Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 97-02-15

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

ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No 1116), February 15, 1997

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

CONTENTS

[01] Commission sets out conditions for closer EU-Turkey relations

[02] Albanian PM says he will resign only if asked by his party

[03] Gov't says Denktash threats to settle Famagusta 'unacceptable'

[04] US ambassador tour George Papandreou Foundation

[05] European Socialists express concern over latest developments in Balkans

[06] French interior, public order minister arrives for official visit

[07] Simitis condemns continued strike by teachers

[08] Gov't spokesman

[09] Premier invites protesting farmers to talks

[10] Tsohatzopoulos reiterates that Greece won't budge on national territory issues

[11] State Dept. again comments on S-300 missiles

[12] Seminar held on intergovernmental conference

[13] Ensign blamed for missile boat's collision last November

[14] Croatian foreign ministry delegations holds talks with Greek counterparts

[15] USIS donation to must library

[16] Photographic exhibition in Thessaloniki

[17] OPE business mission to Canada

[18] New Exohi customs post behind schedule

[19] SEB Social work in Bulgaria

[20] Papoutsis begins visit to Russia

[21] Upsurge noted in polio cases in the Balkans

[22] International symposium on Athens smog in 2004 to be held next week

[23] Two arrested for smuggling 62 illegal immigrants

[01] Commission sets out conditions for closer EU-Turkey relations

Brussels, 15/02/1997 (ANA - M. Spinthourakis)

These principle guidelines were set out yesterday by EU Commissioner Hans van den Broek to Turkish Under-secretary for Foreign Affairs Onur Oymen, who paid an official visit to the European Commission's headquarters here.

The meeting between the two officials lasted for about 90 minutes and, according to a statement by Mr. van den Broek's spokesman, was extremely useful and constructive.

Their talks focused on the entire spectrum of relations between the EU and Turkey, including Greek-Turkish relations, the Cyprus issue and Turkey's intention to raise once again the issue of its accession to the EU by being included among a list of candidate countries.

"He urged Turkey to join in international efforts under the auspices of the United Nations to achieve a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus question in accordance with the UN Security Council resolutions based on the concept of a bi-communal and bi-zonal federation," a Commission statement read afterwards.

According to well-informed diplomatic sources, the purpose of Mr. Oymen's visit to the European Commission's headquarters was to promote the Turkish claim of being officially included among countries attending the summit conference, which will signal the EU's next enlargement. According to the present EU program, that will take place at the Luxembourg summit due to be held in December 1997.

On the part of Mr. van den Broek, it was pointed out to Mr. Oymen that Turkey's reply to the decision taken by the General Affairs Council on July 15, and the country's positive contribution to efforts made by the UN to resolve the Cyprus issue, are still pending.

Mr. van den Broek also told Mr. Oymen that these issues could be discussed at the EU-Turkey Association Council which the Dutch EU presidency intends to convene on April 30. He informed the Turkish under-secretary on his planned visit to Cyprus from Feb. 26-28 where, according to a relevant announcement by the Dutch Commissioner's press office, he will meet "with the leaders of the two communities on the island in light of preparations for the accession of Cyprus to the European Union."

The EU intends to begin membership negotiations with Cyprus six months after it finishes its inter-governmental review of its workings, which is scheduled to end in June at the EU's Amsterdam summit.

Mr. van den Broek's spokesman clarified that the European Commission "certainly recognizes one Cypriot state alone and that the purpose of the reference was to place emphasis on the participation of both communities in the pre-accession dialogue."

This issue is included in intercommunal negotiations on setting out the common position of the EU in view of the EU-Cyprus Association Council.

The Greek side has not yet agreed on the formulations proposed by the Dutch Council presidency in the common positions draft but, according to well-informed diplomatic sources, there is no question of the Association Council not convening.

Mr. Oymen called on Mr. van den Broek to have the Commission itself undertake the initiative to reconsider the Turkish application in the wake of changes brought about in the past eight years. Questioned on whether this process is compatible with the European Union Treaty, Mr. van den Broek's spokesman gave no clear reply, saying "this is the Turkish claim which the European Commission's services will examine in time."

Mr. Oymen said Turks believed that their country was not being treated equally with other candidate countries.

Mr. van den Broek did not commit himself to revising the Commission's opinion. He said Turkey should submit a human rights program and answer concerns expressed by EU foreign ministers over territorial disputes with Greece in the Aegean.

[02] Albanian PM says he will resign only if asked by his party

Tirana, 15/02/1997 (ANA - S. Tzimas)

Speaking at a press conference for Greek journalists in the Albanian capital, Mr. Meksi said he would resign only if asked to do so by his ruling Democratic Party and not by the opposition and demonstrators. Mr. Meksi's statement, seen also in light of remarks Thursday night by Democratic Party President and Foreign Minister Tritan Sehu that government responsibilities would be discussed at the party's next national council and that changes were not ruled out, reinforces the view in Tirana that the government will attempt to reduce tension in the country by making internal changes.

Mr. Meksi however denied all responsibility, both on his part and the government, for the operation of the get-rich-quick pyramid schemes.

As soon as the extent of the problem had become known, he said, the government had warned investors but "perhaps not in the clearest manner".

Mr. Meksi hinted that there were suspicions about the pyramid schemes even before recent elections, prior to the collapse of the schemes, but said "no government could have intervened in such a matter".

"No one spoke about the phenomenon then, not even the opposition," he said.

Asked to comment on the demand of demonstrators and the opposition for his and the government's resignation, Mr. Meksi replied:

"There is no such issue. This will happen when it is requested by the (Democratic) party and not those who were aware of the risks and the opposition which from the beginning of my premiership has monotonously called on me to resign."

[03] Gov't says Denktash threats to settle Famagusta 'unacceptable'

Athens,15/02/1997 (ANA)

Government spokesman Dimitris Reppas warned that Greece was "ready", and if Mr. Denktash made good his threat "it would be a particularly serious development".

Famagusta, which has remained empty since the 1974 Turkish invasion, lies in the Turkish-occupied 37 per cent of the island republic.

Mr. Reppas noted that Famagusta was being "looked after" by the United Nations Security Council and the Turkish Cypriots received permission from the UN from time to time to enter the city to clean it.

Recently, Mr. Reppas added, UN forces visited the town and according to a UN press spokesman "no problem has been ascertained".

Commenting, meanwhile, on recent statements by foreign officials on the Cyprus problem, Mr. Reppas said:

"Foreign officials who make statements should, instead of exacerbating the already heavy atmosphere, do something in practice and not approach the reality of the situation as indifferent observers".

[04] US ambassador tour George Papandreou Foundation

Athens,15/02/1997 (ANA)

Mr. Niles expressed admiration at the successful renovation of the building by the culture ministry. Prospects of co-operation in cultural issues were discussed in a cordial atmosphere, as well as modern technologies and applications in similar presidential foundations in the United States.

[05] European Socialists express concern over latest developments in Balkans

Athens,15/02/1997 (ANA)

Referring to developments in Albania, the two social democrat politicians supported the "prevalence of democratic principles" and expressed the hope that a breakthrough will be achieved without violence.

On the question of unrest in former Yugoslavia, they said Serb President Slobodan Milosevic should fully fulfill the content of the Gonzalez report, namely, that he should secure freedom of the press, accept the results of municipal elections and start talks with the opposition.

When the above are implemented "Europe should support the government of Serbia because Serbia belongs to Europe and Europe needs Serbia, it is not its enemy."

The need was also stressed to provide economic support for municipalities coming under the opposition's control so that the specific political experiment will not fail.

Mr. Fischer and Mr. Sori praised the "positive steps taken by Greece" and "the disposition it showed to compromise" in relation to the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), adding that further progress should be achieved in relations between the two countries.

Commenting on possible problems regarding the European Union's convergence with Turkey due to its human rights violations, the two Forum representatives conceded that these violations "are indeed a very sensitive issue which also preoccupies the Turkish social democrats, as well as the Kurdish issue, or Turkey's position in NATO."

"We would like to see progress but time is required," Mr. Fischer said, while referring to Greek-Turkish relations, Mr. Sori said "problems must be overcome and dialogue should continue."

Focusing on the question of distinguishing between neo-conservative and social democrat policies concerning the EU's foreign policy, Mr. Fischer stressed the need for "an equal assessment of social and economic problems on a gradual and systematic enlargement of the European Union" which is supported by the European social democrats.

Mr. Sori invoked the solidarity shown by the specific political side for people struggling for human rights in past decades.

[06] French interior, public order minister arrives for official visit

Athens,15/02/1997 (ANA)

Mr. Papadopoulos said that forms of joint action by the two ministries were also discussed, stressing that a period of substantive co-operation, which will get underway immediately, will start with the signing of the protocol.

He expressed his government's satisfaction over efforts made by Greece on entering the course of public administration modernization, adding that France is willing to offer the expertise it has gained in this sector.

Mr. Debre also met Prime Minister Costas Simitis and Public Order Minister George Romeos afterwards.

[07] Simitis condemns continued strike by teachers

Athens,15/02/1997 (ANA)

Mr. Simitis was replying to a question in Parliament tabled by Communist Party of Greece (KKE) deputy Orestes Kolozov.

Teachers have decided to continue their strike for a fifth consecutive week next week.

The premier accused the teachers of continuing their strike on the pretext that they were waging a struggle for all workers.

"This framework of demands of their struggle is unacceptable," he said.

Mr. Simitis called on strikers to consider the "cost" for pupils and end their protests.

On his part, Mr. Kolozov said the government should satisfy the teachers' demands because their strike was having "an enormous overall cost".

In attributing responsibility to the government for the continuation of the strike, Democratic Social Movement (DHKKI) leader Dimitris Tsovolas responded to Mr. Simitis' statements, accusing him of confronting the situation with the attitude of a casino gambler.

[08] Gov't spokesman

Athens,15/02/1997 (ANA)

Mr. Reppas said Mr. Simitis had briefed the cabinet in particular on the teachers' strike, noting that all the ministers agreed that teachers "should assume their responsibilities for the smooth operation of schools".

The spokesman underlined that "the same view prevailed concerning the government's policy with respect to all other branches of workers who are facing problems and have announced their intention to take labor action."

[09] Premier invites protesting farmers to talks

Athens,15/02/1997 (ANA)

Farmers in Thessaly suspended their protests last week after police deflated the tires of tractors parked along the Athens-Thessaloniki national road, to prevent them being used to block the highway as was the case last December.

"The police merely took those measures which were necessary to keep law and order," Mr. Simitis said, adding that the police had acted in order to prevent the perpetration of a criminal offense, namely the blocking of the highway. Alleging wilful damage to the farmers' vehicles, Mr. Evert responded by saying that the prime minister had not seen the tractors whose steering wheels and screws had been removed.

Calling the police action "a barbaric raid", Mr. Evert said the government had no right to break the law even when citizens were breaking the law.

"Which article of which law gives you the right to cause damage to vehicles," Mr. Evert asked.

Mr. Simitis replied by citing a number of specific provisions of the penal code, stressing that there were no grounds for compensation being paid to the farmers because "there was no damage".

Replying to the main opposition New Democracy party's spokesman on the issue of social dialogue, government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said:

"The government has recognized the value of social dialogue in practice. And its political proposals are always raised for discussion with the citizens and the bodies representing them. We want the dialogue already underway to be enlarged and deepened s o that it will not constitute a circumstantial process but an institutional function."

"It is not easy for New Democracy to realize it because it does not believe in understanding and co-operation. It does not wish to assume its responsibilities and prefers demagoguery and unrest. It accuses the government to cover up its ideological detestation for such consenting processes and conceal its real destitution and political inability to participate in them," he said.

"In any case, given the climate of hostility and dissension prevailing in New Democracy, it rules out any dialogue and understanding among its cadres. It would be strange if one were to expect a different handling of our proposal," he added.

[10] Tsohatzopoulos reiterates that Greece won't budge on national territory issues

Athens,15/02/1997 (ANA)

Mr. Tsohatzopoulos was speaking at an event organized by the Thessaloniki Bar Association on National Defense Policy last night.

"The threat of the use of force is the choice of Turkey, which does not hesitate to impose the use of force to create the status quo it desires in the Aegean," he said.

[11] State Dept.. again comments on S-300 missiles

Washington, 15/02/1997 (ANA - T. Ellis)

He added that the decision "offers Greece, Turkey, Cyprus and the other interested party on the island time to think of the best way in which they will proceed."

Mr. Burns said US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright has spoken of "her hope that 1997 may be the year during which the parties in Cyprus will make progress towards peace. And she has said publicly, several times, that the United States will do what it can to contribute to this procedure. She has a personal interest, she visited the region last summer and wants to use the influence of the US in a constructive way," he said.

Questioned on the continued internal uncertainty in Turkey and the danger of Islamic fundamentalism in that country, Mr. Burns referred the statements to Ms Albright, "who essentially said the United States believes that stability and democracy in Turkey are based on its secular character."

"We also believe that Turkey has a role to play in Europe," the State Department spokesman said, adding: "and we want our European counterparts to proceed with Turkey's integration into European institutions.

[12] Seminar held on intergovernmental conference

Athens,15/02/1997 (ANA)

Speaking at the meeting, Alternate Foreign Minister George Papandreou noted the crucial point at which the intergovernmental conference is currently at, stressing the need to intensify the contacts of the Greek side in order for there to be good conditions on issues of particular interest to Athens.

The alternate foreign minister explained the problem of the European Union's institutional adjustments and the issue surrounding the "flexibility clause", for which he said Greece, along with other EU countries, has reservations.

Mr. Papandreou also noted the importance of the choice of countries to participate in the first round of monetary union. He also stressed the need for Greece to reinforce its negotiating positions in view of forthcoming negotiations on the expansion of the common agricultural policy and the cohesion fund.

Speaking on the Cyprus issue, Mr. Papandreou said "we must not forget that our European counterparts are allies and that a non-viable and just solution to the Cyprus problem would at some stage inevitably create problems in the European Union itself."

He reiterated that European countries will have to intensify pressures on Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot leadership to promote the solving of the Cyprus problem.

Foreign Under-secretary Yiannos Kranidiotis underlined that 1997 will be a crucial year as decisions are to be taken regarding NATO expansion in July, while reports are to be compiled on the expansion of the EU. Mr. Kranidiotis noted that specifically for Greece, the course towards Europe is "compulsory for political and economic reasons," adding that in this course, Greece must have an energetic presence.

[13] Ensign blamed for missile boat's collision last November

Athens,15/02/1997 (ANA)

Ensign Mihail Dimoulkas was also charged with violation of regulations regarding the avoidance of a collision.

The missile boat sank off the eastern Aegean island of Samos on Nov. 4, 1996 following a nighttime collision with the "Samaina" ferry boat as the former was participating in a naval exercise. Four of Kostakos' crewmembers died in the maritime accident.

Charges were filed because the ensign allegedly did not inform the vessel's captain, despite having located the ferry boat on the missile boat's electronic surveillance systems. A court indictment states that he had specific orders concerning this point , as well as failing to continue to monitor the Samaina until it had passed at a safe distance from the missile boat.

Material from the preliminary investigation into the incident was handed to an investigating prosecutor. The Navy General Staff is also to examine possible administrative or disciplinary responsibilities for other members of Kostakos' crew.

[14] Croatian foreign ministry delegations holds talks with Greek counterparts

Athens,15/02/1997 (ANA)

It said the delegation consisted of Hidajet Biscevic, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs in charge of European Affairs, Zoran Bosnjak, Head of the Minister of Foreign Affair's Office and Ivan Starcevic, Charge d'Affaires of the Croatian Embassy in Athens.

The delegation was hosted by Foreign Ministry General Secretary Alexandros Philon and Political Director at the ministry Elias Gounaris. Also taking part in the talks, the announcement said, were ambassadors Dimitrios Kypraios, Elias Klis and Vassilios Eikosipentarhos.

The delegation's visit follows one by Mr. Philon to Croatia in April 1996.

The embassy announcement said there was an exchange of views on the further development of bilateral relations and that the Greek side "has expressed full support for the process of peaceful reintegration of the Croatian Danubian Region".

"This process," the announcement continued, "represents a substantial contribution to the further normalization of relations between the Republic of Croatia and the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, as well as to the entire peace process and stability in the region."

The announcement said views were also exchanged on the further improvement of relations between Croatia and the EU as well as the political situation in southeast Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean.

"The two parties agreed to continue mutual political consultations on a regular basis," the announcement added.

[15] USIS donation to must library

Athens,15/02/1997 (ANA)

The collection, belonging to the library of the United States Information Service (USIS), was received on behalf of the Grand Music Library by the president of the Friends of Music Society, Christos Lambrakis, before thanking Mr. Niles for the donation.

After a short film was screened on the completion of the library, Mr. Niles commented on his country's long-standing and important co-operation with Greece in the cultural sector.

The donation includes 1,611 musical scores and books and 286 vinyl records. The musical scores, the most valuable part of the collection, represent a considerable part of music published by noted 20th century US composers. Many of the books are dictionaries and significant bibliographies no longer available on the open market, while the records contain a host of unique or rare recordings. ANA

[16] Photographic exhibition in Thessaloniki

Athens,15/02/1997 (ANA)

The event is being organized by the Thessaloniki Cultural Capital Organization.

The exhibition, to be inaugurated by Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos tonight, includes about 250 works by 44 photographers and is divided into three categories.

The exhibition concerns a series of works focusing on documentaries, modern photography with the use of technological means and artistic photographs.

The event is funded by the culture ministry with 30 million drachmas and will be displayed in the halls of the Macedonian Modern Art Museum.

[17] OPE business mission to Canada

Athens,15/02/1997 (ANA)

The mission will be headed by National Economy Under-secretary Alekos Baltas.

OPE also announced a national participation with a pavilion at the international building materials exhibition "Project Lebanon '97", to be held in Beirut from May 20-24.

Among others, products to be displayed are building materials, aluminum goods, decorative tiles, paints, building timber, electrical and electronic materials and telecommunications materials.

Individuals interested in the two events may phone OPE at 99.82.100 and 99.82.221.

[18] New Exohi customs post behind schedule

Athens,15/02/1997 (ANA)

The delay is apparently due to the fact that the topographical map of the region has not yet been sent out by the Serres Regional Public Works Service. The Nevrokopi Governor's office has undertaken to see that this is done.

The project is to be built by the Greek National Tourism Organization with a budget of two billion drachmas. The job has not yet even been contracted, although credits amounting to 200 million drachmas have been available since last year.

[19] SEB Social work in Bulgaria

Sofia, 15/02/1997 (ANA - N. Hios)

Responding to a call from the Greek ambassador in Sofia and SEB's local president, SEB representatives handed over a cheque at a recent meeting.

[20] Papoutsis begins visit to Russia

Brussels, 15/02/1997 (ANA - P. Pantelis)

He is to hold a series of meetings with Russian authorities in the energy sector and take part in a seminar organized by the Duma (Russian Parliament) on the Energy Charter Treaty.

Russia is one of the European Union's chief suppliers of energy. Russian natural gas corresponds to 20 per cent of the EU's total natural gas imports, and this figure is expected to rise.

The Commission is supporting efforts to improve the distribution and transportation of Russian gas and to link it up with networks in western and central Europe, also an issue of importance to Greece.

[21] Upsurge noted in polio cases in the Balkans

Athens,15/02/1997 (ANA)

The conference, entitled "Mass Vaccination Campaign against Poliomyelitis", began here on Wednesday. It has been organized by the European Regional Bureau of the World Health Organization (WHO) in co-operation with the health and welfare ministry.

It is focusing on problems associated with the vaccination of populations in regions such as the Balkans. Participants have come from Greece, Italy, Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Yugoslavia, UNICEF and other international organizations .

The ultimate objective of the conference was to find ways of eradicating the disease by the year 2000 when it is hoped that it will no longer be necessary to vaccinate children.

Poliomyelitis is an acute viral infection which mainly affects children but also older persons. If the infection spreads to the nervous system, varying degrees of paralysis ensue.

Delegates at the conference noted that although the incidence of the disease has declined worldwide, the 188 cases reported in 1996 were in just six countries - Albania (139), Turkey (16), Yugoslavia (24), Greece (five), Russia (three) and Ukraine (one)

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