Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 96-12-16
From: The Greek Press & Information Office, Ottawa Canada <[email protected]>
ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No 1067), December 16, 1996
Greek Press & Information Office
Ottawa, Canada
E-Mail Address: [email protected]
CONTENTS
[01] Simitis pleased with outcome of Dublin EU summit
[02] Papandreou responds to Ciller
[03] ND welcomes 'first timid step in right direction'
[04] EU calls on Turkey to work on Cyprus Aegean and human rights
issues
[05] Simitis to chair meeting on continuing farmers' protests today
[06] Dissension in ND ranks over support for farmers
[07] Papariga lashes out at government
[08] Farmers' road blocks are politically motivated, ATE official says
[09] Tsovolas criticizes Gov't for not talking to party leaders
[10] Kaklamanis returns from Black Sea meeting
[11] Council of Overseas Greeks meets today in Thessaloniki
[01] Simitis pleased with outcome of Dublin EU summit
Dublin, 16/12/1996 (ANA - S. Liarellis)
Prime Minister Costas Simitis was visibly pleased with the
outcome of the Dublin European Union summit on Saturday, saying
that Greece had achieved "progress and successes" in all its
objectives.
What is positive for Greece, Mr. Simitis told a press
conference, was the summit's conclusions on relations between
the Union and Turkey, which reiterated the validity of the July
15 statement issued by EU foreign ministers.
The July 15 statement, Mr. Simitis said, would from now on
constitute the basis of discussions.
Mr. Simitis stressed that it was accepted that serious issues
exist in relations between the EU and Turkey and mention is made
of improving human rights. He said the fact the conclusions
referred to Turkey's role in the Cyprus issue is important.
Following the ratification of the text, he said, French
President Jacques Chirac termed the document "very harsh" which
prompted the Greek prime minister to take the floor and say
Greece believes that the document should be completely different
and referred to latest developments, such as the crisis over the
Imia islets and Turkey's attitude.
German Chancellor Helmut Kohl said the Europeans should not push
Turkey into the corner, proposing a special discussion on the
issue in the future but adding, however, that he is disappointed
with Turkey's position.
Diplomatic sources said the references to Turkey in the
conclusions also constituted an indirect political reply to a
letter addressed by Turkish Foreign Minister Tansu Ciller to
Irish Foreign Minister Dick Spring last week.
Turkish President Suleyman Demirel also addressed letters to the
"15" heads of state.
Referring to future candidates for EU accession, President
Demirel said "Turkey is worth more than any other country",
adding that "there are problems with our neighbors, but Turkey
cannot resolve them by itself. Mutual and sincere efforts are
required by all the parties involved and Turkey is ready to
confront problems in a constructive manner." However, the word
dialogue is not contained in the two-page letter.
Mr. Simitis, who was one of the 15 recipients of the letter,
said he will reply to the Turkish president in time.
Replying to questioners, he said Greece has nothing to propose
to Turkey, since it has been expecting specific moves on its
part for many months.
Another important development, Mr. Simitis continued, was the
fact that the Madrid timetable has been confirmed in relation to
Cyprus' accession to the EU.
Commenting on the Intergovernmental Conference, Mr. Simitis said
the fact the principle of integrity and respect for the UN
Charter is included is a very important step but that this is
not enough as far as Greece is concerned since it wants specific
reference to the border issue. He pointed out, however, that the
concept of external borders is accepted among the third pylon
issues (asylum, immigrants, etc.).
Mr. Simitis said progress was achieved on the issues of economic
and monetary unification and that proposals on the automatic
imposition of fines on countries participating in Economic and
Monetary Union in the event they deviated from targets set by
the Maastricht Treaty were not accepted.
He said the prevailing view was that political criteria should
be taken into consideration and referred to the acceptance of
the Greek proposal that unusual events should be accepted.
Greece believes that the invocation of increased defense
expenditure can be made in this context. It recently announced a
four trillion drachma weapons procurements and upgrade program,
spread out over ten years.
[02] Papandreou responds to Ciller
Dublin, 16/12/1996 (ANA)
A working dinner given for Turkish Foreign Minister Tansu Ciller
by the Irish European Union presidency on Saturday night,
attended by EU foreign ministers and Greek Alternate Foreign
Minister George Papandreou, focused on a presentation of
positions and differences between Greece and Turkey.
Presiding Irish Foreign Minister Dick Spring started the
discussion with a briefing on the EU summit's conclusions and
was followed by Ms Ciller, who presented Turkey's known
positions.
According to reports, she expressed dissatisfaction over the
fact the EU maintains a freeze on relations and funds emanating
from the customs union agreement, saying that this attitude is
different from the ambitions Turkey has for the EU.
She reiterated that Greek-Turkish differences can be resolved
with direct dialogue.
Mr. Papandreou analyzed Greek positions, stressing that Greece
supports Turkey's European orientation on condition, however,
that Turkey will honor international rules and comply with the
decisions taken by the EU Council on July 15.
Mr. Papandreou set as a precondition Turkey's taking the Imia
islets issue to the International Court at The Hague, and to
prove its good intentions for progress between relations with
both the EU and Greece. Moreover, he also raised the issues of
Cyprus, provocations in the Aegean and the violation of human
rights.
[03] ND welcomes 'first timid step in right direction'
Athens, 16/12/1996 (ANA)
The main opposition New Democracy party yesterday called on the
European Union to "understand that any further rapprochement
between the EU and Turkey depends on Turkey's showing tangible
proof of sincere and full respect of Greece and Cyprus'
territorial integrity and sovereign rights as well as
international law in its entirety".
Reacting to the conclusions of the Dublin summit, party
spokesman Prokopis Pavlopolulos said the decisions taken
constituted a "first timid step in the right direction" adding
that the "EU should also realize that Greece has not simply
exhausted but sur passed, and this to the detriment of its
national interests, all limits of good will concerning the
defusion of the crisis, which, with Turkey's responsibility,
affects negatively the two countries' relations and threatens
peace in the region."
[04] EU calls on Turkey to work on Cyprus Aegean and human rights
issues
Dublin, 16/12/1996 (ANA - S. Liarellis)
The European Union summit has accepted the foreign ministers'
declaration of July 15 as a basis for furthering relations
between the EU and Turkey.
According to the presidency conclusions, the 15 EU leaders
invite the presidency "to continue its efforts following the
Council's declaration of 15 July 1996 to promote an acceptable
solution to the situation in the Aegean area in accordance with
established international norms and to pursue contacts with the
Turkish Government with a view to an early (EU-Turkey)
Association Council".
The July 15 declaration inter alia calls on Turkey to refrain
from using or threatening the use of force and to have recourse
to the International Court at the Hague with regard to its
territorial claims against Greece.
The conclusions also contain a call by EU leaders on Turkey to
use all its influence to contribute to finding a solution to the
Cyprus problem in line with UN Security Council resolutions.
The text of the presidency conclusions pertaining to Turkey is
as follows:
"The European Council reaffirms the importance it attaches to
the further development of the EU's relations with Turkey in
both the economic and political fields. It notes with regret,
however, that certain serious issues remain to be resolved in
the relationship. The European Council welcomes the Turkish
Government's stated intention to take measures to improve the
human rights situation. In the context of closer partnership
with the European Union, it emphasizes the need for the
observances of the highest standards of human rights.
"The European Council invites the Presidency to continue its
efforts following the Council's declaration of 15 July 1996 to
promote an acceptable solution to the situation in the Aegean
area in accordance with established international norms and to
pursue contacts with the Turkish government with a view to an
early Association Council.
"The European Council urges Turkey to use its influence to
contribute to a solution in Cyprus in accordance with UN
Security Council resolutions."
[05] Simitis to chair meeting on continuing farmers' protests today
Athens, 16/12/1996 (ANA)
The farmers' protests and reactions by social groups against the
new state budget will be examined at government and party
meetings today.
Prime Minister Costas Simitis will chair a government meeting at
the Maximos Mansion this morning and at noon he will chair a
meeting of his ruling PASOK party's Political Secretariat.
Government members expressed some optimism over the farmers'
issue yesterday, although the government would like a quicker
de-escalation and avoidance of a coincidence of farmers' and
others' mobilizations, something which will be difficult to
avoid.
After returning from Dublin, Mr. Simitis was briefed last night
on developments concerning the farmers' front by his close
associates George Paschalidis and Theodoros Tsoukatos.
The Political Secretariat meeting, apart from the farmers'
issue, will also discuss mobilization planned by the working
people's trade union organizations in light of a start to the
Parliamentary debate on the state budget and the possibility of
government deputies distancing their views on the issue.
Farmers in the region of Thessaly yesterday said they would hold
out to the last, following the latest meeting of a coordinating
committee.
Farmers yesterday handed the region's Secretary-General a list
of six demands, and submitted a request for mediation with the
government so that the current stalemate may be overcome.
Wednesday is considered a crucial day for developments, when it
is hoped, Agriculture Minister Stephanos Tzoumakas will have
some positive proposals on his return from Brussels.
Mr. Tzoumakas is expected to broach the issue of support for
Greek farmers whose crops have been affected by adverse weather,
as well as production subsidies and cotton pricing, at a meeting
of the European Union's agriculture ministers today.
In Thessaloniki, road blocks remained in place at entry points
to the city, despite a gradual relaxation of protests by farmers
in Macedonia.
The road blocks had also left the prefecture of Rodopi without
natural gas and many industries were facing a lack of raw
materials or were unable to export their products. The
prefecture's industries federation is expected to file suit this
coming week against those responsible.
In the Peloponnese, meanwhile, the old and new national roads
continued to be blocked at Aigio, with subsequent tension
between protesting farmers and enclaved truck drivers.
[06] Dissension in ND ranks over support for farmers
Athens, 16/12/1996 (ANA)
Former New Democracy prime minister George Rallis has
differentiated his position from that of incumbent leader
Miltiades Evert on farmers' blockades of national and provincial
highways which have cut the country in two.
"I do not agree with showing solidarity with every form of
mobilization. The blockading of national highways is an
unacceptable method," he said in an interview with the Sunday
"Eleftherotypia" newspaper, adding indirect criticism of Mr.
Evert for putting his party and personal interests before the
national one.
Former New Democracy national economy minister Stephanos Manos
also criticized the farmers' actions in an interview with the
same newspaper, calling on them to "withdraw by themselves", and
criticizing Mr. Evert's statement last week that, "if the cost
of their demands does not exceed 200 billion drachmas, they
should be met".
"If something like this takes place, then we shall have a new
blockade by some social group every day, each one asking for 200
billion," he said.
Aspiring main opposition leader George Souflias said in an
interview with "Kathimerini" yesterday that he had told farmers
that "certain things could be done and others not", and that
"the agricultural problem in our country stands above
traditional party lines.
"A serious and responsible medium-term agricultural policy
should aim at competition, without national subsidies," he added.
[07] Papariga lashes out at government
Athens, 16/12/1996 (ANA)
Meanwhile, Communist Party Secretary-General Aleka Papariga
yesterday criticized the government's "authoritarian,
uncompromising, and inhuman" attitude towards the farmers.
Referring to the EU Dublin summit, Ms Papariga said "the prime
minister has again returned empty-handed, as the EU does not
guarantee Greek borders. The government could use farmers'
blockades as a negotiating weapon to exercise pressure on EU
organs".
On Saturday, Ms Papariga launched a fresh attack against the
government over its handling of farmers' protests which for the
past 18 days have resulted in a nationwide blockade of roads and
rail links.
Speaking at a press conference in Larissa during a tour of
Thessaly, Ms Papariga said there was no such thing as an
"impasse" to the problems facing the country in the agricultural
sector and described the farmers' demands as "specific,
realistic and just".
Rather than taking a tough stand against the farmers, the KKE
leader said, the government should stand up against the European
Union.
[08] Farmers' road blocks are politically motivated, ATE official says
Athens, 16/12/1996 (ANA)
Farmers' mobilizations will de-escalate throughout Greece except
Thessaly this week, PASOK Agricultural Cooperatives Bureau
Secretary and Deputy Governor of the Agricultural Bank (ATE)
Thanasis Papageorgiou said in an interview with the ANA on
Saturday.
Mr. Papageorgiou said that the farmers' protests were
politically-motivated and that although cotton farmers in
certain parts of Thessaly were facing a real problem with a
reduction in production, their decision to block the
Athens-Thessaloniki highway was politically motivated and aimed
at creating a serious problem to the national economy.
The re-scheduling of farmers' debts is in the interests of the
Agricultural Bank, as they rationalize its portfolio, he added,
but are also socially unfair because there are farmers who did
not receive loans, and who are not benefiting.
The solution to the stalemate that has arisen can only come
through dialogue on the structural problems of agriculture, not
just on those that become apparent when roadblocks are erected,
Mr. Papageorgiou said.
[09] Tsovolas criticizes Gov't for not talking to party leaders
Athens, 16/12/1996 (ANA)
The farmers' mobilizations were the main topic of conversation
between guests at a reception hosted by President Kostis
Stephanopoulos on Saturday for representatives of the media.
Among the political leaders present, New Democracy's Miltiades
Evert, and the Coalition of the Left's Nikos Constantopoulos
declined comment, but Democratic Social Movement leader Dimitris
Tsovolas criticized the prime minister for not agreeing to hold
dialogue with the other leaders on the farmers' issue.
[10] Kaklamanis returns from Black Sea meeting
Athens, 16/12/1996 (ANA)
Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis on Saturday returned
to Athens from Georgia, where he participated in the
Parliamentary Convention of the Black Sea Co-operation
Organization (BSECO), whose presidency he will assume in the
first half of 1997.
In statements at the airport, Mr. Kaklamanis said that "Greece
and its people hold a special regard for the peoples of these
countries, the countries of the former Soviet Union which are
participating in BSECO."
In Tbilisi, Mr. Kaklamanis met with Georgian President Eduard
Shevardnadze, with whom he had a long discussion covering the
whole spectrum of the two countries' relations, as well as more
general issues.
[11] Council of Overseas Greeks meets today in Thessaloniki
Athens, 16/12/1996 (ANA)
Alternate Foreign Minister George Papandreou will participate in
the Council of Overseas Greeks (SAE) which meets today at its
permanent headquarters in the northern port city of Thessaloniki.
Also taking part in the two-day SAE meeting will be the
Parliamentary inter-party committee for issues concerning
overseas Greeks, the President of the World Interparliamentary
Union of Hellenism, Victoria (Australia) State deputy Dimitris
Dollis and Swedish deputy Nikos Papadopoulos, both of whom are
of Greek origin.
Macedonia-Thrace Minister Philippos Petsalnikos is also expected
to attend the Council's sessions.
Meanwhile, SAE President Andrew Athens was a guest of honor at a
dinner given by Thessaloniki Prefect Costas Papadopoulos last
night.
End of English language section.
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