Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 99-03-22

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From: The Athens News Agency at <http://www.ana.gr/>

CONTENTS

[01] Simitis re-elected as PASOK president at congress' conclusion

[02] Karamanlis confident of ND victory, cites 'bankrupt government'

[03] Araffat addresses PASOK congress

[04] Simitis in Berlin this week for EU summit focusing on 'Agenda 2000'

[05] EU foreign ministers focus on Commission resignation, 'Agenda 2000'

[06] Latvia's Ulmanis concludes visit to Greece

[07] Conference on bioethics

[08] Tsohatzopoulos: Turkey must change its behaviour vis-a-vis Greece

[09] Bodies of 3 climbers retrieved from Mt. Olympus

[10] NYC forum on business, investment opportunities in Greece

[01] Simitis re-elected as PASOK president at congress' conclusion

Athens, 22/03/1999 (ANA)

Mr. Simitis, who was the sole candidate in the vote, was re-elected in a secret ballot - receiving 68.52 per cent of valid votes cast, or 65.68 per cent of the total 5,666 votes cast. Specifically, 1,808 blank vo-tes were cast, while another 235 were in valid and 202 delegates did not vote.

The intra-party election results for the new 180-member PASOK central committee are expected in the early morning hours today.

A total of 321 candidates were running for a post on the central committee, with each delegate able to vote for up to 72 candidates.

After the announcement of the results, Mr. Simitis called for a "new beginning" for the ruling party.

"We are all aware of the responsibility which we have undertaken for Greece and its people and, although there were different views, the slogan is one: a united PASOK," he said.

The Greek PM said there were positive proposals, different views and self- criticism, but the common course constituted the "source of strength and prospect.

"We showed that we have the will to overcome problems, introversion and misery and to give spirit to a powerful PASOK which will bring a powerful Greece."

Mr. Simitis said expectations existed and all should respond to them.

On his part, National Defence Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos congratulated Mr. Simitis on his re-election, saying the congress sent an important message that PASOK should move forward united.

Mr. Simitis cast his vote shortly after 1 p.m., saying the congress was an example of "democracy in action".

"These past few days have shown that PASOK has power and dynamism... that with the flags high we are headed towards European Parliament elections and national elections," the PM said.

Mr. Tsohatzopoulos voted shortly before the prime minister, stressing that the decisions taken at the ruling party's congress marked a new beginning for PASOK.

Simitis' address : In his final speech on Saturday, Mr. Simitis stressed the need for a "strong and proud Greece" through "clear-cut political decisions and actions", which will create the necessary base for social solidarity and justice.

The premier said PASOK's aim was to create a strong and proud Greece through Economic Monetary Union (EMU) entry, before listing other goals, including: fair allocation of European Union funding, a fair taxation system, a 35-hour work week, development, combating unemployment, supporting agriculture, restructuring the public sector, restructuring the educational system and improving the health services and social insurance sector.

Referring to Greek-Turkish relations, Mr. Simitis said Athens does not make any claims against Ankara, but at the same time it does not negotiate anything.

He called on the delegates to not give up "the victory to anyone", saying that victory in the upcoming elections belongs to PASOK.

Tsohatzopoulos : In his Saturday address, Mr. Tsohatzopoulos reaffirmed his role in PASOK and reserved a right to express his opinion on political choices of the government, while he stressed that ruling party cadres are "condemned to all win together."

The defence minister also said the ruling party had not gained ground and continued to lose parts of Greek society that had granted victories to PASOK up until 1996. He added that this situation was due to government policies and not because he and other party members expressed concerns over these policies.

Mr. Tsohatzopoulos also said that PASOK was "condemned to win because it does not have any other choice", and he proposed measures to reverse what he called "the not so good climate in the party."

Specifically, he called on the new central committee to immediately convene PASOK's national council, which will decide on political, economic and social measures in order to strengthen the ruling party ahead of June's Euro-elections.

Finally, he said a political conference should be held in the autumn by decision of the central committee in order to decide on political measures in light of the national elections next year.

Other addresses : PASOK Secretary Costas Skandalidis called for a strong vote of confidence by congress delegates for party president and premier Simitis.

He briefly addressed issues discussed over the past three days and stressed the importance of the vote for PASOK president while requesting that delegates vote for experienced party members to the central committee.

Interior Minister Vasso Papandreou and Foreign Minister George Papandreou both stressed the need for PASOK to emerge united and strengthened from its 5th congress.

Ms Papandreou said the message should be one: "It is not the time to ask what is PASOK doing for us all, rather what we are doing for PASOK."

On his part, the Greek foreign minister said that in light of the Euroelections, PASOK should forge a new welfare contract with the people.

Environment, Town Planning and Public Works Minister Costas Laliotis noted that PASOK is the only party in Greece with a programme, priorities and a positive and creative work.

"PASOK, Costas Simitis and all of us together are the sole political force capable of guaranteeing political, social and economic stability," he said.

He also attacked the main opposition New Democracy party for what he said was a lack of a programme, solvency and credibility.

"Costas Karamanlis and ND's political cadres lack prudence, experiences and prestige to undertake the government of the country..." he charged.

Education Minister Gerasimos Arsenis stressed that real unity is consolidated through common political struggles having a recognised target.

The target which must unite the party, he said, is PASOK's great victory in national elections, with victory in the June Euroelections "as an intermediate one."

Press and Media Minister Dimitris Reppas was particularly aggressive with PASOK cadres, who he said "bring ideological and political borders here", saying there are no dividing lines in PASOK but between the party and conservative political forces.

Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis referred to the "visible challenges" being faced by the country in the field of national issues and its European orientation, considering that both sectors are inter- dependent.

Longtime PASOK cadre and former executive bureau member Manolis Daskalakis announced his departure from the ruling party on Saturday while addressing PASOK's 5th congress.

"After 25 years of being on a common path with many of you, the time has come to say goodbye," he said, justifying his action by adding: "We have become the best representatives of the establishment's interests; we do not care about who is served by our policies, just as long as we are in power."

Mr. Daskalakis criticised both the domestic and foreign policies of the PASOK government and called his decision to depart a "painful choice".

Athens News Agency

[02] Karamanlis confident of ND victory, cites 'bankrupt government'

Athens, 22/03/1999 (ANA)

Speaking to ND supporters in Nafplio, Mr. Karamanlis appeared certain of ND's victory in both June's Euroelections and in the next national elections.

"The time has come to finally put aside the politicians of lies and misery, " he said, adding that relations of trust must be created between the politicians and citizens.

Mr. Karamanlis also referred to the ruling PASOK party's four-day congress, which came to a close yesterday, terming it a "congress of decline and desperation."

He further spoke of a "party army" being maintained and of the party's nomenclature being served.

Mr. Karamanlis sharply criticised the government's economic policy, blaming it for tragically slow rates of development which are being observed in the country and underlined that "we will join the train of Economic and Monetary Union last and inconvenienced."

Focusing on the agricultural sector, Mr. Karamanlis said "we lost all the battles in the ranks of Europe" and promised that when his party comes to power he will personally negotiate the future of Greek agricultural products.

Speaking in Argos, Mr. Karamanlis accused the government of being unable to rule substantively and of inability in cracking down on cases of corruption.

He appeared determined to have a head-on collision with the phenomenon of corruption, saying that "he who corrupts or is corrupted will be punished in an exemplary manner", adding that "the only thing a government which is unable to do anything about co rruption can do is to leave by itself."

Mr. Karamanlis focused in particular on the need of developing tourism, saying that "instead of Greece selling only sea and sun two months a year, it must create those structures which will allow for the development of more forms of tourism."

Athens News Agency

[03] Araffat addresses PASOK congress

Athens, 22/03/1999 (ANA)

PM Costas Simitis welcomed Mr. Arafat as "a great student of independence of peoples and freedom" and called him "a great friend of PASOK".

"Following lengthy struggles, the Palestinians succeeded in setting the foundations of a new course. In this course we will be on their side, Greece will offer its support both on our own and as European Union members, " the Greek premier said, adding th at Athens also supported implementation of the agreements between the Palestinian authority and Israel.

On his part, Mr. Arafat recalled the PASOK congress of 1984, citing "historical moments which reaffirm the depth of our friendship."

The Palestinian leader also spoke of the traditional bonds between the Greek and the Palestinian people since antiquity.

He added that this friendship was forged during the time of Alexander the Great, while later "Orthodoxy became an integral part of the religious inheritance of the Palestinian people, which it protected and still protects."

Referring to the Palestinian issue, Mr. Arafat said his people aimed at creating an "independent Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital..."

He also accused the Israeli government of not implementing the accords it signed, thus leading the peace process to "a dark impasse".

Meeting with transport minister : Before his address, the Palestinian leader met with Transport and Communications Minister Tassos Mantelis and discussed issues concering transports and infrastructure. The Palestinian authority has included Greece in its planned transports policy as a g ateway to Europe.

Mr. Mantelis, on his part, accepted an invitation extended by Mr. Arafat to visit the Palestinian self-rule areas.

Earlier, Mr. Arafat was received by President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos.

The two leaders discussed Greek national issues as well as developments in the peace process in the Middle East. Mr. Arafat was accompanied by Alternate Foreign Minister Yiannos Kranidiotis.

Athens News Agency

[04] Simitis in Berlin this week for EU summit focusing on 'Agenda 2000'

Athens, 22/03/1999 (ANA)

Yesterday, Mr. Simitis told reporters that his government had an idea on who would be the new Commissioner from Greece, but that it was still too early to announce any decisions.

"We have decided, but what will happen depends on the procedures decided by the other EU member-states as well," Mr. Simitis said.

The entire European Commission resigned early last week following the release of an independent report pointing to mismanagement in the EU executive body.

During a brief visit to Athens last week, German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder agreed with Athens that the institutional crisis had to be dealt with "immediately".

On the issue of "Agenda 2000" funding, Mr. Simitis said Greece would "do battle to maintain the funds which it needs."

The German EU presidency has recommended funding cutbacks to the EU's southern member-states, the Union's poorest.

Athens News Agency

[05] EU foreign ministers focus on Commission resignation, 'Agenda 2000'

The Council of European Union Foreign Ministers, due to pave the way for the Berlin summit this week, began sessions here last night with reference to the European Commission's recent resignation.

The German EU presidency proposed a draft statement which may possibly be amended during discussion to follow at a later dinner, stressing that "a strong Commission is necessary with greater democratic legitimacy that will result from the European Parli ament's strengthened participation."

No agreement is expected on the pending issues contained in the "Agenda 2000", discussed by the Council, since all countries have "toughened" their positions in light of compromise proposals the German presidency has promised for the Berlin summit.

Referring to Greek positions on "Agenda 2000", namely, the reallocation of EU funds, Greek Foreign Minister George Papandreou said the existing system for own funds is satisfactory and must not change, while the agreement on agriculture must be maintain ed and solutions to be provided for structural funds will be decisive for the acceptance of the overall agreement by Greece.

"Greece is determined to pursue funds which are necessary for its developmental course and create new jobs," Alternate Foreign Minister Yiannos Kranidiotis said, while Mr. Papandreou added: "We hope and believe that this package will be better than the previous ones."

Mr. Papandreou will meet NATO Secretary General Javier Solana today and brief him on Greek positions regarding the crisis in Kosovo.

It was revealed that he will also request a postponement of any possible intervention until the Berlin summit is over.

Athens News Agency

[06] Latvia's Ulmanis concludes visit to Greece

Athens, 22/03/1999 (ANA)

Mr. Ulmanis departed for Latvia at 4 p.m., following a visit to the Agios Dimitrios Cathedral, a historical and archaeological landmark in Thessaloniki, as well as the northern Greek city's Byzantine Museum.

During his stay, President Ulmanis met with President Kostis Stephanopoulos, Prime Minister Costas Simitis, Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis and opposition party leaders.

While in Thessaloniki he met with Macedonia-Thrace Minister Yiannis Magriotis and Mayor Vassilis Papageorgopoulos.

Athens News Agency

[07] Conference on bioethics

Athens, 22/03/1999 (ANA)

The announcement that all the genes of man will have been decodified by 2003 and doctors will be in a position to know diseases man will be faced with in the future from the moment he is born, also paves the way for the intervention by specialists in the human cell, creating economic, social, psychological and moral problems which must be tackled as soon as possible.

In this context, the First Pan-European Conference of Bioethics was held in Greece for the first time on the issue of "molecular diagnosis of individuals faced with a high risk of developing cancer - medical, legal and social problems", at the Athens Concert Hall and was organised by the Athens University.

Athens News Agency

[08] Tsohatzopoulos: Turkey must change its behaviour vis-a-vis Greece

Athens, 22/03/1999 (ANA)

Addressing the 5th PASOK congress in Athens, Mr. Tsohatzopoulos stressed that "neighbours will realise over the next few weeks that they cannot create situations against Greece."

He also repeated that any new Turkish attack against Cyprus would be a cause of war.

Mr. Tsohatzopoulos stressed the need for a "consistent implementation" of the Greece-Cyprus joint defence doctrine and the need to support Nicosia's European Union accession process.

The defence minister expressed his concern over conditions in Kosovo and reiterated that for Athens there could not be a military solution to the problem but only a political one, adding that Greece would not participate in any military action in the strife-torn Yugoslav province unless a political solution was agreed upon by both sides.

Athens News Agency

[09] Bodies of 3 climbers retrieved from Mt. Olympus

Athens, 22/03/1999 (ANA)

Rescue efforts resumed yesterday as the winter weather conditions atop Greece's highest peak improved slightly, allowing for the first of the bodies to be retrieved - with the other two airlifted by helicopter from the bottom of a rugged 500-metre gorge .

The bodies were subsequently transported by ambulance to a Thessaloniki hospital mor-gue.

The three mountaineers, aged 19, 21 and 37, were part of a group from the Thessaloniki Mountaineering Club. Rescuers believe one fell down the ravine dragging the other two with him.

One rescue team member said the operation was "tremendously difficult" as alpinists had to climb down 500 metres into the ravine before suspending themselves for the rest of the way down.

Athens News Agency

[10] NYC forum on business, investment opportunities in Greece

NEW YORK, 22/03/1999 (ANA - M. Georgiadou)

Assessing today's conference, organised again this year by the New York- based firm "Capital Link", economic analysts stressed that the forum is taking place at an opportune moment.

Today's conference will be inaugurated by the Greek ambassador in the US, Alexandros Filon, while the president of the New York Stock Exchange, William Johnston, will be the main speaker at a subsequent dinner.

Athens News Agency

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