Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 97-04-23
From: The Greek Press & Information Office, Ottawa Canada <[email protected]>
ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No 1171), April 23, 1997
Greek Press & Information Office
Ottawa, Canada
E-Mail Address: [email protected]
CONTENTS
[01] Bank of Greece Governor says economic vigilance will lead to EMU
[02] Simitis says better coordination on revising EU treaty behind
his visit to Austria
[03] Europarliament committee approves amendment on CSP
[04] Closer co-operation between Greece, Romania to combat crime
agreed
[05] Pangalos stresses that 'committee of experts' strictly of a
procedural nature
[06] Kranidiotis on 'committee of experts'
[07] Gov't spokesman
[08] Albright-van den Broek talks touch on Greek-Turkish issues,
Cyprus problem
[09] Arsenis says he expects full briefing on developments in Greek
Turkish relations
[10] Draft bill on Athens' urban transportation
[11] EU Ag Ministers Council considers aid to olive oil producers
[12] More aid for Bulgaria
[13] New Democracy-era insurance laws will be applied: Papaioannou
[14] "Contract for new Florina power plant signed
[15] Draft bill on cultural institutions presented
[16] Greek team in Euroleague final
[17] Skandalidis calls for end to feud over former Papandreou
residence
[18] One worker killed at shipyard
[01] Bank of Greece Governor says economic vigilance will lead to EMU
Athens, 23/4/1997 (ANA)
Bank of Greece Governor Loukas Papademos, in a report on the
Greek economy released yesterday, emphasized the need for a
continuation of the macro-economic policy followed in recent
years.
Mr. Papademos called for a continuation of the policy aimed at
nominal convergence in order to secure Greece's accession to the
Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) by 2001. This goal, he
contended, was feasible if vigilance was maintained.
Nevertheless, although the report characterizes economic
pro-gress as satisfactory, it stresses that various structural
reforms should be implemented immediately in all sectors of the
economy.
The report also observes that the inflation rate could drop to 3
per cent by the end of 1998 if a consistent policy was adhered
to.
Radical structural reforms were needed before January 1999, when
the country's economic and monetary policy would have to be
exercised through the new exchange parity mechanism and the
stability pact, offering little scope for freedom in the
exercise of macro-economic policy, the report warns.
For these reforms to take place, however, major changes in
mentality and behavior are required, as well as in the
organization and operation of the free market and the public
sector, along with increased competitiveness and dialogue
between the government and labor groups.
Nevertheless, Mr. Papademos concluded, these changes were "a
matter of national importance" as they were linked with the
country's role and its future in a united Europe. While
achievements had been made towards nominal and real convergence
in comparison with other European Union member-states, these
positive developments, as well as some negative ones - such as
an increase in the current accounts deficit - were also due to
external factors as well as to structural problems in the
economy itself.
Therefore, the report adds, the fundamental challenge for
economic policy was to link the course towards monetary
stability and fiscal reform with a qualitative improvement in
the country's productive potential.
In his report, Mr. Papademos also referred to the problem of
unemployment, stressing that it was not possible for the public
sector to continue absorbing surplus labor supply.
Given that employment in agriculture and traditional sectors of
manufacturing was on the decline, Mr. Papademos noted,
production must be restructured, productivity improved and
production costs reduced, "otherwise, unemployment will
increase."
According to the report, which draws on figures from the
National Statistics Service (NSS), unemployment rose to 10.4 per
cent in the second quarter of 1996, from 10 per cent in the same
period of 1995.
Citing Manpower Employment Organization (OAED) figures, the
report said the number of unemployed dropped between August and
December 1996, compared to the corresponding months of the
previous year, while employment in manufacturing began to rise
after seven years of decline or stagnation. The number of jobs
also increased in construction, the public sector and banking.
Mr. Papademos points out in the report that the relatively small
increase in unemployment reflected the "adaptability" of the
Greek economy, given the high number of foreign workers employed
legally or illegally in the country.
The report says business profits rose at a lower rate than
inflation, underlying, however, that the available data was not
sufficient to draw reliable conclusions.
Referring to an ICAP survey which used a sample of 230
industrial undertakings, the report said 52.6 per cent of the
companies assessed that the rate of increase of their profits
was lower than inflation, while only 22.9 per cent estimated
that they had risen at a rate higher than inflation.
In the banking sector and on the basis of annual financial
results published to date, the increase in profits was around 20
per cent for private banks, while the profits of major banks in
the public sector appeared to drop.
Mr. Papademos underlines that the progress achieved in public
finances in the period 1994-1996 was considerable and creates
the right conditions for "more permanent improvement."
The report highlighted two positive developments in public
finances in 1996 pertaining to the deficit of the broader
government sector and the public debt.
More specifically, the deficit of the broader government sector
fell to 7.4 per cent of GDP from 9.2 per cent in 1995. This drop
had a positive effect on the increase in the primary surplus of
the sector in question which reached 4.1 per cent of GDP in
1996, compared to 3.2 per cent in 1995.
At the same time, the drop in the broader government sector debt
remained steady at 111.8 per cent, the same level as 1995.
According to the report, this means that "the strong upward
tendency of the debt has now weakened" and the conditions have
thus been created for a further drop in the debt.
Despite the progress, however, the report notes, the process of
adjustment of public finances requires a long-term and
determined effort.
In this respect, it adds, the ability of public enterprises and
organizations to service their own debts without state financial
assistance would make a positive contribution.
The Communist Party of Greece (KKE) later issued an announcement
saying that Mr. Papademos' report proclaimed an "iron clad"
social dialogue on the part of the government.
According to the KKE the social dialogue brings with it
"crimes," such as the "crash" of the social security system,
"cuts" in social spending and the "sell out" of state-run
businesses.
[02] Simitis says better coordination on revising EU treaty behind
his visit to Austria
Vienna, 23/4/1997 (ANA - D. Dimitrakoudis)
Prime Minister Costas Simitis yesterday underlined here the fact
that Greece's partners in the European Union deal with Athens in
a positive light, despite the existence of certain difficulties.
In addition, Mr. Simitis announced that he will visit all EU
member-states by the end of the summer, with the exception of
Denmark. Politics require discussion and an exchange of views,
he noted.
Commenting on the working visit he has been paying to Austria
since last Sunday, and due to end this morning with his
departure for Bonn, Mr. Simitis said his purpose was the best
coordination between the two countries within the framework of
revising EU's Maastricht Treaty.
Mr. Simitis said Greece and Austria, being two smaller EU
countries, have an interest in consolidating the interests of
small countries and securing their influence in developments. To
this end, he agreed with his Austrian interlocutors (Chancellor
Viktor Klima, Federal President Thomas Klestil, Parliament
President Heinz Fischer and Deputy Chancellor and Foreign
Minister Wolfgang Schussel) on such issues as each country
having one commissioner, while a common Greek-Austrian position
exists on the process of decision-making.
The two countries also agree on a strong social policy for the
EU and for this reason want a special chapter on employment
included in the EU's new treaty.
Mr. Simitis said he also discussed the EU's future problems,
such as Economic and Monetary Union (EMU), the avoidance of
different speeds for countries and the problem of resources in
relation to enlargement, because Greece maintains that
structural policies must continue.
Mr. Simitis believes that many common points of contact were
found during his talks in Austria and this also applies to Greek
national interests, where Austria supports Greek positions. This
fact shows that every contact and understanding helps.
He had hour-long talks with Mr. Fischer yesterday and made a
general review of all issues of interest to the two countries.
Furthermore, the mayor and the governor of the local state of
Vienna, Michael Haeupl, received Mr. Simitis and the Greek
delegation at the Town Hall in Vienna.
Addressing Mr. Simitis, who signed the municipality's Golden
Book, Mr. Haeupl referred at length to the splendid presence of
the ethnic Greek community in Vienna over a thousand years.
He also said that the ties of Austria and Vienna with Greece are
becoming even closer following the central European nation's
accession to the EU.
[03] Europarliament committee approves amendment on CSP
Athens, 23/4/1997 (ANA)
The External Affairs Committee of the European Parliament has
unanimously approved an amendment stipulating that "the Common
Security Policy (CSP) of the European Union must cover all those
issues which concern the territorial integrity of the Union, its
member-states and the protection of its citizens."
The amendment, which was tabled by PASOK Euro-MP and
Vice-President of the Socialist Group Yiannis Roubatis during
the debate of the Tindemans report on the prospects for a Common
Security Policy, aimed to improve on the original draft text,
which contained only a general reference to the need for
protecting the territorial integrity of the Union as a whole.
Another amendment tabled by Mr. Roubatis and unanimously
approved by the Committee states that CSP must also cover all
issues related "to border regions, the problems of the
minorities which remain unresolved, the conflicts between ethnic
groups which can possibly acquire larger dimensions and
eventually threaten the member-states of the European Union, and
the situations of political upheaval and instability in certain
countries that neighbor on the European Union".
Yet another amendment of Mr. Roubatis approved by the Committee
says that CSP must tackle the threats posed by the existence of
antiquated nuclear plants, nuclear waste and stored nuclear
materials.
[04] Closer co-operation between Greece, Romania to combat crime
agreed
Athens, 23/4/1997 (ANA)
Public Order Minister George Romeos held prolonged talks with
visiting Romanian Interior Minister Gavril Dejeu yesterday and
both agreed to closer co-operation between the police forces of
the two countries in order to combat drug trafficking, organized
crime and illegal immigration.
Speaking to reporters afterwards, Mr. Romeos stressed the
immediate need for co-operation among Balkan countries.
"Tripartite or even greater co-operations are necessary on some
of the serious issues preoccupying our neighboring countries,
following the discussions he said.
On his part, Mr. Dejeu said his country is facing serious
problems with economic reform and organized crime. "For this
reason, co-operation with the other countries is necessary since
we will have mutual information, co-operation and methods in
this way to facilitate the effective handling of these
problems," he said. Earlier, President of the Republic Kostis
Stephanopoulos received Mr. Dejeu.
[05] Pangalos stresses that 'committee of experts' strictly of a
procedural nature
Athens, 23/4/1997 (ANA)
Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos said yesterday that a
proposed Greek-Turkish "committee of experts" would be of a
"strictly procedural nature" and its objective would be "to
ascertain whether there are misunderstandings on each side and
to facilitate the procedures which might possibly arise."
Stressing that political will was required on the part of
Ankara, Mr. Pangalos said that Athens intended to pursue with
all means the settlement of problems within generally accepted
frameworks, such as international law, the International Court
at The Hague, respect for peace and refraining from the use of
threats.
Mr. Pangalos was speaking to reporters after briefing main
opposition New Democracy party leader Costas Karamanlis on
foreign policy issues.
Asked whether the International Court was the only competent
body to resolve problems, Mr. Pangalos replied that "with
respect to Turkey's claims concerning Imia, no body is more
suitable than the Hague (court)."
"Turkey would be doing us no favors by having recourse to The
Hague. In reality, it would be the action one would expect of a
bad neighbor. A move illustrative of good intentions would be if
Ankara abandoned its Imia claim and said 'we made a mistake, we
recognize that Imia is Greek,' as indeed it is," Mr. Pangalos
said.
Commenting on protests by Turkish deputies at the Council of
Europe plenary concerning statements by President of the
Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos on Greek-Turkish relations, Mr.
Pangalos said:
"A handful of Turkish deputies protested the description made by
President Stephanopoulos, with his known courteousness and
ethos, concerning the behavior of their country. They would be
well advised to improve their country's behavior so that any
such description will not offend them."
Asked whether he had found common ground with Mr. Karamanlis on
foreign policy issues, Mr. Pangalos said that all Greek
political parties "agree with the general principles" while
acknowledging that there were "different views with respect to
shades of policy and tactical moves."
After the 75-minute meeting, Mr. Karamanlis expressed concern
and reservations about "the framework and content of government
handling" with respect to the proposed committee of experts.
He added that "all this is taking place at a time when instead
of giving something in exchange and responding to (Greece's)
goodwill moves, Turkey is merely increasing its intransigence."
Mr. Karamanlis said ND would follow developments closely and
impede any handling by the government which was not in the
nation's best interests and led to increased tension in
Greek-Turkish relations.
[06] Kranidiotis on 'committee of experts'
Vienna, 23/04/1997 (ANA - D. Dimitrakoudis)
The formation of t he Greek-Turkish "committee of experts"
should not be a source for concern since Athens follows a firm
policy on Greek-Turkish relations, Foreign Under-secretary
Yiannos Kranidiotis reiterated yesterday from the Austrian
capital, where he is accompanying t he prime minister on his
official visit here.
The government has laid clear conditions for the normalisation
of Greek-Turkish relations as well as regarding the EU-Turkey
Association Council, Mr. Kranidiotis said.
He added that Athens had suggested to the Dutch EU presidency
that the committee aimed to clear certain procedural issues,
stressing that "under no circumstances should the committee
assume a character of dialogue and certainly not of
arbitration." "If created, the committee's work should be
procedural and aimed at the exchange of ideas regarding the
procedure which should proceed the resolution of Greek-Turkish
issues," he added.
According to Mr. Kranidiotis, the committee would discuss the
issues that each side considers as Greek-Turkish differences,
"but Greece is especially cautious and does not consider that
all the items on the Turkish list constitute Greek-Turkish
differences.
"Greece," he said, "believes that the issue mainly concerns the
continental shelf."
[07] Gov't spokesman
Athens, 23/4/1997 (ANA)
Commenting later on the formation of the committee, government
spokesman Dimitris Reppas said that "the ball is in the court of
the Dutch presidency" following Athens' approval and prior to
the reply expected from Ankara. Replying to reporters' question
s, Mr. Reppas said the Dutch presidency of the European Union
now had the responsibility "for outlining the common ground."
Mr. Reppas added that if the committee was formed, it could
conclude with findings which, however, would not be binding on
either the Greek or Turkish government.
According to the spokesman, a reasonable time framework for the
drawing of such conclusions or findings could be by the end of
the Dutch presidency in late June.
Asked what issues were of priority for Greece, Mr. Reppas said
there had been no discussion of this matter, while adding that
Athens would give priority to issues such as the use of the
International Court at the Hague processes.
Mr. Reppas said no names had been discussed concerning the
composition of the committee on the Greek side and in effect
ruled out the possibility of Athens appointing any third party
to the committee.
[08] Albright-van den Broek talks touch on Greek-Turkish issues,
Cyprus problem
Washington, 23/4/1997 (ANA - T. Ellis)
US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright and EU External Affairs
Commissioner Hans van den Broek yesterday discussed the
Greek-Turkish differences and the Cyprus problem at the US State
Department.
Speaking to the ANA after the meeting, Mr. van den Broek
declined to divulge any details of the discussion, saying only
that Washington and Brussels agree on the need to improve the
current situation, and are working towards this end.
"The European Union agrees with the US on the need to safeguard
Turkey's western orientation, but we cannot overlook serious
issues which must be resolved. We have a common interest to
prevent an explosion of the flammable situation in the Aegean,
where things almost went out of control last year and, likewise,
the situation in Cyprus, which became particularly tense last
summer," he said.
He noted that the EU supports the current UN initiative on
Cyprus "in this crucial year, as the start to negotiations for
Cyprus' EU membership and presidential elections in the island
republic approach".
"We would like direct talks before the end of the year. The UN,
in combination with the US and the EU, are working on the
political essence of the problem, which is the creation of a
bi-zonal, bi-communal federal state. We in the European
Commission have tried to send the message to the Turkish Cypriot
community that Cypriot membership of the EU will confer
significant benefits to them and to Turkey, and that the EU is
prepared to help regarding their concern on the security issue
and ties with Turkey, as long as the latter is not a member of
the EU. But for a lifting of the impasse, there must be
political will on the island itself," Mr. van den Broek said.
Regarding the Aegean, he expressed the view that "differences
have been left as they are, because the rest of the world
considers them a bilateral problem, but when things get out of
hand, it will no longer be a bilateral problem, particularly
when we a re talking about two members of the same alliance".
Responding to a question on whether after his talks with Ms
Albright, Greek-Turkish differences and the Cyprus issue will be
treated as a package, he said: "I do not think that we must link
them in a dogmatic way, with someone saying 'I refuse to do
something on one, if steps are not made in the other'. We must
continue encouraging Turkey to improve the human rights
situation." Commenting later on the talks, US State Department
spokesman Nicholas Burns said that "the US supports all
initiatives for progress (in Cyprus and on issues related to
Greek-Turkish differences), but the responsibility lies with
Greece, Turkey, Cyprus and the other parties involved in these
differences."
Mr. Burns added that Secretary of State Albright has a keen
interest in this part of the world.
[09] Arsenis says he expects full briefing on developments in Greek
Turkish relations
Athens, 23/4/1997 (ANA)
Education Minister Gerassimos Arsenis clarified in a written
statement yesterday that government and political party bodies
are expected to be fully briefed on Greek Turkish relations.
Mr. Arsenis made the statement following reports in certain
newspapers which, he said, had attempted to interpret his
position regarding recent developments in Greek-Turkish
relations.
"National issues shouldn't be used to cultivate rumors and to
create a climate of conflict," he said.
"On the subject, I will simply refer to the statement I made on
Sunday that I expect there to be full briefing on Greek-Turkish
relations in government and party bodies. I am certain that this
will occur. The situation will have to be appraised first an d
public statements made later."
[10] Draft bill on Athens' urban transportation
Athens, 23/4/1997 (ANA)
The government yesterday submitted a draft bill in Parliament on
the comprehensive institutional intervention in the sector of
urban transport.
The draft bill's aims include the transfer to local
self-administration of up to 40 per cent of the stocks of the
Organization of Urban Transport for Athens, which oversees
public transport in the capital.
It also aims for social bodies to participate in the
administrative council of the bus, trolley and Athens-Pireaus
train organizations, the lifting of the state's guarantee for
public transport body loans and the circulation of new buses
using anti-pollution technology in the next few years.
Particular attention is being paid to the operating costs of all
transport bodies with the implementation of a "flexible"
timetable, the transfer of 700 workers and implementation of
comprehensive work contracts by the General Confederation of
Workers of Greece (GSEE) for 1998 and 1999.
[11] EU Ag Ministers Council considers aid to olive oil producers
Brussels, 23/4/1997 (ANA - P. Pantelis)
The first discussion in the EU Agriculture Ministers Council on
changes in subsidies provided to olive oil producers, supported
by EU Agriculture Commissioner Franz Fischler, ended without
result yesterday.
The southern EU countries of Greece, Italy, Spain and Portugal
opposed the proposal, which foresees aid being provided "per
olive tree".
The discussion will continue in the next ministers' council
meeting.
The discussion on the new package of agricultural prices also
met with difficulties, while more than 10,000 Italian protesters
demonstrated outside the council, demanding "more milk for
Italy".
Agriculture Minister Stephanos Tzoumakas rejected the proposal
of aid being provided per olive tree.
"Improvements in the existing system are the best choice and we
believe that a deep review of the sector, which is operating
without problems, is not necessary," he said.
[12] More aid for Bulgaria
Athens, 23/4/1997 (ANA)
The municipality of Kalamaria in Thessaloniki has sent 15 tons
of humanitarian aid to the municipality of Dimitrovgrad in
Bulgaria, following a relevant initiative undertaken by the
foreign ministry and the Central Union of Municipalities and
Communities of Greece (KEDKE).
Foodstuffs and pharmaceuticals were collected through
contributions by residents, local agencies and businesses in
Kalamaria. According to Mayor Thrasyvoulos Lazaridis, foodstuffs
and pharmaceuticals will continue to be collected after the
Easter holidays.
[13] New Democracy-era insurance laws will be applied: Papaioannou
Athens, 23/4/1997 (ANA)
Insurance laws applied by the New Democracy party when it was in
power will not change within the framework of social dialogue
concerning reform of the social insurance system, although an
attempt will be made through it to change the existing
institutional framework both for labor relations and insurance
and pensioning conditions.
Labor and Social Security Minister Miltiadis Papaioannou
announced that law 2084/92, passed when Dimitris Sioufas was
minister, will be valid as normal as of Jan. 1, 1998 since a
five-year transitional period was anticipated. Consequently, at
the beginning of the new year most age limits for pensioning
will increase, preconditions (pensioning time) for pensioning
will become tougher, while benefits will be reduced (auxiliary
pensions will amount to 20 per cent of a pension salary after 35
years of insurance).
Services at the labor ministry estimate that as of July 1 a
census will start for 400,000 foreign workers (more than 200,000
are Albanian nationals) who live and work in Greece. The census
process is expected to be completed in 4-5 months, it will be
conducted at the offices of the Organization for the Employment
of Human Resources (OAED) and possible at prefectural offices.
Apart from the illegal immigrants' obligation for registration,
employers offering them work will have the same obligation.
A temporary permit will have a duration of up to nine months and
then a residence and work permit will be granted from six months
to five years. Those who have already been living in Greece for
over five years will automatically receive a residence perm it
of indefinite duration.
Mr. Papaioannou revealed that "certain countries will vote
against the content of the agreement of the Intergovernmental
Conference (Maastricht II) if it does not contain a special
chapter on employment."
However, when asked whether Greece will vote against it as well,
Mr. Papaioannou said "I am not authorized to give you an
answer", adding: "it is a question for the prime minister and
the cabinet.
[14] "Contract for new Florina power plant signed
Athens, 23/4/1997 (ANA)
The Public Power Corp. (DEH) yesterday signed a contract with a
consortium of four companies for the construction of a 330-MW
steam-turbine power plant in Meliti, Florina prefecture.
The consortium that has undertaken the project, budgeted at
179.5 billion drachmas, comprises the companies
Technopromexport, EVTGMM, ABB Kraftwerke and Prometheus GAS.
The plant, which will be ready in about four-and-a-half years,
will utilize the xylite deposits in the area, in combination
with Russian natural gas that will be supplied in future.
It is considered that the operation of the plant will have
beneficial results on the country's balance of energy resources,
and will contribute significantly to the development of this
border region, evolving into an autonomous energy center in the
future, particularly as it is envisaged that a second unit will
be built.
The plant is considered as fully in line with modern
environmental standards, with an advanced system for the
desulphurisation of atmospheric emissions with electrostatic
filters and the restriction of nitrogen oxide emissions. It will
also proved central heating to the town of Florina, thereby
reducing the present level of pollution from the use of wood and
lignite.
[15] Draft bill on cultural institutions presented
Athens, 23/4/1997 (ANA)
Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos yesterday unveiled a draft
bill on the institutions, measures and activities for cultural
development. The measures include the founding of a fact-finding
council for museum policy, the creation of a European research
center for Byzantine civilization based in Thessaloniki's
Byzantine Civilization Museum, and creation of Greek institutes
and archaeological schools abroad, in the same manner as foreign
archaeological schools operating in Greece.
The bill also includes the founding of modern art museums in
Athens and Thessaloniki, creation of a National Gallery fund for
purchasing art and the establishment of a photography museum in
Thessaloniki, where one already exists informally within the
framework of the Cultural Capital '97.
[16] Greek team in Euroleague final
Athens, 23/4/1997 (ANA)
The Olympiakos, Piraeus basketball team qualified for the final
of the Euroleague last night after beating Slovenia's Olympia
74-65 in the Final Four semifinal (half-time 37-32).
In the final, Olympiakos will face the winner of the
Barcelona-Villeurbanne match, scheduled to take place late last
night.
[17] Skandalidis calls for end to feud over former Papandreou
residence
Athens, 23/4/1997 (ANA)
PASOK Central Committee Secretary Costas Skandalidis yesterday
called for an end to the conflict between Dimitra
Liani-Papandreou, the widow of former prime minister and PASOK
founder Andreas Papandreou, and his children by his second wife,
concerning a house sold by the late premier in 1992.
The children claim that a recently discovered will of their
paternal grandmother annuls the sale, whose proceeds were used
to build a upscale residence in Ekali now owned by Ms
Liani-Papandreou.
"The conflict between the children and the widow of Andreas
Papandreou must stop at all costs and as soon as possible. All
the people in PASOK are saddened by what they see, and of
course, this conflict does not touch the memory of Andreas
Papandreou," Mr. Skandalidis said.
In response to an application for an injunction against the sale
of the Ekali property, submitted by the buyer of the original
Papandreou house in Psychico, Ms Liani-Papandreou yesterday
submitted a statement to court saying she did not intend to
transfer or sell the property.
[18] One worker killed at shipyard
Athens, 23/4/1997 (ANA)
One worker was killed in a raging fire that broke out yesterday
on board the Cyprus-flagged cargo ship "Ionian Bridge", docked
for repairs at a shipyard in Perama, Piraeus.
The blaze started during metalsheet repairs on the 12,067-ton
vessel, owned by the Strintzis shipping line. The worker,
identified as Dimitris Kyris, 40, died from severe burns while
being transported to a nearby hospital.
The "Ionian Bridge", headed toward Australia, docked at Perama
on Feb. 10 for repairs. Police said its 21-member crew, all
Greek nationals, escaped unhurt.
Another fire which broke at the same time on board the
37,277-ton Panamanian-flagged freighter "Minoan Hill", was also
brought under control, causing damage but without injuries,
police said.
In a related development, the Communist Party of Greece (KKE)
said it held the government responsible for the Perama accident,
accusing it of "criminal indifference."
A KKE announcement accused Merchant Marine Minister Stavros
Soumakis and Labor Under-secretary Christos Protopapas of not
having enforced a series of measures they had recently announced.
End of English language section.
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