A.N.A. Bulletin, 21/09/96

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

Athens News Agency Directory

ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No. 995), September 21, 1996

Greek Press & Information Office

Ottawa, Canada

E-Mail Address: grnewsca@sympatico.ca

CONTENTS

[1] Simitis winds up PASOK's election campaign at massive Athens rally

Prime Minister and PASOK President Costas Simitis wound up his party's election campaign last night addressing a massive rally of supporters in central Athens, and urging them to give their support to the ruling party in tomorrow's poll. Main opposition New Democracy party leader Miltiades Evert marked the end of his party's campaign with a symbolic visit to the southeastern Aegean island of Kastellorizo.

During his speech, the prime minister expressed the certainty that PASOK will win tomorrow's general elections, and lead the country towards the 21st century. "Greeks want to forge ahead, and so will vote for development, progress, stability, security, prosperity, a welfare state and social solidarity," he said.

At the beginning of his address, Mr. Simitis paid tribute to PASOK founder, the late Andreas Papandreou.

"Today, we can tell Andreas Papandreou and all the others who have departed that PASOK is here, the force of hope, the force of responsibility, PASOK of the new era and the new victory," he said.

Mr. Simitis said Athens was sending its own message to all of Greece that PASOK's victory was not only certain but great, adding that elections are taking place so that decisions can be taken on the fortunes of the country and the people.

"PASOK has positions, a plan and programme, in contrast to New Democracy which only resorts to promises, big words which, however, cannot deceive anyone because the people will not accept bad cheques," he said.

Mr. Simitis accused ND that while it had promised 100,000 new jobs before winning the 1990 general elections, it had in fact created 120,000 more unemployed. Announcements by ND leader Miltiades Evert, he said, are "seven miracles of unreliability and monuments of offhand promises".

He said they will not work because citizens have intellect, judgment, memory and dignity and will condemn all those wanting to lead the country back to the past and for this reason they will vote for PASOK.

"On September 22 the dilemma is simple. Either there will be a stable and just government or there will be a ND government which will blow apart all the conquests of the Greek people," he said.

Mr. Simitis said that in the next few years Greece must win the wager of European integration and attacked ND, saying that it is not even aware of elementary aspects while, with PASOK, Greece has a voice in Europe, strength and prestige.

Referring to Greek-Turkish relations, Mr. Simitis said Greek sovereign rights are non-negotiable, stressing that Greece refuses dialogue in the way Turkey wants it (on everything and with no agenda) and adding that, following the Imia stand-off last January, Greece profited since Turkey failed blatantly in its aims. Turkey started being isolated, was led to a diplomatic defeat because Greece did not fall into the trap of a heated incident, Mr. Simitis said, while in parallel it mobilized the international community, stopped EU funding for Turkey, overturned the policy of equal distances and secured a commitment from all partners that only if Turkey proves that it respects international law and international treaties can its relations with Europe be promoted.

Mr. Simitis accused Mr. Evert of reaching the point of stating that he is prepared to negotiate treaties on which Greek sovereign rights are based, adding that Mr. Evert is the sole Greek politician who does not understand the trap set by Turkish policy .

He said PASOK's positions are crystal clear, lucid and straightforward and made special reference to the armed forces, saying that they are ready to safeguard national integrity at any moment and that they are being reinforced and will be reinforced eve n further.

Mr. Simitis said PASOK found the economy in a state of crisis in 1993 when it returned to power which, he added, PASOK turned around. He said the top priorities on Monday would be the fight for employment, the battle against inflation, forging ahead wit h regional devolution and infrastructure projects, and support measures for small and medium size enterprises.

"PASOK differs from New Democracy in its perception of man and society, it represents the forces that want changes in the social system, that seek greater democracy," he said.

He made special reference to young people, saying Sunday's confrontation constitutes a battle for them, adding that PASOK wants young people to be in a better position to judge, claim, question and seek what is new.

Mr. Simitis said small steps are not necessary for Greece to reach the 21st century but that the country needed to progress by "leaps and bounds" and clear solutions, adding that all those who created PASOK, who are concerned about tomorrow, should rally round.

He said now is the time for all those who are displeased or who have queries and doubts to consider that answers to their questions "will be given by all of us together, provided the progressive party is in government."

Mr. Simitis said that ND in power would mean retrogression and anachronism.

"We must consider that we will resolve our problems by forging ahead together and not by returning to the past divided. And for this reason give your vote to PASOK on Sunday," Mr. Simitis said.

[2] Simitis calmly confident of victory

Minister Costas Simitis yesterday reiterated ruling PASOK's "readiness to submit the 1997 budget without having to impose new direct or indirect taxes" in an interview with daily "Ta Nea," published yesterday.

"Ta Nea" quotes Mr. Simitis as being "totally calm and certain" about PASOK's "great victory" at tomorrow's elections.

Elaborating on his anticipated new cabinet, Mr. Simitis said it "will be functional, flexible and effective," and comprised of approximately the same number of ministers as the current one. He categorically denied that certain ministers will be "excluded," from the cabinet.

Stressing that PASOK's new "great weapon," was unity, as this had been consolidated during the party's June Congress, Mr. Simitis said:

"We are not going to turn this against us by resorting to 'exclusions' that would downgrade the party's internal democratic procedures."

Mr. Simitis is also quoted as stressing the need for "dialogue and convergence of forces of the 'centre-left'."

Expressing hope that "past fears and syndromes will be overcome," he pledged to resort to internal dialogue, "outside electoral tactics and domination practices."

"Dialogue will be much more creative if the responsibility of the country's administration towards the year 2000 is held by the forces of progress and not the conservative party," he said.

[3] Evert visits border island of Kastellorizo on final day of campaigning

Main opposition leader Miltiades Evert yesterday wound up his election campaign with a visit to Greece's remotest island, Kastellorizo.

"I could be in an area with many voters," Mr. Evert told reporters after meeting with the mayor of the island, "but I chose to visit Kastellorizo because I want to send a message to all Greeks, regardless of their political affiliation, that the heart o f Greece beats in the border regions and that these (regions) must be supported if we want to support Greece".

The president of New Democracy said Greek-Turkish relations were deteriorating due to the aggressiveness and the provocations of the neighboring country's leadership and that this policy was not representative of the will of the Turkish people.

"Our country wants co-operation with Turkey," Mr. Evert said. "But, if need be, we will defend the integrity of the homeland".

The best defense of the islands, Mr. Evert added, was economic growth. New Democracy has a programme for the islands which it will implement on coming to power, he said, adding that there was a need for infrastructure for the development of tourism, agriculture and fishing.

Mr. Evert was due to return to Athens in the afternoon. Today he will visit Alexandroupolis and on Sunday will cast his vote at the village of Tavri.

[4] ND has 'high possibility of winning elections,' Mitsotakis says

Former prime minister and main opposition New Democracy honorary president Constantine Mitsotakis said it was highly likely that New Democracy would win Sunday's elections, adding that this was also the view of international analysts and decision making centers.

"ND has a high possibility of winning the elections," Mr. Mitsotakis said, adding that "the atmosphere has changed since the start of the electoral campaigns."

Mr. Mitsotakis was speaking during his two-day tour of the prefectures of Xanthi and Rodopi, in the Thracian region.

"This time Thrace will be at the forefront of the struggle and will give a clear lead to New Democracy," he said.

[5] Samaras accuses PASOK, ND of 'guilty silence' regarding important questions

Political Spring party leader Antonis Samaras yesterday criticized ruling PASOK leader and prime minister Costas Simitis and main opposition New Democracy leader Miltiades Evert, accusing them of "guilty silence," to important questions put forward by his party.

"This means that both will continue the policy of strict austerity measures and give away the name Macedonia," Mr. Samaras said.

He added that both leaders, as government, "will be dragged to Greek-Turkish dialogue and succumb to foreign plans on Cyprus."

[6] Laliotis says PASOK victory certain

Winding up his meetings with the press before elections tomorrow, PASOK election committee representative and Environment Minister Costas Laliotis expressed his certainty for electoral victory while forecasting "post-election dramatic changes in the main opposition party."

"It is obvious that New Democracy has two identities, two leaders, two faces, two lines and two languages," Mr. Laliotis.

Mr. Laliotis said that tomorrow's elections will signal Mr. Evert's "political Waterloo", adding that his position will be questioned after the vote.

Turning to other issues, Mr. Laliotis said Greece's sovereign rights were non-negotiable, adding that there are no "grey areas" in the Aegean.

"There are no grey areas in PASOK's policy," Mr. Laliotis said.

[7] Coalition candidates call for inquiry into campaign spending in Piraeus

Two Coalition of the Left and Progress candidates yesterday filed a complaint with a Piraeus court, calling for the authorities to look into instances of candidates from other parties exceeding the spending limit on campaigning.

The complaint calls for an investigation into how much each candidate in the Piraeus 2nd district has spent of their election campaign, and claims that some candidates, from unspecified parties, have spent up to 20 million drachmas on election flyers an d advertising, well above the limit of 8.5 million.

One of the candidates, Panayiotis Lafazanis, said the election campaign had shown that economic standing was one of the defining characteristics of a successful campaign.

[8] Greece braces for election exodus

Tolls on national roadways will be waived this weekend to facilitate voters traveling to their constituencies for Sunday's poll.

Tolls will not be charged from 6am on Saturday through to 6am on Monday morning.

Traffic on the nation's roads showed a notable increase on Thursday, as voters started making their way to their constituencies.

The transport ministry sent a circular to prefectures requesting them to order stricter police checks on national and rural roads to avert accidents.

At the same time, port authorities in Kavala and Alexandroupolis and other harbors are prepared for the onslaught of passengers traveling to islands. Similar measures have been taken at the Drama, Xanthi, Serres, Rodopi, Evros and other major rail centers by the Greek Railways Organization.

[9] Papantoniou reaffirms continuation of anti-inflationary policy

National Economy Minister Yiannos Papantoniou said yesterday that PASOK will continue the same exchange policy which has made a substantial contribution to current anti-inflationary trends and a reduction in interest rates.

He made the statement at the start of an informal Finance Ministers (ECOFIN) Council session in Dublin.

The Minister said the Council will deal, among other things, with the Stability Pact, which lays the ground rules for those EU member-states which will participate in the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) in order to continue fiscal rationalization and prevent post-accession laxity in their economies.

Mr. Papantoniou said those countries which do not adhere to the rules will face certain sanctions, noting however countries applying certain investment programmes or having substantial defense budgets would be exempted or granted escape clauses.

Regarding relations between countries inside and outside EMU, Mr. Papantoniou said it was expected there would be an enlargement of the existing exchange rate mechanism, allowing for fluctuation rates between 12-15%. He said the only difference would b e that the point of reference would be the Euro instead of the ECU.

Referring to main opposition New Democracy leader Miltiades Evert's allegations, Thursday, that Greece was showing a low absorption rate of community funds, Mr. Papantoniou reiterated the government's position that by the end of this year absorption will measure 100%.

He noted that according to the latest figures, absorption has reached 2.8 trillion drachmas during the January-September period this year, compared to just under 2.7 trillion in the same period last year.

Concluding, he referred to the five year convergence plan, submitted to the EU by the Greek government, saying it would "continue to be successfully implemented, and there is no reason for its revision".

[10] Seminar on renewable energy sources to be held in Myconos

A seminar entitled "Exploitation of Renewable Sources of Energy in Island Regions," is to be held in Myconos on October 4, it was announced yesterday.

The seminar is being organized by the Renewable Sources of Energy Center (KAPE) in co-operation with the Cyclades Energy Center, under the auspices of the European Commission.

The seminar, which will be held within the framework of the 'Altener' Community Programme, will focus on the use of practical methods for the effective use of alternative energy sources in remote regions.

It will be held with the participation of European Commission representatives, Greek development ministry officials and local administration officials.

[11] Greek products week in Warsaw in early October

The Greek Overseas Trade Organization (OPE) is organizing a Greek products week in Warsaw, Poland, from October 6-8.

According to an Organization announcement, the products to be promoted at the exhibition include consumer goods, clothing and footwear, foodstuffs and beverages, leather products, folk art, fresh and preserved fruit and vegetables and marble.

Those interested in more information and applying for participation may call the organization at 99.82.248.

[12] Papadellis makes spectacular recovery from stroke

Health Under-secretary Franklinos Papadellis was reported to be making a miraculous recovery from the massive stroke he suffered while campaigning on the island of Limnos on Sunday.

"This is one of the cases where science and the will of the patient combine to make a true medical miracle," director of the neuro-surgical unit at the Athens State General Hospital said.

Mr. Papadellis, 51, was airlifted to Athens on Monday and operated on to remove a cranial blood clot later on in the same day.

According to a hospital announcement, the under-secretary's health "has improved spectacularly over the last 24 hours".

Mr. Papadellis, it said, was taken off respiratory support on Thursday and is now breathing normally. "His vital signs are all normal", it added, "and the patient can symmetrically move all his four limbs and is conscious and making requests".

Doctors said these signs were extremely encouraging for Mr. Papadellis's recovery, barring any unforeseen developments.

[13] Antiquities smuggled to Italy to be returned to Greece

A total of 187 ancient artifacts removed from illegal excavations are to be returned to Greece following the ruling of a court in Brindisi, Italy.

The objects include Mycenaean pottery, gold and bronze jewelry, copper vessels from Macedonian graves, silver coins, statuettes of female figures and marble sculptures.

The antiquities were confiscated by the Italian authorities after being found concealed in a truck driven by two Greeks. According to reports from Italy, a Munich gallery owner identified as Antonio Savocca has been implicated in the case.

During the hearing to decide on the origin of the antiquities, Greek representative, Dr. Vassilis Aravantinos, director of Prehistoric and Classical Antiquities Department of Thiva, was able to prove the objects were of Greek origin and had been remove d from illegal excavations.

[14] Architectural competition for open spaces in Thessaloniki

An international architectural competition for the restructuring and utilization of open spaces in western Thessaloniki municipalities is to be announced today by the 'Thessaloniki Cultural Capital of Europe 1997' organization.

The competition is being held within the framework of the second European Architecture Seminar currently being held at Thessaloniki's Byzantine Civilization Museum.

Winning proposals will be presented after the completion of procedures in October 1997.

The salvaging of open spaces in western Thessaloniki, achieved through legislation, has prevented land being sold as property and being built upon, resulting in a large open area in the western side of the city, in eight different municipalities.

The organization said the salvaging of this area is very fortunate as it can provide possibilities for development, communication and transport throughout the eight municipalities, and will allow the development of cultural and leisure activities.

[15] Greek tanker in Mississippi adventure

The Greek registered 'Pindar' tanker, transporting 375,000 barrels of oil, ran aground on the banks of the Mississippi River early yesterday morning Athens time, US authorities announced.

No leaks were reported, coast-guard chief Ken Kendra said , adding that no crew members had suffered any injuries.

"The tanker ran aground on the river banks and is now resting on two natural gas pipelines, which is potentially dangerous," he said.

The accident occurred as the tanker was sailing up-river towards Baton Rouge, where the Exxon distilleries are located.

[16] Torpedo boat prevents landing of illegal immigrants

A Greek navy torpedo boat yesterday prevented an unidentified speedboat from landing illegal immigrants on the island of Farmakonisi, north-east of Leros, opposite the Turkish coast.

The "Kyknos" spotted the speedboat sailing half a nautical mile south-east of Farmakonisi. The boat left the area at speed after the Kyknos fired a number of warning shots in the air.

End of English language section.