A.N.A. Bulletin, 13/01/96

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

Athens News Agency Directory

ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No 786), January 13, 1996

Greek Press & Information Office

Ottawa, Canada

E-Mail Address: grnewsca@sympatico.ca

CONTENTS

[1] President agrees to meet with steadily improving premier

President Kostis Stephanopoulos has accepted a request from ailing Prime Minister Andreas Papandreou to visit him in hospital, reportedly to discuss political developments in view of the latter's 52-day absence from office.

A presidential office announcement said the Greek head of state would visit Mr. Papandreou "at a suitable time, taking into consideration the needs of Mr. Papandreou's treatment."

Reuters reported government officials as saying that the meeting would take place by Tuesday at the latest if the premier continued to show signs of improvement.

In another announcement, the president's office said it would not comment on a letter sent to Mr. Papandreou by main opposition New Democracy party leader Miltiades Evert on Thursday asking the 76-year-old premier to resign.

In his one-page letter, Mr. Evert said that by resigning, Mr. Papandreou would "protect himself, his party and the country."

Informed sources said New Democracy was planning to table a motion in parliament calling for an amendment to the law on the cabinet "facilitating and at the same time binding the government majority to replace the premier."

The sources did not specify when the motion would be tabled.

A medical bulletin issued yesterday by the Onassion Hospital said that there had been no substantial change in the condition of Mr. Papandreou's health during the past 24 hours. It added that the programme of motion therapy and respiratory physiotherapy was continuing, while the premier's breathing and renal function were being periodically supported by a respirator and kidney machine.

The bulletin revealed that the medical council responsible for Mr. Papandreou's treatment had decided to issue only one communiqui on the premier's health at midday due to the fact that his condition had stabilized.

Meanwhile, government spokesman Telemahos Hytiris said that the premier's meeting with the president would have a "briefing" character, adding that Mr. Papandreou was "aware and perceives the existing problem."

"He knows that he has been in hospital for more than 50 days, as he also knows about the censure motion (tabled by New Democracy), the budget debate and other major issues of the last two months," Mr. Hytiris said.

On the subject of Mr. Evert's letter to Mr. Papandreou, Mr. Hytiris said that the ND leader had "sent an institutional letter to the prime minister through Dimitris Kremastinos who however, as health minister is not competent to deliver it to Mr. Papandreou, while as a doctor (and Papandreou's personal physician) he had a duty to open it to see the repercussions it may have on the prime minister's health."

Mr. Hytiris said that Mr. Evert should have sent the letter via Interior, Public Administration and Decentralization Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos, who is standing in for the premier, or alternatively to Mr. Papandreou's private office.

Meanwhile, sources said Mr. Evert had a telephone conversation with Mr. Kremastinos during which the health minister disclosed that the prime minister was not totally briefed on developments.

Mr. Evert sent a third letter to the health minister yesterday afternoon, a follow-up to the letter he addressed to the prime minister on Thursday.

In the most recent letter, the ND leader insists on his positions and asks Mr. Kremastinos to deliver his first letter to the premier.

It was sent in reply to a letter from Mr. Kremastinos yesterday morning in which the health minister stated the letter from the ND leader to the prime minister was at Mr. Evert's disposal. Mr. Evert stressed to Mr. Kremastinos that his letter must be delivered exclusively to Mr. Papandreou.

Commenting on the matter, New Democracy said yesterday that "the degree of the government's effectiveness is highlighted by the fact that it can not deliver a message", ND spokesman Vassilis Manginas said.

Mr. Manginas said only the government has not realized this situation because "it is in a state of complete confusion," thus considering the meeting of PASOK's Parliamentary group a "constitutional deviation," he remarked.

[2] Greece will adhere to EU convergence path, says economy ministry

Greece will adhere to its EU convergence programme as more than 90 per cent of the electorate is committed to the cause of European integration, National Economy Minister Yiannos Papantoniou said yesterday.

"If the convergence programme didn't exist we would have to invent it to stabilize the economy and put some logic into it. It is quite certain that we shall continue because it is in our interest to do so", Mr. Papantoniou told Reuters in an interview.

He said the economy's experience with the implemented convergence programme has been very positive. Greece has managed to deal with important economic problems of a couple of years ago - high inflation and large deficits.

"Growth has resumed. It was -0.5 percent in 1993 and now, after applying the convergence programme, growth will be close to three percent," he said.

Mr. Papantoniou declined to say whether he would continue at the helm of the national economy ministry under a new prime minister. "This is at the absolute discretion of the new prime minister. I will wait for him to be chosen," he said.

He added that Greece's place in Europe must be secured in as quick a way as possible. "The target of joining the third phase of European monetary union (EMU) is a very strong target and we shall do everything we can not to miss it."

He said Greece's economy had matured and was less vulnerable to political stress and pressures, distancing itself from the political scene.

"The goal of EU convergence ties everybody together in this particular pursuit," he said.

[3] ND lashes out at Samaras comments

Main opposition New Democracy parliamentary spokesman Dimitris Sioufias unleashed a stinging attack on Political Spring leader Antonis Samaras yesterday, following the latter's comments Thursday that ND's tabled censure motion this week had rallied PASOK deputies.

"It is obvious that Mr. Samaras, having lost seriousness and his credibility, slowly but surely, is losing contact with reality if he sees PASOK rallied," he said.

The ND deputy said Mr. Samaras and his party not only voted for the censure motion but "that the Political Spring president should practice self-criticism instead of criticism, because he is the one who toppled ND's government and brought Andreas Papandreou's PASOK back to power, which he kept in power last March during a vote for a new president of the republic."

In addition, Mr. Sioufas said the Political Spring leader "hypocritically and irresponsibly" asked for President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos to resign "in order to leave the country without a premier or president."

[4] Laliotis certain premier will offer resignation

Environment, Town Planning and Public Works Minister Costas Laliotis expressed certainty yesterday that ailing Prime Minister Andreas Papandreou will resign.

Mr. Laliotis, who is also a member of the ruling PASOK party's Executive Bureau, said the premier's substitution is only a temporary solution which carries an expiry date, in statements to the private Flash radio station.

He also criticized the idea of naming deputy prime ministers, saying that that solution does not reflect public opinion, isolates Mr. Papandreou and will lead to an internal PASOK clash.

Mr. Laliotis said the resignation option is the only choice remaining, as an indefinite substitution and naming of deputy prime ministers are out of the question.

"I believe it (resignation) is a solution which relates to the historical caliber of Andreas Papandreou," the longtime PASOK cadre added.

[5] Executive Bureau members comment

Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Karolos Papoulias categorically denied yesterday that he is attempting to block procedures decided by the Executive Bureau, concerning the political problem arising over the prime minister's hospitalization since November 20.

Mr. Papoulias, also a bureau member, said he was informed on his alleged proposals with "surprise and anger." He made the statements before entering the Executive Bureau meeting.

"These are scenarios which I reject," he added.

The foreign minister also strongly denied a report that he would request a postponement of a Central Committee meeting scheduled for January 20.

Minister of State to the PM's Office Antonis Livanis and EU Energy Commissioner Christos Papoutsis, both bureau members as well, commented on arriving for the meeting.

Mr. Livanis said a "strong PASOK with Andreas Papandreou as its leader will face problems successfully and effectively now and in the future."

The EU commissioner said only the Central Committee has a say now, adding that the committee is also responsible for any party convention.

PASOK deputy George Katsimbardis said the people are "aware that if Andreas Papandreou knew the situation he would have resigned."

Mr. Katsimbardis said he will once again express his opinion concerning a "de facto willingness to resign."

[6] Simitis circle reacts

Sources reportedly close to deputy and former minister Costas Simitis expressed opposition to a transitional solution for the current political impasse.

According to reports, the sources said such publicly promoted scenarios will not materialize.

The same sources called a transitional solution damaging to the country, the economy and institutions, adding the only solution is election of a new premier within January.

[7] The economy needs a new prime minister, Papantoniou says

In an interview with Reuters, released yesterday, National Economy Minister Yiannos Papantoniou said the nation's economy cannot hold out for much longer without a prime minister, indicating that a successor for hospitalized Premier Andreas Papandreou must be found.

"The economy cannot live with a government with no prime minister for ever. A political solution must be found and will be found," he said, adding that a majority of ruling PASOK members want Andreas Papandreou's replacement.

"I can't see a situation where there will be no solution to the political problem. PASOK will take a decision by the 20th of January," he said.

The national economy minister said the present situation, with Interior Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos deputizing for the ailing premier, is not in accordance with the constitution and logic of the Greek political system.

The post-Papandreou era should not produce any problems. The transition should be smooth and the market will reward the new prime minister with a few months of grace, he said, adding:

"I would expect the stock market to go up and calm will be established in the economy. Then it will depend on how effective he (the new premier) will be in pursuing the announced policies."

[8] Coalition

Meanwhile, Coalition of the Left and Progress leader Nikos Constantopoulos said a new premier-designate should be elected immediately by the leadership and deputies of PASOK in accordance with the constitution.

"I want to believe that the statutory agencies of PASOK will implement the timetable which they themselves have set-- after a tremendous delay - and will proceed with. Any other development would constitute political destabilization," Mr. Constantopoulos said.

"Mr. Papandreou is finished as a prime minister. Mr. Kremastinos admits this in practice by conveying Mr. Evert's letter to Mr. Tsohatzopoulos. Mr. Evert , who has an expert opinion by the medical council, should have known this instead of exercising letter-writing in contrast to his own arguments in the censure motion," he added.

[9] Beteniotis rebuts KKE objections to Greek peace force in Bosnia

National Defense Under-secretary Manolis Beteniotis yesterday told Parliament the Greek mission to Bosnia aimed at overseeing the peace agreement and promoting Greece's presence in the Balkans and international organizations.

Mr. Beteniotis was replying to a question by Communist Party of Greece (KKE) deputy Stratis Korakas.

Mr. Korakas said the mission was "unjustifiable," describing as a "mockery" the government's decision to send a peace force to Bosnia and that there was a danger of Greek forces "becoming entangled in greater adventures."

Mr. Beteniotis said the Greek troops had received excellent training and were very experienced and the dangers were "limited to minimal".

[10] Coalition of left and Progress examines foreign policy problems

The fact that the abolition of bipolarism had not been followed by a new system of international relations and a just, peaceful and ecologically conscious world order, guaranteed by a democratized United Nations Organization, has led to the present political crisis, Coalition of the Left and Progress party leader Nikos Constantopoulos said yesterday.

"As globalization is based on the rules of an uncontrollable market, the inequalities in the world are being enlarged instead of bridged," Mr. Constantopoulos said in his opening address at a two-day party seminar on "the search for foreign policy".

Mr. Constantopoulos stressed the need to redefine Greece's foreign policy which should aim at "promoting inter-Balkan co-operation."

He opposed Greece's peace mission as part of the United Nations force overseeing peace in Bosnia.

However, veteran leftist Leonidas Kyrkos took a positive stand over Greece's contribution to the UN peacekeeping force in Bosnia saying it will serve as a "guarantee to the establishment of peace in the region."

He was in favor of improving Greek-Turkish relations despite the unresolved Cyprus issue.

Mr. Kyrkos said the priorities for Greek foreign policy should be the immediate settlement of relations with Skopje and the finding of a name which would be mutually acceptable, Greece's contribution to the establishment of peace in Yugoslavia, the development of a Balkan structure which would link the Balkans to the European Union through Greece, the forging of closer relations with Russia and former Soviet republics, and the improvement of Greece's relations with Turkey.

[11] Gov't needs to make no comment on Turkish photo

The government said yesterday that a photograph which had "gone round the world" showing a Turkish soldier holding up the head of a decapitated Kurdish guerrilla "speaks for itself."

"In 1996, this photograph speaks for itself," government spokesman Telemahos Hytiris said, adding that "the Turkish government should explain itself to the international community".

Political Spring representative Notis Martakis stressed that the photograph portrayed the real face of contemporary Turkey and "was dedicated to those Europeans who equated the ideals of democracy and culture with the barbarism of a country which was massacring human rights and flouting international law".

[12] Germany refuses to budge from position on reparations issue

Germany said yesterday it was not prepared to change its position on claims by Greece for war reparations and the repayment of a "loan" exacted by Nazi occupation forces during World War II. "We will not deviate from the positions we have expressed until now," German Foreign Minister Klaus Kinkel said yesterday, referring to official replies given in the Bundestag to the Greek note delivered by the Greek embassy to German Foreign Undersecretary Peter Hartman on November 14.

Mr. Kinkel's clarification was given during a "confidential" briefing between the German foreign minister and German reporters on the subject of foreign policy priorities for 1996. According to reporters present, Mr. Kinkel was "categorical" in his answer.

The German government has not yet issued an official response to the question regarding private claims for compensation by occupation victims in Greece, submitted on November 21, 1995 by Democratic Socialist Party (PDS) deputy Ula Gelpke.

This was the second question submitted by Ms Gelpke - the first was submitted on October 13 - and the answer should have been given by Christmas.

According to an associate of Ms Gelpke, the German finance and foreign ministries have stated that the answer will be given late "due to the complexity of the issue".

[13] Police in Thessaloniki fear influx of Russian-made weapons going to organized crime

Police in Thessaloniki fear that a large quantity of Russian-made automatic weapons have been channeled to underworld figures in this northern port city after arresting a man involved in smuggling Russian-made weapons and ammunition into the country from Georgia.

Theoktistos Kritharidis, an ethnic Greek from Georgia, was arrested after seven Kalashnikov assault rifles and a large quantity of ammunition were found in his car.

According to the police, Mr. Kritharidis said that he obtained the rifles from two Georgians from Tblisi who visit Greece often, adding that he had intended to sell them to a person whom he refused to identify for one million drachmas.

Mr. Kritharidis was arrested after police received a tip-off that arms being smuggled into the country from countries of the former Soviet Union were being sold to organized criminal elements in Greece.

Two years ago, Thessaloniki police seized two Kalashnikovs and five Russian-made revolvers, while last year they broke up a gang of Serbs and Skopjans who had been smuggling arms into Greece from the war zones in former Yugoslavia.

[14] Albanian illegal immigrants arrested for possession of hashish

Four Albanian illegal immigrants were arrested near Florina yesterday for possession of 9.5 kilos of hashish they were taking to Thessaloniki. The illegal immigrants, whose names were not disclosed, were spotted and arrested by a special patrol from Amynteon. Searching their baggage, police found four plastic bags full of hashish weighing 9.5 kilos. Police in Amynteon are investigating the case.

[15] Greece strongly backs OSCE role in Europe

Greece strongly supported an initiative by the European Union to have a resolution issued in Vienna yesterday by the permanent committee of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe's (OSCE) Parliamentary Assembly, concerning backing for the OSCE's stabilizing role in Europe in general and the important role it has to play in implementing the Dayton agreement on Bosnia.

The Greek parliamentary delegation attending the two-day annual session of the permanent committee of the OSCE's Parliamentary Assembly in Vienna included George Mangakis, a PASOK deputy and former alternate foreign minister, and Ioannis Stathopoulos, a former ND defense under-secretary.

The resolution underlines the importance of the role the OSCE will have to play in Bosnia concerning participation and assistance in holding elections, promotion of respect for human rights, support for confidence measures for security and completion of negotiations on controlling and reducing armaments.

In a statement to the Athens News Agency (ANA) in Vienna, Mr. Mangakis hailed support provided by the representatives of all parliaments of OSCE member-states at the Vienna session and the need to support the role of its Parliamentary Assembly.

On the part of Greece, he said what was considered to be particularly positive was the participation of elected agencies in the operation of major organizations which ran the risk of expressing government expediencies and the effort made for consistency towards the principles which states supposedly rallied round these organizations.

Mr. Mangakis expressed particular satisfaction over the ascertainment, made during a presentation by relevant agencies of the OSCE's economic situation, that Greece was among countries being in absolute order regarding their economic commitments towards the organization.

He said this consistency towards economic commitments strengthe-ned the country's credibility and prestige.

The permanent committee's session, in Vienna last night, discussed preparation of the next Parliamentary Assembly due to held in Stockholm in July.

[16] New bilateral protocol aims to strengthen Greek-Albanian farming ties

The sessions of the first Joint Greek-Albanian Agriculture Committee concluded here yesterday with the signing of a protocol providing for co-operation in a number of sectors and the signing of a further agreement.

The protocol, signed by Agriculture Under-secretary Alexandros Damianidis and his Albanian counterpart Mislim Osmani, provides for co-operation in the sectors of crop and livestock production, veterinary medicine, agricultural applications and training, agricultural research, forestry and fishing.

It also foresees the signing of an agreement covering the sectors of agriculture and foodstuffs.

An agriculture ministry announcement said that the agreement would contribute to the more rapid development of Albania's agricultural economy as well as the creation of a climate of trust for the promotion of Greek business interests in the neighboring country.

[17] Wide-ranging discussion' begins FYROM name talks at UN

UN mediator Cyrus Vance held three-hour talks yesterday morning (US time) with the representatives of Greece and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM).

"We had a wide-ranging discussion and we will continue in the afternoon. This is the point we are at present. I do not want to elaborate further," Mr. Vance told reporters afterwards.

Asked whether he was optimistic over positions set out by the two sides, Mr. Vance said "I do not want to comment on the situation. I stand by what I have said. We had a wide-ranging discussion. I have nothing to add."

Neither of the Greek or FYROM representatives made any comments on the meeting.

[18] Search for missing Swiss terrorist moves to Crete

Police looking for the missing Swiss national who is alleged to have been the right-hand man of notorious terrorist, "Carlos", have turned their search to the island of Crete.

Bruno Breguet, 46, disappeared from the ferry boat "Lato" en route from Italy to the Greek port of Igoumenitsa last November and has not been sighted since.

Sources say Breguet stayed for two days in Patras and then left for Crete, where he was now being sought.

Breguet's Geneva-based lawyer has protested the terrorist's disappearance to the UN after Breguet was reported missing on November 12.

Breguet, who was arrested in Paris in 1982 for possession and transport of arms and explosives, is suspected of involvement in a bomb attack at the Saudi embassy in Athens in 1983.

Police authorities in Patras and the Greek Intelligence Service (EYP) are investigating possible connections and contacts Breguet may have had in the central Greek port-city. Police denied that there had been house searches and that the investigation focused on "gathering of information."

According to the Public Order Ministry, Breguet has been expelled three times from Greece in the past - in April 1987, February 1991 and again in March 1991.

End of English language section.