Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 97-03-21
From: The Greek Press & Information Office, Ottawa Canada <grnewsca@sympatico.ca>
ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No 1144), March 21, 1997
Greek Press & Information Office
Ottawa, Canada
E-Mail Address: grnewsca@sympatico.ca
CONTENTS
[01] Simitis begins official Romanian visit
[02] Kranidiotis briefs Tirana's ambassador on his Albanian visit
[03] Synaspismos
[04] Refugees
[05] Dimitris Konstas appointed as Greek ambassador to CoE
[06] Turkish stance means Greece cannot lift reservations on EU
financing
[07] Name issue not discussed between Gligorov, Pangalos
[08] New direct talks
[09] Greek objections to increased Turkish WEU participation reported
[10] US State Dept. on Cyprus missing persons
[11] Pangalos remarks on Turkey's Euro-orientation well-received
[12] Greek diplomat: Athens expects Ankara to realize benefits of
good bilateral relations
[13] ND congress begins today
[14] Education under-secretary, teachers' reps meet to discuss lost
lessons issue
[15] Apostolakis addresses NATO military academies conference
[16] Simitis presides over inner cabinet meeting
[17] Greek-Australian MP to help Blair's campaign
[18] Produce warehouse without license
[19] Kavala sends aid to Bulgaria
[20] EU-Turkey relations to be discussed by Council of Foreign
Ministers
[21] ESHEA expresses opposition to court action against two reporters
[22] Baltas heads trade delegation to Australia
[23] New Greek ambassador to Britain welcomed
[24] Former MP Andreas Lentakis dies
[25] Anti-racism awards given
[26] Anti-Racism Day observed
[27] Another 'Teenagers' Parliament' to be held this year
[01] Simitis begins official Romanian visit
Bucharest, 21/03/1997 (ANA - A. Podimata)
Greece yesterday continued its recent diplomatic initiative in
the Balkans with a visit to Romania by Prime Minister Costas
Simitis.
Speaking on his arrival at Bucharest airport, Mr. Simitis said
he was happy to visit Romania as "in the fragmented Balkans, we
must find a common course."
After noting that Greek-Romanian relations are at an excellent
level, the prime minister said his visit aims to aid this common
course and contribute to the broadening of relations between the
two countries, which is "the only manner in which to ensure
stability and peace in the region."
The Greek premier is accompanied by Foreign Minister Theodoros
Pangalos and government spokesman Dimitris Reppas.
Mr. Simitis was met by his Romanian counterpart, Viktor Corbea,
who held an official dinner in the Greek prime minister's honor
last night.
During his speech, Mr. Simitis underlined Greece's full support
for Romania's efforts to become a full member of the European
Union, saying Athens will provide all possible help for Romania
to also enter NATO.
The prime minister also spoke of the "exceptional prospects"
available for the expansion of bilateral economic and commercial
relations, stressing that the aim for commercial transactions is
to reach at least US$ 500 million.
Speaking during the ceremony, Mr. Simitis said "both Greece and
Romania have chosen co-operation as a means of exercising
foreign policy, they reject the use of or the threat of use of
violence to solve international or bilateral differences and
they do not accept the policy of faits accomplis."
On his part, Mr. Corbea expressed his country's gratitude for
Greece's support of Romania's efforts to enter the EU and NATO.
He said bilateral co-operation in regional organizations is a
start which could lead to the founding of a stable partnership
between the two countries based on a joint strategy of
co-operation and information, as well as on regular discussions
on all levels.
The Romanian prime minister stressed the need for both countries
to contribute to the creation of an area of stability and
co-operation in southeastern Europe, which, he said, has been "a
true powder keg" many times in history.
Delegations from the two countries, headed by their prime
ministers, are due to meet this morning in order to discuss
issues including the construction of a highway connecting St.
Petersburg with Alexandroupolis through Bucharest and Balkan
co-operation in view of the meeting of southeastern European
countries' foreign ministers, due to be held in Thessaloniki in
June.
After discussions today, Mr. Simitis and Mr. Corbea will hold a
joint press conference.
[02] Kranidiotis briefs Tirana's ambassador on his Albanian visit
Athens, 21/03/1997 (ANA)
Foreign Under-secretary Yiannos Kranidiotis yesterday invited
Albania's ambassador in Greece to his office to brief him on the
results of his two-day visit to southern Albania earlier this
week.
A foreign ministry announcement said Mr. Kranidiotis expressed
surprise over a demarche by Tirana concerning his visit to
Gjirokaster and Sarande, saying the only possible explanation
was that there had been some misunderstanding.
The Albanian foreign ministry lodged the demarche with the Greek
embassy in Tirana, protesting meetings between Mr. Kranidiotis
and insurgents' representatives in southern Albania.
The demarche noted that insurgents' representatives had no
institutional competency for such meetings.
Mr. Kranidiotis reiterated to Albanian ambassador Hysen Tsabei
that all the formal steps had been taken prior to his visit, in
addition to the fact that he had personally informed new
Albanian Prime Minister Bashkim Fino just a few days beforehand.
He also underlined that his visit had been within the framework
of multilateral efforts by Greece, not only at an international
level but also within the European Union, aimed at defusing
tension in Albania through peaceful means and supporting the
efforts of the new government.
Meanwhile, government spokesman Dimitris Reppas described Greek
foreign policy concerning the Albanian crisis as "positive".
He said this was the general assessment of an inner cabinet
meeting yesterday chaired by Prime Minister Costas Simitis,
which focused on foreign policy and the economy. The spokesman
added that Greece would be stepping up its efforts in order to
maintain the country's upgraded role in the region.
In a related development, Mr. Reppas said a formal written
request was expected from Tirana seeking help from Athens in
reorganizing and restructuring the Albanian armed forces.
[03] Synaspismos
Athens, 21/03/1997 (ANA)
"The events in Albania make it imperative for the Greek
government to immediately promote Balkan and Euro-Balkan
co-operation as a strategic priority in the stability of the
Balkans," Coalition of the Left and Progress (Synaspismos) party
leader Nikos Constantopoulos said after visiting the Kakavia
border post on the Greek-Albanian border.
Mr. Constantopoulos said that a political solution to the crisis
had to be found so that the country could be led to democracy
and normality with peaceful procedures.
He said Synaspismos supported the holding of free elections in
Albania and supported the government of Mr. Fino as well as
Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos' visit to Skopje, which he
called "a positive step, albeit delayed".
Any prospect of unilateral military intervention by Italy was
undesirable, he added.
[04] Refugees
Athens, 21/03/1997 (ANA)
In a related development, the government has carried out all
necessary planning to create refugee centers for those fleeing
the crisis in Albania, if the need arises, Macedonia-Thrace
Minister Philippos Petsalnikos said yesterday in reply to
questions by expatriate Greek journalists.
Mr. Petsalnikos said funding for the refugees' accommodation
will come from the budget and from the international community -
the European Union, the Organization for Co-operation and
Security in Europe and the United Nations.
He stressed that the government is working towards avoiding an
influx of refugees from Albania.
"Our aim is to help ensure peace, the development of
co-operation and aiding speedy solutions to the problems in all
Balkan countries," he said.
[05] Dimitris Konstas appointed as Greek ambassador to CoE
Athens, 21/03/1997 (ANA)
Alternate Foreign Minister George Papandreou attended a special
ceremony at the foreign ministry yesterday on the occasion of
professor Dimitris Konstas' appointment as Greek ambassador to
the Council of Europe.
Mr. Papandreou referred to the upgrading of Greece's role in the
Council of Europe and the promotion of its national issues in
Europe through the council.
He also said the appointment of Mr. Konstas at this EU body will
contribute towards further strengthening Athens' participation
in issues concerning European developments in general.
On his part, Mr. Konstas referred to the role played by the
Council of Europe, which focuses on shaping Europe's political
identity in the post-Cold War era.
He said Greece has an important role to play in shaping this
European identity, in addition to promoting its national issues.
He further said he will maintain permanent co-operation with
Greek Eurodeputies to achieve the best possible results.
The ceremony was attended by the Europarliament's Vice-President
and main opposition New Democracy Eurodeputy George
Anastasopoulos, Coalition of the Left and Progress Eurodeputy
Mihalis Papayiannakis, ND deputy Marietta Yiannakou-Koutsikou,
the foreign ministry's Secretary-General Stelios Perrakis as
well as the Athens News Agency's (ANA) General Director Andreas
Christodoulides.
[06] Turkish stance means Greece cannot lift reservations on EU
financing
Athens, 21/03/1997 (ANA)
Turkey's stance does not allow Greece to lift its reservations
concerning the neighboring country's financing within the
framework of Customs Union with the European Union, government
spokesman Dimitris Reppas said yesterday. The spokesman was
conveying the assessment of the inner cabinet meeting yesterday
chaired by Prime Minister Costas Simitis. Mr. Reppas said
yesterday's meeting had not dwelt much on the issue of
Greek-Turkish relations.
"Certain references were made to the standing policy of Greece
and Turkey and the difference between the two countries," Mr.
Reppas said.
[07] Name issue not discussed between Gligorov, Pangalos
Athens, 21/03/1997 (ANA)
Greece said yesterday that the issue of Former Yugoslav Republic
of Macedonia's (FYROM) name was not discussed during Wednesday's
lightning meeting in Skopje between Foreign Minister Theodoros
Pangalos and FYROM President Kiro Gligorov.
Replying to reporters' questions on the issue, government
spokesman Dimitris Reppas underlined that during Wednesday's
talks, FYROM officials never used the term "Macedonia" in
reference to their country.
In addition, the spokesman did not share the view that the two
countries were on the verge of resolving the FYROM name issue.
"There has been no progress on this matter," Mr. Reppas said,
adding that "Greece is awaiting a change in Skopje's
intransigent stance so that a solution can be found."
[08] New direct talks
N. York, (ANA - M. Georgiadou)
No "radical developments" are expected from new direct
negotiations between Greece and FYROM, to be begin on April 2
under the auspices of UN mediator Cyrus Vance, diplomatic
sources said here yesterday.
The same diplomatic circles estimate that Mr. Pangalos' visit to
Skopje will have a generally positive effect as it proved there
is good co-operation between the two sides for ensuring
stability in the region, and also expressed their positive
attitude towards the continuation of negotiations within the UN
framework.
[09] Greek objections to increased Turkish WEU participation reported
Brussels, 21/03/1997 (ANA/AFP)
Co-operation between NATO and the West European Union (WEU) is
being obstructed due to Greece's opposition to Turkey's
participation in preparation of WEU operations using NATO means,
diplomats said yesterday.
No agreement was arrived at yesterday morning during the WEU
council meeting at an ambassadors' level, a diplomat said.
Within the framework of better co-operation between the two
organizations, NATO and WEU have been discussing the possibility
of the former lending some of its personnel and material, such
as communication and advisors, to the WEU for specific
operations.
Before such an agreement is reached, Turkey, which is only a WEU
associate member but a full member of NATO, asked for "a
guarantee" that it will regularly participate in the preparation
of WEU operations using NATO means, a diplomat said.
Greece, which is a full member of both organizations, has
objected, despite increasing pressure from its European
counterparts.
"The Greeks are very isolated" in this case, the diplomat
claimed.
Athens' objection "is obstructing any official co-operation
between NATO and the WEU" as the two organizations can no longer
exchange documents and implement decisions, the same source said.
During the past few months, Turkey has also asked to become a
full member of the EU, even threatening to oppose NATO's
expansion eastwards if it is not included in any new EU
expansion.
[10] US State Dept. on Cyprus missing persons
Washington, 21/03/1997 (ANA - T. Ellis)
US State Department spokesman Nicholas Burns, replying to a
question last night, said "Congress has asked the government to
draw up a report on the issue of the missing persons in Cyprus.
This report has not been completed and for the time being I do
not have a date which I can foresee it will be ready to be given
to (US) Congress."
[11] Pangalos remarks on Turkey's Euro-orientation well-received
Istanbul, 21/03/1997 (ANA)
Remarks by Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos concerning
Turkey's European cultural characteristics, disputed at a
meeting earlier this month of Europe's Christian Democrat
parties, have created a deep impression in Turkey.
A front-page story in the newspaper "Yeni Yuzgil" was entitled
"Greece has opened its arms", terming Mr. Pangalos' comments as
"an olive branch" to Ankara.
The positive response Mr. Pangalos' remarks garnered exceeds by
far the impressions created by his insistence on blocking
financial protocols for Turkey until political issues raised in
past decisions taken by the EU Council of Ministers are met.
This turn in Turkish public opinion apparently leaves German
Foreign Minister Klaus Kinkel somewhat exposed, after the German
official lashed out at his Greek counterpart earlier in the week
for insisting on blocking the financial protocols.
A bold title in the newspaper "Milliyet" read: "A lesson from
Pangalos for Kohl", while Mr. Kinkel, who is expected to arrive
in Turkey next week, does not appear to be enjoying the same
sympathy, despite the fact that he appeared to defend Ankara's
interests.
Mr. Pangalos' statement, coming at a crucial time for Turkey,
helped in focusing attention of all on the major strategic
issues where the interests of the two countries are identical
and distanced it from short-term conflicts, which are continuing
to create tension.
Some analysts are tempted to explain Mr. Pangalos' statement as
"reciprocation" for secret concessions reportedly made by
Turkey, accepting to have the issue of the Imia islets referred
to the International Court of Justice at The Hague.
This version, however, has already been denied by the Turkish
foreign ministry.
"Allegations by which Ankara accepted to resort to the
International Court at The Hague on the issue of the Imia islets
during the foreign ministers' meeting in Rome do not bear any
resemblance to reality," an announcement by the Turkish foreign
ministry said.
"The issue of Imia and other similar geographical formations is
only one of the Greek-Turkish problems which are linked to each
other...," the announcement read.
In a related development, Turkey reacted positively to a
proposal by Athens for the holding of a meeting of foreign
ministers from Balkan states.
Turkish foreign ministry sources said the proposal, made in
Thessaloniki by Prime Minister Costas Simitis, is welcomed. The
same sources said, however, that the initiative has not yet been
officially forwarded to Ankara.
[12] Greek diplomat: Athens expects Ankara to realize benefits of
good bilateral relations
Istanbul, 21/03/1997 (ANA)
In an interview with the magazine of the Union of chambers of
commerce and stock exchanges of Turkey, Greece's consul general
in Istanbul said Athens expects Ankara to realize the importance
of support provided by Greece for Turkey's customs union with
the European Union.
"Turkey must abandon its claims on Greek territory and put an
end to acts of aggression," Fotis Xydas told the publication
"Forum", adding: "We look forward to the improvement and
development of political relations between our countries."
"The events on Imia constituted a very important indication that
Turkey is not yet ready to develop relations of good
neighborliness with Greece," Mr. Xydas said.
He also added that "violations of Greek airspace on a daily
basis constitute negative elements towards shaping a peaceful
climate."
Mr. Xydas went on to say that "we must feel safe and when this
is understood we can improve our relations."
"We wish to have a rich, prospering and democratic Turkey as a
neighbor. Our position towards Turkey is not hostile. It is a
defensive position," he said.
"Turkish public opinion must understand that the Europeans have
expectations from Turkey," Mr. Xydas said, stressing that Turkey
must take necessary steps.
"Do not create new problems. Do not turn the islets into an
issue. How can we improve our relations when claims on Greek
territory are put forward on a daily basis? Could Greece
possibly constitute a military threat against Turkey?" he added.
Meanwhile, a Greek-Turkish "work group" created at the
initiative of students from Istanbul and Athens will meet in
Istanbul in the next few days.
The group of students believe in the benefits of co-operation
and friendship, despite the negative political climate, and is
discussing issues concerning the repercussions of tension
prevailing in Greek-Turkish relations, issues concerning
nationalism an d education, and wishes to initiate a program for
an exchange of visits and hospitality.
The group of Greek and Turkish students visited the Halki
Academy of Theology and was received by Ecumenical Patriarch
Vartholomeos, who encouraged their initiative.
[13] ND congress begins today
Athens, 21/03/1997 (ANA)
The main opposition New Democracy party's fourth congress will
open at the Peace and Friendship Stadium in Faliron at 8:30 this
morning in order to elect a party leader from among four
candidates.
According to the program announced by the organizing committee,
party leader Miltiades Evert will announce his resignation to
the congress at 9:45 a.m. and then organizing committee
president and former premier George Rallis will call for the
ratification of the congress' operation regulation, the
regulation for electing a president and enlargement.
The four candidates will then address the congress in
alphabetical order and voting for the election of party leader
is expected to start at 1 p.m.
The results of the first round of voting are expected to be
announced at 8 p.m. and the final results, after a run-off
election is held, are expected in the early hours of Saturday
morning.
The four candidates, incumbent leader Miltiades Evert, as well
as deputies Costas Karamanlis, George Souflias and Vyron
Polydoras, are confident of qualifying for the second round of
voting and of winning the party's leadership.
Mr. Evert, Mr. Karamanlis and Mr. Souflias held consecutive
meetings with delegates from the morning until last night in a
last-ditch effort to win them over.
A total of 3,607 delegates are expected to vote at the congress.
[14] Education under-secretary, teachers' reps meet to discuss lost
lessons issue
Athens, 21/03/1997 (ANA)
The issue of making up for lessons lost over the eight-week
secondary school teachers' strike was the focus of discussions
yesterday between Education Under-secretary Ioannis Anthopoulos
and teachers' representatives.
OLME, the teachers' union, has proposed a reduction of material
to be examined and cancellation of university entrance and high
school exit examinations.
According to reports, the ministry is not considering either of
the two proposals except for a possible cancellation of
university entrance exams.
The final measures were expected to be drafted late last night
and to be sent to schools today.
[15] Apostolakis addresses NATO military academies conference
Athens, 21/03/1997 (ANA)
National Defense Under-secretary Dimitris Apostolakis yesterday
addressed the annual conference of NATO military academies here
in Athens, drawing attention to the need for southeastern
European states to be gradually included in European
organizations. Otherwise, he warned, feelings of insecurity
could result in explosive repercussions.
With regard to the Albanian crisis, the under-secretary
expressed satisfaction that the European Union and the
Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) were
mobilizing to help find a way out of the current situation.
Greece, he added, continued to support a political solution and
a resolution of the practical problems involved.
[16] Simitis presides over inner cabinet meeting
Athens, 21/03/1997 (ANA)
Prime Minister Costas Simitis yesterday chaired a meeting of the
inner cabinet to examine a wide range of government policy
issues, with emphasis on foreign affairs and the economy.
Government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said there was no
disagreement on the issues raised on the basis of an agenda
proposed by Mr. Simitis, while adding that "various views" were
put forward on the matters discussed.
Mr. Reppas said there would be a clear picture of the economic
situation in mid-April and predicted a continuation of the
downward trend of inflation which, he forecast, would drop to 5
per cent in the summer. The meeting also dealt with issues
concerning changes in the public sector, the modernization of
public administration and the government's legislative work.
Commenting on the government's task in general, the spokesman
spoke of two phases which had already ended - the first,
characterized by planning and the second, which was accompanied
by social tension and labor action.
In the present third phase, he said, emphasis would be placed on
implementing government policy, the close monitoring of the
budget and macroeconomic magnitudes, the course towards European
integration, the Intergovernmental Conference (IGC) and NATO
enlargement.
[17] Greek-Australian MP to help Blair's campaign
Melbourne, 21/03/1997 (ANA - S. Hatzimanolis)
Britain's Labor Party leader Tony Blair has asked Victorian
Labor Party MP Yiannis Pantazopoulos to fly to London to assist
on his election campaign.
Mr. Pantazopoulos, who is of Greek descent, said he was
"particularly honored" by the invitation and would take up Mr.
Blair's invitation if his commitments permit.
[18] Produce warehouse without license
Athens, 21/03/1997 (ANA)
A warehouse outside the Rendi produce market, in which an
explosion killed two people and injured five on Wednesday night,
was operating without a license, reports states.
The victims were workers using gases to ripen bananas in the
warehouse.
[19] Kavala sends aid to Bulgaria
Athens, 21/03/1997 (ANA)
Residents of Nestos, Kavala, near the border with Bulgaria have
gathered about 50 tons of food and medicine to send to the
Bulgarian city of Zladograd to be distributed by local
authorities.
Efforts to gather humanitarian aid are also under way at
municipalities in the prefectures of Drama, Serres and Thrace.
The aid will begin being sent to Bulgaria in the next few days.
Supplies of fresh fish are also planned to be sent by the Kavala
Municipality to Sofia, by May 10.
Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos yesterday presented the new
leadership of the Armed Forces to President of the Republic
Kostis Stephanopoulos.
[20] EU-Turkey relations to be discussed by Council of Foreign
Ministers
Brussels, 21/03/1997 (ANA - M. Spinthourakis)
Relations between the European Union and Turkey will be one of
the issues to be discussed at the EU's Council of Foreign
Ministers, which will convene here on Monday.
Presenting the agenda of Monday's talks to reporters yesterday,
the Dutch president of the Committee of Permanent
Representatives, ambassador Bot, reiterated that the Dutch EU
presidency, also basing itself on the directions set out in the
informal meeting in Apeldoorn, the Netherlands, will continue
its contacts with Greece and Turkey with a view to convening a
successful EU-Turkey Association Council on April 30.
[21] ESHEA expresses opposition to court action against two reporters
Athens, 21/03/1997 (ANA)
An announcement by the Athens Journalists Union (ESHEA)
yesterday expressed opposition to two recent cases of
prosecution against reporters on charges of espionage
(publishing a classified state document) and harboring a
criminal.
ESHEA said that the task of authorities is to safeguard
documents which they consider classified, while it is the
reporter's task to reveal information concerning serious issues
to have public opinion informed. In this context,
criminalization of journalistic duty is inconceivable, it added.
The second case of prosecution for harboring a criminal concerns
a reporter who published an interview with a wanted man. ESHEA
stressed that taking interviews from wanted individuals is a
practice known all over the world and in this case prosecution
constitutes overzealousness.
[22] Baltas heads trade delegation to Australia
Melbourne, 21/03/1997 (ANA - S. Hatzimanolis)
A business delegation headed by National Economy Under-secretary
Alexandros Baltas is currently in Australia to promote bilateral
economic and trade relations.
The group will be trying to attract the interest of Australian
business circles in joint ventures with firms in Greece,
offering opportunities to branch out over the Balkans and the
Mediterranean region.
Mr. Baltas said prospects were "very good", noting that Greek
exports to Australia were on the rise.
First stop is Adelaide, to be followed by Melbourne, where the
delegation will also attend the local Greek community's
celebration of Greek Independence Day on March 25.
A four-member parliamentary delegation from Greece, headed by
Overseas Greeks Secretary General S. Lambrinidis will also be in
Melbourne for the events.
[23] New Greek ambassador to Britain welcomed
London, 21/03/1997 (ANA - L. Tsirigotakis)
The British-Hellenic Parliamentary committee organized an event
at a House of Commons hall to officially welcome Athens' new
ambassador to the Court of St. James, Vassilis Zapheiropoulos.
The event was attended by many British MPs from all parties as
well as representatives of the expatriate Greek community.
Special emphasis was placed on the presence of the British
government's deputy prime minister Michael Heseltine, Transport
Minister Sir George Young and the Foreign Under-secretary Jeremy
Hanley.
Speaking at his welcoming, Mr. Zapheiropoulos referred primarily
to the course of bilateral relations and their prospects,
stressing that ample ground exists for close and constructive
co-operation between Greece and Britain within the framework of
the European Union.
[24] Former MP Andreas Lentakis dies
Athens, 21/03/1997 (ANA)
Former deputy Andreas Lentakis died suddenly yesterday morning
of a heart attack. He was 62.
Lentakis was for years a member of Greece's Left, before joining
the newly formed Political Spring party in 1993. Born in
Ethiopia, Lentakis first became active in politics while
studying at Athens University's school of archaeology and
history.
He later became involved in the struggle against the 1967-74
military dictatorship, for which he was imprisoned and tortured.
He became mayor of the Athens suburb of Hymettos in 1978 and was
re-elected twice, before being elected president of the Unite d
Democratic Left (EDA).
Lentakis later became a prominent member of the Coalition of the
Left and Progress (Synaspismos), before declaring himself an
independent deputy in 1993. Later that same year he became a
founding member of Political Spring.
Lentakis also wrote many books on political and social issues.
He leaves a wife and two sons.
"Andreas Lentakis was a unique political figure with numerous
distinctions in (political) struggles, from the
anti-dictatorship struggle to his significant contribution
towards the nation's democratic course..." an announcement by
PASOK's executive bureau read.
On his part, main opposition New Democracy's press spokesman,
Prokopis Pavlopoulos, said "Andreas Lentakis was a responsible
fighter in the struggle for the cementing of democratic
institutions as well as being distinguished for his general
contribution to our political life..."
[25] Anti-racism awards given
Athens, 21/03/1997 (ANA)
Several well-known personalities yesterday received the "SOS
Racism" award for outspoken defense of the rights of minorities.
Maria Damanaki, the former leader of the Coalition of the Left
and Progress (Synaspismos) party and a current deputy was among
the recipients at a ceremony yesterday at the Athens Bar
Association.
Other recipients included Leon Avdis, a Communist Party of
Greece (KKE) deputy, who was recognized for his support of
Kurdish refugees and defense of foreigners, as well as Minos
Mordechai, a stockbroker who rejected claims that Albanians were
to blame for the robbery of his house late last year.
[26] Anti-Racism Day observed
Athens, 21/03/1997 (ANA)
On the occasion of World Anti-Racism Day today, Labor and Social
Security Minister Miltiades Papaioannou said yesterday that the
day "is not an excuse to recognize the equal opportunities of
all people or to condemn discrimination against certain groups
or nationalities."
"It is the corroboration of all we advocate as conscious members
of a democratic society for the respect of the freedom, labor,
life and dignity of all people who have a place on planet earth.
"The recognition of fundamental rights and the respect of the
difference in color, language or culture of our fellow people is
the only prerequisite for the peaceful cohabitation of peoples."
Public Order Minister George Romeos attributed during an
interview with the Athens News Agency an increase in racism to
the presence of a large number of foreigners in the country and
the contribution of some of them to higher crime rates.
The minister added that the media also contributes to the
climate of xenophobia, as some media outlets often do not
hesitate to attribute all the ills of Greek society to
foreigners.
Main opposition New Democracy party leader Miltiades Evert
yesterday issued a statement on the occasion of World
Anti-Racism Day.
"In a time which we want to describe as the most civilized in
human history, the proliferation of racist theories and behavior
in modern society is a black spot," he said.
"The duty of each civilized society today is the effort to
ensure social cohesion and stability," he said, calling for
efforts to be coordinated in order "for our society to be ready
to face the challenges of the future, without losing its moral
principles and its soul," he added.
[27] Another 'Teenagers' Parliament' to be held this year
Athens, 21/03/1997 (ANA)
Three hundred and fifty high school students, 300 from Greek
schools and 50 from schools in Cyprus and other countries, will
participate this year in the "Teenagers' Parliament", which will
convene for a second year.
According to a statement by Parliament President Apostolos
Kaklamanis yesterday, students entitled to participate in the
second session of the Teenagers' Parliament are the 148,825
students attending the second grade of public and private senior
high schools, as well as students of the last grade of technical
and vocational schools.
Mr. Kaklamanis presented a special edition of the Teenagers'
Parliament which constitutes an educational program which is
being implemented in co-operation with the education ministry.
End of English language section.
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