A.N.A. Bulletin, 29/10/96
From: The Greek Press & Information Office, Ottawa Canada <[email protected]>
ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No 1026), October 29, 1996
Greek Press & Information Office
Ottawa, Canada
E-Mail Address: [email protected]
CONTENTS
[01] European Socialist Party declaration favors EU expansion
[02] IOC evaluation committee finds 3 strong advantages to Athens' bid
[03] Simitis meets with Horn for talks covering EU, Greek-Hungarian
relations
[04] Political leadership address messages commemorating Greece's
entry into WWII
[05] Stephanopoulos says only name issue prevents full co-operation
with FYROM
[06] Ciller again calls for unrestricted dialogue with Athens
[07] Greek delegation satisfied with call for BSEC members to fulfill
financial obligations
[08] Captain of ferry boat that collided with islet appears in court
[09] Several Greek-Yugoslav economic agreements signed
[01] European Socialist Party declaration favors EU expansion
Budapest, 29/10/1996 (ANA - D. Dimitrakoudis)
The European Socialist Party summit ended in Budapest on Sunday
with the adoption of a joint declaration welcoming the entry of
central and eastern European countries into the European Union.
During a press conference held after the meeting, Prime Minister
Costas Simitis stressed the confirmation by the European
Socialists of the EU's decision for negotiations for the entry
of Cyprus and Malta to begin six months after the end of the
Intergovernmental Conference (IGC).
British Labor Party Vice-President John Prescott stressed that
it is the duty of the European Socialist Party and the EU to
take initiatives to deal with the Cyprus problem, adding that
they cannot be uninvolved in the issue.
Both Mr. Simitis and Cypriot EDEK socialist party leader Vassos
Lyssarides noted the volatile nature of the situation in Cyprus
and its possible dangers.
The summit meeting noted that certain issues, which are of
particular importance to Greece, such as foreign policy and the
protection of the environment, must be presented more intensely
in the IGC, so that provisions can be made for them in the new
Maastricht Treaty.
Speaking to Greek reporters, Mr. Simitis described the two-day
summit as having been particularly useful and successful, saying
relations between socialist parties are becoming closer and
joint policies on central European issues are now possible.
Speaking on the entry of central and eastern European countries
into the EU, the prime minister said socialist leaders are
asking for there to be a detailed and careful preparation, in
order to prevent negotiations and the countries' entry leading
to a multi-speed Europe.
Mr. Simitis told reporters that doubts were expressed during the
summit as to whether IGC negotiations will be completed during
the set time schedule, saying it is almost certain that due to
the British elections, they will not be completed within the
first half of 1997.
Mr. Simitis said what the European socialists want is not a
Europe with differentiations but a unified Europe in which there
will be economic development, employment and prosperity for all.
He said that all were agreed that speedy rates should be applied
to enable all negotiations concerning the European Union to
close before the end of the century, namely those as well which
are related to enlargement, the budget and new policies.
Outlining the results of the meeting, European Socialist Party
President Rudolf Scharping said that enlargement, which is
clearly supported by socialists and social democrats,
constitutes a dynamic process from which there will be benefits
derived both for EU member-states and candidate countries, while
the EU's character will also change.
Mr. Scharping said European socialists oppose neo-conservative
positions and nationalistic and reactionary trends, for which
the sole alternative solution constitutes the deepening of
European co-operation, which is aimed at development, the
creation of jobs, protection for the security of citizens and
protection for the environment and safeguarding peace.
He said that for the first time Europe has the opportunity to
overcome destruction caused by two world wars in the first half
of the century and this prospect must not be lost through
details and procedural differences.
On his part, Hungarian Prime Minister and president of the
ruling socialist party, Gyula Horn, said it should be examined
how the EU can help candidate countries to prepare themselves
appropriately for entry.
[02] IOC evaluation committee finds 3 strong advantages to Athens' bid
Athens, 29/10/1996 (ANA)
Athens appears to have made a decisive step in its promotion for
the final phase of cities contesting the 2004 Olympic Games, as
the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) evaluation committee
ascertained three strong advantages for the Greek capital's
candidacy.
The German president of the evaluation committee, Thomas Bach,
addressed a press conference at the Zappeion Mansion on Saturday
at the end of its visit, together with Greek Candidacy Committee
President Yianna Daskalaki-Angelopoulou.
Mr. Bach said the city's advantages are support for the
candidacy of Athens by an overwhelming majority of the Greek
people, a cultural program and the guarantees by both the
government and the opposition on organizing the 2004 Olympics.
"First of all, we as a committee cannot refer to our conclusions
or make any comments. However, I can speak to you about our
three impressions from our three-day stay in Greece.
"Firstly, our committee ascertained that the candidacy of Athens
is supported by the overwhelming majority of the Greek people.
Additionally, there is support from businessmen and political
bodies.
"Secondly, there is the cultural program of Athens. The people
can participate in this program which includes, among others, a
torch race linking many historical cities in your country and
the marathon race.
"Thirdly, we appreciate the guarantees of the government and the
opposition for the candidacy of Athens."
He also said the candidacies of the 11 cities for hosting the
Olympic Games in 2004 are like a marathon race.
"The Greeks can set out on this marathon, where they have 10
opponents, with confidence. The individuality in this struggle
is, however, that there are not three medals but only one, the
gold, since only one city will organize the Games," he said.
The German committee president said talks with all the officials
of the Greek candidacy took place in a friendly climate and
explained that the prime target of the International Olympics
Committee is that the best athletes in the world should compete
with the best possible conditions.
Mr. Bach said the evaluation committee's final report on the 11
candidacies will constitute the basis for the IOC's decision on
March 7, concerning the four or five cities which will be on the
short list.
Replying to a question on the candidacy of Stockholm for the
2004 Olympic Games, Mr. Bach said "80 per cent of the Swedish
Parliament voted in favor of Stockholm's candidacy. According to
an opinion poll conducted later on, however, it appeared that
most Swedes do not want to host the Games."
Mr. Bach went on to say that candidate cities should strengthen
their positive points as much as they can, adding that the
splendor of the Olympic Games is that each country promotes its
own strong points and it is a very important factor for one to
know how to promote his country.
"The 164 guarantees given to us in all by Athens to organize the
Games helped us to shape a spherical view," he said.
Ms Daskalaki-Angelopoulou said "we replied to all the questions
put by the International Olympic Games evaluation committee and
we had very good co-operation with all its members. We thank all
who contributed to this effort."
Athens Mayor Dimitris Avramopoulos gave a reception for the
evaluation committee at the Athens City Hall on Saturday.
The evaluation committee will visit San Juan (Nov. 16-20), Rio
de Janeiro (Nov. 21-25), Buenos Aires (25-29) and Cape Town
(Dec- 6-10).
The 19 evaluation committee members left Athens yesterday.
[03] Simitis meets with Horn for talks covering EU, Greek-Hungarian
relations
Budapest, 29/10/1996 (ANA - D. Dimitrakoudis)
Prime Minister Costas Simitis held an hour-long discussion here
with his Hungarian counterpart Gyula Horn yesterday, while a
coincidence of views was ascertained between the positions of
Athens and Budapest on Greek-Turkish relations and the Cyprus
issue.
Mr. Simitis said afterwards that the positions of the Hungarian
government coincide with those supported by Greece, namely that
whatever demands on the Turkish side must be resolved through
processes anticipated by international law, meaning the
International Court of Justice at The Hague. On the question of
Cyprus, Hungary maintains that it is time that resolutions of
the United Nations are applied.
He said that he discussed problems with Mr. Horn concerning
Hungary's potential accession to the European Union, which is
the main issue preoccupying the Hungarians at present.
Mr. Simitis said countries such as Greece, which have every
interest in increasing their influence within the framework of
the EU, need allies. And such allies can be countries such as
Hungary, which has about the same level of development and about
the same population.
He said he believed that after the Intergovernmental Conference,
the completion of Economic and Monetary Union in Europe and
processes for the new budget, there will be no developments in
the EU, which will benefit countries in southern Europe as was
the case in the past.
Mr. Simitis said new dynamics will emerge and Greece can
participate in them, guiding the EU if it has many allies. He
said that for this reason enlargement was necessary, first of
all with Cyprus, and from then on how this enlargement will be
carried o ut should be examined.
The Greek premier said that if we want a strong EU, the Union
must "embrace" all of Europe and must "embrace" more countries
than today.
Both prime ministers also discussed bilateral Greek-Hungarian
relations, whose level is considered excellent.
On the sidelines of the European Socialist Party meeting, Mr.
Simitis had talks with German Social Democrat party leader Oskar
Lafontaine on Sunday, focusing on the global economy, Economic
and Monetary Union as well as strengthening relations between
PASOK and the German social democrats.
In talks with the secretary of the Italian Democratic Left
Party, Massimo D'Alema, Mr. Simitis referred to the meeting he
will have with the leadership of the party during his visit to
Rome on Nov. 20.
[04] Political leadership address messages commemorating Greece's
entry into WWII
Athens, 29/10/1996 (ANA)
Three-day celebrations marking the anniversary of Greece's entry
into World War II against fascist Italy on Oct. 28, 1940,
culminated in Thessaloniki yesterday with a large military
parade in the presence of President of the Republic Kostis
Stephanopoulos.
The parade was also attended by National Defense Minister Akis
Tsohatzopoulos, who represented Prime Minister Costas Simitis,
main opposition New Democracy party leader Miltiades Evert, the
leadership of the armed forces, ministers, deputies and local
authorities.
The parade ended with the appearance of four ultra-modern
US-made Apache helicopter gunships, recently acquired by the
Hellenic Army.
A Te Deum service was held at the Athens Cathedral in the
presence of Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis,
ministers, deputies and representatives of resistance groups.
Education Minister Gerassimos Arsenis then took the salute at a
pupils' parade.
Referring to Ankara and the United States at a reception given
in his honor by the Officers Club of the Third Army Corps in
Thessaloniki on Sunday night, President Stephanopoulos said
Greece has no intention and no possibility of backing down even
at the least from its sovereign rights based on international
law and determined by international treaties.
Addressing the US side, due to rumors of a possible assumption
of an initiative by the US to normalize Greek-Turkish relations,
President Stephanopoulos said "all efforts and initiatives are
welcome, provided those undertaking relevant initiatives should
not forget and not disregard reality."
In a message marking the Oct. 28 national holiday, Mr. Simitis
said the message of Oct. 28 is a message of unity, consensus and
faith in defending the integrity of the nation against whatever
design.
"And this will always be the message of Greece in every
direction, at the same time with our persistent action to
safeguard peace and stability in the region and to develop
relations of friendship and co-operation with all our
neighbors," he said.
"In the course towards the 21st century, at a time when the
future of Europe of tomorrow is being planned and shaped, Greece
and the Greeks will always be ready to give their own
contribution for the prevalence of those values which will
safeguard a peaceful future with respect for international law,
freedom and democracy and with fronts always open against modern
phenomena of fascism and racism," Mr. Simitis added.
Similar messages were addressed by Mr. Evert and other party
leaders.
A message by the ruling PASOK party's executive bureau said the
anniversary signaled the consistency and traditions of
long-standing Greek history, adding that at present our message
is that a strong and modern Greece constitutes a message in all
directions, a message that Greeks will give their own
contribution to Greece, respect for international law and the
emergence of Greece as a factor of stability.
Mr. Evert said in his message this year's anniversary finds the
nation faced with direct dangers.
"The unbridled Turkish provocativeness in the Aegean, the
continuing occupation on the island of Cyprus by Attila, who is
getting more and more audacious, and the threatened shrinking of
Hellenism in Albania, which compose certain characteristic
example s, set out the need for national vigilance," Mr. Evert
said.
He said all Greeks should struggle for a strong Greece which
will be respected by friends and reckoned by adversaries.
The Coalition of the Left and Progress said at present Greece
needs a new surge to exit from the deep crisis and decline,
adding that Greece should seek war reparations and an occupation
loan forcibly handed over to Nazi Germany.
Democratic Social Movement (DHKKI) leader Dimitris Tsovolas
raised doubts as to whether the government is determined to
protect national causes, adding that the holiday coincides with
a crucial period for the country and the Greek people.
Political Spring party leader Antonis Samaras said the national
holiday must become the starting point for a new militant course
for Hellenism because the nation must respond to the challenges
of the times.
[05] Stephanopoulos says only name issue prevents full co-operation
with FYROM
Athens, 29/10/1996 (ANA)
The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) will receive
full assistance and co-operation from Greece as soon as the name
issue is settled, President of the Republic Kostis
Stephanopoulos said yesterday from Pella prefecture in northern
Greece.
Addressing Skopje's leadership, Mr. Stephanopoulos stressed that
Athens will be able to help the one-time Yugoslav republic
overcome its economic and social problems, a process which he
said will also help Greece. Replying to a question regarding
FYROM, he said the name issue remains, "and is a problem which
still creates difficulties in our relations with FYROM and when
it is solved, there will be nothing to hinder the full
development of our relations. "I wish and hope that diplomatic
procedures will lead to a satisfactory solution," the president
added. Mr. Stephanopoulos will continue his tour of northern
Greece with visits to Skyra and Yiannitsa.
[06] Ciller again calls for unrestricted dialogue with Athens
Luxembourg, 29/10/1996 (ANA - M. Spinthourakis)
Ankara reiterated last week its long-standing proposal for
unrestricted dialogue with Athens, this time in the form of an
Oct. 25 letter addressed by Turkish Foreign Minister Tansu
Ciller to the European Union's 15 member-states.
Ms Ciller's four-page letter initially refers to a
Europarliament resolution issued last month in relation to the
murder of two unarmed Greek Cypriots by a mob and Turkish
occupation forces on Cyprus in early August. In her letter, the
one-time Turkish premier and current junior partner in an
Islamist-led government covers several issues related to
Ankara's relations with the EU, developments on the Cyprus issue
and Greek-Turkish relations.
The Ciller letter was not discussed in yesterday's EU general
affairs meeting, where Athens was represented by Alternate
Foreign Minister George Papandreou.
The issue of Turkey's relations with the EU is, however,
expected to be discussed at the upcoming foreign ministers'
summit scheduled for Nov. 25 in Brussels. In a related
development, Irish Foreign Minister Dick Spring, chairing the
rotating EU presidency, told the meeting that based on the EU's
July 15 decision, the Union is still awaiting Turkey's reply to
the resolution, which listed several areas of concern, including
human rights and lack of democratization in Turkey.
[07] Greek delegation satisfied with call for BSEC members to fulfill
financial obligations
Moscow, 29/10/1996 (ANA - P. Drakopoulos)
The Greek delegation participating in the Black Sea Economic
Co-operation (BSEC) summit, which ended here Friday with the
signing of the Moscow Declaration, has expressed its
satisfaction over the declaration's call for all member-states
to fulfill their financial obligations for establishment of a
Black Sea Commercial and Development Bank.
The bank is scheduled to operate in Thessaloniki at the
beginning of next year.
Athens has decided to provide loans as a form of economic
assistance for economically weaker members, such as Armenia and
Moldova, which have asked for Greece's help.
Meanwhile, only three countries, Albania, Greece and Romania,
have said they can meet their financial obligations at present.
As the bank can begin operating with 51 per cent of the founding
capital, Russia has decided to accelerate its internal
procedures so that the bank does not begin operation without
Moscow's contribution. According to the National Economy
Secretary-General and president of the bank's temporary
organizing committee, Nikos Zahariadis, Russia has made it clear
that it will make efforts to pay its share within three months,
including the relevant funds - roughly US$ 23 million) - in its
1997 budget.
During the summit in Moscow, Greece also officially stated its
wish for one of the bank's two or three vice-presidents to be a
Greek national.
According to the Moscow Declaration, BSEC member-states also
called on European funding organizations, such as the European
Investment Bank and the European Reconstruction and Development
Bank, to participate as members in the Black Sea Commercial and
Development Bank or to jointly fund investment programs in the
region.
[08] Captain of ferry boat that collided with islet appears in court
Athens, 29/10/1996 (ANA)
The captain, first officer and chief engineer of a ferry boat
that crashed into an islet near Cape Sounion on Saturday morning
were due to appear in a Piraeus court on Sunday.
Meanwhile, a merchant marine ministry announcement said a total
of 71 passengers out of 450 on board the ferry boat "Pegasus"
were injured in the accident and were transported to Athens-area
hospitals. Eight of the injured remained in the Asklipeion
Hospital in Voula, while a further two are being treated at the
Nikaia hospital.
The ship's captain, Evangelos Antonopoulos, attributed the
accident to rudder failure.
After the ferry boat was towed into the port of Piraeus on
Saturday evening by two tug boats, cranes were used to unload
the vehicles in the vessel's hold. According to reports, many of
the vehicles were severely damaged in the accident.
The Pegasus, on route from Piraeus to several Cyclades islands,
ran aground on the Patrokolos islet in the Saronic Gulf at 10:14
a.m. Saturday.
Coastguard vessels and a private helicopter rushed to the scene,
as did three other ferries and three tug boats from Piraeus and
Lavrio.
Members of the Merchant Ships Inspectorate arrived on the scene
in order to begin a preliminary investigation into the causes of
the accident.
In a related development, Merchant Marine Minister Stavros
Soumakis visited those injured in order to be briefed on their
condition.
[09] Several Greek-Yugoslav economic agreements signed
Belgrade, 29/10/1996 (ANA - M. Mouratidis)
Talks held between Greek and Yugoslav businessmen over the past
months have led to the signing of many agreements on economic
co-operation, according to a report in yesterday's "Politika"
newspaper here.
Agreements were finalized on creating joint enterprises,
producing automobile tires, building plants and producing
ceramic tiles and aluminum sheets.
An agreement was also signed for a Greek investment in the
production of lead and zinc, as well as for export of
foodstuffs, hydraulic accessories, iron ores, automobile spare
parts and wooden products.
Another agreement is underway for the purchase of farm products,
petroleum byproducts as well as cotton and aluminum goods.
End of English language section.
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