A.N.A. Bulletin, 28/03/96

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

Athens News Agency Directory

ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No 848), March 28, 1996

Greek Press & Information Office

Ottawa, Canada

E-Mail Address: grnewsca@sympatico.ca

CONTENTS

[1] Greece confident US security concerns over Athens airport will be resolved soon

Development Minister Vasso Papandreou yesterday expressed optimism that the warning issued by the US Department of Transportation on security arrangements at Athens international airport would be lifted within the month at the latest.

In Dublin, meanwhile, US pilots attending the Pilot's Union international conference said Greek airspace was safe, a judgment considered to be particularly positive in view of the beginning of the tourist season and following the statements by the US.

Speaking at a press conference, Ms Papandreou said she had met earlier yesterday with US Ambassador to Athens, Thomas Niles, to whom she had expressed Greece's displeasure over the warning.

Ms Papandreou reiterated that security at Hellenikon airport was quite adequate, underlining that major airline companies such as Lufthansa and Swissair had stopped using private security firms because of satisfaction with the services provided by the G reek authorities.

She also restated doubts expressed by the Greek government as to the true motives behind the US warning.

Mr. Niles assured Ms Papandreou that every effort would be made to resolve the issue within 30 days. A group of US security experts is due in Athens by the end of the week for talks with the Civil Aviation Authority (YPA).

Transport Minister Haris Kastanidis has already satisfied one long-standing US request by signing a presidential decree for the creation of a training school for security personnel.

At an earlier meeting with representatives of the tourism sector, Ms Papandreou acknowledged that the US warning would have repercussions, chiefly on the number of visitors from the US, and a decision had been taken to counter possible negative effects by allocating additional funds for a more "aggressive" tourism promotion policy in the United States.

In addition, she said, a coordinated effort would be made by the transport ministry, the National Tourist Organization of Greece (EOT) and the YPA aimed at speeding up the modernization of Greek airports, not with respect to security arrangements, which are adequate, but concerning passenger services.

[2] Simitis requests lifting of warning

Government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said Prime Minister Costas Simitis had requested the lifting of the US warning during a meeting with Mr. Niles yesterday.

Mr. Reppas reiterated that the government firmly believed that security arrangements at Athens airport were at a very good level. The spokesman said US First Lady Hillary Clinton would be landing at the airport today and had not asked to land at some other airport. "Mrs. Clinton is not worried. She is a clever woman," Mr. Reppas said. Asked whether Mr. Simitis' forthcoming visit to the United States was in any way connected with the Athens airport issue, Mr. Reppas replied that the visit an d its agenda had been scheduled some time ago.

"The purpose of the visit is to promote national issues and secure a positive stance on the part of the US with respect to Greece's positions," Mr. Reppas added.

In Washington, President of the Greek Parliament Apostolos Kaklamanis was due to have a meeting with Transport Secretary Federico Pena to discuss the consequences of the US security concerns over the Athens airport.

Speaking to the ANA, Mr. Kaklamanis forecast a quick end to the issue after co-operation between the Greek authorities and US transportation department officials arriving in Athens today.

On Tuesday, Mr. Kaklamanis discussed the issue with representatives of local travel agencies, assuring them that the issue would soon be settled.

In Athens, main opposition New Democracy party leader Miltiades Evert yesterday held a meeting with tourism agencies and hotels representatives, who said the US directive was dealing a "tragic blow" to tourism.

Mr. Evert criticized the government of knowing the views of US officials regarding safety measures at the Athens airport "but doing nothing."

According to Mr. Evert, the problem is not located in equipment, but on human resources and, specifically, constant changes of the security staff members.

Mr. Evert said the warning should be immediately withdrawn.

[3] Beef sales down as inspectors continue checks for contaminated meat

Sales of beef in the past three days in Greece were reported to be down by between 15 and 30 per cent, according to press sources, as municipal veterinary officials continued checks at refrigeration facilities and meat wholesalers in an effort to locate any British beef which may be infected with bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE).

Agriculture Under-secretary Apostolos Fotiadis called on the public to prefer local meat in the wake of the furor created all over Europe by the "mad cow disease."

Greece has already banned the import of beef from Britain after the British government announced a possible link between BSE or "mad cow disease" and the fatal Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD) in humans.

According to state veterinary officials, 900 tons of frozen beef have been imported to Greece from Britain in recent months, a relatively small quantity compared to the 150,000 tons of beef imported annually from various European countries.

The officials said there is as yet no indication that the 900 tons is infected with BSE.

They said checks were particularly difficult when beef had already been processed into byproducts, such as minced meat and cold-cuts.

Beef sales were even lower at supermarkets, shops specializing in cold-cuts and fast food stores.

In the last two days, 35 tons of beef have been seized as a precautionary measure while, according to press sources, 57 teams of municipal veterinary officials continue checks nationwide.

Officials said whatever quantities of such meat found in refrigerators would be confiscated and all necessary measures would be taken to prevent the meat from being marketed in the form of byproducts.

In the effort to locate meat of British origin, 21 tons of meat were found in refrigerators in Piraeus and confiscated. According to supporting documents, the quantity had been imported into Greece on January 18, 1996.

The entire quantity, imported into the country legally, was covered by necessary health documentation.

Market police officers said the checks would continue for a further 20 days.

Meanwhile, the main opposition New Democracy party's agriculture spokesman Evangelos Basiakos called on the government to clarify whether a decision to ban beef imports from Britain had been indeed issued and when, if diseased British meat had been imported and what action had been taken to remedy the situation.

In a similar announcement, the Political Spring party called on the government to announce both the measures taken to withdraw beef imported from Britain and the corresponding date of import.

The announcement said citizens should be informed promptly and authoritatively.

In another related development, deputies Andreas Karangounis and Nikos Anastasopoulos lodged questions in Parliament for Agriculture Minister Stephanos Tzoumakas and Health and Welfare Minister Anastasios Peponis concerning the responsibilities of the government, the agriculture ministry and the Veterinary Authority over the "mad cows disease" and the problem created by beef imports from Britain.

Mr. Karangounis expressed wonder over the fact that while the problem posed by the "mad cows disease" was known over the past seven years, the agriculture ministry and the Veterinary Authority were unaware of the existence of meat imported from Britain.

Mr. Anastasopoulos called on the government to clarify what measures would be taken to safeguard public health and whether there were any cases of the Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease in Greece.

[4] Simitis, Niles to confer on US visit

Prime Minister Costas Simitis yesterday discussed Greek-US relations with the US Ambassador to Athens Thomas Niles, in view of his forthcoming visit to Washington on April 9 for talks with US President Bill Clinton.

Official sources said the two men discussed preparations for Mr. Simitis' visit and Greek-Turkish relations, following the recent US interest.

They also discussed US First Lady Hillary Clinton's arrival here today to attend the Olympic torch-lighting ceremony in Ancient Olympia on Saturday morning.

Ms Clinton will meet with Mr. Simitis Saturday afternoon.

[5] Hillary Clinton to see Vartholomeos today

US First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton will visit Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos today at the Phanar.

Ms Clinton, who arrived in Turkey Wednesday, requested the visit with Orthodox Patriarch. She will be accompanied by her daughter, Chelsea.

The wife of US President Bill Clinton has already visited Ankara and Smyrni and has met with Turkish President Suleyman Demirel and Turkish Premier Mesut Yilmaz.

[6] Greece's positions for the IGC

Greece is opposed to any form of revision of the Maastricht Treaty which will lead to a two-tier Europe or "institutionalization of decision-making by a kind of directorate," Alternate Foreign Minister George Romeos said yesterday.

In statements on Greece's positions at the inter-governmental conference (IGC), which formally begins tomorrow in Turin, Mr. Romeos said: "The European Union must be based on democratic principles, transparency, citizen participation and this means that the role of the European Parliament must be stren-gthened while national assemblies must participate in the decisions and initiatives of the EU."

Mr. Romeos expressed regret that the European Parliament would not be participating in the IGC even as an observer.

Stressing the importance of the common foreign and security policy for Greece, Mr. Romeos said "we shall be seeking the enactment of a clause on mutual assistance and the recognition of borders."

"When you have economic borders, they are also territorial and geographical," Mr. Romeos said. "The Union is a single European area without internal economic borders."

He also underlined the importance of measures to combat unemployment in the EU.

"If the IGC ends without answers to the major problem of unemployment, we will have achieved a revision which will not create greater cohesion in the eyes of the public and an institutional structure which does not meet the expectations of European citizens," Mr. Romeos said.

On economic and monetary union (EMU), Mr. Romeos said procedures for discussion must be established concerning "when, how and with what procedures member-states not participating in the third phase will participate, so that we do not create a two-speed Europe".

Concerning the principle of unanimity, Mr. Romeos explained that on issues related to the common foreign and security policy, Greece would determine its stand depending on the adoption of a framework of principles safeguarding the cohesion between member states.

Mr. Romeos said that in many instances, such as in social policy issues, the principle of unanimity had not favored Greek interests and Athens may in some cases be prepared to discuss the issue of expanding the system of special majority.

He added that Greece had proposals for new policies in the EU, concerning, for instance, the islands, tourism, and public health.

No time limit has been set for the IGC sessions, which means they may continue for between six months and two years.

[7] FYROM foreign minister positive about outcome of Athens meeting

Foreign Minister Ljubomir Frckovski yesterday expressed the conviction that his pending visit to Athens to meet with Greek Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos will signal a "new phase" in relations with Greece.

The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia's foreign minister said the meeting "will contribute to the improvement of relations between the two countries in all sectors."

He did not rule out the possibility of more bilateral meetings between the two countries.

Mr. Frckovski's visit to Athens will possibly take place next week.

[8] Simitis, Skandalidis discuss congress issues

Issues concerning a scheduled PASOK party congress in July dominated discussions yesterday between Prime Minister Costas Simitis and PASOK Secretary Costas Skandalidis.

After the meeting, Mr. Skandalidis said yesterday's discussions were within the framework of regular contacts between the two men. He called the meeting completely "satisfactory," adding that they considered issues that would be discussed at a national convention slated for April 6 and 7. He said political and ideological issues will be brought at the convention and not changes in the party's charter.

Asked about the role of PASOK founder and leader Andreas Papandreou, he said that subject was not brought up, adding it is not up for discussion and that Mr. Papandreou will decide.

[9] "No possibility of early elections"

The government is not considering the possibility of early elections or of changing the electoral law.

Replying to a questioner yesterday, government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said the government was occupying itself with tackling and resolving problems faced by the people so as to successfully conclude its period of office, present comprehensive work an d regain the confidence of the Greek people.

[10] Some 2,000 killed in traffic accidents last year

Traffic accidents claimed 1,967 lives in Greece last year, while 3,353 people were seriously injured, according to figures supplied by the National Statistical Service.

According to the figures, 22,425 traffic accidents were reported throughout the nation, while a total of 27,095 people were injured in all traffic accidents.

The figures marked a 0.9 per cent increase in accidents, as 22,222 were reported in 1994. The period with the most traffic mishaps was June-September.

[11] More traffic noted at Greek museums

More visitors passed through the turnstiles of Greek museums in 1995 than last year, although a considerable decrease was noted in the number of visitors to archaeological sites in 1995 than the previous year.

Specifically, a 2.26 per cent increase in museum visitors was reported, while archaeological site admissions marked an 8.99 per cent drop, according to figures released yesterday by the National Statistical Service.

A total of 147,867 people visited museums and archeological sites in 1995, as opposed to 166,403 in 1994. However, 227 million drachmas in receipts were collected in 1995, up from 180 million drachmas in 1994, or a 25.68 per cent increase. No information was given if more expensive ticket prices caused the increase in receipts.

[12] Pangalos reaffirms Greek veto for as long as Turkey disputes sovereignty

Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos reiterated yesterday that Greece did not intend to lift its veto on EU financing to Turkey if Ankara continued to dispute the status of the Dodecanese.

Mr. Pangalos was briefing the Greek Parliament's foreign affairs committee on the course of Greek-Turkish relations.

In another development, government spokesman Dimitris Reppas, called to comment on the statements of Turkish Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz that the postponement of this week's Association Council would have legal consequences for the European Union, said:

"The Greek government was part of the decision for the EU-Turkey customs union and it should be realized as long as the conditions that were originally set are being met, something that Turkey does not do."

Meanwhile, main opposition New Democracy party honorary leader and former premier Constantine Mitsotakis said yesterday that this was perhaps the first time that Greece was presenting clear-cut positions, which were endorsed by all the political parties .

"Perhaps for the first time, the Greek side finds itself with clear positions which are embraced by all the political parties," Mr. Mitsotakis told reporters at the airport before leaving for New York.

He said that Greece's position was "very strong," and expressed his pleasure that "Greece finally achieved the solidarity of its (European Union) partners."

Mr. Mitsotakis was referring to the text of "common positions" adopted by the EU Council of Ministers on Monday calling for the renunciation of the use of threats of violence or use of violence, respect for the principle of sovereignty and territorial integrity, respect of international law and treaties, and the relevant international practice.

Turkey's rejection of the text led to the postponement of Tuesday's scheduled meeting of the EU-Turkey Association Council.

Questioned on Turkish premier Mesut Yilmaz's recent statement for peaceful resolution of bilateral problems between the two east Mediterranean neighbors, Mr. Mitsotakis replied:

"Naturally, the Yilmaz statement contains many positive elements, but we have reached the point where words are no longer enough. Actions are also necessary," he said.

"We must wait and I hope that, beyond the words, certain positive moves will be forthcoming from the Turkish side that would facilitate an improvement of the climate," he said.

[13] Turkish foreign minister 'waits'

Turkish Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz's proposals for the settling of differences with Greece must not be linked to Turkey's relations with the European Union, Turkish Foreign Minister Emre Gonensay told a televised program yesterday.

"We think the Greeks are studying Turkey's proposals... They must be given time to evaluate them, we are patient and will wait for a reasonable period of time," he said.

Asked on the future of EU-Turkish relations if Greece continues its present stand, Mr. Gonensay referred to an earlier Turkish foreign ministry statement according to which the country "will re-examine its obligations arising from the customs union agreement (with the EU)".

Asked to specify if this constituted a threat, he replied, "whether threat or realism ... we are waiting, we are patient".

Meanwhile, Turkish foreign ministry spokesman Nurettin Nurkan stated that his government expected the recently postponed Turkey-EU Association Council meeting to be held as soon as possible, and Greece to lift its veto.

He added that the economic co-operation envisaged in the framework of the customs union agreement constitutes an obligation on the part of the EU.

"We are waiting for the EU to meet its obligation as soon as possible," he said.

[14] Kaklamanis meets with US officials

Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis met with leading US officials and senators during his visit to the US capital. Mr. Kaklamanis said he spoke to the US president's advisor on European Affairs regarding the Greek positions on the recent Aegean standoff. The Parliament President stressed the increase in Turkish violations of Greek air space, saying that over the past two-and-a-half months, there have been over 200 such violations.

[15] Majority support Gov't handling of Imia crisis, polls shows

Seven out of 10 Greeks reportedly consider a government decision not to land troops on a rocky islet near Imia during the height of last January's crisis with Turkey as prudent, according to survey figures gathered by a private firm for the Hellenic Foundation for Foreign and Defense Policy (ELIAMEP).

In addition, the PRC firm's survey apparently shows that 52 per cent of those questioned believe the government's handling of the crisis was "correct."

Premier Costas Simitis' stance was termed positive by 47.5 per cent of those questioned, while 43.9 per cent criticized his actions. Conversely, main opposition New Democracy President Miltiades Evert was the most criticized political leader. His stance during the Imia crisis was called negative by 64.1 per cent of respondents.

In reference to the survey results, government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said the government is studying and evaluating the poll's findings, adding that developments have vindicated its handling during the crisis over Imia.

[16] Evert wants 5 per cent of GNP to go to education

Main opposition New Democracy party leader Miltiades Evert yesterday called for a "peaceful revolution in education", assuring members of ND-affiliated student organizations that his party would allocate a full five per cent of GNP to education when it returned to power. He called on the students to help change 'the rotten mentality prevailing in public life."

Mr. Evert said that if he is elected to the office he would transfer the education ministry to Thessaloniki, create a permanent education under-secretary position, establish job search offices in the universities, introduce computers, reinforce post-graduate studies and broaden scho-larships.

[17] ERT agrees on five-year $175 million loan

The Hellenic Radio and Television network (ERT) signed a contract in London yesterday for a loan for 175 million dollars from a consortium of 17 international banks headed by the Hill Samuel bank.

A representative of the consortium said the terms of the loan were particularly favorable for the Greek side, adding that there was a great response by banks to cover the amount of the loan.

According to the terms agreed, the interest rate will be 0.575 per cent above the London interest rate, a period of grace will be granted for three and a half years and the loan will be paid off in five years.

Speaking on behalf of ERT, Theodoros Karzis said the loan would help ERT move ahead with economic restructuring.

[18] Halkis Cement agreement signed

The long-awaited agreement settling the debts of the Halkis Cement Company through acquisition was signed in Athens yesterday by the concern's main creditors (National Bank, Commercial Bank, ETBA, and the Rublic Power Corporation) and the Italian Concretum portfolio investment company (formerly, Calcestruzzi Holding).

The agreement must be ratified by the courts and the European Union's competition committee, expected by the end of April. Within a fortnight thereafter, the company's general assembly will formally approve a 36 billion drachma share capital increase, t o be paid up by the Italian concern, which is to become the main shareholder.

The implementation of the deal is expected to open the way to the 'gentlemen's agreement' between the AGET Heracles Cement (a Calcestruzzi subsidiary) and the other giant of the Greek cement industry, Titan, according to which 51 per cent of Halkis Cement will be equally divided between the two, with 24 per cent being retained by the banks. The two companies intend to maintain the productive and commercial autonomy of Halkis Cement, if their agreement is implemented. Representatives of both companies yesterday stated their satisfaction that the agreement "opens the way to the normalization of the domestic cement market".

[19] Course of regional projects satisfactory, Commission officials say

European Commission representatives examining the books of projects under construction in eastern Macedonia and Thrace have found that the Regional Operational Program (PEP) they come under is being executed according to plan and that the absorption of credits is within the limits envisaged.

They stressed that there was no chance of a final approval of any project that does not meet the preconditions, and that in case a rule is violated, a return of the disbursed funds will be demanded.

In the last four months of 1995, the European Union approved 190 technical bulletins, which permitted the auctioning of 55 per cent of PEP projects, with funds absorbed amounting to 92.6 million ECU.

An 80-85 per cent approval rate for PEP projects is forecast for 1996.

Meanwhile, the eastern Macedonia-Thrace Regional Authority has asked the environment and public works ministry that the environmental effects studies required for approval of projects be carried out at prefectural level, in order to save time and minimize red tape.

[20] Increased confidence in Greek economy, report says

A period of political stability and improved economic indicators has deepened the sense of confidence in the Greek economy, according to the latest report on Greece by the international finance organization Salomon Brothers.

The report emphasizes the importance of the drop in inflation, the continuing reduction of real interest rates - from 10.6 per cent in June 1994 to 4.9 per cent in February this year - the increase in foreign exchange reserves and the government's "hard drachma" policy which was, however, adversely affecting exports.

It also notes the slow down in the growth of the public debt, which nevertheless still remains high and, according to the report, requires state spending cuts and an acceleration of the government's privatization program.

The report also underlines the importance of European Union inflows, totaling some $25 billion, which will enable the implementation of a wide-ranging program of major infrastructure projects which will have a snowball effect on the country's development.

In contrast, inadequate absorption of EU finds is also noted in the report.

The picture is particularly encouraging with respect to industrial activity which was in decline during the period 1990-1993 but rose by 2.1 per cent between January and November 1994.

Private consumption remained somewhat stagnant however, due to the "freezing" of real incomes, the report said, while pointing out that this indicator was underestimated due to the thriving black economy calculated at 30-50 per cent of GDP.

[21] Greece welcomes EU interest in Cyprus problem

The government yesterday described as "positive" the fact that the European Union continues to express interest in the Cyprus problem, as evidenced by the report of EU presidency representative Federico di Roberto.

Government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said the report showed that the EU's interest was more than just words and expressed the hope that the Community would continue to display interest so that a just solution might be found to the Cyprus problem.

Mr. di Roberto on Monday briefed the EU Council of Ministers in detail about his recent contacts in Cyprus, Greece, Turkey and New York. Greek Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos described the briefing as "positive and objective."

The EU representative is due to submit a second report on Cyprus in June, Cyprus government spokesman Yiannakis Cassoulides said on Tuesday.

Replying to press questions, Mr. Reppas said that the Cyprus problem was not connected with the issue of the EU-Turkey customs union, adding that after so many years "everyone must understand that the Turkish occupation (of the northern part of Cyprus) cannot be allowed to continue."

Commenting on efforts by certain parties to link the issue of Cyprus' accession to the EU with the EU-Turkey customs union, Mr. Reppas said the island republic's accession was a Community decision and had nothing to do with Turkey.

End of English language section.