A.N.A. Bulletin, 06/06/96

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

Athens News Agency Directory

ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No 904), June 6, 1996

Greek Press & Information Office

Ottawa, Canada

E-Mail Address: grnewsca@sympatico.ca

CONTENTS

[1] Pangalos says NATO officials stunned by Ankara's reference to Gavdos

Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos said yesterday that NATO and European Union officials were stunned on learning that Turkey had described the area south of Crete, and in particular the inhabited island of Gavdos, as a "disputed area".

On his part, National Defense Minister Gerassimos Arsenis described Turkey's stance on the issue as "ludicrous" and said NATO officials now understood that Ankara's behavior was not only targeted against Greece but was also creating problems for the operation of the alliance itself.

Mr. Pangalos added that from reactions sparked by the Gavdos affair, Turkey should realize "at what level of seriousness its views are. In the case in question, we are not dealing with some uninhabited rock or barren islet, but with an inhabited Greek island with an organized society, which, of course, has no relation whatsoever with the Treaty of Lausanne. We await Turkey's response, which is already well overdue," Mr. Pangalos said, speaking after a meeting with his Cypriot counterpart Alekos Michaelides, which focused on the recent interest over finding a settlement to the Cyprus problem displayed by both the United States and the EU.

The latest Turkish diplomatic fireworks came when a Turkish naval officer requested on Monday that Gavdos be excluded from the planning of a NATO exercise scheduled for September, claiming it constituted a "disputed area".

Asked about the reaction of NATO member-states' officials attending a meeting of NATO foreign ministers in Berlin the same day to the latest in a series of Turkish provocations, Mr. Pangalos said they viewed it as "outrageous". Replying to a question on the reaction of German Foreign Minister Klaus Kinkel, the Greek foreign minister said his German counterpart appeared not to have been briefed on the issue.

On Greek-Turkish relations in general, Mr. Pangalos said he had not discussed the issue of confidence-building measures (CBMs) with NATO Secretary General Javier Solana.

"There are simply a few thoughts, but Greece insists on the package of measures agreed in 1988 by (then foreign minister) Karolos Papoulias and (then Turkish foreign minister and now premier) Mesut Yilmaz in Vouliagmeni," he added.

Mr. Pangalos called on Turkey to cease its violations of Greek airspace, to honor commitments it undertook on the night of the Imia crisis in late January and to stop Turkish vessels from entering Greek territorial waters near the islets.

[2] Yilmaz comments

Meanwhile, in statements made in Brussels yesterday, Turkish Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz claimed that the legal status of Gavdos was "the subject of a political dispute," and called on Greece to enter into bilateral negotiations "to clear up the situation regarding the sovereignty of certain islets and rocks in the Aegean, which has remained uncertain since the Treaty of Lausanne."

Mr. Yilmaz made the statement during a press conference at the conclusion of his Brussels visit.

The Turkish premier asserted that the Turkish officer who participated in the NATO military committee had "advised" the alliance "to avoid including this island (Gavdos) in the military exercise... because its legal status is the subject of a political dispute."

The Turkish premier also said Ankara had no territorial claims against Greece but claimed that a number of problems exist which can only be resolved through negotiations.

"I don't believe there is an alternative solution other than negotiations. Even if we decide to go to the International Court at The Hague, we must first begin a dialogue," Mr. Yilmaz said.

The Turkish prime minister also referred to the initiative he took late last March for finding a solution to all Greek-Turkish differences, while calling the acceptance for a "third-party solution" as a "radical deviation from Turkey's traditional posit ion."

He called on Athens to stop using its position as an EU member to exert pressure on Turkey, adding that other European leaders agreed with this view, including Belgian Prime Minister Jean-Luc Dehaene, with whom he met yesterday morning.

"The majority of EU member-states are aware of the difficulties caused by Greece's stance and are determined to overcome this obstacle," Mr. Yilmaz maintained.

[3] Ankara on Gavdos

In Ankara, Turkish foreign ministry spokesman Omer Akbel said the intervention of the Turkish naval officer in the NATO committee was of a "technical" nature.

Mr. Akbel told a news briefing that "our representative in the NATO meeting did not make a political but a technical announcement," adding that "it is not a question of disputing Greek sovereignty of Gavdos, but one of requesting an investigation of the issue."

He claimed that Gavdos was among 10 islands Athens last year declared its intention to "settle".

"The status quo in the Aegean is not only defined by agreements on the Dodecanese but also by many other accords. The issue must be examined from the viewpoint of each agreement," Mr. Akbel said.

Referring to "older agreements about Crete," he said: "It must be investigated whether Gavdos is included in these agreements," while adding at the same time that "this, however, does not mean the commencement of a discussion as to the legal status of Gavdos."

[4] New Greek reactions

Speaking to journalists later in the day, Mr. Pangalos referred to the statements made by Mr. Yilmaz regarding the island of Gavdos south of Crete, saying that the Turkish prime minister "deserves what he gets, and will receive the appropriate treatment a broad."

"One can follow a country's foreign policy up to the extreme limit of audacity and irresponsibility. And when we finally come to insanity, no-one can follow," Mr. Pangalos said.

"Of course, I believe that all the leaders of all the countries of the world will accordingly evaluate Mr. Yilmaz and those who accompany him and advise him to make such types of outrageous demands," he added.

"It is clear that after this there can not be talk of any financing of Turkey in any European field and no talk for any involvement of Turkey in procedures which could relate to the area," Mr. Pangalos said.

National Defense Minister Gerassimos Arsenis yesterday described Turkey's stance on the Gavdos issue as "ludicrous" and said NATO officials now understood that Ankara's behavior was not only targeted against Greece but was also creating problems for the operation of the alliance itself.

"With its behavior, Turkey is trying to create a general climate of questioning the status quo in the greater area of the Aegean. Greece is ready to confront the challenge," Mr. Arsenis said, stressing that the inhabitants of Gavdos had absolutely nothing to fear.

Mr. Arsenis spoke to reporters after giving a speech at the Institute of Research and Political Strategy during a book presentation.

During his speech, Mr. Arsenis said Turkey must realize that "there is no room for any dialogue which results in the retreat of Hellenism." He underlined that Turkey's audacity was due to its mistaken belief that pressure would force Greece into "following the slippery path of concessions."

"We are not prepared to enter into dialogue of this kind," he added.

He said that prerequisites for facing the Turkish threat were the strengthening of Greece both economically and socially, as well as the bolstering of the country's military to render it a formidable deterrent force.

Condemning Turkey's expansionist policy, Mr. Arsenis said "the Imia and Gavdos incidents had to happen before we realized that Ankara's aim is the shrinking of Hellenism."

[5] Gavdos residents respond

"Let God enlighten them (Turkey), nothing good will come out of all this for them," was how Gavdos community leader Theofilos Tsirintakis replied to Turkish claims that the island constituted a "disputed area".

"Gavdos is an integral part of Greek territory and this has not been disputed by anyone ever," Mr. Tsirintakis told a press conference in Hania, Crete.

He said Gavdos would lodge strong protests with all relevant international organizations, while he himself would visit EU countries and the United Nations to raise the issue of Turkish provocations.

Mr. Tsirintakis also said he would have the opportunity to discuss this issue and the general problems facing the island when he meets with Premier Costas Simitis in Hania on June 16.

[6] Opposition statements

Main opposition New Democracy party leader Miltiades Evert said last night after a meeting with his diplomatic advisers that Turkey was now disputing the whole of the status quo in the Aegean and added that the Greek people must show their unity and determination to protect the integrity of their country.

Mr. Evert suggested that the Parliament president promote a joint statement by all the parties, which would "declare the determination of the political world and through this that of the Greek people for protection of our national interests."

ND spokesman Prokopis Pavlopoulos criticized the government's stance regarding the Turkish provocations over Gavdos, saying that "once again, the intervention of the press was needed for there to be a reaction on behalf of the government to this provocation and the informing of public opinion."

Mr. Pavlopoulos added that "this stance means that the government is either afraid or is condescending of the Greek people. In both cases, the lack of democratic sensitivity is revealed, as is the inability to exercise effective foreign policy."

Replying to the accusations, government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said the ND statement is a "show for the search of a role and instead of a responsible stance, it chooses its usual way of verbal fireworks."

Mr. Reppas said the opposition party is criticizing the government, "which reacted immediately and effectively in order to reject Turkish positions on the Gavdos issue."

The government spokesman accused ND of delaying to issue an official reaction to a national issue for a whole day. "This is hypocrisy or an inability to understand national issues on the part of ND and its leader," Mr. Reppas added.

New Democracy honorary president Constantine Mitsotakis last night criticized the Turkish government's stance regarding the Gavdos issue, while he said he considers the Greek government's reaction to be satisfactory.

Mr. Mitsotakis said Turkey's position of disputing Greek sovereignty of not only Gavdos but other islets or rocks around Crete lack all seriousness.

"I am sorry because the Turkish policy, which has not habituated us to such superficial and unfounded actions has led this far," Mr. Mitsotakis said.

"Of course it (Turkish policy) will have no luck because it is a laughable view, but it risks creating impressions inside Greece and for this reason I want to stress that not only does it lack basis and seriousness but it must not be taken seriously into account by the Greek side and by public opinion in Crete, as it lacks substance," the ND honorary president added.

Political Spring party leader Andonis Samaras said yesterday that "Turkey's delirium of audacity constitutes, as we had foreseen, a natural consequence of the yielding stance adopted by Messrs. Simitis and Pangalos toward Ankara."

[7] Development measures to fortify Aegean region unveiled

Prime Minister Costas Simitis yesterday announced a series of development measures for Aegean islands, describing the region as one of "high priority."

After chairing a special four-hour cabinet meeting, Mr. Simitis said in a press conference that buttressing the islands in every way was a crucial element in defending the country's territorial integrity.

"The aim is to turn the Aegean into a center of economic, ecological, and tourist activities, and a region of peace," he stressed.

The prime minister outlined the new measures as follows:

- Supports to small communities numbering under 2,500 people through favorable tax treatment, reducing the cost of building licenses etc.

- Upgrading cultural heritage and environmental protection through financing for traditional housing, museums on small islands, improvements in archaeological sites, and fighting sea pollution.

- Coordinated interventions in tourist and agricultural infrastructure through promotion of a marina construction programme, improvements in island airports, and applications of "mild" forms of energy.

- Upgrading health services, including the stationing of two helicopters for emergencies on both Hios and Rhodes.

- Greater emphasis on the University of the Aegean, and connection of its departments with computer networks etc.

- Special actions for boosting the sense of security of the region's inhabitants.

Speaking after Mr. Simitis, Aegean Minister Antonis Kotsakas said one strategic goal was to stem what he called the current of migration of residents from the smaller to the larger islands.

He added that he considered as important successes the inclusion of the islands as a subject for discussion in the Turin Intergovernmental Conference and the EU partners' acceptance at the recent summit of the prime minister's view that funds had to b e found for promoting the islands' convergence with the rest of the EU economy.

Additional measures announced by Mr. Kotsakas include a reduction in the minimum requirement for subsidized investments from 60 to 25 million drachmas, increasing the budget of the two Mediterranean operational programs for the eastern and northern Aegean by 11 billion drachmas, promoting a settlement programme for Greek immigrants from the former Soviet Union and Albania, and a programme for reviving traditional professions.

"Cultural heritage has a special significance for the Aegean, which we must upgrade and develop, and turn into reality (the late culture minister) Melina Merkouri's 'Aegean - Archipelago' programme, which has already come under the auspices of UNESCO an d will be promoted immediately," he said.

[8] EU-Turkey association council meeting again stalled

The committee of EU member-state permanent representatives (KOREPER) convened yesterday and decided not to raise the prospect of convening the EU-Turkey association council at Monday's council of EU foreign ministers.

On the contrary, and despite Greek objections, the Italian presidency insisted, and so the 15 foreign ministers will once again discuss approval or not of the Euro-Mediterranean co-operation programme MEDA in Luxembourg on Monday.

The programme covers funding amounting to ECU 3.4 billion over the next five years to 12 Mediterranean countries, including Turkey, which hopes to receive many hundreds of millions of ECU in the form of loans from MEDA.

Greece is opposed to approving MEDA, which requires unanimity.

[9] Pangalos meets with Michaelides

Greek Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos met with his Cypriot counterpart Alekos Michaelides yesterday in order to discuss the interest shown by the European Union and the United States for finding a solution to the 22-year-old Cyprus problem.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Mr. Michailides stressed that the EU had a role to play in the issue, and that Nicosia wants the Community to be "substantially involved."

"This does not mean rejection of the efforts being made by the United States," Mr. Michailides said, adding that he considered his visit to Washington along with President Glafcos Clerides on June 18 and the meeting they will have with US President Bill Clinton as being "of particular interest."

Asked whether there were common points in the efforts of the EU and the US for a settlement of the Cyprus problem, Mr. Michailides implied that the United States had advanced somewhat, while the EU had not yet formulated its decisions.

"The United States accepts an overall solution rather than dealing with the distinct aspects of the problem. It also accepts that before anything else, there must be common ground with respect to the main elements of the Cyprus problem, otherwise talks with the Turkish Cypriots would be meaningless," he said.

Mr. Michailides underlined, however, that "we must not expect immediate results from the US initiative, both because of the elections in America and the situation prevailing in Turkey."

[10] Greek Eurodeputy tables question on Imvros

Coalition of the Left and Progress (Synaspismos) party Eurodeputy Mihalis Papagiannakis tabled a question in the ministers' council yesterday regarding reports that Ankara is again considering settling the island of Imvros with Asia Minor residents.

He also referred to the confiscation of ethnic Greeks' property on the northeastern Aegean island, the banning of the right of inheritance and other such illegal policies.

In reply to an earlier verbal question put by Mr. Papagiannakis on the Imvros subject, the council had said that "the Union promotes the solution of the problems of ethnic minorities including that of Imvros, based on the principles of international law and of international commitments by the signatories."

[11] PASOK cadres continue statements in light of upcoming congress

More statements by prominent members of the ruling PASOK party in view of the upcoming congress continued yesterday.

Interior, Public Administration and Decentralization Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos said the party was not in a danger of breaking up, the unity of the party being stronger than ever.

"We have a sense of duty toward the Greek people in going through a unifying congress, which will arms us with the content of new political answers and new provisions which the people need to succeed in their course towards the year 2000," he said.

Commenting on the idea of a dual leadership in the party, Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos said it was different from collective leadership, and a recipe for disintegration.

"Collective leadership means there is one who is prime minister and leader of the party, responsible toward the people rather than the party, and also collective functions, with freely and democratically elected organs, which will operate collectively, and bestow or withdraw their confidence in lesser organs, depending on the given conjuncture in party life...

"PASOK's relationship with the people cannot be reviewed every six months, nor can it be divided. It must be expressed by one prospective prime minister, who will also be the leader of the party and lead it united to victory," he said.

Finally, Mr. Pangalos expressed certainty the party would remain united.

An ANA dispatch from Brussels reported yesterday that eight of the 10 PASOK Eurodeputies, in a common statement, came out against instituting the position of Vice-President in the party, arguing that it would open up the succession question, and lead to internal conflicts that would be difficult to resolve at the present moment.

Such procedures as have been planned for the congress, "create, without this being anyone's intention, the danger of conflict, capable of surpassing the limits of a logical and acceptable rivalry between comrades," the Eurodeputies said.

"PASOK has a secretary, executive bureau, and a central committee, which can perfectly manage the everyday political tasks and deal with developments," they added.

PASOK President Andreas Papandreou is meeting former deputy premier Yiannis Haralambopoulos this evening, in the framework of a series of contacts with prominent party members.

[12] Skandalidis on Gavdos

In statements after the executive bureau meeting yesterday, PASOK secretary Costas Skandalidis cautioned that the raising of the Gavdos issue was a very dangerous development, with Ankara exceeding all limits of legality and logic.

"Turkey's aim is to place the whole of the Aegean under negotiation. The answer of the Greek side must be that we negotiate nothing," he said.

"The executive bureau approves of the government's stand, which is correct and consistent in stating that it cannot enter dialogue under a cynical policy," he added.

[13] Simitis, Skandalidis talks today

Prime Minister Costas Simitis will hold talks with PASOK party central committee Secretary Costas Skandalidis at the Maximos Mansion this morning.

The meeting is taking place within the framework of a new series of contacts begun by Mr. Skandalidis with leading party cadres in light of the party's congress later this month.

[14] Premier to arrive in Thessaloniki today

Prime Minister Costas Simitis is to begin a two-day visit to Thessaloniki today, his second trip since assuming the premiership in order to be briefed on the progress of the major infrastructure works being performed in the region.

In addition, Mr. Simitis will be briefed on preparations for the city's assumption next year of the title "Cultural Capital of Europe." The premier will be accompanied by a large number of government officials, who are expected to make important announcements on matters related to northern Greece and Thessaloniki in particular.

Taking part in the visit will be Interior, Public Administration and Decentralization Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos, Environment, Town Planning and Public Works Minister Costas Laliotis, Agriculture Minister Stephanos Tzoumakas, Health and Welfare Minister Anastasios Peponis, Justice Minister Evangelos Venizelos, Culture Minister Stavros Benos, Transport and Communications Minister Haris Kastanidis and several undersecretaries.

Mr. Simitis is expected to return to Athens late Friday night.

[15] Simitis in Crete this month

Prime Minister Costas Simitis will pay a four-day visit to Crete on June 13-16 to examine issues concerning the island and hold contacts with various state agencies.

Mr. Simitis, who will be accompanied by a government delegation, is expected to be briefed on all issues related to projects on the island and make announcements.

[16] Kaklamanis to attend Budapest conference of European Parliament speakers

Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis is scheduled to leave today for Budapest to attend a conference of Parliament speakers of European Union member-states.

The conference, organized every two years under the aegis of the Council of Europe (CoE), will focus on three issues related to parliamentarianism, democracy and economic development.

Mr. Kaklamanis will present Greece's positions on the role of parliament in the building and operation of democracy within market economy conditions, the role of parliament in resolving social problems again within market economy conditions, and European integration and co-operation between parliaments against the background of the forthcoming intergovernmental conference (IGC).

On the sidelines of the conference, Mr. Kaklamanis will have talks with his European counterparts and representatives of international organizations as well as meet with Hungarian officials.

[17] Romanian youth and sports minister on official visit here

Education Under-secretary George Paschalidis met yesterday with Romanian Youth and Sports Minister Alexander Mironov, who is on an official visit to Greece.

During the meeting, the two ministers discussed the course and development of a four-year Greek-Romanian educational programme and matters concerning the more than 7,000 Greek students studying in Romania.

The education ministry announced that during the discussion, the ministers examined the possibility of expanding educational co-operation between the two countries, expansion of the teaching of Greek in Romania, and the organization of a Balkans-wide sports games for pupils, with competitions in music and mathematics as well.

[18] 33 Labor MPs call for return of 'Elgin Marbles'

Thirty-three Labor MPs submitted a draft resolution in the House of Commons on Tuesday in favor of the return of the "Elgin Marbles" to Greece. The draft resolution called on the British government to begin immediate negotiations with the Greek government on the issue.

In their draft resolution, the Labor deputies congratulated the Channel Four television stations for the quality and success of its recent documentary on the Parthenon marbles, and noted that a telephone poll conducted after the programme revealed that 92.5 per cent of the 100,000 viewers who participated in the poll voted in favor of the return of the marbles to Greece.

The MPs said that although there may have been good arguments in the past for keeping the Parthenon marbles in the British Museum, the poll clearly shows that public opinion is now overwhelmingly in favor of their return.

A special screening of William Stewart's documentary on the Parthenon Marbles was to be shown last night in the House of Commons.

[19] Council of Overseas Hellenism convention in Chicago

The inaugural convention of the North and South American branch of the Council of Overseas Hellenism is due to take place in Chicago on June 6-8.

Representatives of the Greek foreign ministry and of the general secretariat of Overseas Hellenism are to attend the convention, as will members of the Greek Parliament's inter-party committee on matters concerning overseas Hellenism. Sessions will also be observed by the president of the Council of Overseas Hellenism, Andrew Athens, and the council's Vice-President Costas Pappas.

[20] Environment ministry announces funding for toxic waste disposal

Environment, Town Planning and Public Works Minister Costas Laliotis announced yesterday that the ministry would allocate 12 billion drachmas for the handling of toxic and other dangerous waste.

Speaking at a meeting organized by the Technical Chamber of Greece, Mr. Laliotis said a ministerial decision has been drawn up providing incentives for achieving reductions in the volume of waste and sound waste management, as well as fines for offender s.

In co-operation with the jointly competent ministries, Mr. Laliotis said the environment ministry has programmed the establishment of two centers for the processing of toxic and dangerous liquid waste.

Earlier, Chamber President Costas Liaskas accused the ministry and local government organizations of "obstructionism" with respect to the handling of toxic waste. He said the studies for the two waste processing plants had begun in 1988, without any progress whatsoever having been made since then.

Scientists at the meeting said Greece produced 600,000 tons of toxic waste annually, without the existence of any control or safety measures for its disposal.

[21] Ano Liosia landfill closed indefinitely by the municipality

Addressing a gathering of about 500 citizens in Ano Liosia yesterday, the municipality's Mayor Nikos Papadimas announced the indefinite closure of the landfill in his city, which serves as Athens' refuse dump site.

He added that he would only brief Prime Minister Costas Simitis on the municipal council's proposals and called for his personal intervention on the issue.

The closure of the landfill is bound to create problems, which Mr. Papadimas told the ANA were unavoidable.

"This is also the result of our just struggle," he said.

Meanwhile, Environment, Town Planning and Public Works Minister Costas Laliotis accused municipalities in eastern Attica of trying to overturn his ministry's plans on garbage disposal.

Mr. Laliotis, who was speaking at a conference at the Technical Chamber, accused the municipalities of distorting the truth and reality. He also criticized the mass media for making a one-sided presentation of the issue and said he was determined to go ahead with plans regardless of the political cost.

[22] Projects to fight noise pollution in Attica announced

The environment, town planning and public works ministry has approved credits amounting to 300 million drachmas for projects aimed at combating noise pollution in Attica.

More specifically, five contracts were signed with the municipalities of Agioi Anargyroi, Nea Erythrea, Perama, Nea Philadelphia and Agios Ioannis Rentis on creating works protecting against noise pollution in these municipalities caused by national highways and railway lines.

These works are expected to protect primary schools, nursery schools and junior high schools in the above municipalities.

The works are included in a programme to fight noise pollution announced by the ministry. A total of 5.5 billion drachmas will be provided over the 1996-1999 period as part of the programme.

[23] Desertification the topic of convention in Crete this autumn

An international convention on the problem of desertification in areas surrounding the Mediterranean will take place in Crete this coming autumn

The event is organized by the European Commission and will be held between Oct. 29 to Nov. 1.

The convention's aim is to create bonds between researchers and decision-makers involved in combating the disastrous phenomenon.

[24] Caretta-Caretta conservation programme in its seventh year

The programme of the association for the protection of the Caretta-Caretta sea turtle is continuing in Crete for the seventh year.

Roughly 200 volunteers, including scientists and students from Greece and abroad are to work throughout the summer months for the protection of this sea turtle.

An announcement issued by the association says its main aim is to inform the inhabitants of Crete on the Caretta-Caretta through the presentation of the programme to schools, universities, cultural unions and seminars.

During 1995, the association catalogued a total of 800 turtle nests on Crete, making the island one of the most important breeding grounds of the Caretta-Caretta in the Mediterranean.

[25] New HIV fighting medications headed for Greece

Greece and France appear to be among the first European countries ready to circulate new anti-viral drugs used to combat the HIV virus that causes AIDS, after their use was approved in the US' Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently.

Following a positive report on the new medicines by the Special Diseases Control Center (KEEL), Health Minister Anastasios Peponis yesterday gave the National Pharmaceuticals Organization (EOF) the green light to import the drugs into Greece.

Their impressive performance, especially when used in combination with already approved anti-HIV medications, paved the way for the FDA to approve the new medications.

Researchers had repeatedly noted that using combinations of anti-retrovirus medications in HIV positive patients significantly increased their longevity and quality of life.

Mr. Peponis asked KEEL scientists to draw up the requirements and rules that will guarantee that the new medications are distributed and applied correctly as soon as possible.

It is worth noting, however, that apart from being expensive, the new medications has also divided opinion in the international scientific community regarding its proper usage - especially for HIV positive carriers, as opposed to AIDS patients who in an y case are treated with drug combinations.

[26] GSEE mobilizing this month for higher pensions

The General Confederation of Greek Workers (GSEE) yesterday announced a nationwide three-hour work stoppage for June 13 and protest rallies throughout the country to press demands for higher pensions

The decision was taken at a joint meeting between GSEE and representatives of pensioners' organizations, after which they reiterated their demand that minimum pensions be made equal to 20 daily wages of an unskilled worker as of July 1.

They are also seeking the abolition of the previous New Democracy government's "anti-insurance" laws, which made minimum pensions equal to 16.8 daily wages.

Meanwhile, the president of the Federation of Social Security Foundation (IKA) pensioners, Diamantis Mavrodoglou, termed as a "pittance" the proposals reportedly being prepared by the government.

"We are totally opposed to the plans of the national economy and finance ministers, which will result in increases for only a few pensioners (about 150,000) who have incomes higher than 1,400,000 drachmas," Mr. Mavrodoglou said, also rejecting a proposal by Labor Minister Evangelos Yiannopoulos for a gradual re-linking of pensions and wages over the next three years, saying "this would make pensioners political hostages until 1998."

The government is expected to announce its pension proposals sometime this week.

Political Spring spokesman Notis Martakis characterized the government's plans for pensions as "semi-measures". Mr. Martakis called for lower pensions to be brought into line with 20 daily wages of an unskilled laborer, and for all other pensions to be made equal to 80 per cent of employees' wages.

[27] Sfyriou meets with British counterpart

Merchant Marine Minister Kosmas Sfyriou exchanged views yesterday on issues of mutual interest with British Merchant Marine and Air Transport Minister Lord Gosen, who is visiting Greece on the occasion of the international maritime exhibition "Poseidonia '96."

The ministers discussed the "European Commission's announcement on Community maritime strategy" and ascertained a coincidence of views both on the issue of the two countries' position on granting state subsidies to shipping and the need to maintain the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) leading role in initiating rules on improving shipping safety and protecting the marine environment.

They also discussed the forthcoming council of transport ministers and the council's draft directive on safety rules for passenger ships.

[28] OTE awarded Lithuanian contract

A contract is to be signed between the Hellenic Telecommunications Organization (OTE) and the Lithuanian Telecommunications Organization providing for the installation of 44,902 digital phone lines and a 570-kilometer fiber optic network in the Baltic state.

The project, projected at $21.8 million, will be carried out by OTE's subsidiary "Hellascom International."

It is expected to be completed 18 months after the contract is signed.

[29] Gas prices fall

Retail sales prices of gasoline will be cut by three drachmas per liter as of today.

An announcement by the development ministry said the decrease was due to a fall in international market and refinery prices.

The new retail sales prices announced by the ministry for Attica and the Thessaloniki prefecture are 212 drachmas per liter for "super" and 196 drachmas for unleaded gasoline.

[30] Highway funding approved

Environment, Town Planning and Public Works Minister Costas Laliotis has approved credits amounting to 5.5 billion drachmas for highway project tendering.

Funding concerns improving a section of the national motorway from the Ardas bridge to Krio in the Evros prefecture at a cost of 2.5 billion drachmas as well as a section of the national motorway from Krio to Ormenio, Evros prefecture, funded at three billion drachmas.

[31] Bill tabled for transfer of Elefsina Shipyards employees

An amendment tabled in Parliament yesterday anticipates the transfer of employees at the Elefsina Shipyards to other public services or agencies subsidized regularly by state funds by at least 50 per cent, regardless of age.

Transfers will be carried out in a branch or specialty corresponding to the employee's educational level or to a branch of similar qualifications of the same educational level.

Employees will be transferred after submitting a relevant application.

End of English language section.