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Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 98-02-16
From: The Greek Press & Information Office, Ottawa Canada <grnewsca@sympatico.ca>
ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No 1417), February 16, 1998
Greek Press & Information Office
Ottawa, Canada
E-Mail Address: grnewsca@sympatico.ca
CONTENTS
[01] Clerides re-elected president of Cyprus in close election
[02] ... Simitis message
[03] ... Cook
[04] Farmers temporarily lift roadblocks, to meet with party leaders
[05] ... KKE
[06] ... Constantopoulos
[07] Pontic Hellenism Museum inaugurated by Stephanopoulos
[08] Minor quake in Messiniakos Gulf
[09] Primakov arrives in Athens for official visit
[10] Tsohatzopoulos on official visit to Egypt
[11] Euro-MP Roumeliotis concludes visit to Albania
[12] Karamanlis says radical changes needed to achieve EMU convergence
[13] Voting in ND elections
[14] Protest held against installation of Macedonia Airport radar
[15] Former minister Mylonas dies
[16] PASOK conference on ideology concludes
[17] Former ND minister Andrianopoulos on gov't prospects
[18] ... Bakoyianni
[19] Goatherd strangles wolf
[01] Clerides re-elected president of Cyprus in close election
Nicosia, 16/02/1998 (ANA - G. Leonidas/CNA)
Glafcos Clerides was re-elected president of Cyprus yesterday
with 50.8 per cent of the vote, against rival George Iacovou's
49.2 per cent, with the total number of votes having been
counted.
Following his win in the run-off presidential election, Mr.
Clerides called for unity, calm and consensus.
In a message read by Foreign Minister Ioannis Kassoulides, Mr.
Clerides said "these are times of unity. We should all give our
hands because serious developments in the Cyprus problem lay
ahead of us."
"Tonight, there are no winners and losers," he stressed, calling
on supporters to reach out to all citizens of the Republic, from
all parties, with love, friendship and co-operation.
"Tonight, all Cypriots are patriots, they all love their country
and they will work together in unity for the reunification of
Cyprus," the re-elected president added.
Mr. Iacovou, conceding defeat, described the result of the
elections as "honorable", saying however, that the race was
unequal.
Mr. Iacovou told reporters last night he phoned Mr. Clerides
personally and congratulated him on his re-election. He also
congratulated Mr. Clerides in public, describing the
pre-election race as tough and lengthy.
Mr. Iacovou then thanked the leadership and members of the
left-wing AKEL and Center-Right Democratic Party parties for
their support, as well as his associates, and all those who
voted for him even though they belonged to different parties.
Mr. Iacovou also referred to the way the election was held. "We
chose to give a battle on principles, positions and proposals",
said Mr. Clerides' opponent, adding that he hoped "whatever was
not mentioned before the elections will be heard from now on."
Mr. Iacovou also said that he would be "present in all future
struggles" of Cyprus.
Mr. Clerides, 78, won 40.06 per cent of the vote in the first
round last week and was backed in the second round by the
right-wing Democratic Rally party, the United Democrats, the New
Horizons party, the Liberal Party and Alexis Galanos, who broke
ranks with the Democratic Party, after his party supported Mr.
Iacovou.
On his part, Mr. Iacovou, 60, polled 40.61 per cent of the vote
last week and was backed by the left-wing AKEL party and the
center-right Democratic Party. The new president was announced
at midnight by Chief Returning Officer Thanos Michael at the
indoor stadium "Eleftheria" (Freedom) in Nicosia.
[02] ... Simitis message
Athens, 16/02/1998 (ANA)
In Athens, Prime Minister Costas Simitis last night contacted
Mr. Clerides and congratulated him on his victory, conveying his
wish that close co-operation between them continues on all major
Cypriot national issues.
National Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos also phoned the
Cypriot president to congratulate him on his re-election. Mr.
Clerides thanked the Greek defense minister and said he was
looking forward to a meeting with him.
[03] ... Cook
Athens, 16/02/1998 (ANA)
British Foreign Secretary and current EU Council President Robin
Cook last night congratulated Mr. Clerides on behalf of the EU.
In statements Mr. Cook said: "We should now start working. The
British presidency will soon have talks with the new Cyprus
government to confer on important events which are expected in
the coming weeks. We wish to see the UN-sponsored process of
finding a solution to the Cyprus problem to resume soon. We also
wish to start (Cyprus') EU accession process in the best
possible way on March 31.
[04] Farmers temporarily lift roadblocks, to meet with party leaders
Athens, 16/02/1998 (ANA)
An impasse created by protesting farmers' escalating
mobilizations around the nation was eased yesterday evening as
the most vocal farmers' group, the Panthessaly Coordinating
Committee (PASE), agreed to temporarily lift roadblocks on main
Greek roadways as of this morning.
PASE spokesman Evangelos Boutas, who is also a Communist Party
of Greece (KKE) deputy, said roadblocks would be lifted at 6
a.m. in order for the group's representatives to meet in Athens
with opposition party leaders. PASE members have also expressed
a desire to meet PASOK Secretary Costas Skandalidis.
The request for opposition political leaders' mediation in the
farmers'-government confrontation was issued to every opposition
leader that visited roadblocks Friday and over the weekend.
Today's meeting is expected to take place in the afternoon.
Farmers' mobilizations over the weekend had cut the nation in
half by using tractors and farm equipment to completely block
the Athens-Thessaloniki national highway at Tembi, central
Greece, as riot squads have been also dispatched to the Larisa
area. In addition, roadblocks had also been set up in Macedonia
and Thrace by farmers protesting against the government's
agricultural policy.
Meanwhile, government spokesman Demetris Reppas on Saturday
warned protesting farmers that the government will use every
legal procedure available to avert, as he said, the use of
society as hostage to the will and goals of the few.
Mr. Reppas added that such actions are well above and beyond the
realm of farmers' struggle and can be classified as political
actions.
On his part, main opposition New Democracy leader Costas
Karamanlis called for an end to the roadblocks, saying they were
harming other citizens. He also criticized Prime Minister Costas
Simitis, saying the premier isn't personally campaigning for
Greek agricultural products at the EU level, as his Spanish
counterpart is doing. Mr. Karamanlis visited a roadblock on the
Thessaloniki-Veria highway at the Nea Halkidona site yesterday
afternoon.
Athens, 16/02/1998 (ANA)
Speaking on Saturday to farmers in Thessaloniki, Communist Party
of Greece (KKE) Secretary General Papariga said "the struggle to
defend farmers' rights must be a single one, coordinated from
Evros to Crete".
Ms Papariga added that the people's problems originated from the
policy dictated by "European centers" and implemented by
successive Greek governments.
[06] ... Constantopoulos
Athens, 16/02/1998 (ANA)
Later in the evening yesterday, Coalition of the Left and
Progress (Synaspismos) leader Nikos Constantopoulos said he will
meet with the PASE representatives today. He made the statements
while attending the Synaspismos Achaia organization's annual
carnival dance in Patra.
Mr. Constantopoulos said farmers should calmly choose their
forms of mobilization without entering into confrontation with
other social groups, something he says the government wishes.
[07] Pontic Hellenism Museum inaugurated by Stephanopoulos
Athens, 16/02/1998 (ANA)
A Museum of Pontic Hellenism was opened in Athens yesterday by
President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos. The museum's
exhibition halls display the history of the Pontic (Black Sea)
Greeks up until the time of their resettlement in Greece in the
early 20th century, as well as their ancient customs and
traditions.
"Unfortunately, the history of the Pontic Greeks is not widely
known. Not even I myself know enough about it, but I don't know
what Greeks would be today if it had not been for the positive
influence of the Greeks of Pontus," said Mr. Stephanopoulos.
The opening was part of the 70th anniversary celebrations of the
Committee for Pontic Studies, which houses (73, Agnoston
Martyron St., Nea Smyrni) the museum.
[08] Minor quake in Messiniakos Gulf
Athens, 16/02/1998 (ANA)
An earthquake measuring 4.4 on the Richter scale occurred
yesterday afternoon in the southwestern Peloponnese region. The
quake's epicenter was recorded in the sea region of the
Messiniakos Gulf, 190 kilometers southwest of Athens. The tremor
was felt mostly in the Kalamata area, although no damage were
reported.
[09] Primakov arrives in Athens for official visit
Athens, 16/02/1998 (ANA)
Russian Foreign Minister Yevgeny Primakov arrived early last
night in Athens for an official visit.
In statements to reporters at Athens' airport, Mr. Primakov said
Greek-Russian relations were very good and that his talks today
with Greek counterpart Theodoros Pangalos will focus on
bilateral relations, issues of regional and Balkan interest as
well as on international developments.
Mr. Primakov will also meet Prime Minister Costas Simitis and
President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos.
Press sources said Mr. Primakov's talks were expected to focus
on the ongoing Iraqi crisis, developments in the Middle East and
Cyprus as well as relations with Turkey. Emphasis is also
expected to fall on strengthening bilateral co-operation in the
Balkans.
Mr. Primakov will kick-off his visit today by visiting the
offices of the Prometheus Gas Co., which is involved in the
distribution of Russian natural gas. He will then meet
Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis, Foreign Minister
Pangalos, Athens Mayor Demetris Avramopoulos, and finally Mr.
Simitis and Mr. Stephanopoulos.
He is scheduled to give a brief press conference tonight.
[10] Tsohatzopoulos on official visit to Egypt
Athens, 16/02/1998 (ANA)
National Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos leaves for an
official visit to Egypt today for talks with his Egyptian
counterpart and visits to local defense industries. He will be
received by Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak tomorrow and also
have talks with Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr Mousa.
On Wednesday, he is to meet representatives of Egypt's ethnic
Greek community, as well as Orthodox Patriarch of Alexandria and
All Africa Petros.
[11] Euro-MP Roumeliotis concludes visit to Albania
Athens, 16/02/1998 (ANA)
Greek Eurodeputy Panayiotis Roumeliotis wound up an official
visit to Albania yesterday with a press conference.
Mr. Roumeliotis is also the European Union's coordinator for
stability and good-neighborly procedures in southeastern Europe.
During his two-day visit to the country, the Eurodeputy met
Albanian President Rexhep Mejdani, Prime Minister Fatos Nano and
Foreign Minister Paskal Milo, among others. Prospects for better
co-operation among members of the Stability and Good-neighborly
Pact in Southeastern Europe dominated talks.
Mr. Roumeliotis was also briefed on Albania's relations with its
neighbors, while during the press conference, he expressed
satisfaction with Tirana's positive reaction to the activities
of non-governmental organizations in the country.
[12] Karamanlis says radical changes needed to achieve EMU convergence
Athens, 16/02/1998 (ANA)
The need for decisive and in-depth changes to achieve real
convergence with Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) and the
country's development was stressed by main opposition New
Democracy leader Costas Karamanlis over the weekend.
The ND leader made the statements during a meeting with the
board of the Federation of Greek Industries of Northern Greece
(SBBE). SBBE President Vassilis Takas briefed the ND leader on
problems faced by industries in Macedonia and Thrace.
Speaking to the press later, Mr. Karamanlis referred to the
development law, saying SBBE's insights were extremely useful,
adding that he ascertained "an important similarity with ND
positions".
Referring to the policy on development, Mr. Karamanlis stressed
the need for radical changes in the role of the state. "Instead
of operating as an assistant to citizens, (the state) is hostile
towards them, having a downgraded effectiveness which some of
the times was characterized by phenomena of corruption".
The opposition leader further argued that development in
northern Greece should focus on infrastructure.
[13] Voting in ND elections
Athens, 16/02/1998 (ANA)
On early Saturday afternoon Mr. Karamanlis cast his vote in
internal ND party elections at the Mitropoli branch. Upon
exiting the polls, he told reporters he was proud of being a
member of ND, while he thanked party members for taking part in
the democratic process.
Party members had gathered outside the building to greet Mr.
Karamanlis, shouting "Karamanlis' time has come".
[14] Protest held against installation of Macedonia Airport radar
Athens, 16/02/1998 (ANA)
A demonstration against the installation of a new radar system
for Thessaloniki's Macedonia Airport was held yesterday by local
residents, who cited concerns over possible radiation emitted by
the equipment.
Municipal council members and residents of Perea, west of
Thessaloniki, and four other districts surrounding the airport
gathered in the town to protest the move. They proposed an
alternative radio-link between the airport control tower and the
Hortiati military radar station, adding that Perea municipality
will pay for such an installation.
The government, however, appears determined to go ahead, as
stated by Transport Minister Tassos Mantelis in Thessaloniki
this week.
On his part, Perea Mayor Antonis Matzaris said civil aviation
officials visited the area on Friday to make arrangements for
compensation to be paid to owners of land appropriated for the
new radar installation.
Residents have already appealed to the Council of State and are
expected to apply to the European Court.
[15] Former minister Mylonas dies
Athens, 16/02/1998 (ANA)
Former minister Georgios Mylonas died yesterday at the age of
79. He was a close aide to Greek statesman and premier George
Papandreou, and was repeatedly elected deputy for the Ioannina
seat with the Center Union (Enosi Kentrou).
Mylonas had served as an under-secretary to the premier office
and education under-secretary in 1963-65. He assumed the
transport portfolio in the first post-junta government in 1974
and was culture minister in 1989-90 governments.
Mylonas was the author of the book "Escape From Amorgos",
detailing his escape from the island, were he was exiled during
the 1967-74 military dictatorship.
[16] PASOK conference on ideology concludes
Athens, 16/02/1998 (ANA)
A two-day conference by the ruling PASOK party on ideological
issues wound up Saturday evening, with PASOK Secretary Costas
Skandalidis saying that the meeting's proceedings had "a
constructive and positive impact".
Foreign Under-secretary Yiannos Kranidiotis told participants
that Greece, as a state which has incorporated technological and
economic realities into its policy, should attempt a new
composition of its foreign policy by strengthening its position
on the international scene.
According to Mr. Kranidiotis, Greece should also deal with and
resolve regional problems, especially those with Turkey, and
broaden its participation in international bodies and
procedures. European Commissioner Christos Papoutsis argued that
the leftist movement should not remain inert towards new
international developments, nor should it accept the theory of
"one-wayism".
"For us, the market and production globalization should go hand
in hand with the globalization of democracy," he told the
meeting.
Education Minister Gerassimos Arsenis primarily spoke on his
portfolio, saying that he expected educational reforms to be
well underway by the year 2000. The minister also asked for help
to that effect from all relevant agencies, saying that the
timetable for educational reform will be a basic element in
PASOK's political presence within Greek society.
Mr. Arsenis said the proper context should be created to allow
the operation of a democracy of knowledge, giving free access to
that knowledge for all citizens. Eurodeputy Paraskevas Avgerinos
told the meeting that the way to European unification was long,
as "many issues were not 'ripe' yet, so as to create the
appropriate conditions for international co-operation and
processes of equivalent political proposals.
Mr. Skandalidis, declaring the end of proceedings, said the
exchange of ideas was "a guide to all of us".
[17] Former ND minister Andrianopoulos on gov't prospects
Athens, 16/02/1998 (ANA)
Former New Democracy minister Andreas Andrianopoulos believes
that two options are likely to emerge from the current political
scene in Greece. In a bylined article published in Saturday's
"Ependitis" newspaper, the former ND high-ranking cadre said a
first likely outcome was that the government would consciously
continue with radical modernization policies for society.
According to Mr. Andrianopoulos, this would allow Prime Minister
Costas Simitis to further increase support from two political
areas, namely, the moderate left and right. He said this could
possibly lead to main opposition ND's weakening.
The second possibility, said the former minister, was for the
government to continue to move within social and economic
deadlocks. If that happens, a political rallying under the
banner of modernization would be inevitable.
Asked to comment on Mr. Andrianopoulos' views, ruling PASOK
Secretary Costas Skandalidis replied that the kind of PASOK
described by the former ND cadre did not exist. "It would have a
different name", he said. "And since my dear friend Andreas is
not naive at all - for two years now he has been trying to set
the vital grounds for a new party - let him found the new party
he wants..." Mr. Skandalidis concluded.
Also commenting on Mr. Andrianopoulos' article and his
statements about the likelihood of joining PASOK, Environment,
Town Planning and Public Works Minister Costas Laliotis said he
held Mr. Andrianopoulos in high esteem, but disagreed with his
neo-liberal ideas. It would be better if Mr. Andrianopoulos
tried to improve things within his own - conservative -
political realm, Mr. Laliotis said.
[18] ... Bakoyianni
Athens, 16/02/1998 (ANA)
Meanwhile, after she cast her vote in ND's internal elections,
senior deputy Dora Bakoyianni told the press that what was
obvious from Saturday's PASOK meeting was that the ruling party
was not in a position to carry out required modernization.
[19] Goatherd strangles wolf
Athens, 16/02/1998 (ANA)
A 23-year-old goat herder in the Pangaio region, northern
Greece, got the better of a large wolf that attacked him
yesterday as the man approached the fold where his roughly 1,200
goats were kept. According to reports, Costas Mihalopoulos
strangled the wolf after grappling with it outside the pen in
the Agios Yiannis district, although he stated that he did not
want to kill the animal.
"I've never harmed an animal, and I've never fought with a human
being," Mr. Mihalopoulos said. The man had no knife or other
weapon on him at the time. Despite his struggle with the wolf,
Mr. Mihalopoulos was unharmed. End of English language section.
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