Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 97-03-24
From: The Greek Press & Information Office, Ottawa Canada <grnewsca@sympatico.ca>
ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No. 1146), March 24, 1997
Greek Press & Information Office
Ottawa, Canada
E-Mail Address: grnewsca@sympatico.ca
CONTENTS
[01] Karamanlis calls for unity, end to ND's 'introversion'
[02] New central committee
[03] Other political parties react
[04] Skandalidis
[05] Greece ready to participate in multinational mission in Albania
[06] Kranidiotis latest to hold talks with Albania's Nano
[07] Humanitarian aid
[08] More ethnic Greeks cross border
[09] Stephanopoulos on Independence Day
[10] EU General Affairs Council to discuss Turkey, Albania
[11] PASOK executive bureau, central committee tour of eastern
Macedonia, Thrace
[12] Greek products exhibition in Odessa
[13] Communist parties' meeting
[14] Constantopoulos in Skopje at end of week
[15] Greek-Armenian agreement in agriculture sector
[16] Kaklamanis on Greek-Armenian friendship
[17] To our readers
[01] Karamanlis calls for unity, end to ND's 'introversion'
Athens, 24/03/1997 (ANA)
Costas Karamanlis, the newly elected president of the main
opposition New Democracy party, on Saturday called for an end to
what he called the "phenomena of introversion and
discriminations in the party".
"An important step has been made in order to put aside all those
things that harmed us in the past. If we simply elected a leader
only to begin the same things anew, then we shall have lost a
unique opportunity," Mr. Karamanlis said in obvious reference to
recurrent internal party feuding.
The 41-year-old nephew of ND party founder, former prime
minister and president of the republic by the same name, was
elected late Friday night - the first day of the party's fourth
congress - during a second round of balloting. He won an
overwhelming majority (69.10 per cent) of the vote, while his
opponent, ND deputy from Larisa and former minister George
Souflias, received only 30.84 per cent of the votes cast by
party delegates and party deputies.
Former ND leader Miltiades Evert and a fourth leadership
contender, Vyron Polydoras, were eliminated in the first round.
The fourth ND congress, which started Friday, ended late last
night with the election of a new central committee.
Mr. Karamanlis' election to ND's leadership has apparently put
an end to more than six months of internal party turmoil,
following last September's general elections.
"New Democracy needs all its members," Mr. Karamanlis added,
addressing the party's congress.
He described Mr. Souflias as "the epitome of ethos,
responsibility, seriousness and hard work," while praising what
he called Mr. Evert's "superiority of character".
On his part, Mr. Evert said he would give his "wholehearted
backing" to the new ND leader.
"Everyone must declare they will support the new leader, and
there can be no grace period in this. We must support with faith
and resoluteness and without terms and preconditions the unity
of the party, which the leader represents," he said.
Mr. Souflias, the runner-up in the second round of the
leadership contest with 1,048 congress delegates' votes compared
to 2,350 for Mr. Karamanlis, wished the new ND president success
in meeting the "expectations of the party, the rules, principles
and values" of which he said he would continue fighting for.
ND honorary leader and former premier Constantine Mitsotakis
also congratulated Mr. Karamanlis, a deputy for Thessaloniki
since 1989. He also told reporters that he would "do his duty as
always". Meanwhile, former national economy minister Stephanos
Manos, who had indicated that the main opposition party might
split up if Mr. Evert were re-elected, stressed that he would
not leave ND.
[02] New central committee
Athens, 24/03/1997 (ANA)
Among the deputies elected to ND's central committee are Dora
Bakoyianni, Stavros Dimas, Achilleas Karamanlis (an uncle of the
newly elected leader) Yiannis Kefaloyiannis and Fanni
Palli-Petralia.
There were also reports that Mr. Mitsotakis was vexed over the
fact that the party's new charter, approved by the congress, did
not contain clear provisions for the participation of former
party leaders and prime ministers in the central and executive
committees.
Before the start of the congress, the four leadership contenders
had agreed that such a provision would be included in the new
charter.
The amended charter states, in relation, that former Parliament
presidents and leadership candidates who secure more than 20 per
cent of delegates' votes can participate in committees.
[03] Other political parties react
Athens, 24/03/1997 (ANA)
Prime Minister Costas Simitis on Saturday sent congratulations
to Mr. Karamanlis, wishing him success in his new post.
"...I wish you all success in your mission, which is so
important for the country," the message read.
On her part, Communist Party of Greece (KKE) General Secretary
Aleka Papariga told reporters that it was of "no concern to her
party whom a party's delegates decide to elect as their leader."
"I believe that the ND's policy is a given fact. It's a policy
which we radically disagree with and I believe that this policy
in its basic lines and objectives will not change henceforth,"
she said.
Coalition of the Left and Progress (Synaspismos) leader Nikos
Constantopoulos also congratulated Mr. Karamanlis on his
election, and said the change in the leadership of a party is a
significant event, but not always sufficient, as there are also
the important factors of political program, profile and policy.
Democratic Social Movement leader (DHKKI) Dimitris Tsovolas
stated that it was progressive policies and not changes in
persons that could provide solutions to the problems faced by
the Greek people today.
"With its new leader, the conservative side is starting its
right-wing turn," he said.
Political Spring leader Antonis Samaras sent his "warm and
sincere congratulations" to Mr. Karamanlis on his election,
wishing him success on his "difficult task".
[04] Skandalidis
Athens, 24/03/1997 (ANA)
In a brief address to the congress, PASOK central committee
Secretary Costas Skandalidis referred to the need for the
formulation of a new political culture and consensus, despite
different positions that he said represent the oxygen of
democracy. He wished the main opposition party "to find its
course", as its position in the present political situation was
one of responsibility.
Also addressing the congress, KKE political bureau member
Dimitris Gontikas referred to developments in the Balkans and
especially Albania, describing as "an impasse and disaster for
the country's interests" the likelihood of a military
intervention in the neighboring country.
[05] Greece ready to participate in multinational mission in Albania
Athens, 24/03/1997 (ANA)
Greece is ready to participate in a multinational action in
Albania aimed at safeguarding the safe arrival of humanitarian
aid in the crisis-ridden neighboring country.
Alternate Foreign Minister George Papandreou said yesterday that
Greece will support an Italian proposal for specific action in
Albania, to be submitted today to the European Union Foreign
Ministers' Council in Brussels.
"Italy and Greece desire the immediate dispatch of humanitarian
aid to Albania, in view of the danger of a wave of refugees from
that country to Italy, as has already happened, but is also very
likely to happen to Greece," he said.
Mr. Papandreou, who chaired a meeting on the issue in Ioannina
yesterday, in the presence of the UN High Commission for
Refugees representative Hoffman, said "the transportation of
humanitarian aid to Albania is especially difficult under
existing conditions today, while the foreign ministry is in
contact with the Tirana government and international
organizations so that the mission is carried out safely and the
distribution correctly.
"Greek interest is not focused only on these immediate relief
measures, but a plan is being prepared for the provision of
further substantive support to Albania regarding democratization
and economic development," he added.
Meanwhile, Greece's military attache in Rome was called to the
Italian defense ministry on Friday night and handed a request
for participation in the multinational force that would
accompany and guarantee the safety of the proposed aid mission
to Albania.
The Italian proposal envisages a framework of activities for the
distribution, mainly of humanitarian aid, but also for the
economic and administrative reconstruction of the country.
Details were discussed at a meeting yesterday at the Italian
foreign ministry with the participation of military attaches
from Greece, France, Portugal, and Spain, while a new meeting is
scheduled today to clarify each country's contribution to the
miss ion.
Meanwhile, the 15 EU foreign ministers are due to meet in Rome
tomorrow with Albanian Prime Minister Bashkim Fino.
According to reports, an initial Italian force of 1,000 soldiers
is ready at the Adriatic port of Brindisi to embark on the
mission.
[06] Kranidiotis latest to hold talks with Albania's Nano
Athens, 24/03/1997 (ANA)
Foreign Under-secretary Yiannos Kranidiotis and recently
released Albanian Socialist leader Fatos Nano met yesterday in
Thessaloniki.
No statements were made after the talks.
Specifically, Mr. Kranidiotis told reporters that he did not
wish to elaborate on the content of his talks with Mr. Nano,
adding that the Albanian politician's visit to Thessaloniki was
of a private nature. The meeting, which lasted more than an
hour, focused on developments in Albania, according to sources.
Mr. Nano also met with National Defense Minister Akis
Tsohatzopoulos on Saturday, as well as with Macedonia-Thrace
Minister Philippos Petsalnikos on Friday evening. No statements
were made after those meetings, as well.
Mr. Nano entered Greece on Friday in order to visit his two
children, who are attending educational institutions in
Thessaloniki.
He first escaped from an Albanian prison during the ongoing
political turmoil in the neighboring country, and was later
pardoned by Albanian President Sali Berisha.
He is expected to leave Greece early Tuesday.
[07] Humanitarian aid
Athens, 24/03/1997 (ANA)
Meanwhile, Macedonia-Thrace Minister Philippos Petsalnikos
yesterday announced the dispatch of humanitarian aid to the
neighboring country, where it will be delivered to a hospital
and orphanage in the town of Korce.
The supplies were purchased with ministry funds and sent to
Albania through the Krystallopygi border post. The aid was met
by representatives from the hospital, the orphanage and Korce's
municipal government. The Macedonia-Thrace ministry received the
request for humanitarian aid on Friday during a visit by a Korce
delegation and members of the Epirot Society.
Mr. Petsalnikos added that a donation of medical supplies
gathered by all Thessaloniki-area hospitals will be distributed
to health care facilities in Albania.
[08] More ethnic Greeks cross border
Athens, 24/03/1997 (ANA)
In a related issue, the number of ethnic Greeks from Albania who
on Friday and Saturday crossed the border into Greece was
reported much higher than usual.
Two ethnic Greek villages, Tsiouka and Vryssera, in the
districts of Sarande and Gjirokaster, respectively, were
recently abandoned by their inhabitants following attacks by
Albanian criminal gangs. The exodus is also apparently being
fueled by a climate of uncertainty, resulting from the current
upheaval and the dire economic situation in Albania.
The Greek minority in Albania is currently estimated at more
than 250,000 people.
[09] Stephanopoulos on Independence Day
Athens, 24/01/1997 (ANA)
The buttressing of our national independence from external
threats has priority in Greece's goals, President of the
Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos stated in a message to expatriate
Greeks on the occasion of the country's national day tomorrow,
March 25.
The day marks the 176th anniversary of the declaration of the
Greek War of Independence against Ottoman rule.
"The threat is real and the provocations well known," he notes.
The provocations rally the Greeks together and strengthen
national consensus, he adds, noting that "Greece, with a steady
European orientation, is carving a course demanding of everyone
willing contributions, which will give it the potential of
consolidating its position internationally."
[10] EU General Affairs Council to discuss Turkey, Albania
Athens, 24/03/1997 (ANA)
The EU General Affairs Council will discuss relations with
Turkey and Albania as well as hold structured dialogue with the
countries of eastern and central Europe during a meeting in
Brussels today.
Alternate Foreign Minister George Papandreou said yesterday that
Greece had no objection to the convening of the Association
Council with Turkey, scheduled for April 29, but disagreed with
the financial protocol with Ankara.
"We expect a move of goodwill and political will from the
Turkish side in order to free the financial protocol," he said.
Regarding the structured dialogue with prospective new members,
Mr. Papandreou pointed out that a common position among
member-states had not been stipulated as a precondition, unlike
COREPER's decision concerning Cyprus.
He stressed that double standards were impermissible, and that
Greece insisted on the equal treatment of all prospective
members.
[11] PASOK executive bureau, central committee tour of eastern
Macedonia, Thrace
Athens, 24/03/1997 (ANA)
A Ruling PASOK executive bureau and central committee delegation
wound up a tour of eastern Macedonia and Thrace in
Alexandroupolis yesterday.
The subject of the tour was to brief PASOK organizations in the
region on the party's reorganization.
Regarding the election of Costas Karamanlis as new main
opposition New Democracy leader, PASOK executive bureau member
Theodoros Tsoukatos that he hoped ND would be turned "into a
real main opposition."
[12] Greek products exhibition in Odessa
Athens, 24/03/1997 (ANA)
Ninety Greek enterprises, public bodies and chambers are
participating in the second exhibition of Greek-made products in
Odessa, organized by the HELEXPO Thessaloniki International
Trade Fair Organization in co-operation with the Greek-Ukrainian
Association.
The Greek government is represented by Merchant Marine Minister
Stavros Soumakis and Cabinet secretary Socrates Kosmidis. The
exhibition ends tomorrow.
Meanwhile, the crew of the Hellenic Navy frigate "Ydra", which
arrived in the Black Sea port city as part of a NATO squadron
yesterday, is to participate in events marking Greek
Independence Day tomorrow.
Odessa is the birthplace of the "Society of Friends", a secret
organization that promoted the idea of a revolution against
Ottoman rule in the early 19th century.
[13] Communist parties' meeting
Athens, 24/03/1997 (ANA)
Delegations of communist and labor parties from Middle Eastern
countries meet in Athens for discussions on the situation in
eastern Mediterranean.
Speaking at the two-day conference in Zappeion Hall on Saturday,
Communist Party of Greece (KKE) Secretary General Aleka Papariga
said that the reorganization of the international communist
movement was an urgent matter, in view of what she termed "the
policy pursued by the imperialist forces in the Mediterranean
and the Middle East".
The conference is being attended by delegations representing
Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Cyprus, Bahrain, the
Palestinian Authority areas, Syria and Sudan.
[14] Constantopoulos in Skopje at end of week
Athens, 24/03/1997 (ANA)
Coalition of the Left (Synaspismos) leader Nikos Constantopoulos
is to visit Skopje on March 27 and 28, for talks with Former
Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) President Kiro Gligorov,
Prime Minister Branko Crvenkovski and Foreign Minister Ljubomir
Frckovski.
[15] Greek-Armenian agreement in agriculture sector
Athens, 24/03/1997 (ANA)
Greece and Armenia signed a co-operation agreement in the
agriculture sector, it was announced yesterday.
The agreement was signed between Agriculture Under-secretary
Vassilis Geranidis and his Armenian counterpart during a visit
late last week to Yerevan.
The agreement provides for a co-operation between the two
countries with exchange of technical know-how, organization of
seminars in the sectors of manufacturing, packaging and
marketing of agricultural products as well as encouragement of
joint ventures between businesses in both countries.
While in Armenia, Mr. Geranidis met with representatives of the
Greek Communities Federation in that country.
[16] Kaklamanis on Greek-Armenian friendship
Athens, 24/03/1997 (ANA)
Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis stressed the
long-standing ties between the Greek and the Armenian people in
an address at an event organized by the Armenian Boy Scouts of
Greece.
"The Greek and Armenian nations have centuries-old fraternal
bonds, bonds of common culture, but also rivers of blood and
tears.
"Armenians living in Greece, but also the entire Armenian nation
knows that Greek areas: the Aegean, Thrace and Cyprus,
constitute a bastion of civilization and democracy against
Turkish expansionism and the aggressiveness characterizing the
leadership of the neighboring country," he said.
[17] To our readers
Athens 24/03/1997 (ANA)
The "Bulletin" will not be published on Tuesday, March 25, due
to Greek Independence Day.
End of English language section.
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