Greek Foreign Minister Karolos Papoulias yesterday outlined Greece's foreign policy in his address to the 50th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
He hailed the contribution of the United Nations to providing a forum for debate on matters of international concern and congratulated the Secretary-General Boutros Boutros-Ghali for "striving with courage, energy, political will and vision for a new world, in which law and ethics will prevail".
"Looking back over the fifty years since the guns of the Second World War fell silent, one notes with satisfaction the valuable work performed by the United Nations as a forum for debate on matters of international concern, and as a center for harmonizing the activities of States in the economic, social, cultural and humanitarian fields," he told the assembly.
"The United Nations has played a vital role as a framework for the historical process of decolonization, by securing international recognition to the new countries and by helping them improve their economic and social conditions. It has defined human rights for the global community. It has defeated the shameful practice of apartheid. It has provided the basis for an intensive development for international law. It has monitored elections in countries where elections have seldom been held. It has assisted in the drafting of constitutions and trained indigenous police forces. It has moved forward consensus on global problems like disarmament, the environment, the status of women, human rights, development, and many other fundamental issues..."
"...However, while disappointment has been frequently expressed at the Organization's performance, no credible alternative is offered by those who criticize it.
Moreover, little regard is given to the innumerable constraints under which it operates, as well as to the fact that it can be only as effective as governments allow it to be. The United Nations has indeed structural deficiencies, which it urgently needs to overcome. But it is only too often a useful scapegoat for the mistakes, the failings, the unfulfilled promises of Member States..."
"The increasing resort to and use of sanctions regimes has brought to light another series of difficulties which have also undermined the credibility of the United Nations. As the Secretary-General pointed out in his report, the objectives for which specific sanctions regimes were imposed and the criteria for their lifting have not been clearly defined , or have seemed to change over time, as has been the case for the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro) and Iraq. This situation is all the more worrying, because experience has proved that the imposition of sanctions results in the infliction of tremendous suffering upon vulnerable groups of the targeted country, rather that in the modification of the behavior of its government.
"Furthermore, the role of those countries that shoulder the main burden of the implementation of the sanction regimes, despite the considerable collateral damage which they suffer in terms of economic and social costs, needs, at last, to be accordingly acknowledged, for their contribution to the maintenance of international peace and security is, in some cases, no less important that the one of troop-contributing countries. It should be clear that if, in the long run, the difficulties of those Member States that have the misfortune to be neighbors of the targeted countries are not met in a satisfactory way, including through the appropriate implementation of Article 50 of the Charter, then general support for the use of sanctions as an effective instrument will not be easily maintained.
"Regrettably, one would have to acknowledge that the primary purpose of the United Nations, that of establishing a pattern of world order and international security, has been achieved much less than was expected, or is indeed required by the growing needs of the international community. The threat and the use of force are still a recurrent feature of international relations, contrary to the expectations raised in 1945. The territorial integrity or the sovereign rights of States are frequently threatened or compromised by the practice of power politics, in contradiction to the purposes and principles which govern our Organization.
"In this context, allow me to observe that a Charter is of value insofar as each member that subscribes to it conducts itself in accordance with the commitments it has undertaken of its own free will, without guile or reservations. It is also of paramount importance that the United Nations not be perceived as resorting to double standards when it comes to military aggression and other blatant violations of international law.
Greek foreign policy
"The guiding principle of Greek foreign policy is the establishment of good neighborly relations with all countries of the region, based on the respect of international law, national sovereignty and human rights, and on the non-interference in the domestic affairs of other States. This principle has always constituted the cornerstone of our foreign policy and applies fully to our relations with neighboring Turkey. It is the sincere wish of my Government that Greek-Turkish relations be normalized, based on the principles of international law and the relevant international treaties, and in conformity with the UN Charter, the Helsinki Final Act and the Paris Charter. Greece has never raised any claims against Turkey. On the other hand, we have made it absolutely clear that we categorically reject any idea of compromising our sovereign rights, which we are determined to protect by all legitimate means.
Turkey
"Unfortunately, Turkey is following a different approach in her policies vis-a-vis our country. To mention just an example, I wish to refer to the resolution adopted on June 8 1995 by the Turkish National Assembly, authorizing the Turkish Government to use military force, in case Greece exercises her legal right to expand her territorial waters to 12 n.m. according to the Convention on the Law of the Sea. The said resolution was obviously endorsed by the Turkish Government, since it was forwarded to the Secretary-General on June 23 1995 in a letter addressed to him by the Permanent Representative of Turkey to the United Nations.
"Turkey is in fact attempting to intimidate Greece into forfeiting a right acknowledged to all signatory parties, by article 3 of the Convention on the Law of the Sea, and already exercised by a large number of States. Furthermore, it is beyond any doubt that the above mentioned Resolution constitutes a direct violation of article 2(4) of the UN Charter which stipulates that 'all members shall refrain in their international relations from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state', as well as of many similar provisions of international treaties and conventions.
"It is self-evident that an essential improvement of Greek-Turkish relations presupposes a just and lasting solution of the Cyprus question and the re-establishment of international legality in Cyprus. Unfortunately, during the last 21 years, the Turkish forces, defying a series of UN resolutions, occupy a large part of Cyprus, despite the assiduous efforts of the Secretary-General. Their continuing presence has resulted in the division of the island by force, the brutal violation of basic human right s and freedoms and the systematic plundering of the island's cultural and religious heritage.
"The Greek Government strongly support the efforts of the Secretary-General aiming at a just and viable solution of the Cyprus problem, based on the relevant Security Council resolutions, including the most recent resolution 939 (1994), which calls for a bi-communal and bi-zonal federated State of Cyprus with a single sovereignty and international personality and a single citizenship, with its independence and territorial integrity safeguarded.
The Greek Government believes that the prospect of the accession of Cyprus to the European Union, which was further promoted by concrete actions taken by the Union during 1995, will create conditions allowing to tackle the current deadlock and, thus, assist effectively the Secretary-General's efforts for the reversal of the unacceptable status quo. "One should bear in mind that no progress towards a settlement is possible while the Turkish occupation forces remain on the island. The Greek Government considers the proposal for the total demilitarization of the island, put forward by President Clerides, as most constructive. It also feels that it is imperative that countries, which are in a position and wish to back the efforts of the Secretary-General, exert the necessary pressure so that the side which is responsible for the impasse be forced to a bide by international law and UN resolutions.
FYROM
"The signing of the Interim Accord, on September 13 1995, in New York, constitutes an important step towards establishing a new era in the relations between Greece and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. It also paves the way for bilateral cooperation for their own benefit, as well as for the sake of peace, co-operation, stability and prosperity throughout the Balkans, which has so much been affected by the crisis in the former Yugoslavia.
"We do hope that this important step between the two countries will lead to a definite settlement of the dispute over the name, which constitutes the main existing difference between them and which will be dealt with in the context of further negotiations, in accordance with the conventional commitment of the parties concerned and the relevant Security Council Resolutions."
Albania
"Greece attaches great importance to her relations with Albania. For this reason, we constantly follow a policy of good neighborliness and co-operation with that country and continue to support in many ways its efforts to promote political and economic reforms, thus contributing to the establishment of a modern and democratic society.
"Greece has been offering substantial economic support to Albania, which has enabled it to face the many difficult problems which appeared after the former regime was overthrown. Today, Greek investments in Albania continue to contribute substantially to the economic development of the country and to the strengthening of its social stability.
"Furthermore, an important Greek minority lives in Albania, contributing positively to the country's development. Under the previous regime, the minority was subjected to persecutions and harsh treatment. Greece is convinced that the Greek minority in Albania constitutes a bridge of friendship between the two countries and helps further their rapprochement and co-operation. For this reason, we believe that the human rights of its members should be fully respected, in a way which will enable them to stay in their homeland and live there in a safe environment. Moreover, they should be proportionally represented in the Administration, the state institutions and the armed forces, and be allowed to exercise freely and fully their religious and educational rights.
"Unfortunately, notwithstanding some improvements, considerable restrictions continue to apply on the free exercise of these rights, particularly in the field of education. We sincerely hope that the Albanian Government, in conformity also with its international commitments, will secure the full respect of the human rights of the Greek minority.
Former Yugoslavia
"During the current year, the tragedy of the former Yugoslavia has continued to unfold, relentlessly, imposing tremendous suffering and hardships on the civilian population. Greece, as a country neighboring the former Yugoslavia, has been directly subjected to the negative consequences of this bloody conflict, as regards both her economy and her security.
"My country has always advocated that, as has already been pointed out by the Presidency of the European Union, a fair and viable solution to the conflict in Bosnia can only be found by political means, and not on the battlefields. This is why, from the beginning of the crises, we have spared no efforts, in the direction of all the parties involved, trying to promote a peaceful settlement, in co-operation with our European partners and Russia, who has played and is to play a significant role on this issue. Furthermore, the Greek Government fully supports the current diplomatic initiative and the ongoing negotiating process based on the Contact Group plan.
"Recently, there have been encouraging developments regarding the future shape of things in the former Yugoslavia. The parties have begun to show signals of rapprochement and willingness to talk. Thus we warmly welcome the "Basic Principles", agreed in Geneva on September 8 1995, as well as the "Further Basic Principles", agreed three days ago in New York, which are very important steps on the long and difficult road to peace. Much remains to be done, but if the parties display the necessary political w ill, with the assistance of the international community, a comprehensive and viable peaceful settlement should not be any more a fictional and far-off objective.
"Greece is, for her part, ready to contribute to the fulfillment of this objective, through the good relations which she has developed with all the parties involved in the conflict. Furthermore, my country, being fully aware of the intricacies of the Balkans, and having actively participated in the initiatives for regional economic co-operation, will do her utmost, both on a national basis and in the framework of the European Union, to promote efforts aiming at the reconstruction of the former Yugoslavia.
Middle East
"On the situation in the Middle East, Greece considers as matters of utmost importance, the early and unimpeded implementation of the recent Erez and Taba Agreements, the speedy conclusion of the talks on re-deployment and elections, together with the solution of the two outstanding problems, namely security for all and social and economic development.
"We welcome the signature yesterday in Washington by Israel and the PLO of the Interim Agreement on the second stage of Palestinian autonomy, which constitutes additional proof of determination and political courage. We congratulate the Israeli Government and Chairman Arafat for their commitment to peace.
"Greece believes that the international community must undertake consistent efforts, in which we are willing to actively participate, aiming at creating a solid basis for the political and economic survival of the Palestinian National Authority, thereby providing a source of hope for the Palestinian people.
"Greece is of the view that the peace process could be substantially promoted if States of the region, directly involved in it, join forces with those actively participating, and welcomes all recent indications to this effect...
"Greece believes that an increase in the number of members of the Security Council has become an imperative necessity. Such an increase, which should be moderate so as not to undermine the effectiveness of the Council's action, must reflect the current number of States of the United Nations, the realities of the new international situation, and an equitable distribution among all existing regional groups. While recognizing that any formal definition of criteria for new permanent members would not be easily formulated, we consider that new members of this category should be selected among States which carry a major influence in world affairs and are in a position to make an essential contribution to the maintenance of international peace and security.
Nuclear weapons
"Greece welcomes the indefinite extension of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and the commitment, made by the States party, to its universalization and full implementation. We emphasize the importance of strengthening the review process and adopting a set of principles and objectives for non-proliferation and disarmament. We also stress the need to complete, without delay, comprehensive and verifiable treaties to ban nuclear weapon tests and to cut off the production of fissile material for nuclear weapons and other nuclear explosive devices.
"We are deeply concerned with the continued dangers posed by the excessive transfer of conventional arms, and we support the full implementation of the United Nations Register. Furthermore, continuing injuries to civilians caused by anti-personnel mine s should foster the need to strengthen multilateral controls in this regard.
"Growing economic and social gaps breed violence. The need to bridge the differences between rich and poor, both between nations and within nations, is of the utmost importance for our efforts and possibilities to preserve peace. This fundamental truth was recognized and stressed by the founders of the United Nations, and, subsequently, by all members of the Organization, who pledged to 'employ international machinery for the promotion of the economic and social advancement of peoples'."
Foreign Minister Karolos Papoulias held a 50-minute talk with his Turkish counterpart Erdal Inonu and told reporters afterwards "we did not agree." "I had a meeting with Mr. Inonu. We talked. We exchanged views. We did not agree," Mr. Papoulias said.
"The view of the Turkish foreign minister is that there are problems in relations between Greece and Turkey. The view of the Greek government is that one issue exists in relations between Greece and Turkey: the continental shelf issue. We propose that this difference of ours, the legal difference, should be referred to the International Court at The Hague. I think we insisted, he and I, on these steadfast positions. There is no progress," he said. He said he proposed that talks between committees discontinued three months ago resume, adding that they might do so. "But we are in this situation at this time and with these results," he added.
Asked whether the Cyprus issue was discussed, Mr. Papoulias said "there was no Cyprus issue since we did not agree in the least on major issues." Mr. Papoulias said he categorically denied what Mr. Inonu said about relations between Greek deputies and the PKK and that the start to the accession process for Cyprus, which would start six months after the inter-ministerial conference, was a European Union decision, adding he did not think it was influenced by Turkey's views.
Mr. Inonu said it was not realistic to say there were no problems. He said certainly there were problems such as: how the two countries would continue to share the Aegean; how they would continue to share airspace over the Aegean; how the Lausanne Treaty was being applied; the need for a substantive document defining good relations, peace; and whether there were violations in the Treaty of Lausanne, particularly concerning the Moslem community in western Thrace. Mr. Inonu said these days that human rights held such an important position, that application of the Lausanne Treaty was extremely important, with regard to the minority in western Thrace and the demilitarization of the islands.
Skopje
Speaking to reporters after a working lunch he had with Cyrus Vance, the United Nations mediator on the Skopje issue, Mr. Papoulias said: "The Greek government's position on the name is known. Both (Greece's permanent representative to the UN) Christos Zacharakis and I had a meeting with Mr. Vance. It is an interesting meeting when you converse with a person such as Mr. Vance, who has a great deal of experience and continues to be interested in international relations. "I must tell you that we discussed a great many things on all international relations."
In responding to a question on whether there was a time-frame for negotiations on the name, and what Mr. Vance's predictions were, Mr. Papoulias added: "There are no predictions because negotiations have not begun. Mr. Vance, though, will meet Mr. (Kiro) Gligorov next week when he (Gligorov) arrives ... I expect negotiations to begin at the end of October."
Athens
In Athens, referring to Mr. Papoulias' meeting with his Turkish counterpart, Political Spring party leader Antonis Samaras said "today's meeting between Mr. Papoulias and Mr. Inonu, a meeting with no substance, was a mistake (taking place) merely because it was the desire of the Americans." "The Greek government was able to avoid this meeting, given government instability in Ankara," he said.
Coalition of the Left and Progress leader Nikos Constantopoulos said no meeting between foreign ministers was innocent and a courtesy meeting. He expressed concern over the course of relations between Greece and Turkey and the government's position, saying the US was interested in the big package of differences between Greece and Turkey, with or without the Cyprus issue, so as to serve its interests in the framework of its pro-Turkish policy.
The Spanish Eurodeputy scheduled to present a report to the European Parliament's foreign affairs committee on the EU-Turkey customs union gave a pessimistic account of his recent visit in Turkey. "A capable mechanism for the function of a state of justice in Turkey doesn't exist," left-wing deputy Carlos Carnero said. "A complicated political situation exists at the moment, which can be described as transitional."
The European Parliament - the European Union's only directly-elected body - must ratify the proposed EU-Turkish customs union before it can go into effect as scheduled on January 1, 1996. However, the body said earlier this year that it would not vote in favor of the pact if Ankara did not make substantial progress in its human rights record. Mr. Carnero supported the holding of a relevant discussion on the matter during a plenary session in December.
However, from today's deliberations in the foreign affairs committee it appears that a consensus is emerging - already expressed by several member-nations - that due to lack of Turkish progress in reforms, it is better to defer discussion instead of risking a negative decision.
According to reports, the pro-Turkish lobby in Brussels is feverishly working for a postponement of the discussion and subsequent negative vote on the customs union. One argument of the pro-Turkish side appears to state that abolition of controversial Article 8 of Turkey's anti-terrorist law and release of six jailed Kurdish deputies are enough for the Europarliament to give its assent, in anticipation of future democratization measures on the part of Ankara.
Germany considers an official two-day visit to Greece by German Defence Minister Volker Ruehe a "gesture" underlining "particularly friendly personal relations with his Greek counterpart." Mr. Ruehe will start his visit when he arrives on the island of Cephalonia tomorrow for private talks with his Greek counterpart Gerasimos Arsenis. The official part of the visit will be limited to a meeting, a luncheon and a dinner in Athens.
The agenda includes all current political issues ranging from NATO enlargement to the two countries' participation in the Peace Implementation force in Bosnia and the reopening of NATO headquarters in Larissa which Turkey is blocking.
The two defence ministers are expected to discuss the modernization of about 70 Greek air Force Phantom F-4 jets by the German aeronautical company DASA (Deutsche Aerospace) as well as the definition of weaponry Greece is entitled to from the remaining free "third special aid" package valued at about 75 million marks. The issue of modernizing Greek F-4 warplanes was discussed last January when Mr. Arsenis visited Germany.
According to reports, the Greek Air Force General Staff sent the so-called "supply application" to the German company on September 18. Representatives of the three interested companies - DASA, US Rockwell and Israel's state aeronautical company - are expected in Athens in November to discuss certain details before bids are made.
The issue of war reparations from Germany for its occupation of Greece during the Second World War remains "open" for the Greek government, Press Minister Telemahos Hytiris said yesterday.
As far as Greece is concerned, Mr. Hytiris said, Greece did not consider that the war reparations issue was closed either by the Treaty of London or by any other agreement. Mr. Hytiris was commenting on statements by German Chancellor Helmut Kohl who said that Bonn would not pay Greece "any more" money in war reparations.
On Wednesday, the Commission rejected arguments by Bonn that reparations to Greece had been "canceled out" by financial transactions between the two countries within the framework of the European Union, saying that the funds for Community policies came from the body's own budget and were not deemed to be from any one member-state.
Mr. Hytiris added that the issue was one between states and would be treated as such, irrespective of the private lawsuits filed by Greek citizens seeking compensation for the loss of relatives or damage to property during the Nazi occupation. Mr. Hytiris said that Greece would "intervene" both with respect to the "occupation loan" taken by the Germans during the war and the reparations being sought by Greek citizens.
"The government will decide when and how the issue will be raised," Mr. Hytiris said, adding that "specific steps" would be taken. Replying to other questions, Mr. Hytiris said that the war reparations issue was not covered by a statute of limitation.
In a related development, Foreign Minister Karolos Papoulias clarified that "Greece never waived its claims against Germany concerning the various losses it suffered during the Second World War." The clarification was contained in a written reply to a question tabled in Parliament by two Communist Party of Greece (KKE) deputies.
Mr. Papoulias added that the problem remained pending "politically" and that every effort was being made for "the full and detailed study of the tactics to be followed, so that when the issue is raised it will be founded on strong political and legal g rounds which will ensure a successful outcome."
Representatives of 28 European tour operators from 11 countries, handling almost half of incoming Greek tourism, arrived in Greece yesterday at the invitation of the Tourism Ministry and the Greek National Tourism Organization (EOT) to exchange views on the problems and prospects of tourism in the country and on necessary measures to reverse this year's negative climate.
A briefing was held yesterday morning with the participation of Transport and Communications Minister Evangelos Venizelos, while private meetings were held in the afternoon to examine individual problems.
Tourism Minister Nikos Sifounakis called on foreign tour operators to make analytical written proposals and not to include lodgings lacking permits from EOT in their advertising brochures. Mr. Sifounakis said tourist arrivals would decrease 10 per cent this year and overnight stays 15 per cent. He called on the tour operators to contribute to improving Greece's image for the tourist season in 1996.
He said improving infrastructure, extending the tourist period, developing special forms of tourism, improving the standard of services and applying a comprehensive promotion plan abroad were top priorities for the government.
Greece and Georgia signed an economic co-operation agreement in Tbilisi on Wednesday under which Georgia will be able to include the modernization of hospitals and hotels and the reconstruction of harbors in the 15 million dollars of export credits extended by Athens.
During the signing ceremony, Georgian leader Eduard Shevardnadze underlined the support provided by Greece aimed at helping Georgians resolve "critical problems in this transitional period for our economy." Mr. Shevardnadze added that he was willing to allocate many of the major infrastructure works currently at the planning stage to Greek construction companies. He also thanked the Greek government for the shipment of 5,000 tonnes of grain as food aid to Georgia.
National Economy Under-secretary Ioannis Anthopoulos spoke of the "renewal" of the traditional friendship between the two peoples and said Greece would contribute to the restoration of a public building as a token of its willingness to contribute to Georgia's further cultural development.
During talks between the two sides in Tbilisi, the 70 million dollar investment of the Hellenic Telecommunications Organization providing for the installation of 180,000 digital telephone lines in the Georgian capital was discussed further.
The Greek government has given the European Commission a commitment that there will be no unauthorized state support of the Skaramangas Shipyards if the proposed combined workers-state ownership plan is approved. The government's replies to Commission queries on the proposal, which foresees 49 per cent of the shipyards going to the workers and the controlling interest to the Hellenic Industrial Development Bank (ETVA), were released yesterday.
The main points of the letter of reply, which was accompanied by a study by the Alpha Finance company, are as follows: The possibility of operations coming to a halt was examined and was not preferred at the present stage. The existing agreement and its implementation secured a gradual payment of the price regarding the 49 per cent share given to the workers.
Greece's obligations emanating from the convergence programme will be observed and, according to the privatization contract, the workers will restrict their wage demands to increases no higher than inflation and are committed to four years of labor peace. The coverage of losses in the trade sector through orders by the Greek Navy is ruled out. No study made has indicated staff reductions to reach below 2,000 people.
There was no conflict of interest resulting from the double capacity of shareholder and worker: In any case, the workers in this capacity depend on the viability of the enterprise which is the prime concern of every shareholder. The administration will be conducted by the management and the company's board will play a supervisory role, since it will monitor and control application of the management's commitments. The elaboration of a business plan is left to an economic adviser. A programme concerning the building of three MEKO 2000 type frigates at the shipyards is under way as well as armament programmes for existing units.
Press Minister Telemahos Hytiris said yesterday that the government fully understood the indignation felt by former industry minister Costas Simitis at the ordering of an inquiry over the slow absorption of Community funds for the construction of a natural gas pipeline. Mr. Hytiris also expressed surprise at the way in which the proceedings had been initiated, saying that the process appeared to be based on press cuttings and "anonymous letters."
Backing Mr. Simitis Thursday, Mr. Hytiris said that the government was in no way involved in the issue. In an announcement Thursday, Mr. Simitis said he was "unsurprised" at the move, adding "for some time there has been a campaign of slander against me and distortion of the work of the ministry."
Asked whether Mr. Simitis was inferring that his opponents within the ruling PASOK party were partly to blame for the inquiry, Mr. Hytiris said that "the government does not share this interpretation of Mr. Simitis' statement."
Transport Minister Evangelos Venizelos yesterday strongly criticized the judiciary. "We must consider very seriously the problem of the limits of judicial control and judicial interventions in Greece. This requirement emanates from the principle of the separation of powers. God help us if we slide into such phenomena," Mr. Venizelos said in reply to reporters' questions.