Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 97-02-17
From: The Greek Press & Information Office, Ottawa Canada <[email protected]>
ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No 1117), February 17, 1997
Greek Press & Information Office
Ottawa, Canada
E-Mail Address: [email protected]
CONTENTS
[01] Tsohatzopoulos, G. Papandreou call for immediate EU initiatives
in Balkans
[02] Small tremor in Ionian recorded
[03] Tsohatzopoulos begins official visit to Germany
[04] Kranidiotis calls for US, EU initiatives on Cyprus,
Greek-Turkish relations
[05] Tsohatzopoulos warns of territorial waters' extension if Ankara
dares military move
[06] Tsohatzopoulos says Gov't to implement restructuring in armed
forces
[07] Gov't clarifies that proposed social security funds amendment
won't affect reserves
[08] Papadopoulos says Gov't will stick to convergence program
[09] Simitis tour of several provinces reported
[10] Public works program for Rethymno's old quarter
[11] OLME president requests meeting with Arsenis, teachers' strikes
slated to continue
[12] Avramopoulos says he'll complete four-year term as Athens mayor
[13] Synaspismos holds conference on local Gov't
[14] Shopowners' strike today
[15] Museum robbed
[16] Mysterious attack on foreign correspondent's home investigated
[01] Tsohatzopoulos, G. Papandreou call for immediate EU initiatives
in Balkans
Athens, 17/02/1997 (ANA)
Two high-ranking government ministers and PASOK's party
secretary on Saturday called for the European Union's "active
support" of countries in the Balkans and creation of conditions
of security for the entire region.
National Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos, Alternate Foreign
Minister George Papandreou and ruling PASOK party secretary
Costas Skandalidis called for the EU initiative while addressing
a two-day Athens meeting of the European socialist parties which
comprise the European Forum for Democracy and Solidarity.
Mr. Tsohatzopoulos spoke of a "security vacuum" in the Balkans
caused by the collapse of communism and the EU's inability to
put together a common foreign policy.
"A new Marshall Plan is needed which would support
democratization," he said, adding that EU nations themselves
should find a different model of development for the 15-member
union.
"An institutional adaptation is needed so that the peoples of
Europe realize that Europe offers a new framework to their
benefit," Mr. Tsohatzopoulos said.
He also urged the promotion of "democratic socialist solutions"
in the countries of central and eastern Europe, describing as
"inadequate" the up till now programs providing for co-operation
between these countries and the more advanced states of the
European Union.
Mr. Papandreou appealed for immediate financial assistance to
Albania and Bulgaria, "which are in the throes of a deep
economic crisis" and the charting of a long-term EU policy for
the Balkans.
This policy, he added, should aim at ensuring respect for
borders and minorities, economic and technical assistance,
regional co-operation and the protection of human rights. On his
part, Mr. Skandalidis said "Europe needs a strong Greece. We
shall re main dedicated to the international rules of peaceful
co-operation for a Europe stretching from the Urals to the
Atlantic."
He also called for "a social Europe of equal nations and
sovereign peoples" to stand up against "the omnipotence of bank
and stock exchange capital".
Such a Europe, Mr. Skandalidis added, should combine financial
integration with a common foreign policy, decentralization and
the safeguarding of each country's sovereign rights.
[02] Small tremor in Ionian recorded
Athens, 17/02/1997 (ANA)
An earthquake measuring 4.8 on the Richter scale was recorded by
the Geodynamic Institute in Athens at 1:03 p.m. yesterday.
The quake's epicenter was located in the sea region south of the
Ionian island of Zakynthos. No injuries or material damage was
reported.
[03] Tsohatzopoulos begins official visit to Germany
Bonn, 17/02/1997 (ANA)
National Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos arrived in Germany
yesterday for a two-day official visit, during which he is
scheduled to meet with his German counterpart Volker Ruhe.
Discussions during the meeting, to be held here this afternoon,
are expected to include tensions in Greek-Turkish relations, the
Cyprus issue and NATO's expansion eastwards.
German participation in the Greek armed forces' armament program
is also expected to be discussed, with German interest in the
modernization of Hellenic Air Force's F-4 "Phantom" fighters by
the DASA company, and the possible supply of submarines from
German shipyards.
Mr. Tsohatzopoulos, speaking from Frankfurt yesterday, said the
issue of supplies concerns technical, economic and political
criteria, stressing that the aim of his talks with Mr. Ruhe is
"to find under what political terms we can co-operate in our
armaments program."
[04] Kranidiotis calls for US, EU initiatives on Cyprus,
Greek-Turkish relations
Athens, 17/02/1997 (ANA)
Foreign Under-secretary Yiannos Kranidiotis yesterday called on
the United States and the European Union to undertake an
initiative on the Cyprus problem and Greek-Turkish differences.
In an interview with an Athens newspaper on Sunday, Mr.
Kranidiotis said the unsolved problem of Cyprus and the dangers
inherent in Greek-Turkish relations created additional
responsibilities for the international community and
particularly the United States and EU, which should undertake an
initiative to resolve the problems on the basis of international
law and agreements.
[05] Tsohatzopoulos warns of territorial waters' extension if Ankara
dares military move
Athens, 17/02/1997 (ANA)
National Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos issued an indirect
warning to Turkey last week that if Ankara caused any further
"incidents" Greece would exercise its right to extend its
territorial waters from six to 12 nautical miles.
"In the event that Turkey causes a new (military) incident, the
Greek response, apart from a military one there will also be a
political response which will maximize the cost for Ankara, will
be proportionate to the seriousness of the provocation and will
be within the framework of implementing international
agreements," Mr. Tsohatzopoulos said in a speech Friday night at
a Thessaloniki Bar Association event on the subject of national
defense policy.
Under the ratified International Law of the Sea, Greece has the
right to extend its territorial waters to 12 nautical miles,
while Athens has repeatedly stated that it will do so at an
opportune time.
In addition, Mr. Tsohatzopoulos described Turkey as the "number
one threat to Greece", saying Ankara would stop at nothing to
use force to alter the status quo in the Aegean.
Commenting on the possibility of Greek-Turkish differences being
resolved by recourse to the International Court of Justice at
The Hague, Mr. Tsohatzopoulos stated:
"I don't think there's much point in referring (the differences)
to The Hague, because Ankara's logic is devoid of any
perspective for a lawful settlement of the issue. Its logic is
to impose its views on Athens."
On Turkey's claims against Greece in the Aegean, the national
defense minister reiterated that Greece would never discuss
so-called "gray zones" and islets over which it has sovereignty.
Finally, he strongly defended the Greece-Cyprus joint defense
doctrine, saying that for the first time international
organizations and major powers "feel the need to intervene in a
different way in order to create prospects for a final solution
of the Cyprus problem."
[06] Tsohatzopoulos says Gov't to implement restructuring in armed
forces
Athens, 17/02/1997 (ANA)
National Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos said that the
government had decided to restructure the armed forces and
implement a new defense strategy to confront the disputing of
Greece's sovereign rights by Ankara.
Speaking in Thessaloniki on Saturday, he said the strategy of
deterrence implemented to date would be supplemented with the
concept of "flexible response", which during an aggressive
action would "have the highest possible cost for the other side."
"In order to attain these targets we shall work towards securing
the necessary conditions, such as the reorganization of the
armed forces, the procurement of modern defense equipment and
modern training," he said.
Mr. Tsohatzopoulos spoke of the creation of a special rapid
response force characterized by flexibility, mobility, effective
firepower and readiness.
The element of flexibility, he added, would be achieved through
the co-operation of the three services of the armed forces, with
a particular role for special forces units.
[07] Gov't clarifies that proposed social security funds amendment
won't affect reserves
Athens, 17/02/1997 (ANA)
A proposed amendment to legislation on social security funds
will not change the existing status of the funds' reserves,
according to a joint statement yesterday by National Economy and
Finance Minister Yiannos Papantoniou and Labor and Social
Security Minister Miltiades Papaioannou.
The announcement stated that the amendment in question was an
administrative move aimed at improving returns on those reserves
which are already deposited in the Bank of Greece.
There was strong reaction on Saturday against the amendment,
which was introduced by Mr. Papantoniou. The amendment requires
social security funds to deposit their reserve capital with the
Bank of Greece, a total amount which could be in excess of one
trillion drachmas.
The General Confederation of Greek Workers (GSEE) and the
Federation of Bank Unions (OTOE) had both criticized the
amendment. Yesterday's announcement clarified that the amendment
provides for further opportunities for increasing returns on
reserves, for the benefit of the funds and individuals insured
with them.
Prime Minister Costas Simitis is expected to meet today with Mr.
Papaioannou to discuss the amendment.
GSEE President Christos Polyzogopoulos on Saturday described the
amendment as "unacceptable" and demanded its withdrawal.
He also stressed that GSEE would in no way accept an increase in
the age of retirement or a decrease in pensions.
Bank unions' federation (OTOE) President Dimitris Kouselas said
the issue was extremely serious. The banks' social security
funds have particularly large reserves. Mr. Kouselas also called
for the withdrawal of the amendment, emphasizing that the funds
claimed free movement of reserves.
Coalition of the Left and Progress (Synaspismos) President Nikos
Constantopoulos also asked in a statement yesterday for the
withdrawal of the amendment.
[08] Papadopoulos says Gov't will stick to convergence program
Athens, 17/02/1997 (ANA)
Interior Minister Alekos Papadopoulos yesterday reiterated the
government's determination not to give in to social pressure and
to persist in its economic convergence program.
In an interview with a Sunday paper, Mr. Papadopoulos came out
in favor of a "shock policy" consisting of "a comprehensive
package of reforms in all sectors."
As teachers prepared to continue their strike for the fifth
consecutive week today, Mr. Papadopoulos said that the
preservation of vested rights was contrary to the course of the
country within the framework of a new globalized economy.
"In economic policy matters there are no hard-liners just the
reliable and unreliable," Mr. Papadopoulos said.
[09] Simitis tour of several provinces reported
Athens, 17/02/1997 (ANA)
Prime Minister Costas Simitis will soon begin a tour of several
of the country's prefectures and regions, with his first stop
being Thessaly, according to PASOK executive bureau member
Theodoros Tsoukatos.
Mr. Tsoukatos made the announcement while presiding over a PASOK
meeting in Achaia prefecture.
In discussing the premier's upcoming tour, which will reportedly
deal with local citizens' problems, Mr. Tsoukatos said: "Nobody
can provide solutions with a magic wand. We are determined
through social dialogue to proceed with changes so that the
country can move forward."
Speaking on the contents of yesterday's meeting in Achaia, Mr.
Tsoukatos said "reorganization is taking place now after the
recent popular mandate to PASOK with the prospects of a
four-year term, because there are problems in the very operation
of the party's organization."
"PASOK must become the co-developer of the government's
political line," he added.
[10] Public works program for Rethymno's old quarter
Athens, 17/02/1997 (ANA)
The old quarter of Rethymno, Crete will receive a
8.6-billion-drachma facelift, Environment Minister Costas
Laliotis announced at the official opening of a new public works
program there on Saturday.
Mr. Lalitios said the plan includes preserving the cultural
heritage and architectural character of all historic periods
represented in the old city, while promoting tourism in the
surrounding prefecture as well as in the city itself.
[11] OLME president requests meeting with Arsenis, teachers' strikes
slated to continue
Athens, 17/02/1997 (ANA)
The president of the union of high school teachers (OLME), Nikos
Tsoulias, requested a meeting yesterday with Education Minister
Gerassimos Arsenis in an effort to end an ongoing teachers'
strike, which enters its fifth consecutive week today.
Mr. Tsoulias made the request during an interview with an Athens
radio station.
The striking teachers have organized protest rallies and marches
in Athens for this morning and in the northern port city of
Thessaloniki later in the afternoon.
Meanwhile, primary school and kindergarten teachers were
scheduled to begin a third week of strikes today.
Political party leaders are to discuss problems in the education
sector during a Parliamentary debate on Wednesday.
On his part, Justice Minister Evangelos Yiannopoulos, addressing
an education conference yesterday, noted that frequent changes
at the education ministry leadership, as with other ministries,
along with the inexperience of some of those who held the post,
had not permitted an appropriate plan to be implemented.
He expressed the hope that teachers' representatives would meet
once more with the prime minister, as the situation had reached
a deadlock.
Coalition of the Left and Progress (Synaspismos) leader Nikos
Constantopoulos also called on the government to abandon what he
called its intransigence so public schools may reopen.
[12] Avramopoulos says he'll complete four-year term as Athens mayor
Athens, 17/02/1997 (ANA)
Athens Mayor Dimitris Avramopoulos steered clear of internal
party conflicts while speaking to members of the main opposition
New Democracy party's labor grouping DAKE in Lamia yesterday.
Mr. Avramopoulos defended his choice to suspend his party
activity during his tenure as the Greek capital's mayor, and
reiterated his determination to complete his four-year term.
He also criticized the current political scene and implied that
politicians were inconsistent.
"After elections we must honor and abide by what we say in the
pre-election period," he said, stressing that "a climate of
unity and agreement is needed."
The Athens mayor indirectly criticized ND members, saying that
"the perception of power as it has been cultivated in Greece has
led many down wrong paths."
In another development, five ND deputies held a meeting in Patra
on proposals "for a new national agreement."
Speaking at the event, the deputies, G. Alogoskoufis, A.
Davakis, E. Kefaloyiannis, N. Nikolopoulos and S. Tsitouridis,
said "our aim is for our party to regain its balance, and the
people who will give it once again its... vision and
effectiveness will make it once again into the leading force of
Greek society."
In view of the party congress, the five deputies signed a text
calling on the candidates for the ND leadership to sign an
agreement that on the day after the congress "ND will not only
be a united political force, but will also have the
prerequisites in order to make an inspired new start."
[13] Synaspismos holds conference on local Gov't
Athens, 17/02/1997 (ANA)
The Coalition of the Left and Progress (Synaspismos) concluded a
two-day conference on local government yesterday in
Thessaloniki. The party proposes an evaluation be made of the
new institution of uniting municipalities and communities, both
from the political and administrative points of view.
It also calls for a jointly agreed policy of incentives and
counter-incentives.
A test for the new institution will be the next local government
elections in October 1998, Synaspismos says. It plans to
undertake initiatives with regard to the electoral system,
proposing a simple proportional system. The party also proposes
that voters automatically go to polls in their place of
residence, if the latter is different from their official
electorate.
Synaspismos calls for a limit to the role of the centralized
state and for the areas of responsibility of each level of local
government to be set out clearly. It also stresses the
importance of upgrading personnel in local government
organizations, with recruitment being made locally.
[14] Shopowners' strike today
Athens, 17/02/1997 (ANA)
A large number of shops in Athens and around the country are
expected to remain closed today as shopowners participate in a
24-hour nationwide strike called by the General Confederation of
Small Manufacturers and Professionals (GSEBE).
The strike has been called over grievances related to fiscal
legislation, financing issues, provisions on business premises,
working hours and what the confederation has termed unfair
competition from department stores and super markets.
[15] Museum robbed
Athens, 17/02/1997 (ANA)
Four masked gunmen robbed the Ramnous Museum at Marathon
Saturday night after striking and tying up a guard. The suspects
broke into the museum building and made off with a small statue
of a nymph and a burial column, worth more than 10 million
drachmas.
Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos, in a statement yesterday
on the incident, admitted there were deficiencies in the
security systems at museums and referred to the ministry's
efforts to rectify the situation. Only a month ago, a plan was
approved to install a new electrical and security system at the
museum.
[16] Mysterious attack on foreign correspondent's home investigated
Athens, 17/02/1997 (ANA)
Police are investigating a bizarre incident involving a reported
break-in at the Athens residence of the BBC World Service's
correspondent for Albania on Friday and a subsequent attack on
the correspondent' wife.
According to reports, BBC correspondent Robert Goro's wife,
Diana, told police on Saturday that two masked men, one of whom
was armed, entered her apartment and sprayed mace into her face.
Mrs. Goro said she had previously received a telephone call the
same day, Valentine's Day, from a man claiming to have a
delivery of flowers.
She also told authorities that the two men searched the
apartment for her husband, leaving only when they had verified
he was not there. According to Mrs. Goro's statement, the men
fired two shots into the air as they left the building, although
this has not been verified by neighbors. An investigation is
continuing.
End of English language section.
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