Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 97-02-08

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

ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No 1110), February 8, 1997

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

CONTENTS

[01] Farmers to meet again today to decide course, Gov't remains firm

[02] Tires deflated

[03] Farmers released

[04] January CPI inflation drops to 6.8 per cent

[05] Current accounts deficit

[06] National Bank announces new lower interest rates

[07] Simitis: Gov't remains firm on positions regarding FYROM

[08] G. Papandreou

[09] Internet link to be inaugurated by premier in New York

[10] Solana to visit Greece in late February

[11] Concern over Cyprus tension

[12] Premier expected to attend next WEU parliamentary assembly

[13] US continues 7:10 ratio in military aid to Turkey, Greece

[14] Apostolakis dismisses Turkish insistence on discovering 'disputed areas'

[15] Roughing up of reporter by riot police condemned

[16] Greece, Russia sign defense co-operation protocol

[17] Greece to consider joint development of helicopter with S. Africa

[18] Greek minister attends inauguration of BSEC secretariat building in Istanbul

[19] Evros gathers humanitarian aid for Haskovo region

[20] Ombudsman draft bill tabled

[21] Greece promoting Cypriot proposal for island republic's demilitarization

[22] Events in northern Greece to honor Melina Mercouri

[23] Slovak consulate in Thessaloniki

[24] New measures to combat unemployment announced

[25] Official trade delegation to visit Australia

[26] Gov't considers special force to tackle illegal immigration on islands

[27] Amendment to shift revenue from football pools to finance ministry withdrawn

[01] Farmers to meet again today to decide course, Gov't remains firm

Athens, 08/02/1997 (ANA)

Meanwhile, following an appeal by the Pan-Thessaly Coordinating Committee, farmers were expected yesterday to suspend their mobilizations for the night. The protesting farmers, along with several Thessaly deputies who were called on to attend the meeting, are scheduled to reconvene at the Mikrothives junction on Farsala Avenue. On his part, the premier said all necessary measures had been taken along the entire length of the Athens-Thessaloniki national road, while traffic was moving normally.

Mr. Simitis described protesting farmers' efforts to block roads as an extreme form of protest, which was being attempted "by a few".

"It is an authoritarian form, (serving) the interests of the few and the government has the obligation to enforce the relevant provisions of the Constitution and the law and ensure the smooth functioning of democracy," Mr. Simitis said.

The premier was replying to a question tabled by Communist Party of Greece (KKE) Secretary General Aleka Papariga, who described the present government as "the worst government of violence and terrorism since 1974."

[02] Tires deflated

Athens, 08/02/1997 (ANA)

Main opposition New Democracy party deputies Nikos Katsaros and George Sourlas described the police action as "sabotage", with legal consequences for those responsible.

Describing the police action as "resourceful", however, government spokesman Dimitris Reppas stressed that it was not arbitrary and was carried out in the presence of a public prosecutor.

Asked to comment on police action to prevent the filming of the operation by television crews, Mr. Reppas replied:

"The work of the Greek police is not done for the sake of television." The spokesman clarified that the prime minister was not aware of the details of the police operation.

In a KKE announcement, Secretary General Aleka Papariga drew attention to the responsibility of Public Order Minister George Romeos in a telephone conversation she had with him yesterday.

Stressing that police caused "damage" to the farmers' tractors, Ms Papariga went on to emphasize the "pursuit" of certain government circles "to provoke conflict and attribute responsibilities to the struggling farmers, who have been proven able to guar d their struggle."

The Political Spring party issued an announcement yesterday saying that "deflating the tires of the tractors and jeering at the press" was unlawful.

Protesting farmers are expected to demand the government to repair damage to their machinery and to allow them free access, as reports stated police forces were not allowing protesting farmers access to their tractors and had cut off the national road. Traffic was moving through auxiliary roads.

During a rally in the central square of Almyros last night protesting farmers criticized the government of "attempting to suppress the farmers' struggle through the MAT (riot police)."

"The government must answer whether it considers us enemies, at the same time singling us out to its friends, at the moment when all professional classes are fighting in the streets for their survival and rights," KKE deputy and member of the coordinating committee Vangelis Boutas told gathered farmers.

The committee called on farmers to show calm and logic in order for "unpleasant developments" to be avoided.

"We act with logic and our struggle is sacred," Yiannis Patakis, one of the committee's leaders, said. The committee called on farmers to reinforce their actions. Mr. Patakis said professional unions throughout the country sent messages of support to the Thessaly farmers, "proving that the Greek people and workers are against government policy".

[03] Farmers released

Athens, 08/02/1997 (ANA)

Farmers' coordinating committee member Yiannis Vogiatzis, who was among the detainees, described the arrests as "unjustified" and rejected the charges of disrupting traffic.

Mr. Vogiatzis told ANA that the arrests do not intimidate farmers, who are determined to carry on with their protests.

[04] January CPI inflation drops to 6.8 per cent

Athens, 08/02/1997 (ANA)

National Economy and Finance Minister Yiannos Papantoniou described the drop in inflation as a significant development for the economy "since it affords protection for low incomes while at the same time interest rates are falling".

The CPI decrease was due to reductions in the prices of clothing and footwear, durable consumer goods and household items. In contrast, increases were recorded in the categories of housing, transport and communications.

[05] Current accounts deficit

Athens, 08/02/1997 (ANA)

The deficit for the nine-month period January-September totaled 3.6 billion drachmas, against 2.4 billion drachmas in the corresponding period of 1995.

[06] National Bank announces new lower interest rates

Athens, 08/02/1997 (ANA)

1. Lending -The main interest rate for working capital 16.50 per cent (from 16.75 per cent). -The main interest rate for fixed installations 14.75 per cent (from 15 per cent).

The above interest rates fluctuate in accordance with profit margins and as a result they are shaped at very competitive levels for the bank's good and solvent clients.

2. Consumer credit -Consumer loans 22.50 per cent (from 22.75 per cent). -Personal loans 23.75 per cent (from 24 per cent). -Credit cards 25.75 per cent (from 26 per cent).

3. Deposits -Savings bank deposits 10 per cent (from 10.25 per cent). -Current accounts 8.50 per cent (from 8.75 per cent).

[07] Simitis: Gov't remains firm on positions regarding FYROM

Athens, 08/02/1997 (ANA)

Mr. Simitis added that the government remained committed to the provisions of the interim agreement signed between the two neighbors in 1995 in an effort to normalize relations.

Stressing that the government is seeking a name for FYROM which would be mutually accepted by the two states, he went on to say that "we will not accept a name containing the term 'Macedonia' or its derivative."

"...If Skopje refuses, then (UN envoy for the Skopje issue Cyrus) Vance may table the mandate without a name," Mr. Simitis said, forecasting that this could result in the waiving of the temporary name of FYROM and that Skopje could be addressed as "Macedonia."

He added that "nobody wishes such a development," stressing that "all of us should struggle to avert it."

Meanwhile, main opposition New Democracy party leader Miltiades Evert said he was satisfied that the premier "returned to the country's initial positions."

But he lashed out against Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos, stressing: "A country's foreign minister should not express personal views in Parliament thus weakening the negotiating position of the country.

"Your government has many and differing positions. You are not a government, you are a loose confederation of ministers," Mr. Evert said.

"When Skopje states that it remains steadfast in its position, while we state that we may accept a name containing a derivative of the term 'Macedonia,' then we are creating a problem," he said.

Replying to Mr. Evert's accusations, Mr. Simitis said the main opposition always aims at creating the impression that Greece "is making concessions and has lost everything."

"Mr. Evert's permanent motif is that there is no line, no strategy," Mr. Simitis said, adding that "the government has both strategy and line."

Mr. Evert reiterated his view that a unified policy should be drafted on issues of foreign policy and that all political party leaders should have a meeting to discuss it.

On his part, ND deputy Costas Karamanlis, the nephew of the former president of the republic and ND's founder, said an open discussion at this stage of negotiations with FYROM on the name of the neighboring state is a mistake harming national interests.

Communist Party of Greece (KKE) deputy Orestis Kolozov criticized the government of carrying out instructions of what he called "foreign circles" in connection with national issues.

Coalition of the Left and Progress leader Nikos Constantopoulos called on the prime minister to detach himself from decisions taken by the council of political party leaders on the FYROM issue and urged him to handle the issue according to the present situation that has been shaped.

[08] G. Papandreou

Athens, 08/02/1997 (ANA)

Mr. Papandreou, who was commenting on the question of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) raised by the Coalition of the Left and Progress, defended the expression of various positions on foreign policy by different ministries.

Referring to criticism that the government allows the FYROM issue to develop without intervening, he said "it is naive for one to believe that it is in Greece's interest to have a perpetuation of the pending issue concerning the name of Skopje (FYROM)."

"On the issue of Skopje, after the signing of the interim agreement, the Greek side proceeded quickly with concluding agreements and memorandums aimed at normalizing daily relations between the two countries as much as possible. Specifically, memorandums were signed on free communication between citizens of the two countries, on the unobstructed transfer of goods etc.," he added.

[09] Internet link to be inaugurated by premier in New York

New York, 08/02/1997 (ANA - M. Georgiadou)

Mr. Lambrinidis said that through the network expatriate Greeks will have access to information regarding legislation on issues related to overseas and repatriated Greeks, as well as information regarding the rights and responsibilities of expatriate Greeks.

The network also gives expatriates the possibility to communicate from region to region and from country to country.

Turning to other issues Mr. Lambrinidis said the promotion of national issues called for a "systematic and often scientific approach, knowledge and sensitivity in their handlings, according to the audience.

[10] Solana to visit Greece in late February

Brussels, 08/02/1997 (ANA/DPA)

One topic on the agenda is expected to be tensions between Greece and fellow NATO member Turkey, the same sources said.

Another issue for discussion may be the situation in Cyprus, the sources said.

A security concept acceptable to both Greeks and Turks on the island could also be discussed, they added.

A senior NATO official, who did not wish to be identified, said the alliance was taking "very seriously" Ankara's threat earlier this week to veto expansion of NATO unless Turkey was admitted to the European Union in accordance with a 1987 application for EU membership.

[11] Concern over Cyprus tension

Istanbul, 08/02/1997 (ANA - A. Kourkoulas)

He made the comments after a 24-hour visit this week to Turkey, which focused on Greek-Turkish relations, escalating tensions in Cyprus and NATO enlargement.

Sources said Mr. Solana appears unconcerned with the possibility of a Turkish veto to NATO enlargement, despite public statements Thursday by Turkish President Suleyman Demirel and Prime Minister Necmettin Erbakan, who linked NATO enlargement to the inclusion of Turkey in a list of potential candidates for EU accession.

On the eve of his arrival to Turkey earlier in the week, Mr. Solana said that NATO's enlargement had already been decided by the 16 alliance members, adding that the two issues could not be linked.

The Turkish foreign ministry, however, stressed that Ankara may have given its "initial" approval for NATO enlargement, but that this still remains to be approved by the Turkish national assembly.

The president of the external relations committee of the national assembly, Sedad Aloglu, said Thursday that the Turkish legislature will not vote in favor of a NATO enlargement if Turkey is not included in the list of EU candidates.

[12] Premier expected to attend next WEU parliamentary assembly

Paris, 08/02/1997 (ANA - Y. Zitouniatis)

Meanwhile, according to European diplomatic circles, France and Germany have significant reservations regarding a Turkish-EU accession, due to Turkey's immense demographic (overpopulation) problem.

Turkey will have an estimated population of 66 million by the end of the century, causing reservations among EU countries who feel that a Turkish-EU accession is likely to trigger great migration waves from Turkey to the European Union countries. Nevertheless, WEU circles believe that a "goodwill gesture" towards Turkey should not be excluded.

According to the same circles, this gesture should not exceed, however, the form of a reinforced but unofficial co-operation.

[13] US continues 7:10 ratio in military aid to Turkey, Greece

Washington, 08/02/1997 (ANA - A. Ellis)

The US administration's proposed budget for fiscal 1997 includes $135 million in loans and grants as well as $200,000 in scholarships for Greece. Conversely, $260 million is provided for Turkey, of which $50 million is in the form of an aid package.

[14] Apostolakis dismisses Turkish insistence on discovering 'disputed areas'

Athens, 08/02/1997 (ANA)

Mr. Apostolakis made the statement when asked what the ministry expected from a visit to Greece by NATO Secretary General Javier Solana at the end of the month. He stressed that the issue raised by Turkey concerning so-called disputed areas was non-existent.

"With respect to legal issues, Greece has proposed that they be referred to the International Court at The Hague," he added.

On the possibility of a "hot line" being set up between Athens and Ankara for the avoidance of incidents, Mr. Apostolakis said a precondition for such a link was that Turkey should first make a goodwill gesture, stop threatening the use of force and state that it was not seeking changes in the existing borders between the two countries.

[15] Roughing up of reporter by riot police condemned

Athens, 08/02/1997 (ANA)

Mr. Reppas said the public order minister has ordered an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

On its part, ND accused the government for the reporter's roughing up.

"This incident constitutes one more sad (piece of) evidence that government practice is sliding dangerously towards autocracy."

ND called on the government to apologize and to take all measures to ensure that reporters will be able to conduct their work unmolested, and, regarding farmers' mobilizations, added that it must "seek the path of dialogue, even now."

The Communist Party of Greece (KKE) also criticized the government over the incident, saying "the press minister and the government are deceiving themselves if they think they can convert any reporters who are resisting threats and pressures from the government into mouthpieces for government policy."

Regarding the mobilizations, KKE also accused the government of "ruthlessly intensifying an orgy of violence and terrorism against farmers, resorting even to arrests of union members."

The Coalition of the Left and Progress party issued an announcement stating that "the exercising of police violence against reporters constitutes one more case of autocratism for which the government is politically responsible."

The Coalition party called on the government to punish those responsible for the beating.

In a related development, the Athens Press Union (ESHEA) issued an announcement expressing concern and indignation at "yesterday's prohibition to reporters of access to the sources of incidents taking place in Thessaly and the national road, as well as the injury of an ANT1 reporter at the same place during the time he was executing his duties."

The announcement said that such actions "cause the deep concern and indignation of every democratic citizen."

[16] Greece, Russia sign defense co-operation protocol

Athens, 08/02/1997 (ANA)

The protocol was signed during the visit to Greece of a delegation from the International Military Co-operation Directorate of the Russian defense ministry which met with Mr. Apostolakis yesterday.

Mr. Apostolakis underlined that the protocol did not have a specific form with respect to sectors of co-operation, given that Greece's defense program "should not be implemented with prejudices nor with the manifestation of certain preferences, but with the criterion of the optimum combination of the resources which we have and the anticipated result for our defense". "Otherwise, our negotiating position will be undermined," he added.

Mr. Apostolakis noted that Russia had a well-developed industry in the fields of missiles and anti-aircraft systems "but today's (yesterday's) agreement is of a more general nature and nothing has yet been agreed".

He added that the country's military leadership was at the stage of seeking offers.

On the possible supply of Russian aircraft to Greece, Mr. Apostolakis said that "this is a very long and complex process which has not yet reached the level of talks".

"Russian aircraft are good, but Greece's system of maintenance and spare parts is American and the shift to another system is a long process," Mr. Apostolakis said.

He noted however that a squadron of Russian aircraft may come to Greece in the spring to take part in a joint exercise with Greek aircraft. Asked about reactions to the fact that Greece is the first NATO member to consider purchasing Russian weapons systems, Mr. Apostolakis acknowledged that "displeasure" had been expressed and pressure exerted at a diplomatic level. He clarified however that the pressure being exerted was not of the kind "don't buy from them" but rather "buy from us".

[17] Greece to consider joint development of helicopter with S. Africa

Athens, 08/02/1997 (ANA)

South Africa has expressed support for Greece's positions concerning the problems it has with neighboring Turkey. One year ago, it refused to sell weapons systems to Ankara, citing a lack of progress in the area of human rights in Turkey.

[18] Greek minister attends inauguration of BSEC secretariat building in Istanbul

Istanbul, 08/02/1997 (ANA)

Mr. Baltas said the Black Sea Co-operation and Industrial Bank, which will be established soon in Thessaloniki, will play an important role in developing co-operation.

The new building was inaugurated by Turkish Foreign Minister Tansu Ciller.

Within the framework of his visit to Istanbul, the Greek minister visited the Theological School of Halki, where he attended mass on the day commemorating Agios Fotios, the patriarch and founder of the school.

[19] Evros gathers humanitarian aid for Haskovo region

Athens, 08/02/1997 (ANA)

The aid was delivered by Evros prefect Georgios Dolios to the regional governor of Haskovo, Angel Daidenov, and is scheduled to be distributed to orphanages, retirement homes and other social welfare institutions in southern Bulgaria, where there are re ported shortages of foodstuffs.

The shipment marks the first aid consignment organized at the initiative of the Evros prefecture and local bodies to Bulgaria. A shipment of 1,000 tons of maize will follow, which has already been gathered by the prefecture.

The initiative is taking place in co-operation with the foreign ministry.

[20] Ombudsman draft bill tabled

Athens, 08/02/1997 (ANA)

The "Consumer Advocate" will have a five-year mandate and will be selected by Parliament.

Speaking at a press conference, Interior, Public Administration and Decentralization Minister Alekos Papadopoulos said the tabling of the draft bill was based on research and data processing by the ministry, the cabinet, and other agencies.

An ombudsman institution exists in 82 nations, including 27 in Europe.

Mr. Papadopoulos emphasized that the existing state administration could not respond to the needs of the Economic and Monetary Union, adding that by the year 2000 Greece must go along with the remaining European countries in this sector.

Mr. Papadopoulos said the government aimed to implement reforms in state administration in 1997.

[21] Greece promoting Cypriot proposal for island republic's demilitarization

Athens, 08/02/1997 (ANA)

"We reiterate the need for a Cyprus demilitarization, which is a proposal by (Cypriot President Glafcos) Clerides and which on our side we strongly endorse, through all international platforms," Mr. Papandreou said during a Parliamentary debate, adding that armament programs are a burden to the state budgets of both countries.

Mr. Papandreou said that the funds which are allocated for defense could be used for other priorities such as education, health, welfare, and the economy's convergence to the economies of the EU partners.

"This position of ours, in favor of peace, cannot be interpreted as a position of weakness," he added.

[22] Events in northern Greece to honor Melina Mercouri

Athens, 08/02/1997 (ANA)

The events include a series of exhibitions, theater performances and meetings, and will focus on children and young people.

Events are due to begin on March 1 with a meeting of children's choirs, while on March 6, the anniversary of Mercouri's death, exhibitions of children's drawings, ceramics, woodwork and children's books are to open at the Thessaloniki international exhibition center.

The events are to continue during March in Thessaloniki municipalities, and will then tour Kavala in April, Alexandroupolis in May, Florina in October and Kozani in November.

[23] Slovak consulate in Thessaloniki

Athens, 08/02/1997 (ANA)

The official opening ceremony was attended by Macedonia-Thrace Minister Philippos Petsalnikos, Slovakian ambassador to Greece Jan Valko, Thessaloniki Mayor Costas Kosmopoulos, deputies and representatives of Thessaloniki local entities.

The post of honorary consul general was assumed by Kalamaria Mayor Thrasyvoulos Lazaridis.

[24] New measures to combat unemployment announced

Athens, 08/02/1997 (ANA)

Mr. Papaioannou said the total annual cost of the program was 40 billion drachmas.

The first package will offer subsidies as incentives to employers who create new job openings for the unemployed. Subsidies will range from 2,500-5,000 drachmas per day per worker and will last for 12 months.

Employers hoping to benefit from the program must keep the employee on the books for at least another four months after the end of the subsidization and to not dismiss any staff in the six months prior to the start of the program.

Subsidies have been allocated for the creation of 9,000 jobs for those aged 15-25, 4,000 positions for women, 10,000 positions for long-term unemployed and 7,000 positions for those part of mass lay-offs and residents of depressed regions.

The second package involves subsidies of between 900,000-1.4 million drachmas for 10,000 unemployed persons to become self-employed.

Both packages are expected to be implemented immediately.

[25] Official trade delegation to visit Australia

Melbourne, 08/02/1997 (ANA - S. Hatzimanolis)

The mission will visit Adelaide and Melbourne where, apart from official contacts, it will also have meetings with businessmen and take part in events organized by the Greek community to celebrate Greek Independence Day on March 25.

[26] Gov't considers special force to tackle illegal immigration on islands

Athens, 08/02/1997 (ANA)

Mr. Apostolakis said that the aim of the program would be to free the armed forces from duties related to the guarding of the country's borders against illegal immigration.

Meanwhile, a Kavala court sentenced a 40-year-old man to four months' jail and a fine of two million drachmas for transporting two Albanian illegal immigrants.

Nikos Baxevanos had been arrested on the same charge on two previous occasions.

The immigrants, who told the court that Baxevanos had them locked in the cellar of his Kozani home until it was "their turn" to be deported.

[27] Amendment to shift revenue from football pools to finance ministry withdrawn

Athens, 08/02/1997 (ANA)

Among others, the issue was discussed yesterday during a meeting between Prime Minister Costas Simitis with Sports Under-secretary Andreas Fouras.

Mr. Fouras told the prime minister that the seven billion drachmas the finance ministry wants is essential for the nation's sports.

He also briefed the prime minister on the course of Athens' 2004 Olympic Games candidacy, organization of the world athletics championships scheduled to take place in Athens this August as well as illegal bookmaking.

Mr. Fouras said he will meet National Economy Minister Yiannos Papantoniou on Tuesday to discuss the issue of the 2 per cent stake the finance ministry wants to take from OPAP.

End of English language section.

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