A.N.A. Bulletin, 11/03/96

From: "Greek Press & Information Office, Ottawa Canada" <[email protected]>

Athens News Agency Directory

ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No 834), March 11, 1996

Greek Press & Information Office

Ottawa, Canada

E-Mail Address: [email protected]

CONTENTS

[1] Pangalos asks EU to push FYROM toward more flexible stance

Greek Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos asked his European Union counterparts in Palermo yesterday to urge the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) to assume a more flexible position in bilateral negotiations, scheduled to be held in New York next month over the issue of FYROM's name and to achieve successful results.

During an informal meeting of EU foreign ministers held over the weekend in Palermo, Sicily, Mr. Pangalos briefed his counterparts on the UN-sponsored negotiations held so far between representatives of the two countries.

In Athens, Prime Minister Costas Simitis will be meeting party leaders as of this week for talks on the FYROM issue. He will meet the members of the ruling PASOK party's Executive Bureau today, and on Thursday he will hold consecutive meetings with Coalition of the Left and Progress leader Nikos Constantopoulos, Political Spring (Pol.An) party leader Antonis Samaras and Communist Party of Greece (KKE) Secretary-General Aleka Papariga.

Mr. Simitis will meet main opposition New Democracy leader Miltiades Evert after the latter's return from Paris, where he will attend a conference of the European People's Party tomorrow and Wednesday.

Mr. Pangalos told reporters on Friday that the issue had been the subject of months-long talks between Greece's permanent representative at the UN, Ambassador Christos Zacharakis, and his FYROM counterpart Ivan Tosevski under the aegis of UN mediator Cyrus Vance. "We are not nearing a solution concerning the name of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia but we are close to the moment when decisions must be taken," Mr. Pangalos added.

Meanwhile, government sources last night said Mr. Simitis would not meet his FYROM counterpart Branco Crvenkovski in Thessaloniki this week on the sidelines of a conference, as Mr. Crvenkovski had not been invited to the event.

According to the Athens paper "Sunday Kathimerini" yesterday, a meeting between the two prime ministers had been scheduled on the sidelines of a conference organized by the Hellenic-American Chamber of Commerce and the Federation of Greek Industries of Northern Greece (SEBBE). Mr. Simitis will speak at the conference on the prospects of economic co-operation in the Balkans.

The same government sources noted, however, that in case Mr. Crvenkovski visited Thessaloniki, it was obvious the two men would meet. Such a visit by the FYROM premier had not been arranged, at least until last night, the same sources added.

[2] FYROM official denies existence of Vance proposal on name

In a statement to reporters broadcast by state radio, FYROM's representative at the New York negotiations Ivan Tosevski denied Cyrus Vance had made any proposal concerning the name, adding that the UN mediator also had not hinted at any intention of returning the mediator's mandate back to UN Secretary-General Boutros Boutros-Ghali.

Mr. Tosevski said Skopje's position on the name remained the same, namely "preservation of the constitutional name for all uses, a position we have already expressed from the start of the talks."

He reiterated that "talks have not reached a stage where Cyrus Vance will propose some name to be examined later on whether it will be for internal, bilateral or international use," and clarified that in May 1993 he (Mr. Vance) had proposed the name "Nova Makedonia," which Skopje's leadership had rejected.

[3] Opposition reaction

On Saturday, Mr. Evert confirmed that he would participate in a possible political leaders' council under President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos on the issue of FYROM's name.

"If the president of the republic invites me, I will go," Mr. Evert said on the sidelines of an ND conference examining the upcoming European Union's Intergovernmental Conference.

The ND leader accused the government of "turning a deaf ear" to his party's proposal for establishing a national foreign policy council and a post for a permanent foreign under-secretary, adding that "when the government faces a certain problem, it wants to transfer responsibilities and asks New Democracy to run for help."

Asked if ND would remain steadfast on a previous political leaders' council decision under former president Constantine Karamanlis, which held that any eventual name for FYROM should exclude the term "Macedonia," he replied: "That is the national position."

[4] Samaras' comments

In statements on the same issue and in view of his pending meeting with the prime minister on Thursday, Pol.An leader Antonis Samaras warned that in the name of stability, PASOK and New Democracy were "ready to endorse a makeshift solution on a national problem, thereby creating an even bigger one."

Mr. Samaras made it clear that in his meeting with Mr. Simitis he will not "negotiate top national interests," and called on the government to stop projecting a "false argument to the people that we shall avoid the term 'Macedonia' proper by awarding them the name (acceptance of a composite name containing the term 'Macedonia').

"Everyone knows that recognition and survival for Skopje depends solely on Greece," he said.

He also accused Mr. Simitis of issuing instructions for an agreement with Skopje soon after assuming the premiership, and of disregarding the previous political leaders' council decision.

"The government and the main opposition pretend not to know that when FYROM is named 'Macedonia,' it will provide the lever through which the Americans will be able to instigate at will upheaval in Greece, Bulgaria or Serbia," he added.

"A few months ago, we warned of dangerous developments in the Aegean, which unfortunately were proved right. We hope that the same does not happen with Skopje, but I fear that history will vindicate us again," he added.

[5] Pangalos offers Greece's assistance for Middle East peace process

Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos announced yesterday that he had sent letters to Israeli Prime Minister Shimon Peres and Palestinian self-rule areas President Yasser Arafat offering Greece's good services to promote the Middle East peace process after a series of terrorist attacks.

During an informal meeting of European Union foreign ministers over the weekend in Sicily, Mr. Pangalos maintained that Syria should not be isolated nor its usefulness to the peace process ignored.

Mr. Pangalos also announced that he had invited Mr. Arafat to visit Athens, while he himself would also be touring the Middle East.

In another matter, he said the issue of Greek-Turkish relations was not discussed during the gathering of EU foreign ministers since it had not been on the agenda.

Italian Foreign Minister Susanna Agnelli told reporters she had had a private meeting with Mr. Pangalos.

With regard to the EU-Turkey association council meeting, scheduled for March 25-26, Ms. Agnelli said she hoped a satisfactory solution would be found for both Greece and the EU.

Mr. Pangalos, meanwhile, stressed that Athens' position had not changed, reiterating that all Greece wanted was implementation of international law and accords.

Referring to a recent incident in Greece involving the military attaches of Italy and the Netherlands and their activities on the eastern Aegean island of Lesvos just prior to the height of the Imia crisis, Mr. Pangalos said the issue was closed and that he had also discussed the matter with his Dutch counterpart. In addition, Mr. Pangalos briefed his EU counterparts on Greek initiatives in the Balkans and an upcoming meeting he will have in Sofia with the Bulgarian and Romanian foreign ministers, in which an inter-Balkan co-operation conference is expected to be announced with the participation of Albania and the countries of former Yugoslavia.

In reference to Bosnia, Mr. Pangalos noted that Greece was against the re-arming of that country, adding that the United States was wrong in maintaining that arming the predominantly Muslim-led Bosnian government would achieve a balance and strengthen peace.

He stressed the importance of dialogue with Libya and Iraq as well as of a "critical dialogue" with Iran, adding that the Palestinians should not be excluded from EU humanitarian aid packages.

[6] Tsohatzopoulos cites lack of common foreign policy among EU socialists

At the end of the European Socialist Party's (ESP) two-day special sessions in Lisbon yesterday, Interior, Public Administration and Decentralization Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos said "there is no common position on foreign policy and defense issues in the European Socialist Party as well."

However, he said there was skepticism among the socialist parties of Europe on the need to promote political security on the European Union's borders.

Mr. Tsohatzopoulos said the socialists insisted on observing criteria for implementing economic and monetary union, combined however, with sets of measures to increase employment and tackle unemployment.

He also said a slowing down in European unification rates created a picture of insecurity even for financially strong countries such as Germany. Consequently, the socialists considered unification as a minimum precondition for Europe's social cohesion.

ESP members reiterated their resolve to have negotiations for the accession of Cyprus and Malta start six months after the end of the Intergovernmental Conference, which begins at the end of this month.

On Saturday, Mr. Tsohatzopoulos, who attended in his capacity as vice-president of the ESP, said the cabinet would convene in Athens in the next few days to prepare Greek positions, while he expressed the hope European socialists would support Athens' views.

In speaking to reporters, Mr. Tsohatzopoulos said the aim of European socialists was to determine how the Maastricht Treaty would change, so that issues concerning society and EU citizens would be promoted as well as how problems in employment, the environment and income would be resolved.

The European socialists will meet again in Turin on March 28, the eve of the conference, to reach specific decisions. The weekend's meeting was chaired by Rudolf Scharping and also attended by European Parliament President Klaus Haensch and Europarliament socialist group President Pauline Green.

[7] Kaklamanis says Greece won't be swayed by Turkish provocations

Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis drew on history yesterday in Thessaloniki to expound on Greek-Turkish relations while addressing a gathering to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the death of Eleftherios Venizelos, modern Greece's most renowned statesman. Mr. Kaklamanis contended that Turkey continued behaving toward Greece with a mentality steeped in bygone eras. He said Ankara did not appreciate an offer of Athens' friendship any more today than it did in the 1930s, under Venizelos' last tenure as premier.

"...Turkey views Greek-Turkish friendship as a short-term strategic issue, not as a long-term policy based on a realistic evaluation of interests common to two neighboring peoples."

The Parliament president added that Greece would not be swayed by Turkish provocations, "but would use its strategic advantage as a member of the European Union... to develop more stable and closer relations with other Balkan nations."

[8] Constantopoulos calls for compromise on FYROM issue

Coalition of the Left and Progress leader Nikos Constantopoulos yesterday called for a compromise solution to the issue of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia's (FYROM) name and for an end to what he called "political lies."

Addressing a party gathering in Thessaloniki, Mr. Constantopoulos reiterated his party's position in favor of a composite name for FYROM. He also called for a meeting on the issue among Greece's party leaders chaired by the president of the republic, adding that such a meeting could lay the foundation for the formation of a foreign affairs council.

[9] Skandalidis: Aegean a top national priority

PASOK central committee secretary Costas Skandalidis said the Aegean should be given top national priority in the immediate future, adding that a Greek response to Turkish provocations would be made with development projects in the entire region.

Speaking yesterday at a meeting organized by the ruling PASOK party's youth organization in Archangelos, Rhodes, Mr. Skandalidis said "Prime Minister Costas Simitis has already instructed all government agencies to prepare their proposals and have a special cabinet meeting on Aegean issues by May, at the latest... to resolve all problems."

"The government should be left alone to exercise necessary policy to enable it to lead PASOK to a victorious (electoral) reckoning at the end of the four-year term, because elections, no matter what they say, will be held in October 1997 and not a day earlier," he added.

Mr. Skandalidis referred to the role young people are called on to play in this period, urging them to make their presence felt in present-day political developments.

Tonia Antoniou, the youth organization's new secretary, also made a brief address at the gathering.

[10] PASOK congress

Meanwhile, speaking at a party gathering and to the press later in Thessaloniki, the PASOK secretary referred to the issue of a party vice-president to be elected at July's party congress and following a proposal by the central committee.

The vice-president's role and responsibilities would be open to discussion, Mr. Skandalidis emphasized.

The congress would re-elect as PASOK President Andreas Papandreou, who would himself determine the scope of his own contribution to party activities, according to his abilities, noted Mr. Skandalidis, adding that "Papandreou was indispensable."

With regard to Prime Minister Costas Simitis, the PASOK secretary said that when Mr. Simitis had led the current government to the conclusion of its four-year term and won the next elections, it would be clear that he had been a successful premier and, therefore, would retain his position. Asked who would judge Mr. Simitis' performance, Mr. Skandalidis replied: "...party organs and political developments..."

He described the government as enjoying broad acceptance, with a prime minister elected under the most rigorous procedures, one who could inspire a new kind of government. He also added the belief that Mr. Simitis' contribution could lead the party to victory.

He denied that PASOK was in danger of breaking up, adding that conflicts were necessary for renewal, not necessarily a redistribution of positions of power.

[11] Third ND conference examines Intergovernmental Conference

The third conference organized by the main opposition New Democracy party on the 1996 Intergovernmental Conference was concluded at a seaside hotel in Vouliagmeni on Saturday, reconfirming ND policies discussed at two previous conferences.

"ND now has comprehensive positions which can also provide a new era to the European dimension and to our national interests. They are realistic positions, but at the same time they also have the big vision of the federal unification of Europe," ND President Miltiades Evert said.

ND will present its positions at an off the agenda debate in Parliament on March 18.

Europarliament vice-president and ND Eurodeputy George Anastasopoulos said that with positions established on the European scene and the need for unanimity on revising the Maastricht Treaty, "it would not be an exaggeration to say we were foot-dragging."

[12] Internal ND elections held for local positions

Two-day intra-party elections in the main opposition New Democracy party for the election of local committee leaderships ended yesterday, while two weeks from now elections will be held for the administrative councils of prefectural committees.

ND leader Miltiades Evert, who voted at the party's local organization in the Athens district of Pangrati, said "a party respecting institutions and democracy must first of all respect them in its own home."

After holding intra-party elections, ND is entering a new phase of organized restructuring aimed at preparing party bodies for the next general elections.

[13] Mass prisoner escape at Corfu prison; facility back in authorities' control

Twenty eight prisoners out of a group of 44 that escaped early yesterday morning from the Corfu prison are still on the loose.

According to reports, the inmates escaped by digging a tunnel under the British colonial-era jail that opened into an adjacent school-yard.

In a related matter, inmates who had remained behind in the Corfu prison relinquished control to authorities yesterday, ending their occupation.

However, of the antiquated prison's 10 wings, only one can function following extensive damages during the uprising, prison authorities said. Most of the inmates are in police vans awaiting transfer to other prisons around the country.

Meanwhile, a six-day uprising at the Komotini prison also ended yesterday following a meeting between inmates' representatives and the prison's director. Prisoners had agreed to return to their cells on the understanding that they will not be prosecute d for their actions during the uprising. In addition, the prison's administration has signed all pending release orders and is examining the possibility of transferring long-term convicts, mostly Albanian and Turkish inmates, to other facilities.

Justice Minister Evangelos Venizelos announced yesterday that order has returned to all the country's penitentiaries, without any lives having been lost.

"Unfortunately, early this morning there was a mass escape from Corfu prison... despite the increased measures and the strict orders given to the local police by the public order minister and myself," he said, adding that those orders had largely concerned the Corfu facility's underground tunnel system.

The public order ministry announced yesterday that extra police units had been sent to the island, along with a police helicopter to safely transport prisoners to other penitentiaries and to apprehend the remaining escapees. It added that a police presence on Corfu had been increased by 50 per cent since the uprising began.

[14] Papantoniou in Cyprus for trade, investment talks this week

National Economy Minister Yiannos Papantoniou will visit Cyprus this Wednesday for talks with his Cypriot counterpart Christodoulos Christodoulou.

Talks will concentrate on issues concerning the Athens stock exchange, monetary policy and joint business ventures in developing markets of the Middle East and nations of the former Soviet Union. Investment prospects for Cypriot companies in Greece and vice versa will also be discussed.

[15] Fishermen's protests over Turkish provocations continue

Fishing trawlers operating in the northeastern Aegean continued to be moored in Kavala and other northern Greece ports yesterday in protest over continuous harassment by Turkish coast guard vessels in the past two months.

Owners of fishing boats have handed in their licenses to port authorities and are refusing to fish the Aegean unless they receive additional protection from Greek patrol boats.

In response to the request, the merchant marine ministry announced that as of Feb. 18 an additional patrol boat was stationed at the port of Alexandroupolis on a permanent basis. The ministry said the coast guard vessel was fully equipped and will continuously patrol the specific sea region, along with patrol boats already stationed in Alexandroupolis and on the island of Samothrace.

End of English language section.