Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 97-12-05

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

ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No 1359), December 5, 1997

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

CONTENTS

[01] Simitis, Gov't respond to criticism over new NATO structure

[02] ... Tsohatzopoulos

[03] ... Cabinet to discuss NATO

[04] ... Opposition reactions

[05] ... MPs want briefing from Pangalos

[06] Political leadership expresses its support for SAE

[07] ... Niotis

[08] Turkey on agreement for new NATO structure

[09] US favoring The Hague for solution to territorial differences

[10] Pangalos-Burns meeting

[11] SAE requests US intervention for Patriarchate's protection

[12] ... Condemnations of Patriarchate attack pour in

[13] ... Turkish reactions over Patriarchate attack

[14] ... Athens Ipekci Committee condemns attack on Patriarchate

[15] Cem says Turkey wants negotiations before The Hague

[16] Karamanlis press conference with FPA canceled

[17] Athens court indicts Roussel for perjury, defamation

[18] Exhibition 'Alexander and the East' inaugurated

[19] Ancient artifacts returned from Italy

[20] Dutch ratify Greece's partial accession to Schengen Pact

[21] Gov't to clamp down further on evasion of IKA contributions

[22] Drug prices fall

[23] Inflation forecast at below 5 per cent by end-1997

[24] Greek equities end slightly up after buying spree, profit taking

[25] Greek information tech firms on show in Bulgaria

[26] National Bank of Greece again offers cheap Xmas loans

[27] T-bill auction by Bank of Greece

[28] SEB conference on euro

[29] ESHEA warns of strike in mass media sector

[30] Swiss Greeks donate one million drachmas for Marbles campaign

[01] Simitis, Gov't respond to criticism over new NATO structure

Athens, 05/12/1997 (ANA)

He charged that "certain individuals are seeking a policy of nationalist isolationism, namely, that Greece should withdraw".

"But that would put all the weapons in Turkey's hands," the premier said.

"We, however, want a strong Greece, a Greece with a voice and a presence, a Greece that determines the developments. And this is done with initiatives, with the determination of new policies," he added.

Specifically, on Wednesday PASOK deputies Yiannis Harambopoulos and Anastasios Peponis as well as former PASOK under-secretary of defense Nikos Kouris aired their objections to Greece's consent to NATO's new structure, saying that the nation is headed to co-sovereignty in the Aegean with Turkey under US auspices. They added that this was serving a steadfast Turkish objective.

In the same spirit, Mr. Arsenis said that "Greece has entered a minefield".

[02] ... Tsohatzopoulos

Athens, 05/12/1997 (ANA)

Mr. Tsohatzopoulos was speaking at a military academy at Megalo Pefko.

He reiterated that the Greek government had safeguarded all the country's interests "with substantial safety valves".

Mr. Tsohatzopoulos described as "difficult" the period of talks up until implementation of NATO's new structure, while reiterating that the Greek armed forces, the Greek state and the Greek people retained exclusive jurisdiction for defending the country's sovereign rights.

Mr. Tsohatzopoulos noted that the government's policy on issues concerning the Western European Union (WEU) and NATO had been approved by the Government Council for Foreign Affairs and Defense (KYSEA), had the support of the Greek people "and through steady and specific steps, Greece will gain new advantages for the upgrading of its role".

[03] ... Cabinet to discuss NATO

Athens, 05/12/1997 (ANA)

The spokesman, however, acknowledged the right of anyone to express and defend their own views.

But he stressed that "when someone participates in a body, that person undertakes certain commitments and it is his personal responsibility to be in line with the choices of the bodies in which he participates."

Replying to questions, Mr. Reppas underlined that all PASOK deputies supported the government.

He accused those who had criticized the government's decision to sign the agreement of wanting a policy of national isolationism "which is not the choice of the government".

Mr. Reppas said the issue of NATO's new structure had not ended, since there were many details and technical matters which had to be discussed and decisions taken. He said that the issue would be discussed at today's Cabinet meeting, during which the premier would brief ministers on his recent talks in London and Paris, while Mr. Tsohatzopoulos would brief the Cabinet on the meeting of NATO defense ministers in Brussels earlier this week.

Informed sources said last night that the prime minister would ask explanations from Mr. Arsenis on his Wednesday statements as well as on the manner he expressed his objections. Close associates to Mr. Arsenis said that there was no question of his resigning.

The issue will also be discussed Monday during a meeting of PASOK's executive bureau, while Mr. Reppas didn't rule out the possibility of convening the ruling party's Parliamentary group.

[04] ... Opposition reactions

Athens, 05/12/1997 (ANA)

"The policy being followed by the Simitis government, and moreover, covertly - and this is extremely important - is a policy which intentionally or unintentionally leads to major questions about the situation in the Aegean," Mr. Karamanlis said.

Communist Party of Greece (KKE) Secretary General Aleka Papariga, meanwhile, called on Mr. Simitis to brief Parliament on the content of the agreement on NATO's new structure.

In a question tabled in Parliament, Ms Papariga claimed that the agreement in effect meant that the right to defend the country's borders and territory had been assigned to the United States and NATO, and that the new situation "objectively facilitates the Turkish government".

Ms Papariga also asked the prime minister if the agreement would be brought to Parliament for ratification, in accordance with Article 28 of the Constitution.

Coalition of the Left and Progress President Nikos Constantopoulos described as "unacceptable" the government's image on the issue of NATO's new structure, referring to criticism of the agreement by the former defense minister and current education minister, Gerassimos Arsenis.

Democratic Social Movement (DHKKI) leader Demetris Tsovolas described the government's policy on the issue as "servile and dependent". He charged that the government was sacrificing "national interests on the altar of powerful interests".

Mr. Tsovolas said the government should bring the NATO agreement to Parliament for ratification.

[05] ... MPs want briefing from Pangalos

Athens, 05/12/1997 (ANA)

The request was contained in a letter to the chairman of the Parliamentary committee on foreign affairs and defense, Lefteris Veryvakis, and was signed by PASOK deputies Yiannis Capsis and Stelios Papathemelis, while similar letters were sent by ND deputy Spilios Spiliotopoulos, and Democratic Social Movement (DHKKI) deputy Georgios Rokos.

At the same time, deputy and former ND leader Miltiades Evert called for an off-the-agenda discussion at political party leaders' level on the text of the agreement. The call came during a morning meeting of the Parliamentary committee on foreign affair s and defense.

Mr. Pangalos told the committee that the agreement was a "memorandum of understanding" that would be ratified by the NATO foreign ministers at their Dec. 16 meeting. He said that the issue could be discussed on Dec. 9 during an off-the-agenda discussion on the course of Greece's convergence with the EU, a proposal which Mr. Evert disagreed with.

[06] Political leadership expresses its support for SAE

Athens, 05/12/1997 (ANA)

The ceremony was also addressed by Prime Minister Costas Simitis, Cypriot President Glafcos Clerides, Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis, several ministers and political party leaders, while a greeting from Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos was read out.

The prime minister stressed the role of the SAE as an initiative on the part of the Greek government to act as an "umbrella group for Greeks everywhere".

The SAE, a non-profit, non-governmental organization, was formed by 265 representatives of Greek organizations around the world invited to Thessaloniki by the Greek state to found an organization to promote dialogue and co-operation between Greeks abroad and Greece. Mr. Simitis said that the Greek government had proved in practice that not only did it desire but that it was in a position to promote peace and stability, in co-operation with the peoples of the region.

"All those in the region who envision changes of borders, changes in the status quo, in essence envision war. In the civilized world today, differences are resolved through recourses to the International Court of Justice at The Hague, not with recourse to war or the threat of war," Mr. Simitis said.

Presenting a brief picture of modern Greece, the prime minister said it had stability, economic development, and a willingness for co-operation.

"It is claiming a new role in the international environment, as a country of peace, stability, co-operation and initiatives," he said.

"No civilized country that envisions its entry to the European Union has the right to put up obstacles against the corresponding course of other peoples, and no civilized country violates human rights domestically and abroad, the way Turkey does with its occupation troops in Cyprus. Respect for international law, the international treaties, is the only basis for viable and just solutions," the premier said.

Mr. Simitis emphasized that overseas Greeks were the "voice of Greece around the world" and urged them to rally their forces to make that voice stronger.

Mr. Stephanopoulos spoke of the mother country's pride in the "presence and action of Greeks abroad" and urged them to preserve the Greek language which he said was in danger of disappearing among them, citing Ukraine as a strong example.

He also responded to recent criticism from some Greek organizations abroad with regard to the SAE's operation and just how representative it is, as well as with regard to the role of the Church. "While I myself do not accept a primary role for the Church in issues affecting overseas Greeks, the Church is a valuable institution for them," he said, urging both "believers and non-believers" to avoid discord as it had no place within the SAE.

"The SAE is not a means to satisfy ambitions, it is an invaluable institution to which we are all being called upon to offer our services. As in every new institution, oversights and mistakes may be made with regard to representation, but these will be discussed here and resolved," he concluded.

Cypriot President Glafkos Clerides said that Turkey knows the "time of truth" was closing and stressed that the key to the solution of the Cyprus problem was in Ankara.

The Ecumenical Patriarch also commented on the issue in a message read out by the Metropolitan of Austria Mihail.

"The Mother Church is not concerned that its work might be misunderstood, but is saddened only by the fact that some of its flock do not benefit from the possibilities and opportunities it offers, due to unjustified opposition arising mainly from ideological differences," he said.

Alternate Foreign Minister George Papandreou described as "a historic day" yesterday's opening of the assembly.

"The universality of Hellenism is also translated into the adoption of universal values, which go back to a tradition from the sacred armistice of the Olympic Games and the Athenian democracy to the ecumenism of Orthodoxy. These values are translated in to our goals today for a strong Greece, but also for the struggles of other peoples, in other words, the values of humanism, freedom, democracy, human rights, of different opinions, color, religion and race, the peaceful coexistence of peoples".

Among the priorities of the Greek government regarding SAE's development, Mr. Papandreou said were support to the Greeks of the diaspora in their countries of residence, a strengthening of the bodies promoting the dissemination of the Greek language and culture, the continuous updating of foreign governments and expatriate organizations on modern Greece, the use of the Internet for linking Greek communities in all countries, utilization of the experience of international organizations on issues of emigration and repatriation, and finally, utilizing Greece's role as an active member of the European Union and its presence in the Balkans and the Mediterranean.

Mr. Papandreou invited SAE to assume important initiatives, referring in particular to the idea of Olympic armistice during the Olympic Games.

Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis acknowledged that SAE's work was extremely difficult, and that Greeks around the world should assert their determination, while he reassured that the Greek Parliament would always support expatriate Greeks.

Main opposition New Democracy party leader Costas Karamanlis, in his address to SAE delegates, said the assembly symbolized a renewed unanimity "at a time when we are facing pressures and threats", and indirectly criticized the government's handling of national issues.

[07] ... Niotis

Athens, 05/12/1997 (ANA)

ND deputy George Kalatzis said that unity among all Greeks should be the SAE's primary goal, while Left Coalition deputy Petros Kounalakis drew attention to what he said were weaknesses in the SAE and called for a more democratic representation. He said he could not comprehend the reservations of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, considering the SAE's goals did not contradict the work of the Church, but in fact strengthened the convictions of diaspora Greeks that the maintenance of their Greekness was due to a large extent to the Church. The conference ends on Sunday.

[08] Turkey on agreement for new NATO structure

Ankara, 05/12/1997 (ANA - A. Abatzis)

Ismet Sezgin said that until April 1999, at the latest, the decision to implement the new structure will be reached in a summit of the alliance that will take place in Washington, adding that the new scheme was not "a victory of certain countries against others, but a success of the alliance".

Referring to the headquarters in Larissa and Izmir, he said they will not have as areas of responsibility the territory of the countries they are based on, and that they will "carry out their duties with joint responsibility and will decide in dependence on the headquarters of SE Europe".

Responding to a question whether the Naples headquarters will decide on problems such as the one that arose last September, and which resulted in Turkey not taking part in the NATO exercise "Dynamic Mix", Mr. Sezgin said there would be joint responsibility.

Asked on how the problem of veto on NATO infrastructure projects exercised by Greece and Turkey was overcome, Mr. Sezgin said that "following the acceptance of the new operational structure, the issue arising is the renewal of some regulations concerning the operational arrangements, which are 10-15 years old and, therefore, outdated".

[09] US favoring The Hague for solution to territorial differences

Washington, 05/12/1997 (ANA- T. Ellis)

"We see this agreement as a noteworthy step forward in the effort to improve confidence in the Aegean," he stated, adding:

"The US believes that Greece and Turkey should resolve any territorial dispute through a mutually acceptable dispute resolution mechanism such as the International Court of Justice," the statement read.

[10] Pangalos-Burns meeting

Athens, 05/12/1997 (ANA)

Mr. Burns, 40, arrived in Athens with his family last Sunday and is expected to deliver his credentials to President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos a few days before Christmas.

According to diplomatic sources, the meeting at the foreign ministry between Mr. Pangalos and Mr. Burns focused on bilateral issues and issues of mutual concern. No statements were made because Mr. Burns has not yet officially assumed his duties.

[11] SAE requests US intervention for Patriarchate's protection

Athens, 05/12/1997 (ANA)

In his letter, Mr. Athens expresses the strong concern of expatriate Greeks over the bomb attack against the Patriarchate earlier this week.

"We are in Thessaloniki together with more than 340 elected representatives from Greek communities all over the world who represent approximately seven million Greeks from 141 countries and are participating in the second congress of the World Council of Hellenes, of which I am president. Each one of us requests from the honorable government of the US to pressure the Turkish government to effectively protect the Ecumenical Patriarchate and his Holiness," the letter reads.

[12] ... Condemnations of Patriarchate attack pour in

Istanbul, 05/12/1997 (ANA - A. Kourkoulas)

To date, no evidence has surfaced about the identity or the motives of the Patriarchate bombers, while no extra police measures were taken to protect the Patriarchate against future attacks.

Condemnations over the Wednesday grenade attack on the Patriarchate came from all over the world.

Greek general consul Fotis Xidas, as well as his counterparts from Britain and the United States visited the Patriarch Vartholomeos to express their condolences over the wounding of Deacon Nektarios and to condemn the attack.

Representatives from the Vatican and the Church of England also visited the Fanar as well.

[13] ... Turkish reactions over Patriarchate attack

Istanbul, 05/12/1997 (ANA- A. Kourkoulas)

The oft-described as a pro-Islamic "Zaman" daily said it was no coincidence that the attack came at a time when the Halki issue is being discussed again, claiming that those who bombed the Patriarchate were provocators who also placed a bomb at a mosque in Xanthi, Thrace. They said those individuals are serving the interests of the Church of Greece, which they claimed does not favor the re-opening of the Halki school.

The private Kanal D television channel noted that the attack took place during the airing of a discussion on the issue by another TV network.

The newspaper "Milliyet" rejected the argument that the attack was perpetrated by fanatic Islamic circles.

Meanwhile, the Mazlum-Der human rights organization, affiliated to the Islamic movement, condemned the attack.

"We condemn the action, attacks against religious freedoms are incomprehensible," a representative of the organization in Istanbul told the NTV network, who also wished a quick recovery for the Greek cleric injured in the attack.

[14] ... Athens Ipekci Committee condemns attack on Patriarchate

Athens, 05/12/1997 (ANA)

"The Athens bureau of the Ipekci peace prize committee condemns this barbarous and cowardly bomb attack against the Ecumenical Patriarchate ... and urges all Ipekci prize-winners, Turkish citizens and politicians to react accordingly" said the statement, also condemning the stoning of a mosque in the village of Alikioni in western Thrace last Saturday. It asked the government why it had not openly condemned the incident at the time it had occurred, as well as what action it was planning to take to punish those responsible.

"Extremist elements in both countries must realize that the overwhelming majority of both peoples want peace, friendship and co-operation," it said.

[15] Cem says Turkey wants negotiations before The Hague

Washington, 05/12/1997 (ANA- T. Ellis)

He added, however, that Greek-Turkish relations were not the main subject of discussions, but rather, bilateral relations, mainly regarding the prospects for the transportation of oil with an oil pipeline from the Caspian Sea through Turkey.

The two officials also discussed Turkey's relations with the EU, and Mr. Cem stated that he thanked Ms Albright for the strong US support in Turkey's efforts to forge closer links with Europe.

At a regular State Department briefing later, spokesman James Rubin stressed that the meeting aimed to prepare Turkish Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz's visit to Washington on Dec. 19, as well as formulation of a strategy for issues that would receive emphasis next year, Caspian oil and Greek-Turkish relations as well as prospects for peace in Cyprus.

Mr. Rubin stressed Washington's wish that Greece and Turkey work together to solve their problems.

In an unrelated development, US White House spokesman Mike McCurry condemned the grenade attack on the Ecumenical Patriarchate. He also hailed the Greek-Turkish agreement in the framework of the new NATO structure.

[16] Karamanlis press conference with FPA canceled

Athens, 05/12/1997 (ANA)

The announcement said the FPA had been informed by ND that Mr. Karamanlis had to attend a special debate in Parliament at a party leaders' level the same day.

[17] Athens court indicts Roussel for perjury, defamation

Athens, 05/12/1997 (ANA)

By doing so, the Court reversed a lower court acquittal of Mr. Roussel on the same charges.

The indictment, dated November 28, said that there was "sub-stantial evidence" against Mr. Roussel to be referred for trial by a Court of Misdemeanors for perjury, slander and defamation in connection with false allegations of mismanagement of the Onassis Foundation's assets by its four board members.

The same ruling also indicted Mr. Roussel's Athens-based lawyer Prof. Nestor Kourakis on charges of defamation for the same allegations.

No dates have been set for the hearings.

"I hope he will be man enough to come to Greece and be present at the trial," Onassis Foundation president Stelio Papadimitriou told reporters.

"I have no personal dispute with Thierry Roussel," Mr. Papadimitriou said. "But he has insulted what is most sacred for us, the Foundation, which I consider to be above us and above Athina, and that is why I have reacted in this way."

[18] Exhibition 'Alexander and the East' inaugurated

Athens, 05/12/1997 (ANA)

"The exhibition reflects the grandeur of Greece many centuries ago and shows us how we can create this grandeur today," Mr. Simitis said.

Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos said during his address that "the legend of Alexander... is the well-known and the most powerful of all Greek legends..."

[19] Ancient artifacts returned from Italy

Athens, 05/12/1997 (ANA)

The 187 copper artifacts and Mycenean-era pots, which were illegally excavated in Greece and transported to Italy were taken to the National Archaeological Museum.

[20] Dutch ratify Greece's partial accession to Schengen Pact

The Hague, 05/12/1997 (ANA)

The issue was discussed in a public session of the Dutch Parliament's European affairs committee, where the representatives of government coalition parties expressed support for the partial implementation of the treaty in the case of Greece.

However, they stressed that an essential precondition for the final abolition of border controls with Greece is the effective control of Greece's external borders.

The Dutch Parliament ratified two relevant resolutions referring to the need to secure adequate control on Greece's external borders.

The Christian Democrat Party opposed ratification, claiming that for as long as Greece does not fulfill the preconditions concerning the control of external borders it will not vote in favor of its accession to the Schengen Treaty.

Dutch Foreign Under-secretary Patein said the Netherlands will ratify implementation of the Schengen Treaty in its entirety for Greece only after an objective assessment is made of all the measures the country will take to guard borders.

[21] Gov't to clamp down further on evasion of IKA contributions

Athens, 05/12/1997 (ANA)

Speaking in Parliament, Social Security Under-secretary Nikos Farmakis said that the bill already prepared would not solve all the problems of social insurance but did not conflict with the social dialogue begun by the government with unions and employers.

Attacking the main opposition New Democracy party for its criticism of the bill, Mr. Farmakis said its provisions resolved problems relating to social security organizations and the insured, adding that comprehensive proposals would follow after social dialogue.

He accused New Democracy of not having specific proposals on the social security system.

Earlier, ND deputy George Souflias said that the social security system was in danger of collapse, under the weight of a 1.5 trillion drachma deficit.

During discussion of the bill, Labor Minister Miltiades Papaioannou revealed that contributions owing to the Social Security Foundation, IKA, totaled 347 billion drachmas and, together with fines, 630 billion drachmas.

[22] Drug prices fall

Athens, 05/12/1997 (ANA)

Several weeks ago the government had decided a partial decrease in contributions in favor of third parties (EOF, TSAY, TEAYFE and TEOF), resulting in an average 12.6 per cent decrease in the retail prices of medicines.

Development Under-secretary Mihalis Chrysohoidis said the decision is aimed at restructuring the medicine market and will result in a total decrease in pharmaceutical expenses amounting to 120 billion drachmas.

[23] Inflation forecast at below 5 per cent by end-1997

Athens, 05/12/1997 (ANA)

Announcing figures for November, ESYE General Secretary Nikos Karavitis said inflation stood at 5.1 per cent, compared to 4.7 percent in October.

He said the rise was expected and due to the addition of heating oil to the consumer price index.

On the basis of current indications, ESYE estimates that inflation will most likely stand at 4.9 per cent by the end of the year.

[24] Greek equities end slightly up after buying spree, profit taking

Athens, 05/12/1997 (ANA)

The Athens general share index finished at 1550.32 points, gaining 10.60 percent over eight rising sessions. Turnover was 24.1 billion drachmas.

Sector indices ended mixed. Banks gained 0.90 percent, Insurance rose 1.05 percent, Leasing slid 1.07 percent, Investment slipped 0.29 percent, Construction edged down 0.02 percent, Industrials lost 0.11 percent, Miscellaneous slumped 1.17 percent and Holding gained 0.67 percent.

The parallel market index for smaller cap stocks finished 0.44 percent down.

Hellenic Telecommunications Organization (OTE) rose to 5,975 drachmas from 5,920.

Of 224 shares traded declines led advances by 100 to 97 with 27 issues remaining unchanged.

Gallis, Sigalas, Remek, Klaoudatos and Ridenco were the biggest percentage gainers and Lanakam, Allatini, Macedonia Textile Mills, Dane and Keranis were the main losers of the day.

Among blue chips National Bank of Greece ended at 27,350 drachmas, Ergobank at 16,000, Alpha Credit Bank at 17,400, Delta Dairy (common) at 3,445, Titan Cement (common) at 13,200 and Intracom (common) at 14,550.

[25] Greek information tech firms on show in Bulgaria

Athens, 05/12/1997 (ANA)

SEPE is presenting its English-language guide containing information about its members at the fair, and hopes to bring Greek firms into closer touch with Bulgaria's market.

[26] National Bank of Greece again offers cheap Xmas loans

Athens, 05/12/1997 (ANA)

The loans, available December 8-January 9, carry interest of 17 percent, or 15 percent for selected customers, for amounts between 500,000 drachmas and one million drachmas. Repayment is within 6-12 months.

[27] T-bill auction by Bank of Greece

Athens, 05/12/1997 (ANA)

The auction T-bills with a three-, six- and 12-month duration, dated Dec. 10, will take place at the Bank of Greece.

The sums to be made available are 60, 60, and 200 billion drachmas for each category.

The annual interest rate is expected to fall below 11.2 per cent.

[28] SEB conference on euro

Athens, 05/12/1997 (ANA)

The conference is organized by SEB, Eurobank and the Federation for Economic and Monetary Union (AMUE).

National Economy Minister Yiannos Papantoniou will address the conference.

[29] ESHEA warns of strike in mass media sector

Athens, 05/12/1997 (ANA)

A relevant decision was taken at an extraordinary session by the Athens Journalists' Union's (ESHEA) strike committee yesterday, which is composed of the board and representatives of all journalists' organizations in the press and mass media sector.

The strike committee stressed that the sector "will give its own reply to the refusal of proprietors to justly and absolutely satisfy rational claims by staff at a time when (the proprietors) are massing excessive profits, having turned the press and mass media sector into a supermarket for offers, the staff members into galley crews and have exhausted all the limits of the public's patience with unbridled commercialization."

Press employees call on employers to examine their claims for a satisfactory increase in remuneration, the safeguarding of jobs, an improvement in working conditions and the taking of measures concerning workplaces.

[30] Swiss Greeks donate one million drachmas for Marbles campaign

Athens, 05/12/1997 (ANA)

Mr. Sarisavvas said the contribution was "a token of gratitude for what the homeland is doing for overseas Greeks".

End of English language section.

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