Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 97-06-09
From: The Greek Press & Information Office, Ottawa Canada <[email protected]>
ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No 1207), June 9, 1997
Greek Press & Information Office
Ottawa, Canada
E-Mail Address: [email protected]
CONTENTS
[01] Balkan FMs to discuss regional issues in Thessaloniki today
[02] Balkan mayors meet in Thessaloniki
[03] Gorbachev arrives in Athens on private visit
[04] Tsohatzopoulos returns from European Socialist Party meeting
[05] Kok, van den Broek in Athens today
[06] Parliament president returns from Helsinki meeting
[07] Karamanlis criticizes Gov't ineffectiveness
[08] PASOK secretary heads information campaign to Xanthi
[09] Mitsotakis sees Turkey moving towards signing non-aggression pact
[10] European talks need "patience and persistence", Papandreou says
[11] Injunction against Olympic Metro over subway construction filed
[12] First thalassotherapy center opens in Crete
[13] Parliament debate on social dialogue tomorrow
[14] Papandreou monument unveiled
[15] Acropolis Rally begins
[16] OTE purchases 20% of Serbian PTT's shares
[17] Two killed in minefield
[18] Police make five drug arrests over weekend
[19] Garbage collectors begin cleaning up
[01] Balkan FMs to discuss regional issues in Thessaloniki today
Athens, 09/06/1997 (ANA)
A two-day conference of foreign ministers from the Balkans gets
under way in Thessaloniki today for the purpose of consolidating
stability and peace in the region and to promote political,
economic and social co-operation.
Taking part in the conference will be foreign ministers from
Greece, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM),
Bulgaria, Federal Yugoslavia and Romania, the foreign
under-secretary of Albania and the assistant under-secretary of
Turkey.
The Greek side will be represented by Foreign Minister Theodoros
Pangalos, Alternate Foreign Minister George Papandreou and
Foreign Under-secretary Yiannos Kranidiotis.
Countries attending as observers include Ukraine, Bosnia,
Russia, France, Germany, Britain, the United States, Armenia,
Austria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Moldova,
Slovakia, Slovenia and Sweden.
Representatives from the European Union, international
organizations, including banks, will also attend.
The delegations will be received at noon by Macedonia-Thrace
Minister Philippos Petsalnikos, following which Mr. Pangalos
will give an opening speech.
The conference will take place at the Macedonia Palace Hotel.
Issues to be examined at the conference will include promoting
political co-operation, measures for building security and
confidence in the region, developing economic co-operation and
coordinating action for environmental protection and advancing
humanitarian, social and cultural co-operation.
Development of co-operation will be sought in the judicial
sector to combat organized crime, terrorism and the trafficking
of weapons and drugs.
A meeting of Balkan businessmen will be held on the sidelines of
the conference, held at the initiative of the Greek foreign
ministry and supported by the Northern Greek Exporters'
Association.
The main topic of discussion at the businessmen's meeting will
be the privatization of state assets in the Balkans.
Those attending will include government officials, company
representatives and bank governors.
[02] Balkan mayors meet in Thessaloniki
Athens, 09/06/1997 (ANA)
A one-day meeting of mayors from Balkan cities was held in
Thessaloniki on Saturday, on the topic: "Local government as a
factor of peace and co-operation towards development in the
agitated Balkans".
The mayors discussed means of cooperating on cultural and
economic sectors through the application of joint European Union
programs for the area.
Discussions also included strengthening initiatives to exchange
technical know-how and experience in sectors related to local
government.
The meeting was attended by mayors from Bulgaria, Romania,
Federal Yugoslavia, Bosnia, Albania and the Former Yugoslav
Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) and representatives from
Thessaloniki, Macedonia, Thrace and the European Union.
[03] Gorbachev arrives in Athens on private visit
Athens, 09/06/1997 (ANA)
The last president of the former Soviet Union, Mikhail
Gorbachev, arrived in Athens on Saturday afternoon on a ten-day
private visit at the invitation of the Apostolopoulos group of
companies.
Mr. Gorbachev, accompanied by his wife Raisa, arrived in the
Greek capital from Geneva where he and former Israeli prime
minister Shimon Peres were guests of the International Union of
Diplomats.
Mr. Gorbachev was received at Athens Airport by his friend
George Apostolopoulos, who is president of the Athens Medical
Center.
Asked by reporters how he viewed Russia's participation in an
enlarged NATO, Mr. Gorbachev said: "I consider a very bad idea
the activation of the Paris Charter of 1990 for the enlargement
of NATO with countries such as Poland, the Czech Republic and
Hungary."
"When we signed the Charter of Europe we were in favor of the
creation of a United Europe. I now believe however that instead
of concerning themselves with the construction of a new Europe,
they - NATO and Russia- are instead concerning themselves with
an issue which has no reason to exist," " he added.
Mr. Apostolopoulos said he has been friends with Mr. Gorbachev
since 1989.
[04] Tsohatzopoulos returns from European Socialist Party meeting
Malmo, Sweden 09/06/1997 (ANA-N. Serveta)
The third congress of the European Socialist Party (ESP) came to
a close on Saturday with a joint statement calling for greater
co-operation among European Union (EU) members in development,
democracy and security.
The meeting set the future direction of the party which should
concentrate on security, expansion and support of the EU as a
means of solving problems that defy solutions on a national
level.
Representing Greece was Akis Tsohatzopoulos, national defense
minister, who was re-elected as one of eight vice-presidents of
the ESP.
Mr. Tsohatzopoulos said it was necessary to have "another
economic policy, which would be shared by all countries in the
EU to deal with the problems of unemployment, environmental
protection, etc." National policies are not adequate, he said,
although for Greece the aims were clear.
Greece expressed satisfaction with the inclusion in the
statement of a chapter encouraging "the strengthening of the
role of the EU in the Mediterranean region, with greater
co-operation in terms of development, democracy and security".
The statement also included a section on EU expansion,
mentioning that accession talks "shall start simultaneously with
all candidate states, even if some of them become union members
sooner than others".
The ESP representatives also drew up a joint resolution on
Albania, recognizing the efforts of Albanian Prime Minister
Bashkim Fino to solve the crisis, and stressing the importance
of free general elections with all parties represented and
observers at tending.
[05] Kok, van den Broek in Athens today
Athens, 09/06/1997 (ANA)
The president of the European Council, Dutch Prime Minister Wim
Kok and president of the EU council of foreign ministers Dutch
Foreign Minister Hans van den Broek arrive in Athens today for
talks with the Greek government in light of the Amsterdam EU
summit on June 16-17.
[06] Parliament president returns from Helsinki meeting
Athens, 09/06/1997 (ANA)
The regular meeting of European Union (EU) parliament presidents
came to a close in Helsinki on Saturday, with Greece represented
by Apostolos Kaklamanis.
Mr. Kaklamanis said that the items discussed included the role
national parliaments can play in terms of the union, expansion
of EU membership to include more members from central and
eastern Europe, and improvement of their relationship with the
average citizen.
"It is the parliaments which express the peoples of Europe, not
the Commission and the councils, which are more
technically-oriented," Mr. Kaklamanis said.
[07] Karamanlis criticizes Gov't ineffectiveness
Athens, 09/06/1997 (ANA)
New Democracy (ND) President Costas Karamanlis launched his
first official attack on the government as opposition leader in
Thessaloniki on Saturday saying ruling party PASOK was for
"sustaining party nomenclature", and being ineffective in the
European Union convergence program.
"In its nine months in power, the government has not promoted a
single privatization, neither has it cut back in the public
sector," Mr. Karamanlis said.
Speaking to party officials at the Vellidion Center, Mr.
Karamanlis said that "the government calls on the Greek people
to make sacrifices while it doesn't dare clash with party
nomenclature, which is being sustained at the expense of the
taxpayers". Before the government launches into social dialogue,
he said, it should give a good example by cutting back in
expenditures.
Referring to Greek-Turkish relations, Mr. Karamanlis expressed
reservations about the effectiveness of the expert committees.
Mr. Karamanlis arrived in Thessaloniki from Brussels, where he
had met with European Union officials on his first official
visit as opposition leader.
In statements on his arrival at Thessaloniki airport, Mr.
Karamanlis called for Greece to "change mentality and stop
bringing up the rear and acting like the poor relative".
"But in order to do this, we must improve our showing in all
sectors, and show active participation and interest in all
European issues," the ND leader said.
The government, he charged, was strengthening the old mentality
by "desperately trying to present false successes about the
Inter-governmental Conference, which everyone knows is not doing
so well".
The government's effectiveness in issues directly related to
Greece, such as joint foreign policy and the policy of security,
provided only "scant results", he charged.
[08] PASOK secretary heads information campaign to Xanthi
Athens, 09/06/1997 (ANA)
PASOK party Secretary Costas Skandalidis led a delegation of
ministers to the Xanthi prefecture, where they met with local
officials and were briefed on problems in the area.
Education and Religious Affairs Under-secretary Ioannis
Anthopoulos, Macedonia-Thrace Minister Philippos Petsalnikos and
Agriculture Under-secretary Dimitris Sotirlis were members of
the delegation that visited Stavroupolis, Echinos, Abdera and
Erasmio to speak with local people and explain government
initiatives for the prefecture as a whole.
Mr. Skandalidis explained the party and government's development
aims and the main points of social dialogue. He also said "the
solution to problems of the minority and the responsibility for
them lies with the Greek state" and called on Moslem Greeks to
participate in the country's development. "We are all equal
before the laws of the state, but the state should also see all
Greeks as citizens with equal rights".
Asked to comment on the archives of the late founder of PASOK
and former prime minister Andreas Papandreou, Mr. Skandalidis
said the archives were party archives, and as such the party
would "establish a foundation that will hold and manage his
archives ".
To another question he replied that the government would seek a
revision of the Maastricht Treaty in order to give it a stronger
social image.
[09] Mitsotakis sees Turkey moving towards signing non-aggression pact
Athens, 09/06/1997 (ANA)
Former prime minister and main opposition New Democracy party
honorary president Constantine Mitsotakis returned to Athens on
Saturday following a private visit to Turkey.
In statements on his arrival, Mr. Mitsotakis expressed
satisfaction from his visit to the neighboring country and said
he foresaw that Turkey would take a step towards the signing of
a non-aggression pact.
He said his impression was that the Turkish side accepted the
view that war, as a means of settling differences between the
two countries, should be categorically excluded.
Asked by reporters whether Turkey intended to announce such a
position, he replied: "This will be the next step."
Mr. Mitsotakis said Greece and Turkey should attempt to find
solutions to their differences through dialogue based on his
agreement with (then Turkish prime minister and now President)
Suleyman Demirel in Davos in 1992. It should also be based, he
said, on "respect of the territorial integrity of both sides,
the treaties which have been signed, as well as on the general
principles of international law."
Acknowledging the unstable situation prevailing in Turkey, Mr.
Mitsotakis said "national Turkish policy also exists today",
guaranteed by the presence of Mr. Demirel in the presidency.
The former prime minister said that during his stay in Turkey he
dealt at length with the Cyprus problem "to which we must focus
all our efforts so as to this time achieve a result".
Asked to comment on the appointment of Richard Holbrooke as US
President Bill Clinton's special envoy on the Cyprus issue, he
replied: "Deeds will show whether his appointment is positive."
Mr. Mitsotakis, who met with Turkish President Demirel, was in
Turkey last week to be awarded the Abdi Ipekci Greek-Turkish
peace and friendship prize.
[10] European talks need "patience and persistence", Papandreou says
Athens, 09/06/1997 (ANA)
Talks at the Inter-governmental Conference (IGC) to prepare the
revision of the Maastricht Treaty are in their final stage,
which needs calmness, patience and persistence, Alternate
Foreign Minister George Papandreou said yesterday.
In a statement, Mr. Papandreou said that "negotiations are in
their last and most critical phase. All sides want the process
of forming a new treaty for the European Union (EU) to finish"
but at the same time tried to pass as many amendments as
possible .
"All countries want, with last-minute moves and interventions,
to satisfy their perception for the future shape of the European
Union and certain special national interests," he explained, but
"negotiations are continuing, therefore we need calmness,
patience and persistence."
Mr. Papandreou pointed out that the revised treaty would
"determine to a large extent the future of Europe and affect
directly the future of great negotiations on public finances and
the European Union budget", among other things.
Referring to Greece's part in the IGC talks, Mr. Papandreou said
that "it was the first time Greece entered such a round of
negotiations with such adequate and long preparation, by
supporting its stance with scholarly data and through alliances."
What was very pleasing to note, he said, was that "it was
possible for Greece to contribute in the creation of a climate
of co-operation among the smaller states of the Union".
[11] Injunction against Olympic Metro over subway construction filed
Athens, 09/06/1997 (ANA)
The government will file an injunction against the Olympic Metro
consortium because it refuses to leave the worksite of
Kerameikos, Environment, Town Planning and Public Works
Under-secretary Christos Verelis said yesterday.
Mr. Verelis said Olympic Metro had forfeited its right to work
at that particular section of the subway project, and the
government was holding another auction for the construction of a
test tunnel between Syntagma and Kerameikos.
The government planned to give the assignment to the winning
bidder, but the joint venture was obstructing the procedure by
refusing to vacate the premises. Mr. Verelis denied press
reports that the company had agreed anew with the government to
deliver the disputed section in 2001 instead of 1999, at an
added cost of 31 billion drachmas.
[12] First thalassotherapy center opens in Crete
Athens, 09/06/1997 (ANA)
Greece's first thalassotherapy center, the Royal Mare Village
Thalasso, was inaugurated late on Saturday by Development
Minister Vasso Papandreou at Anisara, near Iraklion.
Ms Papandreou said that the center fell within the government's
policy to upgrade tourism services and expressed the hope that
others would follow the example. The center's director, Nikos
Angelopoulos said that investment had cost eight billion
drachmas.
The inauguration was also attended by National Defense
Under-secretary Dimitris Apostolakis, Greek National Tourist
Organization (EOT) Secretary General Nikos Skoulas, government
officials, deputies and local officials.
[13] Parliament debate on social dialogue tomorrow
Athens, 09/06/1997 (ANA)
Prime Minister Costas Simitis and main opposition New Democracy
party president Costas Karamanlis will meet in Parliamentary
debate on Tuesday on the issue of 'social dialogue' between
government, unions and employers to discuss proposed changes to
the job market.
Sources said the prime minister will stress the role of 'social
dialogue' as a permanent choice of ruling PASOK under present
conditions which demand significant changes. He is also expected
to challenge the positions expressed to date by the opposition
parties and call on them to support the effort.
On his part, Mr. Karamanlis will charge that the government is
using social dialogue to avoid paying the costs of decisions and
pushing the cost onto social partners to avoid internal party
conflict.
[14] Papandreou monument unveiled
Athens, 09/06/1997 (ANA)
Sculptor Kyriakos Rokkos yesterday unveiled the marble monument
to be placed at the grave of late ruling PASOK founder and
president Andreas Papandreou at ceremonies commemorating the
first anniversary of his death on June 23.
The four-ton bronze and marble monument was designed after joint
consultations with Papandreou's children and his widow, Dimitra
Liani. It is, Mr. Rokkos said, "a symbolic re-enactment of the
course and struggle conducted by Andreas Papandreou with the
Greek people".
The cost of the 10 million drachma monument will be borne by
PASOK.
The monument will be officially unveiled on June 22.
[15] Acropolis Rally begins
Athens, 09/06/1997 (ANA)
The 44th Acropolis Rally began yesterday at the foot of Greece's
most famous landmark.
The rally will end on Tuesday after drivers have covered a total
distance of 1,263 kilometers, which includes 20 special sections
stretching 458 kms.
Some 30 foreign and 71 Greek crews are participating in this
year's rally, which is regarded as one of the toughest on the
World Championship circuit.
[16] OTE purchases 20% of Serbian PTT's shares
Belgrade, 09/06/1997 (ANA-M. Mouratidis)
The Hellenic Telecommunications Organization (OTE) will buy 20
per cent of the Serbian Telecommunications Organization (PTT)
under an agreement being signed in Belgrade today.
The agreement was originally scheduled to be signed yesterday.
State-owned PTT has also agreed to sell 29% of its shares to the
Italian telecommunications company STET. Together, the deals
carry a total value of 1.56 billion marks.
The three parties will sign the agreement at the presidential
building in the presence of Serbian Prime Minister Mirko
Marianovic.
They will then be received by Serbian President Slobodan
Milosevic, and later give a joint press conference in which
Serbian Privatization Minister Milan Beko will present the
details.
According to local press reports, 1.24 billion marks of the
total amount will be paid immediately, and the remainder at the
start of 1998.
The PTT board of directors will comprise of nine members,
including two representatives from OTE and another two from
STET. The remainder will be appointed by the Serbian government.
[17] Two killed in minefield
Athens, 09/06/1997 (ANA)
The General Army Staff announced on Saturday that the bodies of
two men, believed to be illegal immigrants, had been found
inside a minefield on the Greek-Turkish border.
It said the bodies were found on Friday in an area near the
village of Vissa, adding that the minefield was clearly marked
and well fenced.
It is believed that the two unidentified men were killed on the
night of May 30, when bad weather covered up the sound of the
exploding mines.
[18] Police make five drug arrests over weekend
Athens, 09/06/1997 (ANA)
Police yesterday netted 12 kilos of heroin and arrested four
people in two different operations in the northern Greek area.
All four were nationals of the Former Yugoslav Republic of
Macedonia (FYROM).
Two men, believed by police to be members of an international
narcotics smuggling ring, were arrested at a police roadblock in
Sappes, Rodopi in possession of seven kilos of heroin.
Police said the two were the driver and co-driver of a tourist
coach with Serb license plates. The names of the two have not
yet been released.
Another two men were arrested early yesterday by Evros customs
police who found 5.5 kilos of heroin hidden in their car.
The two, who were traveling from Istanbul to Skopje, were
identified as Adem Kazimi and Naim Zekiri, both aged 21.
The men will appear before the Alexandroupoli public prosecutor.
On Saturday, an Argentinean man was arrested at Iraklion airport
for attempting to smuggle one kilo of cocaine into the country.
Nestor Aquilino Rodriguez, 55, was arrested after arriving in
Crete on a Dutch airline flight from Amsterdam. The police said
the starting point of his journey to Iraklion was Buenos Aires.
Rodriguez, who claimed to be a construction worker, reportedly
told the police that he was neither a dealer nor a user.
[19] Garbage collectors begin cleaning up
Athens, 09/06/1997 (ANA)
Garbage collectors on Saturday began the mammoth task of
clearing tons of refuse from the streets of Athens and Piraeus
after calling off a week-long strike.
The decision to go back to work was taken late Friday night
after agreement was reached during talks between local
government organization workers' representatives and Interior
Under-secretary Lambros Papadimas.
It was estimated three days will be needed for the collection of
the 10,000 tons of garbage which accumulated on streets during
last week.
End of English language section.
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