Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 96-11-04

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

ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No 1031), November 4, 1996

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

CONTENTS

[01] Signatures being gathered from ND deputies to avoid split

[02] EU Commissioner Papoutsis expresses satisfaction with meetings in Skopje, Tirana

[03] Tirana visit

[04] Constantopoulos says Gov't projecting image of confusion, insensitivity

[05] Rozakis arrives in Nicosia for contacts on latest developments on Cyprus issue

[06] Kyprianou arrives in Athens for talks with Greek leadership

[07] Kranidiotis discusses Greek priorities concerning review of Maastricht Treaty

[08] Gligorov refers to Greek economic role in Balkans as favorable

[09] Petsalnikos discusses bilateral ties with State of Victoria higher education minister

[10] Balkan news agencies' technical directors meet in Novi Sad

[11] Scientists cite overfishing, uncontrolled development as detrimental to Mediterranean

[01] Signatures being gathered from ND deputies to avoid split

Athens, 04/11/1996 (ANA)

The text is expected to be submitted to the three former prime ministers, Constantine Karamanlis, Constantine Mitsotakis and George Rallis as well as to party leader Miltiades Evert, George Souflias, Ioannis Varvitsiotis, Constantine Tsaldaris and Yiannis Kefalogiannis, in order to pressure those leading ND members to meet and agree on the party's course towards an upcoming congress.

The text notes that "the (party's) grass roots are anxious for what is happening in the party and there must be a meeting between leading members to find a joint plan, and ND to be led smoothly to the congress."

Meanwhile, ND honorary president and former prime minister Constantine Mitsotakis expressed his anger over an article in the "Apogevmatini" newspaper, which claimed that he intended to resign from his deputy's seat in order to aid developments within the party, in view of the ND congress.

Speaking on his return from Paris yesterday, Mr. Mitsotakis described the article as being completely inaccurate.

"I believe New Democracy is facing a deep and dangerous crisis, and it is the duty of us all to help... I have never abandoned ship, and I don't intend to do so now," he said.

In an interview with the "Sunday Eleftherotypia" newspaper, Mr. Mitsotakis severely criticized events at the party's last Parliamentary group meeting, and implied that he will take initiatives.

"In this most crucial moment, we all have to assume our responsibilities.. .All without exception," he told the paper.

According to deputies close to Mr. Mitsotakis, the former prime minister's call is also addressed to ND's founder Constantine Karamanlis, something which was repeated in former minister Sotiris Kouvelas' interview in the same newspaper .

Mr. Kouvelas noted that "the party's historic members must at this time assume their responsibilities. From the party founder to the honorary president."

He said Mr. Mitsotakis should have stood for party president when Mr. Evert resigned, adding that "if conditions require, Mr. Mitsotakis ought to take the party's fate (in his hands)," while he described Mr. Evert's continuation at the party's helm as being "disastrous".

Meanwhile, in an interview with the Sunday "Eleftherotypia," former national economy minister Stephanos Manos confirmed rumors that party Vice-President Ioannis Varvitsiotis is being pressured by certain deputies to assume the party leadership until the congress.

Associates of Mr. Manos said this will have to be preceded by a meeting between Mr. Souflias and Mr. Varvitsiotis, while reports said such a meeting will take place in the next few days.

According to associates of Mr. Evert, the ND president believes his rivals within the party are at a "dead end" and that party members who supported him in the past will do so again.

On his part, Mr. Evert insists that the alliance between Mr. Souflias, Mr. Manos and former culture minister and Mr. Mitsotakis' daughter, Dora Bakoyianni, will soon be over because, as his associates believe, Mr. Evert "remains powerful" and thus "hold s the key to developments."

His associates said the ND leader intends to call leading party members to a meeting soon, in order to discuss who will participate in the organizing committee for the party congress.

They added that Mr. Evert will remain at the party's helm until the congress, as he was elected by a clear majority only a month ago.

A new round of disagreements in ND is expected during the joint meeting of the Parliamentary group and the central committee during mid-November.

[02] EU Commissioner Papoutsis expresses satisfaction with meetings in Skopje, Tirana

Skopje, 04/11/1996 (ANA - F. Stangos)

In a meeting with FYROM President Kiro Gligorov on Saturday, Mr. Papoutsis explained the potential benefits of co-operation with neighboring countries and the definitive role Greece could play in strengthening FYROM's relations with the European Union (EU ).

The EU Commissioner for energy, small-to-medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and tourism told a press conference on Saturday that he had emphasized the EU's encouragement of every effort at regional co-operation in the energy sector, which he said would contribute to the growth of harmonious relations with neighboring countries. He noted his efforts to overcome reservations regarding the strategy of a regional approach to problem-solving, explaining that this was mandatory in the energy sector, due to the increased demand for energy. Energy supplies, he commented, should be secured by avoiding political dependencies.

Mr. Papoutsis proposed that the FYROM government co-operate with the EU to formulate a comprehensive study of the country's energy needs, to organize a conference on promoting energy co-operation with the EU and to participate in the EU's Task Force in se eking out joint investment ventures in the Balkans.

He added that during his talks with FYROM government officials, he had observed the existence of political will to co-operate with Greece, as well as a commitment to resolve all problems through political dialogue and regional co-operation. He also noted that the European Commission had been observing the FYROM government's efforts towards broadening democracy, respect for human rights and a transition to a market economy.

[03] Tirana visit

Tirana, 04/11/1996 (ANA)

The commissioner agreed with Tirana's desire to extend the Greek natural gas pipeline to the border with Albania so that both countries could exploit Albania's storage potential. He also announced that a feasibility study on the project had been included in the supplement to the inter-European energy networks. Mr. Papoutsis noted that an appropriate security framework would be a decisive factor in attracting foreign capital, and urged Albania to participate in EU programs for developing small-and-medium-sized businesses, as well as tourism.

With regard to the possibility of full accession to the EU, the EU Commissioner replied that for the time being efforts should be concentrated on creating a framework to allow this eventual goal to be approached step by step.

Recent local elections in Albania had been an encouraging sign, he said, adding the hope that EU Commissioner Hans van den Broek would soon gain approval from the Council of Ministers to begin negotiations for a new upgraded co-operation agreement with Albania.

On his part, Mr. Berisha drew attention to the significant contribution Greece has made to improving relations between Albania and the EU. He particularly praised President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos, saying his visit to Albania had opened up new horizons for bilateral relations.

[04] Constantopoulos says Gov't projecting image of confusion, insensitivity

Athens, 04/11/1996 (ANA)

Mr. Constantopoulos was speaking from Irakleio, Crete.

Branding the government's work as "counter-productive," Mr. Constantopoulos said the country's "political scene does not cover today's reality," adding that in view of developments in the ruling PASOK and main opposition New Democracy, his party comprised the only solution.

In another development, a senior Synaspismos official lashed out at the government's announced policy on decentralization and public administration reforms, saying they were no substitute to the need for a "cohesive policy of public administration modernization...

Dimitris Hatzisokratis, member of the party's political bureau, held the government responsible for what he called "non-completion of the institutional form of prefectural local government."

According to Mr. Hatzisokratis, the process of allocating responsibilities to municipalities and communities has noted only slight progress, while economic resources for the two administration levels remained at "unacceptably low levels".

On Friday the government said it will rapidly proceed with radical changes to public administration in an effort to decentralize services and modernize the state's apparatus.

[05] Rozakis arrives in Nicosia for contacts on latest developments on Cyprus issue

Nicosia, 04/11/1996 (ANA - G.Leonidas)

The visit is a follow-up to one made by Prime Minister Costas Simitis last month.

There is expected to be an exchange of views in light of recent talks in Nicosia by British special envoy Sir David Hannay and a US initiative expected to be taken following this week's US presidential elections.

Cypriot government spokesman Alecos Michaelides commented that the during the Greek delegation's visit, there would be a broad exchange of views and substantial preparation for subsequent moves on the Cyprus problem.

[06] Kyprianou arrives in Athens for talks with Greek leadership

Athens, 04/11/1996 (ANA)

"It must be made clear that we are not willing to accept pressure which closely approaches Turkish positions," Mr. Kyprianou said on arrival at Athens airport.

The Cypriot leader expressed his concern over initiatives expected to be forwarded by the United States and Britain, saying that the results British envoy Sir David Hanney had from his contacts in Athens, Ankara and Nicosia revealed that Turkey has not changed its position and insists on a policy it has been exercising over the past 22 years.

"We are concerned because when the European Parliament decided to exercise certain pressures on Turkey, both the US and European governments converted the Europarliament into an object of criticism, even while the US was in a pre-election period," Mr. Kyprianou said.

"No-one can hope with any certainty that they will improve their positions after the elections. Therefore, we are worried, lest their initiative is not in the right direction and they exercise pressures on our side for further concessions."

Mr. Kyprianou also spoke of Turkey's efforts to adopt a future solution to the Cyprus issue in the form of a rotating presidency.

"We believe that our system must remain, even if it is not entirely fair. The president being Greek, and we accept the Vice-President being Turkish," he said.

His visit to Athens aims to further improve co-operation between the Greek and Cypriot Parliaments in matters of promoting Hellenism and better coordination for informing parliaments of third countries on the issue.

Mr. Kyprianou is scheduled to meet with President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos, Prime Minister Costas Simitis, Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos, National Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos and the leaders of all political parties.

[07] Kranidiotis discusses Greek priorities concerning review of Maastricht Treaty

Athens, 04/11/1996 (ANA)

Greece considered the safeguarding of Europe's citizens' fundamental rights (economic, political and social) to be paramount, including the right to work.

Secondly, Mr. Kranidiotis said, Greece believes joint foreign policy should be strengthened and that respect for territorial integrity and borders of member-states should be included in the new Treaty basic principles.

Finally, an effort should be made to maintain the principle of equality between member-states.

Mr. Kranidiotis said that a French-German proposal for "reinforced co-operation" would lead to the creation of a hard core of states with powers to take initiatives. Greece, he added, would have no objection to such co-operation in matters of defense, justice, police or internal matters, but was against any concentration of power with regard to the internal market, economy or trade.

[08] Gligorov refers to Greek economic role in Balkans as favorable

Belgrade, 04/11/1996 (ANA - M. Mouratidis)

While Greece had the right, as the only Balkan country in the European Union (EU), to play such a role, Mr. Gligorov nevertheless expressed the view that Athens did not exploit its EU and NATO membership to the fullest with regard to peace initiatives a s well as economic and cultural co-operation in the Balkans. If Greece chose to do so, he noted, it would open the way for a different kind of relationship among nations in the region.

Mr. Gligorov characterized a Sept. 13, 1995 interim agreement signed with Greece as being of historic importance, since Greece recognized the existence of FYROM and the international legality of the border between the two countries.

Efforts should now be concentrated on developing co-operation in the economic, cultural, environmental and legal sectors, he added.

Meanwhile, the FYROM president referred to efforts by certain neighboring countries to influence domestic affairs. In particular, he mentioned a recent meeting in Serbia of FYROM Serbs, as well as the problem with Bulgaria, which regards the language spoken in the FYROM as a Bulgarian dialect.

[09] Petsalnikos discusses bilateral ties with State of Victoria higher education minister

Melbourne, 04/11/1996 (ANA - S. Theologidis)

Mr. Petsalnikos' scheduled meeting with Prime Minister of the State of Victoria, Jeff Kennett, was canceled at the request of the latter, who cited personal reasons.

Mr. Petsalnikos and Mr. Honeywood discussed issues of mutual interest, including the teaching of Greek and the progress of commercial relations between Greece and the State of Victoria.

The discussion also focused on a Victoria State government initiative to create a Greek Civilization Museum.

In a city which is home to 250,000 Greek-Australians, the museum will also project the contribution of expatriate Greeks in the making of modern Australia.

Mr. Petsalnikos asked Mr. Honeywood to convey to the prime minister the Greek government's support for the museum as well as his own decision, in his capacity as Macedonia-Thrace minister, to contribute to this initiative.

The two men also discussed co-operation to promote Greek studies in higher education institutions in the Australian state, as well as the participation of the State of Victoria to cultural events in Thessaloniki, within the framework of Thessaloniki - Cultural Capital of Europe 1997.

In an unrelated development, the State of Victoria recently became the first state in Australia to express its opposition to FYROM's efforts to name their Slavic dialect the "Macedonian language".

Victoria's decision to refer to Skopje's dialect as the "Slavonic Macedonian Language," caused immigrants from FYROM to take the state government to court.

[10] Balkan news agencies' technical directors meet in Novi Sad

Belgrade, 04/11/1996 (ANA - M. Mouratidis)

The meeting concerned regulation of technical matters with the aim of implementing the "Diavlos" communication program, drawn up by the Macedonian Press Agency in Athens.

The program foresees creation of a news bank in Thessaloniki and the direct connection of Balkan news agencies. The first phase of the program has been decided to be implemented on Feb. 1.

ABNA representatives were received by Federal Republic of Yugoslavia Prime Minister Randoye Kondic, who stressed the need for relations between Balkan countries to be restored, and described the initiatives being undertaken by the news agencies as being an important step in this direction.

A large amount of publicity was given to the meeting by Yugoslav officials, which held the ABNA presidency over the past few months, as this was the first Balkan-level meeting to be held in Yugoslavia after the lifting of UN-imposed sanctions.

The Athens News Agency was represented at the meeting by Takis Mantis from the data processing department.

[11] Scientists cite overfishing, uncontrolled development as detrimental to Mediterranean

Athens, 04/11/1996 (ANA)

The appeal came from 26 representatives from Bulgaria, Romania, the Ukraine, Turkey, Armenia, Albania, Israel, Russia and Greece, as well as other countries.

After a week of discussions on commercial fishing and environmental damage in the Mediterranean and Black Sea, the scientists concluded that overfishing and uncontrolled development are the main problems of Mediterranean coastal areas.

The scientists predicted that a host of technical measures, which have been forwarded within the EU's Common Fishing Policy, will cause intense problems in the northern Aegean region - characterized by a broad continental shelf close to the surface.

They said that a pending reduction in fishing areas, coupled with anticipated fishing activity will have damaging effects on production.

The experts further drew attention to uncontrolled fishing and pollution in the Black Sea, urging coordination of action and planning of a common administrative policy to deal with such problems.

Black Sea Economic Co-operation alternate director Dan Barliba stressed the need for further co-operation with scientists from Black Sea countries as well as initiatives to explore the possibilities for common research programs within the framework of E U and international organizations' activities.

End of English language section.

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