Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 97-01-10

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

ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No 1085), January 10, 1997

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

CONTENTS

[01] Premier advises 'coolheadedness, prudence' concerning national issues

[02] Tsohatzopoulos: Turkish threats cannot stop developments

[03] Opposition reactions

[04] US warns Turkey against attacking Cyprus

[05] Foreign Office source claims Britain urging caution to Turkey

[06] Greece dismisses Ankara's latest threats, necessary measures taken

[07] Turkish jets infringe Athens FIR

[08] PASOK MPs voice support for Cyprus

[09] Mitsotakis

[10] Latest Cyprus developments discussed by EDEK leader in Athens

[11] Greek MPs in Cyprus

[12] Tsohatzopoulos briefs Tsovolas

[13] Pangalos to be in Belgrade Sunday, sources say

[14] Greece's CoE rep ratifies 11th Protocol

[15] ND executive committee approves agreement on holding of party congress

[16] Fouras discusses meeting with IOC head Samaranch, Athens' Olympic bid

[17] Reppas regrets farmers' threats of new blockades

[18] Strike leaves garbage spewed around nation's streets

[19] Alpha Credit Bank opens Tirana branch

[20] Commercial Bank cuts lending rates

[21] Greece's Intrasoft scores European Commission contract

[22] Greek products to be displayed in China

[23] Conference on possibilities of economic and trade co-operation with Cuba

[24] Four Greeks charged in connection with drowning of 283 illegal immigrants

[01] Premier advises 'coolheadedness, prudence' concerning national issues

Athens, 10/01/1997 (ANA)

"Our strength lies in our remaining calm, our insistence on international law and international treaties and the strengthening of our armed forces, which is continuing so that they constitute a strong deterrent force against any threat," Prime Minister Costas Simitis said shortly after a government meeting on foreign policy.

Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos, Alternate Foreign Minister George Papandreou, outgoing Foreign Under-secretary Christos Rozakis and PASOK Eurodeputy Yiannos Kranidiotis participated in the meeting.

Mr. Simitis advised "coolheadedness and prudence", warning against "worry and fear". "The government is aware of these developments and knows how to handle them," the premier added. Commenting on Greek-Turkish relations and the latest threats launched by Ankara, Mr. Simitis said "what is happening is neither new nor unknown", adding that Greece would be playing into Turkey's hands if on each occasion it displayed particular concern.

"If we blow (Turkish threats) out of proportion, we shall be dragged into an atmosphere of crisis," Mr. Simitis said.

The prime minister said 1997 would be a "year of developments" for Greece's national issues and the European Union, while 1998 was associated with the commencement of crucial negotiations for Cyprus' accession to the 15-member Union.

Greece must be ready not only to deal with developments and react, but also to contribute constructively with positions and views to developments which serve its interests, the premier noted.

Within the month, he added, Cyprus President Glafcos Clerides will visit Athens for a joint examination of the positions of the two sides.

Asked by reporters to comment on Nicosia's decision to purchase the advanced Russian-made S-300 anti-aircraft missiles, Mr. Simitis said the Cyprus government not only had the right but also the obligation to take the measures it considers necessary for its defense.

He noted also that by taking such measures, Nicosia was strengthening its negotiating position, adding that Greece fully supported Cyprus in these efforts.

Replying to other questions concerning the visit to the region this weekend of the State Department official responsible for southern Europe, Carey Cavanaugh, Mr. Simitis said Athens, "as always", would listen to US proposals.

Mr. Cavanaugh is scheduled to visit Nicosia, Athens and Ankara in an effort to smooth over relations following the signing of the multi-million dollar missile deal between Cyprus and Russia last weekend.

Mr. Simitis clarified, however, that Athens had already adopted positions with respect to the various proposals put forward by the US and in meetings between Mr. Cavanaugh and foreign ministry officials would examine "if there is anything new in order to see whether we should change these positions".

The premier expressed the view that he did not consider such an eventuality likely at the present time.

[02] Tsohatzopoulos: Turkish threats cannot stop developments

Athens, 10/01/1997 (ANA)

Turkish Defense Minister Turhan Tayan said on Wednesday that Turkey would attack Cyprus after the island republic announced last week that it had purchased the advanced Russian missiles.

"Greece is strong. Cyprus is becoming stronger. We have right on our side and I am certain that all organizations will support a just, peaceful and democratic settlement of the Cyprus problem. I am not afraid of anything," Mr. Tsohatzopoulos said.

Echoing Mr. Simitis' view, Mr. Tsohatzopoulos said Greece would "with one mind, calm and determination," try to attain its targets.

[03] Opposition reactions

Athens, 10/01/1997 (ANA)

Mr. Evert said two things should take place, namely, a nationwide conference should be held before whatever initiative is undertaken to resolve the Cyprus issue, and a council of party leaders should be convened under the chairmanship of the president o f the republic.

The Communist Party of Greece (KKE) said in a statement that Mr. Simitis with his remarks "denounced Turkish aggressiveness, but not the United States, NATO and the European Union," which the KKE claimed "are the most responsible, since they encourage and tolerate Turkey to be able to impose their plans" in the southeastern Mediterranean and the Aegean.

The KKE statement also charged that the premier supported the US plan for a "solution" to the Cyprus problem.

The Coalition of the Left and Progress (Synaspismos) said that the premier's call for coolheadedness was not enough and that the government was on the verge of "a nervous breakdown."

[04] US warns Turkey against attacking Cyprus

Washington, 10/01/1997 (ANA - T. Ellis)

"This is no time for the Turkish government to be making wild and dramatic statements which will not be supported by any sensible member of the international community. It would be completely out of bounds for Turkey to take this action," US State Department spokesman Nicholas Burns told reporters.

The semi-official Turkish news agency Anadolu reported yesterday that Ankara was seriously pondering a military strike if Cyprus went ahead with plans to deploy advanced Russian-made anti-aircraft missiles. Mr. Burns was commenting on published remarks on Wednesday by Turkish Defense Minister Turhan Tayan that Turkey "would use all possible means to halt the missile deployment."

"We hope very much that this report... is incorrect. We hope it does not reflect in any way, shape or form the views of the Turkish government," Mr. Burns told reporters.

"There can be no question that Turkey must respect the rules of the road here, which are no country, and specifically in this case Turkey, should threaten the use of military force against Cyprus; no country, specifically here Turkey, should undertake military force against Cyprus," he added.

Washington has also condemned Cyprus' purchase of the Russian missiles, although Mr. Burns said the air defense system will not be deployed for at least 16 months.

[05] Foreign Office source claims Britain urging caution to Turkey

London, 10/01/1997 (ANA - L. Tsirigotakis)

The same source also confirmed that the British government is in close contact and co-operation with Washington concerning the Cyprus issue and Greek-Turkish relations. "We believe that only if the environment is rid of tension and crisis will a positive development be possible in diplomatic efforts to resolve the Cyprus problem," according to the source.

[06] Greece dismisses Ankara's latest threats, necessary measures taken

Athens, 10/01/1997 (ANA)

Turkish threats have become repetitive, Mr. Reppas said, adding that although Greece could not ignore them, "we must not give to these statements and positions a dimension which they may no longer have".

Replying to questions, Mr. Reppas said Greek-Turkish relations had recently worsened. He also laid the blame solely on Ankara, "which systematically undermines efforts for ways to be found to communicate in the region."

Tension has mounted following Cyprus' decision to purchase Russian-made S-300 anti-aircraft missiles in order to bolster its defense capability.

Turkish Defense Minister Turhan Tayan said on Wednesday that Turkey would attack Cyprus if it had to protect the Turkish Cypriot community in the north of the island.

In a related development, Mr. Reppas rejected remarks by German Foreign Minister Klaus Kinkel that Greece was responsible for Turkey's estrangement from Europe.

"Turkey's opponent is not Greece but international law, international order and itself. It is Turkey's own policy which does not allow it to approach Europe, and Ankara has only itself to blame for this," Mr. Reppas said.

[07] Turkish jets infringe Athens FIR

Athens, 10/01/1997 (ANA)

Sources said Turkish warplanes had also violated Greek airspace in the same region.

In all cases, they added, the Turkish violators were identified and intercepted by Hellenic Air Force Mirage 2000 and F-16 fighter planes.

[08] PASOK MPs voice support for Cyprus

Athens, 10/01/1997 (ANA)

The declaration states that Cyprus has a "sacred right to defense" and that the stance of allied governments against the purchase was "hypocritical", adding that it was unacceptable to put the victim and the victimizer on the same level.

"The governments of western nations have closed their eyes to the continuing occupation of Cypriot territory by Turkey for the past 22 years," the declaration reads.

It also denounces to the international community Turkey's provocativeness and aggressiveness and notes that Turkey is a standing threat to peace in the sensitive region of the southeast Mediterranean.

[09] Mitsotakis

Athens, 10/01/1997 (ANA)

"The concern shown by friends and allies because after 23 years of occupation by 'Attila' (Turkey) - which they too bear some of the responsibility for - Cyprus has attempted to bolster in the most elementary way its defense is outrageous hypocrisy," Mr. Mitsotakis said.

The honorary president of main opposition New Democracy said that developments in national issues "carried great dangers" and that a clear policy was needed.

He also criticized Prime Minister Costas Simitis for failing to give his government a united policy to follow.

[10] Latest Cyprus developments discussed by EDEK leader in Athens

Athens, 10/01/1997 (ANA)

The EDEK president later met with President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos and discussed the recent developments.

In his meeting with the defense minister, Mr. Lyssarides noted that both Greece and Cyprus want peace and normality, which should be based on respect for the human rights of all peoples of the region.

Commenting on reactions over Cyprus' purchase of the advanced Russian-made S-300 anti-aircraft missiles, Mr. Lyssarides stressed that statements must not turn against a country which wants to fundamentally upgrade its defense and which is under occupation, but against the source of the problem.

The EDEK leader repeated that the missiles would only be used in case of Cyprus being attacked.

"Those who are truly interested in negotiations should be celebrating the purchase, because the upgrading of defense creates better conditions for them, unless they want us to go to negotiations naked, so that they can impose their views under the threat of the expansion of Turkish political and military presence," Mr. Lyssarides said.

Earlier during the day, he held talks with Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos and the secretary general of the Communist Party of Greece (KKE) Aleka Papariga.

Mr. Lyssarides, who is in Athens following an invitation by the ruling PASOK party, is to meet with Prime Minister Costas Simitis and PASOK secretary Costas Skandalidis today.

[11] Greek MPs in Cyprus

Athens, 10/01/1997 (ANA)

The two delegations will examine issues of coordination and representation of the two states at international organizations, both on the Cyprus issue and other international issues.

The Greek mission is made up of deputies Eleftherios Veryvakis, Vassilis Manginas, Orestis Kolozof, Spyros Danellis and George Rokos. The mission will also meet with the political leadership of Cyprus, Speaker of the House of Representatives Spyros Kyprianou, Archbishop Chrysostomos and Nicosia Mayor Lellos Dimitriades and will also attend a session of the Cyprus House of Representatives.

[12] Tsohatzopoulos briefs Tsovolas

Athens, 10/01/1997 (ANA)

Speaking after the meeting, Mr. Tsovolas said the discussion was "frank and useful" and that it determined that the Greek armed forces could guarantee Greece's territorial integrity.

[13] Pangalos to be in Belgrade Sunday, sources say

Athens, 10/01/1997 (ANA)

According to the sources, there is a possibility that Mr. Pangalos may meet with representatives of Serbian opposition parties.

[14] Greece's CoE rep ratifies 11th Protocol

Strasbourg, 10/01/1997 (ANA)

According to the Protocol, a single European Human Rights Court will be established and operate on a permanent basis, replacing the present judicial bodies proposed by the EU Commission and the Court.

Citizens will have direct access to the new court. In the majority of cases, it will convene with 78 judges and will have jurisdiction over individual and inter-state cases.

[15] ND executive committee approves agreement on holding of party congress

Athens, 10/01/1997 (ANA)

"We must not, because of problems in the party and our introversion, provide a crutch to (Prime Minister) Costas Simitis. We do not have the luxury to continue our introversion. Public opinion is watching us and the people are looking to the main opposition party for a crutch," Mr. Evert said, addressing a joint meeting of the ND Parliamentary group and central committee.

Mr. Evert accused what he described as "various interests" of trying to weaken or even break up New Democracy so that they could "impose illegitimate solutions to national issues", and to ensure the continuation of what he called the government's "callous" economic policy.

The ND executive committee yesterday unanimously ratified an agreement reached on the framework and terms for the holding of the party's congress.

The agreement was reached on Tuesday at a meeting between Mr. Evert, Vice-President Ioannis Varvitsiotis and main leadership contender George Souflias.

Speaking during the meeting, Mr. Souflias said that the agreement reached ensured the conditions for an honest congress, provided the agreement is fully implemented.

However, he noted that his proposal for ND congress members to be elected by the party's grass roots was rejected. "We have, even now, the ability to correct the proposal. Why should the people of ND not speak? Are we afraid of the grass roots?" Mr. Souflias said.

He clarified that despite this basic disagreement, he will be a candidate for the party leadership at the congress, adding that others should also clarify whether they will contend the post.

Referring to ND's defeat in the September 1996 general elections, Mr. Souflias said the reasons lay in the need for modernization and a change in the way of thinking.

"We do not have the luxury to lose another election," he said.

Meanwhile, ND deputy Vyron Polydoras also announced his candidacy for the party leadership. Mr. Polydoras said he is not participating in the climate of euphoria created following the meeting between Mr. Evert, Mr. Souflias and Mr. Varvitsiotis, adding that the agreement reached does not comfort him, although he described it as "a useful act."

"ND suffered many back-stabbings over the years and all were spectators of the mutual embraces, kisses and quarrels. All the specifications for the new leader fall on my shoulders," he said.

The ND congress will be held from March 28-30, one month later than initially planned.

[16] Fouras discusses meeting with IOC head Samaranch, Athens' Olympic bid

Athens, 10/01/1997 (ANA)

"The Greek candidacy is on a very good course and the general belief is that it will be shortlisted among the five who will pass into the next phase of the contention," he said during a press conference.

Mr. Fouras' optimism apparently stemmed from a meeting with International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Juan Antonio Samaranch in Lausanne on Wednesday.

Speaking during that meeting, Mr. Samaranch had told the Greek delegation that "your candidacy was weak at first. Gradually, however, it became stronger. The unity of Greece is a good element for the contention of the Olympic Games. You must know that t he organization of the World Athletics Championships 'Athens '97' will also play a role."

The World Athletics Championships are to be held in Athens from Aug. 1-10.

Mr. Fouras assured the IOC president that both the Spata airport and the proposed Olympic village will have been completed on time.

Mr. Samaranch invited the sports under-secretary to visit Lausanne once again on March 17-23, when the World Figure Skating Championships will be held.

Speaking on a report to be drawn up by the IOC's evaluation committee for the candidacies, Mr. Fouras stressed that "the crucial date is between Jan. 17-19."

The evaluation committee will then compile the report's file, while it will be ready to submit it on Feb. 20.

[17] Reppas regrets farmers' threats of new blockades

Athens, 10/01/1997 (ANA)

Mr. Reppas said this is an example of the downfall in which the farmers' trade union movement has found itself and criticized certain circles, which he did not name, for having taken roles without representing all the farmers.

On the question of mobilizations announced by branches of working people, Mr. Reppas said the right of working people to claim their rights is respected, adding that the government has held talks with all the social agencies but cannot meet claims, many of which are irrational or excessive and others which overstep the budget.

Mr. Reppas said the government's aim is to have the budget for 1997 implemented to the letter, while at the same time it is seeking the best way to achieve two main targets: the country's development course and the safeguarding of the working people's income.

[18] Strike leaves garbage spewed around nation's streets

Athens, 10/01/1997 (ANA)

The Panhellenic Federation of Local Administration Organization Staff (POP-OTA) has decided to call 48-hour rolling strikes to demand that seasonal staff be hired permanently, a doubling of a lumpsum allowance from 1.3 million drachmas to 2.6 million drachmas, reduction in the pensioning age from 58 to 55 and the hiring of 5,000 new employees.

Striking sanitary workers are expected to organize a rally with their garbage trucks outside the labor and interior ministries at 9:30 this morning, while they might even reach Parliament.

The employees will attempt to meet Interior, Public Administration and Decentralization Minister Alekos Papadopoulos, since a meeting with Under-secretary Lambros Papadimas on Wednesday failed to produce results.

The greatest problem has been posed by heaps of garbage is in downtown Athens, while Athens Mayor Dimitris Avramopoulos has called on citizens not to leave their garbage on pavements.

[19] Alpha Credit Bank opens Tirana branch

Tirana, 10/01/1997 (ANA/DPA)

The Alpha branch marks the third Greek bank to open in Tirana, following the National Bank of Greece and the Bank of Piraeus last year.

Roughly 400,000 Albanian nationals are currently in Greece, Albania's largest trade partner after Italy.

Another two foreign banks are operating in the Balkan country, the Bank of Rome and Islamic Bank.

The Albanian government is currently planning to privatize three small state-run banks by the year 2000.

[20] Commercial Bank cuts lending rates

Athens, 10/01/1997 (ANA)

The interest rates on financing and mortgage loans have also been cut by 1.75 percent and 1.0 percent respectively to stand at 16.5 and 15.0 percent while the consumer lending rate has been cut by 0.5 percent to stand at 22.5 percent.

Interest rates on deposit accounts range between 11.75 percent (for balances of over 30 million drachmas) and 10.25 percent.

The new interest rates will be effective as of January 10.

[21] Greece's Intrasoft scores European Commission contract

Athens, 10/01/1997 (ANA)

The four-year contract, with an option of another year, was signed with the Commission's Informatics Directorate, based in Brussels, and will involve work with the Commission's computer networks in Brussels, Luxembourg and Strasbourg.

Intrasoft - a subsidiary of Intracom - will offer services to the 20,000 users of the Commission's database on a 24-hour, year-round basis.

[22] Greek products to be displayed in China

Athens, 10/01/1997 (ANA)

The sampling will take place between May 11-23 in Beijing, Shaghai and Canton with the aim of further developing commercial ties between Greek and Chinese undertakings and facilitating the establishment of "strategic economic alliances".

Interest in the Chinese market is focused on seven main categories of Greek products: agricultural, foodstuffs, metal products, chemicals, plastics, telecommunications materials and medical equipment.

[23] Conference on possibilities of economic and trade co-operation with Cuba

Athens, 10/01/1997 (ANA)

In another development, the Greek Overseas Trade Organization and the Hellenic-Canadian Chamber of Commerce will organize a conference on "Creating international trade companies. Prospects for Hellenic-Canadian economic co-operation and development incentives." The conference will be held on January 29.

[24] Four Greeks charged in connection with drowning of 283 illegal immigrants

Athens, 10/01/1997 (ANA)

After hearing testimony from illegal immigrants currently being held in Argolis, prosecutor Yannos Provataris charged Greek sailors Eftyhios Zervoudakis, Mihalis Fanourakis, Antonis Sfakianakis and Dionysis Avgerinos with murder and contravention of the law on illegal immigrants.

Charges have also been brought against seven foreigners implicated in the case, who are being sought by police.

According to the testimony of the illegal immigrants, 283 people drowned when the boat in which they were being transported was rammed by the freighter "Yioham" on December 25, 1996.

After bringing the charges, Mr. Provataris referred the case to an investigating magistrate.

Over 100 illegal immigrants from India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka were arrested recently in Ermioni on the Peloponese coast. About half are being held at police headquarters in Argos, from whom Mr. Provataris heard testimony, and Nafplion, while the others have been taken to Tripoli and Corinth.

End of English language section.

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