Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 96-11-08
From: The Greek Press & Information Office, Ottawa Canada <grnewsca@sympatico.ca>
ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No 1035), November 8, 1996
Greek Press & Information Office
Ottawa, Canada
E-Mail Address: grnewsca@sympatico.ca
CONTENTS
[01] ND political council decides on party congress as soon as
possible
[02] Evert says he will not violate party charter
[03] Manos, Souflias response
[04] Vasso Papandreou calls for more professionalism in tourism sector
[05] Simitis pledges full support for '97 World Athletics
Championships in Athens
[06] Kaklamanis to attend EU parliament presidents' meeting in Sicily
[07] ND Eurodeputy Anastasopoulos among 3 finalists for EPP's
candidate to Europarliament presidency
[08] New civil servants salary scale goes into effect as of Jan. 1
[09] Kastanidis says Commission expected to approve increase in OA's
equity capital
[10] Transport minister stresses importance of economic,
transportation co-operation in Balkans
[11] "All Balkan nations should be admitted to European Union"
[12] Armaments program and defense ministry budget discussed
[13] Greece urges enlargement of Council of Europe with central,
eastern European countries
[14] President, premier meet on current issues
[15] US State Department official due in Athens next week
[16] KEDKE conference begins in the presence of Stephanopoulos
inside, protests outside
[17] Greenpeace says Motor Oil has turned ravine into toxic waste
landfill
[18] Translation of French philosopher Garaudy's book launched
[19] Venizelos, French Minister Blazi discuss Greek-French cultural
relations
[20] Sunken missile boat located
[21] Pensioners' representatives unsatisfied after meeting with
Papantoniou
[22] Opposition strongly criticizes proposed customs code provisions
[23] GSEE warns against abolition of tax exemptions for salary earners
[01] ND political council decides on party congress as soon as
possible
Athens, 08/11/1996 (ANA)
The main opposition New Democracy party's political council,
which convened yesterday afternoon, arrived at a compromise
solution on the controversial issue of the procedure to be
followed for next year's party congress, deciding to hold it as
early as possible - March or April - with an expanded
composition.
Deputy party leader Ioannis Varvitsiotis was entrusted with the
task of exploring existing possibilities towards that goal,
while no leadership issue was raised during the session, and
with ND leader Miltiades Evert reiterating his recent public
commitment that on the first day of the congress he would table
a proposal for election of the party leader by congress
delegates.
On his part, ND honorary president and former prime minister
Constantine Mitsotakis stated: "The idea is maturing that the
solution to the problem afflicting New Democracy will be found
at the congress, which will be held as soon as possible".
Concerning the meeting, recent leadership contender George
Souflias said discussion had been "very good", while former
premier Tzannis Tzannetakis said there had been full agreement.
According to sources, the issue of a transition leadership was
not raised, while others reported that Mr. Evert stressed that
his only concern was for the party, and that if his presence in
the leadership posed a problem, he ought to be told so bluntly.
[02] Evert says he will not violate party charter
Athens, 08/11/1996 (ANA)
Earlier yesterday, Mr. Evert reiterated that he would not
"violate the party's charter" but left open the possibility of
taking a new role in the party.
Addressing a meeting of the party's council of regional
committee presidents, Mr. Evert remained firm in his position
regarding party elections saying that "I will not under any
circumstances, and in any capacity I may have, violate the
charter."
Noting that "everyone should respect the rules governing the
operation of the party," Mr. Evert said that the unity of New
Democracy was of primary importance.
"What is important is the party, not Evert," he said, adding
that "we must retain the unity of the party for which we have
the obligation to be sacrificed."
ND entered a new phase of crisis following its defeat in recent
general elections, which gave PASOK another four-year mandate.
Following the party's defeat, Mr. Evert submitted his
resignation on the night of ND's electoral defeat, but soon
returned to the ND leadership after winning internal party
elections.
ND deputy and former minister Souflias was Mr. Evert's opponent
in the race for those elections. He was supported by former
ministers and ND deputies, Stephanos Manos and Dora Bakoyianni.
Known as "the alliance of the three", the ND deputies have been
putting pressure for new party elections to be held in June at
the party congress, and requesting that a transitional leader
lead the party to the ND congress.
Commenting on his decision to re-claim the party leadership,
after his decision to resign, Mr. Evert said:
"Since efforts to find a candidate of mutual acceptance did not
yield results, I decided to help by leading the party to the
congress."
Mr. Evert also claimed that New Democracy lost the elections to
PASOK due to "internal party opposition."
In an indirect reference to Mr. Mitsotakis, Mr. Evert said "how
it is possible for the party to progress when party officials
say that the (PASOK) prime minister is competent, that the
foreign and economy ministers are excellent and that
de-nationalizations lead to unemployment?"
"How is it possible for a party to progress when party officials
do not want the party to be on the side of those who have just
claims, such as the farmers, pensioners and the
small-to-mediumd-sized business owners, branding the party's
positions as populist?"
Stressing that New Democracy "is not the big capital's party or
(the party) of the Greek Federation of Industries (SEB)," Mr.
Evert said New Democracy won votes in "the poor neighborhoods,"
and lost votes in the "high income regions."
Soon, he said, those earning high incomes who voted for Mr.
Simitis will realize their mistake.
"Unfortunately the whole of the Greek people will pay for this
choice, since a storm of taxes is at the gates," he added.
Commenting on Mr. Evert's statements, Mr. Mitsotakis later said
"I see an effort to cause a climate of tension."
Asked, Mr. Mitsotakis said, however, that he did not anticipate
a rupture in the party.
In another development, Mr. Varvitsiotis met yesterday in
Parliament with the 22 ND deputies that have undertaken the task
of defusing the crisis in the party.
Mr. Varvitsiotis said the initiative of the 22 deputies was very
positive, adding that he was optimistic regarding its outcome.
[03] Manos, Souflias response
Athens, 08/11/1996 (ANA)
In a letter to the presidents of the ND regional committee
presidents regarding Mr. Evert's statements earlier in the day,
Mr. Manos said that "the first violation of the party's charter
is Mr. Evert's commitment to the Parliamentary group that he
will seek the election of the party's leadership in the
forthcoming congress."
Mr. Manos said that in order to be government the New Democracy
must have a leadership that unites and not causes partition in
the party.
Sources close to Mr. Souflias later said that Mr. Evert's
address yesterday was bordering on conflict rather than
convergence.
Despite this, the sources said, Mr. Souflias "will continue
efforts in the direction of weathering the crisis in the ND in
an atmosphere of understanding."
[04] Vasso Papandreou calls for more professionalism in tourism sector
Athens, 08/11/1996 (ANA)
Development Minister Vasso Papandreou yesterday called on the
private tourism sector to raise its professionalism, promising
that the state would also show similar concern.
Speaking at a meeting with dozens of representatives of the
tourism industry from around the country at a central Athens
hotel, the minister promised a speedy tackling of many
outstanding problems, with a view to improving the country's
image and tourism product, as well as reducing visitors'
complaints in 1997.
"1996 has not been such a bad tourist year as originally
described," she said, adding that on the basis of all
indications, the reduction in arrivals will finally be less than
10 per cent from the previous year, however, with a projected
increase in for eign exchange receipts from tourism.
She warned that not all hotel units in Greece could survive with
state assistance if they did not show greater professionalism
and willingness for an upgrade in quality, ruling out abolition
of the special airport levy for the under construction
international Athens airport at Spata (Spatosimo) - since such
an abolition prohibited by a contract with the Hochtief-led
consortium building the facility - or a change in the
government's hard drachma policy. "The economic policy does not
change," she stressed, despite admitting that it has had adverse
effects on tourism.
For their part, tourism sector operators, in view of the
upcoming 1997 budget, called for the maintenance of a series of
tax exemptions threatened with abolition, immediate measures for
improving conditions in the country's entrance points,
methodically pursuing an improvement of its image abroad, strict
penalties for noise pollution, etc.
Among the measures being planned, Ms Papandreou mentioned the
auctioning off or long-term leasing of Greek Tourism
Organization (EOT) property in Halkidiki, the Peloponnese,
Attica, and Rhodes to private individuals, training programs for
improved behavior on the part of taxi drivers, and an
advertising campaign for domestic tourism.
She also said there was now a possibility for the granting of
group tourist visas to visitors from eastern and central
European countries - such as Russia and Serbia - although the
foreign ministry had a rather reserved attitude regarding
certain airports.
[05] Simitis pledges full support for '97 World Athletics
Championships in Athens
Athens, 08/11/1996 (ANA)
Prime Minister Costas Simitis yesterday met with the president
of the International Amateur Athletics Federation (IAAF), Primo
Nebiolo, to discuss next year's World Athletics Championships
which will be held in Athens from Aug. 1-10.
Mr. Nebiolo was later received by President of the Republic
Kostis Stephanopoulos at the Presidential Mansion.
During his meeting with Mr. Simitis, Sports Under-secretary
Andreas Fouras was also present.
"Mr. Simitis promised that he would provide us with all
assistance and assured that the Greek government would do
everything possible for the faultless holding of the world
championships," Mr. Nebiolo told reporters immediately after the
meeting.
Mr. Nebiolo noted that the prime minister was well aware of the
fact that the world championships will be held just a few days
before the International Olympic Committee decides on the
country to host the 2004 Olympic Games, for which Athens is a
candid ate.
"Perhaps Athens holds the most important card," Mr. Nebiolo said.
Mr. Fouras said that for the first 10 days of August 1997,
Athens would be "the sports capital of the planet", adding that
"we have the full support of the prime minister and the
government in general."
Mr. Nebiolo also had talks yesterday with Mr. Fouras and Greek
Athletics Federation (SEGAS) President Stratos Molyvas at a
meeting which confounded expectations of a continuation of a row
between SEGAS and the sports ministry over which entity should
have overall responsibility for organizing the world
championships next year.
At the meeting, held in a friendly atmosphere, Mr. Fouras and
Mr. Molivas were in full agreement as to the duties and
responsibilities of their respective sides concerning the
staging of the event.
"During my meeting with Messrs. Fouras and Molivas, we discussed
the problems which existed between the two sides and reached
full agreement. The three of us signed a text setting out the
relations between the sports ministry, SEGAS and the
organization al and technical committee for the championships,"
Mr. Nebiolo told reporters after the meeting.
"I am very pleased that the problems have been overcome and I
believe that we will have the best championships in the history
of world athletics," Mr. Nebiolo added.
"We are ready to stage a grand event," Mr. Fouras said, adding
that "when I met in Atlanta in the summer with IOC President
Juan Antonio Samaranch and Mr. Nebiolo, we agreed that the
decisions pertaining to financial matters would be the
responsibility of the organizational committee. This agreement
was reconfirmed yesterday. At the same time, SEGAS will be
responsible for all technical matters pertaining to the staging
of the event."
Mr. Molivas said that the text signed yesterday fully reflected
the federation's positions.
According to the text of yesterday's agreement, SEGAS will
receive 10 per cent of all gross income from the event.
[06] Kaklamanis to attend EU parliament presidents' meeting in Sicily
Athens, 08/11/1996 (ANA)
The presidents of European Union parliaments are to meet in
Palermo in order to discuss several issues, including the
further democratization procedures for the 15-member Union,
Euro-Mediterranean co-operation and the condition of women in
Afghanistan.
Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis is scheduled to depart
for Italy today in order to participate in the meeting.
According to a Parliament announcement, Mr. Kaklamanis will
expand Greek positions regarding the implementation of
Euro-Mediterranean co-operation, reinforcement of co-operation
in the sectors of culture and the economy, while he is also
expected to raise the issue of protection of the EU's external
borders.
[07] ND Eurodeputy Anastasopoulos among 3 finalists for EPP's
candidate to Europarliament presidency
Brussels, 08/11/1996 (ANA - M. Savva)
A crucial vote will be held by the European Peoples' Party (EPP)
next Wednesday on sending one of its three candidates for the
post of Europarliament president to a plenary session of the EU
body. Commenting on the candidacy of
New Democracy party Eurodeputy Georgios Anastasopoulos, Greek EU
Commissioner for Energy, SMEs and Tourism, Christos Papoutsis,
said: "I think Mr. Anastasopoulos' candidacy reminds us that all
the countries of the European Union are equal and I think that a
president of the European Parliament can be equally efficient,
regardless of whether or not he comes from a large country."
Mr. Papoutsis referred to his long acquaintance with Mr.
Anastasopoulos from the time they were colleagues at the
European Parliament, and expressed an appreciation for his
personality and important work as well as wishing him luck.
The other two candidates are Nicole Fontaine from France and
Robles Delgado from Spain. The candidate who will receive the
mandate from the EPP will be judged at a plenary session in
January.
[08] New civil servants salary scale goes into effect as of Jan. 1
Athens, 08/11/1996 (ANA)
A new salary scale for civil servants will take effect as of
January 1, 1997, while anticipated increases will constitute the
incomes policy for the year.
Finance Under-secretary Nikos Christodoulakis said civil
servants will receive salary increases totaling 8-9 per cent in
1997, adding that the draft for the new salary scale will be
tabled in Parliament for ratification in December.
Mr. Christodoulakis presented the administration of the Civil
Servants Supreme Administrative Council (ADEDY) with the
finalized plan of the new salary scale yesterday, which
radically alters the existing salary status, since index-linked
increases and benefits will be incorporated.
[09] Kastanidis says Commission expected to approve increase in OA's
equity capital
Athens, 08/11/1996 (ANA)
Transport and Communications Minister Haris Kastanidis said in
Brussels this week that the European Commission was soon
expected to approve an increase in the equity capital of Olympic
Airways, from 12 to 23 billion drachmas.
He added that OA's board of governors was to decide yesterday on
the signing of a contract with the MacKenzie Co. for the drawing
up of its administrative structure plan within four months.
Finally, he said that the state carrier's airplane fleet
planning would be completed by March 1997, and announced that
the draft bill on public procurements was nearing completion.
The European Commission asked Athens in July for additional
measures in the company's financial recovery plan, such as a
change in its taxation status and the system for hiring seasonal
staff.
Mr. Kastanidis also said that his European Union counterparts
would decide on increases in toll charges and the creation of
free "rail corridors" across countries in the Union until Dec.
18.
He added that he had told his counterparts in their Council
meeting yesterday that any increases could not burden equally
all transporters in the Union, and that account should be taken
of differences in distances.
Mr. Kastanidis said that the proposal, which was accepted by EU
Transport Commissioner Neil Kinnock, would secure competitive
prices for Greek produce.
[10] Transport minister stresses importance of economic,
transportation co-operation in Balkans
Athens, 08/11/1996 (ANA)
Transport Minister Haris Kastanidis said yesterday that Greece,
as the only Balkan EU member, must promote, both at bilateral
and at a European level, the creation of an inter-related
economic co-operation region in the Balkans.
He made the comments during the fourth two-day seminar in
Thessaloniki, this time on the subject of "Businesses in a
Market Without Borders."
The transport and communications minister noted that Greece
supports the demands of other Balkan countries for the
development of their infrastructure. He added that in view of
the expansion of the EU, Greece has taken on a leading role in
the Balkan region.
Mr. Kastanidis said Greece must promote certain basic choices
which will give it a leading role in the transport sector of
southeastern Europe, at the same time serving vital Greek
interests and reinforcing the country's economy.
The main issues being promoted by the government include the
completion of the Egnatia Highway and the creation of
transportation junctures with Albania, the Former Yugoslav
Republic of Macedonia, Bulgaria and Turkey as well as a coastal
highway connecting Igoumenitsa with Dubrovnik, which will cross
Albania and the Dalmatian coast. Another project is the opening
of a Florina-Pogradec rail link.
[11] "All Balkan nations should be admitted to European Union"
Athens, 08/11/1996 (ANA)
National Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos yesterday proposed
the accession of all Balkan countries in the European Union so
as to establish a Balkan pillar.
He made the proposal while addressing the Second European
Conference on Peace and Co-operation in the Balkans, which began
yesterday at the Zappeion Hall.
In statements immediately after, referring to developments in
the Cyprus issue following the US elections, he said he was
awaiting the manifestation of the US initiative, but was not
aware of its precise content.
Mr. Tsohatzopoulos said he would be briefed in detail during his
visit to Cyprus from November 21 to 24. However, he added, "the
Greece-Cyprus joint defense doctrine remains firm".
Replying to questions, the minister stressed the need for the
continued presence of the UN force in Bosnia (IFOR) in order to
ensure peace in the region, adding that the relevant decision
would be taken at the NATO meeting of defense ministers.
[12] Armaments program and defense ministry budget discussed
Athens, 08/11/1996 (ANA)
Mr. Tsohatzopoulos also attended a two-hour meeting chaired by
Prime Minister Costas Simitis yesterday on the defense
ministry's budget and the armed forces' armaments program.
Sources said the meeting discussed ways to realize the
procurements program and that the final decision will be taken
at a meeting of the Government Council for Foreign Affairs and
Defense (KYSEA) following another meeting chaired by the prime
minister and including ministers of competent ministries.
National Economy and Finance Minister Yiannos Papantoniou,
Defense Under-secretary Dimitris Apostolakis, Finance
Under-secretary Nikos Christodoulakis and the Chief of Staff
General (Air Force) Athanassios Tzoganis were also present.
Government spokesman
Dimitris Reppas later announced the KYSEA would meet on November
13 to finalize the new armament program for the armed forces.
[13] Greece urges enlargement of Council of Europe with central,
eastern European countries
Strasbourg, 08/11/1996 (ANA-T. Antonopoulos)
Alternate Foreign Minister George Papandreou yesterday
reaffirmed Greece's position in favor of the enlargement of the
Council of Europe through the accession of the countries of
central and eastern Europe.
Speaking at the 99th meeting of Council of Europe foreign
ministers, Mr. Papandreou also reiterated Greece's position that
the prerequisites for accession should be fulfilled without
discrimination or political expediency.
Such prerequisites for membership are that a candidate state
must be one ruled by law with a democratic system of government
in which human rights are respected.
Yesterday's meeting focused on the issue of safeguarding
democracy in Europe. The 40 countries represented acknowledged
that the co-operation between the European Union and the Council
of Europe in the struggle against racism and xenophobia was not
progressing due to the opposing views of the EU member-states.
[14] President, premier meet on current issues
Athens, 08/11/1996 (ANA)
President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos and Prime
Minister Costas Simitis held a meeting yesterday focusing on a
wide range of current issues from foreign policy to defense and
the government's economic policy.
Asked by reporters if the Skopje issue was discussed, Mr.
Simitis said "all issues were discussed."
According to reporters the two men began their conversation on
the issue of "taking walks."
Asked by Mr. Stephanopoulos whether he arrived to the
Presidential Mansion on foot, Mr. Simitis said that he enjoys
walking since one can also think at the same time.
Faced with a multiplicity of issues, Mr. Simitis said, walking
was therefore good for him and proposed that he and the
president take a walk together.
The president noted that it would be nice to have company when
taking a walk.
[15] US State Department official due in Athens next week
Athens, 08/11/1996 (ANA)
Carey Cavanaugh, director of the office of southeastern European
affairs at the US State Department, arrives in Athens on
November 12 in the context of an informational tour of Athens,
Ankara and Nicosia, foreign ministry spokesman Constantine Bikas
said yesterday. Mr. Cavanaugh recently took over dealing with
the Cyprus issue after James Williams, the State Department
Special Coordinator for Cyprus, moved on to another post in the
department last month.
Mr. Bikas said Mr. Cavanaugh would meet with Foreign Minister
Theodoros Pangalos to discuss "thoughts and ideas that exist on
solving the Cyprus problem".
[16] KEDKE conference begins in the presence of Stephanopoulos
inside, protests outside
Athens, 08/11/1996 (ANA)
A three-day annual regular conference of the Central Union of
Municipalities and Communities of Greece (KEDKE) began in the
presence of President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos
yesterday as well as with a protest and small-scale scuffling
outside t he Athens Music Hall.
Recriminations were made on the issue of parking meters, while
Athens Mayor and KEDKE President Dimitris Avramopoulos warned
that local government entities are prepared to mobilize in the
event that revenue-producing measures are curbed.
In inaugurating the conference, President Stephanopoulos assured
mayors and community leaders that he is attentively watching the
development of affairs in local self-administration, expressing
satisfaction over the announcement that a timetable will be
created to reorganize municipalities and communities in the
country, while new duties will be given to them with the hope
that corresponding funds will be provided for them.
"We have already entered a period of close and harmonious
co-operation between the central authority and local
self-administration for many years," Mr. Stephanopoulos said,
adding that "friction observed in the past in the relationship
between the two authorities is no longer there, and neither is
past competition on the extent of duties between them
continuing. The political convictions of local officials do not
constitute a cause of conflict with the central authority and
neither is support or attrition of governments sought through
self-administration."
He also ascertained creative activity on the part of
municipalities and communities, adding that he recognizes the
existence of many and major problems, primarily of an economic
nature. Mr. Stephanopoulos said the way local administration
bodies function constitutes a considerable political example and
stressed the role local administration is called on to play as
part of Greece's European effort.
Addressing President Stephanopoulos, Mr. Avramopoulos said it is
the first time a president of the republic is present at such a
conference and referred to problems faced by local
administration, saying he expects the government to resolve them.
"We hope relevant ministers, and first of all the interior
minister, will deny intentions to decrease funds initiated by
law 1828/89, which will supposedly constitute local
administration's contribution to the convergence program. We all
believe that it is an improvised and unstudied proposal," Mr.
Avramopoulos said, expressing the hope that a proposal will be
made to the government in the conference which will accept it in
the framework of targets set in the budget.
He said it is unfair that local government administrations
should be faced with stubbornness of a problematic state
organization, adding that determination existed to shake off the
"wretchedness of the state sector and lead the way towards a new
and modern state required by the times."
Mr. Avramopoulos said he favored organized and effective
dialogue and believes that this is also sought by the new
government.
"However, we are ready for difficult struggles which I hope will
not be necessary if there are actions leading the institution
backwards," he said.
"A modern self-administration must be created which the state
should not manipulate with indirect and direct methods since
each one should be master in the sector of his duties," he added.
The government was represented at the conference by Development
Minister Vasso Papandreou and Interior Under-secretary Lambros
Papadimas. The ruling PASOK party was represented by Thanassis
Tsouras, the main opposition New Democracy party by Leonidas
Kouris and the Democratic Social Movement (DHKKI) by Yiannis
Dimaras.
Early in the morning, employees from Attica municipalities and
communities and a number of mayors affiliated to the Communist
Party of Greece (KKE) gathered outside the Music Hall to protest
the measure of electronically controlled parking. Some of the
employees, together with other protesters, burnt parking tickets
in protest.
[17] Greenpeace says Motor Oil has turned ravine into toxic waste
landfill
Athens, 08/11/1996 (ANA)
The international environmental organization Greenpeace
yesterday charged the Motor Oil company with converting a ravine
near its installations in Agioi Theodoroi, west of Athens, into
a "toxic waste landfill".
Members of the organization showed the area to reporters, and
called on public prosecutors to arrest those responsible as
swiftly as they had arrested 16 Greenpeace activists who had
chained themselves to mooring buoys and loading cranes near the
Motor Oil refinery on Monday. The activists demanded stricter
safety measures in tanker loading and unloading procedures.
The 16 activists were set free late Wednesday night after being
referred for trial.
[18] Translation of French philosopher Garaudy's book launched
Athens, 08/11/1996 (ANA)
The Greek translation of French philosopher Roger Garaudy's
latest book was launched yesterday in an Athens hotel.
The 83-year-old former communist, who is now a Muslim, dedicated
his book "The Fundamental Myths of Israeli Politics" to the
"fight against political Zionism", as a "heresy which seeks to
reduce the (Jewish) religion, through a selective and literal
rea ding of sacred texts, to an organ of a policy, so canonizing
it."
Presenting his book, Mr. Garaudy said he does not doubt Judaism
or the legality of the Israeli state, but "the policies of
Zionism". He said this policy consists of "the substitution of
the God of Israel by the state of Israel, an unsinkable, nuclear
aircraft carrier of the temporary rulers of the world: The
United States, which wants to take over the oil of the Middle
East."
Although Mr. Garaudy stressed that his two previous books,
against Christian and Islamic fundamentalism, received harsh
criticism, he faced a "lynching without arguments" for the first
time in France over this book.
In his latest book, Mr. Garaudy, who was held in a concentration
camp during the Second World War, attempts to include the words
"holocaust" and "genocide" in the "contemporary mythology" of
the state of Israel, doubting the number of Jewish victims of
the Nazis, claming that those (Jews) killed in Nazi
concentration camps were nearer 1.5 million than the four
million originally claimed.
He has also doubted that the Jewish genocide was the largest in
history, speaking of the 60 million American Indians, the 100
million African slaves in the New World and the 17 million Slavs
killed by the Nazis during the WWII, bringing the total dead i n
that war to 60 million.
[19] Venizelos, French Minister Blazi discuss Greek-French cultural
relations
Paris, 08/11/1996 (ANA - Y. Zitouniati)
Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos held a meeting yesterday
with his French counterpart Philippe Douste-Blazi, where they
discussed a new Greek-French educational agreement providing,
among other things, the establishment of a Greek Institute in
Paris.
The agreement also includes coordination of action between the
two countries regarding organization of events marking the year
2000.
France has endorsed Mr. Venizelos' proposal for the convening of
an unofficial meeting of the 15 EU member-states to promote the
cultural equality of the member-states.
Greece has endorsed a French proposal for reinforcement of
regional co-operation in the audiovisual sector between the five
Mediterranean members-states of the European Union with a
Greek-Latin culture and tradition.
Talking to the press after the meeting, Mr. Blazi said the
discussion also focused on the film industry, the cultural
charter and Europe's cultural capitals.
"Mr. Venizelos brought with him to Paris a specific action
plan," he said, adding that "we have common plans, such as the
consolidation of a common cultural charter between Greece and
France."
In addition, Mr. Blazi said he will visit Thessaloniki at the
invitation of the Greek minister.
On his part, Mr. Venizelos mentioned the meeting of the five
Mediterranean member-states on Dec. 12.
He added: "We agreed to meet with other ministers to search for
a European identity in the audiovisual sector. A non-Anglo Saxon
identity."
In a related development, Mr. Venizelos also requested direct
French support, apart from international forums such as UNESCO,
for return of the so-called Elgin Marbles from the British
Museum back to Greece. The Greek minister said return of the
marbles , taken from the Parthenon in the early 19th century, is
a priority for the ministry.
[20] Sunken missile boat located
Athens, 08/11/1996 (ANA)
The wreck of the missile boat "Kostakos" which sank after being
rammed by a ferry boat was yesterday located at a depth of 151
meters about one kilometer from the coast of Samos.
Preparations immediately began to send divers down to examine
the wreck in which the bodies of four crew members are believed
to be trapped.
According to informed sources, the search for the four missing
is expected to be extended beyond the normal 72 hours stipulated
by regulations.
The Kostakos was taking part in the all-service "Parmenion"
military exercise on Monday night when it was rammed by the
ferry boat "Samaina" off the coast of Samos.
All but four of the missile boat's 38-man crew were rescued.
[21] Pensioners' representatives unsatisfied after meeting with
Papantoniou
Athens, 08/11/1996 (ANA)
The Federation of Pensioners Organizations presented pensioners'
claims to National Economy and Finance Minister Yiannos
Papantoniou yesterday, who promised the representatives that a
social solidarity benefit will be funded entirely by the 1997
state bud get and that the lowest pension levels will start to
be index-linked as of the first of the year.
Referring to the social insurance problem and pensioners' claims
for low-level pensions to be linked to 20 daily wages of an
unskilled worker, Mr. Papantoniou offered assurances that
solutions safeguarding pensioners will be discussed in the
framework of dialogue to take place on the insurance issue.
After the meeting, the pensioners' representatives said they
left empty-handed and that the government turned its back on
them.
In another development, pensioners of the IKA, TEBE and TSA
insurance funds gathered at Kaningos Square in Athens yesterday
and then marched to the national economy ministry.
Diamantis Mavrodoglou, the president of the Social Insurance
Foundation's (IKA) Pensioners Federation, said the government
turned its back on pensioners and warned of new and more dynamic
mobilizations.
[22] Opposition strongly criticizes proposed customs code provisions
Athens, 08/11/1996 (ANA)
Finance Under-secretary George Drys yesterday introduced an
amendment for the exemption from favorable settlement of
outstanding debts to the state from private individuals or
companies which were issued orders for audits until Oct. 25.
The proposal, contained in a draft bill on the customs code, and
introduced after strong reactions from deputies of all parties
against the settlement of cases already under judicial
investigation, is mainly directed against those accused of tax
evasion through irregularities in the importation of luxury
yachts and cars.
During yesterday's relevant debate in Parliament, Democratic
Social Movement (DHKKI) leader Dimitris Tsovolas accused the
government of favoring economically strong individuals and
corporate groups by introducing what he called "scandalous
provisions."
On his part, Mr. Drys responded that Mr. Tsovolas had himself
introduced similar measures as finance minister in the mid
1980s. Other deputies strongly criticized the provisions
regarding collection of outstanding VAT dues, amounting to $2.3
trillion drachmas.
Main opposition New Democracy party deputies charged that "Mr.
Simitis' government is giving away tens of billions of drachmas
to the 'haves' with such scandalous provisions."
Deputy Kostopoulos stressed that the draft bill's provisions
would prove ineffective and would do nothing to counter
smuggling.
[23] GSEE warns against abolition of tax exemptions for salary earners
Athens, 08/11/1996 (ANA)
The General Confederation of Workers of Greece (GSEE) warned
yesterday that it will under no circumstances accept abolition
of tax exemptions given to salary earners to recoup losses in
their income.
Referring to yesterday's press reports on the government's
decisions on tax exemptions, an announcement by GSEE noted what
it called continuous decreases in working peoples' income over
the past years, adding that it will consider the government's
upcoming bill on the criteria of positions unions have
communicated to the relevant committee.
End of English language section.
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