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A.N.A. Bulletin, 31/10/96

Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

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

ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No 1027), October 31, 1996

Greek Press & Information Office
Ottawa, Canada
E-Mail Address: grnewsca@sympatico.ca


CONTENTS

  • [01] GSEE announces nationwide strike after 'fruitless' meeting with Papantoniou
  • [02] Gov't spokesman, opposition
  • [03] Arsenis meeting
  • [04] Contacts to continue
  • [05] Balance of payments deficit up by 47.3% in first half of '96
  • [06] Gov't spokesman says 1988 Greek-Turkish memorandum should be the basis for rapprochement
  • [07] State Department comments on latest Cyprus incident
  • [08] Turkish drivers held for illegal transport of shotgun shells
  • [09] President, Gov't relations are 'harmonious'
  • [10] Tsohatzopoulos meets with SAE president Athens
  • [11] Youth in notorious drug case given a stay by court
  • [12] Greece buys ancient bust of Alexander the Great
  • [13] Crucial ND Parliamentary group meeting today
  • [14] Tsovolas criticizes Gov't for its economic policy
  • [15] Venizelos to meet in Rome today with his Italian counterpart
  • [16] Petsalnikos on tour of Australia
  • [17] Canberra will raise Cyprus issue during Clinton's visit to Australia
  • [18] Papoutsis to visit Albania, FYROM
  • [19] Pegasus inquiry to be completed by week's end
  • [20] Geitonas calls for immediate overhaul of health system
  • [21] National economy under-secretary outlines nation's basic economic goals
  • [22] Greek banks to submit proposals on taxation of state titles next week
  • [23] Study shows Greek businessmen mostly satisfied with unified European market
  • [24] New housing loan programs announced
  • [25] Greece ranked first on list of top maritime nations
  • [26] Gov't: Insurance increases to be shaped by inflation

  • [01] GSEE announces nationwide strike after 'fruitless' meeting with Papantoniou

    Athens, 31/10/1996 (ANA)

    The government and labor unions are on an apparent collision course following fruitless talks between National Economy Minister Yiannos Papantoniou and the presidium of the General Confederation of Workers of Greece (GSEE) yesterday, after which GSEE announced a 24-hour nationwide strike for November 28.

    GSEE announced the protest because Mr. Papantoniou did not accept the labor umbrella group's proposals for an index-related amendment of the tax scale and an increase in the tax-exempt income of taxpayers up to two million drachmas.

    Mr. Papantoniou was also called upon by GSEE to make a more precise prediction for inflation in 1997 because a high deviation, like the one recorded this year, according to GSEE weakens the content of the agreement at the expense of workers.

    GSEE President Christos Polyzogopoulos said the minister assured labor representatives that there will be no new taxation aimed at the lower income brackets, while no new indirect taxation will be imposed. He also said the minister stated that the budget will have a social dimension and the increase in the education ministry's expenditures will be double that of other ministries. Small increases in public utility rates were also promised.

    Mr. Polyzogopoulos added that the GSEE would continue to press for measures to combat unemployment and de-industrialization as well as a real increase in workers' incomes.

    He stressed the need to peg the tax scale to cost of living, adding that he considered it "unacceptable" that tax brackets had not been indexed for five years.

    GSEE also requested taxation of interest on state titles.

    In addition, pensioners' organizations are reacting strongly to the government's intention to have a social solidarity bonus only partially funded by the state budget, with the remainder coming from insurance funds.

    Mr. Papantoniou told GSEE during their meeting that only one EKAS section (Social Solidarity Fund for those on low pensions) will be funded through the budget.

    Pensioners' organizations warned that they would sue those responsible for the funds, asking that EKAS be funded solely by the state budget. The same position was supported by the leadership of the labor and social security ministry.

    [02] Gov't spokesman, opposition

    Athens, 31/10/1996 (ANA)

    Meanwhile, government spokesman Dimitris Reppas called on those criticizing the government to be patient and to await the tabling of the budget before making their comments.

    He said the government's pledges not to impose new taxes still held, adding that pre-election promises were part of efforts for economic growth and went hand in hand with the "sensitivity" which must be shown to weaker social strata.

    The government spokesman pointed to Development Minister Vasso Papandreou's proposal for the establishment of a special social solidarity fund.

    On his part, main opposition New Democracy party leader Miltiades Evert called on Prime Minister Costas Simitis to reply why he "tolerates the sight of the national economy's dissolution although he is aware of its disastrous consequences," calling on M r. Simitis to brief Parliament on which measures he intends to take to put an end to "these morbid phenomena, achieve coordination of the government's work in the economic sector and take decisions on restructuring the economic system."

    [03] Arsenis meeting

    Athens, 31/10/1996 (ANA)

    Meanwhile, Education Minister Gerassimos Arsenis said a recent meeting between himself and Mr. Papantoniou was "fruitful."

    Mr. Arsenis said the national economy ministry has agreed to allocate the necessary funds to the education ministry to cover the needs for 6,500 substitute teachers.

    [04] Contacts to continue

    Athens, 31/10/1996 (ANA)

    In the framework of the government's further contacts with labor unions on setting out economic policy, the leadership of the Civil Servants Supreme Administrative Council (ADEDY) will have consecutive meetings today with Interior Minister Alekos Papadopoulos and Finance Under-secretary Nikos Christodoulakis. ADEDY will request implementation of the civil servants' new salary scale as of January 1, 1997.

    As previously announced, the government has decided to decrease hiring in the public sector, where even the number of seasonal workers will be drastically reduced.

    [05] Balance of payments deficit up by 47.3% in first half of '96

    Athens, 31/10/1996 (ANA)

    The deficit in the balance of payments increased by 47.3 per cent over the first half of the current year, amounting to $3.155 billion compared to $2.141 billion in the corresponding period in 1995. The deficit in the month of June amounted to $456 million, exceeding the corresponding figure for June 1995 by $303 million.

    The sharp increase in the deficit of the balance of payments reflects repercussions emanating from exchange policy and a decrease in inflows from the European Union.

    In addition, the trade deficit increased by $300 million, the invisible resources surplus decreased by $2.37 billion and as a result overseas transactions in their entirety produced a deficit amounting to $2.7 billion compared to a surplus of $1.115 billion in the corresponding period in 1995.

    Subsequently, foreign exchange reserves decreased from $16.5 billion to $13 billion. But according to an announcement by the Bank of Greece, the foreign exchange reserves increased in the following months and reached $16.8 billion at the end of September.

    [06] Gov't spokesman says 1988 Greek-Turkish memorandum should be the basis for rapprochement

    Athens, 31/10/1996 (ANA)

    Government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said yesterday that there is no issue of confidence-building measures (CBMs) in the Aegean for Athens. Mr. Reppas made the statement after being asked to comment on a statement made by Foreign Under-secretary Christos Rozakis on the "Flash" radio station.

    The government spokesman repeated the government's position that the Papoulias-Yilmaz Memorandum, signed in 1988 by the then foreign ministers of Greece and Turkey, constituted a positive basis for rapprochement between the two countries.

    In a related issue, Mr. Reppas said the government will air its complete opposition through diplomatic channels to a report written by a US Air Force lieutenant colonel and published in an official Naval War School journal, which apparently adopts Ankara's positions on so-called Greek-Turkish differences.

    However, the government spokesman noted that Athens isn't assigning too much attention on the report.

    [07] State Department comments on latest Cyprus incident

    Washington, 31/10/1996 (ANA - T. Ellis)

    US State Department spokesman Nicholas Burns yesterday condemned an incident in which British soldiers were shot at by Turkish forces in Cyprus, saying Washington issued a protest over the event.

    "We believe that Turkish Cypriot security forces should not fire against people when they enter one or two meters inside a line. Unfortunately, a young Greek Cypriot was murdered in this manner a few months ago. We think such things must not occur in future. And we stand beside the British, expressing our protest," Mr. Burns said in reply to a question.

    Two British soldiers were shot at by the Turkish side after straying into the Turkish-occupied part of Cyprus earlier this week.

    [08] Turkish drivers held for illegal transport of shotgun shells

    Athens, 31/10/1996 (ANA)

    Two Turkish nationals are being held by customs officials in the Evros border region after they were found carrying 19 crates containing a total of 390,000 hunting rifle shells.

    According to reports, the shells were bought in Italy and were destined for Istanbul, and although the drivers had the required purchase papers for their cargo, they did not have the necessary documents for transporting the ammunition through Greece - which should have been issued by the Greek authorities.

    Both trucks are being held at the Evros customs station, while an Alexandroupolis prosecutor decides on further action.

    In an unrelated incident, a Turkish soldier on the border near the village of Kastanies fired a shot in the direction of a Greek observation post at approximately 1 p.m. yesterday.

    According to reports, the incident was considered closed after the leaders of the two opposite observation posts, Greek and Turkish, met, with an explanation for the firing given.

    [09] President, Gov't relations are 'harmonious'

    Athens, 31/10/1996 (ANA)

    "The relations between the president of the republic and the government are totally harmonious," an announcement issued by the President's Office said yesterday.

    President Kostis Stephanopoulos was quoted by recent press reports as saying that he was not following developments but merely being informed of them like everyone else. He made the statement during a tour of northern Greece and was referring to the Skopje issue.

    The statement prompted an answer by government spokesman Dimitris Reppas who said Tuesday that Mr. Stephanopoulos was not involved in decision making but that his role was symbolic of the nation's unity and his official statements had national (as opposed to political) meaning.

    Mr. Stephanopoulos' office said the president's statement referred to "the uncertainty of diplomatic developments and had no other meaning."

    [10] Tsohatzopoulos meets with SAE president Athens

    Athens, 31/10/1996 (ANA)

    National Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos held talks with Council of Hellenes Abroad (SAE) President Andrew Athens yesterday, reportedly focusing on issues concerning the course of the SAE and of expatriate Greeks in the United States.

    According to the reports, Mr. Athens, briefed Mr. Tsohatzopoulos on the situation in the United States in light of the presidential elections there next week.

    In another development, Alternate Foreign Minister George Papandreou held talks with Mr. Athens and Greek-American leader Andrew Manatos. Their talks focused on issues also concerning expatriate Hellenism.

    [11] Youth in notorious drug case given a stay by court

    Athens, 31/10/1996 (ANA)

    A 17-year-old identified only as "Christos K." was granted a stay until tomorrow to appear before a judicial investigator on charges of repeated drug possession and trafficking.

    According to reports, the youth offered a hashish cigarette to an eight-year-old earlier this month, who was later found unconscious on a bench in the Agios Panteleimon Square in central Athens after smoking the hashish.

    The young boy, "Lefteris", now resides at a welfare institution in the city of Ioannina, since his mother is unable to take care of him and since his father has abandoned the family.

    According to reports, "Christos" claims that he did not know the cigarette contained hashish and that it had been given to him by a 20-year-old he identified as "Spyros".

    [12] Greece buys ancient bust of Alexander the Great

    Athens, 31/10/1996 (ANA)

    The Greek culture ministry has bought a marble bust of Alexander the Great, dating from the early third century B.C., that was auctioned off yesterday by Christies in Vienna.

    The bust belonged to the private collection of German baron Von Heil before being confiscated by the Nazis in Vienna.

    The work was purchased for about US$ 250,000, with bids beginning at around US$ 45,000.

    [13] Crucial ND Parliamentary group meeting today

    Athens, 31/10/1996 (ANA)

    The main opposition New Democracy party's Parliamentary group will hold a crucial session today with the various groups and trends in the party carefully planning their strategies and tactics.

    According to reports, party leader Miltiades Evert will not refer to intra-party squabbles in his opening speech but only to opposition tactics ND will apply. However, his close associates said that if provoked he will reply to his intra-party rivals in his closing statement.

    George Souflias, who held contacts with several deputies yesterday, will insist on carrying out an honest and fair party congress with intra-party elections being held. According to the reports, he will not consent to processes of disputing Mr. Evert at the Parliamentary group.

    Stephanos Manos will set out five proposals for a minimum framework of understanding between leading cadres, while top ND cadre Dora Bakoyianni does not intend to take the floor.

    Meanwhile, a stir was created by a radio interview by Ioannis Varvitsiotis, who let it be understood that he himself would consent to the possibility of a transitional party president until the congress takes place on condition that his candidacy for the party's presidency will not be ruled out.

    [14] Tsovolas criticizes Gov't for its economic policy

    Athens, 31/10/1996 (ANA)

    Democratic Social Movement (DHKKI) President Dimitris Tsovolas criticized the government yesterday of "improvisation and lack of a program for the economy."

    Mr. Tsovolas described the government's tactics as being unacceptable in leaking to the press plans of new taxes, which he said create a negative climate in the market and disorganize the national economy.

    The DHKKI leader estimated that the 1996 budget will end on a deficit to the tune of 450 billion drachmas, stressing that this fully confirms the failure of what he called "dead end and anti-popular economic policy, which has been implemented over the past few years."

    He said his party will submit draft bills to Parliament aiming to protect the incomes of salaried workers and pensioners, the social and individual rights of citizens and the protection and development of democratic institutions.

    Mr. Tsovolas said DHKKI's predictions regarding national issues are being confirmed, saying that immediately after the US presidential elections, implementation will begin of a "plan of the great powers of the west for the carving up of the Aegean, a bi-federal solution in Cyprus and the closing of the Skopjan issue in the beginning of 1997 with a composite name."

    [15] Venizelos to meet in Rome today with his Italian counterpart

    Rome, 31/10/1996 (ANA - L. Hatzikyriakos)

    Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos will have a meeting today in the eternal city with his Italian counterpart and government Vice-President Valter Veltroni. He is also due to meet with the chief of the Democratic Party o f the Left, Massimo D' Alema. On Saturday, Mr. Venizelos will visit Venice to attend the opening of the Department of Modern Greek Studies at the University of Venice.

    Meanwhile, Culture Ministry Secretary General Evgenios Yiannakopoulos represented Greece at a Council of Europe conference on the European film industry, held in Budapest.

    The conference, entitled "European Film Industry: A Common Future," was held between Oct. 27-29.

    [16] Petsalnikos on tour of Australia

    Sydney, 31/10/1996 (ANA - S. Theologidis)

    The minister of Macedonia and Thrace Philippos Petsalnikos began an eight-day tour of expatriate Greek communities in Australia yesterday at the invitation of the Pan-Macedonian Unions of Melbourne and Victoria, as part of events included in the Dimitria Exhibition.

    The exhibition started on Oct. 13 and will end tomorrow.

    After Sydney, Mr. Petsalnikos will then visit Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth. In these four cities, where most of the 700,000 Greek expatriates live, he will have a series of meetings with politicians of Greek origin from both federal and state level, as well as with Archbishop of Australia Stylianos, members of the Greek Community presidium and the board of the Pan-Macedonian Union, whose presidency is currently held by the Sydney Union.

    Mr. Petsalnikos will give a press conference to the expatriate media in the afternoon and will address a gathering of Greek expatriates. He will leave for Melbourne tomorrow.

    [17] Canberra will raise Cyprus issue during Clinton's visit to Australia

    Melbourne, 31/10/1996 (ANA - S. Hatzimanolis)

    Australia will broach the issue of the Cyprus problem when US President Bill Clinton visits Australia next month, Foreign Minister Alexander Downer has told representatives of the Australian Cypriot and Greek communities.

    "Australia supports the immediate resolution of the problem and believes that it cannot be resolved without the immediate intervention of the United States. We aim to bring the Cyprus issue up for discussion with Mr. Clinton during his visit here next month," he said after the meeting.

    The meeting, attended by representatives of the Cypriot and Greek communities, was followed by a meeting with the shadow (opposition) foreign minister Laurie Brereton and the leader of the opposition Labor Party Kim Beazley.

    Mr. Downer said he based his optimism that the Cyprus problem would be resolved on the commitment made by Mr. Clinton that, if he is re-elected, he would take a leading role in achieving this aim.

    The Australian foreign minister, however, refused to condemn Turkey for its provocations in the Aegean saying the policy of equal distances gave Australia the chance to play a more effective role in the initiative to resolve the problem.

    Meanwhile, Australia may proceed with establishing a diplomatic mission in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) following the November 6 talks between FYROM and Greece on the issue of the name, Mr. Downer added.

    He said however that any such move would be accompanied with "strict terms", particularly on the issue of the name, and would occur after consultations with representatives of the Greek community.

    [18] Papoutsis to visit Albania, FYROM

    Athens, 31/10/1996 (ANA)

    Greek EU Commissioner Christos Papoutsis will visit Albania and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia at the official invitation of the governments of the two countries.

    During his visits, Mr. Papoutsis will exchange views on relations between the European Union and the two countries with particular emphasis on the energy sector, small- to medium-size businesses and tourism.

    In Albania, Mr. Papoutsis will be received by President Sali Berisha, Prime Minister Alexander Meksi and Foreign Minister Tritan Shehu. He is also expected to meet with the ministers of energy and resources, finance and tourism.

    Mr. Papoutsis will also inaugurate, along with Mr. Meksi, the "Albanian-European Energy Center."

    He will also inaugurate a seminar on energy policies in Albania.

    In FYROM, Mr. Papoutsis will be received by President Kiro Gligorov. He will also have talks with Prime Minister Branko Crvenkovski, and the ministers of foreign affairs and finance.

    [19] Pegasus inquiry to be completed by week's end

    Athens, 31/10/1996 (ANA)

    The findings of the investigation into last week's Pegasus ferry accident are to be completed by the end of the week, Merchant Marine Minister Stavros Soumakis said yesterday during a press conference.

    Mr. Soumakis said 210 passengers on board the ferry had not been declared to the authorities, meaning the ship traveled with 450 passengers instead of the 240 declared by company representatives.

    The merchant marine minister repeated his intention to immediately implement the electronic issuing of boat tickets.

    Mr. Soumakis described the Pegasus accident as being "tragic and incomprehensible", and said that in these cases, the main cause is usually human error as all ships, however old, conform to all safety standards.

    Mr. Soumakis said 'we aim to modernize the coastal fleet and we will soon announce the measures we will take, following a meeting with the sailors, which will concern passenger safety."

    Meanwhile, the company owning the Pegasus sent a letter to the merchant marine minister stating that owners of the cars and motorbikes damaged in the ship's hold during the accident are to be fully compensated. It added that payments had begun on Tuesday, while compensation for those injured would be made according to each individual case.

    The US Ambassador to Greece Thomas Niles made a day-long private visit to Kavala and the island of Thassos yesterday.

    The ambassador visited the off-shore drilling installations of the Prinos oil field and archaeological sites on Thassos.

    [20] Geitonas calls for immediate overhaul of health system

    Athens, 31/10/1996 (ANA)

    State hospitals owe more than 180 billion drachmas in contracts for perishables and pharmaceuticals, while social security funds and the state owe hospitals 49 billion drachmas, Health and Social Security Minister Costas Geitonas said yesterday.

    The minister told the directors of Athens hospitals attending a seminar yesterday that the situation was heading to a deadlock if immediate measures to restructure the national health system (ESY) and upgrade emergency services and primary health care w ere not taken.

    A further 3,900 medical and nursing staff will be hired, he announced, adding that this number covered only 10 per cent of current hospital needs.

    Legislation overhauling the health care system, drafted by previous minister Anastasios Peponis, will be tabled in Parliament by the end of the year, Mr. Geitonas added. The bill foresees the establishment of a single health body, the appointment of man agers in hospital administration, the establishment of the 'family doctor' or general practitioner and the afternoon operation of outpatients clinics in state hospitals.

    [21] National economy under-secretary outlines nation's basic economic goals

    Athens, 31/10/1996 (ANA)

    National Economy Under-secretary Alekos Baltas referred to the basic goals of Greece's economic policy during a speech yesterday attended by most the commercial attaches of foreign embassies in Greece.

    In his address, Mr. Baltas noted a deflationary trend, a decrease of the national deficit, acceleration of the growth rate and an emphasis on social solidarity.

    The national economy under-secretary said that a new government was planning to increase its financial activity in and co-operation with the countries of eastern and central Europe, to increase its activities in the Middle East and create an appropriate trade co-operation network with Asian countries.

    Mr. Baltas said Greece was pursuing greater economic co-operation with these countries in the sectors of services, tourism, public works, joint ventures and investment.

    [22] Greek banks to submit proposals on taxation of state titles next week

    Athens, 31/10/1996 (ANA)

    The Union of Greek Banks (EET) will submit its proposals on the possible taxation of state titles and financial derivatives in money and capital markets next week, EET Secretary-General Ioannis Manos told a press conference yesterday.

    "The EET is in favor of a solution which will promote these products and, at the same time, guarantee the state's interests," Mr. Manos said.

    Mr. Manos met with Finance Under-secretary George Drys yesterday on the same issue. He said there was a very good climate on talks between the government and banks on the issue of taxation and the possible repercussions on banks.

    Mr. Manos added that the EET board of directors would be considering a report on the possible merger of bank employees' pension funds in early November and that an economic information data-bank would be set up within the next six months to offer analytical economic figures on Greek banking.

    [23] Study shows Greek businessmen mostly satisfied with unified European market

    Brussels, 31/10/1996 (ANA-M.Spinthourakis)

    Greek businessmen are very content at the institutionalization and operation of the Community's unified market, according to research published here yesterday by the Community's Statistical Service.

    In the industrial sector, 42 per cent of the Greek businessmen who answered a questionnaire said they had benefited by the operation of a unified European market. Nineteen per cent said they had not been benefited, while 39 per cent did not express an o pinion. The corresponding Community percentages are 33, 27 and 40.

    In the commercial sector even more Greek businessmen appear satisfied.

    According to the statistical service's report, 49 per cent of the Greek businessmen who were asked on the subject said they were content, as opposed to 16 per cent of the remaining Community businessmen. Five per cent expressed dissatisfaction as against 21 per cent of Community businessmen, while 46 of Greek businessmen did not express an opinion, considerably less in comparison to 63 per cent of Community businessmen asked on the subject.

    The most dissatisfied among the community businessmen were the Spanish, French, Portuguese and the Dutch.

    According to research, the reasons for the satisfaction of Community businessmen are abolition of time-consuming bureaucratic procedures in customs, harmonization of technical standards and liberation of national markets.

    [24] New housing loan programs announced

    Athens, 31/10/1996 (ANA)

    Labor and Social Security Minister Miltiades Papaioannou yesterday announced new housing loan programs by the Labor Housing Organization (OEK), totaling 730 billion drachmas and concerning 50,000 housing loans, 11,000 new buildings by OEK and loans t o beneficiaries to complete or repair residences.

    OEK will begin receiving new applications for 50,000 housing loans amounting to 400 billion drachmas as of Nov. 1.

    Mr. Papaioannou said one basic change will take place. The draw system will be abolished and a list will be initiated for beneficiaries. He said that special care will be taken for beneficiaries with large families and from border regions.

    He also announced that a draft law is ready on the settlement of outstanding debts owed to OEK and called on debtors to fulfill their obligations.

    [25] Greece ranked first on list of top maritime nations

    Athens, 31/10/1996 (ANA)

    Greece rates first on the list of the most important maritime countries in the world, according to a "Sea Transport" report by UNCTAD, the UN's subsidiary organization for commerce and development.

    According to the report, 2,989 commercial vessels are recorded on the Greek registry, of which 1,019 are under the Greek flag. The number corresponds to 17.98 per cent of the international commercial fleet.

    Regarding dead weight tonnage, Greece is at the top of the list with 120,661,795dwt. It is followed by Japan with 86,769,729dwt.

    [26] Gov't: Insurance increases to be shaped by inflation

    Athens, 31/10/1996 (ANA)

    Development Under-secretary Mihalis Chrysohoidis reiterated yesterday that increases in insurance premiums for 1997 will be shaped within the limits of inflation and in extreme cases should reach 10 per cent.

    Mr. Chrysohoidis, who was speaking to reporters after a meeting with the board of the Union of Insurance Companies, said insurance company representatives gave him a memorandum containing their observations on the new law concerning the insurance market . Insurance companies want the 30-day limit for paying compensation to a beneficiary to start on the day all preliminary processes will have been completed.

    He did not accept this amendment, insisting on what is defined in the draft law, namely that compensation should be paid in 30 days from the day the insured person submits relevant supporting documents.

    Mr. Chrysohoidis also said no problem exists with the operation of auxiliary capital - it provides compensation for beneficiaries from insurance companies which have closed.

    End of English language section.


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