A.N.A. Bulletin, 03/01/96

From: "Greek Press & Information Office, Ottawa Canada" <grnewsca@sympatico.ca>

Athens News Agency Directory

ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No 778), January 3, 1996

Greek Press & Information Office

Ottawa, Canada

E-Mail Address: grnewsca@sympatico.ca

CONTENTS

[1] Hytiris: moves to replace Papandreou unconstitutional

Government spokesman Telemahos Hytiris said yesterday that any attempt to remove Mr. Papandreou from his post as prime minister would amount to an "aberration and anomaly" which could lead the country into "adventures."

The spokesman made the statement when asked if the possible convening of the ruling PASOK party's Parliamentary Group for the purpose of replacing the premier would be a deviation from the Constitution.

After a tense five-hour meeting last night, the presidium of PASOK's Parliamentary Group decided to invite deputies to submit in writing their views on when the group should be convened to discuss the situation regarding the premier's prolonged illness.

The presidium is due to meet at 10:30 this morning with the party's Central Committee secretary Costas Skandalides and a delegation of the Executive Bureau.

Replying to other questions, Mr. Hytiris said that last night's meeting of the Parliamentary Group presidium was being held with the knowledge of Interior, Public Administration and Decentralization Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos, who is standing in for Mr. Papandreou.

Asked if Health Minister Dimitris Kremastinos, who is also the premier's personal physician, had resigned, the spokesman said that Mr. Tsohatzopoulos had received no letter of resignation.

After charges leveled by PASOK deputy Vassilis Kedikoglou at the weekend against Mr. Kremastinos, that he was abusing his position in order to further his own personal ambitions and that his stance regarding the premier's health had been influenced by political expediencies, Mr. Hytiris said the minister had sent letters to Mr. Tsohatzopoulos and PASOK party secretary Costas Skandalides following the attack, but that there was no mention of resignation in either of them.

The letters, he added, contained condemnations of the views expressed by Mr. Kedikoglou.

[2] Papazoi calls for action from PASOK MPs

Environment Under-secretary Elizabeth Papazoi yesterday requested the immediate convening of the ruling PASOK party's Parliamentary Group to discuss "the political problem" arising from Prime Minister Andreas Papandreou's prolonged illness.

Ms Papazoi set out the request in a letter to the secretary of the Parliamentary Group, Dimitris Beis. In the letter, Ms Papazoi calls for a discussion of the "political problem" and requests that PASOK deputies be briefed on the situation regarding Mr. Papandreou's health and, subsequently, the taking of decisions.

It is the first time that a member of the government has formally called for the immediate convening of PASOK deputies to discuss the problem caused by Mr. Papandreou's continued hospitalization.

Meanwhile, PASOK deputy Spyros Kaloudis called for the immediate replacement of Mr. Papandreou. "We must immediately elect a new prime minister as health reasons exclude the political presence of Andreas Papandreou," Mr. Kaloudis said in a statement to the party's Executive Bureau.

[3] President confers with Livanis

President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos met with Minister to the Prime Minister Antonis Livanis yesterday for closed-door discussions.

Although no statements were made by the two men after the meeting, sources said it was certain that the political problem created by Premier Andreas Papandreou's illness was discussed.

The president will meet with Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis on Thursday and main opposition leader Miltiades Evert on Friday.

[4] Evert: present situation 'anomalous'

Meanwhile, main opposition New Democracy (ND) leader Miltiades Evert said today that the present situation was "a political anomaly and a blatant violation of the elementary rules (governing) the smooth functioning of our political system."

"Forty-four days have now passed since the premier last exercised his duties, without there being any prospect of him resuming those duties," Mr. Evert said.

The ND leader stressed that his party, both as the current main opposition party "and tomorrow as government" would not recognize any obligations undertaken by the government which created a burden for the state such as procurements, works contracts and public sector hirings for as long as the country remained without a prime minister.

The ND leader yesterday sent letters to each member of the medical council responsible for treating Mr. Papandreou, asking them to brief him about the premier's health with respect to the particular field in which each physician specializes.

According to informed sources, the underlying question being put by Mr. Evert is whether Mr. Papandreou will be able perform his duties as premier.

Mr. Evert, who will discuss the matter of the premier's illness on Friday with President Stephanopoulos, will next week table a censure motion against the government in Parliament.

The ND leader said he would step up his "interventions" but did not elaborate about the steps he intended to take. He made it clear, however, that he was "determined to put an end to the impasse which has been created by the inertia of PASOK cadres who are too 'small' to assume such responsibilities."

The New Democracy Political Council will meet tomorrow to decide on the party's moves following the submission of the censure motion.

[5] Tsohatzopoulos replies to Evert

Interior and Public Administration Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos, who is deputizing for the prime minister, used harsh language in a reply to Mr. Evert, saying his flagging political fortunes and internal party dissension had led to him to "hoist the flag of law-breaking".

"He is refusing (to heed) the constitution and the laws of the land, and trying to sabotage the normal functioning of the democratic political system and the institutions. In order to serve party expediencies, he is sliding into an indiscriminate undermining of economic stability, achieved through the sacrifices of the Greek people in the last two years," he said.

His attempt today to engage in political, moral, social and institutional terrorism through phenomenal blackmail and threats in every direction, nominates him once again as a source of danger and irresponsibility," he added.

He reminded Mr. Evert that the government's parliamentary majority was reaffirmed in the 1996 Budget vote only 10 days earlier.

He reiterated that PASOK's collective organs will adopt the necessary political decisions in good time, dealing with any political issues arising in an effective and responsible fashion.

Meanwhile, Transport Minister Evangelos Venizelos met with former minister and top PASOK cadre Costas Simitis yesterday before stating "everything must take place in order to protect public opinion's demands, PASOK's unity and the constitutional framework within which we function."

Mr. Venizelos said he requested the meeting with Mr. Simitis, adding that he will also meet with PASOK deputy and former minister Yiannis Haralambopoulos as well as the ruling party's Parliamentary Group secretary, Dimitris Beis.

The transport minister and former government spokesman said the meetings were scheduled in order to prepare a comprehensive written proposal on the political and institutional issue arising from the premier's prolonged illness.

Reliable sources say Mr. Simitis supports the immediate resolution of the political problem created by the prime minister's extended ill-health.

According to the sources, Mr. Simitis expects a decision to be taken during today's Executive Bureau meeting that will pave the way to an immediate solution. Circles close to the former minister stated that procrastination and obstruction do not constitute a solution.

The same circles said that Mr. Simitis supports the immediate convention of PASOK's Parliamentary Group for the election of a replacement for Andreas Papandreou, as he considers the matter must not follow Central Committee convention procedures as the problem will be exacerbated.

Education Minister George Papandreou, who is also the premier's eldest child, commented yesterday on a request by several ruling PASOK deputies for a Parliamentary Group meeting on the succession issue.

In a statement as he left the Onassion Hospital last night, Mr. Papandreou said: "In a situation difficult for the nation, we have all shown a sense of responsibility, and I believe that we will continue to show respect for the institutions."

The education minister also said he will honor pledges he made on the issue.

[6] Premier stable, Skalkeas resigns

A medical bulletin issued by the Onassion hospital yesterday evening said that the condition of the prime minister was stable, he was not being supported by a respirator, and that he had responded well to dialysis treatment.

An earlier midday bulletin said Mr. Papandreou's health had remained unchanged over the previous 24 hours, and that the results of skin and kidney biopsies carried out on Sunday would be announced today. Members of the medical council treating the prime minister indicated, however, that the chances of the premier's kidneys resuming normal functioning were slim.

Mr. Papandreou woke up in good spirits yesterday and underwent physiotherapy on his chest and lower limbs. Doctors treating the premier told reporters said that he was conscious and was able to converse for a few minutes with friends and relatives.

In a related development, Onassion deputy director Grigoris Skalkeas yesterday announced his resignation, denouncing what he called "malicious scenarios" against him.

In a letter to the health minister, Mr. Skalkeas said in a clear reference to Mr. Kedikoglou that he had learned "with great regret" of the statements "by a ruling party deputy" claiming that his appointment as deputy director of the Onassion, had been t he result of favoritism rather than merit.

Mr. Skalkeas said that he had been under pressure from Mr. Kremastinos for three months to accept the post, eventually doing so only when he learned that it was the prime minister's wish that the Onassion's board of administration should be formed on t he basis of merit over and above party considerations.

He added in the letter of resignation that he had also been accused of having been given the post in order to help Mr. Kremastinos be elected professor at the Athens Medical School "even though I do not participate in the electoral body".

Concerning the deputy's accusations that he also worked for competing institutions, Mr. Skalkeas said: "It is a fact that I perform operations on my own personal patients at the Athens Medical Centre and the Evgenidion (hospital), which belongs to Athens University, but I am not dependent on either of them from an administrative, financial or any other viewpoint." "The malicious scenarios against me cause me great regret and disgust and make it impossible for me to continue to offer my service s at the Onassion," Mr. Skalkeas said.

He clarified, however, that he would continue to offer his services to the prime minister, "albeit in a secondary role", due to his high sense of duty as physician.

According to sources close to Mr. Kremastinos, Mr. Skalkeas' resignation will most likely be accepted. In the meantime, he remains president of the medical council which meets daily to examine the developments in the premier's health.

[7] More Greek troops leave for Bosnia today

Fifty-three officers and soldiers, as well as 26 vehicles, are due to leave today for Bosnia on the armored vehicle landing craft "Samos" to be deployed as part of NATO's peace implementation force near Vissovo.

The first 16-man Greek contingent left for Bosnia at the end of December as part of a transport company of 250 troops. Greece is also contributing three naval vessels and helicopters. The rest of the company will leave for Bosnia in mid-January.

[8] Marinos appeal for release rejected

An Athens court has rejected Christophoros Marinos' appeal for his imprisonment to be suspended due to ill-health, despite doctors' claims that his condition has deteriorated.

Marinos, who has been detained on charges of involvement in a June hospital robbery that left a man dead, has been on hunger strike for 54 days. He denies any involvement in the robbery.

The court rejected his appeal, the second he has submitted, on the grounds that the defendant knew of the consequences a hunger strike would have on his health before he embarked on it.

The Coalition of the Left and Progress yesterday called for Marinos' detention to be replaced with restrictions on his mobility and that he be tried as soon as possible.

An announcement said that for a suspect to near death before a court has determined his innocence or guilt was a severe blow to the dispensation of justice.

[9] Supreme Court reiterates right to privacy in illicit tapping of phones

The Supreme Court stated yesterday that the tapping of telephone conversations without the knowledge and consent of all those conducting the conversation is illicit and strictly forbidden.

The statement was made when the court rejected the appeal of a woman who had tapped her estranged husband's telephone conversations with his girlfriend, with the help of a private detective. She received a two-month suspended sentence for using the tape s as evidence in a divorce suit filed by her husband.

Illegal telephone tapping constitutes a violation of privacy and is an insult to human dignity, the Supreme Court declared, citing clauses from the Constitution and the Treaty of Rome.

Only judicial authorities following certain procedures can allow the lifting of confidentiality in telephone conversations, and only if it is for reasons of national security or for the clarification of particularly serious crimes, said the Supreme Court.

The court rejected the woman's claim that her actions were not illicit as she had understandable vested interests in saving her marriage.

[10] Investigation underway into whiskey find in Korydallos

Five large fruit juice cartons filled with whiskey were found in a cell in the Korydallos prison yesterday.

According to a statement submitted to prosecutors by a correctional officer, the cartons were found in a cell occupied by George Balafas and Yiannis Lambris.

Lambris alleges he filled the cartons himself after the whiskey was smuggled into the jail in plastic bottles by the prison doctor.

A prosecutor is due to visit Korydallos today in order to speak to those involved.

The two inmates in whose cell the cartons were found have been transferred to a special detention area within the prison for safety reasons.

[11] Cotton subsidy guidelines changed after Stathis intervention

The European Commission has approved an increase in the down payment for subsidization provided for cotton producers, following intervention by Agriculture Minister Theodoros Stathis.

According to Community regulations, the down payment had been set at 27 per cent of the price. It will increase to over 35 per cent now.

This means that on delivery of their product, cotton producers will receive more money, while the remaining amount of the subsidy will be paid off by May.

Cotton producers wanted the down payment to be increased to 40 per cent.

The gin period has been shortened by a month and will end on March 31. As a result, cotton producers will receive all their money in a shorter period of time than was anticipated by regulations.

[12] OTE to pay state 14 billion drachmas for license

A ministerial decision sets out the lump sum and annual tariffs the Hellenic Telecommunications Organization (OTE) will have to pay to the state for the special operation license granted it.

OTE will pay a tariff lump sum of 14,289,022,245 drachmas for mobile telephony and a special fee amounting to 160 million drachmas.

According to an announcement by the transport and communications ministry, OTE will pay 37 billion drachmas to the state over the next five years, apart from the amount it pays as dividends and income tax.

[13] Samaras slams Gov't for 'bleeding people dry'

Political Spring party leader Antonis Samaras yesterday criticized the government of bleeding the people dry with new price increases.

"Those who doubted whether a government exists were mistaken. The government is here. And with its raids and the bleeding dry of the Greek people it is proving both its existence and the unity of the government lineup," Mr. Samaras said.

Mr. Samaras said it was evident that what he called "the Third World festival in and outside the Onassion" and conflicts among its cadres started and ended in power sharing.

"There is no word of the anxiety and pain of the salary-earner, the pensioner, the unemployed man and the farmer, who again see they are footing the bill. They (PASOK) are all united. And, of course, they are all jointly responsible," Mr. Samaras added.

[14] ADEDY protests price hikes

The Civil Servants Supreme Administrative Council (ADEDY) said yesterday that new increases in consumer goods would lead to a further impoverishment of working people.

ADEDY said the new increases, combined with the 2.5 per cent plus 2.5 per cent incomes policy and failure of the tax scale to follow the price index, intensified financial problems for working people.

It called on the government to take into consideration social justice "which constitutes an essential condition for its development policy."

The government announced increases in the price of fuel, alcohol and cigarettes late last year.

End of English language section.