Antenna: News in English (AM), 97-12-18

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From: Antenna Radio <http://www.antenna.gr> - email: antenna@compulink.gr

Last Updated: Thursday, 18-Dec-97 11:43:14

CONTENTS

[01] Clinton

[02] Pangalos

[03] Simitis

[04] PASOK

[05] Vasso Papandreou

[06] Stefanopoulos

[07] Weather

[08] Ìanos

[09] Theodorakis

[10] Basketball

[01] Clinton

Turkey's relations with Greece and the European Union took a sharp turn for the worse last weekend, when Ankara responded angrily to the EU's insistence on starting accession talks with Cyprus; and its insistence that Turkey improve its relations with Greece and its human rights record before it can move closer to the EU.

Turkish prime minister Mesout Yilmaz now says his country can have no political dialogue with Europe.

During a press conference, Clinton was asked to comment on developments by Antenna's Athanassios Ellis.

[02] Pangalos

The Greek foreign minister reiterated that the problem in Turkey's alienation from the west, lies in Turkey itself.

Theodoros Pangalos explained why it is that Turkey isn't ready for EU membership.

Pangalos said Turkey, which violates human rights, is not a just state. European nations are just states that operate under the rule of law.

That's the difference. A nation which doesn't fit the European model, can't be a member of the EU.

Like Pangalos, German foreign minister Klaus Kinkel was clear in his response to Albright: the EU decides how to conduct its relations with other nations, and on what terms.

[03] Simitis

Simitis laid down the gauntlet at a meeting of MPs Wednesday.

Kostas Simitis laid down the law to Pasok dissenters Wednesday. Recently, the government has come in for a barrage of criticism from within its own ranks over its handling of Turkey and decisions concerning the new structure of Nato.

The prime minister was blunt: "Anyone who thinks he has better ideas, can walk out through the open door and express his views to the public. Let us all be judged by the voters".

Simitis added: "Implementation of specific policies is part and parcel of a governing party's responsibilities, at every level".

Responding to suggestions from Pasok's dissenters that his foreign policy is detrimental to Greece's interests, Simitis continued: "There aren't some people in the party who are more patriotic than others, people who are better friends of the people than others. The people elected Pasok to power as a united party so that it could implement its programme. That means our programme must be implemented".

Those words were met with ringing applause, most of the MPs concurring in the prime minister's views.

Simitis went on to express a sense of exasperation at the public criticisms Pasok MPs make of his policies.

"I feel diminished and engraged", he said, "every time we don't move forward together with the people, and when we go argue over and over about the same issues, when we're inward looking. When we do that, we're refusing to look ahead at what the people want us to achieve".

Four MPs who've consistently criticised Simitis's handling of Turkey in recent months, fearing that government policy isn't tough enough, were unmoved by the prime minister's words.

Yiannis Kapsis asked rhetorically what the prime minister meant when he said the door is open. "I won't leave", he added. "I helped build Pasok with my sweat and blood".

Stelios Papathemelis complained that

patriotism is being maligned by political leaders, a dangerous sign.

Also sensitive to the charge that the critics are being too nationalistic, Harris Kastanides said, "The prime minister should intervene when cabinet members claim there are far right-wingers in the party.

And Christos Kipouros said the government had blundered in reaching a non- aggression pact with Turkey earlier this year.

[04] PASOK

The new Nato brings the Aegean airspace under unified alliance control where Nato flights are concerned.

Some MPs fear that will give Turkey joint control over the Aegean with Greece.

Addressing parliament's defence committee, Pasok MP Iannis Haralabopoulos said the new Nato structure is a boon for Turkey at Greece's expense: "We have a most aggressive neighbour, which is getting into the Aegean wearing a Nato cloak".

Iannis Kapsis added that the new Nato stucture is very damaging to Greece, and very dangerous.

Stelios Papathemelis agreed that developments are worrying, but added that he hopes he's wrong.

Defence minister Akis Tsochatzopoulos again defended the Nato agreement, which also provides for the reopening of the alliance regional command in Larisa under Greek control.

Tsochatzopoulos said, "The new Nato gives Greece guarantees it's never had before". The defence minister acknowledges that there is a tough negotiating road ahead in the new alliance structure. "In the past", he told Haralabopoulos, "there have been Nato agreements that favoured Greece. Obviously, in the coming period, Turkey will try to have those wiped away in the new Nato. And we'll try to hang on to them. It'll be a big struggle".

The government believes the regional command centre in Larisa is a big gain for Greece, and will give it added leverage in Nato decision-making. If Greece chooses to stay out of the new Nato structure, the government says the country risks being isolated in the alliance.

Tsochatzopoulos further points out to the critics that the agreement doesn not mean Greece is surrendering its sovereign control over its Aegean air space.

[05] Vasso Papandreou

Vaso Papandreou attended the 10th anniversary of the renewable energey sources centre, plugging for plug-in energy.

Riding around in an electric car, Papandreou said renewable energy sources should be promoted in Greece.

She'd like to see energy-saving technology used in the buildings and sports facilities that are going to be constructed for the Olympics.

Greece is first in know how and technology in the EU, the minister said, and the private and public

sectors should exploit the renewable energy sources available. Renewable forms of power should be made economically-competitive with traditional types, and be made accessible to everyone.

[06] Stefanopoulos

Low temeratures kept the president's plane on the tarmac in Kiev Wednesday, so he had to make his journey over land.

Despite the cold weather, Stephanopoulos got a warm welcome once he arrived in Odessa. He was made an honorary citizen of the historic city.

While there, the Greek president visited the museum of the "Friendly Society", the organisation that helped organise the Greek revolution of 1821.

[07] Weather

Low temperatures and continuous snowfall mark the weather forcast for the remainder of the week. Even the heart of Thessaloniki saw its first snowfall.

Snow chains are mandatory for those travelling in northern Greece. Snow machines and salt-throwing vehicles are working round the clock in an effort to clear the roads in the northern part of the country.

Another 25 villages in the region of Komotiné, in northern Greece were cut off due to heavy snowfall.

[08] Ìanos

Taking off his suit jacket and donning an apron, the New Democracy MP proudly presented two recipes; one from Denmark, the other switzerland to his all female audience.

Cajoling those shy to the ways of baking he said, "If you follow my instructions to the letter, there is no way you can possibly fail". Not shy about weilding a rolling pin, he even brought his own utensils to the admiration of all those watching.

For those who might be wondering what the relationship is between cooking and politics, Manos explained, "Cooking is cultural". Adding, "and since I'm in charge of education and cultural matters in my party, I feel that I am working in my field today".

If you're interested in receiving a copy of Manos's Christmas cookie recipies, you can check out his web site on the internet or pass by the Kiffisia Neighborhood Watch for your free copy.

[09] Theodorakis

In 1937 Theodorakis wrote his first song in Patra, in the Peloponese. Sixty years have passed since then, and they're recorded in the archive documents, which include songs and music written for the stage, and political articles, reports, and essays.

Christos Lambrakis, president of the Athens Symphony Hall said this is the first time a living artist has entrusted his archives to the public.

Deeply moved, Theodorakis thanked all of his friends for their support and had special words for two people. "Through these endless years", he said, two people have dedicated their lives to preserving all of my works : my father Georgios Theodorakis and my wife Myrto".

Theodorakis said that he gave his archives to the music library fearing that a natural disaster might destroy them.

"There couldn't be a more exciting experience for me, than that of having other people sing or hear my music", he said.

[10] Basketball

Pao has no trouble with weakling Saint POlten of Austria Tuesday night. Three Pao players hit for nineteen points, and six score in double digits overall, as the Greek team whips the Austrians 101-62.

Apollon also has an easy time of it against Den Bos. Dawson leads the Greek team to a 96-79 trouncing with 36 points.

Both Greek teams move on to the round of 32 in the tournament. In its home and away battle for a spot in the round of 16, Pao will be up against Germany's Bayer Leverkusen. Apollon will take on Haboel Aylat of Israel.

(c) ANT1 Radio 1997

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