A.N.A. Bulletin, 15/10/96

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

ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No 1015), October 15, 1996

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

CONTENTS

[01] Pangalos rebukes international community for its inertia over Cyprus

[02] Government spokesman

[03] Commission gives subdued condemnation

[04] German reactions

[05] Optimism voiced regarding FYROM negotiations

[06] Hungarian FM concerned over Cyprus, supports EU bid

[07] Alternate Foreign Minister to address EU-SADC conference today

[08] Sarajevo first stop on Pangalos tour of former Yugoslavia

[09] President to visit Poland

[10] Cabinet to meet today to select regional secretaries-general

[11] Appointment of regional heads

[12] Souflias meets colleagues to discuss ND's future strategy

[13] Turkish ambassador says Moslems in Thrace 'living in state of complete equality'

[14] Reppas comments

[15] Air Greece expects to show a profit this year

[16] Talks on long-term EU fishing programs inconclusive

[17] Building activity up this year

[18] Greek-Indian economic co-operation viewed promising

[19] Private airlines probed for delayed dues to state

[20] OSE gets 180 billion drachma face-lift

[21] Development of RES a top priority

[22] Crete goes to Finland

[23] Athens University honors French sociologist Pierre Bourdieu

[24] Greek film gets most popular prize at Montreal festival

[01] Pangalos rebukes international community for its inertia over Cyprus

Athens, 15/10/1996 (ANA)

"It is time for it to do the same for Cyprus and to stop showing a peculiar guilt before Turkey." It is not possible, he added, that there be rapprochement on the Cyprus issue "theoretically or platonically". Mr. Pangalos was responding to press quest ions about Sunday's murder by Turkish forces of a 58-year-old man who mistakenly wandered into the occupied northern sector of Cyprus. It was the fourth successive murder of an unarmed Greek Cypriot by Turkish occupation forces since June.

Mr. Pangalos called the killing "unacceptable" and said that the Turkish occupation authorities "have given the order to kill in cold blood whoever approaches their murderous weapons."

He said it was "obvious" that Turkey did not want any form of dialogue on resolving the Cyprus issue. It seeks "to show that the two communities cannot live together by using armed settlers, fascist organizations and the forces of the occupa-tion army," he said. "In reality, the exact opposite is the case," he added, referring to a recent meeting between Turkish and Greek Cypriots.

Referring to last week's fall of a Turkish F-16 fighter plane in the eastern Aegean while violating Greek air space, he said:

"The solution is simple: For there to be no cost in human lives or on the economic level, the Turks must stop violating our air space."

Turkey must change its behavior so as a different climate between the two countries can be created which will allow specific discussions on technical issues such as, for example, those which originate from the (1988) Papoulias-Yilmaz memorandum, he said.

[02] Government spokesman

Athens, 15/10/1996 (ANA)

He said the Greek government would support Nicosia in the event it decided to take the matter to the UN Security Council, which, he added, Cyprus President Glafcos Clerides was seriously considering. He added that recourse to the Security Council w as "more likely this time" as Sunday's incident acted in addition to the murder of two young Greek Cypriots in August. Petros Kakoullis, 58, was shot and killed early Sunday morning by Turkish troops after he mistakenly wandered into the Turkish -occupied northern sector of Cyprus. His companion, son-in-law Panikos Hatziathanasis, said he saw Kakoulis about 200 meters away from him with his hands raised before two soldiers fired two shots and who then moved closer to fire a third.

"The Greek government will work internationally to stress that as long as the Cyprus issue remains unresolved it will be a hot spot for the region," Mr. Reppas said. He added that it was at the discretion of the Greek government whether the issue would be raised at today's meeting of EU foreign ministry political directors in Brussels.

Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis said the killing of the Greek Cypriot constituted "a fresh brutality" on the part of Turkey.

Mr. Kaklamanis protested against the "Turkish barbarity in occupied Cyprus" through letters to his counterparts in the European Union, the United States, Canada, Russia, the European Parliament, the Council of Europe, the Western European Union, the Black Sea Economic Co-operation and the North Atlantic Assembly.

Mr. Kaklamanis said Sunday's incident "reveals once more Turkey's real face," adding that Turkey's attitude shows "contempt against all concepts of international law and the code of ethics."

He said Turkey continues "to violate, without punishment, human rights and the principles of the European Union of which it wishes to become a member."

Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos said the killing constituted "one more step in the organized, unacceptable, barbarous strategy of tension which the Turkish occupation forces are implementing in Cyprus."

Meanwhile, an ANA dispatch from Nicosia last night said, citing a Cyprus government announcement, that a Greek government representative will be present at Kakoullis' funeral which will take place this afternoon.

[03] Commission gives subdued condemnation

Brussels, 15/10/1996 (ANA-M.Savva)

EU Commissioner Hans van den Broek's press spokesperson Nicholas Vekter expressed the Commissioner's "regret" and "hope" that ongoing investigations into the causes of the killing by the appropriate authorities "will shed light on all aspects of the case."

Mr. Vekter said the Commissioner expressed sorrow at all successive killings of Greek Cypriots over the summer, "for which both sides are held responsible."

He said that "these do not promote the task of peacemaking and the relations of good neighborliness between the island's two communities."

The European Parliament is expected to come forward with a much more critical attitude against Turkey especially given that only a month ago its plenary had adopted in Strasbourg a resolution expressing concern for the "indiscriminate use of violence by the Turkish occupation forces."

Greek members of the Europarliament have also launched efforts to promote resolutions condemning Turkey's attitude in Cyprus.

These will be included in a resolution which will be submitted to the Europarliament's plenary in Strasbourg on Thursday.

[04] German reactions

Bonn, 15/10/1996 (ANA-P.Stangos)

Noting that his sources of information regarding the incident included only press agencies' dispatches, he said it was not possible that an unarmed man could endanger the border line between the two sides.

Meanwhile, Zigrind Skarpeli-Sperk, President of the Mixed German-Greek Parliamentary Group and SPD deputy expressed "abhorrence and indignation" at the fresh killing.

"It is an inconceivable act which does not abide by any code of conduct in the civilized world," she said calling upon the German government "not to restrict (its actions) at expressing concern but proceed with an official protest against Ankara."

She further requested that an official clarification from Ankara, obtained via the diplomatic route, make clear whether the Turkish occupation army has orders to shoot to kill whoever crosses the green line on the divided island or if the incidents resulted from violation of orders.

[05] Optimism voiced regarding FYROM negotiations

Geneva, 15/10/1996 (ANA - M. Spinthourakis)

Both refrained from making extensive statements, at the request of Mr. Vance, but let it be understood that talks were on a good course.

"There is no impasse," said Mr. Zacharakis, while Mr. Tosefski expressed optimism.

The issue "has already lasted for a long period, and time margins have already begun narrowing," said Mr. Vance, adding, "there are steps of progress, but no specific results yet."

Asked if it was proper to use the term 'Macedonia' instead of FYROM when the issue had not been settled yet, he replied, "sometimes I use one name, and sometimes the other."

The two representatives will meet again in New York in about two weeks' time to continue their deliberations.

In Athens, Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos, commenting on the meeting said: "Skopje promotes the view that it cannot change its internal name. This creates an issue of a different name. Till now, this has not been accepted either by Mr. Vance or by our side. The issue however is not whether there will be a double or triple name ... the issue is whether Skopje truly wants to contribute to the seeking of a mutually acceptable name. And obviously that cannot be the one which they use today. It must be something else."

[06] Hungarian FM concerned over Cyprus, supports EU bid

Athens, 15/10/1996 (ANA)

"Cyprus is in need of the protection of the international community which must urgently seek a resolution to the problem of the division," Mr. Kovacs said after meeting his Greek counterpart Theodoros Pangalos.

He said he supported Cyprus's accession bid to the European Union, saying Cyprus's full membership would "significantly help the resolution of the problem".

Mr. Kovacs met with President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos and Prime Minister Costas Simitis before his meeting with Mr. Pangalos yesterday to seek Greek support for Hungary's bid to the EU and other European and international organizations.

Speaking to reporters, Mr. Kovacs stressed the special regard Hungary had for Greece as a member of the EU and NATO, membership of which is a leading priority for Hungary.

"I hope that Hungary can be a full member of the European Union of the year 2000 and to be in the first cycle of the EU's expansion," he said.

"I hope the same for Cyprus, which is an important partner for the European Union and already meets all the economic criteria of Maastricht".

Mr. Kovacs said Greek-Hungarian relations were "excellent" and that there were "great margins for closer co-operation in the economic sector and that current figures do not show the real possibility of economic exchange and trade between the two countries."

Bilateral trade currently stands at $100 million annually.

Mr. Kovacs added that Prime Minister Simitis would meet informally with Hungarian Prime Minister Gyula Horn at the summit of European socialists in Budapest at the end of the month, ahead of the Hungarian premier's official visit to Athens next year.

[07] Alternate Foreign Minister to address EU-SADC conference today

Windhoek, Namibia 15/10/1996 (ANA - G. Angelopoulos)

SADC was founded in 1980 by countries wishing then to lessen their economic dependence on South Africa by attracting aid and investment to the region. But South Africa has also become a member since the abolition of apartheid, and thanks to its strong economy, has come to be a dominant force in the organization, which includes eleven other members - - Angola, Botswana, Lesotho, Swaziland, Malawi, Mozambique, Mauritius, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Namibia, and Zambia.

The first EU-SADC ministerial conference was convened at the initiative of the then German presidency in Berlin in September 1994, and ended in a Statement of Intentions, whereby the two sides agreed to co-operate in the sectors of regional integration and trade, and promote political dialogue.

[08] Sarajevo first stop on Pangalos tour of former Yugoslavia

Athens, 15/10/1996 (ANA)

Mr. Pangalos' first stop on his tour will be Sarajevo, where the city's Greek embassy is expected to begin operating soon.

He said he would be discussing the meeting of Balkan foreign ministers scheduled for Thessaloniki next June during his visits to Sarajevo, Belgrade and Zagreb as well as their relations with the European Union and with European defense systems.

According to the ANA, Mr. Pangalos is to meet with Serbian President Slobodan Milosevic, Bosnian President Alija Izetbegovic and, possibly, Croatian President Franjo Tudjman, as well as his counterparts from each country.

[09] President to visit Poland

Athens, 15/10/1996 (ANA)

Mr. Stephanopoulos will be accompanied by Alternate Foreign Minister George Papandreou.

[10] Cabinet to meet today to select regional secretaries-general

Athens, 15/10/1996 (ANA)

The meeting, he added, will also discuss whether these persons can run for elections.

Prime Minister Costas Simitis will have a meeting with Mr. Reppas, who is also press minister, and members of his office to discuss a communications policy for the government, to ensure the best possible promotion of the government's work.

Asked about the possibility of state bonds and treasury bills being taxed, Mr. Reppas said that the government would define its policy on these issues in Parliamentary debates on the budget. He said however that the government was not dealing with these issues at the present time and reiterated PASOK's election pledge that no new taxes would be imposed.

[11] Appointment of regional heads

Athens, 15/10/1996 (ANA)

Sources say that only two or three incumbents will remain in their positions.

The Cabinet is expected to adopt the relevant decision today.

[12] Souflias meets colleagues to discuss ND's future strategy

Athens, 15/10/1996 (ANA)

Both Ms. Bakoyianni and Mr. Manos announced their candidacies for the party presidency but withdrew them shortly after saying they would support Mr. Souflias instead.

ND elections took place after Mr. Evert submitted his resignation following defeat at general elections in September to the ruling PASOK.

The so-called "alliance of the three" insist on the appointment of a "representative and objective organizing congress committee" and request the holding of "internal party elections".

Mr. Souflias said all party officials will direct efforts at presenting PASOK with an effective and responsible opposition.

Meanwhile, Mr. Evert is reportedly proceeding with the reconstitution of party mechanisms and is conducting meetings with close associates and party deputies.

The ND leader has appointed Stavros Dimas as parliamentary spokesman and Dimitris Sioufas as alternate parliamentary spokesman.

[13] Turkish ambassador says Moslems in Thrace 'living in state of complete equality'

Athens, 15/10/1996 (ANA)

Speaking to reporters at the close of the first day of his four-day tour of Thrace, Mr. Pamir said the reason for his trip was to "examine the living conditions of the 'Turks' in Thrace, if they enjoy rights emanating from international treaties and if they are facing any problems."

Mr. Pamir added that the picture in the region is "very good" concerning infrastructure and projects carried out, compared to the situation prevailing 23 years ago when he served as a vice-consul in Komotini.

Replying to a questioner on Turkish domestic problems, and the Kurdish issue in particular, Mr. Pamir said "we have this problem. Some issues arise wherever there are minorities, such as with the 'Turkish' one in Thrace."

A journalist corrected him, saying that "the Lausanne Treaty makes no mention of a 'Turkish' minority, but determines it as 'Moslem'."

The Turkish diplomat ignored the journalist's remark and avoided any comment on questions concerning the murder of unarmed Greek Cypriot Petros Kakoullis by Turkish occupation forces in Cyprus on Sunday.

"I am not the Turkish Ambassador in Cyprus but in Athens," he said.

Earlier in the day, Mr. Pamir met with Turkish Consul to Komotini Osman Dourak after touring the Rhodopi prefecture and visiting the School of Theology and the Moslem neighborhood.

He will visit Xanthi tomorrow and complete his tour with a visit to Alexadroupolis.

Meanwhile, police took precautionary measures in view of tension in the region arising from the killing of the Greek Cypriot in Cyprus on Sunday.

[14] Reppas comments

Athens, 15/10/1996 (ANA)

Mr. Reppas called on the residents of the region to deal with any attempts to cause unrest and tension with "coolheadedness", adding that the Moslems of Thrace were Greek citizens and enjoyed full rights.

"Our policy in the region will not allow Ankara or any third party to use the Moslems as a tool or excuse in their hands," Mr. Reppas said.

[15] Air Greece expects to show a profit this year

Athens, 15/10/1996 (ANA)

The profit will mainly be the result of increased sales, which are estimated to reach around 3.5 billion drachmas, compared to 2.1 billion drachmas last year. Losses amounted to 226 million last year.

Mr. Bantouvas announced he would push for an increase in the company's equity capital at next month's general assembly from 1 billion to 1.3 billion drachmas. He added that the company is expecting a 25 per cent rise in sales next year, and is planning to introduce flights to Izmir and Tirana via Thessaloniki.

[16] Talks on long-term EU fishing programs inconclusive

Brussels, 15/10/1996 (ANA - P. Pantelis)

Agriculture Under-secretary Vassilis Geranidis, who represented Greece, said the relevant report, prepared by the Commission, presented technical inadequacies, and as a result, did not give an accurate picture of the present situation in the Greek fishing fleet.

Regarding long-term programs for 1997-2002, Mr. Geranidis said they should take account of socio-economic factors, the presence of third-country fleets in the Mediterranean, and the relevant financial requirements. He also called for proper evaluation of scientific data, and for special attention in the development of coastal fishing.

[17] Building activity up this year

Athens, 15/10/1996 (ANA)

Volume of construction, calculated on the basis of licenses issued by the country's town-planning departments, came to 34,637 cubic meters, in contrast to 27,624 cubic meters for the same period in 1995, a rise of 25.4 per cent.

There was increased construction activity in the Attica prefecture (43.4 per cent), Aegean islands (4.6 per cent), Macedonia (21.2 per cent) and Thrace (76.3 per cent).

The Attica prefecture, ESYE said, comprised 31.2 per cent of the total building volume in the country, as opposed to 27.3 per cent for the same period last year.

[18] Greek-Indian economic co-operation viewed promising

Athens, 15/10/1996 (ANA)

The Indian side expressed optimism that Greek-Indian co-operation in the business sector will allow the entry of joint ventures in the Black Sea and the Mediterranean countries as well as southeastern Asia.

Co-operation seems feasible in telecommunications, computers, watercultures, food processing and packaging as well as in the sector of small-to-middle-size businesses.

The Greek delegation, headed by Nikos Zachariadis, Secretary General of the International Economic Relations department at the National Economy Ministry, spotted opportunities for co-operation between the two countries in the sector of planning and major works construction in the Indian pensinsula.

Both sides agreed that bilateral agreements should be signed and take effect immediately regarding double taxation and mutual protection and promotion of investment.

[19] Private airlines probed for delayed dues to state

Athens, 15/10/1996 (ANA)

On his instructions , he said, the management of the Civil Aviation Authority (YPA) were seeking "answers regarding the way in which private airline companies meant to pay their dues to the state."

He declined to be more specific, merely adding that the probe was in progress, and that appropriate legal sanctions would be imposed "to those who are by law obliged to behave in a certain way."

[20] OSE gets 180 billion drachma face-lift

Athens, 15/10/1996 (ANA)

Mr. Papageorgiou made the statement during a visit to Xanthi, northern Greece in the presence of representatives of local authorities from Thrace and eastern Macedonia. He said 20 billion drachmas will be allocated for improvements in the regions' network.

He also announced the compilation of a feasibility study regarding a railway connection between Kavala and Xanthi to facilitate cargo transport from the Balkan countries to Kavala's new modern port which is currently under construction.

[21] Development of RES a top priority

Athens, 15/10/1996 (ANA)

Speaking at a one-day conference on RES technologies on the island of Mykonos yesterday, he said the Commission offered considerable support to the development of such technologies to regions like the Aegean, which possessed great potential, and could prove of crucial importance in the country's energy planning.

He added that the Cyclades Energy Center, which received EU funding, could provide information to interested investors.

[22] Crete goes to Finland

Athens, 15/10/1996 (ANA)

Events will also include press conference on the subject of the Cretan diet, cultural events and business meetings between Cretan and Finnish businessmen.

[23] Athens University honors French sociologist Pierre Bourdieu

Athens, 15/10/1996 (ANA)

Mr. Bourdieu referred to his beloved ancient Greek thinkers, saying they influenced his work a great deal, and to modern Greek writers.

He focused his speech on the concept and the consequences of the vindication of existence with the recognition of a person by lofty institutions, such as the Athens University.

"The distinction by the collective university community converts a simple person into an honored one. Namely an important person. This recognition means that his existence has a real worth, and so has his work," he said.

Hailing the distinguished personality, Athens University rector Mr. P. Yiemptos termed professor Bourdieu an expressionist of freedom and the open society, a fighter for the autonomy of intellectuals, who has already maintained in his books that "there is no real democracy unless there is a true countering force to which the intellectual also belongs."

[24] Greek film gets most popular prize at Montreal festival

Montreal, 15/10/1996 (ANA - J. Frangoulis)

"Country Home" came first in audience preferences from 90 films screened at the festival and revolves around the history of a former resistance fighter and writer whose unresolved differences with the past lead to the decision to write a book.

The film stars George Konstas, Smaragda Smyrnaiou, Eva Vlahakou and others.

Layia Yourgou was born in Iraklion, Crete and studied film at the London International Film School. She worked as a film critic on newspapers and magazines and started directing in 1980.

A total of nine films directed by Greek women were shown at the festival as part of the "Greek Women's Cinema" retrospective.

"When I went to Berlin I discovered that there were five movies by Greek directors, a real record for European cinema and so I decided that these bold women deserved a dedication," Louise Allard, festival director, told the ANA.

"I liked the cinema by Greek women because they portray Greece through their camera. I can feel the drama, the theatrical passion, I like the way they direct the actors. An example is the film by Fotini Siskopoulos 'The life of 1,500 drachmas', which was chosen in the eight films in the competition section of the festival from the 90 films from 30 countries around the world," she said.

End of English language section.

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