Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 96-11-28
From: The Greek Press & Information Office, Ottawa Canada <grnewsca@sympatico.ca>
ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No 1052), November 28, 1996
Greek Press & Information Office
Ottawa, Canada
E-Mail Address: grnewsca@sympatico.ca
CONTENTS
[01] Evert-Mitsotakis clash spills over into ND political council
meeting
[02] Nationwide 24-hour strike today
[03] No going back on tax measures, Reppas says
[04] Athens replies to UN report on religious freedom in Greece
[05] Kastanidis to attend today's EU transport ministers' council
[06] Simitis to chair PASOK executive bureau meeting today
[07] Kaklamanis meets with Greece's delegation to WEU summit
[08] Turkish secret services linked to forest fires on Greek isles
[09] Ciller: Turkey willing to take recourse to The Hague if dialogue
with Greece fails
[10] Kaklamanis meets with Russian counterpart Zelezniev
[11] NATO, former Warsaw Pact officers meet in Thessaloniki
[12] Vartholomeos ends Australia visit
[13] Exhibition on Alexander the Great opens in NY
[14] Chief of Staff to visit Bulgaria next week
[15] Two Ukrainians found murdered
[16] Papoutsis initiative aims to outlaw 'sex tourism'
[17] Balkan women meet in Thessaloniki to discuss problems
[18] Italian, Greek ferries collide
[19] Issue of Parthenon Marbles discussed between Simitis, Venizelos
[20] SEB calls proposed new taxes on businesses a 'counter-incentive'
[21] Simitis, PASOK deputies discuss '97 budget
[22] Ships stranded at Piraeus as seamen join today's general strike
[23] Tzoumakas calls for dialogue with farmers on future of produce
prices
[24] Chinese silk experts visit Evros
[25] Pachtas confident EU fund absorption will be good next year
[26] Greek industrial climate improving, IOBE report says
[27] SEBE to study effects of 'hard drachma' policy on exports
[01] Evert-Mitsotakis clash spills over into ND political council
meeting
Athens, 28/11/1996 (ANA)
The main opposition New Democracy party's political council
session took place amidst considerable tension yesterday, marked
by yet another clash between ND leader Miltiades Evert and
former premier Constantine Mitsotakis, and in the aftermath of
the latter's recent interview in a monthly magazine which
rekindled a long-standing feud between the two men.
Sources said that in addressing ND's honorary president and
former premier, Mr. Evert stressed that he would not be invited
to the political council in future, because he had undermined
the authority and history of the party with his recent
statements.
Referring to a charge by Mr. Mitsotakis in the interview with
the magazine "Status" that he (Evert) was not telling the Greek
people the truth, Mr. Evert said: "You cannot call other people
liars... I have been elected twice through democratic procedures
and I have to defend the dignity of my office".
In a direct personal attack on Mr. Mitsotakis, he added: "I have
not been prime minister saying one thing and doing another."
On his part, Mr. Mitsotakis replied that he participated in the
council according to provisions in the party's charter, and it
was not within the ND leader's right to exclude him, stressing
that he ought to be prepared to accept criticism in view of the
agreement reached in the council's last session, namely, that
all contenders for the ND leadership should have equal
opportunities and should not be threatened with expulsion.
After the session, Mr. Mitsotakis stated he would return to the
political council after the ND congress next year, and that he
supported the views expressed by former minister George
Souflias, a recent leadership contender.
He also dismissed fears of the party's split.
Former premier George Rallis described the discussion as
constructive, adding his confidence that the course towards the
congress, which was to be held as soon as possible (late
February or early March) would be smooth and without upheavals.
Shortly before the session, Mr. Mitsotakis said that where
democratic procedures prevailed, there were no impasses.
"The course towards an honest and representative congress, which
will authentically express the will of the party's base is a
one-way street for New Democracy. No one must attempt to impede
this course," he said.
Mr. Souflias noted that the party would not break up as no one
wished it.
"What must take place is a congress without disputes,
representative and honest, because only in this way will New
Democracy be reborn, and we shall attain our goal of winning the
next election and becoming a government," he said.
Former premier Tzannis Tzannetakis also said he did not fear a
break up if there was good will, while former parliamentary
group secretary Stavros Dimas said he hoped the session would be
about the future, and not the past.
[02] Nationwide 24-hour strike today
Athens, 28/11/1996 (ANA)
Labor unions are expected to mobilize throughout the nation
today with 24-hour strikes to express opposition to the
government's recently economic policy.
The General Confederation of Workers of Greece (GSEE) and the
Civil Servants' Supreme Administrative Council (ADEDY) have
called for strike actions, which is expected to paralyze the
country. Employees in hospitals, the mass transportation sector,
banks , public utilities, industry and commerce also
participating, while farmers are expected to block national
roads around the country.
Taxi drivers were scheduled to begin a strike at 5 this morning,
which will be continued until 5 a.m. tomorrow.
Teachers and nursery school staff declared strikes yesterday,
following a meeting between teachers' representatives and
Education Minister Gerassimos Arsenis, which was deemed by the
former as unsatisfactory. The teachers will meet with the
minister again on Monday.
Due to the strikes, traffic restrictions in Athens will not be
in force today, and all private cars may circulate freely within
the capital's restricted zone.
[03] No going back on tax measures, Reppas says
Athens, 28/11/1996 (ANA)
"The decisions announced yesterday by National Economy and
Finance Minister Yiannos Papantoniou concerning tax policy are
the final ones," government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said
yesterday.
Mr. Papantoniou on Tuesday announced new taxation measures and
the abolition of several tax exemptions, saying the additional
burden will be paid by "those who have and own."
Asked about the government's intention to cut the benefit
currently given to mothers with large families, Mr. Reppas said
the measure would enable the channeling of funds to young
mothers, "since priority will be given to mothers with children
up to six years of age."
Replying to other questions concerning the nationwide protests
organized by farmers and workers, Mr. Reppas said the government
was aware that problems existed, "which is why it took its
decisions with sensitivity..."
He expressed the hope that farmers and strikers, "who have the
same sensitivity about the course of the country", would
understand that "there is only one road, namely, the one shown
by the government's policy."
Mr. Reppas ruled out the possibility of legislative measures
being taken by the government to confront the labor action.
"There is no such issue. Greek society is not made up of friends
and enemies," he added.
[04] Athens replies to UN report on religious freedom in Greece
United Nations, 28/11/1996 (ANA - M. Georgiadou)
Greece's deputy permanent representative at the United Nations
yesterday conveyed to UN Secretary General Boutros Boutros-Ghali
Athens' reply to a UN report on religious freedom in Greece,
describing observations with in the document as "groundless".
The report was compiled by special UN rapporteur Abdelfatah Amor.
Regarding the appointment of muftis (Muslim religious officials)
by the state, the Greek reply states that the practice is in
line with that followed in practically all Islamic countries,
and that any procedure for their election would clash with
constitutional provisions regarding the independence of the
judiciary and avoidance of creating clientele relationships -
given that muftis also exercise judicial functions within a
Muslim community.
The Greek reply also points out Mr. Amor's observations
concerning the satisfactory treatment of the Jewish, Protestant
and Catholic minorities in Greece.
[05] Kastanidis to attend today's EU transport ministers' council
Athens, 28/11/1996 (ANA)
Transport and Communications Minister Haris Kastanidis will
attend today's European Union council of transport and
communications ministers in Brussels, whose agenda will include
a briefing on satellite and mobile communications.
Other issues to be discussed are a proposal on the development
of post office services and a draft proposal on allegedly
harmful or illegal information on the Internet network.
[06] Simitis to chair PASOK executive bureau meeting today
Athens, 28/11/1996 (ANA)
Prime Minister and PASOK leader Costas Simitis will chair a
meeting of the party's executive bureau today, which according
to sources, will focus on an assessment of the government's and
the party's post-election course, as well as on the results of
regional assemblies held in previous days.
The meeting comes in the wake of economic policy announced
recently, as well as the response economic measures received.
The government's communication policy will also be examined.
[07] Kaklamanis meets with Greece's delegation to WEU summit
Athens, 28/11/1996 (ANA)
Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis yesterday met with
members of Greece's parliamentary delegation to the assembly of
the West European Union (WEU) in view of its 42nd annual summit
- to be held in Paris next week.
The summit will elect the new presidency of the organization as
well as the presidencies of the assembly's commissions.
The head of the Greek delegation, PASOK deputy Dinos Vrettos, is
a candidate for the position of WEU Vice-President.
The summit will also discuss the issues of safety and
co-operation in Europe, parliamentary co-operation in the Black
Sea region, security in the Mediterranean basin and the future
role of WEU.
[08] Turkish secret services linked to forest fires on Greek isles
Istanbul, 28/11/1996 (ANA)
A fatal traffic accident earlier this month near the Turkish
village of Susurluk, which exposed connections between the
neighboring nation's underworld and the state, has also produced
allegations of involvement by Ankara's secret services in
several forest fires that devastated several Greek islands in
recent years.
The continuing public controversy in Turkey regarding the
involvement of the extremist right-wing "gray wolves"
organization in drug smuggling and murder cases has also led to
claims of arson on Greek forests by Sedat Bucak, a True Path
Party (DYP) deputy, during a television interview.
Bucak, the only survivor in the Susurluk accident, said Abdullah
Catli - one of three individuals killed in the incident - had
participated in arsons on Greek forests. On the following day
the nationalist publication "Yeni Safak" came out with a
headline reading "We burned Rhodes", but copies of the newspaper
were destroyed in a suspicious fire that hit its offices the
same day.
Bucak is the leader of a loyalist Kurdish faction which recruits
thousands of civil guards in the country's southeast. The
shadowy figure is considered well-connected and informed on
activities of special forces, with which he co-operates closely,
according to reports.
Torching of forests in predominantly Kurdish areas of
southeastern Turkey is alleged to be one of the methods used by
Turkish special forces to flush out Kurdish separatists and to
force civilians to abandon their villages.
According to reports, Greek authorities have gathered a mass of
evidence leading to the conclusion that many of the fires which
destroyed forests on Greek islands were not simply the result of
arson, but of sabotage operations carried out by specially t
rained forces.
Although Turkish Prime Minister Necmettin Erbakan has promised
that all aspects of the controversy arising from the accident
will be uncovered, DYP leader and foreign minister Tansu Ciller
has defended Catli.
"I don't know if he is guilty or not... However, those who shoot
or are injured in the name of this country, this nation and this
state, we shall always remember with respect," she said.
[09] Ciller: Turkey willing to take recourse to The Hague if dialogue
with Greece fails
The Hague, 28/11/1996 (ANA - G. Aliboutaki)
Ankara is willing to promote dialogue with Athens on bilateral
issues, and if this does not produce results, it would be
willing to take recourse to the International Court of Justice
at The Hague over differences.
The statement was made during a brief interview on the
"Nederland-2" television channel by Turkish Foreign Minister
Tansu Ciller, who visited The Hague yesterday and met with Dutch
Foreign Minister Hans van Mierlo. During the interview, Ms
Ciller spoke of the importance given by the Turkish people to
that country's entry into the European Union, saying the Turkish
people are worried by problems delaying this accession.
Replying to reporters' questions on Turkey's disputes with
Greece, Ms Ciller said the problems "were created from the day
on which the Greeks" occupied Imia, adding: "Where Turkey's
children are accustomed to swimming."
Ms Ciller also claimed that Turkey is an important country for
Europe, while speaking on the Kurdish issue, she said her
country faces problems due to the conditions prevailing in the
region.
[10] Kaklamanis meets with Russian counterpart Zelezniev
Athens, 28/11/1996 (ANA)
The Greek and Russian Parliament Presidents, Apostolos
Kaklamanis and Gennadi Zelezniev, respectively, yesterday
affirmed an identity of views on important issues between the
two countries, as well as their willingness for even closer and
more productive relations.
Mr. Kaklamanis asked his counterpart, who is on a two-day
official visit to Athens, to convey his warm thanks to members
of the Duma for their unanimous condemnation of Turkey's
aggressive policy towards Greece.
Both sides also expressed satisfaction with the very good
relations between the two parliaments and co-operation of
delegations in international organizations.
Regarding economic relations, both sides noted a will to proceed
at a faster pace with the natural gas project, the proposed
Burgas-Alexandroupolis oil pipeline and an aluminum plant. Both
men also drew attention to the need for a security system in the
whole of Europe that will involve Russia and the countries of
eastern Europe.
[11] NATO, former Warsaw Pact officers meet in Thessaloniki
Athens, 28/11/1996 (ANA)
High-ranking NATO and former Warsaw Pact country officers met
behind closed doors Tuesday and yesterday in Thessaloniki to
exchange views on issues regarding defense co-operation and
peace in southeastern Europe.
Sources said discussion also included the issues of a NATO
regional headquarters in Greece, and a rapid deployment force
planned to be based in Thessaloniki.
[12] Vartholomeos ends Australia visit
Melbourne, 28/11/1996 (ANA - S. Hatzimanolis)
Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos said yesterday that he had met
with "an impressive center for Orthodoxy and an expatriate
community which pleasantly surprised us" during his tour of
Australia. "I am leaving with the best of impressions,"
Vartholomeos, speaking at a special ceremony in Sydney on the
occasion of feast day of Archbishop of Australia, Stylianos.
Vartholomeos ended his visit to Australia yesterday.
[13] Exhibition on Alexander the Great opens in NY
New York, 28/11/1996 (ANA - M. Georgiadou)
An exhibition entitled "From Pella to Alexandria: Marks of a
Civilization", was opened in Fordham University recently by
archaeology professor Dimitris Pandermalis.
Prof. Pandermalis spoke of the determining presence of Alexander
the Great in Egypt and referred to Alexandria as the "the first
city of the vision for a Hellenic ecumenical presence, with the
possibility of co-existence between Greeks and Egyptians."
The academic also spoke of Alexander's visit to Memphis, where
he honored both Greek and Egyptian gods.
Prof. Pandermalis' lecture and a photo exhibition at the Greek
Civilization Center in Manhattan were organized by the Center
and the Pan-Macedonian Union, which is participating in the
event.
[14] Chief of Staff to visit Bulgaria next week
Athens, 28/11/1996 (ANA)
The Chief of the National Defense General Staff,
Lieutenant-General (Air) Athanasios Tzoganis, will pay an
official visit to Bulgaria from December 2-4 at the invitation
of his Bulgarian counterpart General Tsvetan Bladenov Totomirov,
it was announced yesterday.
During his stay in the neighboring country, Lt.-Gen. Tzoganis
will have talks with the political and military leadership of
the Bulgarian defense ministry on issues of mutual interest in
the defense sector.
In addition, he will sign the program for bilateral military
co-operation for 1997 and visit a number of military units and
installations.
[15] Two Ukrainians found murdered
Athens, 28/11/1996 (ANA)
Two Ukrainian nationals were found murdered yesterday and a
third seriously injured with multiple knife wounds aboard a
fishing vessel moored in the channel of Nea Potidaia, Halkidiki
in northern Greece.
The two dead have been identified as Nikolae Amanatidi, 31 and
Igor Sumarov, 35. The injured man, who has been taken to the
Ippokratio Hospital in Thessaloniki, was named as Vladimir
Lugvinov, 35.
An investigation is under way to find the killer or killers.
[16] Papoutsis initiative aims to outlaw 'sex tourism'
Brussels, 28/11/1996 (ANA-M.Savva)
The European Commission has sent a letter to the European
Parliament and the Council of Ministers proposing a series of
measures against sex tourism.
The letter was sent at the initiative of EU Commissioner
Christos Papoutsis who said that sexual abuse of children in
third countries was unacceptable and linked to tourism.
"I believe it is time to react and take careful and responsible
action," Mr. Papoutsis said.
Proposed EU action calls for the mobilization of the
member-states and the creation of a common front to battle sex
tourism.
"Tourism should be the winner in the battle against sex tourism
which victimizes children," Mr. Papoutsis said, urging all EU
member states, national parliaments, the tourism industry and
other non-governmental organizations to help in this direction.
"The European Union," he said, "should play a leading role in
the formulation of a better future, one that respects human
dignity."
[17] Balkan women meet in Thessaloniki to discuss problems
Athens, 28/11/1996 (ANA)
A two-day conference bringing together women from all Balkan
countries to discuss the status and problems of women in Balkan
countries will be held in Thessaloniki over the weekend. The
meeting, organized by the Women's Section of the Coalition of
the Left and Progress party, will focus on democratization
procedures and the participation of women in decision-making
centers in the Balkan peninsula.
It is also scheduled to discuss "peace, security, co-operation,
viable development and the role of women."
The meeting will be addressed by Coalition leader Nikos
Constantopoulos and will be held with the participation of
delegations and participants from Croatia, Montenegro, Moldova,
FYROM, Romania, Albania, Bulgaria, Spain, Germany, Sweden,
Turkey and Cyprus.
The meeting will also explore the possibilities of co-operation
among Balkan women.
[18] Italian, Greek ferries collide
Athens, 28/11/1996 (ANA)
An Italian and Greek flag passenger/car ferry collided late
Tuesday night, causing slight damage to the one but no injuries,
Patras port authorities said today.
The stern of the Italian-flag "Ionian Star", as it was entering
the port, rammed into the stern of the Greek-flag "Aretoussa",
causing light damage. The Aretoussa was immediately repaired and
set sail early in the morning for Ancona, Italy.
The Ionian Star is still in Patras Harbor with engine trouble
probably caused by the collision.
The vehicles and passengers from the Ionian Star left for Ancona
on another ferry, the authorities said.
[19] Issue of Parthenon Marbles discussed between Simitis, Venizelos
Athens, 28/11/1996 (ANA)
Prime Minister Costas Simitis and Culture Minister Evangelos
Venizelos held a meeting yesterday to discuss progress over a
series of culture ministry projects, including stepped up
efforts to win the return of the Parthenon Marbles from the
British Museum .
During the meeting, it was announced that a contract would
shortly be signed with an Italian firm for construction of a new
Acropolis Museum, budgeted at 30 billion drachmas.
Concerning the Parthenon Marbles, it was announced that legal
procedures will be intensified for return of the removed friezes.
"Conservation, study, promotion and projection of our cultural
heritage combined with the promotion and reinforcement of the
contemporary Greek culture are the two axis of the government's
cultural policy," Mr. Simitis said after the meeting.
The premier added that in 1997 Thessaloniki will become both the
construction and cultural capital of Europe.
[20] SEB calls proposed new taxes on businesses a 'counter-incentive'
Athens, 28/11/1996 (ANA)
Federation of Greek Industry (SEB) President Iason Stratos said
yesterday that an increase in taxation for businesses
constitutes a counter-incentive for attracting capital, adding
that he did not see a bold enough policy regarding
denationalizations and privatizations.
Commenting on the government's tax settlements, Mr. Stratos said
an agreement has been reached on the issue of tax exemptions
lacking a developmental or social character.
It appears that industry disagrees with the taxation of land and
building sites used by industrial enterprises, as well as with
taxation for the transfer of shares of enterprises which are not
registered with the Athens Stock Exchange.
On the question of expenditure cutbacks, Mr. Stratos told
reporters that for the first time in past years there is a
restriction in first-stage expenditures.
[21] Simitis, PASOK deputies discuss '97 budget
Athens, 28/11/1996 (ANA)
Prime Minister Costas Simitis held a lengthy meeting yesterday
with several PASOK deputies participating in Parliament's
economic committee, focusing on the 1997 budget and the
government's economic policy.
Deputy Ioannis Haralambopoulos told reporters after the meeting
that "the contact with the prime minister was useful, positive
and constructive."
He said it was focusing on exchanging views and not on
complaints.
Deputy Menas Stavrakaklis said it was a "long and painful
dialogue", adding that the people must realize the necessary and
just character of the government's new economic measures.
[22] Ships stranded at Piraeus as seamen join today's general strike
Athens, 28/11/1996 (ANA)
No vessels will be leaving Piraeus or any other port in the
prefecture of Attica today following the seamen's decision to
join the 24-hour general strike organized by the General
Confederation of Workers of Greece (GSEE) and the Civil
Servants' Supreme Administrative Council (ADEDY).
The seamen's strike will begin at 6.00 this morning and end at
06.00 the following day.
Piraeus dockworkers have already stated their intention to
participate in the general strike.
One of the main demands of the unions is that the government
index-link tax brackets to inflation. Its failure to do so for
the past five years, they say, will in effect result in a drop
in real income in 1997.
[23] Tzoumakas calls for dialogue with farmers on future of produce
prices
Athens, 28/11/1996 (ANA)
Speaking at a press conference yesterday, Agriculture Minister
Stefanos Tzoumakas called on farmers to agree to a national
dialogue on the future of agricultural produce in Greece.
Additionally, he announced a series of settlements in light of
today's mobilizations by farmers.
Mr. Tzoumakas said that the country's fiscal problems do not
allow for any another policy, and conceded that farmers are
faced with grave problems. He said their outstanding debts
amounted to 350 billion drachmas, while the settlement of debts
owed by cooperatives, exceeding 150 billion drachmas, was going
ahead.
Lastly, Mr. Tzoumakas said a committee has been created to table
proposals by Dec. 10 on the settlement of farmers' debts.
[24] Chinese silk experts visit Evros
Athens, 28/11/1996 (ANA)
Chinese silk experts began a two-day visit yesterday to Soufli,
Evros, within the framework of co-operation between the National
Foundation of Agricultural Research (EThIAGE) and the Chinese
State Research and Technology Committee. The two organizations
have also signed agreements for joint research programs in the
silk production sector in Thrace, as well as for new varieties
of cotton and for the production of mushrooms. A meeting was
held in Soufli between the Chinese delegation, EThIiAGE
officials and silk cooperative organizations to examine issues
related to the development of silk production in the region.
[25] Pachtas confident EU fund absorption will be good next year
Athens, 28/11/1996 (ANA)
"1997 will be a year in which the absorption of European Union
funds will take off," National Economy Under-secretary Christos
Pachtas said yesterday.
In 1996, for the first time Greece will be very near to 100 per
cent with respect to commitments.
"Our forecast is that the figure will be approximately 90 per
cent nationwide for the 13 Regional Programs and the 17 sector
programs of the various ministries," Mr. Pachtas told reporters
shortly before a meeting on the regional programs.
With regard to inflows, Mr. Pachtas said, 1996 will be the first
year for some time that not only will the target of 100 per cent
be attained "but there will furthermore be over-absorption, that
is, the target of approximately 600 billion drachmas which is
expected to enter the country from the EU by the end of the year
will be surpassed."
Mr. Pachtas said this meant that Greece now had the necessary
"steam-engines" with respect to infrastructure which will allow
the country to attain its fund absorption targets.
[26] Greek industrial climate improving, IOBE report says
Athens, 28/11/1996 (ANA)
The climate in Greek industry appears to be improving, according
to the latest survey of the Institute for Economic and
Industrial Studies (IOBE). According to the survey, the business
expectations index shows a continuously upward trend, reaching
10 2.5 in September this year, which however is still down on
the October 1995 figure of 114.
At the same time, prospects for undertakings appeared to be
positive for the next three months, according to statements by
businessmen themselves. There were no substantial changes in the
way Greek undertakings viewed the competitiveness of domestic
industry in the third quarter of 1996, both with respect to the
Greek market and abroad.
The IOBE survey noted a drop in business expectations for the
retail trade in the second quarter this year, but the more
long-term expectations of retail companies continued to be
optimistic.
Among the undertakings asked in the survey, 56 per cent
predicted that their situation would improve during the next six
months, 43 per cent forecast that it would remain the same and
only 1 per cent said it would worsen.
[27] SEBE to study effects of 'hard drachma' policy on exports
Athens, 28/11/1996 (ANA)
The Federation of Exporters of Northern Greece (SEBE) is
preparing a study on the repercussions of the "hard drachma"
policy on the competitiveness of Greek exports, in an effort to
gauge the issue for the first time.
SEBE believes that "since the government's monetary and exchange
policy will move in the same direction in 1997, as it was made
known by National Economy Minister Yiannos Papantoniou, exports
enterprises, and particularly those dealing with traditional
markets in central Europe, are faced with the danger of their
presence shrinking further."
The study on the consequences of the hard drachma is expected to
be completed in about a month and its results will be announced
in January.
End of English language section.
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