was reached last week between ND leader Miltiades Evert, Vice President Ioannis Varvitsiotis and main leadership contender George Souflias.

Mr. Evert told reporters after yesterday's meetings that the agreement reached was "the best possible".

He added that the congress would eventually be held one week earlier than planned, from March 21-23.

[18] Farmers' protests expected to take on new form

Athens, 15/01/1997 (ANA)

However, there were suggestions for services and organizations such as the Bank of Greece, tax offices and toll booths to be blockaded by tractors so as not to disrupt traffic.

The final proposal for the coming mobilizations is to be made tomorrow during a joint meeting of farmers' unions.

[19] Level of Larisa's Pineios river reaches danger point

Athens, 15/01/1997 (ANA)

Areas of the town of Larisa near the river are in danger of being flooded and the town has been declared in a state of emergency.

Soldiers have built a make-shift dam one kilometer away from the river bank, while the situation had been placed under control yesterday morning.

Meanwhile, the Environment, Town Planning and Public Works Ministry has earmarked 700 million drachmas for the completion of anti-flooding work on Xanthi's Kossynthos river.

The Kossynthos river was the site of severe flooding roughly a month and a half ago.

Construction teams are already reinforcing the river's level so that they can hold against the effects of a possible storm in the near future.

Eastern Macedonia Thrace regional administrator Athanasios Lagos and Xanthi Prefect Panagiotis Saltouros announced that the project is expected to be completed within the next month.

In another development, work is continuing on the protection of the level in the Pigadia region of Xanthi with a budget of 200 million drachmas and on infrastructure in the regions of Myki and Medoussa, costing 300 million drachmas, in Koutso and Vafeik a with a budget of 130 million drachmas and on the Xanthi mountains, with a budget of 300 million drachmas.

In another development, the environment, town planning and public works ministry has ordered another two pilot studies to be carried out on the containment of the waters of the Kossynthos river in the case of floods in the Vistonida lake.

Based on these two studies, anti-flooding measures amounting to 300 million drachmas are to be constructed in order to protect Xanthi communities.

[20] Livanos testifies before Parliament committee probing Floisvos casino

Athens, 15/01/1997 (ANA)

The state license for the Floisvos casino had been awarded by Mr. Livanos to the Athens Casino joint venture.

During his three-hour deposition before the committee, Mr. Livanos made indirect references to current Development Minister Vasso Papandreou for her decision to recall the casino's license.

"If I sold out such an investment providing great benefits for the state they should have sent me to prison," he said. The statement is estimated as a jab against Ms Papandreou, who nullified his decision to grant the casino's license to the joint venture.

In supporting his stance, Mr. Livanos referred to a statement made at the inner cabinet meeting in 1994 by the then finance minister Alekos Papadopoulos who, reacting to the government's intention to annul the contract for the Floisvos casino, called on participants to consider their responsibilities and said that possible backtracking by the government would result in the loss of hundreds of billions of drachmas for the country.

Mr. Livanos further said Athens prosecutor's office officials failed to summon people connected to the case to testify, while on the contrary, they summoned various individuals who had nothing to do with the case.

He former minister also called for a committee to be created to conduct a preliminary investigation and have the case referred to a special court in order to ascertain whether responsibilities exist. He also criticized Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis for failing to give him the possibility of being informed on the content of the prosecuting authority's report.

Mr. Livanos will complete his deposition at the fact-finding committee tomorrow, while Ms Papandreou will testify on Tuesday.

[21] Greece, Romania agree on pensions

Athens, 15/01/1997 (ANA)

Under the terms of the agreement, Romania has undertaken to pay the sum of $15 million in six equal annual installments, in products and cash, in order to secure the social security benefits of the refugees.

Greece undertakes to incorporate in its social security system those returning political refugees who were insured in Romania and provide pensions to those who retired there in accordance with Romanian legislation prior to their return.

At the same time, Athens will also recognize the period during which returning Greeks who have not yet reached retirement age were insured in Romania.

The agreement covers Greeks who settled in Romania after January 1, 1945 with the status of political refugee as well as their families, who returned or will return permanently to Greece within a period of six years from the date on which the accord enters force.

The draft law to be tabled in Parliament is awaiting signature by Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos, National Economy Minister Yiannos Papantoniou and Labor and Social Security Minister Miltiades Papaioannou.

[22] Spata airport contractors say project will be ready in February 2001

Athens, 15/01/1997 (ANA)

The Hochtief-led consortium building the airport announced yesterday that construction on the central airport terminal, considered one of the most important parts of the project, will begin within the month, as will work on three of the project's five phases. Work on the last two phases is due to commence in six months' time.

Work to lower a hill north of the airport by 50 meters will also start this month. The work is essential to the safety of future flights. Meanwhile, the small church of Agios Petros, currently in the construction zone, will be moved 300 meters, while work on the runways will also begin soon.

Ten construction teams and a total of 800 workers are currently on the project. By the end of this year, 150 construction teams are expected to have been installed, while the number of workers will reach 3,000.

[23] SOFTEX employees in protest march to Development Ministry

Athens, 15/01/1997 (ANA)

The employees called on the government to have a specific plan on the industry's future prepared, and in the event SOFTEX is privatized it should be carried out with all three factories in operation and without dismissals taking place.

Employees from the Athens factory were joined by colleagues from the factories of Megalo Pefko and Drama. A meeting they had requested with Development Minister Vasso Papandreou did not take place because Ms Papandreou attended the inauguration of the natural gas pipeline in Elefsina.

[24] Bank of Central Greece lowers rates

Athens, 15/01/1997 (ANA)

The privileged interest rate will be applied in accordance with security, mutuality, credit capacity and the purpose and duration of the loan.

The following interest rates will apply to deposits: For the ordinary savings bank 10.50 per cent, for the super savings bank 11 per cent for 1-10 million drachmas, 11.50 per cent for 10-30 million and 12 per cent for 30 million and over.

For the current account 9 per cent for up to one million drachmas and 11 per cent from one million and over. Lastly, for time deposits 11-12.20 per cent for 3-12 months, while the interest rate is negotiable for over 40 million drachmas.

[25] Seamen's strike extended

Athens, 15/01/1997 (ANA)

The seamen's strike is now due to end at 6 a.m. Friday.

All ships remained in their ports both yesterday and on Monday as seamen and dockworkers pressed their main demand that no changes be made to the fiscal regime applicable since 1955.

The strike has affected Greek-flag vessels of all categories as well as foreign ships employing Greek seamen.

Reiterating the government's positions, Mr. Soumakis told the PNO representatives that their problems had accumulated over a long period of time, adding that their resolution required a "sincere and constructive" dialogue.

The seamen are also demanding measures to combat unemployment, the absorption of unemployed colleagues and an increase in minimum pensions.

Mr. Soumakis said the government would take measures in February aimed at halting a growing trend for Greek-owned vessels to leave the Hellenic Registry of Shipping.

[26] Piraeus Port Authority

Athens, 15/01/1997 (ANA)

In a letter to the prime minister and merchant marine minister, EBEP expressed its deep concern about the outstanding issues in the organization.

The letter said that EBEP, representing merchants and businesses in the city, was not intervening in the government's work but expressing interest in the operation of the port.

End of English language section.

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