From: "Greek Press Office BBS, Ottawa" Subject: A.N.A. Bulletin 13/1/95 Athens News Agency Bulletin --------------------------- (Apo to Ellnviko Grafeio Tupou kai Plnroforiwv, Ottaba, Kavadas E-Mail Address: grnewsca@sympatico.ca) * French presidency wishes "simultaneous" accord on Cyprus entry progress, EU Turkey customs Union * Sources in Brussels on Cyprus' accession * Papoulias hopeful Berisha may free Greek ethnics soon * European People's Party to hold conference * Greek assigned EU mediating mission in Bosnia * Defence Minister considering co-operation between Greek Navy, German shipyards * Evert-Rabin meeting postponed for today * Gov't, Opposition in fierce feud over PM's loans * EU approves railway modernisation programme * ASE tightens listing procedure * Economy: Premier, Papantoniou agree keynote on stabilisation, development * US Under-Secretary confers with Thessaloniki officials French presidency wishes "simultaneous" accord on Cyprus entry progress, EU Turkey customs Union ---------------------------------------------------------------- Paris, 13/1/95 (ANA - G. Zitouniati): French European Affairs Minister Alain Lamassoure yesterday confirmed "France's wish that an agreement on the European Union's customs union with Turkey and attainment of significant progress in the process for the accession of Cyprus and Malta to the EU be concluded simultaneously during its six-month presidency." Speaking to the press after his meeting with Cyprus Foreign Minister Alecos Michaelides, Mr. Lamassoure also recalled the decision taken by the EU summit in Corfu that Cyprus and Malta should be "involved" in the next EU enlargement to follow the inter-governmental conference in 1996. According to diplomatic sources, negotiations for Cyprus' accession to the EU are expected to start in the first half of 1997, viz. in the first presidency following the inter-governmental conference in 1996. Meanwhile, an initial accession process will be applied (participation in Community conferences and councils) on the same lines as those for central and eastern European countries. According to the sources, this was agreed upon in Paris on Wednesday by Greek Foreign Under-Secretary Yiannos Kranidiotis, French Foreign Minister Alain Juppi and European Affairs Minister Alain Lamassoure. Cyprus, which applied for EU membership in July 1990, has long requested that the EU set a date for the start of accession talks, a move the Cyprus government considers should have a beneficial effect on efforts to resolve the Cyprus problem. Greece has linked a customs union agreement between the EU and Turkey to progress in the Cyprus problem, and a date of accession negotiations with Cyprus. Last month, it vetoed the EU customs union with Turkey insistently requesting a date for EU-Cyprus talks, while drawing attention to Turkey's appalling human rights record. The two sides also achieved rapprochement of views on economic and technical issues concerning conditions set out by Greece to facilitate Turkey's customs union with the EU, such as the textiles industry, exemption of the right of settlement and movement, human rights issues and relations between Greece and Turkey. As regards political conditions set by Greece to lift its veto (liberation of Famagusta, acceptance of the island's demilitarisation, freedom of settlement and movement, etc.), the French presidency has undertaken to "convey messages" to the Turkish side during the upcoming visit to Paris by Turkish Foreign Under-Secretary Mr. Sanberg on January 19. As a result of new developments, a time coincidence cannot be ruled out between reconsideration of Cyprus' bid (according to a report by EU observer on the Cyprus issue Serge Abu) and that of the customs union with Turkey in March. Such an assessment is also fuelled by reports that no reactions are expected from remaining EU member-states over the formula agreed on by France. Interest has also been shown by the US on the issue of negotiations with Cyprus. Mr. Michaelides said he "appreciates concern shown by France for a solution to the problem of Cyprus", adding that "setting a date for the start of negotiations with the European Union constitutes a catalytic element in efforts to resolve the Cyprus issue." According to diplomatic sources, co-operation between the Greek and Cypriot political leaderships was excellent, the formula a concept emanating from discussions, while formulation that "negotiations must start during the first presidency following the inter-governmental conference in 1996" was a French initiative. The sources said the US had already advised Europeans it supported the setting of dates, enhancing the Cypriot argument that the effort was not taking place to speed up accession but for favourable repercussions on the process of resolving the Cyprus issue instead. Sources in Brussels on Cyprus' accession ------------------------------------ Brussels, 13/1/95 (ANA - G. Daratos): Well-informed diplomatic sources in Brussels yesterday said France, currently holding the European Union's rotating six-month presidency, has undertaken to lead the EU 15 member-states to a joint decision facilitating a start of negotiations on Cyprus' accession to the EU in the first six months following the inter-governmental conference in 1996. It was a formula agreed on in Paris Wednesday by French Foreign Minister Alain Juppi and Foreign Under-Secretary Yiannos Kranidiotis, and later discussed with Cyprus Foreign Minister Alecos Michaelides who fully accepted it. Athens not only succeeded in securing a French commitment on specifying a start to Cyprus' accession negotiations at the latest between December 1996 and June 1997, the sources said, but also a start of a pre-accession dialogue layout between the EU and Cyprus in many sectors. This way, Nicosia will be better-prepared for ensuing accession negotiations. According to Cypriot diplomatic sources, the solution agreed on is very satisfactory and fully covers the island's European targets. Papoulias hopeful Berisha may free Greek ethnics soon ----------------------------------------------------- Athens, 13/1/95 (ANA): Foreign Minister Karolos Papoulias expressed optimism yesterday that there may be a solution early February to the issue of the four ethnic Greeks imprisoned for espionage in Albania. Mr. Papoulias said that Albanian President Sali Berisha had taken "steps forward", adding that the problem with the four imprisoned members of the ethnic Greek political organisation "Omonia" may be resolved in the first ten days of February. The four are due to appear before the Albanian Supreme Court on February 8. Mr. Papoulias said that once the issue was settled, he would be prepared to fly to Tirana for talks with the Albanian government. He was speaking after talks with US Ambassador Thomas Niles, whom he briefed on the recent visit of Prime Minister Andreas Papandreou to the Middle East. Mr. Papoulias reiterated Greece's positions on a number of national issues including the Cyprus problem and relations with Albania, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and Turkey. Mr. Papoulias was later received by President of the Republic Constantine Karamanlis whom he briefed on Mr. Papandreou's visit to Syria and Jordan, and on the course of Greece's national issues. European People's Party to hold conference ------------------------------------------ Brussels, 13/1/95 (ANA - P. Pantelis): The European People's Party's (EPP) Political Office convened in Brussels yesterday to prepare a joint conference in Brussels March 29-31 between the EPP and the European Democratic Union. The conference will focus on the "European Union: Target 1996" and the accession of certain parties from eastern European countries to the EPP. Main opposition New Democracy party leader Miltiades Evert will attend the conference. Yesterday's meeting was chaired by EPP President Wilfried Martens. It was attended on behalf of Greece by ND and EPP Deputy President Ioannis Varvitsiotis, the head of ND's Eurodeputies Efthymios Christodoulou, the Deputy President of the EPP's Parliamentary Group Panayiotis Lambrias and former minister and commissioner Mr. G. Kontogiorgis. Greek assigned EU mediating mission in Bosnia --------------------------------------------- Athens, 13/1/95 (ANA): The European Union has appointed Professor Ioannis Voulgaris of Thrace University, as mediator within the framework of its administration of the Bosnian city of Mostar, Foreign Ministry spokesman Constantine Bikas said yesterday. The EU assumed for ten years the administration of Mostar in July 1994 as part of international efforts to bring peace to Bosnia-Herzegovina. The negotiations between warring Croats and Moslems were held during the Greek presidency. The Greek mediator's task will be to monitor the acts of the EU's administrator in the city, Hans Koschnick, and co-ordinate any mediation between the latter and the ethnic groups. The fact that Greece had requested the appointment of a Greek mediator, Mr. Bikas said, underlined its strong and concrete interest in peace and national reconciliation not only in Bosnia, but also in the other regions of former Yugoslavia. Defence Minister considering co-operation between Greek Navy, German shipyards ----------------------------------------------------------------- Hamburg, 13/1/95 (ANA- P. Stangos): Defence Minister Gerasimos Arsenis yesterday visited the Howald Werke shipyards in Kiel, to explore possibilities of financing a programme for the purchase of new submarines for the Greek Navy, as well as transferring technological know-how for modernisation and construction work from Germany to the Elefsis and Skaramanga shipyards in Greece. The cost of the new submarines is estimated at DM 400 million each, bringing the total cost of a possible order for four units to DM 1.6 billion. The German side has reportedly submitted detailed financing proposals including low interest loans, possible use of US 'offset' funds under the FMS scheme, part payment with Greek products, and a sufficiently long period of grace, setting the start for repayment in the year 2008 if the order be placed "within a reasonable time". Greek delegation officials said the Greek side was keeping options open, while studying similar offers from Holland and Sweden. Greek interest stems from the fact that four out of eight Greek Navy submarines are undergoing modernisation (one in Kiel and three in Greece), while Turkey is raising its submarine force to 12, with the addition of two units, to be assembled through supply of German technical know-how at an Istanbul shipyard. Greek needs are based on a balance of power in the Aegean, and a new military doctrine including Cyprus into Greek defence planning. The financial aspects, however, assume a new dimension in view of the expiry of a provision for free military aid within the framework of NATO at the end of 1994. Evert-Rabin meeting postponed for today --------------------------------------- Tel Aviv, 13/1/95 (ANA): The meeting which main opposition New Democracy leader Miltiades Evert and Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin were to have in Tel Aviv yesterday, was cancelled due to Mr. Rabin's sudden departure for Jordan to confer with King Hussein. Mr. Evert, who is on a three-day official visit to Israel, will meet with Mr. Rabin today instead, before he returns to Athens in the afternoon. The leader of the Opposition yesterday visited the Holocaust Memorial Centre, where a special ceremony was held for unveiling a plaque bearing his father's name, Angelos Evert, for help he had given Jews in Athens as Police Commandant during World War II Nazi occupation. The Rabbis also recited a memorial prayer for Angelos Evert and then Archbishop Damaskinos. Gov't, Opposition in fierce feud over PM's loans ------------------------------------------------ Athens, 13/1/95 (ANA): Government and Opposition yesterday continued their dispute over the ethics facet of Prime Minister Andreas Papandreou's acceptance of interest-free loans from ministers to build a stately home for his wife Dimitra Liani. In an income statement submitted to Parliament, the Premier said he had borrowed 155 million drachmas from personal friends, including 45 million from three of his ministers. "It is unacceptable for the prime minister to appear to have dealings with, and, therefore, be obligated to, government officials", said New Democracy party spokesman Vassilis Magginas. Government spokesman Evangelos Venizelos retorted by referring to expediencies on the part of the main opposition, designed to create a political stir, noting the prime minister had simply opted for the simplest way of borrowing from old friends. He described the prime minister's income statement as "unusually detailed", and invited critics to compare it with those submitted by political figures at other times. The opposition press also criticised the premier for borrowing 65 million drachmas with interest from a businessman named George Halagg, who accompanied him on his recent visit to Syria and Jordan. "Mr. Halagg comes from the region and has close friendly ties with important figures in the Arab world who could contribute to the improvement of Greece's relations with Arab countries and the peace process," said Mr. Venizelos. Foreign Minister Karolos Papoulias, one of the prime minister's creditors, said he had been Mr. Papandreou's close friend for 30 years and was at a loss to understand how some people might think that a close friend would not assist someone in need. Political Spring party leader Antonis Samaras said the prime minister, in his effort to appear as complying with the law, was pioneering ways of side-tracking the law which requires public figures to reveal the source of their wealth. Communist Party Secretary-General Aleka Papariga and Coalition of the Left Nikos Constantopoulos called for an urgent revision and application of the relevant law. A PASOK Press Office statement yesterday referred to alarmist talk about scandals on the part of the opposition, and bloating of non-issues out of all proportion, betraying failure to exercise effective political opposition. EU approves railway modernisation programme ------------------------------------------- Athens, 13/1/95 (ANA): The European Union has approved funding 60 percent of a 490 million ECU Greek Railways development and modernisation programme. The programme includes track modernisation, acquiring eight new high speed luxury carriages with a capacity of 260 passengers each, and construction of a new auxiliary-line linking the Xanthi region in Thrace with the commercial port of Kavala. The 1994-99 'Railways' operational programme is fully in accord with EU policy targets, as laid down in a White Paper for Transport, providing for an environment-friendly system of high capacity, efficiency and security. ASE tightens listing procedure ------------------------------ Athens, 13/1/95 (ANA): The Athens Stock Exchange board yesterday decided to insist that main sponsors of a new issue for listing submit a detailed report assessing the stock value of the company concerned, in a bid to raise the standard of the evaluation process. Assessors' reports will be included in the ASE information bulletin to provide investors with a net picture of each company's state. The measure is transitional, pending parliamentary enactment of final provisions submitted by the government in a report drawn up by the Karatzas Committee. The ASE board also approved an increase of 618 million dr. in the capital of the Britania S. A. wool industry. The supplementary capital will be raised for the board to purchase the majority of A. Molokotos ABEE stock and restructuring the company. Economy: Premier, Papantoniou agree keynote on stabilisation, development ------------------------------------------------------------- Athens, 13/1/95 (ANA): National Economy Minister Yiannos Papantoniou yesterday reiterated reducing inflation and state deficits and stepping up implementation of major projects are top priority economic policy items. Speaking after briefing Premier Andreas Papandreou on the state and prospects of the economy at Maximos Mansion, Mr. Papantoniou said the need for consistent implementation of economic policy with emphasis on stabilisation and development was underscored during the meeting. He told questioners there were no fresh developments in the Hellenic Telecommunications Organisation (OTE) partial (25%) privatisation issue, reiterating there would be no increase in water, electricity or other public service charges for another six months. US Under-Secretary confers with Thessaloniki officials ------------------------------------------------------- Athens, 13/1/95 (ANA): US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Nancy Ely-Raphel arrived in Thessaloniki yesterday for talks with government and city officials. Ms. Raphel, who began an official visit to Greece on Monday, had separate talks yesterday with Minister for Macedonia and Thrace Constantine Triarides, and Mayor Constantine Kosmopoulos. Ms. Raphel also met later with former Moslem independent deputy for Xanthi, Ahmet Sadik. The meeting, held at the US consulate, lasted two hours and focused on issues relating to the Moslem minority in Greece.