A.N.A. Bulletin, 23/09/96

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

Athens News Agency Directory

ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No. 996), September 23, 1996

Greek Press & Information Office

Ottawa, Canada

E-Mail Address: grnewsca@sympatico.ca

CONTENTS

[1] PASOK sweeps back into power

Ruling party PASOK swept back into power in yesterday's general elections, pulling out ahead of its main challenger New Democracy to record a resounding victory for party leader Costas Simitis.

"The mandate of the Greek people has given us a clear message. Today, the Greek people has shown which Greece and what society they want to fight for," Mr. Simitis said in his victory speech. "The great victory, which we have achieved today, does not belong to PASOK. It does not belong to me. It belongs to all Greeks. It belongs to every citizen who envisions and wants a better tomorrow."

With votes in from nearly 75 per cent or 13,290 of the country's 17,710 polling stations, the PASOK party had gained 41.61 per cent of the vote and the New Democracy 38.61 per cent.

According to reports, Mr. Simitis will announce the composition of his new government tomorrow afternoon, which will be sworn in on the next day in the presence of President Kostis Stephanopoulos.

As of today, he will start his contacts to pave the way for the new government.

The election results brought various changes to the country's political scene, with a fall in the combined power of the two main parties down to 80 per cent from 87 per cent in 1993.

Conceding defeat shortly after official results showed PASOK pulling away from the main opposition party, New Democracy party leader Miltiades Evert said he personally assumed responsibility for the party's defeat and tendered his resignation. As of late last night, former ND economy minister Stephanos Manos had announced he would contest the leadership of the party.

On the basis of results to hand so far, PASOK will secure 163 seats in the 300-member Parliament, against 107 for New Democracy, 11 for the Communist Party (5.46 per cent), 10 for the Coalition of the Left and Progress (4.93 per cent) and nine (4.31 per cent) for newcomer Democratic Social Movement, led by former PASOK finance minister Dimitris Tsovolas.

In a reversal of fortunes, the Political Spring party, led by Antonis Samaras, was at 2.89 per cent late last night, still battling to reach the three per cent threshold that would allow it a seat in Parliament while the Coalition of the Left and Progress was definitely back in, following its exclusion in the October 1993 poll.

In a brief televised statement, Prime Minister Simitis said that his new government would work with all Greeks in order to respond to the messages of yesterday's electoral victory.

The fact that the new Parliament would have broad representation, he said, referring to the entry of smaller parties, is a positive development. "It is positive that the new Parliament is pluralistic, so that maximum possible dialogue and consent will b e achieved for the country's great problems," he said.

[2] Evert resigns, Manos declares candidacy for ND leadership

Leading New Democracy members began jostling for position shortly after the news of the party's defeat and the resignation of president Miltiades Evert, with one declaring that he would stand for the position and at least two hinting that they were considering standing.

Mr. Evert announced his decision to resign as party leader last night, after conceding defeat in general elections, adding that he was personally assuming responsibility for his party's defeat.

He congratulated his socialist rival, Prime Minister Costas Simitis on his election victory.

"I will not follow the examples of the past when a defeated leader attributed responsibility right and left," Mr. Evert said shortly after initial interior ministry results showed the Mr. Simitis's PASOK party nearly three per cent ahead of New Democracy.

"I hope that the new government will help the country to exit from social, national and economic impasses," he said, adding that he will continue to help the government in its efforts to deal with the country's problems.

Mr. Evert, 57, took over the party's leadership when his predecessor, veteran politician Constantine Mitsotakis lost the October 1993 elections, again to PASOK, then led by the late Andreas Papandreou.

Mr. Mitsotakis resigned following his defeat, to become honorary president of New Democracy. Mr. Evert became party leader after gaining 141 out of the 182 votes of ND's parliamentary group.

Mr. Evert held a number of cabinet posts between 1976 and 1991. In 1986 he resigned as deputy after being elected mayor of Athens. It was during his term at the head of the municipality that he earned the nickname "Bulldozer" for his no-nonsense approach to tackling problems.

[3] Manos throws his glove in the ring

Stephanos Manos, a prominent member of New Democracy party and former economy minister, announced last night that he would run for the party's leadership.

Mr. Manos, 57, made his announcement a few hours after Mr. Evert conceded defeat.

In his statement, Mr. Manos said ND was defeated in the elections because it had chosen "compromise instead of confrontation with the ideas of the center left which has predominated in the country in recent years."

"We, at last, should support what we believe in otherwise we will continue to lose," he said, adding that ND should have the "boldness to confront the mentality and interests which have led us to this."

Mr. Manos said that he, from the very beginning, had supported a different political proposal which directly confronted the existing state.

"I believe that this proposal is the only way for New Democracy, for Greece," he said adding that he was contesting the party leadership in order "to turn this proposal into reality."

A successful businessman, Mr. Manos has held several Cabinet posts since 1977, the national economy, finance and industry portfolios.

[4] Bakoyianni press conference today

Dora Bakoyanni, daughter of main opposition New Democracy party honorary president and former prime minister Constantine Mitsotakis, will give a press conference at noon today to reveal her intentions on the change in the party's leadership.

Reports say Ms Bakoyanni will announce her decision to seek the ND party's leadership.

Meanwhile, former New Democracy education minister George Souflias yesterday did not rule out running for ND president.

"As is already known, I have ambitions. I will make statements within the next few days," he said in reply to journalists' questions last night.

Mr. Souflias added that "the elections were not won by PASOK, they were lost by New Democracy, which for a long time, and not only during the pre-election period, has not managed to disseminate its ideologies and its positions. What is needed is a regeneration of New Democracy."

In a statement, former ND deputy Andreas Andrianopoulos let it be clearly understood that he would create his own party in the event Mr. Mitsotakis does not seek ND's leadership.

[5] Simitis A victory of ideas, values and principles

The full text of Prime Minister Costas Simitis's statement after PASOK's victory was assured is as follows:

"Today has been a day of decisions and responsibility.

"The mandate of the Greek people has given us a clear message.

"Today, the Greek people has shown which Greece and what society they want to fight for.

"The great victory, which we have achieved today, does not belong to PASOK. It does not belong to me. It belongs to all Greeks. It belongs to every citizen who envisions and wants a better tomorrow.

"Today's victory is the victory of all those who want a Greece of initiatives for peace and co-operation as well as a steadfast defense of our sovereign rights. A Greece with prestige, able to influence decisions and developments on the international scene.

"Today's victory is the victory of all those who believe in a society of solidarity, who want, together with development, social justice and a better quality of life for all.

"Today's victory is the victory of all dynamic and creative forces who believe in the competitiveness of the Greek economy.

"Today's victory is the victory of all those seeking a society of freedom, initiatives, potential, individual and collective creativity. The society of hope for youth.

"Today's victory is the victory of ideas, values and principles. All those demanding social responsibility. The society of citizens.

"We will co-operate with all Greeks in order to respond to these messages. A successful effort requires the participation and support of all without exception. It is positive that the new Parliament is pluralistic, so that maximum possible dialogue and consent will be achieved for the country's great problems.

"Results also lead to another message. During the election struggle, personal attacks, black propaganda were particularly intense. The Greek people today has given the answer to this form of confrontation. They rejected it. They want substance, quality.

They want ethos and a kind of power that will respond to the level we seek for this country in the world.

"The election result means, for my collaborators and I, that we have the immense responsibility to lead Greece to the 21st century. We will dedicate, with you, all our efforts in order to achieve. To achieve a powerful Greece.

"I thank you for the mandate which you entrusted with PASOK and me personally."

[6] KKE bolsters performance

The Communist Party of Greece looked set to be the third largest party in Parliament last night, improving on its 1993 performance when it garnered 4.54 per cent of the vote and nine seats in Parliament.

Latest figures put the Communists at garnering 5.46 per cent of the vote, giving it 11 seats in Parliament, one up on its 1993 performance.

Secretary-General Aleka Papariga said that the election result was characterized by two positive features: the reduction in the strength of the two big parties and the increase in the KKE's share of the vote.

The KKE, she added, could now play a more substantial role and protect the rights of workers.

Ms. Papariga described the electoral law in force as "daylight robbery" and called on Greek people to organize its struggle, forecasting "new anti-popular laws."

She said that the reduction of the percentages of the two major parties occurred in a climate of indignation and dissatisfaction over their policies, adding that votes for the smaller parties expressed this dissatisfaction.

Ms. Papariga said KKE struggled against bi-partisan rule and against the essence of its policy. She said it also struggled against the political direction based on the choices of the European Union and NATO.

She said that KKE will defend the people from better positions and will express the diffusive spirit of resistance and the intention to counter-attack this policy.

[7] KKE bolsters performance

Ms. Papariga called on the people not to be complacent because the "majority PASOK government will utilize the vote it received thanks to an electoral law constituting daylight robbery to pass new and even tougher unpopular measures."

[8] Political Spring appears to be frozen out of new Parliament

At press-time last night, it was still uncertain whether the Political Spring party would be represented in the new Parliament.

With 75 per cent of the vote counted, Political Spring was at 2.89 per cent, still struggling to reach the three per cent threshold that would give it a seat in Parliament and down from the 4.87 per cent it culled in October 1993, which gave it 10 seat s in Parliament and the title of third largest party.

Speaking shortly after 11pm last night, Political Spring leader Antonis Samaras said he respected the decision of the Greek people but warned that the country may enter "a new cycle of compliance and austerity."

Expressing the hope that he will not be confirmed in this, Mr. Samaras said his party will be present and will support the people.

Acknowledging that it was not the result that he expected, Mr. Samaras said that it would nevertheless provide an opportunity to "regroup" the party's forces and intensify information for the people.

[9] Coalition jubilant at a return to Parliament

Coalition of the Left and Progress party (Synaspismos) leader Nikos Constantopoulos described the election results as a "great victory" for his party, which returns to Parliament after a three-year hiatus.

"The Coalition is the political force which has changed the political scene," he said in a televised statement. "The omnipotence of the two-party system has been reduced. The political proposal of New Democracy clearly has the nature of a minority. PASOK remains the first party, but with reduced strength. The left has been reinforced. Synaspismos has chalked up a great victory."

The Coalition of the Left and Progress was excluded from Parliament following the October 10, 1993 elections when it narrowly failed to achieve the three per cent threshold needed to gain representation, clocking up just 2.94 per cent.

[10] DHKKI romps into new Parliament with nine seats

The Democratic Social Movement made a strong showing in yesterday's poll, romping into Parliament with 4.31 per cent, with 75 per cent of the vote counted.

DHKKI will have nine seats in the new Parliament.

DHKKI leader Dimitris Tsovolas, a former PASOK finance minister, described the election result as a starting point for "responsible struggles" aimed at "democracy, social justice, national independence, the upgrading of institutions and transparency in administration."

He termed the resignation of main opposition New Democracy party leader Miltiades Evert as "an act of democratic sensitivity" which proved that the political scene of the country had begun to change.

Mr. Tsovolas predicted impending developments on Greece's national issues in view of elections in the US as well.

DHKKI, he added, would play a "catalytic" role in the new scene by struggling both within and outside Parliament.

Mr. Tsovolas promised that in the period to come his party will play an important role and conduct "a difficult but fine and crystal-clear political struggle."

Thanking those who honored and vindicated his party as a historical and political necessity despite pressures, pseudo-dilemmas and an attempt to subject them to tutelage, Mr. Tsovolas promised that his party will struggle for the "deepening and widening of democracy", social justice, national pride, the upgrading of institutions and transparency in state administration.

[11] An orderly and calm election for Greece's 8.5 million voters

Yesterday's electoral count for Greece's 8.5 million voters was conducted in a calm and orderly fashion, reports from around the country indicated.

Of the 8,862,014 voters participating in the elections, 4,529,479 (51.11 per cent) are women and 4,332,536 (48.89 per cent) men. Some 5.5 per cent of that number, or 442,874 voters went to the polls for the first time yesterday.

Interior ministry Secretary-General Evdokia Serelis told the ANA that there had been no problems in the election process.

Some polling stations were delayed in opening due to the absence of judicial officials overseeing procedures. Absent officials were immediately replaced.

This year's poll saw some changes from previous ballots, including the lifting of restrictions on the consumption of alcohol, the guarding of polling stations by police rather than soldiers and the provision of voting for the 550 inmates eligible to cas t their ballot while in detention.

The warden of the Diavaton prison in Thessaloniki, George Eftihidis, told the ANA that by 10:30pm, 44 of the 46 inmates entitled to vote had passed through the prison's polling booth, followed by prison guards and officials.

A further 18 inmates from the Kassandras and Halkidiki prisons had also voted at polling booths set up on the premises, while at the Komotini prison, the 18 inmates voting expressed their complaint that no candidate had visited them to explain their party's platform.

In Mount Athos, the monastic community near Thessaloniki where polling stations are banned, some 30 monks left the enclave to cast their ballots.

In Lesvos, 80-year-old Dimitris Kazazis cast his ballot in a small village on the island of Lesvos, not knowing that he was voting for the last time in his life.

Eyewitnesses said that Kazazis collapsed and died seconds after he cast his ballot in the village of Filia. Police later said he died from a heart attack.

Elsewhere, in the village of Olympiada, northern Greece, 510 of its 584 registered inhabitants cast invalid votes in protest over the planned installation of a Canadian gold mining company in the region, claiming that serious environmental problems would arise in the area from the operation of the mines.

TVX Gold Inc., a Canadian concern, was the top bidder in international tendering last year for the sale of the Kassandra gold mines in Olympiada and Stratoni, Halkidiki.

Polling officials said the percentage of the invalid votes was 90 per cent.

[12] President hopes for a successful government

Speaking in Patras, where he was to cast his vote, President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos expressed his hope that the government arising from yesterday's elections would be able to successfully deal with the country's problems. In Piraeus , enthusiastic supporters mobbed PASOK leader and Prime Minster Costas Simitis as he cast his ballot.

"The Greek citizen must judge, compare and evaluate the positions of the parties, the solutions they propose and their politicians," Mr. Simitis said on leaving the Kaminia polling station.

"If he judges, compares and evaluates with the interests of the country foremost in his mind, then he will vote for PASOK."

New Democracy president Miltiades Evert cast his vote in the border town of Alexandroupolis, northwest Greece before returning to Athens later in the morning.

"Today, the words of politicians are superfluous. Today, the Greek people speak, the citizen speaks. And with his vote, the citizen carves out the future for the country. I have faith in the citizen, in the Greek, and in the Greek people and believe that tomorrow a new day will dawn for Greece," he said as he voted at the 315th Tavris, Evros polling station.

Political Spring party leader Antonis Samaras cast his vote in Pylos, Messinia, saying afterwards he was confident the people would vote for a "different Greece".

"Today, the people will change political roles and tomorrow we will change Greece. Today, Greece votes for control. It votes for Political Spring for a different Greece, for justice, dignity and hope".

Communist Party of Greece Secretary-General Aleka Papariga warned voters that they should be "vigilant" as of tomorrow in light of the new state budget, after casting her vote in the Kalogreza district.

"The problems will not end, in fact there will be new anti-people measures," she warned. She pledged that her party would "with renewed vigor" stand by the workers for the "greater rallying of those forces which want to fight the policies of austerity and unemployment".

Nikos Constantopoulos, the leader of the Coalition of the Left and Progress, cast his vote in the central Athens district of Exarchia at 11am this morning, telling reporters he was convinced "that these elections will be, for the Coalition, a great beginning."

"These elections are crucial. We will be elected to the Parliament of the year 2000 which will make decisions for Greece for the 21st century. The people know this and they are voting with their hearts and minds," he said."

Dimitris Tsovolas, the former PASOK finance minister who leads the new party Democratic Social Movement, voted in Peristeri this morning, saying that he believed that the Greek people would vote on the basis of the people's interests and "not the interests of big industry and foreign parameters".

[13] Gov't rejects US statement on European Parliament resolution

The government on Saturday reacted strongly to a US State Department statement criticizing two European Parliament resolutions slamming Turkey for its human rights record and blocking European Union aid to Ankara worth millions of ECU.

"The EU exercises its own foreign policy based on principles which it makes every effort to apply in all cases with consistency. The United States does not have the right, either directly or indirectly, to decide on the content of this policy," a foreign ministry statement said.

The European Parliament adopted two resolutions earlier last week concerning Turkey, one calling for a freeze on EU funds allocated to Ankara under the terms of a customs union agreement, which notes that human rights violations continue in Turkey, an d the other urging Turkey to withdraw its occupation troops from Cyprus and comply with UN resolutions relating to the island republic.

"The mistake made by (State Department spokesman) Nicholas Burns and those with whom he collaborated for the issuing of the statement, commenting adversely on the recent resolutions of the European Parliament concerning Turkey, lies in the fact that t he European Parliament is a representative institution which expresses the peoples of Europe and consequently its resolutions cannot be the subject of criticism by governments. The European Parliament judges, it is not judged," the foreign ministry statement added.

The foreign ministry concluded with the recommendation that "someone should give the perpetrators of yesterday's State Department announcement lessons in democracy and foreign policy".

End of English language section.