A.N.A. Bulletin, 23/05/96

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

Athens News Agency Directory

ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No 893), May 23, 1996

Greek Press & Information Office

Ottawa, Canada

E-Mail Address: grnewsca@sympatico.ca

CONTENTS

[1] Santer stresses role of cities, local authorities in combating unemployment

European Commission President Jacques Santer last night called on a joint effort by both public and private agencies to confront Europe's ever-growing number of unemployed, in his keynote address to more than a thousand EU mayors and regional officials in Thessaloniki for their annual general assembly.

Mr. Santer said the "threat of social unrest which is directly felt in cities and regions" had its roots "in the acute problem of unemployment - there are 18 million unemployed in the EU - the phenomena of exclusion and discrimination, the resurgence of extreme nationalism and threats to the environment."

Referring to the European employment pact implemented last January, he said it aimed at jointly mobilizing all agencies and that our "major strategy for the future will only acquire a meaning if we apply ourselves dynamically to the problem of employment."

The European Commission could not replace local officials or governments in this effort, Mr. Santer said.

"This employment pact does not constitute a specious way of placing the principle of subsidiarity in doubt. On the contrary, it is a dynamic implementation of subsidiarity and I call on you to participate. It would be a mistaken interpretation of subsidiarity if we were to transfer our responsibilities to each other," he added.

Interior, Public Administration and Decentralization Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos, speaking on behalf of the government, referred to a 'social Europe' and stressed the need to coordinate economic and social policies.

"In the framework of the inter-governmental conference (IGC) in 1996, there should be positive social action which should include the creation of a capital fund for employment and its linkage with Economic and Monetary Union (EMU)," Mr. Tsohatzopoulos s aid.

"The greatest (possible) cohesion and the greatest (possible) expression of unity is in the interests of the European Union and the other European countries and this is what has to be consolidated by the IGC," he added. Athens mayor and Central Union of Municipalities and Communities of Greece (KEDKE) President Dimitris Avramopoulos said it was significant that municipal leaders should meet in Greece to discuss and negotiate issues concerning a corporate democracy which were first discussed in ancient Greece thousands of years ago.

"A substantive part of local self-administration in the new course set out by European history is to help see that every European, and particularly the young one, will escape the cold of isolation which is being proposed as the new way of life," he added.

On his part, Thessaloniki mayor Constantine Kosmopoulos said the northern Greek capital was a geographic and cultural center and a crossroads between East and West.

A reception was given last night in honor of Mr. Santer and the municipal leaders, which was followed by a performance of the work "Zorba" by popular Greek composer Mikis Theodorakis.

The assembly's work will continue today and will end on Saturday.

[2] Greece supports Cypriot bid at OECD ministerial meeting

The OECD's ministerial summit meeting ended in Paris yesterday with a discussion on the future directions of the organization.

Greece, represented by Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos and National Economy Minister Yiannos Papantoniou, made a "special and strong reference" in support of Cyprus' bid for entry to the organization, Mr. Pangalos said after the meeting.

Discussions yesterday centered on the role the OECD is called on to play over the next decade including the organization's expansion to include new members such as the Ukraine, the Czech Republic and Cyprus. A discussion was held with the Russian ministerial delegation regarding the issue of Russia's application for entry into the OECD and the adaptation of its economy to the free market.

Briefing journalists on the content of the meeting and on Greece's contribution, Mr. Pangalos said the Greek economy maintained its initial targets and that this constitutes a hopeful message.

Mr. Pangalos stressed that the Greek delegation's interventions were centered on the need for a review of the Uruguay Round agreements, particularly regarding shipping.

The foreign minister said the delegation also spoke on the subjects of agriculture, textiles, tourism and the environment.

Referring to Russia's application for entry into the OECD, he said it is being handled by the organization with the necessary attention and stressed that Greece feels positively towards its application, as it does towards the applications of central and eastern European countries.

[3] Santer to meet Stephanopoulos, Simitis today

European Commission President Jacques Santer arrived in Thessaloniki yesterday afternoon as part of his official visit to Greece.

Mr. Santer, who is scheduled to have meetings this morning in Athens with President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos and Prime Minister Costas Simitis, is currently on a tour of EU member-states' capitals, in advance of the forthcoming European Union summit in Florence.

He will also speak this evening at the Federation of Greek Industries' general assembly, while on Friday morning Mr. Santer meets with Alternate Foreign Minister George Romeos, followed by a meeting with main opposition New Democracy leader Miltiades Evert.

Mr. Santer's official itinerary concludes on Friday, while he leaves Greece on Sunday.

The Commission president was greeted at Thessaloniki's Macedonia Airport by the city's mayor, Constantine Kosmopoulos.

"Greece is a full member of the European Union and enjoys our solidarity," Mr. Santer told reporters on arrival at Macedonia Airport.

"We are aware of the problems you are facing here in Greece."

[4] Diplomats to meet next week to prepare next Pangalos-Gonensay meeting

Greek and Turkish diplomats will meet next Tuesday to prepare for a meeting between the Greek and Turkish foreign ministers on the sidelines of a NATO foreign ministers council, scheduled for Berlin on June 2.

Government spokesman Dimitris Reppas yesterday clarified that no negotiations will occur between the Greek and Turkish foreign ministry officials and that no agenda has been set. He added, however, that each side will present its views on issues each has raised.

"There is no agenda and there will be no negotiations on an agenda of matters to be discussed," he said.

In addition, Mr. Reppas dismissed statements made by Turkish Foreign Minister Emre Gonensay during a recent US visit as "a reiteration of well-known statements by Turkish officials," which the government spokesman partly attributed to what he called Turkey's internal political uncertainty, "which may, possibly, affect its foreign policy." Greece is categorically opposed to the Turkish foreign minister's statements, he added, considering that they place a further strain on relations between the two countries.

[5] Gonensay comments

Turkey wants a comprehensive settlement of all Greek-Turkish issues because they are all inter-connected, Mr. Gonensay said yesterday in Ankara.

Upon returning from an official visit to the United States, the Turkish foreign minister said "Greece wants to solve an issue with one method, while Turkey wants to solve all the problems" through a package deal. He added that he explained both views in the United States, while "discus-sing how a solution could be formulated to satisfy both sides."

In reference to reports pointing to mediation efforts by NATO Secretary General Javier Solana over Greek-Turkish disputes, he reiterated that a NATO proposal for confidence-building measures (CBMs) already existed even before Turkish Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz's recent call for a Greek-Turkish dialogue.

"We believe that this (Yilmaz's) initiative would not need the confidence-building measures, which however, again gained significance because Greece has not as yet responded to our initiative, and because tension is constantly increasing in the Aegean," he said, adding that he will "listen to what Mr. Solana has to say."

[6] Solana visit

Meanwhile, the NATO head was scheduled to arrive in Istanbul yesterday for an official visit.

He was expected to meet with Mr. Gonensay yesterday and with Turkish President Suleyman Demirel today, as well as with the Turkish military's chief of general staff and Defense Minister Oltan Sougourlou.

He is expected to discuss Greek-Turkish issues with the Turkish leadership.

[7] Turkey's move to meet with 14 EU envoys scuttled

The European Union has sent a clear message of disapproval by canceling the Turkish foreign ministry's meeting with all the EU ambassadors to Turkey bar Greece, Turkish political observers said yesterday.

Ankara last Friday called on the 14 EU ambassadors to a meeting in order to present its views on a Turkish tour last weekend by foreign correspondents to the Imia islets.

West European sources said yesterday that the 15-member Union has decided to disapprove of Ankara's tactic to exclude Greece from its demarches to the European Union, adding that ambassadors will refuse to respond to such calls that do not include all 1 5 EU member-states.

One of two maps distributed by the Turkish foreign ministry to foreign correspondents during a tour of the Imia islets complex last weekend appears to have been tampered with.

The first map handed out by Ankara was devoid of a publisher's identity, while a note mentioned that the map was "based on Greek maps approved by the Greek Hydographic Service."

A second map distributed by the Turkish foreign ministry was referred to as an "official" British map of the eastern Aegean area, which among other things, featured a peculiar "international sea boundary" that put a series of Greek islands, including Agathonisi and Farmakonisi, east of the boundary line.

[8] Simitis meets with Serbian counterpart on bilateral relations

Prime Minister Costas Simitis met yesterday with his visiting Serbian counterpart Mirka Marianovic for talks on bilateral relations.

Mr. Simitis later described the relations between the two countries as "very good," saying that beyond general political matters, discussions also focused on economic co-operation. The premier also said he and the Serbian premier agreed "on what all side s are aspiring to," namely "rendering the Balkans a place of peace, friendship and co-operation."

Mr. Marianovic said the conviction of both sides for further development of mutual bilateral relations had also been reconfirmed.

On Serbia's part, he added, every effort would be made to upgrade those relations.

[9] Bakoyianni lashes out at ND leadership

On the eve of a critical meeting of main opposition New Democracy deputies, former culture minister Dora Bakoyianni launched a full-frontal attack on the party leader, Miltiades Evert.

"Unfortunately, after the fall of the ND government, within the very party there was a strengthening of the forces which opposed reform policies, which remained unsupported. The outcome was that gradual ideological confusion, the adulteration of programs and populist tendencies prevail in the party's positions," she said in a statement.

"The base of the party - the only force which, despite difficulties, believed and supported the reforms - is helplessly and anxiously following developments today."

ND's Parliamentary Group is due to convene today under Mr. Evert's chairmanship in order to discuss current political developments and problems in the agricultural sector.

ND's forthcoming national congress is also expected to be discussed during the meeting, while there is speculation as to the stance that will be held by party members loyal to former prime minister Constantine Mitsotakis.

[10] Adoption procedures reformed

A justice ministry draft bill is radically revising adoption procedures. The draft bill institutes an upper limit in the age difference between adoptive parents and child and provides for the consent of children over 12 years of age to the adoption. The bill also reorganizes the preliminary and adoption procedures and reforms the manner in which minors are represented.

[11] Communist party aims to create a broad anti-imperialist front

Greece's oldest political grouping, the Communist Party of Greece (KKE), opened its 15th congress in Athens yesterday, with the participation of 550 delegates and 66 foreign representatives.

During her opening speech, KKE Secretary-General Aleka Papariga concentrated on the congress's main issue - the formation of an "anti-imperialist and anti-monopolistic front".

"The foundation stone of the new front," Ms Papariga said, "is the social alliance between the working class, farmers, urban middle classes, social movements, youth and women, environmentalist organizations, educational and health groups and all those who fight for democratic rights, in order to deter imperialistic plans against peoples and against peace."

Ms Papariga added that this front has no room for political forces whose policies aspire to manage the system. "There is no place for political powers which consider Greece's participation in the European Union and its conformity to its choices to be a one-way street - who legalize the actions of NATO and of other capitalist, imperialist organizations," Ms Papariga said.

"There is no place for those forces which loudly proclaim "class collaboration and social peace," she added.

Speaking on the subject of political co-operation and political alliances, Ms Papariga said the party will seek joint action with political forces and groups which adopt anti-imperialist and anti-monopolistic aims and which support the struggle of the people and of the front. She added that KKE will seek joint or parallel actions on particular aims, while simultaneously maintaining its ideological, political and organizational autonomy.

Addressing the congress, PASOK Secretary Costas Skandalidis said the greatest possible co-operation on national issues must be sought, and asked the KKE to participate in this effort. Mr. Skandalidis said a second sector for co-operation is the defense of social interests, the restructuring of the welfare state and of the state of law and the more just distribution of economic burdens.

Mr. Skandalidis clarified that regardless of the differences between the two parties on many issues, a common front must be sought wherever co-operation is possible. He also requested open channels of communication between the two parties for discussions or co-operation.

The main opposition New Democracy party was represented by deputy Aristidis Kalantzakos, who stressed the need for the country's political parties to watch political and international developments closely.

Deputy Fotini Stefanopoulou spoke on behalf of the Political Spring party and asked KKE to inform the foreign delegations present at the congress on foreign policy problems faced by Greece.

The representative of the 'Renovative Communist and Ecological Left' party, Yiannis Banias, stressed the need to resist the choices of the EU Maastricht Trea-ty, of unemployment, nationalism and racism. Mr. Banias said the only solution to these problem s is the resistance of labor, for which a common programme for struggle is needed which will be able to rally social and political forces.

[12] Simitis, Tsohatzopoulos agree to keep the emphasis on Gov't's work, not internal party issues

Prime Minister Costas Simitis held two-hour talks with Interior, Public Administration and Decentralization Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos yesterday, reportedly focusing on all issues of concern.

Mr. Tsohatzopoulos termed the discussion "useful and substantive", saying it included a series of government issues and that they also discussed party affairs.

"An effort is being made by all to ensure that the process leading to the congress will not overshadow the government's effort since promoting solutions for the country's problems should have top priority," he added.

Replying to a questioner on whether the issue of electing a Vice-President at the congress was discussed, Mr. Tsohatzopoulos said there was understanding and co-operation on all issues, reiterating that both the party and the government would be judged a t the next elections.

According to reports from the prime minister's circle, Mr. Simitis said the government's work should not be obstructed in the run-up to the congress and that there should be no repercussions on the government's operation. He further mentioned that statements and comments should not be made which give the impression of a "battle" going on, adding that the main political issue should be at the focal point of the congress, namely completing the four-year period of office and the PASOK party winning the next elections.

Mr. Simitis chaired a meeting afterwards, concerning the preparation of his visit to Thessaloniki. It was attended by Environment, Town Planning and Public Works Minister Costas Laliotis, Transport and Communications Minister Haris Kastanidis, Development Minister Vasso Papandreou, Justice Minister Evangelos Venizelos, Culture Minister Stavros Benos, Macedonia and Thrace Minister Philippos Petsalnikos, National Economy Under-secretary Christos Pachtas and Agriculture Under-secretary Alekos Baltas.

Replying to a questioner on whether there could be co-operation between Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos, National Defense Minister Gerassimos Arsenis and Justice Minister Evangelos Venizelos after exchanges made between them, government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said co-operation between the ministers was such that allowed the government to operate and produce work.

Mr. Reppas said that the government's image, as it appeared after public conflicts between ministers, was not the best possible. "We are not satisfied," he said.

Meanwhile, PASOK Central Committee Secretary Costas Skandalidis expressed strong skepticism over PASOK's present image and the need to overcome its crisis, while addressing a meeting organized by the Strategic and Development Studies Institute (ISTAME).

"PASOK is being vindicated historically, but not for its present-day image. It gives the impression it cannot be seen anywhere as a collective expression and action. We appear to be many parties with a few pursuits housed in one," he said.

In another development, Labor and Social Security Minister Evangelos Yiannopoulos warned that whoever disrupted PASOK's unity would have to reckon with him.

"A rift will not be allowed as long as I am alive," he said.

Referring to the confrontation between Mr. Arsenis and Mr. Pangalos, Mr. Yiannopoulos said the issue was over. He covered up for Mr. Pangalos, saying that he did not refer to the present military leadership, adding that the foreign minister was "treated unfairly" by the mass media and that military staff members should keep calm.

"The President of the Republic is in charge of the military, according to the constitution. But only ceremonially. The government alone has the power to take decisions. Nobody else has any business," he added.

In a related development, Cyprus socialist EDEK party leader Vassos Lyssarides said he received a message from PASOK Secretary Costas Skandalidis, expressing wholehearted support on behalf of PASOK leader Andreas Papandreou and the Executive Bureau, ahead of Sunday's general elections in Cyprus.

[13] Greek army to organize international military exercise

The First Army Corps' leadership will assume command and organization of an international military exercise this June in the Balkan Danube region.

The announcement was made yesterday in Larissa by the First Army Corps' commander, Major-Gen. Dimitrios Spyridon, following his meeting with the commander of Bulgaria's First Army Corps, Major-Gen. Ivan Tomov.

The exercise will take place on Bulgarian territory adjacent to the major European river, which divides Bulgaria from Romania. Both land and amphibious forces will participate.

Major-Gen. Tomov is on an official three-day visit to Greece as part of a programme to improve military co-operation between the two nations.

[14] Holbrooke in Athens to speak at foreign policy and media conference

A conference on the relations between foreign policy and the mass media is due to be held on May 26-27 in Athens, organized by the 'Mega Channel' television station, the 'Kathimerini' newspaper and the Hellenic Foundation for Foreign and Defense Policy (ELIAMEP).

The guest speakers at the conference will be Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos and former US Assistant Secretary of State Richard Holbrooke.

The conference, which is being held in light of the recent Greek-Turkish crisis over the Imia islet, will examine the role of the media in the formation of foreign policy. The conference will also discuss to what extent media presentation of various national problems is done in an objective manner.

Those due to participate in the conference include politicians, journalists and government officials from Greece, the United States, Britain and Turkey.

[15] Farm officials on the lookout for possible foot-and-mouth disease cases

Officials in the Ioannina prefecture were placed on alert yesterday after an urgent agriculture ministry report warning that instances of foot-and-mouth disease had been verified in southern Albania.

The reports came from the International Epizootic Disease Office in the region.

Increased patrols and checks were ordered on the border areas, while all vehicles entering from Albania will be fumigated, reports state.

Although animal stock and meat imports are banned from the neighboring country, smuggling often occurs along the Greek-Albanian frontier.

[16] Endangered wildcat found in Crete

Italian students studying at Crete's Natural History Museum yesterday announced they had caught the island's last wildcat, the island's rarest animal, which is facing the threat of extinction.

The carnivorous wildcat, which is thought to have originated in Africa, is being held at the University of Crete's Natural History Department. It will be studied with the help of special equipment ordered from Sweden and released after being tagged.

[17] Belgrade meeting examines coordination between Balkans news agencies

Athens News Agency General Director Andreas Christodoulides and Director of the Bulgarian news agency Balkan Information Pool (BIP) Stefan Velef met here yesterday with the director of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia's news agency, Tanjug, Slobodan Jovanovic in order to discuss co-operation between news agencies participating in the Association of Balkan News Agencies (ABNA).

During the meeting, Mr. Jovanovic said ABNA will contribute to the strengthening of relations between Balkan countries by offering more complete and objective information.

Mr. Christodoulides referred to procedural matters concerning the co-operation of the news agencies and the implementation of the 'Diavlos' programme. He stressed that journalists from Balkan countries can play an important role in informing of Balkan peoples as well as in the solving of important problems concerning the region.

Mr. Velef said ABNA constitutes the first step to the rapprochement of Balkan countries as it is the first association in which the whole region's state news agencies are participating.

Both Mr. Jovanovic and Mr. Velef underlined Greece's important role as the only EU member-state in ABNA for the promotion of co-operation between the Balkan news agencies through the Athens News Agency and the Macedonian Press Agency.

Mr. Christodoulides and Mr. Velef also discussed matters concerning ABNA and the co-operation between the news agencies with Tanjug editors, and attended a dinner with Federal Republic of Yugoslavia Vice-President and Economy Minister Jovan Zebic.

Mr. Christodoulides and Mr. Velef are due to meet with Federal Republic of Yugoslavia Vice President Nikola Sainovic and Serbian Press Minister Radomir Vico today, while they will visit the town of Nis on Friday.

[18] Greece brings up island issue at IGC session

Greek representative and Eurodeputy Yiannos Kranidiotis tabled a memorandum on behalf of the Greek government concerning island regions in the European Union at an inter-governmental conference session in Brussels yesterday.

The memorandum, submitted as part of the discussion on the EU's new policies, stresses the particularities of islands which very often have negative repercussions on the development and operation of their economies.

The memorandum said the marginalization of these islands was reversible, provided suitable measures were taken and an integrated and comprehensive strategy was followed.

Lastly, the Greek memorandum proposes an amendment of article 130 - concerning the Community securing necessary preconditions for healthy competitiveness in Community industry - of the treaty to include the islands.

[19] President to visit Germany in June

President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos will leave for a three-day official visit to Germany on June 10. The Greek president is scheduled to visit Bonn, Dresden and Munich.

Mr. Stephanopoulos will begin a four-day tour of Crete on Friday, visiting Ayios Nikolaos, Ierapetra, Siteia, Iraklio, Rethymno and Hania.

[20] Papaconstantinou sees Vartholomeos in Istanbul

Independent deputy and former foreign minister Mihalis Papaconstantinou visited the Phanar and met with Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos in Istanbul yesterday.

Mr. Papaconstantinou is in the city to speak on Greek-Turkish relations at the invitation of an intellectual society known as "The Circle of Taxim".

During his stay in Istanbul, Mr. Papaconstantinou is due to meet with former Turkish foreign ministers Hikmet Cetin and Murat Karayalcin.

[21] EU officials meet in Athens

Stelios Perrakis, the Greek foreign ministry's Secretary-General for Community affairs, presided over a European Union inter-ministerial group meeting at Secretary-General level at the foreign ministry yesterday.

The meeting examined issues related to the inter-governmental conference on revising the Maastricht Treaty.

[22] Hellenic Arms Industry announces sales up 18.6 per cent, optimistic about '96 prospects

The Hellenic Arms Industry (EBO) announced yesterday that it registered sales of 14.8 billion drachmas in 1995, an increase of 18.6 per cent from 1994 figures.

The positive estimates are based on further improvement of its share on the domestic and foreign markets and increased imports to third countries as well as more international co-operation.

EBO said the Greek defense industry's prospects are expected to remain good through the year 2000.

The state company made investments in five defense plants around Greece totaling 1.02 billion drachmas, while reducing expenses by about 700 million drachmas.

Several points were referred to as justifying EBO's optimism, including a new management plan; the recent operation of the national defense ministry's general weapons procurement office, which will direct and decide on the nation's weapons programs; existence of the Greece-Cyprus joint defense doctrine, as well as the projected creation of a national defense fund.

The company is also basing its regional development with its participation - along with the other state-owned Powder and Cartridge Co. (PYRKAL) as well as private investors - in a Thrace unit for recycling and manufacture of out-dated munitions. The eastern Macedonia-Thrace regional authority has allocated 1.31 billion drachmas for that project.

Another project is a 900-million drachmas clothes manufacturing unit in the Evros prefecture, as well as a 750-million drachma upgrade of its Ioannina plant.

EBO's major plants include the Aigio unit, which handles the company's assault rifle, rocket launcher, munitions and patrol boat cannon programs. Those projects total several billion drachmas worth of investments.

Its Mandra plant constructs disposable fuel tanks for the air force's F-16s and finalizes the production for 30mm anti-aircraft guns.

At its Lavrion plant, 200 employees turn out DEFA munitions for the Mirage 2000 fighter.

In Ioannina, EBO, in co-operation with the national mint, churns out coins. Besides Greek coins, the Ioannina plant has minted coins for Israel and Portugal.

Finally, at its Kymi plant, EBO produces bulletproof vests for the Greek police forces and 350,000 camouflage uniforms for the Hellenic Army.

[23] EOT hopes for better tourism co-operation with Czech Republic

Greek National Tourism Organization (EOT) President Yiannis Stefanidis told a group of 20 Czech reporters yesterday that there was increasing interest in developing tourist relations between Greece and the Czech Republic.

Mr. Stefanidis expressed the hope that a bilateral tourist co-operation agreement would be signed and the tourist market would open between the two countries by increasing the flow of tourists both ways.

Replying to questions, Mr. Stefanidis said Greek laws on environmental protection were among the stiffest in the world, adding that the country's seas were among the cleanest and this had been acknowledged internationally.

[24] Direct Athens-Dubai air-route inaugurate

Relations between Greece and Arab countries can be improved even further according to assessments made during the exhibition "Arabian Travel Market" held in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates.

In contacts with tourism officials from the Middle East, Greek National Tourism Organization (EOT) officials probed the possibilities of widening relations and enticing more Arab tourists to Greece.

It is believed that the inauguration of the Athens-Dubai route by the Emirates Airlines, the UAE's national carrier, as of June 1 with eight flights a week will contribute positively in this direction.

Apart from EOT, Olympic Airways and the "Elounda Beach" hotel group participated in the exhibition with their own pavilions.

End of English language section.