Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 97-10-24

Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

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

ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No. 1323), October 24, 1997

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

CONTENTS

[01] Harassment of minesweeper by Turkish vessel reported, more airspace violations

[02] More Athens FIR infringements reported

[03] European Court finds Greek tax on used-car imports illegal

[04] Greek equities end sharply lower

[05] Merchant marine ministry sets up procurement agency

[06] Aluminium conference to be held in Loutraki

[07] Gov't promises 19 new sports facilities before 2004

[08] Simitis inaugurates hydroelectric project on Nestos

[09] OTE-Price-Waterhouse agreements

[10] IOBE cites paramount importance of convergence

[11] Int'l tourism/telecoms congress on Samos begins

[12] Greece satisfied with US official's retraction

[13] Tsohatzopoulos says US exerting pressure

[14] Fourth Greek-Turkish business forum opens

[15] EOT Secretary-General

[16] Greece 'follows policy of tension', Turkish FM claims

[17] Premier tours mountainous Drama prefecture

[18] Kaklamanis to participate in Trieste conference

[19] Imvros issue raised by acting CoE president

[20] Alternate Foreign Minister interviewed by CNN

[21] G. Papandreou meets with Congressman Hamilton

[22] Gore praises Patriarch's contribution to environmental awareness

[23] Vartholomeos received by Clintons

[24] Greek MPs meets with French colleagues

[25] Meeting with Moscovici

[26] Archbishop of Albania presented with honorary tome

[27] Greek ambassador to Belgrade visits Montenegro

[28] Book fair in Belgrade includes Greek kiosk

[29] Karamanlis accuses gov't of 'hypocrisy'

[30] Gov't response

[31] Venizelos urges UNESCO help in return of marbles

[32] Nationwide strike hits public, private sector

[33] Gov't

[34] Around Greece

[01] Harassment of minesweeper by Turkish vessel reported, more airspace violations

Athens, 24/10/1997 (ANA)

According to a statement by the Hellenic Navy General Staff yesterday, a Turkish patrol boat (P-133) at 10:45 a.m. Wednesday "dangerously approached, at a distance of five to 10 metres, and harassed the minesweeper 'Avra', which was sailing with a stead y course at six knots in international waters south of Lesvos, while additionally, it (the Turkish vessel) was not responding to calls by the minesweeper 'Avra' on the international call and communication frequency Channel 16 for its departure.

"Instead, the Turkish patrol boat approached the minesweeper Avra from the stern and passed with a greater speed at a short distance of about five metres from the right, causing - either due to mishandling or on purpose - it to touch its left stern with the minesweeper Avra's starboard right side, causing paint scraping."

The statement added that no Turkish submarine was in the area, "therefore, claims over attempts to ram a Turkish submarine is a distortion of the truth and the real incidents, as well as an attempt to cover-up the unacceptable act of harassment".

The incident took place 7.5 miles south of the island of Lesvos, according to reports.

The semi-official Anadolu news agency quoting a Turkish foreign ministry statement said the two vessels collided when a Hellenic Navy minesweeper harassed a Turkish submarine that was attempting to emerge, while the Turkish vessel tried to protect the submarine.

The chief of the Turkish Armed Forces, Gen. Ismail Hakki Karadayi, later alleged that a Greek warship on Wednesday attempted to "cross over" a Turkish submarine in the Aegean, describing it as a "hostile act", accusing Greece of "launching a serious offensive action."

"We are trying to avoid all sorts of confrontations and misunderstandings, but provocative events happen from time to time in certain areas," Gen. Karadayi was reported as saying.

According to Anadolu, after the incident the acting secretary of the Greek embassy in Ankara was called to the Turkish foreign ministry and was handed a harsh protest note.

[02] More Athens FIR infringements reported

Athens, 24/10/1997 (ANA)

In all cases the Turkish aircraft were intercepted by Hellenic Air Force planes, while in one case the interception procedure developed into an engagement.

[03] European Court finds Greek tax on used-car imports illegal

Brussels, 24/10/1997 (ANA/M.Spinthourakis)

Greece imposes a special consumer tax rate on private cars imported into Greece. The flat-rate tax is payable the first time a car is registered in Greece - whether it is new or used - and used cars are taxed as though they were new, according to court documents.

Although Greece lowered taxes on cars with anti-pollution devices, imported used cars were not eligible for those reduced rates.

The Court agreed with the Commission that Greece's tax system was a violation of single market rules prohibiting taxes on goods imported from other member states.

"It is common ground that imported used cars and those bought locally constitute similar or competing products and article 95 therefore applies to the special consumer tax charged on the importation of used cars," the court said.

Greece's finance ministry in a statement released in Athens shortly afterwards said that a new system under proposal would not lead to any fundamental changes in the domestic car market.

The government's intention is to seek a modernization of the car fleet with the promotion of advanced low-pollution technology.

[04] Greek equities end sharply lower

Athens, 24/10/1997 (ANA)

Traders said the market resumed its short-term correction trend following a short-lived rebound on Wednesday. Investors remained on the sidelines ahead of the presentation of next year's budget by the government in mid-November.

The general index closed 1.46 percent lower at 1,710.66 points. Sector indices lost ground. Banks fell 1.13 percent, Insurance eased 1.89 percent, Leasing dropped 2.40 percent, Investment fell 0.97 percent, Construction plunged 2.84 percent, Industrials eased 1.70 percent, Miscellaneous was 2.77 percent off and Holding dropped 1.55 percent.

The parallel market index for small cap companies was 2.18 percent down.

Turnover was moderate at 19.1 billion drachmas.

Broadly, decliners led advancers by 187 to 35 with another 18 issues unchanged.

Keranis, Cambas and 3A scored the biggest percentage gains, while Nirefs, Radio Athina, Chalyps Cement and Katselis suffered the heaviest losses.

National Bank of Greece ended at 31,200 drachmas, Ergobank at 18,600, Alpha Credit Bank at 20,300, Delta Dairy at 3,995, Titan Cement at 15,740, Intracom at 15,590 and Hellenic Telecommunications Organization at 6,500.

In the domestic foreign exchange market the US dollar fell by 0.09 percent against the drachma.

[05] Merchant marine ministry sets up procurement agency

Athens, 24/10/1997 (ANA)

The company, Capital Equipment SA, has a capital of 50 million drachmas and an initial duration of twenty years.

The Greek state is the sole owner of the company.

[06] Aluminium conference to be held in Loutraki

Athens, 24/10/1997 (ANA)

The aluminium industry plays a very important factor in the Greek economy. The sector employs more than 40,000 workers in its 8,000 manufacturers across the country.

Total turnover exceeds 1.2 trillion drachmas, placing the Greek industry among the biggest in the European Union.

[07] Gov't promises 19 new sports facilities before 2004

Athens, 24/10/1997 (ANA)

Speaking to reporters yesterday, Mr. Fouras said the projects planned are the following: an Olympic village; an electronic media centre (at the Athens Olympic Stadium), a written media centre; an Olympic tennis centre; a multi-purpose complex in Faliro; the Faliro baseball park; a Faliro softball park; a Faliro beach volley centre; Karaiskaki Stadium (amendments for field hockey), an indoor arena in Galatsi; a weightlifting arena in Nikea; an Olympic sailing centre at Agios Kosmas; modern Pentathlon installations at Goudi; an Olympic riding centre at Tatoi; an Olympic archery ring at Tatoi; an Olympic shooting complex at Markopoulo; an Olympic canoeing centre at Schoinias; crew installations at Schinias and the Panthessalian Stadium at Nea Ionia, Volos.

Mr. Fouras added that, apart from the 19 new projects, considerable improvements will be made to existing installations, including at the Nikos Goumas Stadium in the Nea Philadelphia district (the home stadium of AEK), the Kaftantzoglio Stadium in Thessaloniki and the Patra National Stadium.

[08] Simitis inaugurates hydroelectric project on Nestos

Athens, 24/10/1997 (ANA)

Stressing the importance of the project, Mr. Simitis said a number of Greek companies had co-operated to ensure its success, adding that it showed Greece could respond to technological challenges.

"The future of development lies in co-operation", Mr.Simitis said, sending a message to the neighbouring peoples local government and other social agencies.

The premier said northern Greece could "and must" serve as a springboard for development initiatives in the greater region of the Balkans. Also present at the inauguration were Development Minister Vasso Papandreou and Agriculture Minister Stephanos Tzoumakas.

The total amount of electricity expected to be generated by the project annually is about 1,400 GWh, while at least 570,000 cubic metres of water will be available for irrigation every year.

[09] OTE-Price-Waterhouse agreements

Athens, 24/10/1997 (ANA)

A market assessment and monitoring committee is also anticipated.

In the event another proposal is made by third parties with better prices, the contractors will be called immediately and an improvement in price will be requested. If they do not agree, the contract is dissolved and they will resort to arbitration.

[10] IOBE cites paramount importance of convergence

Athens, 24/10/1997 (ANA)

This view is expressed by the Foundation for Economic and Industrial Research (IOBE) in the latest edition on its positions on the development of the Greek economy.

IOBE said the role played by the state in Greece throughout the entire postwar period and, primarily, the conceptions, values, mentalities and practices shaped by the long-term dependence of society on the state, are responsible for the problems faced by the country at present and obstruct its development.

IOBE's positions on the development of the Greek economy refer to the need for a transition "from the public to the private sector, from protection to competition, from collective inertia to individual initiative, from extravagance to effectiveness and from closed sectors to the open economy."

[11] Int'l tourism/telecoms congress on Samos begins

Athens, 24/10/1997 (ANA)

The congress is also organized by the Nuclear Research Centre "Dimokritos", the University of the Aegean and the Research Institute of the Eastern Aegean.

Transport and Communications Minister Tassos Mantelis addressed the meeting through a tele-conference system set up by state-owned OTE.

The congress will end on Saturday.

[12] Greece satisfied with US official's retraction

Athens, 24/10/1997 (ANA)

Athens responded sharply, describing Mr. Rubin's statement as "unacceptable and unprecedented". The next day, US special emissary for Cyprus, Richard Holbrooke, said the harassment was a "reality" and the US State Department was wrong in not outrightly admitting it.

Mr. Rubin on Wednesday retracted his earlier statement saying:

"On Monday I didn't do my job properly. The last 24 hours, top officials of the US administration have set the issue before the Turkish government... We have expressed directly to the Turkish government our position that we find the act of (their) flying n ear the aircraft of the Greek defense minister disturbing..."

Mr. Reppas also confirmed that Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos had a telephone conversation with Mr. Holbrooke Wednesday night.

Replying to reporters' questions, Mr. Reppas said the government believed US interest in the problems of the region was "in principle positive", while adding that "specific initiatives will be judged in practice".

The spokesman also commented on an incident Wednesday during the briefing of NATO defense attaches at the national defense ministry. As the attaches were requesting clarifications about the mid-air harassment incidents, the Turkish defense attache said Ankara desired good relations with Greece and Cyprus and had proven this in 1974 when "although it could have seized the whole of Cyprus, it seized only half."

Mr. Reppas described the Turkish official's remarks as "a foolish provocation which shows that Turkey has very little self-confidence and great insecurity."

"Such statements are ridiculous and dangerous. Such boasts have no place in contacts between the officials of various countries," Mr. Reppas added.

[13] Tsohatzopoulos says US exerting pressure

Athens, 24/10/1997 (ANA)

Briefing the parliamentary committee for defense and foreign affairs behind closed doors, Mr. Tsohatzopoulos also did not rule out the possibility of a major incident in the Aegean involving Greece and Turkey.

According to the same sources, Mr. Tsohatzopoulos was speaking about the provocative stance of Turkey and the continuous Athens FIR infringements and Greek airspace violations by Turkish warplanes.

Mr. Tsohatzopoulos assured the committee that the government was taking all the necessary steps internationally while strengthening its diplomatic position and defense.

During the briefing session, Mr. Tsohatzopoulos spoke out about the new structure of NATO, while the committee also discussed matters pertaining to the country's security and defense.

[14] Fourth Greek-Turkish business forum opens

Athens, 24/10/1997 (ANA)

Speaking during the opening session of the fourth annual forum in Athens, Sarik Tara, vice-chairman of Turkey's business council, told businessmen that the Balkan summit in Crete early next month provided a great opportunity to improve bilateral relations.

He confirmed that Turkish Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz would be attending the summit and underlined that Turkish businessmen were pressing both political and military leaders in the country in order to improve Greek-Turkish relations. Mr. Tara called on his Greek counterparts to do the same.

About 25 Greek and 30 Turkish businessmen are attending the fourth Greek-Turkish forum.

The agenda includes creation of joint ventures between construction companies, aimed at landing projects in the wider Balkan region and the development of co-operation in the tourism sector.

Other issues are the avoidance of double taxation and the possibilities of utilizing European Union programs concerning the Balkans which necessitate co-operation between Greece and non-EU countries.

[15] EOT Secretary-General

Athens, 24/10/1997 (ANA)

Mr. Skoulas said the development of co-operation between Greek and Turkish businesspeople is possible in the tourist sector, since the two countries resemble each other in many ways with regard to natural beauty, climate and hospitality.

He called on the Turkish businesspeople to follow their Greek colleagues and forge ahead with new forms of tourism development, such as in ecological and convention tourism.

Lastly, Mr. Skoulas expressed his optimism that the Balkan summit in Crete will have positive results and called on businesspeople from both countries to contribute in this direction.

[16] Greece 'follows policy of tension', Turkish FM claims

Ankara, 24/10/1997 (ANA/AFP)

"Greece is following a continuous policy of tension with Turkey. It seems happy with the 'status quo' because it does not miss out on continuing the tension," Mr. Cem said during a breakfast with reporters.

"The approaches of Turkey and Greece are entirely different. Good relations and peace are in our best interests, but unfortunately, Greece doesn't arrive at this point. It seems they like the 'status quo'," he added.

"We must wonder about the value of the methods followed up to now" in seeking a solution to the Cyprus issue," Mr. Cem said.

"For Greek Cypriots to be led to a solution an equal regime must be recognized for the Turkish Cypriots also," he said. "With such a recognition, it would be possible to seek a solution for Cyprus," he added.

[17] Premier tours mountainous Drama prefecture

Athens, 24/10/1997 (ANA)

Referring to his visit to the mountainous Drama prefecture with government officials, Mr. Simitis explained that they wished to send a message all over the country on the course of the country, the government's policy and on what it is pursuing.

"I found myself at Nestorio, Kastoria several days ago, near the borders with Albania, and today I am here with the ministers, near the Bulgarian borders, because we want to show that Greece wishes to develop its co-operation with the Balkan countries and be a pioneer in this geographic area," he said.

On the question of the government's economic policy, he said "we have considerably improved our performances in the economy. We have lower inflation. Our products do not increase their prices so quickly any more as in past years."

Mr. Simitis visited the border checkpoint at Exochi afterwards where he formally opened the barriers separating Greece and Bulgaria for decades. So far 2.5 billion drachmas have been spent on infrastructure works at the Exochi checkpoint and it is expected to operate at the end of 1998.

Mr. Simitis also met officials from southern Bulgaria at the Exochi checkpoint.

[18] Kaklamanis to participate in Trieste conference

Athens, 24/10/1997 (ANA)

The conference will focus on the fight against organized crime; the role of national parliaments emerging through the evolution of supranational organizations and the strengthening of regional government.

[19] Imvros issue raised by acting CoE president

Brussels, 24/10/1997 (ANA)

"The Council expresses its regret over the fact that the right to property of a non-Moslem minority, for which guarantees are provided by international treaties, is hostage due to the poor climate prevailing lately between Turkey and one member-state," he said.

His comment came in response to a question by Greek Euro-MP Mihalis Papayiannakis regarding Turkey's new land register, through which, the authorities, in violation of article 14 of the Treaty of Lausanne are trying to usurp the properties of the ethnic Greek residents.

[20] Alternate Foreign Minister interviewed by CNN

Washington, 24/10/1997 (ANA/T. Ellis)

However, he said it was too soon to speak about Turkish accession to the EU because "there are certain criteria, which are self-evident rules of Europe, such as respect for international law, borders, human rights and democracy".

Questioned on the prospects of settling the Cyprus issue in light of the initiative of US special presidential emissary on Cyprus, Richard Holbrooke, Mr. Papandreou said that not only Greece but the international community, too, were pressing for a Cyprus solution.

"After 23 years of military occupation of northern Cyprus by Turkey, Cyprus' imminent accession as a full member of the European Union ... is also an important prospect for the Turkish Cypriot community, for all of Cyprus -- Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots alike. It is an opportunity to convince Turkey to decide to contribute to a solution to the Cyprus problem, for the reunification of Cyprus, for a united and democratic Cyprus," said Mr. Papandreou, who is currently on a US visit. Asked what guarantees there would be for the Turkish Cypriots, Mr. Papandreou said this would be the subject of negotiations between the two sides, adding that the Cypriot government, under President Glafcos Clerides, endorsed the extension of as many guarantees as possible for the Turkish Cypriot side.

Asked if he was worried by the developments in the Balkans Mr. Papandreou said the Greek government was monitoring developments and was concerned, but supported stability, economic co-operation and the fundamental principles of human rights, institutions, and respect for borders.

"We wish to change the picture of the Balkans, because the peoples there want to live in a multi-cultural European society. Greece co-operated with Albania in confronting the recent crisis. Relations now with FYROM are much better, although still outstanding is the name issue, which is being discussed at the United Nations," he said.

Regional co-operation in the Balkans would receive a further boost with the first Balkan summit meeting, which would take place next month on the island of Crete "where the Balkan leaders will hold talks at a multilateral level for the first time", Mr. Papandreou added.

[21] G. Papandreou meets with Congressman Hamilton

Washington, 24/10/1997 (ANA)

Mr. Hamilton also referred to both the political and academic work of Andreas Papandreou.

Mr. Papandreou briefed the Indiana Congressman on the Greek initiative on the Balkan summit in Crete.

[22] Gore praises Patriarch's contribution to environmental awareness

Washington, 24/10/1997 (ANA/A. Kourkoulas)

"Your words on the protection of the environment dispel the doubts of sceptics and strengthen our efforts," Mr. Gore said, adding that US President Bill Clinton had made extensive references to Vartholomeos' comments when presenting the first US plan for fighting the "greenhouse effect".

The event was attended by Alternate Foreign Minister George Papandreou, Greek ambassador to Washington Loukas Tsilas, Turkish ambassador to Washington Nujet Kandemir, among others.

Vartholomeos left Washington yesterday for Baltiomore. His next stop is in New York.

[23] Vartholomeos received by Clintons

Athens, 24/10/1997 (ANA)

These issues will be brought up by Mr. Clinton during his upcoming meeting with Turkish Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz, who will visit Washington in December, sources close to the Patriarch said.

Mr. Clinton expressed the wish that Greek-Turkish differences be resolved, that friendly relations between the two countries be established, and that the Cyprus problem also be resolved.

They also discussed initiatives the Ecumenical Patriarchate had taken on the issue of environmental protection and international awareness.

Following their meeting, Vartholomeos repaid a visit by First Lady Hillary Clinton and later attended a reception in his honour at the White House.

During an official dinner on Wednesday evening given in his honour by US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, Vartholomeos appealed for support for Orthodox countries of eastern Europe, a vast region coming out of the trials of communist rule, as he said.

[24] Greek MPs meets with French colleagues

Paris, 24/10/1997 (ANA)

The delegation comprises three deputies from ruling PASOK and two from main opposition New Democracy, all of whom are members of the parliamentary group for Greek-French friendship.

The Greek delegation said it was concerned about a reduction in French schools and branches of the Institut Francaise in Greece, and its interest in contributing to the promotion of the French language.

Their French counterparts spoke about the contribution of Greek culture and its position in France and expressed concern about the reduction of Greek university students in France, who are turning more to British and German universities.

Other topics discussed were Cyprus' accession to the European Union and Greek-Turkish relations.

The Greek deputies invited their French counterparts to visit in autumn 1988.

[25] Meeting with Moscovici

Athens, 24/10/1997 (ANA)

Following the meeting, committee head Iossif Mihelogiannis said the minister clarified France's position on the Cyprus accession negotiations to the European Union (EU), that they begin as scheduled.

Mr. Moscovici, the deputy said, considered the French-German axis in the EU necessary to Europe's completion, but France also wished to contribute in the greatest possible way to the union's Mediterranean policy, for a balance between the north and south member-states.

According to Mr. Mihelogiannis, the French official also expressed France's satisfaction that the prime ministers of Greece and Turkey would meet in a congress on Crete early next month.

[26] Archbishop of Albania presented with honorary tome

Athens, 24/10/1997 (ANA)

The commemorative volume contains 50 articles in Greek from all sectors of theoretical sciences and is accompanied by a smaller volume in English.

A third volume in Albanian is expected to be released at a special ceremony in Albania.

Speakers at the event included a professor and a supreme court judge and the Archbishop himself, while messages were read from Archbishop Serafim of Athens and All Greece and Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos.

[27] Greek ambassador to Belgrade visits Montenegro

Belgrade, 24/10/1997 (ANA/M. Mouratidis)

He met with outgoing President Momir Bulatovic, Prime Minister and newly-elected President Milo Djukanovic and the president of the Parliament.

Presidential elections were held last Sunday, and the present leadership's term ends on January 15.

The main topic of the talks were the elections, and Mr. Vlassopoulos asserted that Greece held the same position as that of the observers from the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), who said the election process was legal.

[28] Book fair in Belgrade includes Greek kiosk

Belgrade, 24/10/1997 (ANA/M. Mouratidis)

Greece is participating with a pavilion set up by the Panhellenic Federation of Publishers and Booksellers.

Greek Ambassador to Belgrade Panayiotis Vlassopoulos held a reception at the Greek pavilion in which guests included Serbia's minister of science and technology, officials of the Yugoslav foreign ministry's cultural affairs section, authors and officials of the Greek embassy.

The ministry of culture funded the pavilion.

[29] Karamanlis accuses gov't of 'hypocrisy'

Athens, 24/10/1997 (ANA)

Addressing the party's central committee, Mr. Karamanlis said "the government is retreating and it won't be long before it finds itself in full retreat".

"The fabricated myths about modernization are crumbling daily as a result of the impasse in which government policy has found itself," he said. Mr. Karamanlis attacked the government's handling of national issues, saying that it prejudiced the nation al dignity of the Greeks and created dangers for the country.

The ND leader condemned the government's plans to streamline local government through the compulsory merger of small communities, as contained in the recent tabled "Kapodistrias" bill.

He said the bill, which has provoked nationwide protests, constituted "the crowning example of authoritarianism".

Mr. Karamanlis called on the central committee members "to march to the people".

"Our mission is to reveal the truth," he said, admitting that although ND may have made mistakes in the past, it had not reason whatsoever to compromise with negative phenomena.

Mr. Karamanlis also invited other groups to join his party's efforts.

"We must open our arms to all groups which have the strength and ability to play a role in the course towards the 21st century, such as the productive forces and local government," he said.

[30] Gov't response

Athens, 24/10/1997 (ANA)

Defending the government's policies, Mr. Reppas said ND, "whose policy led to enormous democratic and social problems", had proclaimed itself "accuser of the government".

"The leadership of New Democracy has chosen to speak of dangers and imminent disaster. This stance is understandable. But it is not responsible," Mr. Reppas said.

[31] Venizelos urges UNESCO help in return of marbles

Athens, 24/10/1997 (ANA)

Mr. Venizelos linked the idea with the return of the Parthenon marbles from Britain and said this "is not a demand of the Greek government but of the monument itself that calls for the restoration of its aesthetic and architectural unity".

UNESCO Secretary General Federico Mayor, with whom Mr. Venizelos, met earlier and discussing the issue of the marbles' return, will be visiting Thessaloniki on Dec. 8, opening day for the international conference for environmental education.

[32] Nationwide strike hits public, private sector

Athens, 24/10/1997 (ANA)

General Confederation of Greek Workers (GSEE) President Christos Polyzogopoulos delivered an address at a rally in Pedion tou Areos in Athens, stressing that a large participation in the strike sent a warning that proposed restrictions in social insurance rights would not pass, while measures were needed against unemployment with the establishment of a 35-hour work week at the forefront.

[33] Gov't

Athens, 24/10/1997 (ANA)

Government spokesman Demetris Reppas also disputed the percentages of strike participation provided by trade unionists, saying the figure of 90 per cent was exaggerated. Mr. Reppas said public services functioned satisfactorily.

The rally was followed by a march to Parliament, where a petition was handed to its president, Apostolos Kaklamanis.

Receiving the petition, Mr. Kaklamanis said "unemployment constitutes a danger for social cohesion and democracy" and noted the need for countermeasures, even though he acknowledged that the problem can only be tackled through growth.

Meanwhile, reacting to a characterization of the strike by the government spokesman as "a seasonal phenomenon", Mr. Polyzogopoulos expressed regret.

"He (Mr. Reppas) has not interpreted as he should social anxieties and concerns," the trade union leader said.

The trade unions' next move is expected at the plenum of the "Social Dialogue" Committee on Oct. 30, where both they and the government must unveil their positions on key issues, such as changes in labour relations, incomes policy and measures in social security.

[34] Around Greece

Athens, 24/10/1997 (ANA)

The rally was addressed by Labour Centre President Panagiotis Avramopoulos and the president of the civil servants' trade of Thessaloniki, Demetrios Kitsios.

A resolution was passed calling for real wage increases in 1998, a 35-hour work week without pay cuts, an increase in tax-free income, the index-linking of income tax scales to inflation, changes to insurance laws, retirement after 35 years of work irrespective of age and measures to combat unemployment.

After the rally, striking workers marched to the ministry of Macedonia-Thrace, where a delegation handed the resolution to the ministry's general secretary.

Speaking to reporters, Mr. Avramopoulos said the strike was a great success and the rally the largest in recent years. He added that various forms of labour action would be taken during the winter to protest the state budget and the government's incomes policy.

Mr. Kitsios said civil servants would continue their protests with a 24-hour strike called by the Supreme Civil Servants' Administrative Council (ADEDY) for the second fortnight of November.

According to the Thessaloniki Labour Centre, participation in the strike in industrial concerns such as EKO, AMSTEL and MINERVA reached 100 per cent, while in the case of BALKAN EXPORT and SINK about 95 per cent.

Participation of Public Power Corp. (DEH) workers was 94.5 per cent and at the Agricultural Bank of Greece 80 per cent, according to the centre.

Workers in Piraeus also held a protest rally before marching to the merchant marine ministry.

Hundreds of workers gathered outside the ministry for about 30 minutes before a delegation, headed by Piraeus Labour Centre president Yiannis Michas, handed a resolution to Merchant Marine Minister Stavros Soumakis.

The Panhellenic Seamen's Federation held a four-hour work stoppage yesterday morning but coastal shipping services were not disrupted since no sailings had been scheduled.

The commercial port came to a standstill however as the participation of dockworkers in the 24-hour strike prevented the loading and unloading of vessels.

The picture was much the same in Patra, where striking workers held a rally before marching through the streets of the port city.

In Patra, workers demanded an end to reindustrialization and measures to combat unemployment. They also demanded the re-opening of several industrial units in the area.

Trade unionists who addressed the rally said they would not budge from their positions concerning labour relations, social security and pensions.

End of English language section.

Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article