Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 97-02-03

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

ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No 1105), February 3, 1997

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

CONTENTS

[01] Thessaloniki officially assumes European Cultural Capital of '97 title

[02] Stephanopoulos

[03] Simitis reiterates Gov't position not to satisfy protesting farmers' demands

[04] Gov't warning

[05] Previously unknown El Greco painting displayed in Thessaloniki

[06] Premier tours Thessaloniki care institution

[07] Tsohatzopoulos: Dispute of Aegean status quo remains unwavering Turkish goal

[08] Pangalos, Milutinovic meet in Thessaloniki

[09] G. Papandreou meets with UN chief in Davos

[10] Constantopoulos on official visit to Cyprus

[11] Evert says subsidies policy for agriculture not the long-term solution

[12] Agrotica ends

[13] Teachers' strike continues despite latest meeting with Arsenis

[14] Monetary stability through lower inflation the goal for '97

[15] High level of hepatitis infection in Greece cited during symposium

[16] Humanitarian aid slated for Haskovo region in Bulgaria

[17] Construction on 2 new workers' complexes inaugurated

[18] Russian fugitive found dead

[19] Another 2 Turkish illegal immigrant smugglers arrested

[20] Rally held outside Albanian embassy over collapsed pyramid schemes

[01] Thessaloniki officially assumes European Cultural Capital of '97 title

Athens, 03/02/1997 (ANA)

Addressing an official dinner Saturday evening in Thessaloniki, Mr. Simitis said the task facing Europe was to harmonize the demand for respect for each country's cultural traditions with the need for solidarity and creative co-operation.

The premier urged culture ministers from 40 European, Balkan, Mediterranean and Black Sea region countries to take advantage of all opportunities offered by regional co-operation agreements in order to implement their common goals.

In a veiled reference to foreign policy, he emphasized that "the foundation of culture is respect for and co-operation with others, thus adherence for rules of international law and promoting peace, stability and co-operation between peoples."

"Culture is not a secondary aspect of international relations, but a comprehensive and inclusive world view," he said, adding that Europe's strength was its culture, therefore, a choice had to be made between letting Europe's multi-cultural reality be determined by the wounds of its past, or letting it act as a life-giving source of continual inspiration and co-operation.

The institution of European cultural capital, inspired by the late Greek actress and politician Melina Mercouri, should be seen as a confirmation of European peoples' trust in the principles, philosophy and laws governing European society, he said.

Thessaloniki itself, he observed, had been host to many different peoples and traditions during its 23 centuries of history, yet its Hellenic character had not been dulled.

Mr. Simitis concluded by referring to the 233 cultural infrastructure projects currently underway in the city, at a cost of 80 billion drachmas.

[02] Stephanopoulos

Athens, 03/02/1997 (ANA)

However, due to lack of space in the under-renovation theater, which opened especially for the event and will close again in May for work to continue, reporters and Thessaloniki residents were unable to attend. Reporters covered the opening ceremony in the neighboring Thessaloniki Officers' Club, through the use of a closed-circuit television linkup.

Saturday evening's ceremony began with a speech by the president of the Cultural Capital Organization, Thessaloniki Mayor Constantinos Kosmopoulos, who spoke of the importance of the event being organized by the northern Greek city.

"It was obvious that our city could not follow the example of Athens, nor did it possess the infrastructure of Paris. But it was time for us to determine our own separate role through our existing abilities," Mr. Kosmopoulos said.

The mayor of Copenhagen, Vibeke Storm Rasmussen, handed over the title of Cultural Capital of Europe to Thessaloniki during the ceremony.

Ms Rasmussen spoke of her city's experiences during 1996, when it held the title, noting that culture became part of everyday life, with 65 per cent of Copenhagen's population participating in the events.

In his speech, Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos stressed the importance of culture as "the most crucial fiber for the safeguarding of social cohesion."

He stressed that Thessaloniki converted its nomination as Cultural Capital of Europe into "an operation to improve its infrastructure as far as buildings and institutions were concerned."

"Thessaloniki this year is unearthing its historical past, its cosmopolitan character and it is discovering the materials with which it is constructing its modern appearance with Balkan, Mediterranean and Black Sea characteristics," he said.

During the opening ceremony, a message was read from Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos, who praised the organizers and congratulated those who approved the choice of Thessaloniki as Cultural Capital of Europe.

[03] Simitis reiterates Gov't position not to satisfy protesting farmers' demands

Athens, 03/02/1997 (ANA)

According to reports, the premier said Greek agriculture is faced with the task of adjusting to a world market before it even has the chance to adjust to a common European agricultural policy.

He stressed that the government will not consent to "beautifications and cover-ups that will make things worse," adding that farmers' mobilizations were "extreme forms of struggle" that lead nowhere except to temporary measures.

Regarding the agricultural cooperatives movement, he said it had much to offer especially in the field of training farmers.

On Friday, PASEGES president Nikos Liolios said that the agriculture problems could be solved if measures are taken in three areas, namely, growth of fragmented farm holdings; modernization of the market structure so that 50 per cent of agricultural income does not end up in large urban centers, as well as a reduction in the cost of agricultural products.

[04] Gov't warning

Athens, 03/02/1997 (ANA)

Mr. Yiannopoulos, speaking at a PASOK party meeting on Corfu on Saturday, directly accused the Communist Party of Greece (KKE) of inciting the farmers' mobilizations.

[05] Previously unknown El Greco painting displayed in Thessaloniki

Athens, 03/02/1997 (ANA)

"The Passion of Christ-Pieta", which depicts three angels, was part of the Velimezis collection and is thought to have been painted before 1567, the year El Greco, whose real name was Dominikos Theotokopoulos, departed his birthplace of Crete for Italy and then Spain.

[06] Premier tours Thessaloniki care institution

Athens, 03/02/1997 (ANA)

Mr. Simitis also noted the importance with which his government regards "human issues".

"One particular issue is that related to health, destitution and poverty," he said, adding that "the government wishes to stress to our society that these problems exist (and) we must turn our attention to them.

"The government turns its attention where others will not turn their gaze, and that is why it has raised taxes for the welfare and health sectors," he said.

However, he noted that funds must be used wisely in order to achieve results, adding that "the money must not be spent lavishly with the thought that it comes from the state."

Mr. Simitis was accompanied on his visit to the institution by Merchant Marine Minister Stavros Soumakis and Welfare Under-secretary Theodoros Kotsonis.

[07] Tsohatzopoulos: Dispute of Aegean status quo remains unwavering Turkish goal

Athens, 03/02/1997 (ANA)

During the interview, Mr. Tsohatzopoulos underlined that the Greek armed forces are in a position to decisively deal with the disputing of the country's sovereign rights.

The defense minister also referred to what he called "equal strike" policy, stressing that the armed forces can defend the country against any attack, and can return any military strike with equal force.

Mr. Tsohatzopoulos reiterated his position regarding the proposed moratorium of military flights over Cyprus and criticized the policy followed by the 1990-93 Mitsotakis government as regards Greek-Turkish relations and the Cyprus issue, estimating that this policy "worsened" Greece's positions.

He told Antenna television that a Greek-Turkish moratorium is possible "and for this, as we said in the summer, we have two months, and then four months when we avoid exercises and maneuvers - this is agreed - but we cannot speak of a moratorium in Cyprus, a country under occupation, where the airplanes of the occupation powers at any moment can circulate undisturbed over the island."

Speaking during another interview with the state-run ET-3 television station, Mr. Tsohatzopoulos distanced himself from Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos regarding prospects for the solution of the issue over the name of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM).

"Mr. Pangalos expresses concerns of a personal nature for the possibility of a successful outcome of the discussion and negotiations for the name (issue)," the defense minister said, referring to statements Mr. Pangalos made in Parliament.

He added that the official Greek policy is known, has been expressed and exists in the government's policy statements.

"I do not doubt what he said. But there is no decision on the issue for his handling, nor did these concerns enter into the recent meeting of (PASOK's) executive bureau," Mr. Tsohatzopoulos said.

The government's and PASOK's official stance on the issue, designated a few years ago, is that Greece demands that FYROM have a name without the term "Macedonia" or any derivatives, the defense minister said.

[08] Pangalos, Milutinovic meet in Thessaloniki

Athens, 03/02/1997 (ANA)

Mr. Milutinovic attended the official opening of the Cultural Capital '97, and upon departing told a private Athens television channel that he discussed bilateral issues with Mr. Pangalos.

In statements, Mr. Milutinovic appeared optimistic for a defusion of tension in Yugoslavia.

The Yugoslav minister also said discussions with Mr. Pangalos did not include the FYROM name issue.

[09] G. Papandreou meets with UN chief in Davos

Davos, 03/02/1997 (ANA)

According to reliable sources, during the meeting, held on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum, Mr. Papandreou stressed Greece's continued interest in finding a solution to the Cyprus issue, acceleration of procedures needed on the issue, the necessity for UN resolutions on Cyprus to be implemented as well as for the coordination of initiatives on the issue.

Mr. Papandreou also met with other officials attending the forum, including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, while he presented Greece's positions on basic foreign policy issues in contacts with other world leaders.

[10] Constantopoulos on official visit to Cyprus

Athens, 03/02/1997 (ANA)

In an interview in a Cypriot daily "Phileleftheros", Mr. Constantopoulos expressed his party's reservations regarding the Greece-Cyprus joint defense doctrine. He explained that a Synaspismos analysis indicated that the policy weakened the perception of the Cyprus problem as an international issue and only made Cyprus' defense more difficult.

A bilateral friendship, co-operation and defense accord would be far more effective, he went on, stressing the need for the two countries to take advantage of current conditions and insist on the maintenance of international legality and resolutions on t he Cyprus issue by international organizations.

[11] Evert says subsidies policy for agriculture not the long-term solution

Athens, 03/02/1997 (ANA)

He made the comments during a visit to the state-run Helexpo trade exhibition organization's offices in Thessaloniki.

Mr. Evert made reference to the current situation in the agriculture sector, following the latest developments in Greece and international markets, reiterating that "a policy of subsidies" was incorrect.

He also claimed that if immediate measures are not implemented, some 250,000 Greek farmers will abandon their land and head for major urban areas without work or health insurance.

As a short-term solution, he favored measures for reducing the costs of cultivation followed in four to five years by what he called the building of "necessary infrastructure" to increase competition.

Referring to the 13th annual Agrotica exhibition that took place in Thessaloniki over the weekend, the main opposition leader praised the role of Helexpo in organizing such trade exhibitions for several economic and professional sectors.

[12] Agrotica ends

Athens, 03/02/1997 (ANA)

Tens of thousands of people from both Greece and 29 foreign countries visited the exhibition in Helexpo's international exhibition and conference center, where roughly 1,500 exhibitors were displayed.

Following a Helexpo initiative, awards were given to the best exhibitors.

[13] Teachers' strike continues despite latest meeting with Arsenis

Athens, 03/02/1997 (ANA)

Speaking after the meeting, Mr. Arsenis said all issues were discussed, adding that he accepted a proposal by president of the Union of Public Secondary School Teachers (OLME), N. Tsoulias, that an increase granted to teachers by the government be given in March, earlier than scheduled.

On its part, OLME's administrative board said no comprehensive proposal was made to the minister, adding that striking teachers remain firm on their financial demands for substantial increases and will continue their strikes.

Meanwhile, primary and kindergarten teachers begin a five-day strike today, while private school teachers have also announced a 24-hour strike tomorrow.

[14] Monetary stability through lower inflation the goal for '97

Athens, 03/02/1997 (ANA)

Only under such conditions can Greece hope to achieve a high growth rate and participation in the European Monetary Union (EMU), Mr. Papadimos noted.

The goal is to get inflation down to 4.5 per cent by the end of this year and below 3 per cent by the end of 1998. The central bank's strategy in containing inflationary pressures will be the same as that followed over the past two years, namely, a stable drachma exchange rate and keeping monetary expansion within boundaries consistent with the desired fall in inflation.

The announcement stresses that while the course of the exchange rate will remain anti-inflationary, it will be managed more flexibly than in the past.

With regards to the rate of increase of the money supply in the broadest sense (M3), it is noted that this must be consistent with the desired fall in inflation, therefore, the intermediate target for the M3's rate of increase during 1997 is expected to be between 6 per cent and 9 per cent. M3 consists of cash in circulation, private deposits, savings and long-term deposits, repos and bank bonds.

The Bank of Greece will shortly begin adjusting intervention measures in the money market, aimed at a more efficient exercise of monetary policy as well as bringing these measures in line with the operational framework expected to be used in the EMU. Thus, the Greek banking system will have enough time to adjust and gain the necessary experience to function competitively within the single European market, fully exploiting all opportunities offered by the exercise of a common monetary policy by a European central banking system, the announcement concludes.

[15] High level of hepatitis infection in Greece cited during symposium

Athens, 03/02/1997 (ANA)

According to the latest epidemiological evidence, in certain regions in Greece, such as Crete, 20 per cent of people over the age of 60 suffer from hepatitis C, with most of them probably having been infected many years ago.

Pathology professor S. Hatziyiannis attributed this figure to past out-dated medical practices.

"They boiled the syringes, they vaccinated with the same vaccine guns and the same needle, and that is why on an international scale there was spreading of hepatitis which we did not know about, "he said.

Although single-use medical equipment has considerably restricted the infection, hepatitis has not been wiped out completely.

"We don't know why, but world-wide, a previous stay in a hospital increases the chances of hepatitis. For this reason, Greece must also study the issue and co-operate on a European level for finding a solution," Dr. Hatziyiannis said.

[16] Humanitarian aid slated for Haskovo region in Bulgaria

Sofia, 03/02/1997 (ANA - N. Hios)

The aid consists of 700 tons of flour and 1,000 tons of maize from the Evros prefecture. The flour is to be distributed to 16 institutions caring for orphans, sick children and the elderly. The humanitarian aid is to ensure the provision of free bread until the end of the year, while maize will be distributed to three large farms in the area.

The first part of the aid is expected to reach southeastern Bulgaria next week, and will be accompanied by Evros prefect George Dolios.

The neighboring areas of Evros and Haskovo signed an agreement for regional co-operation last year, which provides for the creation of a free trade zone for development of unhindered economic activities.

[17] Construction on 2 new workers' complexes inaugurated

Athens, 03/02/1997 (ANA)

OEK president Thanasis Hanakoulas also held a draw for 26 modern residences, which will cost OEK 620 million drachmas. The residences were donated to 26 workers' families in Drama.

Meanwhile, 60 to 80 residences, with a budget of 1.8 billion drachmas, are to be built in the Kato Nevrokopi municipality in Drama prefecture, according to an announcement by the municipality.

[18] Russian fugitive found dead

Athens, 03/02/1997 (ANA)

According to police, Alesandr Solonik, from the city of Kurgal in the Urals, had reportedly escaped from a Moscow prison in 1995. He is suspected of running a Russian criminal gang in Greece, as well as being a hired killer.

The dead man was wanted by Russian authorities in connection to the killing of four Russian police officers and the wounding of another.

Solonik's body, which displayed signs of strangulation, was found fully clothed but without any identification. According to a coroner, the time of death was established as having been roughly 24 hours before the body was discovered.

[19] Another 2 Turkish illegal immigrant smugglers arrested

Athens, 03/02/1997 (ANA)

Mehmet Berberoglu, 50, and Abdulerak Balat, 21, were apprehended while attempting to smuggle 15 Iraqis of Kurdish origin, including three children, by boat from the Turkish coast.

The same suspects reportedly transported 42 illegal immigrants to Greece on Jan. 25.

The pair is due to appear before a Hios prosecutor.

During the past 45 days, 11 Turkish nationals have been arrested on various eastern Aegean islands and islets on charges of smuggling illegal immigrants into Greece.

[20] Rally held outside Albanian embassy over collapsed pyramid schemes

Athens, 03/02/1997 (ANA)

Press reports say thousands of families lost their savings in the collapse of the pyramid-style investment schemes.

According to reports, Albanian businessmen were operating branches for such investment schemes in Athens and Thessaloniki, which were used by both Albanian nationals and Greeks.

End of English language section.

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