A.N.A. Bulletin, 15/03/96

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

Athens News Agency Directory

ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No 838), March 15, 1996

Greek Press & Information Office

Ottawa, Canada

E-Mail Address: [email protected]

CONTENTS

[1] Simitis notes a 'thaw' in relations between Athens, Skopje

The Greek government appeared positive about bettering relations with the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) yesterday, with Prime Minister Costas Simitis saying that "the ice was melting" and that meetings on a political level were being planned.

Only the problem of the name remained, he told reporters after a series of meetings with opposition party leaders on the issue.

In what will apparently be the first of the political level meetings, government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos had invited FYROM Foreign Minister Ljubomir Frckovski to Athens for talks on bilateral issues.

The date for the meeting has not yet been set.

The spokesman said that the talks would not touch on the issue of the neighboring state's name, on which there have been months-long negotiations in New York between representatives of the two countries under the aegis of UN mediator Cyrus Vance, saying the talks would focus on economic and trade relations.

According to an ANA dispatch from the FYROM capital, a foreign ministry statement issued here said Mr. Pangalos' letter noted the desire to further bilateral relations and settle all outstanding issues to the interest of both countries and the broader Balkan region, stressing the possibility for a broad exchange of views on bilateral and regional issues.

Mr. Frckovski met yesterday with head of the Greek liaison office in Skopje, Alexandros Mallias, who gave the minister the letter.

[2] Talks with party leaders

Mr. Simitis had separate talks yesterday on the FYROM name issue with Political Spring leader Antonis Samaras, Communist Party of Greece (KKE) Secretary-General Aleka Papariga and Coalition of the Left and Progress president Nikos Constantopoulos.

Speaking to reporters after the talks, Mr. Simitis said that the government's aim was "to create a broad front on a common basis on the (name) issue."

"We shall examine the position and stance of FYROM, we shall evaluate it in order to make our final choice. Final decisions will be taken by the government in due course, based on the criterion of national interests," Mr. Simitis said.

The prime minister said he had offered to brief main opposition New Democracy party leader Miltiades Evert but the latter had not responded to the invitation.

Mr. Simitis said that Greece's relations with FYROM were developing and "the ice is melting." He added that economic and trade co-operation between the two countries was developing "very positively" and that there would be meetings on a political level. Only the problem of the name remained, he said.

Mr. Samaras said he had not discussed the substance of the FYROM issue at the meeting with Mr. Simitis, which was also attended by Mr. Pangalos, because he did not want "to give the government an alibi that national dialogue has supposedly taken place before final decisions are taken."

He said he had reminded the prime minister of the decision taken at a meeting of political party leaders (i.e. not to recognize FYROM under a name containing the word 'Macedonia') "which safeguards national positions and national unity."

"If Mr. Simitis believes that this decision should be changed, there is always the procedure of a referendum, (debate in) Parliament and the meeting of political party leaders," Mr. Samaras said.

Ms Papariga said what was important was that the (interim) agreement with Skopje should go ahead, irrespective of the name issue, so as to further consolidate relations between the two countries.

She said the name issue was a "bilateral issue" which must be settled, adding that as far as the KKE was concerned, the word 'Macedonia' or any derivative should have only geographical connotations.

Ms Papariga said that a meeting of political party leaders under the chairmanship of the president would contribute nothing, since the positions of the parties were known and the final decision belonged to the government.

Ms Papariga added that the KKE had no reason not to support in Parliament "proper decisions" by the government.

The KKE leader attacked New Democracy, saying that it must make its position clear.

"One moment (ND) is crying and the next laughing. Whoever tries to exploit the issue must be punished," Ms Papariga said.

Mr. Constantopoulos said his party's position was that Greece should speed up and strengthen the procedures for a composite name (i.e. one containing the word 'Macedonia' or a derivative).

"If this does not happen," he warned, "the name 'Macedonia' alone will prevail."

Mr. Simitis also held a meeting with PASOK deputy and former minister Stelios Papathemelis who briefed him on the parliamentary interparty committee's contacts in Washington.

Mr. Papathemelis said he discussed the Skopje name issue with the prime minister, reiterating his position that the term 'Macedonia' or its derivative should not be included in the name.

Asked whether the name issue would be discussed at today's meeting here between Prime Minister Costas Simitis and the head of FYROM's liaison office in Athens, Ljupco Arsovski, the government spokesman replied that the meeting would be of a formal nature.

He said that there would be no discussion on matters of substance.

Mr. Reppas said that at Wednesday night's meeting between PASOK president Andreas Papandreou and Mr. Simitis at the Onasion hospital there was an exchange of views and agreement on all positions.

"The meeting took place in a good, friendly and human atmosphere," he said.

Mr. Reppas said that the government was not at the present time considering a debate of the FYROM issue in Parliament.

"The government will bring the issue to Parliament when it deems that we are at the point of taking decisions," Mr. Reppas said.

In Patras, meanwhile, honorary ND president and former premier Constantine Mitsotakis said that the issue of FYROM's name was "in a phase which is nearing a settlement and the time is ripe for this."

Mr. Mitsotakis said that a solution should be found soon and would serve Greece's interests since it would "close one front and we shall be able to concentrate on Greek-Turkish relations."

Replying to reporters' questions at a press conference, Mr. Mitsotakis said that "the solution which appears possible is that of the composite name. I would like to hope that the FYROM government will see sense and contribute to a solution which in any case will be in the interests of the neighboring state."

Mr. Mitsotakis too expressed opposition to a meeting of political party leaders on the Skopje issue at the present time.

The former premier sharply criticized the Simitis government, accusing it of being incapable of correctly handling national issues.

[3] Vance concerned

United Nations mediator on FYROM issue Cyrus Vance is reportedly concerned that a recent barrage of statements by Athens and Skopje will hamper upcoming negotiations. According to UN sources in New York, the situation is "making the mediator's work more difficult," as many of the statements and rumors "have no basis in reality."

Meanwhile, it was reiterated yesterday that a new round of New York talks under the aegis of the UN will begin in mid-April, immediately after Easter and the return of Greek Premier Costas Simitis to Athens after his Washington visit.

The same circles said "the issue is not expected to close with the commencement of the latest round," adding that previous meetings and discussions by each side were simply related to the need for taking decisions concerning a change in the negotiations ' framework.

[4] Turkey's conciliatory words must be followed by deeds, Athens says

Greece yesterday said it welcomed any indications from Turkey that it wanted better relations with Athens but said that words must be supported by action.

"Statements which express the desire for the development of friendship and co-operation based on the principles of international law are welcomed by Greece," government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said yesterday when asked to comment on remarks by Turkish Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz.

"Words must be backed up (by action)," he added. "So far, Turkey has offered words and demanded deeds in return. Turkey must demonstrate in practice that it desires relations of friendship and good-neighbourliness with Greece, based on the principles of international law and respect for human rights."

Speaking in Paris on Wednesday, Mr. Yilmaz said Ankara wished to ease tension with Greece, offering dialogue in order "to restore trust and lead the two countries to reconciliation."

Asked whether Greece intended to have some contact with Turkey concerning the referral of the Imia issue to the International Court at The Hague, Mr. Reppas replied that "there is absolute refusal on the part of Turkey with respect to this matter."

The spokesman reiterated that if Ankara were to refer the Imia issue to the Hague, Greece would follow up.

In reference to statements by main opposition New Democracy party leader Miltiades Evert in Paris on Wednesday, the spokesman said they "were in line with the government's position."

[5] Yilmaz stresses desire for dialogue

Turkey's new Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz reiterated Ankara's desire for a start to Greek-Turkish dialogue without preliminary conditions on his arrival in Ankara yesterday.

"We desire a start to dialogue with Greece without preliminary conditions," Mr. Yilmaz said. "With this dialogue we could also set out disagreements between us and the way of resolving these disagreements."

Replying to a questioner on his statement concerning Turkey's Fourth Army Corps in the Aegean, Mr. Yilmaz said "all issues, including the issue of the Fourth Army and the demilitarization of the islands, can be discussed in the framework of such a dialogue."

"I think the European Union, as well as Turkey, is concerned by the position of Greece, which is trying to undermine Turkey's relations with the EU by promoting Greek-Turkish differences," Mr. Yilmaz said. "I believe that this obstacle will be overcome soon."

In Paris, Mr. Yilmaz did not appear to reject out of hand the idea of referring certain Greek-Turkish disputes to the International Court at The Hague.

"We have not determined the content of these disagreements at the moment, we should first agree what these problems are, meaning we should first go into dialogue," he told reporters.

Meanwhile, the Turkish press described recent statements by the Greek prime minister and foreign minister as "an olive branch from Athens."

Turkish press reports also spoke of a "change in foreign policy" and "important moves towards Athens" by prime minister Yilmaz.

Press reports maintained that Turkey, under the new prime minister, would try improve relations with Greece, Bulgaria and Russia.

[6] Pangalos interview

Agence France Presse issued an extract of the interview granted by Greek Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos to Turkish journalist Mehmet Ali Birant yesterday.

According to the AFP, Mr. Pangalos proposed to withdraw Greek armed forces "from areas around Turkey" if Ankara first withdraws its troops from the Turkish coast of the Aegean.

"Disarmament is easy, but we must begin (it) with the strongest," said Mr. Pangalos in an interview conducted in French at the beginning of March for a television program. The interview has not yet been aired.

"On the coasts, you (the Turks) are much stronger, everyone knows that, you have the Fourth Army, which is a huge army," continued Mr. Pangalos. "So begin transferring your military forces elsewhere, there where the real enemy, or the potential enemy, i s ... and Greece will unburden the areas around Turkey."

In the same interview, the AFP said Mr. Pangalos referred to the issue of the Imia crisis.

"I propose that we abolish this problem of Imia in two ways," he said. "Either the Turkish side abandons its claims at the Court in The Hague. Straight away, we will unblock funding for Turkey (from the European Union); it will be a change of climate.

"If we could agree on the delineation of the continental shelf, our problem will disappear. Then we can sit around a table and work out our economic co-operation and with this move we can recommence the withdrawal of armed forces from one side and the other, in order to leave Turkey alone with its problems," the AFP reported Mr. Pangalos as saying.

[7] PASEGES meets with Turkish farmers' group

The Panhellenic Confederation of Agricultural Cooperatives (PASEGES) met with representatives of the Union of Turkish Agricultural Chambers in Athens yesterday.

According to a PASEGES statement, PASEGES President Nikos Liolios said there were many issues of common interest in the agricultural sector between the two countries.

President of the Union of Turkish Agricultural Chambers Faruk Yucel referred to the difficult situation faced by agriculture in his country, where although 45 per cent of the active work-force is employed in agriculture, the sector only constitutes 15 per cent of the country's GNP.

The two sides discussed methods of bilateral co-operation between the two organizations, as well as with international organizations in which both participate.

Mr. Yucel invited the president and the administrative committee of PASEGES to visit Turkey in order to become more familiar with Turkish agriculture and the cooperatives, concluded the PASEGES statement.

[8] Constantopoulos rejects idea of broad center-left co-operation

Coalition of the Left and Progress leader Nikos Constantopoulos yesterday rejected the idea of the creation of a center-left grouping, stating that the PASOK-New Democracy bipolarity could not be maintained or be replaced by a new version of polarization between center-left and center-right.

Speaking before 1,200 party members and 35 foreign delegations at the second party congress, Mr. Constantopoulos analyzed the international situation, the internal political and social reality, and presented his party's positions and proposals.

"We are going through a period when important changes and realignments are being hatched. The structural crisis of Greek society has long touched the critical limits, so that the prolongation of the same situation in impossible, and we are in urgent nee d of crucial decisions and solutions," he said in reference to the domestic front.

"What is a must is the recomposition of the political framework in social and political terms," he added.

"Greek society is fast being transformed into a society of 'two-thirds', as inequalities of every form are being enhanced, poverty is spreading, and the phenomenon of social exclusion is being steadily established in the morphology of our socio-economic map," he said.

Turning to external affairs, Mr. Constantopoulos said the country's foreign policy was a failure, for which he blamed both major parties.

He called for a speedy normalization of relations between Greece and FYROM with the adoption of a composite name, the setting of 1996 as a year for inter-Balkan co-operation, with the holding of a 'Balkan Helsinki', and the initiation of a Greek-Turkish dialogue, which was necessary, but had to be based on the principles of Helsinki and the United Nations in order to be fruitful.

Regarding Cyprus, he said it was time for an international campaign of solidarity with the island-republic, as the problem was again at a critical phase. He added that besides Turkey, Britain and the United States were also responsible for its prolongation, bringing the danger of partition, in whatever form, ever nearer with their passive stand.

[9] Simitis, Skandalidis make overtures to Coalition faithful for a broad center-left force

Prime Minister Costas Simitis called for the building of a center-left force in his speech to the Coalition congress, issuing an invitation to dialogue to all the forces in that part of the political spectrum, to which, he said, "the future belongs provided we redefine the content and the aims, the plan, and our values".

"There is a need for realignments, for a radical reform of the political system now that an entire historical circle is most clearly coming to a close," he said.

"Many truths collapsed, certainties were shaken, and doubt was cast on ideological borders in the past decade. Many claimed that the classical divide between Right and Left lost its meaning and its momentum, and the time had come for it to be superseded . But as the dust created by the great upheavals and the fall of the walls began to settle, we are rediscovering that the great divide did not disappear, and that it was simply the terms of the conflict and the content of the confrontation that had changed."

PASOK Secretary Costas Skandalidis said that the Left was returning to the scene following the end of the cold war, and the Center-Left was delineating a policy of alliances, with the aim of forming a new big social majority.

For this reason, he added, communication between his party and the Left was of special importance for the future of the country, and towards that end PASOK wished to discuss the setting up of the appropriate channels and see them taking actual shape.

New Democracy vice-president Ioannis Varvitsiotis said that although his party and the Coalition were at the opposite ends of the political spectrum, they were under the obligation to maintain politics at the level of the supreme social function.

"We believe in the fruitful dialectic juxtaposition of thoughts, proposals and ideas, and are seeking a creative synthesis because we are heading towards the same end, that of upgrading democracy and dealing with the accumulated problems," he said.

Political Spring party leader Antonis Samaras said in his speech that "today we are going through a period characterized by the crisis of the bipolar political system, but also by the people's strong concern for effective alternative options". These trends, he added, were seen in the distancing of a great part of the people from political parties, which was a healthy phenomenon, in that they refused to provide legitimacy to the parties' inability to provide solutions.

[10] FIFA warns Greek soccer body to fall in line with international norms or be banned

FIFA, world soccer's governing body, informed the Greek Football Federation (EPO) yesterday that it will be excluded from every international event if it does not change its charter and fall in line with international standards by April 24.

The April 24 deadline leaves open the possibility of the Greek national club's exclusion from the qualification round of the 1998 World Cup if EPO does not adhere to international provisions, as Greece is scheduled to play Slovenia on April 24 for its first game in the tournament.

Sports Under-secretary Andreas Fouras harshly criticized EPO's leadership yesterday, saying EPO was responsible for FIFA's response, which could exclude every Greek club from European and international matches.

[11] Evert critical of Gov't handling of FYROM issue

Main opposition New Democracy party leader Miltiades Evert criticized the government's handling of the issue of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) on his return to Athens from Paris yesterday.

"We must not be in a hurry to run and show our cards - when the Skopjans remain steadfast in their positions - and say what we are prepared to do, (thus) taking a step backwards. It is a tragic mistake," he said.

Mr. Evert said Greece should abide by the known position on the issue of FYROM, the government should continue negotiations at the UN and not at a bilateral level, while on the issue of the name he said "when the suitable time arrives, we shall see where it is possible to agree."

Commenting on a statement by Prime Minister Costas Simitis yesterday that he did not respond to his invitation to meet him, Mr. Evert said "government games must stop. A whole government cannot play like a child. What is happening is inconceivable. Mr. Simitis had asked me to meet him this week and all the Greek people are aware that I was away abroad and returned a short while ago."

Mr. Evert said he was at the prime minister's disposal to meet with him next week.

[12] Kastanidis announces changes to OA board

Professor Nikos Blesios will replace fellow professor Rigas Doganis as president of Olympic Airways, Greece's national carrier, Transport and Communications Minister Haris Kastanidis announced yesterday.

Ioannis Karatzas will be appointed managing consultant, while the incumbent general director Miltos Tsangarakis will retain his position.

Mr. Kastanidis' proposals must be initially approved by a special OA meeting, to be held soon.

In a statement, Mr. Kastanidis said he had a constructive discussion with Commissioner Neil Kinnock in Brussels, adding that Greece was given a 15-day deadline (until the end of March) to reply to the Commission's specific questionnaire concerning OA's being subject to tax in the same way as all Greek private companies, the voluntary departure of 470 people over the 1996-1997 period and, lastly, the procedures for hiring new staff.

In another development, OA announced cheaper fares to Thessaloniki between March 16-30. A one-way ticket costs 13,900 drachmas compared to 17,600 drachmas charged to date.

Discounted fares (12,500 drachmas) are offered on the first morning flight OA 902 and the night flight OA 921.

[13] All dismissed DEH workers to get jobs back, reports say

Press reports said yesterday that about 5,500 employees dismissed from the Public Power Corporation (DEH) will be reinstated. The Supreme Court convened in a plenary session for the second time yesterday to consider the remaining applications submitted by dismissed DEH staff. Last Thursday, the dismissals of more than 2,000 employees, who had served for two years, had been declared invalid and the process to reinstate them was activated.

The Supreme Court plenary session reached a majority decision that all the dismissals were invalid.

[14] Parliamentary Committee on European Tour

The Greek Parliament's European Affairs Committee informed representatives of the Belgian parliament yesterday of Greek positions regarding the problems created by recent Turkish aggression in the Aegean.

The Greek interparty delegation is on a briefing tour, and has already visited the capitals of Finland, Sweden, Germany, France and Belgium, and is due to end their trip with a visit to Luxembourg today.

[15] President Honors fallen naval officers

President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos presented the Golden Cross of the Order of Honor yesterday to the widows of three Greek naval officers killed when their helicopter crashed into the sea during the height of the Imia crisis in late January.

The posthumous decoration was given to the wives of officers Christodoulos Karathanasis, Panayiotis Vlahakos and Ektoras Yialopsos.

[16] Greece 'a valuable contribution to regional stability', Danish FM says

Danish Foreign Minister Nils Petersen expressed his government's satisfaction at the efforts Athens is undertaking to improve its relations with neighboring countries and said Greece was making a "valuable contribution to stability in the region", after meeting with Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos yesterday.

Mr. Petersen, who is on an official visit to Greece, also met yesterday afternoon with President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos before his hour-long meeting with Mr. Pangalos.

The Danish foreign minister will meet this morning with the members of Parliament's committee for European affairs and later with Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis.

He said he was aware bilateral relations between Athens and Ankara were going through a difficult period, but added that he hoped a "peaceful solution" would be found. He noted that both countries should avoid the use of threats of violence, but should use every available diplomatic means to solve their problems.

Mr. Petersen intimated he favored sending the issue that sparked the latest Greek-Turkish crisis to the International Court of Justice at The Hague for adjudication.

In response to a question on Cyprus' course toward accession into the EU, he said: "The European Union believes that the Cyprus problem should enter a course for a solution before that country becomes a member of the EU. I believe that it is very significant for progress to be noted in procedures for solution to the Cyprus problem, before negotiations for Cyprus' accession into the EU."

[17] Pangalos expected in Moscow next week

Greek Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos will visit Moscow on March 18-19, the Russian foreign ministry announced yesterday.

It said Mr. Pangalos' visit would focus on bilateral and international issues.

[18] Stand-off in GSEE over signing of collective labor agreement

The fate of the recently-concluded collective labor agreement appeared to hang in the balance yesterday when two senior members of the General Confederation of Workers of Greece (GSEE) said they would refuse to sign.

GSEE Secretary-General George Mavrikos said he would not sign the agreement because it was a "two-year shackle" for the labor movement.

Mr. Mavrikos is a representative of the Communist Party-affiliated ESAK labor grouping, which refused to give its approval to the agreement, reached after weeks of protracted negotiations.

To make matters worse, Alternate Secretary-General Stephanos Laimos, a representative of the "Autonomous Intervention" labor grouping affiliated to the Coalition of the Left and Progress, said yesterday he "refused to facilitate" and sign the collective labor agreement.

He believes the new agreement is "far behind the needs of working people" and wants a discussion by GSEE's agencies to tackle the crisis. He reiterated that he would not sign on behalf of Mr. Mavrikos.

PASKE, the labor grouping affiliated to the ruling socialist PASOK party, said yesterday "the stance of GSEE's Secretary-General and his alternate regarding their refusal to sign the collective labor agreement clearly constitutes an undemocratic action and a crime against working people since it blocks all their contracts and increases."

[19] Sfiriou meets with Greek shipowners in London

Merchant Marine Minister Kosmas Sfiriou had his first official meeting with the Greek Committee for Shipping Co-operation yesterday.

"We had the chance to seriously discuss issues related to the development of international shipping, and especially the promotion of issues with the participation of the Greek government," Mr. Sfiriou said.

Asked if shipowners submitted specific requests, Mr. Sfiriou said certain issues were touched on, such as application of new international regulations and upgrading of merchant marine education in Greece.

[20] European agricultural federation to meet in Ioannina today

The managing committee of the European Agricultural Federation (CEA) will meet in Ioannina today to discuss preparations for the group's September general assembly in Prague.

CEA is the supreme agricultural labor grouping in Europe, with 37 member-states. Presently, Greece's PASOK deputy for Ioannina Evangelos Argyris holds the CEA vice-presidency.

Representatives from the European Union's leading agricultural labor organizations, Copa and Cozeca, will also attend the gathering.

According to reports, Greek representatives, in co-operation with Panhellenic Confederation of Agricultural Cooperatives (PASEGES), will bid to host next year's general assembly.

[21] Greenpeace slams lack of action on increasing sea pollution

The environmental activist group Greenpeace yesterday accused Greece of foot-dragging on promises to curb and penalize pollution of the marine environment. In an announcement, Greenpeace's Athens office said there had been "no substantial changes made at an institutional or legislative level despite a number of promises and repeated cases of pollution". Last year, the announcement added, cases of marine pollution increased by 17 per cent over the previous year meaning, in statistical terms, that there was one incident of pollution of Greek waters reported each day. In all, it said, about 100,000 tones of oil end up in the Greek seas annually.

[22] Oil slick sighted near Cape Maleas

An oil slick some 10 nautical miles long was spotted yesterday by coast guard aircraft some 18 miles east of Cape Maleas in the southeastern Peloponnese. The slick was attributed to a collision Tuesday between the Greek-owned tanker 'Spirit' and the Turkish vessel 'Sitarem'. The tanker later headed towards Lavrion after sustaining a crack in its hull, while the Turkish ship continued its voyage. Coast guard units have been sent to the scene in order to contain the pollution when weather conditions permit.

End of English language section.