Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 97-11-28

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

ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No 1352), November 28, 1997

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

CONTENTS

[01] Simitis-Blair talks focus on Cyprus, disagree on Turkey's role

[02] ... Pangalos meets with Alternate Foreign Secretary Henderson

[03] Pangalos touches on EU-Turkey relations, Cyprus in CNN interview

[04] EU promises to consider Turkey's EU candidacy on equal basis

[05] Most EU citizens against Turkey's accession

[06] 'Hurriyet': Ankara to allow re-opening of Halki School of Theology

[07] Denktash question on CNN toward G. Papandreou

[08] Premier will brief party leaders on new NATO structure if requested

[09] Tsovolas briefed by Iraqi consul general

[10] Cyprus issue mediators meet in Paris

[11] ABNA conference in Thessaloniki

[12] EU to issue table on member-states harmonization

[13] 40 SPD Euro-MPs congratulate Simitis over Crete summit

[14] More than 68,000 new members enlist in PASOK

[15] Parliament to debate issue of allegedly rigged football matches

[16] Clubs' meeting

[17] Earthquakes off western Peloponnese

[18] Prosecutor in Balafas trial calls for conviction on weapons charge

[19] Greece repeats backing for simultaneous EU entry talks

[20] Greek equities end higher in scant trade

[21] Two more Greek banks join ATM system

[22] Six Greek deputies want to abolish bank penalty rates

[23] Greek companies' exhibition in FYROM

[24] Macedonia-Thrace Bank holiday loans

[25] Fanco projects shift of production to other Balkan nations

[26] Withholding tax system again the focus of debate

[27] Pensioners' demands rejected

[01] Simitis-Blair talks focus on Cyprus, disagree on Turkey's role

London, 28/11/1997 (ANA - S. Liarellis)

Following 90-minute talks with his British counterpart Tony Blair, Prime Minister Costas Simitis said Britain desires Turkey's participation, while the Greek side stressed that such preconditions do not exist because Turkey's participation necessitates acceptance of the rules governing the European Union.

Replying to questions by British reporters, Mr. Simitis said Greece accepts the need for co-operation between the EU and Turkey, however, on condition that the principles of international law are accepted, an issue which does not concern Turkey alone but all the countries of Europe.

Mr. Simitis expressed the view that there is time for the issue to be resolved if, of course, these general rules governing relations between all countries are accepted.

The two leaders also held lengthy talks on the Cyprus issue and reconfirmed the agreement that negotiations for the accession of the island republic to the EU must get underway, while a solution to the Cyprus issue is not a precondition because the two issues are not connected.

Mr. Blair told Mr. Simitis that during the British EU presidency, starting on January 1, negotiations for the accession of Cyprus to the EU will start, while referring to the political issue he said Britain agrees that UN resolutions must be implemented and negotiations must be conducted in this framework.

A large part of the discussion, which Mr. Simitis termed "very friendly", concerned developments in the EU and primarily the course towards Economic and Monetary Union (EMU), namely, whether criteria will be applied as anticipated by treaties, etc.

Mr. Simitis said that there was agreement with Britain on all these issues, as well as on the issue of the "Agenda 2000", while on the issue of EU enlargement Greece maintains that negotiations must start with all the candidate-countries, while Britain has the view that two phases must exist. However, there was agreement on that countries will not be excluded and there will be no distinctions.

Mr. Simitis said that it was agreed during the discussion on Balkan issues on that a message must be sent to countries in southeastern Europe that they constitute a part of Europe and that the course of Europe cannot exist without participation and link s with these countries.

Ideological issues were also discussed, Mr. Simitis said, which concern the course of the two countries' societies since, as he added, many common terms are used, such as modernization, center-left, etc. He said he also invited Mr. Blair to pay a visit to Greece.

Mr. Blair accepted, saying he'll come to Greece after the British EU presidency to present the positions he has supported and to enrich existing views on tackling the challenges of the future.

[02] ... Pangalos meets with Alternate Foreign Secretary Henderson

London, 28/11/1997 (ANA - L. Tsirigotakis)

Issues discussed primarily concerned the European Union and the prospects of the British EU presidency, starting in the new year.

[03] Pangalos touches on EU-Turkey relations, Cyprus in CNN interview

London, 28/11/1997 (ANA - L. Tsirigotakis)

Speaking on the program "This Morning," the Greek minister was asked when Greece would support Turkey's bid for membership of the EU.

"First of all, we took a unanimous decision just two days ago that Turkey will not join the EU in the near future for obvious reasons - its economic capabilities, its social structure and its political system," he said.

Mr. Pangalos stressed that the EU was not simply a common market but a joint enterprise built up over the years and aimed at creating a greater European community, something which was not so easy to achieve.

In reply to a question as to whether Turkey's joining the EU would bring about greater stability in the region, the minister said:

"I believe that Turkey could contribute positively to stability in the region if it began behaving like everyone else. By that, I mean, for example, that all of us in Europe have accepted the procedure of the International Court of Justice in The Hague... Turkey has not done that.

"Therefore, that is one of the things the Turks have to do if they do not want to be rejected. They must learn to live like everyone else in the EU."

Turning to the Cyprus issue, Mr. Pangalos observed that the independence of the Republic of Cyprus had been guaranteed by Turkey itself, Britain and Greece. However, asked why Greece did not use its influence in the region to resolve the issue, he said:

"...Cyprus has been invaded by the Turks, not by Greeks. This question should be put to the Turks."

"I have hopes for a way out if the United States, who is the major player in the region, since you mentioned (US presidential emissary Richard) Holbrooke earlier, uses its advantage with regard to military supplies and military aid and asks the Turks to move on the issue. Otherwise, the Turks will never move because they have nothing to lose and have gained everything they wanted. There is no reason, therefore, for them to compromise." Finally, questioned about Greece's prospects for joining the European Monetary Union, Mr. Pangalos said Greece was realistic about the issue.

"We could have planned to join in 2000 but we did not want to take dangerous steps which could have led to social unrest and political problems. Therefore, we set 2001 as our goal. We can do it... inflation this year will be below 5 per cent, next year it will be below 4 per cent and in 1999, the crucial year, we will have achieved our goals. That is what we are doing now. We hope we will be there with Britain, if Britain finds the political momentum to decide to do it."

[04] EU promises to consider Turkey's EU candidacy on equal basis

Istanbul, 28/11/1997 (ANA/AFP)

"We shall treat Turkey with the same criteria as the other prospective members," he said.

The statement came after the Turkish National Security Council sent a sort of ultimatum to the EU, saying that the Union would no longer be in Turkey's agenda if it does not secure a promise for future membership at the Luxembourg summit on Dec. 12 and 13.

"I hope this shall end in a way that is compatible with our expectations and the expectations of the EU," Mr. Cem said.

The two foreign ministers participated in talks lasting more than four hours between the prime ministers of the two countries, Mesut Yilmaz and Jean-Claude Juncker.

"We want to make it visible in a very substantial way that we consider Turkey a European country," Mr. Juncker said afterwards.

[05] Most EU citizens against Turkey's accession

Brussels, 28/11/1997 (ANA- G. Daratos)

The poll showed that 45 per cent of respondents were against, and 32 per cent in favor. Among Greeks, 13 per cent are in favor and 80 per cent against. Belgians and Germans are shown to be the other most ardent opponents.

Regarding Cyprus, 40 per cent of those questioned are in favor and 34 per cent against. The island republic occupies eighth place in the preferences of EU citizens regarding the membership of prospective members, after the Czech Republic, Hungary, Iceland, Malta, Norway, Poland and Switzerland.

[06] 'Hurriyet': Ankara to allow re-opening of Halki School of Theology

Istanbul, 28/11/1997 (ANA - A. Kourkoulas)

"Requests for the re-opening of the Theological School of Halki, which belongs to the Patriarchate of the Phanar, were discussed and evaluated," yesterday's edition of the newspaper reported. Members of the council did not reach a final decision, but consideration is interpreted as the "green light" for the re-opening of the school, located on the island of the same name in the Sea of Marmara, Hurriyet reported.

US President Bill Clinton is expected to discuss the issue with Turkish Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz when the latter visits Washington.

[07] Denktash question on CNN toward G. Papandreou

London, 28/11/1997 (ANA)

Mr. Papandreou, currently in London with Prime Minister Costas Simitis, was a guest on the show.

Focus of discussions were the Cyprus issue, Greek-Turkish relations and Cyprus' accession course for the European Union.

Mr. Papandreou called for the co-operation of Turkish Cypriots in Cyprus' accession to the EU.

Mr. Denktash, who phoned from Istanbul, reiterated Turkey's stance that the Cyprus problem should be resolved before the island republic joined the EU. He also said the reason for the Turkish invasion and occupation of the northern part of Cyprus could be traced back to events in 1963.

Mr. Papandreou replied that 1963 was a long time ago and that "we see the future in very different ways".

Cyprus' accession to the EU, he added, was very much in the interests of the Turkish Cypriots, who have not however asked to be part of the process.

"This is the important question which the Turkish Cypriots have to answer," he said.

"I am aware that many organizations and party leaders on the Turkish Cypriot side ardently support the approach to the European Union. However, the reason is that this division exists for 23 years and which has been imposed on the island by the Turkish troops. This is the answer to the question," Mr. Papandreou said.

"If we did not have this partitioning and if we did not have the Turkish troops to divide the island, Cyprus would certainly proceed towards the EU united," he added.

Mr. Papandreou said that as long as the troops remained on the island, the legitimate government of Cyprus, recognized by the United Nations and by all states except Turkey, was the one to negotiate (for membership).

He referred to Cypriot President Glafcos Clerides' proposal regarding the participation of Turkish Cypriots in the accession talks.

Mr. Denktash countered by reiterating that Cyprus had essentially been divided since 1963, and that for the Turkish Cypriots to participate in accession talks, their self-proclaimed state should first be recognized as an independent entity.

Mr. Papandreou countered with the view that he belonged to a different generation, one which wanted a united Cyprus.

"The challenge for the Turkish Cypriots is to choose whether they want to participate," he said.

"The Turks and Greeks can live together peacefully. Cyprus has been divided for 23 years. We have been waiting for a solution for 23 years but the time has arrived now for us to proceed towards the EU. And the challenge for the Turkish Cypriots is that t hey must choose whether they wish to participate. It is a great challenge for the Turkish Cypriot community in its entirety and I hope that it will be positive towards this prospect," he said.

[08] Premier will brief party leaders on new NATO structure if requested

Athens, 28/11/1997 (ANA)

Mr. Reppas clarified that Mr. Simitis will meet with which party leader requests this of him. In replying to a question on whether the government will hold a Parliamentary debate on the issue, he said no such decision has been taken.

Mr. Reppas was also asked if decisions on the content of NATO's new structure will be taken at the alliance's defense ministers' session on Wednesday and said the final decisions will still take time and that many more meetings will be held between officials. However, he added that the final stage has been reached.

[09] Tsovolas briefed by Iraqi consul general

Athens, 28/11/1997 (ANA)

Speaking to the press after his meeting with Iraqi diplomat Hazan Altayar, Mr. Tsovolas said "the deprivation of medicines and basic foodstuffs faced by the people of Iraq proves that some great powers of the west lack compassion."

He also called on the international community and organizations to intervene in order to stop what he called the callousness and to allow the immediate supply of non-combatants with food and medicines.

[10] Cyprus issue mediators meet in Paris

Athens, 28/11/1997 (ANA)

He said he had no further details as to what was discussed. The important thing for Greece, Mr. Reppas observed, was that there was activity on the issue.

Asked to comment on statements by Turkish Foreign Minister Ismail Cem regarding a possible plan for a "double accession" to the European Union by Cyprus, with the Turkish Cypriots joining separately, Mr. Reppas said:

"Initiatives undertaken by the mediators on the Cyprus issue are within the framework set out in UN resolutions and the summit meetings of 1977 and 1979. Whoever raises issues that do not come under that specific framework only undermine any solution to the Cyprus issue," he said, adding: "The bi-zonal, bi-communal solution is that which has been accepted by all sides. Mr. Cem's statements regarding a double accession to the EU only harm the interests of Turkey and the Turkish Cypriots."

[11] ABNA conference in Thessaloniki

Athens, 28/11/1997 (ANA)

Among others, issues discussed concerned a proposal by the Thessaloniki-based Macedonian News Agency (MNA) for the creation of a satellite communication channel between the Balkan news agencies and the possibility of ABNA taking on new members. MNA currently holds the ABNA presidency.

The meeting was attended by the general directors of Anadolu (Turkey) Mechmet Guler; the Athens News Agency, Andreas Christodoulides; ATA (Albania), Frrok Cupi; BIP (Bulgaria), Stefan Velev; MNA, Spyros Kouzinopoulos; ROMPRES (Romania), Constantin Badea; TANJUG (Federal Republic of Yugoslavia), Zoran Jevdjovic and assistant general director Maria Velkovska.

[12] EU to issue table on member-states harmonization

Brussels, 28/11/1997 (ANA- M. Spinthourakis)

This table will include data on the number of violations (warnings, opinions, sentences by the European Court, non-compliance with its decisions), as well as delays in answers to letters of the European Commission.

National Economy Under-secretary Alekos Baltas represented Greece in the council session.

[13] 40 SPD Euro-MPs congratulate Simitis over Crete summit

Bonn, 28/11/1997 (ANA - P. Stangos)

The text of their address, dated Nov. 5, 1997, was publicized yesterday in Bonn. It was signed by the head of the SPD Euro-MPs in Strasbourg, Willy Gerlach.

[14] More than 68,000 new members enlist in PASOK

Athens, 28/11/1997 (ANA)

Based on the 150,000 members PASOK previously listed, the new members represent a 40 per cent increase, assuming that veteran members will renew their membership cards, he said. The deadline for the new membership drive is Dec. 31, while PASOK's leaders hip expects more members to sign up.

In reference to a proposal by Athens Mayor Demetris Avramopoulos for a joint PASOK-New Democracy candidate in next year's Athens municipality race, Mr. Skandalidis rejected the idea, saying an Avrampoulos candidacy would in no way be PASOK's choice.

[15] Parliament to debate issue of allegedly rigged football matches

Athens, 28/11/1997 (ANA)

"It is a common belief among supporters that the championships in all divisions and the team standings are not judged on the pitch but are cooked up in backstage deals," the statement reads.

"Every Sunday fans witness appalling mistakes by referees, which, of course, are not human mistakes, and in most cases influence the outcome of crucial matches," the statement added.

Three players and a policeman were slightly injured during a violent flare up after the Ionikos-Olympiakos match last Monday, when fans invaded the pitch.

Commenting, government spokesman Demetris Reppas described the claims in the statement as exaggerated and unfounded by evidence, promising that they would be looked into and any blame due apportioned.

He also said that a broad meeting including sports officials and representatives of the public order and justice ministries, and called by Sports Under-secretary Andreas Fouras yesterday, was in the context of such efforts.

The closed meeting was also attended by 17 of the 18 first division soccer club chairmen, with the exception of Giorgos Vardinoyiannis, from the Panathinaikos club.

The Communist Party (KKE) parliamentary spokesman Stratis Korakas, meanwhile, protested that "the deputies of the other parties did not ask KKE to co-sign the statement," and reminded that eight deputies of his party had already tabled a relevant quest ion, which "did not cover the whole subject superficially, but drew attention to the economic and political practices of the big-time soccer interests, but also the government's responsibilities".

[16] Clubs' meeting

Athens, 28/11/1997 (ANA)

These include that sports justice will be conducted by civil judges, strict application of existing legislation, and that referees will acquire professional status.

It was also decided to place emphasis on prevention and effective policing through the installation of closed-circuit television on football grounds, beginning with the Olympic and the AEK stadiums in Athens, as well as stricter controls on fans on their way to the grounds. Penalties for fans arrested will also be stiffened.

[17] Earthquakes off western Peloponnese

Athens, 28/11/1997 (ANA)

The Athens Geodynamic Institute said the first quake at 4:27 a.m. measured 5.2 on the Richter scale and the second quake, at 6:29 a.m., measured 5.3 Richter.

Earlier in the day, the Patras University Seismology Laboratory had given magnitudes of 4.5 and 4.7 Richter respectively.

There were no immediate reports of damage.

The epicenters were in the same region that produced a 6.6 Richter quake on November 18.

[18] Prosecutor in Balafas trial calls for conviction on weapons charge

Athens, 28/11/1997 (ANA)

Mr. Balafas is charged with involvement in the assassination of prosecutor Georgios Theophanopoulos and a bloody supermarket robbery that resulted in one death.

He was also accused of being a member of the shadowy "Antistate Struggle" terrorist group since the early 1980s, keeping weapons used in the attacks in an apartment rented under his name.

"His initial participation in the group does not necessarily prove his participation in the crimes. But there is no doubt that he consciously accepted to keep the weapons," said the prosecutor.

Mr. Balafas himself denied all charges, saying that he never rented the flat himself.

[19] Greece repeats backing for simultaneous EU entry talks

London, 28/11/1997 (ANA - L. Tsirigotakis)

"When the decision is taken on enlargement negotiations, it should concern all candidate countries, " Mr. Pangalos told the BBC in an interview.

The EU's executive Commission recommended in July that Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Slovenia and Estonia, five of 10 eastern European candidates, could begin accession talks in April 1998 along with Cyprus. But it said the other five candidates - Latvia, Lithuania, Slovakia, Bulgaria and Romania - still had much ground to cover in the transition to a market economy and should await a second round of enlargement talks.

"Regardless of whether there are two speeds for accession, Greece believes that positive political messages should also be given to Bulgaria and Romania, that they, too, will become members," Mr. Pangalos said.

Difficulties could arise from enlargement, mainly stemming from the economic cost of accession, although the prospects would improve for trade and communications, he added.

Brushing off a question on a possible reduction of net benefits from EU funds due to enlargement, Mr. Pangalos said equality among member states was the primary issue, and all would continue to benefit from EU funds. Asked whether Greece would veto the membership of other candidates, such as Hungary, over hitches in Cyprus' accession, Mr. Pangalos said the EU had already set a date for the start of talks with Cyprus, which was ready to take part in economic and monetary union.

[20] Greek equities end higher in scant trade

Athens, 28/11/1997 (ANA)

Sector indices rose across the board. Banks gained 0.08 percent, Insurance increased 1.14 percent, Leasing edged up 0.26 percent, Investment rose 1.79 percent,

Construction crept up 0.55 percent, Industrials soared 2.11 percent, Miscellaneous increased 1.37 percent and Holding jumped 3.13 percent.

The parallel market for smaller cap stocks finished 2.51 percent higher. Of 232 stocks traded 129 advanced and 78 declined with 25 remaining unchanged. Recording the largest percentage gains were Mouriadis, Klonatex (preferred), Metrolife, Elve Apparel and Klaoudatos, which all ended at or near the eight percent upper volatility limit.

The day's biggest losers were Balkan Export (preferred), Agrinio Metals and Plastics, Viosol (preferred), Tzirakian Profil (preferred), which closed at or near limit down at eight percent.

Among blue chips National Bank of Greece finished at 25,350 drachmas, Ergobank at 14,900, Alpha Credit Bank at 16,580, Delta Dairy (common) at 3,320, Titan Cement (common) at 12,600, and Intracom (common) at 13,000.

[21] Two more Greek banks join ATM system

Athens, 28/11/1997 (ANA)

[22] Six Greek deputies want to abolish bank penalty rates

Athens, 28/11/1997 (ANA)

The deputies - Leonidas Tzannis, Anastasios Saatzoglou, Ioannis Kourakis, Panagiotis Tsertikidis, Ioannis Thomopoulos and Demetrios Georgopoulos - argued that the imposition of penalty rates had led to widespread social problems among borrowers who were unable to make repayments for reasons beyond their control.

The amendment is expected to be debated in parliament next week.

[23] Greek companies' exhibition in FYROM

Athens, 28/11/1997 (ANA)

Mr. Kourtis thanked the director of Skopje's exhibition center, Tome Talefski, for his help and co-operation in organizing the event, and said "the first indications of the interest exhibited by Skopje businessmen show that the results will vindicate our efforts".

Additional events include a performance of Sophocles' "Ajax" at the city's theater on Dec. 4, a forum on business co-operation on the same day and a fashion show the next day.

[24] Macedonia-Thrace Bank holiday loans

Athens, 28/11/1997 (ANA)

[25] Fanco projects shift of production to other Balkan nations

Athens, 28/11/1997 (ANA)

During 1997 the company transferred 65 per cent of its cutting and sewing production to Bulgaria and Albania. A total of 80 per cent of these activities will be transferred by the end of the program.

[26] Withholding tax system again the focus of debate

Athens, 28/11/1997 (ANA)

He said the stance emanates from the fact that the government believes that what is of primary importance is the debate on the content of the budget."

Mr. Papantoniou insisted that taxation issues must be discussed when the relevant bill is submitted in Parliament and whatever proposals will be examined then.

Earlier, Finance Under-secretary George Drys had replied to accusations by the main opposition New Democracy party on "a change in the government's position and course following intraparty reactions."

Mr. Drys accused ND of "resorting to crocodile tears", adding that "nothing is more untrue that what is being claimed."

He reiterated what Mr. Papantoniou had stated on Wednesday, namely, that as of Jan. 1, 1998, every month and on a 14-month basis (bonuses are included) only the amount corresponding to the taxpayer will be withheld.

[27] Pensioners' demands rejected

Athens, 28/11/1997 (ANA)

He told the representatives of the pensioners' organizations' coordinating committee that the taxation issue is closed.

Earlier, pensioners organized a protest rally in downtown Kaningos Square and then marched to the national economy ministry.

The demonstrators' claims focused on an increase in the tax-free amount for salary earners and low-pension earners as well as an increase in pensions to equal 20 daily wages or 80 per cent of a monthly salary. The pensioners' representatives termed the meeting with Mr. Papantoniou "fruitless" and said they will continue their efforts.

End of English language section.

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