Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 97-01-22

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

ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No 1095), January 22, 1997

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

CONTENTS

[01] Simitis expresses hope that Ankara will respond to Greek initiatives

[02] Ancient Lyceum in urgent need of protection

[03] EU to aid in restoration of neolithic settlement on Kastoria Lake

[04] Retired artists receive donation for their support fund

[05] Top US military officer on official visit

[06] Simitis to meet with Kohl during private visit to Germany

[07] Gov't reiterates that settlement not a prerequisite to Cyprus EU accession

[08] EU should play carrot and stick with Turkey: Greece says

[09] Cyrus Vance expresses optimism over resolution of Greece, FYROM dispute

[10] Expatriate groups meet on FYROM issue in Thessaloniki

[11] Skandalidis charges that some PM associates 'working against him'

[12] V. Papandreou places responsibilities on Laliotis over Floisvos case

[13] Simitis still has strong lead over opposition, polls show

[14] Samaras denies reports of return to ND

[15] Gov't hopes for PNO goodwill to end seamen's strike

[16] Opposition

[17] Four KKE officials on Lesvos questioned after port scuffles

[18] State Dept. expresses disappointment over moratorium proposal's rejection

[19] Gov't approves 350 million for flood repairs

[20] Jewish group to ask Gov't to press for nazi criminal's extradition

[21] Flood damages, direct subsidies dominate Fischler-Tzoumakas meeting

[22] New ATE governor outlines bank's short, medium-term goals

[23] Crime in Greece on the increase

[24] Free transport, reduced fares announced for handicapped

[01] Simitis expresses hope that Ankara will respond to Greek initiatives

Rome, 22/01/1997 (ANA - S. Aravopoulou/L. Hatzikyriakou)

"We follow a policy that proves self-restraint, we call on Turkey to engage in a step-by-step approach to resolve problems on the basis of international law. We hope that Turkey will respond positively to these initiatives," Mr. Simitis told a two-day Socialist International council meeting in the Italian capital.

Mr. Simitis' speech focused on the Cyprus problem, Greek-Turkish relations, the Balkans and Middle East peace efforts.

He stressed that the Cyprus problem had remained unsolved since the 1974 Turkish invasion, despite numerous UN resolutions calling for withdrawal of all foreign troops from the island, as well as respect for the independence, territorial integrity and sovereignty of the Cyprus Republic.

"Turkey is blatantly violating international law, showing complete contempt for the decisions of the international community and persisting in its aggressive policy aimed at legalizing the faits accomplis of its invasion," Mr. Simitis said.

"We believe that the time is ripe for a settlement of the problem based on the UN resolutions. The Socialist International should contribute in this direction, as underlined in the resolution approved at the organization's conference in New York last September, and take all possible initiatives in order to illustrate its concern about the lack of progress and the continuing partition of the island."

Mr. Simitis once again accused Turkey of following an aggressive policy towards Greece, using threats to try and overturn the present status quo in the Aegean, with disregard for the rules of international law and international conventions.

Instead of focusing its attention on the serious domestic problems of Turkish society, Mr. Simitis continued, such as the lack of democracy, violations of human rights, the Kurdish problem and social inequality, "Turkish governments follow a nationalistic policy towards Greece so as to mislead public opinion and the citizens of the country."

Turning to the Balkans, Mr. Simitis underlined that Greece supported the incorporation of the Balkan countries in "the new European structures" in order to further strengthen development and stability in those countries.

"Next April, together with the European Socialist Party, we are organizing a meeting in Thessaloniki on the subject of the Balkans, to which all the progressive and socialist parties of all the Balkan countries will be invited," Mr. Simitis said.

As far as Greece is concerned, he added, peace and stability in the Balkans are elements which are absolutely necessary for development and progress in the region.

"Our policy is guided by the principles of respect for human rights, the consolidation of democratic procedures and the inviolability of international borders," Mr. Simitis said.

On Middle East peace efforts, the prime minister noted that despite the significant progress attained since 1993, many major issues remained unresolved.

[02] Ancient Lyceum in urgent need of protection

Athens, 22/01/1997 (ANA)

The palaestra was discovered during works for the planned Goulandris museum of modern art, with the 15-member Council agreeing in principle on the display of findings from the site in the basement of the future museum as the best solution.

However, they expressed the view that further excavations for the museum will have to be suspended, as they would also damage the findings.

Two members of the Council, professors Bouras and Labrinoudakis, expressed reservations regarding the identification of the findings with the ancient Lyceum's palaestra, given the poor quality of the stones. Nevertheless, the culture ministry's director of antiquities, Yiannis Tzedakis, added: "the find is important and the effort for maintaining the building must be very speedy."

There are fears that a sudden heavy rain may cover the entire site in mud, especially given that it is next to downsloped Rigillis Street.

[03] EU to aid in restoration of neolithic settlement on Kastoria Lake

Athens, 22/01/1997 (ANA)

The settlement was discovered by a team of archaeologists headed by Aristoteleion University professor Georgios Hourmouziadis.

The project envisages the settlement's partial restoration on a natural scale, including nearby forest and lakeside vegetation. It also includes proposed hiking trails and observation posts.

[04] Retired artists receive donation for their support fund

Athens, 22/01/1997 (ANA)

The Support Fund for Singers and Dancers, established last year, is administered by the culture ministry.

"The fund does not pay pensions as such," explained Mr. Lambrakis, "but awards an annuity to all those whose career has ended for biological reasons."

Opera singer Agnes Baltsa and composer Stavros Xarhakos have already given benefit performances to support the fund, and another is planned by singer George Dalaras.

Meanwhile, Mr. Venizelos announced the creation of an opera company in Thessaloniki, details of which will be announced there soon.

[05] Top US military officer on official visit

Athens, 22/01/1997 (ANA)

Lt.-Gen. Montgomery will visit Souda Bay today, while tomorrow he will visit the 1st Army and 3rd Army Corps before leaving for Brussels. During his stay in Greece, Lt.-Gen. Montgomery will also visit archaeological sites.

[06] Simitis to meet with Kohl during private visit to Germany

Bonn, 22/01/1997 (ANA - P. Stangos)

The same sources said Mr. Simitis will visit Germany on April 24 to attend a special ceremony to mark his proclamation as an honorary lecturer at the Marbourg University. During his visit he will meet with Chancellor Kohl in Bonn for political consultations.

Meanwhile, the president of the German Republic, Roman Herzog, will visit Athens on March 11 to attend a ceremony marking his proclamation as honorary lecturer at the Athens Law School. President Herzog will have unofficial meetings during his stay in Athens with President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos and Mr. Simitis.

National Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos is also expected to visit Germany on Feb. 17 for talks with his German counterpart Faulker Rie, focusing on Greece's armament program, even though the German side considers the visit as "primarily political."

[07] Gov't reiterates that settlement not a prerequisite to Cyprus EU accession

Athens, 22/01/1997 (ANA)

Government spokesman Dimitris Reppas made the statement when asked if there was a disagreement between Athens and Nicosia about the possibility of accession being discussed at any future meeting between Cyprus President Glafcos Clerides and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash - if and when such a meeting is held.

"This issue was discussed during the recent meeting of the Greek and Cyprus leaderships, at which different views were expressed, as is only to be expected," Mr. Reppas said.

The spokesman clarified, however, that eventually "there was convergence" towards the position that a Cyprus settlement was not a prerequisite for EU accession.

Mr. Reppas stressed that Cyprus' accession was not negotiable and was not being discussed with the Turkish Cypriot side. He did not, however, rule out the possibility of procedural issues being discussed "since the other side has something to say about the accession of the whole of Cyprus to the EU."

Meanwhile, main opposition New Democracy Miltiades Evert leader yesterday criticized Mr. Simitis over "his stated position that Cyprus decides and Greece follows," saying that the national defense pact has both a diplomatic character and the sense of equal responsibility borne from both sides.

[08] EU should play carrot and stick with Turkey: Greece says

Greece's foreign under-secretary said yesterday that the EU should adopt a "carrot and stick" approach to forcing Turkey to pull out of Cyprus.

"Turkey wants to move closer to Europe. Europe therefore has a strong weapon by saying (to Turkey) 'your relations will improve if you accept a just and viable solution to Cyprus'," Yiannos Kranidiotis told Reuters in an interview in Rome.

"It's pressure towards Turkey but at the same time it's a carrot - a carrot and stick approach," said Mr. Kranidiotis, who was attending a meeting of international socialist groups.

Turkey signed a key customs union with the European Union in 1996 as a prelude to possible full membership but Greece succeeded in blocking funds to Ankara due to flow from the pact.

Diplomats say Ankara is increasingly hinting that it could now block plans to expand NATO into eastern Europe unless the EU delivers on its promises of closer ties.

Mr. Kranidiotis said he through the time was now right for an international push to solve the Cyprus problem, but said talks on the island's accession to the European Union, due to start six months after the EU concludes this year's treaty review, should not be made conditional on a solution having been found.

German Foreign Minister Klaus Kinkel said on Monday that Cyprus should not join until the dispute was settled.

"The solution is not a prerequisite for the accession of Cyprus but the accession could serve as the catalyst for finding the solution," Mr. Kranidiotis said.

[09] Cyrus Vance expresses optimism over resolution of Greece, FYROM dispute

New York, 22/01/1997 (ANA- M. Georgiadou)

"During this time we have had many fruitful discussions and many things have happened," he said in response to a question.

After two-hour talks between Greece's permanent representative at the UN, Christos Zacharakis, and FYROM's representative, Ivan Tosefski, Mr. Vance said that a new meeting will take at the end of February.

[10] Expatriate groups meet on FYROM issue in Thessaloniki

Athens, 22/01/1997 (ANA)

Presidents of the US, Canadian and Australian associations referred to their groups' activities to promote Greece's policy with regard to FYROM's name, noting "stagnation and inactivity in Greece's foreign policy" on the issue. They declared they had "come to revive the public's interest in the Macedonian issue" and that they would not accept a name containing any form of the word 'Macedonia', nor would they "allow any government to do so".

However, they hastened to add that their goal was to support Greece's foreign policy and they had requested a meeting with Prime Minister Costas Simitis.

[11] Skandalidis charges that some PM associates 'working against him'

Athens, 22/01/1997 (ANA)

Without specifically mentioning names, he refers to "power-worshipping by some who play games with the media for personal and immoral reasons".

"I am not talking about this entourage as a whole, but about certain persons who are creating scenarios in order to effect blows against other party cadres, for their own interest, which borders on obsession," he said.

Regarding the prime minister's aide Theodoros Tsoukatos, the only specific reference to an individual, Mr. Skandalidis says their relations are very good and they are cooperating harmoniously. He also called on Mr. Simitis to "avoid the sirens who are trying to transfer the center of weight in political life to personal pursuits."

Referring to his official role, he said he will resign if he does not succeed in reorganizing the party, but is not considering doing so at this period in time.

"My aim is to reorganize the party. As long as the conditions for achieving this goal are in place, I am continuing my course normally. If I do not succeed, I will take my hat and leave," he said.

[12] V. Papandreou places responsibilities on Laliotis over Floisvos case

Athens, 22/01/1997 (ANA)

Mr. Papandreou described as a "glaring illegality" a joint ministerial decision signed by Mr. Laliotis and then tourism minister Dionysis Livanos setting out the planning and construction terms for the casino.

Speaking for more than four hours before a Parliament fact-finding committee investigating the affair, Ms Papandreou said that Mr. Laliotis was wrong in signing the decision, but added it was to his credit that he had refused subsequently to sign an amendment changing the use of land at Floisvos in order to enable construction of the casino.

Asked by the committee whether Mr. Laliotis had political responsibility in the case, she replied: "Well, he doesn't have criminal responsibility."

The issue involves the granting of a license for the casino to the consortium Athens Casino, which Ms Papandreou subsequently revoked.

Ms Papandreou told the committee that the political responsibility of Mr. Livanos in the affair was "a given fact". She also advised committee members to investigate whether Mr. Livanos was in any way criminally liable.

When asked by the committee if she would consent to the disclosure of her bank accounts, Ms Papandreou said she would have no problem with this, adding however, that the accounts of two members of the committee should also be opened.

[13] Simitis still has strong lead over opposition, polls show

Athens, 22/01/1997 (ANA)

The poll showed 54.2 percent in favor of Mr. Simitis over 20.8 percent for New Democracy leader Miltiades Evert and 23 percent satisfied with the government against 10 percent satisfied with the manner in which the New Democracy party was exercising opposition.

Coalition of the Left and Progress leader Nikos Constantopoulos received the most favorable votes, with 63.5 percent, while Democratic Social Movement leader DImitris Tsovolas received 41.2 percent and Communist party head Aleka Papariga 24.1.

[14] Samaras denies reports of return to ND

Athens, 22/01/1997 (ANA)

"Antonis Samaras and Political Spring will follow the course they have carved out," an announcement said.

Mr. Samaras, a former ND foreign minister, left the party to set up Political Spring in 1993.

[15] Gov't hopes for PNO goodwill to end seamen's strike

Athens, 22/01/1997 (ANA)

Government spokesman Dimitris Reppas expressed the hope that the Panhellenic Seamen's Federation (PNO), which called the strike, would eventually "show good will" so that a solution might be found.

Merchant seamen and dockworkers on Monday decided to extend their strike for a further 48 hours until 6 a.m. tomorrow. The strike, which marked its 10th consecutive day yesterday, was originally scheduled to end early yesterday morning.

Strikers' main demand is preservation of a special tax status applied to them since 1955. The government has introduced changes to this status in its new tax legislation.

Replying to questions, Mr. Reppas said the government did not need to ask for judicial intervention to resolve problems.

A Piraeus court on Friday ruled that extension of the strike was "illegal and abusive."

At the same time, the spokesman in effect confirmed reports of government meetings Monday with the participation of ministers, at which alternative methods of dealing with the strike were examined.

[16] Opposition

Athens, 22/01/1997 (ANA)

Mr. Evert criticized the government of following a "stalemate" and "wrong" policy, one that "leads farmers and seamen to oblivion and crashes the small- and medium-size businesses and the workers."

Referring to incidents which occurred over the weekend between strikers and farmers at several ports around the country, the opposition leader described as "immoral" what he called the government's "attempt to turn one social group against the other," adding that "we will protect every citizen who fights for a just cause."

Prior to the statements, Mr. Evert had presided over an ND political council meeting focusing on the situation with the strikes. The meeting took place with the participation of the executive committee's Parliamentary members and competent ND officials.

ND honorary president and former premier Constantine Mitsotakis lashed out against the government yesterday, saying that the PASOK government was watching the strikes "as a mere spectator."

"(The strikes are) the result of its own policy because during the pre-election period it has misguided the Greek people by hiding the truth regarding the country's real situation," Mr. Mitsotakis said.

"Unfortunately," he added, "Mr. Simitis is reconfirming daily that he is good with words but less effective with actions."

"He refuses to carry the political cost of the necessary decisions thus leading his government to profound failure and the country to tragic stalemates," the former premier said.

Lashing out against the government, the Communist Party of Greece (KKE) accused it for "setting up para-state mechanisms to deal a blow to seamen's strikes."

Commenting on Mr. Reppas' statements regarding the incidents at ports, the Coalition of the Left and Progress issued an announcement yesterday saying that the "theories of the government spokesman regarding a natural reaction within society reveal the stalemate, petty politics and irresponsible government tactics to the problem of extended social mobilizations."

[17] Four KKE officials on Lesvos questioned after port scuffles

Athens, 22/01/1997 (ANA)

The four KKE cadres are Paraskevas Georgoulas, organizing secretary of the Pan-Lesvos Labor Center and secretary of KKE's prefectural committee; Ilias Voulvoulis, former secretary of KKE's prefectural committee; Nikos Boulboulis, president of the Federation of Lesvos Professionals and Handicraftsmen and Vangelis Christodoulou, former president of the labor center.

[18] State Dept. expresses disappointment over moratorium proposal's rejection

Washington, 22/01/1997 (ANA - T. Ellis)

"We are very disappointed by the fact that the sides could not finalize the measure, which has been on the negotiating table under different forms since July 1996," State Department spokesman Nicholas Burns said in reply to press questions.

"We had been encouraged by some positive announcements from Nicosia, Athens and Ankara last week, but when the Greek and Cypriot leaderships met in Athens on Friday they were unable to reach a final agreement for this procedure," he said.

"We believe that the moratorium offers a diplomatic alternative to the deployment of the anti-aircraft system and there is a connection between the two. And an agreement for the moratorium makes the missiles' deployment in 1998 unnecessary. Nevertheless, we'll continue working with the sides on this proposal as well as on all other measures concerning the 'borderline' so that all problems can be solved peacefully and without threats."

Referring to Turkey, he said "we have many times in the past said that there is no reason for the Turkish government to overreact to the events of the last 10 days. We call upon all sides to show restraint."

[19] Gov't approves 350 million for flood repairs

Athens, 22/01/1997 (ANA)

"The government has accepted the request of Kavala Prefect Yiannis Karatziotis for compensation to the flood victims within the framework of a special program," Mr. Lagos said.

The overall assessment of damage to crops in the area is expected to be completed soon in order to set the amount of compensation to be given. Meanwhile, the Hellenic Industrial Development Bank (ETBA) announced yesterday that it was financing infrastructure works in the Kavala industrial estate to the tune of one billion drachmas so that undertakings established on the estate will be able to operate using natural gas.

ETBA said it had already disbursed 600 million drachmas for the construction of biological waste treatment installations on the Kavala industrial estate.

Additional funds totaling 245 million drachmas have been approved for flood protection works on rivers and water courses in the prefectures of Achaia (55 million dr.), Ilia (90 million) and Trikala (100 million).

[20] Jewish group to ask Gov't to press for nazi criminal's extradition

Athens, 22/01/1997 (ANA)

Committee president Nissim Mais said the group had requested the intervention of the Greek government on the issue in 1985 and 1986, although Athens replied at the time that it had ceded its rights to West Germany in 1959 concerning the pursuit of nazi war criminals.

Syria has repeatedly denied that Brunner lives in the Middle Eastern country.

The Austrian-born Brunner, an aide to notorious nazi Adolf Eichmann, was located by nazi hunter Simon Weisenthal in Syria in the 1950s, and later by French lawyer Serge Klarsfeld in 1982.

He is considered responsible for the deportation of 52,000 Jews from Thessaloniki during the war.

Meanwhile, the head of Thessaloniki's Jewish community, Andreas Sefiha, told AFP that he hoped this time efforts will bear fruit, as he said Greece is the only member of the European Union on good terms with Syria.

His extradition was requested by Austria in 1961, (West) Germany in 1984 and France in 1989.

[21] Flood damages, direct subsidies dominate Fischler-Tzoumakas meeting

Brussels, 22/01/1997 (ANA - P. Pantelis)

Mr. Tzoumakas also held talks with Mr. Fischler on the issue of damage caused to Greek agriculture by recent floods (after October 1996), direct subsidization for producers and revision of the common market organization for cotton.

The Council of Agriculture Ministers, the first under the European Union Dutch presidency, reached no decisions on agricultural problems of particular interest to Greece. Mr. Fischler offered assurances that the European Commission will examine Greek agricultural claims in a positive climate.

Referring to the issue of compensation, in particular, he said the appropriate Commission services are examining data provided by the Greek government. On the question of revising common market organizations, the Commission will examine Greek claims and make suitable proposals if necessary.

The Commission's report on tobacco will provide the basis for a public dialogue to start with the European Parliament, the Council of Ministers and the social partners involved. Meanwhile, the Special Agricultural Committee will start discussing the issue as of Jan. 24.

The Commission mainly claims that subsidies should only favor the good varieties of tobacco and proposes voluntary quitting for quotas through buying them out with a view to ultimately decreasing tobacco production supported by the EU.

In another development, Mr. Tzoumakas and the Agriculture Ministers of Italy and Spain called for an increase in milk quotas for their countries. Mr. Tzoumakas said an increase in the Greek milk quota by 130,000 tons has been a steadfast Greek claim in past years to meet consumers' needs in fresh milk, which Greece cannot obtain from any other source.

[22] New ATE governor outlines bank's short, medium-term goals

Athens, 22/01/1997 (ANA)

Speaking at a press conference in the presence of ATE's two deputy governors Thanasis Papageorgiou and Dimitris Santixis yesterday, new ATE Governor Christos Papathanasiou outlined the administration's short and medium-term targets which, he said, will have to be achieved in the next 4-5 years.

The administration's specific targets include restructuring the treasury, the bank's capital restructuring, its reorganization, operational and technological modernization, expanding the economy to the non-agricultural sector and internationalization of its activities.

Mr. Papathanasiou said the administration will continue the policy of selling packages of shares and agricultural and stockbreeding industries to healthy cooperatives or private businesses.

He said agricultural cooperative organizations which continue to be problematic despite settlements and write-offs of their debts will have to be sold to other healthy cooperatives or to private citizens, if not they will close.

ATE will remain at the service of the Greek farmer and his business agencies and, additionally, it will aim at developing its treasury through other sectors of the economy and by expanding its activities abroad, he added.

The aim will be to intensify co-operation with similar European banks such as Credit Agricole, Deutsche Genossenschaft, Rabobank and others, as well as extending work in the Balkans and countries in eastern Europe. The ATE property holdings company will preoccupy itself with more effective utilization of its fixed assets (buildings, land and farmland) worth tens of billions of drachmas, Mr. Papathanasiou said.

[23] Crime in Greece on the increase

Athens, 22/01/1997 (ANA)

In contrast, there was a decrease in the number of cases of petty theft reported.

The ministry released tables containing detailed figures for each category of criminal activity. Public Order Minister George Romeos said additional policing measures would be taken to combat those crimes which are on the increase.

[24] Free transport, reduced fares announced for handicapped

Athens, 22/01/1997 (ANA)

Handicapped individuals living permanently in Athens and Thessaloniki are entitled to free transport on OASA and OASTH buses on the condition that their annual gross individual income does not exceed 3.5 million drachmas or their family income 5.5 million drachmas. On KTEL and OSE routes they will be entitled to a 50 per cent discount.

The measure concerns about 180,000 people and the cost, amounting to 3.8 billion drachmas, will be shouldered by the ministry.

End of English language section.

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