From: tzarros@ccs.carleton.ca (Theodore Zarros) Subject: News (in ENGLISH)- Fri, 11 Nov 1994 (Greek Press Office BBS, Ottawa). Athens News Agency Bulletin, November 11, 1994 ---------------------------------------------- * Rome, Athens to work on promoting Mediterranean presence in EU * Martino * Earlier statements * Clinton's letter to premier 'friendly' comment on regional security, Greek-Turkish relation * Kranidiotis supports moves to enlarge CoE * Papathemelis meets with Russian premier * G. Papandreou: activity on FYROM issue expected * Vartholomeos begins Benelux tour in Brussels * Defence ministry denies press reports * Mikroutsikos calls on EU to increase culture funding * Drachma slides against foreign, European currencies in October * Commission adamant on sale of Skaramangas * Venizelos: OTE float delay a protective measure Rome, Athens to work on promoting Mediterranean presence in EU ------------------------------------------------------------- Rome, 11/11/1994 (ANA/L. Hatzykiriakos): Greek-Italian relations have entered a new era and the two countries are soon expected to state their common positions on issues of mutual interest, including a project for co-operation and security in the Mediterranean region and promoting the Mediterranean dimension within the European Union, Greek Foreign Minister Karolos Papoulias said yesterday. He was speaking following separate meetings with Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi and Foreign Minister Antonio Martino, on the first day of his official two-day visit to discuss a wide range of issues. In his meeting with Mr. Berlusconi, Mr. Papoulias asked for the Italian government's good offices in defusing tension in Greek-Albanian relations. "The Italian Government fully understands the Greek positions," Mr. Papoulias told reporters following the meeting. He added that Prime Minister Andreas Papandreou was expected to make an official visit to Italy, probably in early January. After a meeting with his Italian counterpart Antonio Martino, Mr. Papoulias told the press that the two ministers agreed on issues concerning the European Union, the Mediterranean region and the Balkans. "Greek-Italian relations are entering a new era," Mr. Papoulias said, adding that the role of the Mediterranean countries would be strengthened within the European Union. Commenting on Mr. Martino's remark that Greece has showed "moderation" in its relations with Albania, Mr. Papoulias said: "We believe in the mediation of the Italian minister," and "we also expect a gesture (of good faith) from (Albanian) President (Sali) Berisha." Describing the Italian government's foreign policy as "realistic" and "pragmatic," the Greek minister said "Italy, as well as the remaining European countries, could help in curbing Skopjan intransigence." Greece imposed sanctions on the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) in February to force it to change its name, remove ancient Greek symbols from its flag, and change its constitution which expresses expansionist designs against Greece's northern province of the same name. Mr. Papoulias will meet with Pope John Paul II today, before returning to Athens in the evening. Martino ------- Rome, 11/11/1994 (ANA): "Mr. Papoulias' visit, following that of President (Oscar Luigi) Scalfaro (to Greece) shows the desire of both countries to strengthen relations in light of common interests which we share at this moment," Mr. Martino said. Mr. Martino said his meeting with Mr. Papoulias focused on security and co-operation in the Mediterranean, and the upgrading of the Mediterranean countries' role in the European Union. "We would like relations between the Mediterranean countries to develop further in order for the European Union to take these countries seriously," Mr. Martino said. "We can say that prospects (for further development of relations between Mediterranean countries) have seriously improved in view of developments in the peace process in the Middle East. This would contribute to greater stability in the region," he added. The Italian minister said the meeting also focused on issues of mutual interest concerning relations with Turkey, Albania, Skopje and the future of the European Union. Concerning Greek-Albanian relations and Italy's acceptance to mediate, Mr. Martino said the Italian government considered the fact that Greece has "adopted a moderate stance in its dispute with Albania and its will to go further if the Albanian government makes a gesture, an act of faith, which will allow Greece to lift its veto" as "an important development". Relations between Greece and Albania plunged to an all-time low after a Tirana court convicted five ethnic Greeks of espionage and illegal possession of arms. A Court of Appeals later marginally reduced the sentences. Greece vetoed the first part of a European Union financial assistance package to Albania on the grounds of the country's failure to improve its poor human and minority rights record. Earlier statements ------------------ Athens, 11/11/1994 (ANA): Prior to his departure for Italy, Mr. Papoulias told reporters at the airport that "no Mediterranean or Balkan country has anything to gain whatsoever from the tension in Greek-Albanian relations." "Rome maintains good relations with Tirana and can play a role, always within the framework of co-operation among the Balkan and Mediterranean peoples," Mr. Papoulias said. Replying to press questions, he said a new date had not been set for the postponed Athens visit of German and French Foreign Ministers Klaus Kinkel and Alain Juppe. But, he said, the meeting might take place on the sidelines of the European Union summit in Essen in December. The Kinkel-Juppe visit, originally scheduled for November 15, was postponed due to next Tuesday's elections in the Bundestag for a new chancellor, at which Mr. Kinkel's presence was considered necessary. Mr. Papoulias described his visit to Italy a s "significant", and said Athens and Rome could play "an essential role in the Balkans" given Italy's historic interests and Greece's leading role in the region. He indicated that UN mediator on the Skopje issue Cyrus Vance was "relatively disappointed with the outcome of his meeting" on Tuesday with the president of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia Kiro Gligorov in Geneva, in the presence of UN Secretary-General Boutros Boutros-Ghali. Clinton's letter to premier 'friendly' comment on regional security, Greek-Turkish relation ----------------------------------------------------------------- Athens, 11/11/1994 (ANA): The government yesterday described as "friendly" a letter from US President Bill Clinton to Prime Minister Andreas Papandreou on security problems in the region and Greek-Turkish relations. Government spokesman Evangelos Venizelos said that the letter also referred to "the very serious role" played by Greece as a factor of stability and peace in the region. "The continuous interest of the United States is welcome, provided it contributes to security and stability in the region," Mr. Venizelos told reporters. The spokesman said that the content of the letter would not be made public since "it is not usual practice". Commenting on President Clinton's letter, Political Spring party leader Antonis Samaras called on the prime minister "not to be drawn into the game of influence and exhortation" regarding Greece's right to extend its territorial waters from six to 12 miles in the Aegean. Kranidiotis supports moves to enlarge CoE ----------------------------------------- Strasbourg, 11/11/1994 (ANA/I. Galanakis): Foreign Under-Secretary Yiannos Kranidiotis, representing Greece at yesterday's 95th session of the Council of Europe's Foreign Ministers Committee, supported the enlargement of the Council of Europe with new members. Referring to the Council of Europe's role in the new European political system, Mr. Kranidiotis said the organisation should become a forum for political dialogue between all the European countries from the Atlantic to the Urals to strengthen democracy and respect for human rights. These principles, he said, are an essential precondition for peace, stability and progress in Europe. Mr. Kranidiotis pointed to systematic violations of human rights by Turkey, both in Turkish-occupied northern Cyprus and in Turkey itself. Referring to Albania's bid for Council of Europe membership, Mr. Kranidiotis said the rejection of the draft constitution by the Albanian people showed that Tirana still has to cover a great distance to secure basic human rights. Papathemelis meets with Russian premier --------------------------------------- Moscow, 11/11/1994 (ANA/D. Constantakopoulos): Public Order Minister Stelios Papathemelis yesterday met with Russian Prime Minister Viktor Chernomyrdin to convey a message from Prime Minister Andreas Papandreou. The two men discussed the further development of bilateral relations and found wide common ground of interests and views on security in the Balkans, the eastern Mediterranean and the former USSR. They agreed, in particular, on the need for a political solution to the Bosnian crisis. Mr. Papathemelis expressed opposition to Ankara's expansionist tendencies and briefed his Russian interlocutor on Greek- Turkish relations. The Greek minister also met Interior Minister Viktor Yerin, and discussed the establishment of closer co-operation between their two ministries, particularly in the fields of the fight against organised crime and terrorism. According to press sources, the Greek side is especially interested in obtaining information which may assist in the fight against terrorism in Greece. G. Papandreou: activity on FYROM issue expected ----------------------------------------------- Athens, 11/11/1994 (ANA): Education Minister George Papandreou yesterday predicted movement on the issue of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia but expressed uncertainty as to the outcome. "We are in a phase of movement on the Skopje issue. There will be some developments but we are not sure what the outcome will be, "Mr. Papandreou told reporters after returning to Athens from Cyprus. "It is perhaps the most critical period for this issue and Greece must take advantage of the conjunction for the best possible solution for the interests not only of our country, but of the two peoples and the Balkans," Mr. Papandreou added. He expressed the hope that the postponement of the visit to Greece of French and German Foreign Ministers Alain Juppe and Klaus Kinkel would enable "better preparation for a more positive result". The visit, scheduled for November 15, was postponed because Mr. Kinkel's presence in the Bundestag is considered necessary next Tuesday when the German House elects a new chancellor. In addition to EU issues and Greek-Albanian relations, Mr. Kinkel and Mr. Juppe were to have discussed the Skopje issue during their talks in Athens with Foreign Minister Karolos Papoulias. A German embassy spokesman said yesterday that a new date for the visit would be set through diplomatic channels. Vartholomeos begins Benelux tour in Brussels -------------------------------------------- Brussels, 11/11/1994 (ANA/P. Pantelis): Orthodox Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos is arriving here today, the first stop on his official visit to Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the founding of the Holy Metropolis of Belgium and the Exarchate of Holland and Luxembourg. In Belgium, the Patriarch will meet with King Albert II and deputy Prime Minister and Justice Minister Melchior Watelet. He will also meet with European Commission president Jacques Delors, the second time this year. Recently, Mr. Delors supported the idea of a 'common spiritual quest between the religions and Churches of Europe. The Patriarch will inaugurate a representative office of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in the European Union. Turkey had expressed objections to the establishment of the office, but they have been ignored by the Commission. In Luxembourg, the Patriarch will meet with Grand Duke Jean and Prime Minister Jacques Santer and will visit the European Court of Justice. In Holland, he will meet with Queen Beatrice. In all three countries, he will be received by representatives of the Catholic Church. The Orthodox Church was recognised by royal decree in 1985 as one of Belgium's official religions. Today, there are about 50,000 thousand Orthodox Christians in the country. The Belgian press is giving extensive coverage to the Patriarch's visit this week. Defence ministry denies press reports ------------------------------------- Athens, 11/11/1994 (ANA): The Defence Ministry has denied press reports that a Greek navy and air exercise, which started yesterday in the Aegean with the participation of warships and aircraft from the United States, Britain, France, Italy and Spain, had been planned after a concurrent Turkish one in a different part of the Aegean. A statement yesterday said exercise 'Niriis 94' was announced to NATO authorities on June 4, 1993, whereas the Turkish one, originally planned to take place in the Black Sea, between November 21 and 30, was rescheduled, and NATO was notified on September 3, 1993. Mikroutsikos calls on EU to increase culture funding ---------------------------------------------------- Brussels, 11/11/1994 (ANA/M. Savva): European Union culture ministers yesterday discussed initiatives which could be undertaken in the new framework provided by the Maastricht Treaty in the culture sector. Greece's Culture Minister Thanos Mikroutsikos said that without a considerable increase in the EU budget cultural activities would suffer. Mr. Mikroutsikos told the Athens News Agency afterwards that culture was one of Europe's "big guns". "It is probably the sole sector in which the European continent can play a leading role and for this reason it should become top priority for the Twelve," he said. Also discussed at the council yesterday was the 10-year programme now underway in Greece to translate ancient and modern Greek literature into other European languages, through subsidies to Greek and foreign publishing houses, in the framework of the EU 's Arian programme. The promotion of the five-year (1996-2000) Kaleidoscope 2000 programme was also agreed upon. The programme aims to promote European cultures with exchange in theatre, dance and music. Mr. Mikroutsikos briefed his counterparts on the importance of protecting and safeguarding cultural heritage, adding that for certain countries such as Greece extending the concept of cultural heritage protection to underwater antiquities is of particular importance. Moreover, in his intervention in the discussion on countries of central and eastern Europe, Mr. Mikroutsikos stressed the significance of Cyprus and Malta in shaping the common cultural conscience of member-states and completing Europe's cultural identity. Drachma slides against foreign, European currencies in October ------------------------------------------------------------- Athens, 11/11/1994 (ANA): The drachma slid against the basket of all foreign currencies and against European currencies in October, according to the weighted parity indices compiled by the Centre for Export Research and Studies (KEEM). KEEM said the weighted parity index of all currencies rose by 0.2 per cent, while the corresponding index for European currencies rose by 0.5 per cent based on Greece's total foreign trade-weighted basket (imports and exports). The accumulated revaluation of all foreign currencies in the ten-month period January-October this year totalled 4.36 per cent compared to average values in December 1993. The corresponding revaluation of European currencies was 5.6 per cent. According to KEEM estimates, if the drachma continues to slide at the present rate over the next few months, its cumulative annual slide will reach 5 per cent against the basket of all currencies and 6.3 per cent against European currencies. The average annual increases of the weighted indices in the first half of 1994 amounted to 7.43 per cent for all foreign currencies and 6.84 per cent for European currencies as compared with the same six-month period of 1993. The increases of the weighted indices in the period October 1993-October 1994 totalled 4.52 per cent for all foreign currencies and 5.28 per cent for European currencies. Commission adamant on sale of Skaramangas ----------------------------------------- Brussels, 11/11/1994 (ANA/V.Demiris, F. Stangos): Belgian Competition Commissioner Karel van Miert yesterday confirmed the Commission's firm position that the Skaramangas shipyards be privatised. "The privatisation process of the Greek Shipyards S.A. company must start by the end of the year with the proclamation of relevant tendering or there should be a clear and reliable commitment by the Greek government on this. Otherwise, the Skaramangas shipyards will finally close down," Mr. van Miert said. He said that in the past the Greek government had committed itself to denationalising the company and repeated extensions had been given. The European Commission, he said, understands the problems faced by the Greek government and has taken into consideration that three of the four shipyards under state control have already been privatised "with a great delay." "However, if the Greek government does not honour its commitment this time, the Commission will have no choice but to start processes (to take the issue to the European Court) with the known consequences," Mr. van Miert said. He expressed hope that the issue will be settled in the next few weeks or in the next few months at the latest. Alternate Industry Minister Christos Rokofyllos told the Council of Industry Ministers earlier this week tendering for the privatisation of the Skaramangas shipyards (Greek Shipyards S.A.) will be proclaimed by the end of the present European Commission 's tenure, namely by about January 25, 1995. "The privatisation of the Skaramangas shipyards will take place through public, transparent and international tendering which will be proclaimed by the end of the present Commission's tenure and will have been completed in the next few months," Mr. Rokofyllos said. Mr. Rokofyllos told the Council Greece had already privatised three shipyards, the last being the Syros Neorio on September 21. "It was impossible for us to go ahead with the simultaneous privatisation of the Neorio and Skaramangas shipyards," he had said. The last extension given to the Greek government to have the Greek Shipyards S.A. privatised expired on March 31, 1993. Venizelos: OTE float delay a protective measure ----------------------------------------------- Athens, 11/11/1994 (ANA): Government spokesman Evangelos Venizelos yesterday said the government's position on the delay in the floating of 25 per cent of Hellenic Telecommunications Organisation (OTE) shares was the protection of the state-owned body's value. On Tuesday, National Economy Minister Yiannos Papantoniou announced that the floating of 25 per cent of OTE shares on Greek and foreign markets would be delayed until next year. Mr. Venizelos said that, prior to Mr. Papantoniou's announcement, market research had shown that the share float would not be profitable at the present time. The main opposition New Democracy party issued a statement yesterday saying that the government's failure to go ahead with the float proved its "untrustworthiness and the complete failure of its economic policy." ND also requested that the government publicise the assignment and consultancy agreements for the sale of OTE shares. Meanwhile, Political Spring party leader Antonis Samaras said that the government should maintain only 51 per cent of OTE shares to ensure national control of telecommunications and gradually privatise the remaining 49 per cent over a period of three to five years, with the precondition that the gradual sales occur only when conditions in world markets are favourable. Secretary-General of the Communist Party of Greece Aleka Papariga characterised the selling of the OTE shares and the government's privatisation policy in general as "selling out" to multinational companies.