Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 97-11-12

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

ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No 1338), November 12, 1997

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

CONTENTS

[01] Holbrooke cites 'incompatible differences' on Cyprus question

[02] Ankara talks

[03] EU issues, Cyprus and Turkey dominate Pangalos' talks in Spain

[04] Greek, Turkish local Gov't resumes in Kusadasi

[05] Burns sworn in as new US ambassador to Greece

[06] Greece wants US military helicopters - Pentagon

[07] Greek, US foreign ministry officials meet

[08] Kaklamanis continues official contacts in Germany

[09] Mantelis talks with EU Commissioners Bangemann, Van Miert

[10] Tsohatzopoulos ends official visit to Hungary

[11] Romeos condemns police excesses but says isolated incident

[12] ... Reppas

[13] Gov't, top ND cadres oppose restoration of capital punishment

[14] ... KKE

[15] PM asks for PASOK unity during budget debate, vote

[16] Papantoniou to reveal all about the budget today

[17] Meeting on business finance held in Thessaloniki

[18] Simitis confers with ministers on EU summit, budget

[19] Greek stocks plunge to seven-month low on talk of rate hike

[20] Greek central bank seen lowering interest rates Weds

[21] Greece accuses unnamed speculators of sabotaging the drachma

[22] Greek competition watchdog endorses insurance buyout

[23] Greece says EU enlargement conference unnecessary

[24] Greeks place latest orders for high-speed car ferries

[25] Greek central bank to offer liquidity through swaps

[26] Union federation chief sees progress on social insurance

[27] Greek industrial output again shows recovery

[28] Greek shipping currency inflows up 0.9 pct in July

[29] State hospital physicians say they'll continue mobilizations

[30] PASOK-Synaspismos meeting attempts to bridge differences

[01] Holbrooke cites 'incompatible differences' on Cyprus question

Nicosia, 12/11/1997 (ANA/CNA)

He acknowledged that public views of the Greek and Turkish Cypriot sides on a couple of issues are "incompatible", their disagreements "are very profound", and urged both community leaders to refocus their attention on the future and not on the past, thus remaining hostages of the past.

Mr. Holbrooke reiterated the US administration's resolve to work towards a settlement in Cyprus and said the ongoing peace effort will be continued "in a less visible level".

The US diplomat said Washington contributed to certain "tragic events" in the region in the 1960s and the 1970s, saying "we bear certain responsibility."

Speaking after four hours of talks with Cyprus President Glafcos Clerides and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash, the US presidential emissary said he had "no expectations" from his discussions in Cyprus.

"We have to keep talking to create opportunities, the conversation was candid and confidential and was conducted in a very positive atmosphere. This is in my mind a positive fact," he said.

Yesterday's discussions, he added, showed a "willingness to try to address the problems of the future."

"I know I am talking in what may sound like riddles but I am hopeful," he said.

Mr. Holbrooke noted that he did not ask the two leaders for a commitment to continue some kind of dialogue until March next year.

"The two men are fully accessible to the US government and they are tenacious and articulate defenders of their points of view," he added. Replying to questions, Mr. Holbrooke said "on their publicly stated positions, the two sides have incompatible positions on two or three central issues, such as sovereignty, and they have a legacy of mistrust."

He expressed regret that when he tries to steer discussions about the future, "people here talk about the past... We cannot be imprisoned by the past or disputed history," he added.

The differences between the two "are very profound and they range from very small details like the content of documents to very basic issues like how to deal with the right of refugees to return."

Defining his task in the peace effort, Mr. Holbrooke said the US believes this region is "critical to stability for the US national security and the Europeans."

"We believe that stability is an essential goal in the post cold war period and in my view the other issues between Greece and Turkey cannot be dealt with unless Cyprus is dealt with centrally, it is the core issue," Mr. Holbrooke stressed. Referring to US involvement in this part of the world, he said "the American history is not entirely clean, there are some things previous American administrations did in this area, particularly between mid-1960s and 1974, which I think were shameful."

Cyprus gained independence from Britain in 1960. Three years later clashes between the Greek and Turkish Cypriot communities broke out, while Turkish troops invaded and occupied 37 per cent of Cyprus territory in 1974.

"We bear certain responsibility for our role in contributing to certain events here which were tragic," he added.

He said he would consult with US ambassadors in Nicosia, Ankara and Athens as well as the US president and his secretary of state before deciding on his next steps.

Replying to questions, he said US ambassador Kenneth Brill will continue the dialogue on a "less visible level on a regular basis".

[02] Ankara talks

Ankara, 12/11/1997 (ANA - A. Abatzis)

He made the remark after the end of a meeting with Turkish Foreign Minister Ismail Cem in Ankara, adding that there was an agreement by all parties involved in the Cyprus talks to avoid statements.

Mr. Holbrooke was also scheduled to meet with Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit before meeting later yesterday evening with Turkish Premier Mesut Yilmaz.

[03] EU issues, Cyprus and Turkey dominate Pangalos' talks in Spain

Madrid, 12/11/1997 (ANA)

The press conference came during the first day of Mr. Pangalos' official visit to Spain.

The two ministers also discussed Greek national issues which, together with the accession of Cyprus to the European Union, constituted one of the main topics of discussion. Speaking to reporters after their meeting, the ministers announced that they handled the issue of an upcoming visit by Spanish King Juan Carlos and Queen Sophia to Greece, while Mr. Pangalos also announced that he conveyed an invitation from Prime Minister Costas Simitis to his Spanish counterpart Jose-Maria Aznar to visit Greece.

Mr. Matutes said the two countries expressed their desire to increase Greek-Spanish exchanges and common investments, while Mr. Pangalos announced meetings between business circles from the two countries and a future agreement on the avoidance of double taxation.

On the question of processes for promoting relations between the European Union and Turkey, according to reports in the Spanish press yesterday, an initiative exists to invite Ankara to the Continuous European Conference and postponement of the Accession Council in 15 days in exchange for certain concessions in the agricultural and customs sectors, Mr. Matutes said that "there was nothing else than guesswork."

"...In every case, Spain will study every proposal which will be presented and will defend, as it has always done, our legal interests. I repeat once again that it is a question of guesswork and suppositions which, in no case, constitute a threat for our agricultural products," he said.

On his part, Mr. Pangalos said "there is a relationship with Turkey, there is a customs union. I think that we must complete this structure. There is a discussion with Turkey, certain conditions have been set by the EU on April 29. We will see the Turkish minister in 15 days in Brussels and we will discuss it again. Now, on the question of agricultural policy, I must tell you that we in Athens have made an estimation: If Turkey enters the EU tomorrow, this means an increase in agricultural expenditures by 80 per cent. And this is so because Turkey has a colossal agricultural production which it does not consume because it has 60 million inhabitants. In addition, it has huge modernization problems. Therefore, we cannot request from countries which are E U member-states... to pay this bill and in any case, not Mediterranean countries."

Mr. Pangalos further said "we are always hoping for a just and viable solution to the Cyprus issue. The accession of Cyprus to the EU will resolve many of the problems which at present are the object of disagreement. It will provide guarantees of stability and security for all the inhabitants of Cyprus, both the Greeks and the Turks."

[04] Greek, Turkish local Gov't resumes in Kusadasi

Athens, 12/11/1997 (ANA)

The subject of this week's meeting is "Aegean-Clean Seas" and is a continuation of a three-day meeting on the same issue held in Mytilene last month.

According to informed sources, the opening will be attended by Turkey's environment and shipping ministers.

[05] Burns sworn in as new US ambassador to Greece

Washington, 12/11/1997 (ANA - T. Ellis)

Mr. Burns, who arrives in Athens early December, said his main goals in his new post would be the continuation of close military co-operation between the US and Greece, promoting the resolution of Greek-Turkish differences in the Aegean and a resolution of the Cyprus issue as well as co-operation in fighting terrorism.

He said Washington supported Greece's policy in the Balkans and considers the Simitis government's economic policy to be moving in the right direction.

The 41-year-old diplomat referred at length to the "blood ties" between Greeks and Americans and expressed his intention to maintain contact with the Greek-American community.

US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, referring to Mr. Burns as a very good friend and associate, added:

"Athens is a post where we send our very best diplomats and Nicholas Burns is one of the best we have."

Present at the ceremony, apart from Ms Albright, were State Department official James Rubin, Greece's Ambassador in Washington Lucas Tsilas, and the ambassadors of Cyprus, Turkey and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.

[06] Greece wants US military helicopters - Pentagon

Washington, 12/11/1997 (Reuters/ANA)

The package, if approved by Congress, would also include 28 M-60 machine guns, eight M-2 machine guns, ammunition, three spare engines and other support equipment, the Pentagon said.

It said the transport helicopters "will provide the Greek armed forces with an improved capability to transport personnel and cargo for both military and humanitarian assistance purposes."

But in apparent reference to long military and political tension between NATO allies Greece and Turkey, the Pentagon stressed that the equipment would be provided to Greece "in accordance with and subject to the limitations on use and transfer of the Arms Export Control Act."

The Pentagon also said that Greece was seeking to buy 30 Army tactical missiles and launch equipment for $31 million.

And it announced separately that Turkey was seeking to buy four military "Firefinder" radar sets to help Turkish forces accurately and quickly respond to artillery fire.

All of the sales are considered routine defense items, but the Pentagon said the radar sets would also go to Turkey under limitations of the arms export act.

[07] Greek, US foreign ministry officials meet

Washington, 12/11/1997 (ANA - T. Ellis)

Talks focused on relations between Athens and Washington as well as the role played by Greece in the southeastern Mediterranean and the Balkans.

Mr. Bikas presented his US counterpart, who assumed the post of State Department spokesman three months ago, with the priorities of Greek foreign policy, placing emphasis on the possibilities offered by Greece's economic potential in the region.

According to diplomatic sources, development of a corridor of communication between the two foreign ministries will contribute to the prevention of unexpected events which create tension in relations between the two countries - as was the case recently with the reactions caused by Mr. Rubin's statements regarding the harassment of a military transport plane carrying Greek Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos to and from Cyprus by Turkish fighters.

[08] Kaklamanis continues official contacts in Germany

Stuttgart, 12/11/1997 (ANA)

After contacts here with the president of the local government, Mr. Kaklamanis told reporters that the response of German officials was very positive.

Referring to Greece's initiatives for rapprochement between the southeast European countries and the solution of existing bilateral problems, Mr. Kaklamanis told German officials that the European Union should also actively express interest on those issues, before it was too late.

[09] Mantelis talks with EU Commissioners Bangemann, Van Miert

Brussels, 12/11/1997 (ANA - P. Pantelis)

As the Commission is taking legal action against Greece for delaying deregulation of the telecommunications market, Mr. Mantelis said that he did not make any efforts to avert the recourse.

He stressed that within the deadlines provided for by the recourse process, Greece would have managed to arrange the pending telecoms issue.

The Greek minister, however, admitted that his discussion with Commissioner Van Miert also touched on several sensitive issues, such as linking mobile telephony in Greece with international networks without intervention of Greece's national network.

Commissioner Bangemann told Mr. Mantelis that he was planning to visit Athens in May and he hoped that by then, many of the pending issues will have been settled.

[10] Tsohatzopoulos ends official visit to Hungary

Budapest, 12/11/1997 (ANA - C. Giannarakos)

Mr. Tsohatzopoulos further stressed that the same preconditions applied also for the case of Turkey, as far as upgrading its relations with Europe was concerned.

The Greek minister described as a very positive coincidence the fact that his visit to Budapest was made at a time when Hungary was requesting NATO membership, and also preparing to seek an equal place into the European Union.

In the sector of security and defense, Greece and Hungary decided to exchange expertise - at military and technical levels - on the armaments sector.

[11] Romeos condemns police excesses but says isolated incident

Athens, 12/11/1997 (ANA)

He has also instructed Deputy Police Chief Demetris Mitropoulos to investigate claims that riot squad officers in Thessaloniki had links with extreme right-wing organizations and were therefore willfully lax in preventing violent demonstrations that mar red a seminar between Greek and Turkish businessmen in the northern Greek capital. Ruling PASOK party MP Paraskevas Paraskevopoulos claimed in Parliament that the riot squad officers instructed their men not to hinder or arrest any of the demonstrators during a seminar between Greek and Turkish businessmen in the northern Greek capital on October 30.

Mr. Paraskevopoulos also tabled in Parliament a videotape in which police officers who now hold senior positions were holding a pro-junta 'fiesta' in 1993 during which an illegal immigrant was manhandled.

The videotape showed a picnic in April 1993 during which police officers -- who allegedly included the present head of Thessaloniki's police operations, Col. Spyros Koutramanis and current senior Thessaloniki riot squad (MAT) officers George Anastassiadis and Nikos Kelidis -- singing and dancing to songs celebrating the 1967-74 colonels' junta, firing guns in the air, wearing junta insignia and manhandling a prisoner, dressed only in underpants and most likely an illegal immigrant, by rolling him in mud .

Mr. Romeos said that the 1993 incident had been related to links with extreme right-wing organizations, but was "isolated" and did "not give rise to concern", adding that he would "mercilessly crush any remnants of the dictatorship".

He said that new evidence had arisen, which was being investigated by Mr. Mitropoulos, but added he could not make the evidence public at this time.

Mr. Romeos also conceded that there had indeed been a problem with the police's attitude during the demonstrations in Thessaloniki at the business seminar.

[12] ... Reppas

Athens, 12/11/1997 (ANA)

However, he made a distinction between police officers who were carrying out orders and those who were acting alone.

In the latter case, he said the state would take all the necessary action to deal with such phenomena.

Mr. Reppas added that any officers proved guilty of negligence at last week's Greek-Turkish business meeting in Thessaloniki would be punished.

[13] Gov't, top ND cadres oppose restoration of capital punishment

Athens, 12/11/1997 (ANA)

Mr. Yiannopoulos, speaking to the Parliament committee on constitutional revision, added however, "when we say life (sentence), we mean life."

Sixty-one deputies, six from ruling PASOK and 55 from the main opposition New Democracy party, have tabled a petition in Parliament seeking reinstatement of the death penalty for drug dealers.

In a letter to the constitutional revision committee released on Monday, the 61 parliamentarians cited a unanimous recommendation for the reinstatement of capital punishment to apply to narcotics traffickers, which was contained in a March 1992 report by an ad hoc inter-party parliamentary committee focusing on the narcotics problem.

"Since then, there has been a rapid spread of narcotics, while the drug dealers have grown increasingly insolent," the letter stated.

Although capital punishment has not been abolished de jure in Greece, the provision has not been applied for nearly 25 years.

The last execution took place in the early '70s, during the colonels' junta, when Georgios Lymberis was put to death for the murder of his wife and two children.

The 61 petitioners also said that "the unscrupulous drug traffickers are decimating the youth, destroying the backbone of the nation, debilitating thousands of families and corrupting society with their abundance of dirty money".

As such, the MPs, headed by ND deputy George Sourlas, a former health minister, urge that, in the constitutional revision, a provision should be introduced under Article 7 allowing the death penalty for drug traffickers.

A minimum of 50 signatures among the 300 MPs is required to instigate a Parliamentary debate.

In addition, Mr. Yiannopoulos said the European Community had agreed to abolish the death penalty in member-states in 1993.

On his part, Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos, a former justice minister and constitutional law expert, said he understood the motivation behind the proposal and the great public concern but that the abolition of the death penalty had been legislate d on a national and international level through a number of international agreements signed by Greece.

He added that the proposal created the impression internationally that the drug problem in Greece was far more acute than in other countries.

"What we need is systematic and persistent work (on the problem) and not fleeting or sporadic acts," he said. His comments were echoed by ND deputy and former main opposition leader Miltiades Evert, who told the committee he opposed the proposal but called on the justice minister to bring legislation to Parliament that would impose life sentences on major drug traffickers.

[14] ... KKE

Athens, 12/11/1997 (ANA)

"We are opposed to the reinstatement of capital punishment in our country, even in the case of drug traffickers," a KKE announcement stated.

The announcement said drug trafficking was concealed in a network of powerful interests.

[15] PM asks for PASOK unity during budget debate, vote

Athens, 12/11/1997 (ANA)

In connection to next year's local government elections and yesterday's meeting between PASOK Secretary Costas Skandalidis and Coalition of the Left and Progress (Synaspismos) leader Nikos Constantopoulos, the premier requested low tones and cool-headedness. He added that a "warlike" atmosphere is unnecessary.

On his part, Mr. Skandalidis briefed executive bureau members on his contacts with Mr. Constantopoulos. According to reports, he said he faced "an impenetrable wall" on the part of Synaspismos' leadership, although he reportedly said the prospect of a PASOK-Synaspismos co-operation isn't lost.

[16] Papantoniou to reveal all about the budget today

Athens, 12/11/1997 (ANA)

Mr. Papantoniou was speaking to reporters after a three-hour inner cabinet meeting to discuss the final changes to the budget.

He will officially present the details of financial planning for 1998 at a news conference at the State Accounting Office.

Cabinet will convene this morning to give its stamp of approval to the budget, which is believed to have gone through last-minute changes following the recent monetary crisis.

[17] Meeting on business finance held in Thessaloniki

Athens, 12/11/1997 (ANA)

Discussion centered especially on funding prospects by international institutions to companies wishing to invest in regions considered as of "high business risk".

The meeting heard that international banks and organizations require submission of comprehensive studies before approving financing.

Commercial Bank officials said the bank had both the resources and tools and was willing to finance ventures in high risk regions.

[18] Simitis confers with ministers on EU summit, budget

Athens, 12/11/1997 (ANA)

According to informed sources, the government decided to raise the following issues at the EU summit - the securing of resources for employment from the European Investment Bank, to hold regular meetings of the "jumbo ECOFIN" (economy-finance and labor ministers), setting specific goals for reducing unemployment, special measures for unemployed youth and to promote social dialogue in all member states on specific changes to the labor market based on each country's particular characteristics.

The meeting was attended by Economy Minister Yannos Papantoniou, Labor Minister Miltiades Papaioannou, Labor Under-secretary Christos Protopappas, Alternate Foreign Minister George Papandreou, Eurodeputy George Katiforis and the prime minister's economic adviser Tasos Yannitsis.

At another meeting immediately afterwards, measures included in the budget related to social security were reportedly discussed, including a job-funding program for unemployed youth and the extension of privileges offered by the Labor Center and Workers' Housing Organization to the unemployed.

This second meeting was attended by Mr. Papantoniou, Mr. Papaioannou, Mr. Protopapas and Mr. Farmakis, along with Health Minister Costas Geitonas and the prime minister's advisers.

[19] Greek stocks plunge to seven-month low on talk of rate hike

Athens, 12/11/1997 (ANA)

Traders said the market looked vulnerable ahead of presentation of the 1998 budget by the end of the month with sentiment bearish because of rumors that commercial banks planned to raise interest rates. The general index plunged 5.85 percent to close at 1,377.76 points showing a 416.38 point loss from the year's peak of 1,794.14 on October 8.

Analysts said that the index was finding its next technical support level at 1,270-1,300 points.

Trading was heavy with turnover at 28.8 billion drachmas.

Banks once more came under heavy pressure reflecting market worries over the profitability of the sector following recent financial turmoil.

Sector indices ended sharply lower; Banks plunged 6.54 percent, Insurance eased 3.15 percent, Leasing dropped 4.56 percent, Investment ended 6.16 percent down, Construction eased 6.28 percent, Industrials fell 4.49 percent, Miscellaneous ended 5.21 per cent off and Holding lost 6.40 percent.

The parallel market index for small cap companies ended 5.09 percent lower.

Broadly, decliners led advancers by 220 to 9 with another 7 issues unchanged.

Nematemboriki, Doudos, Etma, Warehouse and Halyps Cement scored the biggest percentage gains, while National Bank of Greece, Ionian Bank, Atemke, Titan Cement and Vis suffered the heaviest losses.

National Bank of Greece ended at 25,070 drachmas, Ergobank at 14,180, Alpha Credit Bank at 15,905, Delta Dairy at 3,590, Titan Cement at 12,730, Intracom at 11,395 and Hellenic Telecommunications Organization at 5,300.

[20] Greek central bank seen lowering interest rates Weds

Athens, 12/11/1997 (ANA)

Inflows of roughly 120 million dollars were reported at the central bank's daily fix yesterday with interbank rates ranging from 17-60 percent, still unnaturally high following a wave of speculative attacks on the drachma. At yesterday's central bank fix the drachma gained 0.66 percent on the dollar to finish at 268.03, and rose 0.07 percent against the mark to close at 156.03. The national currency lost 0.05 percent against the ECU, to end at 310.10 drachmas.

[21] Greece accuses unnamed speculators of sabotaging the drachma

Athens, 12/11/1997 (ANA)

Government spokesman Demetris Reppas claimed the attacks were either planned ahead of time or instigated by market players he did not name.

Greece's central bank has propped up the drachma largely by keeping interbank rates high to deter trade and intervening in the foreign currency market. Mr. Reppas, who made the statements in reply to questions, said defense of the drachma would result in losses for speculators.

[22] Greek competition watchdog endorses insurance buyout

Athens, 12/11/1997 (ANA)

According to the state's competition watchdog, the new company will hold 3.8 percent of life insurance, three percent of general insurance, and 1.4 percent of reinsurance.

[23] Greece says EU enlargement conference unnecessary

Athens, 12/11/1997 (ANA)

Greece still maintains that pre-accession negotiations for all 11 candidate countries to the EU, including Cyprus, should start at once, spokesman Demetris Reppas said.

Mr. Reppas indirectly criticized France, saying its proposal for a conference would encourage participation by Turkey, a state which failed to meet entry conditions set by the European Union.

But Greece did not intend to put obstacles in the way of Turkey's move towards Europe, Mr. Reppas said.

[24] Greeks place latest orders for high-speed car ferries

Athens, 12/11/1997 (ANA)

DNV is the leading classification society on high speed vessels with 30 years of experience.

On the world market DNV has 70 percent of passenger craft and 90 percent of high speed car ferries.

The latest orders were placed by Greek owners.

Goutos Lines has ordered a 45m Tricat for 375 passengers at Cowes Ship Yard in the UK. Strintzis Lines has ordered a 40m catamaran at Baatservice Verft, Mandal, Norway.

The new types of high speed craft will bring changes to sea transport. Technical and operational safety is ensured by the IMO code of safety and DNV total safety class rules.

[25] Greek central bank to offer liquidity through swaps

Athens, 12/11/1997 (ANA)

Swap deals will also make it easier for the central bank to support the Greek currency, analysts said.

Central bank officials repeated that the bank would maintain a cautious monetary policy, its most powerful weapon in the battle against speculative attacks on the drachma.

[26] Union federation chief sees progress on social insurance

Athens, 12/11/1997 (ANA)

The GSEE leader said that injustices created by law 2084 were being redressed. More general amendments to the social insurance system would be finalized through a social dialogue being held by government, unions and employees.

Among changes he cited were abolition of a link between age and the minimum 10,500 insurance stamps needed to gain eligibility for a pension.

The previous system of retirement at 58 is to be reinstated with the possibility of early retirement on a reduced pension at 56.

Mr. Papaioannou said changes to the state Social Insurance Foundation (IKA) would result in reinstatement of the former system.

[27] Greek industrial output again shows recovery

Athens, 12/11/1997 (ANA)

A survey on Greek industrial output by the Institute of Economic and Industrial Research (IOBE) commissioned by the Athens Chamber of Industry and Commerce said that production recovered in Greece after a continuous four-year decline in 1990-1993.

Industrial production rose by 0.6 percent in 1994 followed by a 2.1 percent rise in 1995.

The average EU rate of increase was 5.3 percent.

[28] Greek shipping currency inflows up 0.9 pct in July

Athens, 12/11/1997 (ANA)

Shipping income was 199.3 million dollars in the corresponding month last year.

[29] State hospital physicians say they'll continue mobilizations

Athens, 12/11/1997 (ANA)

Representatives of the Federation of Hospital Physicians of Greece told a news conference yesterday that they had planned a number of mobilizations for tomorrow, the day their new wage scale is discussed in Parliament.

These include 24-hour strikes in Irakleio and Thessaloniki today and skeleton crews at outpatient clinics of hospitals in Athens and Piraeus up until Thursday.

Hospital doctors around the country will participate in a national 24-hour strike tomorrow if a negative response from the government follows, union representatives said. Doctors in provincial hospitals began a five-day strike on Nov. 4 while their colleagues in Athens and Piraeus began a series of rolling work stoppages on the same day.

Meanwhile, workers at state hospitals also announced their intention to hold a three-hour work stoppage beginning at midday tomorrow.

Representatives said that only emergency cases would be treated during the work stoppage.

Hospital employees are pressing for the appointment of another 3,900 staff workers to their sector, increased health spending in the state budget and wage increases.

The health ministry later issued an announcement saying that 5,562 new jobs created in previous years had been filled in 1997 at hospitals and medical centers around the country.

In addition, the process for the creation of another 3,428 non-medical jobs had begun earlier in the year, while 562 medical posts had been created in the National Health System. Another 456 temporary staff had been hired to cover immediate needs, the government said.

Therefore, the announcement adds, not only had the health ministry kept to its commitments but the new positions numbered even more than those referred to by Health Minister Costas Geitonas in his speech during the recent budget debate in Parliament.

Of those 3,428 posts, 2,323 had already been created, while another 1,045 were to follow within the month, the health ministry announced.

[30] PASOK-Synaspismos meeting attempts to bridge differences

Athens, 12/11/1997 (ANA)

Delegations of the two parties met at the Synaspismos' offices yesterday, headed by Synaspismos leader Nikos Constantopoulos and PASOK's Secretary Costas Skandalidis, and reached an agreement on the shape with which co-operation will be achieved. However, the two sides are in favor of continuing dialogue.

Mr. Constantopoulos said after the meeting that his party is opposed to central agreements, package agreements, reached in absentia of local organizations, adding that Synaspismos will not make "on the other side, the mistake being made by the leadership of PASOK and will not give the elections the character of a negative referendum for government policy.

According to reports from Synaspismos cadres, PASOK's delegation proposed central co-operation during yesterday's meeting which will be based on co-operation in the three largest municipalities, co-operation at regional level and co-operation for the election of prefects.

The proposal was rejected by the Synaspismos' leadership, which invoked decisions taken by the party's bodies for co-operation at local level.

On his part, Mr. Skandalidis said he did not submit a proposal on central co-operation and, explaining his party's position, said "we went there and told them that there are the three big cities, there are the prefectures, there are also other municipalities, choose a level for us to talk, to discuss."

According to Mr. Skandalidis, it is self-evident that the local forces of the two parties and the local societies will have a decisive say on candidacies but, summing up the Synaspismos' political position, said he met with refusal.

End of English language section.

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