A.N.A. Bulletin, 02/10/96

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

ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No 1004), October 2, 1996

Greek Press & Information Office
Ottawa, Canada
E-Mail Address: [email protected]

CONTENTS

[01] Simitis begins important talks in Cyprus; reiterates Greece's unwavering support

[02] Clerides, Simitis meeting

[03] Alternate FM Papandreou discusses recent developments with Israeli, Palestinian envoys

[04] Pangalos says 2 high-ranking FM officials will remain

[05] Imminent int'l initiatives on Cyprus must pressure Turkey

[06] Greece will be taking part 'as scheduled' in Cypriot exercises, Tsohatzopoulos affirms

[07] Gov't spokesman reiterates Athens' standing positions concerning any dialogue with Ankara

[08] Burns statement

[09] Spring calls Ciller's reaction to joint statement governing Ankara's relations with Union 'not satisfactory'

[10] Eurodeputy calls on Gov't to refer Ankara's confiscation of ethnic Greeks' property to EU bodies

[11] Turkey should repair Patriarchate building, Greece says

[12] State Dept. statement condemns Turkish terrorist group's attack on Patriarchate

[13] Spyridon condemns attack on Patriarchate

[14] ND electors chosen for Friday's party election

[15] Seminar begins on airport training

[16] Thessaloniki to get culture ministry secretariat

[17] Foreign ministry says decrease noted in number of suits filed by Commission against Athens

[18] Rio-Antirrio bridge preliminary works begin

[19] Shipping exchange inflows up

[20] Nikolaou comments on DEKO appointments

[21] Romanian chamber of commerce delegation to visit Piraeus chamber

[22] Greenpeace protests non-operation of wind-energy parks

[01] Simitis begins important talks in Cyprus; reiterates Greece's unwavering support

Nicosia, 02/10/1996 (ANA - S. Liarellis/CNA)

On his arrival at Larnaca International Airport, Mr. Simitis, expressed Greece's unwavering support to the Republic of Cyprus, stressing its continued interest in finding a peaceful and just solution to the Cyprus problem.

Mr. Simitis' two-day official visit coincides with events marking the 36th anniversary of the island republic's independence.

The premier is accompanied by Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos, government spokesman Dimitris Reppas and PASOK Eurodeputy Yiannos Kranidiotis.

Greeting Mr. Simitis at the airport, Cyprus President Glafcos Clerides noted that it was the first time a Greek premier has visited the island on the occasion of the anniversary celebrations.

Mr. Simitis said the fact that his first visit outside Greece since his re-election last month was to Cyprus underlined the importance attached by the Greek government to the Cyprus problem which, he added, remained the top priority for Greek foreign policy.

The Greek premier stressed that his presence at the independence celebrations symbolized "in the most categorical manner, the determination of Hellenism to struggle using all means in order to restore the territorial integrity and sovereignty" of the divided island.

Mr. Simitis reiterated that the Cyprus problem was one of invasion and occupation, adding that the objective was to find a peaceful solution through diplomatic efforts. "International experience has shown, however, that dialogue does not usually bring satisfactory results when conducted between unequal sides," Mr. Simitis said, adding that "this is the reason why the governments of Greece and Cyprus are promoting the bolstering of Cyprus' defenses within the framework of the joint defense doctrine." Mr. Simitis said that memories were still fresh from the recent murders of two unarmed Greek Cypriot protesters by Turkish occupation forces and Turkish extremists shipped to the island by Ankara. The premier stressed that their sacrifice would not be forgotten nor be in vain.

"Already international public opinion senses that the illegal (Turkish) occupation of Cyprus cannot be allowed to go on forever," Mr. Simitis said, citing the recent resolution of the European Parliament condemning Turkey for its human rights record and behavior towards Greece.

Mr. Simitis and Mr. Clerides later attended a military parade as part of independence celebrations in Nicosia.

Speaking after the parade, Mr. Simitis said a deterrent force existed which could cause severe damage to the enemy, "which must think very carefully before attempting any designs."

The parade, he said, illustrated the fighting capability of Cyprus' armed forces and their high morale in the face of Turkish aggression.

"The joint defense doctrine constitutes a fixed principle for us," Mr. Simitis said, adding that "Cyprus' defense is Greece's defense, it is the defense of all Hellenism and we shall continue on this path."

Expressing his satisfaction with the parade, Mr. Clerides said "it showed that people can sleep soundly."

[02] Clerides, Simitis meeting

Nicosia, 02/10/1996 (ANA)

Afterwards, Mr. Reppas said Athens will listen to the views of the Cypriot leadership for new information to be assessed, while the final position will be defined after new discussions are held between Athens and Nicosia.

During their meeting, President Clerides briefed the Greek premier and the Greek delegation on his talks with foreign government officials on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly.

According to reports, it was mutually ascertained that international public opinion has been sensitized on the Cyprus issue and that this development must be utilized.

Mr. Reppas clarified that Nicosia believes, and the Greek government agrees, that a dialogue between the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot sides on a solution to the Cyprus issue can only start with preconditions, so that this dialogue will be effective and will not constitute an alibi for Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash.

He said that for this reason it would be better if all parties wishing to undertake initiatives to create such preconditions.

Mr. Reppas said everything will depend on the effectiveness of initiatives by foreign countries and added that President Clerides has stated that the period of time until the end of the year must be utilized.

On the question of military dialogue, sources said it is a mutual assessment by Athens and Nicosia that it constitutes an open issue, although it was noted that Mr. Denktash has raised obstacles. The aim is that if such dialogue takes place, it should only take place between the heads of the two military forces - the Cypriot National Guard and the Turkish occupation army.

In addition, Mr. Reppas said a military exercise, codenamed "Nikiforos", will take place as planned, and that skepticism outside Greece and Cyprus on the possibility of tension being created as a result of the exercise is not considered satisfactory.

"We do not want tension, but we will not remain passive," he said.

The government spokesman said the exact shape of the exercise will be determined at a meeting Cyprus Defense Minister Costas Eliades will have in Athens with his Greek counterpart Akis Tsohatzopoulos this week.

He also said there was no question of linking the Cyprus issue to Greek-Turkish relations because they are different problems.

In other related developments, Mr. Simitis visited Archbishop of Cyprus Chrysostomos yesterday, who added: "We demand and seek our holy places of worship and we own it to our pious ancestors to liberate the 400 churches desecrated by Attila (the Turkish invasion forces)."

In response, Mr. Simitis said Cypriot Hellenism should live throughout Cyprus, offering assurances that the Greek government will struggle for this purpose.

He said his discussion with the Archbishop was "particularly useful" for his information and the conception the Greek government must shape on the prospects of Cyprus Hellenism.

The meeting between the two men was also attended by Mr. Pangalos, Cyprus Foreign Minister Alecos Michaelides, Mr. Reppas, the Greek ambassador to Nicosia Alexandros Sandis and the Cypriot ambassador to Athens Haralambos Christoforou.

Mr. Simitis held separate meetings with the leaders of the Cypriot Parliamentary parties at Mr. Sandis' home near the buffer zone.

Parliament President and Democratic Party (DHKO) leader Spyros Kyprianou said afterwards that their talks focused on efforts to be undertaken on the international scene by Greece and Cyprus for pressure to be exerted on Ankara to change its intransigent position.

Democratic Rally (DHSY) leader Yiannakis Matsis said after meeting Mr. Simitis that assessments and views were expressed on main issues concerning the Cyprus question.

AKEL Secretary General Dimitris Christofias said he briefed the Greek prime minister on his party's views on certain issues, which he said differed from those of other parties and President Clerides.

"We believe that we must undertake initiatives and revise our position on the many conditions for the creation of common ground, so that we will have the upper hand through the initiatives which will be undertaken," he said.

Mr. Christofias expressed the view that the Greek Cypriot side should be more flexible on the issue of finding a common basis for a dialogue to start with the other side.

EDEK leader Vassos Lyssarides said that his conclusion from his discussion with Mr. Simitis is that the Greek government will not abandon, but on the contrary, will strengthen the steadfast policy of alignment with the struggle of the Cypriot people, both at political and military level through the joint defense doctrine.

Free Democrats Movement leader George Vassiliou said he told Mr. Simitis of the need for the Cypriot side to take the initiative in this effort on the process for finding a solution. He added that he stressed the need of following a policy of strengthening defense with more actions and fewer words.

In a brief statement after meeting all the Cypriot party leaders, Mr. Simitis said he listened carefully to positions set out to him, which will be discussed.

[03] Alternate FM Papandreou discusses recent developments with Israeli, Palestinian envoys

Athens, 02/10/1996 (ANA)

According to a foreign ministry announcement, Mr. Papandreou told head of the Palestinian diplomatic mission Abdullah Abdullah that Greece had already handed over a cheque for $30,000 to the Palestinian minister for health and would send a consignment of medicine and other supplies to Palestine soon.

The alternate minister called for cool-headedness in dealing with the incidents and self-restraint so that the peace process would not be irretrievably harmed.

In his subsequent meeting with the new Israeli envoy, Ran Curiel, Mr. Papandreou stressed that Israeli actions - such as the building of a tunnel under the old city of Jerusalem and the delayed withdrawal of Israeli troops from the occupied territories, particularly Hebron, as previously agreed - did not help the peace process.

The envoy thanked the minister for the Greek interest in regional developments and stressed that the Israeli side would do all it could in light of the forthcoming Washington meeting to dampen tensions and put the peace process on track again.

[04] Pangalos says 2 high-ranking FM officials will remain

Athens, 02/10/1996 (ANA)

A new secretary general for overseas Hellenism will be appointed after agreement is reached between the foreign and alternate foreign ministers, and the prime minister.

[05] Imminent int'l initiatives on Cyprus must pressure Turkey

Nicosia, 02/10/1996 (ANA)

Both agreed that the taking of international initiatives on the Cyprus issue is imminent and that the international community must pressure the Turkish side to create suitable conditions for the beginning of dialogue.

The two also stressed the dedication of both Greece and Cyprus to the joint defense doctrine and to prospects of solving the Cyprus problem as well as to the island's induction into the European Union.

During his speech, Mr. Clerides said that the "joint vision" is for justice to be restored in Cyprus, which through a scheduled new initiative is hoped to be the most important of recent years.

"For this vision to become reality, the international community, particularly the Security Council's permanent members, must effectively exercise their influence on the Turkish side for it to abandon its positions, which are contrary to the principles o f international law and legality," Mr. Clerides said.

He noted that if such efforts are made, Cyprus will respond "with daring for finding a solution as soon as possible, if possible before the beginning of negotiations for Cyprus' entry into the EU."

Speaking during the dinner, Mr. Simitis said Greece and Cyprus must use the new conditions to the best possible degree and to ensure the necessary alliances for a just and viable solution, while adding that Cyprus' prospects for entering the EU create substantial hopes for a resolution.

The prime minister said that serious preparation and close co-operation are needed in view of the entry negotiations so that Cyprus' European accession could act as catalyst in finding a just solution.

However, he stressed that this does not mean the solving of the Cyprus issue must be a prerequisite for the island's EU entry, as "this would reinforce Turkish intransigence."

"The European Union must show the necessary sensitivity as the Cyprus problem is a European problem," Mr. Simitis added.

He said the United Nations' decisions form a base for a solution, while stressing Greece's firm position regarding the use of the joint defense doctrine.

[06] Greece will be taking part 'as scheduled' in Cypriot exercises, Tsohatzopoulos affirms

Athens, 02/10/1996 (ANA)

Mr. Tsohatzopoulos said all the services would be taking part "as scheduled" in the exercises which would "confirm the excellent level of coordination between the armed forces of the two countries, as well as their fighting capability and effectiveness" .

"Experience will be gained from these exercises which will be used to additionally strengthen the deterrent capacity of the country's armed forces, a factor to which we attach particular importance and immediate priority," Mr. Tsohatzopoulos said.

Mr. Tsohatzopoulos confirmed that his Cypriot counterpart was due to arrive in Athens on Thursday, with whom he will have talks on the military exercises and "on the more general coordination of activities in order to safeguard the joint defense doctrine which constitutes a strategic choice of the Greek government".

The defense minister said he was planning to visit Cyprus but not during the exercises.

Defendory '96 is being organized in Greece under the aegis of the national defense ministry in co-operation with the General Directorate for Armaments.

This year, 27 countries are participating in the exhibition, displaying equipment in 605 stands. A total of 89 national delegations are expected to visit the exhibition.

[07] Gov't spokesman reiterates Athens' standing positions concerning any dialogue with Ankara

Athens, 02/10/1996 (ANA)

Mr. Burns reportedly said that Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos and US Secretary of State Warren Christopher had "agreed that the US should undertake an initiative for the settlement of Greek-Turkish differences in the Aegean."

Mr. Nikolaou added that Mr. Burns' reported statement concerned Washington's intention to discuss separately with the governments of Greece and Turkey in order to find solutions to certain issues. He described the effort of the United States as "positive and welcome".

On Mr. Burns' reported reference to the settlement of Greek-Turkish differences, Mr. Nikolaou reiterated Greece's firm position that the problems in the region were caused by Turkish aggressiveness.

[08] Burns statement

Washington, 02/10/1996 (ANA)

"Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos and Secretary of State Mr. Christopher had an excellent meeting the past week in New York. There was agreement between them on two issues. One, that now, following the very clear electoral win by Mr. Simitis we should return the emphasis to the efforts to deal with the Cyprus problem. And this includes the Greek and Turkish governments, the two communities on Cyprus as well as the Cypriot government. And we will do this. Secretary of State Warren Christopher had dinner on Friday with President Clinton's special emissary for the Cyprus issue Richard Beattie and spoke of the efforts the US can undertake in the attempt to play a positive role.

"Now, in regard to the Aegean, the difference between the Greek and Turkish governments on Aegean issues. We are friends, partners and allies both of Greece and Turkey and will attempt to start some positive discussions and positive work between these two governments. And this was agreed upon at the meeting. And I am certain that this is all a misunderstanding because both Mr. Christopher and Mr. Pangalos had an excellent meeting, have good relations and agreed on everything discussed last week."

[09] Spring calls Ciller's reaction to joint statement governing Ankara's relations with Union 'not satisfactory'

Luxembourg, 02/10/1996 (ANA)

During the meeting, Irish Foreign Minister Dick Spring, who is president of the Council, briefed his counterparts on the meeting he held in New York with Turkish Foreign Minister Tansu Ciller on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly.

Mr. Spring described Ms Ciller's reaction to the content of a joint statement by the 15-member Union concerning the principles that ought to govern Ankara's relations with the EU as "not satisfactory".

Several of the ministers who spoke at the meeting stressed the economic significance of developing the Union's relations with Turkey, but also the need to formulate a common strategy that will allow a constructive approach to problems between Greece and Turkey, but also between the EU and Turkey.

On his part, Mr. Papandreou stressed that Greece also desired the development of good relations with Turkey on the clear precondition of respect for the principles of international law and good neighborliness. He added that the EU would continue effort s to obtain a clear and public commitment on the part of Turkey concerning the statement of principles, in the light of the recent European Parliament resolution calling for a freeze of credits to that country.

In an interview after the end of the session, Mr. Papandreou said the issue of Turkey's financing appeared to be of greater interest than Greek concerns.

"I will say sincerely that there are several European partners who are interested for the financing of Turkey to proceed one way or the other. In other words, they wish to see the development of economic relations, for their own reasons, as a priority, and consider perhaps as secondary other issues raised by Greece, such as that of the Imia rocky islets and the borders. But I wish to stress that there was a more general agreement on the need to formulate a broad strategy concerning Turkey, and I believe that in this framework Greece can contribute significantly and raise again the issues it repeatedly raises," he added.

It was agreed at yesterday's session that the Council's political committee must soon present to the Council of Ministers ideas on the formulation of such a strategy towards Turkey and on the problems that country's stand causes in its relations with At hens and the EU in general.

[10] Eurodeputy calls on Gov't to refer Ankara's confiscation of ethnic Greeks' property to EU bodies

Athens, 02/10/1996 (ANA)

The Turkish document "seeks a basis on the principle of mutuality to support the unacceptable methodization of confiscating Greek property in Istanbul and elsewhere" and refers to Greek legislation from 1924 to the present day.

Mr. Alavanos called on Athens to reply to the Turkish positions and resort to relevant European Union agencies against the EU-Turkey Customs Union for "unfavorable treatment of Greece" by Ankara.

Mr. Alavanos and Ms Frangopoulou said Turkey concedes that law 1892/90 "does not pose restrictions in general to the possibility of acquiring real estate through hereditary induction by persons living in Greece, who are of a foreign nationality and, of course, Turkish citizens."

They said that despite the fact that views concerning obstructing the right to property in Greece have not been substantiated, Turkish courts have been given the go-ahead from the Turkish justice ministry "to remove hereditary rights based on the principle of mutuality."

In addition to this, Mr. Alavanos and Ms Frangopoulou said the "unacceptable" Turkish legal argumentation on mutuality constitutes a violation of the rights of minorities as "stressed by a relevant resolution of the European Parliament."

[11] Turkey should repair Patriarchate building, Greece says

Athens, 02/10/1996 (ANA)

Mr. Nikolaou made the statement in reply to a question on the explosion late Sunday night in the grounds of the Patriarchate building in the Phanar district of Istanbul.

Nobody was hurt in the blast but the Aghios Georgios Church was seriously damaged.

Mr. Nikolaou, standing in for government spokesman Dimitris Reppas who is accompanying Prime Minister Costas Simitis on a two-day visit to Cyprus, said Athens was awaiting Ankara's official condemnation of the bomb attack, noting that this had not yet been forthcoming.

"Greece will take all the necessary diplomatic steps to raise the issue at the competent international bodies and international organizations," Mr. Nikolaou added.

[12] State Dept. statement condemns Turkish terrorist group's attack on Patriarchate

Washington, 02/10/1996 (ANA-T. Ellis)

[13] Spyridon condemns attack on Patriarchate

New York, 02/10/1996 (ANA-M. Georgiadou)

[14] ND electors chosen for Friday's party election

Athens, 02/10/1996 (ANA)

Specifically, a total of 10,253 mid-ranking ND cadres chose the electors, seven representing local party organizations abroad. Based on the party's charter, the electors will take part in the voting along with the 108 newly elected Parliament deputies and ND's nine Eurodeputies - a total of 193.

The two contenders for ND's leadership are Miltiades Evert, who resigned following the party's electoral defeat on Sept. 22, and deputy George Souflias, who held a number of ministerial posts in past ND governments.

In a related development, ND Vice-President Ioannis Varvitsiotis called yesterday for all party members to express a commitment that they will accept the election result, an apparent reference to former national economy minister Stephanos Manos' statements over the last few days.

Mr. Manos has stated that if Mr. Evert were re-elected, the formation of another political party would be considered.

"Nobody is entitled to upset the unity of the party after the election of the new leader. It is obvious that those who project such views put their personal pursuits before the party's interest," Mr. Varvitsiotis said.

The ND Vice-President added that "in the democratic congress that will take place in the coming months, there must be safeguards for the genuine expression of everyone and the effective unity of the party, with a programme that is clear and adjusted to the new circumstances, and with ideological clarity."

[15] Seminar begins on airport training

Athens, 02/10/1996 (ANA)

The program's official opening took place on Monday with the participation of trainers from the CAS counterpart services from the US and the European Union.

In his opening speech, CAS Director Dionysis Kalofonos underlined the great importance the present administration attributes to security issues and mentioned multiple activities developed by the CAS' new Security Department, initiated for this purpose.

[16] Thessaloniki to get culture ministry secretariat

Athens, 02/10/1996 (ANA)

Mr. Venizelos said the proposal originated from one by the prime minister for a parallel culture ministry seat in Thessaloniki, to deal with the completion of events and programs for the Cultural Capital 1997.

The Cultural Capital events, he added, will be brilliant, cultural and not manufactured.

He added that the foundation stone of the new Acropolis Museum would be laid during his tenure and that he would be having a meeting on this issue with the board of the Melina Mercouri Foundation next Thursday.

[17] Foreign ministry says decrease noted in number of suits filed by Commission against Athens

Athens, 02/10/1996 (ANA)

The relevant report says that all issues concerning allegations of improprieties in public works and public procurement, as well as a large number of internal market and environmental issues have been settled. Out of 160 outstanding cases of "positive" violations in January 1996, those still remaining unsettled today number about 100.

The number of outstanding cases concerning harmonization of Community directives also shows a decrease.

The number of lawsuits filed by the Commission against Greece at the European Court stand today at 18, of which 13 concern harmonization of Community directives, while the rest are so-called positive violations.

Foreign ministry legal experts believe that most lawsuits will close with the Commission ultimately withdrawing its action, as it is expected that most directives will, in the meantime, have been incorporated into Greek law.

[18] Rio-Antirrio bridge preliminary works begin

Athens, 02/10/1996 (ANA)

A delegation from the GEFYRA S.A. consortium, which has undertaken the project following international tendering initiated as far back as the 1980s, submitted the timetable of works, as well as applications for the necessary permits, to Patras central port chief Vassilis Kantas.

The contract between the Greek State and the consortium was signed early January. Under the timetable, geophysical and underwater studies will be conducted - by foreign research vessels and specialized technicians from ab road -- through mid-December this year, as well as drillings in the Rio-Antirrio strait.

Italian specialized technicians will be conducting studies in the sea region in early October, while a specially-designed floating platform arrives Thursday in the port of Patras, where it will be assembled before it is towed to Rio, to begin underwater research on October 6. A ship equipped for underwater research also arrives between October 5-7, while the Norwegian drilling vessel "Norskalo" arrives between October 6-8, to conduct research and drillings until mid December.

The Rio-Antirrio link, budgeted at 210 billion drachmas, comprises a cable bridge supported on four blocks with a total span (length) of 2.5 kilometers and width of 25 meters. It will have two traffic lanes in each direction plus one emergency lane.

Construction will be funded on a co-financing basis, with the Greek state footing 65 billion drachmas of the 210 billion drachma budget, the contracting consortium 15 billion drachmas, and the remainder to be raised by a loan from the European Investment Bank (EIB), which is due to be approved sometime this autumn.

The GEFYRA (Bridge) consortium comprises the French firms GTM International, GTM Batiments et Travaux Publics (BTP) and Dyckerhoff und Widmann, the Greek firms Volos Technical Company (TEB), Elliniki Technodomiki, Proodeftiki, I. Sarantopoulos, Athina, and the Cypriot firm Joannou & Paraskevaides.

Traffic presently crosses from the Peloponnese to northwestern Greece by ferry, which is interrupted in adverse weather conditions. The bridge will not only eliminate the disruptions, but will also reduce the crossing time from the present 45 minutes to a mere five minutes.

More than two million vehicles cross the Rio-Antirrio strait each year.

[19] Shipping exchange inflows up

Athens, 02/10/1996 (ANA)

[20] Nikolaou comments on DEKO appointments

Athens, 02/10/1996 (ANA)

Mr. Nikolaou was responding to reports in certain sections of the press that "failed politicians" would be used to staff these posts.

He added that those who failed to be re-elected in the September 22 poll should not consider that their participation in the elections was a mistake and that they have the right in line with the law to take on such positions.

He said the same applied for the posts of ministry secretaries-general, adding that these appointments would be made in the next few days.

[21] Romanian chamber of commerce delegation to visit Piraeus chamber

Athens, 02/10/1996 (ANA)

Delegation members are scheduled to meet Greek businessmen in order to study prospects for co-operation in several sectors, including aluminum production, foodstuffs equipment and processing, agricultural machinery, shipyard technology as well as production and the sale of farm products.

The Romanian chamber is also interested in further developing Braila's port.

For more information call the chamber's trade department at 42.23.364.

[22] Greenpeace protests non-operation of wind-energy parks

Athens, 02/10/1996 (ANA)

The three protesters tied themselves with ropes to the outside of the building in central Athens and unfurled a banner which read "clean solutions now".

Greenpeace accuses DEH of being principally responsible for causing environmental pollution in Greece, claiming that the corporation accounts for 50 per cent of carbon dioxide emissions.

The organization maintains that 1.5 billion drachmas are being lost as a result of the non-operation of the two wind parks.

End of English language section.

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