A.N.A. Bulletin, 05/01/96

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

Athens News Agency Directory

ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No 780), January 5, 1996

Greek Press & Information Office

Ottawa, Canada

E-Mail Address: grnewsca@sympatico.ca

CONTENTS

[1] PASOK parliamentary group says executive decision a positive move

PASOK Parliamentary Group secretary Dimitris Beis said yesterday that the group's presidium characterized the decision taken on Wednesday by the Executive Bureau on resolving the political problem caused by the prime minister's continued hospitalization as positive.

The Executive Bureau will convene again at 11am today to focus primarily on the Central Committee's agenda, due to convene on January 20 to activate processes for a "final solution" to the problem.

Mr. Beis added that "certain points needing clarification remain, and for this reason the presidium of the Parliamentary Group will meet again tomorrow (today) with the Executive Bureau."

According to reliable sources, the problem is whether the Central Committee meeting on January 20 will give a permanent solution to the issue that has arisen over the premier's continued hospitalization during January or whether it will refer the matter to the next party congress.

Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis said yesterday that a solution must be given as soon as possible to the political problem. He was speaking after 90 minutes of talks with President Kostis Stephanopoulos. He declined to comment on the president's views on the matter. Mr. Kaklamanis said that it would be preferable if Mr. Papandreou himself were able to undertake the initiative "but if he is not in a position to participate in this procedure, there are the bodies of the state and (the ruling) PASOK party".

Mr. Kaklamanis expressed support for the convening of PASOK's parliamentary group at the earliest, in order to set in motion the procedure for resolving the current political problem.

Referring to the need for a solution to be found to the problem, Mr. Kaklamanis cited the seriousness of Greece's national issues and intimated that conditions were being created which were aimed against the unity of the major parties.

Education Minister George Papandreou yesterday reiterated his intention to visit his father as soon as his health permits it, and set out the current political situation to him.

"Developments over the last few days have set all of us before our responsibilities. The decisions of the Executive Bureau and the presidium of the PASOK's parliamentary group underscore the obligation to find a definitive solution to the current political problem.

"The solution must be in line with the interests of the country, and PASOK's prospects and unity, with respect for Andreas Papandreou's history.

"In this context, I reiterate my decision to visit the prime minister as his health permits it, and set out to him the actual facts that make up the current political situation," Mr. Papandreou said.

He added he had already discussed his intention with other top- ranking party members, and would continue his contacts.

In a related development, PASOK deputy and former minister Costas Simitis, regarded as one of the front-runners to succeed Mr. Papandreou, called for the election of a new premier by the end of January.

Speaking to reporters after talks with PASOK Central Committee secretary Costas Skandalidis, he said that there must be "definitive solutions" in January. "And when I say January, I mean January," he stressed.

Mr. Skandalidis also held talks yesterday with PASOK deputy and former minister Evangelos Yiannopoulos, who briefed him on deputies' views and the climate prevailing among the party's rank and file.

Mr. Yiannopoulos said afterwards the parliamentary group had first say on what took place in Parliament and succession in PASOK.

He said the secretary's role was very important at this stage and should be supported.

On the question of succession processes, Mr. Yiannopoulos said they were starting now, adding that if the premier recovered he could assume leadership again. He also called for political and party unity in PASOK for its own benefit and that of the country.

Mr. Skandalidis will meet Yiannis Haralambopoulos today, who has said he intends to contest the post of prime minister.

Meanwhile, government spokesman Telemahos Hytiris said that the Executive Bureau had made a correct decision outlining the framework of movements of the parliamentary body and the central committee, and stressed that decisions will be taken on January 20. He characterized a question on what will happen if a meeting with the premier is impossible as "hypothetical", stating it will be looked into by the parliamentary group and the Central Committee.

Mr. Hytiris said there is no reason for Parliament to be convened to interpret the Constitution, as happened in 1985, when it was deemed constitutional for Parliament President Ioannis Alevras to vote for a new President of the Republic.

He refused to comment on views on the Constitution such as those expressed by Interior, Public Administration and Decentralization Alternate Minister Haris Kastanidis, stating that he respects everyone's opinions.

Mr. Hytiris clarified that he has not yet sent his response to the parliamentary group's presidium regarding whether the group must be convened immediately.

PASOK deputy Vasso Papandreou, meanwhile, made a series of proposals yesterday for the solving of the political problem and for dealing with the censure motion expected to be tabled by New Democracy next week.

The deputy suggested a meeting of the parliamentary group next Monday or Tuesday to discuss the political situation and ND's censure motion; a convening of the Central Committee, according to the Executive Bureau's decision, in order to decide on a perm anent solution and on a time-frame for the party's congress; and convening the parliamentary group at a time decided by the group, which will be immediately after the Central Committee meeting, to discuss a permanent solution to the political problem.

Regarding the Executive Bureau's decision on Wednesday, Ms Papandreou stated that despite its good intentions, it did not clarify the political scene, nor did it pinpoint the time-frame for procedures to find a permanent solution, a procedure that must be completed by the end of January.

"The time has come," stated Ms Papandreou, "to prove that we can handle Andreas Papandreou's political inheritance and to ensure the continuity and prospects of the great democratic force."

Meanwhile, PASOK deputy Yiannis Zafiropoulos said he will submit an amendment to Parliament regarding the matter of replacing the prime minister. The deputy's suggestion states that "the replacement of the prime minister by any means, occurring because of his inability (due to illness) to fulfill his duties, cannot be extended in any case, for over sixty days. After this deadline, the parliamentary group of the prime minister's party suggests his replacement to the President of the Republic."

The amendment is suggested under Article 12 of the law 1558/85 (government and government bodies).

[2] ND to table censure motion Monday, sources say

The Executive Committee and Political Council of New Democracy yesterday decided unanimously to table a censure motion against the government next week.

The party bodies gave party leader Miltiades Evert carte blanche to decide when to table the motion but sources said the motion would be submitted on Monday.

Mr. Evert did not rule out the possibility of the motion having the effect of rallying the ruling party but said this was not of importance, as PASOK deputies had lost no time in voicing critical comments after approving the government's 1996 Budget.

The main opposition leader is scheduled to brief President Kostis Stephanopoulos on his party's move at their meeting at 11am today.

The same sources said Mr. Evert would hand the president the doctors' reply on the premier's health. ND spokesman Vassilis Manginas accused PASOK of "(adopting) delaying tactics, inertia and lack of political responsibility, factors which transfer t o ND the burden of undertaking initiatives to deal with the political crisis".

He added that after the submission of the censure motion, the New Democracy party would "escalate its opposition tactics", but did not specify further.

[3] Evert receives medical briefing on premier's health

Mr. Evert yesterday received a reply to the letter he had sent to the premier's physicians asking to be informed about the state of the premier's health and whether he could perform his duties as prime minister.

Asked by reporters whether he was satisfied with the reply, he said:

"I cannot be satisfied with something which is unpleasant." Asked what it was that was unpleasant, Mr. Evert replied: "The prime minister's health."

According to informed sources, the reply details the condition of the premier's vital organs and concludes saying "it is quite clear from the detailed briefing whether or not Mr. Papandreou is able to perform his duties".

Although Mr. Evert sent separate letters to each of the physicians participating in the medical council responsible for treating Mr. Papandreou, the reply he received yesterday was a single one on behalf of the entire council.

[4] Political Spring boycotts Parliament, to back ND censure motion

Deputies of the opposition Political Spring party will abstain from parliamentary debates as of Monday and will support a censure motion against the government to have the country led to elections and lift the political deadlock caused by the prime minister's illness.

The decision, announced by party leader Antonis Samaras on Wednesday, was reaffirmed yesterday in a joint four-hour meeting between the party's Parliamentary Group and the Political Planning Council.

The meeting included a discussion on organizing issues and political developments stemming from the prime minister's prolonged illness.

A lengthy discussion was held on the censure motion the New Democracy party plans to table; Political Spring deputies decided to back the ensure motion despite their conviction that it will lead to the rallying of the ruling party.

Mr. Samaras said many did not want elections and referred to President Kostis Stephanopoulos, saying he was aware how to exercise his constitutional duties and would exercise them.

A resolution from the meeting said the prime minister's inability to exercise his duties had led the country to a state of extraordinary and permanent turmoil which constituted a dangerous political situation .

After the meeting, Parliamentary Group Secretary Stephanos Stephanopoulos addressed a letter to Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis, announcing the party's decision to abstain from debates "until the present political turmoil is ended."

[5] Kouris resorts to courts

Meanwhile, the publisher of the Athens daily Avriani George Kouris yesterday filed a petition with an Athens court asking that the prime minister be declared legally incapacitated.

In the petition, Mr. Kouris seeks the appointment of his son George Papandreou, education minister, and his daughter Sophia Papandreou-Katsaneva as his guardians. As grounds for the petition, Mr. Kouris claims that "persons in Andreas Papandreou's inner circle might, taking advantage of his non-existent physical and mental condition, extract from him documents of great importance both from the point of view of civil law (will) and political consequences (appointment of successors)...".

The petition will be examined by the First Instance Court of Athens on February 20.

[6] Premier's condition stable

Yesterday's evening medical bulletin on the premier's health said his condition continued stabilized, with his breathing supported periodically through a respirator, and no change in the cardiac function.

It was added that 1.5 litre of pleuritic fluid had been extracted through the puncture method from the patient's chest, and that he had also received physiotherapy treatment. After reading out the bulletin, Dr. Aias Antoniades said antibiotic treatment had been stopped.

Meanwhile, speaking to reporters, Education Minister George Papandreou, the premier's son, did not rule out his father's transfer for treatment in the United States, if doctors deemed it necessary.

The premier continued to undergo intensive chest physiotherapy and motion therapy yesterday an earlier medical bulletin said and his doctors believe he may be able to walk in his room next week without their assistance.

An American physician is due in Athens today or tomorrow to help Mr. Papandreou overcome the so-called 'intensive care syndrome' which affects elderly people after long periods in the intensive care unit.

[7] Greek troops in Bosnia contributes to Athens' regional presence, Arsenis says

National Defense Minister Gerassimos Arsenis said yesterday that Greece's military participation in Bosnia promotes Athens' political presence not only in the one-time Yugoslav republic but in the wider Balkan region as well.

Mr. Arsenis was referring to Greece's participation in NATO's peace Implementation Force (IFOR), after the recent signing of a peace accord for Bosnia.

"Since January 3 the largest portion of the Greek contingent has been positioned in the Adriatic and Vissovo in Bosnia. Two C-130 Hercules aircraft are at NATO airports in Italy, the frigate Hydra and mine-sweepers Cleio and Avra are sailing the Yugoslavian coast, while in the Vissovo region, which is in the Muslim sector of Bosnia, 70 out of 250 officers and infantrymen of a Hellenic Army transport company have already arrived with 26 vehicles," the Greek national defense minister added.

Mr. Arsenis said the approximately 1,000 men serving on the mission are volunteers, adding that potential dangers are "small but exist."

In addition, he said Greek troops taking part in the mission are specially trained, while the operational area was chosen by the Greek government because there "is not a direct danger to participants."

According to Mr. Arsenis, the defense ministry's proposal to send peacekeepers to Bosnia was first approved by Prime Minister Andreas Papandreou in November, after the peace accords were signed in Paris. The mission was officially approved by the Government Council for Foreign Affairs and Defense (KYSEA) on December 20.

Greek conditions for participation in the NATO peacekeeping force were satisfied on December 14 with the official signing of the peace accord, combined with a United Nations decision authorizing the mission. Two other conditions, namely, that all three warring factions (Serbs, Croats and Muslims) agree to the Greek contingent and that non-NATO members also participate, were also fulfilled.

Athens had previously rejected the idea of participating in any mission designed to "impose the peace" in the former Yugoslavia, but stated that only support for a peace accord "and cement a proper environment for democracy and respect for human rights. "

Foreign minister Karolos Papoulias said Greece played a significant role in the peace process always with a view on the "next day."

"That means that Greece must play a leading role in an inter-Balkan conference as it did in the past (February 1988)," he said.

[8] Parties react

Main opposition New Democracy leader Miltiades Evert referred to the role Greece can play in Bosnia specifically, and the Balkans in general.

"Greece can and should finally play a leading role, something that suits it. The government has a duty to move towards that direction," Mr. Evert said.

Conversely, Communist Party of Greece (KKE) Secretary-General Aleka Papariga said the decision to send Greek troops to Bosnia entangles the nation in serious adventures and is in opposition to a joint communiqui issued by Greek political leaders, which Ms. Papariga said called for the abstention of any Balkan country's participation in any military mission, even in UN peacekeeping missions to the former Yugoslavia.

The Coalition of the Left and Progress, in a press release, expressed concern over Greece's participation.

[9] Greece welcomes Italian initiative on Cyprus

Greece welcomed yesterday the initiative of the Italian EU presidency for an immediate intervention aimed at attaining a settlement of the Cyprus problem "and looks forward to a successful outcome," foreign ministry Costas Bikas said.

Mr. Bikas was commenting on the initiative of Italian Foreign Minister Susanna Agnelli to send junior foreign affairs minister Emanueles Scammacca to Cyprus, Greece and Turkey on a fact-finding mission.

Mr. Scammacca is due to arrive in Athens today from Nicosia for talks with Foreign Minister Karolos Papoulias. Ms. Agnelli will visit Greece on January 10 in her capacity as president of the EU Council of Ministers and as part of a tour of EU capitals.

"The political settlement of the Cyprus problem is not connected with Cyprus' progress toward joining the EU," Mr. Bikas said in response to questions.

"They are two different things. Cyprus' accession to the EU is a different matter, which has been settled with the decision of March 6 and confirmed by repeated EU summit and Council of Ministers resolutions," Mr. Bikas added.

[10] Papoulias in Paris next week for consultations on aid for Palestine

Foreign Minister Karolos Papoulias will join his European Union counterparts at a meeting in Paris on January 9 to discuss the issue of financial aid to Palestine, foreign ministry spokesman Costas Bikas announced yesterday.

The spokesman stressed Greece's "strong interest in the political stability and economic development of this region".

On January 26, Mr. Papoulias will fly to Lisbon for talks on bilateral issues with his Portuguese counterpart Jaime Gama and the next day travel to Zagreb for talks with his Croatian counterpart Mate Granic.

Mr. Bikas said that the foreign ministers of Greece, Bosnia and Iran would meet in Sarajevo this month, although the exact date has not yet been set.

[11] Athens, Skopje to meet at UN next week on FYROM name

Greece's permanent representative at the United Nations, Christos Zacharakis, will meet with his Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) counterpart Ivan Tosevski on January 11 to discuss the issue of the neighboring state's name, the foreign ministry said yesterday.

Foreign ministry spokesman Costas Bikas said that the talks would be held in the presence of international mediator Cyrus Vance within the framework of the interim agreement signed by Athens and Skopje aimed at normalizing relations between the two countries.

[12] Hunger striker's appeal for release rejected

A judicial official rejected a request yesterday by attorneys for Christophoros Marinos that he be set free under restrictions due to health reasons.

Mr. Marinos is on a hunger strike to protest his imprisonment following charges that he was involved in a June 1 robbery of a Piraeus hospital, which resulted in the cashier's death. He denies any involvement in the incident.

Yesterday was the 64th day of his hunger strike.

The decision said the petition was rejected because of serious indications that he was involved in the robbery and murder, adding that there was a risk Mr. Marinos would flee if released.

His condition this week was described worsening, with doctors saying he was on the verge of heart and kidney failure and could die.

A court gave permission to doctors this week to use whatever methods they deemed necessary to keep the man alive.

Two previous requests for release were also rejected.

[13] Stathis says farmers register to be ready by mid '96

Agriculture Minister Theodoros Stathis said yesterday Greece would have a farmers register in six months' time, adding that this would facilitate the agriculture ministry in developing and implementing agricultural policy.

Mr. Stathis was speaking at the signing of a contract awarding the creation of a farmers' register to the Panhellenic Confederation of Agricultural Cooperatives (PASEGES).

According to the contract, the register will be ready in six months and the whole project will cost 637 million drachmas.

Cooperative organizations will provide data and entries for the farmers register, while services of the agriculture ministry will be responsible for controlling all procedures.

The granting of fuel at reduced prices for agricultural use is expected to be finalized on completion of the farmers register.

End of English language section.