Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 97-04-22

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

ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No 1170), April 22, 1997

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

CONTENTS

[01] Simitis, Klima talks ascertain coincidence of views on most issues

[02] Stephanopoulos lauds CoE for its support of human rights, reaction to military junta

[03] Turkish reactions

[04] G. Papandreou addresses letter to Dutch FM concerning 'committee of experts'

[05] Greece dismisses as 'ludicrous' Turkish comments on Gavdos

[06] Gov't comments on letter by 32 PASOK deputies concerning Greek-Turkish relations

[07] Gov't message on anniversary of military coup

[08] Education ministry unveils plan to reach drop-outs

[09] Romanian agriculture minister on official visit to Greece

[10] Group to begin information campaign against Schengen

[11] Gov't cites difficulties in Greek-Italian co-operation over Albania mission

[12] Stolen coast guard patrol vessel returned

[13] Gov't on Cyprus overflights issue

[14] Papariga says Gov't attempting dialogue that will partition Aegean

[15] Ecumenical Patriarchate services on the Internet

[16] EU Transport ministers discuss peripheral countries

[17] Encouraging estimates announced for '97 tourist season

[18] Several conferences set to be held in Crete

[19] Funds approved for Kavala port

[20] Bank of Greece sources cite importance of monetary stability

[21] Karamanlis asks for Parliament debate on economy

[22] GSEE alternate secretary general calls for comprehensive proposals by group

[23] Farmers charge persecution

[24] KKE criticizes Gov't on 'social dialogue'

[25] Steam engine line to run on old Athens-Lavrio rail line

[01] Simitis, Klima talks ascertain coincidence of views on most issues

Vienna, 22/04/1997 (ANA - D. Dimitrakoudis)

The talks centered on the Intergovernmental Conference (IGC). Both sides stated their belief that the federal character of the EU must be maintained, and for this reason small countries, such as Greece and Austria, must continue to play their current role.

Mr. Simitis stressed that he and the Austrian chancellor had agre-ed that the particular attention paid to economic indicators today should not be restricted only to them.

"There must be a new effort for employment and a relevant chapter, as well as relevant policies, in the new Treaty," he said.

Regarding Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) and the negotiations for enlargement, both men agreed that the same rules must apply to the two groups of countries that may join at different times.

Concerning issues related to a common external and defense policy, on which Austria has a tradition of a neutral stand, Messrs. Klima and Simitis agreed that the whole plexus of issues must be examined in the context of a new world order, and the EU must determine its identity with regard to them.

The prime minister also said that they discussed issues related to Turkey and Ankara's relations with the EU, as well as the Cyprus issue, establishing that there must be respect for international law and treaties.

Mr. Simitis said that progress in Turkey-EU relations, to be discussed at a scheduled EU Association Council meeting on 28-29 April in Luxembourg, would depend on Ankara agreeing to renounce the use of violence, conform to International Law provisions and state that it would refer all its claims and demands to the International Court at The Hague.

In an earlier interview with the ANA, and regarding negotiations for Cypriot EU membership, the Austrian Chancellor said his country supports the start of negotiations with prospective members six months after the end of the IGC, in accordance with decisions reached at EU summits.

Mr. Klima has already expressed the view that a considerable boost in bilateral co-operation is possible, particularly in the economic sector, with possible involvement of third countries, be it in eastern Europe or other markets.

If there is a delay in the IGC's sessions, the first phase of Cyprus' accession negotiations is expected to fall within the Austrian presidency of the EU, during the second half of 1998.

Mr. Simitis, who is accompanied by Foreign Under-secretary Yiannos Kranidiotis, also met with Austrian President Thomas Klestil, as well as Vice-Chancellor and Foreign Minister Wolfgang Schuessel. The prime minister is leaving on a working visit to Germany tomorrow.

[02] Stephanopoulos lauds CoE for its support of human rights, reaction to military junta

Strasbourg, 22/04/1997 (ANA - G. Zarkadis)

"I come before the Council of Europe with great respect, an organization defending the great ideals of democracy, individual and social rights, as well as peaceful cohabitation and co-operation among countries," he said.

President Stephanopoulos said modern-day Greece "nurses special adherence to the principles of the citizen's rights and without reserve honors human rights."

Commenting on the question of minorities, he placed special emphasis on the attention Greece pays to the issue of the rights of the Moslem minority in western Thrace.

He said the minority fully enjoys all privileges related to the teaching of the Turkish language and the exercising of Islamic worship under the 1923 Lausanne Treaty. He further said these privileges exceed those recognized for minorities by international agreements.

Mr. Stephanopoulos said the Moslem minority in western Thrace is the only Moslem group all over Europe, including Turkey, which is governed by the Islam law "Sharia", in connection with issues regarding family and inheritance. He added that the law was applied by the minority's religious leaders, the muftis, who are invested with certain judicial and administrative duties.

"Greece would be pleased if its neighbors equally honored their corresponding commitments towards the Greek minority. Had this been the case, its members in Constantinople (Istanbul) l would have been more than the Moslems in Thrace, who currently number 115 to 120,000, instead of totaling only 2,000 people, mostly elderly. This terrible shrinking is the result of repeated and violent persecutions which they experienced during the years between 1955 and 1964 and the state of fear under which they live, as also mentioned in the reports of the Helsinki Watch organization. Likewise, the Greek population on the islands of Imvros and Tenedos, instead of being limited to 200 to 300 elderly people, would amount today to about 10,000 people and would enjoy the special status of administrative autonomy anticipated by Article 14 of the Treaty of Lausanne.

"In addition, the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the center of Orthodox Christians around the world, would not have been obliged to close its printing office and its academy of theology," he said.

President Stephanopoulos said that Greece, being a Balkan country, is particularly concerned by developments in the Balkans and especially by recent events in Albania, as well as by difficulties faced by countries such as Romania and Bulgaria in passing to a free market economy, adding that these countries should be supported by European Union programs.

Referring to Greek-Turkish relations, he said that peaceful coexistence in southeastern Europe is threatened by "the systematic refusal of Turkey to accept existing international law."

"Another well-known example of arbitrariness is Turkey's position in Cyprus, where Turkish troops have been occupying the northern part of the Republic of Cyprus for 20 years," he added.

He said Greece wishes a normalization in its relations with Turkey, adding that this wish "cannot reach the point of waiving rights of a sovereign nature recognized for it by international law".

"Greece has proposed a step-by-step process which, through resorting to the international court at The Hague, would certainly lead to a normalization of relations," he added.

"As you can realize Greece is faced with overt disputes and threats, is reacting mildly and is proposing the course of logic which is certainly that of justice. If Turkey believes that it is in the right on the issue of the continental shelf and on that of the status concerning the Imia islets, let it seek this right at the international court at The Hague," he said.

President Stephanopoulos said the political union of Europe will be successfully built if it follows the direction leading beyond the national state, but respects the particular national, religious and cultural characteristics of each member-state.

He also referred to the problem of racism, "which is again threatening Europe", saying that "being different, belonging to a different group, whatever it may be, cannot be a cause for discriminations."

[03] Turkish reactions

Athens, 22/04/1997 (ANA)

Replying to other questions concerning the expansion of the NATO alliance, President Stephanopoulos said each country must take its own decisions on its defense. However, he explained that NATO must take Russia's concerns into consideration.

Mr. Stephanopoulos, who is accompanied by Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos, held private meetings with the President of the Council of Europe's Parliamentary Assembly, Lenni Fischer, Secretary-General Daniel Tarschys and the mayor of Strasbourg.

In a statement to the ANA, Ms Fischer said her meeting with President Stephanopoulos was very positive. Addressing the president of the republic, she praised the role of Greece in the Balkans towards consolidating peace and stability.

[04] G. Papandreou addresses letter to Dutch FM concerning 'committee of experts'

Athens, 22/04/1997 (ANA)

According to reports, after the letter was conveyed, Mr. Papandreou and Mr. van Mierlo had a telephone conversation during which, as the reports stated, the Dutch foreign minister said he will co-operate with both sides (Greek and Turkish) to achieve a positive outcome to the issue of the committee.

Reports said that Mr. Papandreou "clarified" that the issue of the committee of experts is a procedural issue and that an improvement in Greek-Turkish relations depends on the known preconditions and terms set by Athens, namely, that Turkey lift its threats of war against Greece and recognize international agreements on the Aegean.

[05] Greece dismisses as 'ludicrous' Turkish comments on Gavdos

Athens, 22/04/1997 (ANA)

He said that the statement, which appeared in an interview with the Istanbul daily "Cumhurriyet," cannot "constitute the subject of serious discussion" in the context of political co-operation.

"A good climate is promoted through deeds and words proving that all sides are seeking friendship and co-operation," he added.

[06] Gov't comments on letter by 32 PASOK deputies concerning Greek-Turkish relations

Athens, 22/04/1997 (ANA)

He was commenting on a letter the deputies had sent to Prime Minister Costas Simitis protesting what they called the government's "acceptance of a dialogue between Greece and Turkey".

The government, he added, was defending the nation's interests in a positive way and needed no reminder from third parties.

Mr. Reppas reiterated that Greece's sovereign rights were not an issue for dialogue or negotiation.

Asked whether the issue would be discussed by collective bodies, the spokesman said discussion in the absence of any specific developments would be premature, and that the government would make its final decisions once the effort being made by the Dutch presidency of the European Union finalized.

[07] Gov't message on anniversary of military coup

Athens, 22/04/1997 (ANA)

Referring to the military coup in Greece on April 21, 1967, Mr. Reppas said democratic institutions function today and individual rights and liberties are respected.

In an announcement on the 30th anniversary of the imposition of the military dictatorship, PASOK issued an announcement reminding citizens of the obligation not to forget who plunged Greece into anachronism and darkness for seven whole years and stopped , in a painful way for the Greek people, the course towards European development.

"We possess a modern national strategy, capable and effective in defending our national interests, guaranteeing recovery with social cohesion and justice and safeguarding the country's successful course and prospect for the year 2000," it added.

Coalition of the Left and Progress leader Nikos Constantopoulos said the country is not in danger of military coups at present, but is experiencing the consequences of its weakening and desensitizing by the moral and political crisis which does not allow institutions to organize and express the people's will effectively.

In announcement by the Athens Journalists Union (ESHEA), the group expressed appreciation for all who were persecuted, tortured and exiled and who gave their lives for the overthrow of the dictatorship.

[08] Education ministry unveils plan to reach drop-outs

Athens, 22/04/1997 (ANA)

The minister said that about 10 per cent of pupils interrupt their studies and do not complete the compulsory nine years of education. The program will be implemented in co-operation with local authorities.

[09] Romanian agriculture minister on official visit to Greece

Athens, 22/04/1997 (ANA)

[10] Group to begin information campaign against Schengen

Athens, 22/04/1997 (ANA)

The committee today will address letters to trade union organizations, stressing the consequences that ratification of the accord will have on Greek workers.

Committee members said at a gathering yesterday that the relevant draft bill "is one of the most undemocratic ever to come to Parliament, legalizing for the first time the keeping of files by private centers, and giving the right of transfer of this information to centers outside Greece".

They referred to provisions of the draft bill "allowing the gathering and processing of information concerning political beliefs, health and religious persuasion - even a citizen's personal life, either with his/ her acquiescence, or in order to serve national security needs (without specifying them), or following permission from a supposedly independent authority, which, however, is appointed by the government and is directly controlled by it".

[11] Gov't cites difficulties in Greek-Italian co-operation over Albania mission

Athens, 22/04/1997 (ANA)

"We want a more substantial co-operation in order to overcome problems and speed up our pace so that we will be able to respond to our role," Mr. Reppas said, adding that Greek-Italian co-operation was developing under "difficult conditions".

Meanwhile, another 520 Greek troops left Thessaloniki yesterday aboard the Hellenic Navy transport vessels "Samos" and "Hios" to participate in the multinational peace force. They are expected to arrive in either Durres or Vlore on Wednesday morning, de pending on orders from the Italian command. The ships are also carrying 92 military vehicles.

Two other Greek companies arrived in Albania last week, one by air to Tirana and the other aboard the "Samos", which was to have docked in Vlore but was redirected to Durres. These troops were transported overland from Durres to Fieri where they are awaiting the go-ahead to proceed to Vlore.

National Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos is to visit the troops in Albania on April 28.

Meanwhile, Defense Under-secretary Dimitris Apostolakis, who saw the troops off yesterday, said the Greek mission would remain neutral and impartial and will not interfere in Albania's internal affairs. The purpose of the mission, he reiterated, was to oversee the distribution of humanitarian aid.

In a related development, a Hellenic Air Force C-130 transport plane left for Tirana yesterday carrying the first installment of 18 tons of food and medical aid. The remainder is expected to be delivered over the next few days.

[12] Stolen coast guard patrol vessel returned

Athens, 22/04/1997 (ANA)

The vessel was surrendered by suspected members of an Albanian organized crime gang, following the intervention of Albanian Human Rights Party deputy Thomas Mitsos and the leader of the insurgents in Sarande, "Cevat".

The vessel was towed toward Corfu, and was scheduled to be delivered to port officials in international waters last night.

In a related development, government spokesman Dimitris Reppas also commented on the vessel's theft from Preveza, saying that Athens had not considered launching a military operation for its retrieval.

[13] Gov't on Cyprus overflights issue

Athens, 22/04/1997 (ANA)

He added that the exercise does not include such flights, but there is no moratorium in force or restriction.

[14] Papariga says Gov't attempting dialogue that will partition Aegean

Athens, 22/04/1997 (ANA)

KKE considers "that this particular dialogue the government is attempting is an integral part of a well-known US-NATO plan which foresees the partition of the Aegean... the elimination of national borders and the Americanization of the Aegean."

Speaking on Greece's participation in the multinational force for Albania, Ms Papariga claimed the mission does not serve charitable purposes, and that a battle is being waged for zones of influence.

"There will be serious side-effects for both the Albanian and the Greek people... we may even have catastrophes."

Referring to Sunday's elections in Bulgaria, Ms Papariga described the center-right's victory as negative.

Main opposition New Democracy party leader Costas Karamanlis yesterday sent congratulations to the president of the Bulgarian Union of Democratic Forces, Ivan Kostov.

[15] Ecumenical Patriarchate services on the Internet

Athens, 22/04/1997 (ANA)

The extracts will be broadcast via the Ecumenical Patriarchate's Internet server, operating since last February.

Georgios Anogeianakis, a professor of the Thessaloniki University, which is responsible for the linkup, stressed the importance of the broadcast, saying it has "primary religious significance as it is very important for Orthodoxy to enter every place on Earth and touch members of the same religion and of other religions. But there is also the social dimension, as all Orthodox churches all over the world, are liked through the Internet.

More than 20,000 people have visited the server site. The address is http://www.epnet.gr

The site includes manuscripts and 103 icons which can be reproduced.

[16] EU Transport ministers discuss peripheral countries

Berlin, 22/04/1997 (ANA - G. Tzortzakis)

Transport Minister Haris Kastanidis agreed to a rise in transit dues through peripheral countries to central Europe, on condition that account is taken of the relevant transport cost.

He also asked for financial support on issues of infrastructure and modernization of the fleets of peripheral countries, particularly those of eastern Europe.

Mr. Kastanidis defended the Greek plan for "axis 10", which will connect Germany with Thessaloniki through Croatia, Yugoslavia and FYROM, asking that it be declared a high priority. He also called for the promotion of the use of new technology vehicles and emphasis on the development of railways.

[17] Encouraging estimates announced for '97 tourist season

Athens, 22/04/1997 (ANA)

Tour operators based in Germany cited encouraging messages regarding an increase in arrivals from that country, expected to rise by roughly 7 to 10 per cent. The main destinations appear to be Crete, Rhodes, Halkidiki, Mykonos and Santorini. Corfu, however, appears to be facing problems, due to the crisis in neighboring Albania.

A slight increase of British tourists has also been predicted. This is thought to be partly due to the appreciation of the pound sterling against the drachma, making the Greek tourist package cheaper.

Visitors from Scandinavian countries are expected to total approximately 1,040,000, up from 1,024,000 last year.

In 1996, 20 per cent more Americans visited Greece than in the previous year, and a similar increase is expected for 1997. Preferred destinations for US tourists are Athens, Santorini, Mykonos, Crete, Rhodes and northern Greece.

Half of all American visitors to Greece are from the US East Coast, 30 per cent are from the central US and 20 per cent from the West Coast. The average American tourist spends 13 days in the country and spends 450,000 drachmas, excluding the price of t he holiday package.

For the first time since 1990, Canadians are expected to return to Greece in the same numbers. The original prediction of a 14 per cent increase in arrivals from Canada has already been exceeded - 75 per cent of charter flight seats of the two largest Canadian tour operators have already been sold.

[18] Several conferences set to be held in Crete

Athens, 22/04/1997 (ANA)

Meanwhile, the German tour operator TUI is to present its international program to 2,500 travel agents on Crete in October, following an agreement reached between Mr. Skoulas and TUI's consultant director.

The Golf Federation is also expected to hold its international conference this November in Crete, where EOT is planning to create four golf courses.

Mr. Skoulas has called on the heads of EOT offices abroad to invite large foreign tourist organizations to hold events in Greece.

[19] Funds approved for Kavala port

Athens, 22/04/1997 (ANA)

"The (EU) Community has not funded the project with the particular amount, and so the environment, town planning and public works ministry has ensured it from state funds, in order for the port, considered of national importance, to be completed," he said.

The relevant EU committee had ruled that "the project is not of immediate necessity" and withheld the funds. This delayed construction work on the new port.

[20] Bank of Greece sources cite importance of monetary stability

Athens, 22/04/1997 (ANA)

The same sources said inflation is expected to drop to 4.5 per cent by the end of the year. They added that a further drop in inflation would be pursued next year with inflation projected to fall to 3 per cent in 1998.

Those statements were made a day before Bank of Greece Governor Loukas Papadimos is due to present a report on Greece's monetary policy.

Achieving monetary stability is one of the conditions which Greece has to meet in order to participate in the European Monetary Union (EMU).

[21] Karamanlis asks for Parliament debate on economy

Athens, 22/04/1997 (ANA)

He said that despite certain encouraging signs, such as a fall in inflation, the general course of the economy presents serious problems, namely, considerable shortfalls in revenue, explosive deficits on the part of public utilities, inadequate utilization of EU funds, significant growth in current account deficits as well as the lack of decisive structural interventions.

Furthermore, Mr. Karamanlis accused the government of "engaging in short-term economic management leading the economy to deadlock, of not seriously pursuing a policy of privatization, and strengthening the economy's international competitiveness through investments in infrastructure."

Finally, he noted that problems cannot be solved through new tax measures, but through substantive institutional measures for the strengthening of the economy's developmental prospects.

[22] GSEE alternate secretary general calls for comprehensive proposals of group

Athens, 22/04/1997 (ANA)

Mr. Kalyvis criticized the labor groupings PASKE, DAKE and ESAK (affiliated to the ruling PASOK, the main opposition New Democracy party and the Communist Party of Greece, respectively) for delaying the discussion of social dialogue at GSEE.

Mr. Kalyvis proposed a draft agreement by GSEE containing an in principle position on social dialogue stressing that the government's proposal has serious omissions on such issues as macro-economic policy, the taxation issue and the insurance system.

[23] Farmers charge persecution

Athens, 22/04/1997 (ANA)

The coordinating committee of Thessaly farmers has called for a meeting on the issue next week in Larisa, to which they have invited representatives of attorneys' unions in Athens, Larisa and Thessaloniki.

They have also decided to send a delegation to Parliament on May 9 to brief political parties on their problems and to hold a press conference. A rally is to be held outside the Larisa courthouse where on May 23, the committee itself as well as individual farmers are to go on trial.

[24] KKE criticizes Gov't on 'social dialogue'

Athens, 22/04/1997 (ANA)

Ms Papariga called on the workers to obstruct the dialogue and to leave discussions to the government and employers.

The KKE leader launched a stinging attack against the government and called on trade unions to follow suit.

"The best form of defense is attack," Ms Papariga said, adding that "objectively, workers are called on to defend themselves. We say they should defend themselves and counter-attack. There is no other solution."

[25] Steam engine line to run on old Athens-Lavrio rail line

Athens, 22/04/1997 (ANA)

The initiative for re-opening the line was taken by the "Friends of the Railway" group. In co-operation with the Kalyvia community, the group repaired the four kilometer-long stretch of tracks. They aim to eventually connect the area of Markopoulo with Lavrio through the steam train.

The effort, funded by the environment, town planning and public works ministry aims to inform the public on the establishment of this environmentally-friendly means of transport.

The official opening of the line is scheduled to take place in Kalyvia on May 1.

End of English language section.

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