Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 97-03-12

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

ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No 1136), March 12, 1997

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

CONTENTS

[01] Athens praises appointment of new Albanian PM

[02] Defense-foreign ministry meeting

[03] Kranidiotis

[04] Political reactions

[05] Violence in Kakavia

[06] Patra donations

[07] WEU parliamentary conference begins in Athens

[08] Kaklamanis

[09] Doctors of the World organization mission to Albania

[10] Papoutsis due in Cyprus this weekend

[11] Simitis, Skandalidis discuss event featuring Italy's D'Alema

[12] Herzog honored at Athens University

[13] G. Papandreou meets with Austrian defense minister

[14] Pangalos-Michaelides meeting covers recent activity on Cyprus issue

[15] ND leadership candidates to again meet today

[16] Event to honor Melina Mercouri

[17] French-German proposals presented at IGC

[18] National team reps tour Athens '97 facilities

[19] Plan to focus on improvement of Athens' environment

[20] Noted scholar Browning dies

[21] New York to host number of Greek cultural events

[22] Seminar focuses on Schliemann's Trojan treasures

[23] Aheloos diversion project awarded

[24] Tourist arrivals expected to rise in '97

[25] Weather conditions worsen

[01] Athens praises appointment of new Albanian PM

Athens, 12/03/1997 (ANA)

The appointment came after news that the violence in the neighboring country had spread to northern Albania for the first time since the insurgency broke out last month.

In another development, Athens made representations yesterday afternoon to Tirana for the release of imprisoned Albanian Socialist leader Fatos Nano, as announced earlier in the day by Mr. Pangalos. Soon after the Berisha announcement last night, Mr. Pangalos described Albania's new prime minister, Bashkim Fino, as being "reliable and modest".

He made the statement after his meeting with his Cypriot counterpart, Alecos Michaelides. He also expressed his hope that Mr. Fino, Gjirokaster's former mayor, "will contribute to the finding of a peaceful solution to the Albanian problem."

Mr. Pangalos said there is a possibility of a Greek official traveling to Tirana during the next few days, depending on how the situation is developing and whether a visit is deemed to be positive.

When questioned, the foreign minister said the Greek government is in contact with the Italian government over the issue, saying the international community's aim is for a national consensus government to be formed in Albania and for the creation of conditions for calm and restoration of order in the country.

Mr. Pangalos stressed that Greece is opposed to the involvement of an international force in Albania and that it prefers for the problems to be solved by the Albanians themselves.

He reiterated that Greece is ready to provide economic, food and pharmaceutical aid to Albania, "which we are already doing".

In earlier statements to the press and after a meeting with Prime Minister Costas Simitis and the foreign ministry's political leadership, Mr. Pangalos reiterated support for the avoidance of the use of force and for a political solution to the current crisis using peaceful means.

He stressed that Athens was in contact with all sides in the conflict and was prepared to deal with any increase in illegal immigration emanating from Albania, as well as to any threat to the ethnic Greek minority or any request for humanitarian aid.

He also noted that Greece was not in favor of intervention by an international force if it could be avoided.

"At this point it is not unavoidable," he concluded.

Meanwhile, government spokesman Dimitris Reppas also expressed the government's grave concern at developments in Albania, noting that insurgents had been observed just south of Tirana as well. He also said the most important issue at the moment was for the country to acquire a new prime minister and a new interior and public order minister.

Asked whether the opposition could represent the insurgents, Mr. Reppas said this was a domestic issue for Albania, but expressed the view that since the insurgents held a large part of the country, they should have a say in developments.

He also rejected criticism alleging the government's support for Sali Berisha, since it was natural for the government to be in contact with the president of Albania. Moreover, he added, Greece has always maintained that a political solution should include all political forces.

With regard to the possibility of Greece mediating between Tirana and the insurgents, the spokesman said the government would discuss the issue if it arose, and only if there were prospects of success.

[02] Defense-foreign ministry meeting

Athens, 12/03/1997 (ANA)

The meeting was chaired by National Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos and Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos.

The same sources said the possibility of an outbreak of full-scale civil war in Albania was also discussed, as the insurgency appeared to be spreading to the north of the country, while Mr. Berisha was reportedly arming supporters and pro-government soldiers in order to give himself more leverage in negotiations with the opposition.

Furthermore, the Greek government will continue its diplomatic activity in an attempt to defuse the crisis. Government sources said a multinational force could be deployed in future in order to guarantee the negotiations, although there has been no indication as yet from NATO Secretary-General Javier Solana that such a move is being considered.

It was also denied that Italy had asked for Greece to be excluded from any international force because of its position as a neighboring country.

Finally, a Hellenic Navy ship is to transport foodstuffs to Albania's Sarande port from Corfu today, according to reports. Another shipment of aid is expected to be carried out tomorrow.

[03] Kranidiotis

Athens, 12/03/1997 (ANA)

In an interview in yesterday's "Exousia" following his talks in Tirana on Saturday, Mr. Kranidiotis noted that Greece's actions had brought about results.

"Our goal was for there to be an agreement between government and opposition, for elections to be held soon and to secure the rights of the ethnic Greek minority. It is clear that aid is linked to... the implementation of the agreement."

In the event of a threat to Albania's Greek minority, he stressed that any moves to protect them would be through European bodies. "At the same time, we will hold Albania responsible for protecting the minority. We have ways to exert pressure. Albania has depended and continues to depend on Greece, both economically and politically," he said.

Mr. Kranidiotis said that during a press conference in Albania he had also raised the issue of the release from prison of Socialist leader Nano.

"I hope that Greece's appeal for the safety of the political leader will be considered," he said.

[04] Political reactions

Athens, 12/03/1997 (ANA)

According to Mr. Pavlopoulos, the crisis called for a visit to Tirana by the country's foreign minister instead of that of the foreign under-secretary.

"Greece is called upon to reaffirm its presence as the leading stabilizing and peaceful force in the Balkans as well as to express its infinite interest to the Albanian people, especially Albania's Hellenism, the safety of which will permit no one to put in danger," Mr. Pavlopoulos said.

The Communist Party of Greece (KKE), meanwhile, expressed its concern at the prospect of a multinational intervention force being deployed in Albania.

"The presence of foreign military forces in the neighboring country is a guarantee of abnormality. The aim of such a military force will be the imposition of 'peace' shaped by the desires of the 'new order' and against the interest of the rebelling people of Albania," a KKE announcement said.

Coalition of the Left and Progress leader Nikos Constantopoulos yesterday called for guarantees of democratization and a climate of confidence for Albania to resolve the crisis.

"This is the best guarantee for the Greek minority. A political solution with an ecumenical government for free elections," he said.

Political Spring party leader Antonis Samaras called on the government to assume specific initiatives in the Balkans, especially Bulgaria and Romania, "which are vulnerable to the wave of destabilization affecting the Balkan peninsula."

[05] Violence in Kakavia

Athens, 12/03/1997 (ANA)

Reports state that the gunmen have been demanding money from anyone wanting to cross the border. When the 31-year-old man refused to pay he was shot dead. He was taken to Ioannina University Hospital in a serious condition and died later.

Albanian soldiers have abandoned their posts along the length of the border with Greece, while the Kakavia border post on the Albanian side has been abandoned by customs police as armed insurgents have driven away soldiers posted there, according to an ANA dispatch from Ioannina.

Over the last 24 hours, 25 Albanian illegal immigrants have been arrested in Epirus.

[06] Patra donations

Athens, 12/03/1997 (ANA)

Led by the town's former prefect, Vasilis Tsakos, they were to meet yesterday and today with local government representatives and aid groups.

[07] WEU parliamentary conference begins in Athens

Athens, 12/03/1997 (ANA)

The president of the WEU Parliamentary Assembly, Luis Maria de Puig, opened the conference yesterday, stressing Greece's important position in Europe's security and defense sector.

Mr. de Puig stressed the need to reinforce the WEU's role, saying that "the Western European Union is jointly responsible for issues which relate to the expansion of the alliance or the European Union".

According to sources, NATO officials were reportedly annoyed at the fact that the WEU has proceeded with organization of the Athens conference, as well as the WEU's assumption of several important initiatives.

In welcoming WEU delegates, Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis reiterated a Greek proposal for the signing of a protocol agreement that will commit NATO member-states not to use aggression against allies.

Stressing that he did not perceive a NATO enlargement as a "panacea" to solve frictions between the alliance's member-states, Mr. Kaklamanis said a cure for these frictions should precede or at least be promoted in parallel to enlargement procedures, especially since these frictions concern international law and NATO's basic principles, which "the alliance has so far failed to implement on every occasion."

On his part, ambassador Donald MacConnell, NATO's assistant Secretary-General responsible for political affairs, said the alliance played an important role in the making of a new "peaceful, undivided and free" Europe.

Mr. MacConnell said the term NATO enlargement was misleading, "because it implies that NATO is moving towards the east, while in reality the countries of central and eastern Europe are moving towards the west."

The Athens conference is due to finish on Thursday.

Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos and Alternate Foreign Minister George Papandreou are due to address the conference today.

[08] Kaklamanis

Athens, 12/03/1997 (ANA)

Referring to Greece's efforts to peacefully restore stability in Albania and to protect the human rights of the Albanian people and the Greek minority, Mr. Kaklamanis stressed that "the new political stage in the countries of central and eastern Europe has released the forces of nationalism and fosters a climate of dangerous instability."

"This is particularly the case in countries like Albania where new structures are affected by revanchism, are not always supported by democratic principles while their economies are often controlled by market forces in coordination with covert, criminal circles," he said.

Turning again to NATO expansion, Mr. Kaklamanis said that the reservations from Moscow should be understood.

Russia's co-operation is necessary for abolition of dividing lines and avoiding the growth of nationalist danger, he added.

NATO's expansion, he said, should not occur on the basis of "criteria dictated by exclusively geo-strategic reasons, or conception which are leftovers of the Cold War".

"The accession of each country must take into account certain basic factors such as the degree of operation of democracy and respect for human rights," he added.

[09] Doctors of the World organization mission to Albania

Athens, 12/03/1997 (ANA)

"Hospitals were derelict. The lack of bandaging materials, serums and medicines rendered treatment or surgery for the wounded impossible and as a result their transfer to other cities is necessary," according to a physician, who added that most injuries are due to random shooting.

In addition, the organization is preparing another mission aimed at meeting needs in regions further to the north where clashes are taking place.

[10] Papoutsis due in Cyprus this weekend

Brussels, 12/03/1997 (ANA-P.Pantelis)

During his stay, the Commissioner will have talks with President Glafcos Clerides, President of the House of Representatives Spyros Kyprianou and Archbishop Chrysostomos.

He is also due to have meetings with Foreign Minister Alecos Michaelides and Commerce, Industry and Tourism Minister, Kyriakos Christofi with whom he is due to discuss the prospect of a future Cyprus-EU accession as well as preparation for pre-accession procedures with emphasis in the sectors of small-to-middle size businesses, energy and tourism.

While in Cyprus, the Commissioner will also meet with leaders of the opposition, the Nicosia mayor and other officials.

Mr. Papoutsis will also give a lecture on the issue of "Community Support to SMEs: Means, Experiences and Results," also to be attended by the governor of the Cyprus central bank, presidents of other Cypriot banks and presidents of other economic and commercial organizations.

[11] Simitis, Skandalidis discuss event featuring Italy's D'Alema

Athens, 12/03/1997 (ANA)

The president of Italy's Democratic Party of the Left, Massimo D'Alema, has been invited to the event, and will be the main speaker, along with Mr. Simitis.

Invitations were also sent to the leaderships of the Communist Party of Greece (KKE), the Coalition of the Left and Progress and the Democratic Social Movement (DHKKI) as well as to the parties' Eurodeputies.

[12] Herzog honored at Athens University

Athens, 12/03/1997 (ANA)

Speaking during the ceremony, Mr. Herzog expressed views in favor of the "principle of the separation of powers" in order for a country to be able to operate.

During his speech, entitled "The State and Perceptions of the State at the End of the 20th Century," the German president supported international co-operation for resolving problems such as those concerning the environment, the economy, the creation of new jobs and the safeguarding of existing ones.

He stressed that political power is not only allocated to governments, parliaments and courts, but "is simultaneously found under the determining influence of political parties, public opinion expressed through the media, important economic businesses and large social groups."

Those attending the ceremony included President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos, former president Christos Sartzetakis, main opposition New Democracy President Miltiades Evert, honorary ND president Constantine Mitsotakis, Justice Minister Evangelos Yiannopoulos and Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos.

[13] G. Papandreou meets with Austrian defense minister

Athens, 12/03/1997 (ANA)

Discussions focusing on enlargement of the European Union and NATO, the West European Union, Greek-Turkish relations, the Cyprus issue, differences with the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), the general situation prevailing in the Balkans as well as events taking place in Albania.

[14] Pangalos-Michaelides meeting covers recent activity on Cyprus issue

Athens, 12/03/1997 (ANA)

In view of proximity talks currently underway in Nicosia between Cyprus President Glafcos Clerides and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash, Mr. Michaelides said all opportunities must be used in order to encourage those who must become involved in the issue.

Speaking on the involvement of Turkish Cypriots in negotiations for Cyprus' entry into the EU, Mr. Pangalos said negotiations could not take place between an existing EU and an existing government (of the Cyprus republic) with a unity which is not recognized by the international community.

"We will try to press our associates on this issue," Mr. Pangalos said, adding that following a concession made by Greece, the EU pledged that its next expansion would take place with a group of countries including Cyprus.

Meanwhile, according to an Athens News Agency (ANA) dispatch from Washington, State Department spokesman Nicholas Burns said the director of the State Department's southern Europe department, Carey Cavanaugh, is currently on a tour of European countries in order to coordinate the moves of the US and the EU on reducing tensions in the Aegean and Cyprus. He has already visited London and is now to travel to Brussels, Bonn, The Hague and Paris .

Mr. Burns said the Cyprus issue was discussed extensively between Ms Albright and her British counterpart, Malcolm Rifkind at the US State Department on Monday.

He defended Turkey's role in Europe and called on European governments to seek closer ties in its relations with Turkey, adding that US embassies in many European countries have already called for this.

"We believe absolutely that the European Union should allow the possibility of Turkish membership in the future," Mr. Burns said.

[15] ND leadership candidates to again meet today

Athens, 12/03/1997 (ANA)

The congress is due to elect ND's next leader from the four contenders, namely, current president Miltiades Evert and party deputies George Souflias, Costas Karamanlis and Vyron Polydoras. Meanwhile, in an interview with the Athens daily "Ta Nea" yesterday, Mr. Souflias is quoted as saying that he is "the only one who can unite the party and lead New Democracy to government."

"If I win, I will treat Mr. Evert as a former leader," Mr. Souflias said in the interview, adding that he will first try Mr. Karamanlis "at a post where he can prove his abilities."

If elected, Mr. Souflias said, his first move will be to ask all ND cadres who left the party to return. If defeated, however, Mr. Souflias said he will accept his defeat and co-operate with the new leader.

[16] Event to honor Melina Mercouri

Athens, 12/03/1997 (ANA)

The first theatrical prize will also be awarded during the ceremony, which was initiated by the culture ministry in memory of the actress and politician.

Meanwhile, speaking at a press conference yesterday, Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos said the statue of Odysseus Elytis will be unveiled at Dexamenis Square in Athens at noon on Monday. It was created and offered to the culture ministry by the sculptor Yiannis Pappas.

The exhibition "Odysseus Elytis" will be inaugurated in Mr. Venizelos' presence at the Yeni Tzami building in Thessaloniki on the next day.

[17] French-German proposals presented at IGC

Brussels, 12/03/1997 (ANA - P.Pantelis)

The basic argument of the proposals is that the EU can speedily and effectively deal with crises, such as that in Albania through the setting up of a special unit for foreign policy planning.

Regarding CESP aims, the plan also envisages the omission from the revision of the Maastricht Treaty of a Greek proposal for protection of Community values, of fundamental Community interests, the independence and integrity of the EU according to the Charter of the UN as well as the Greek position for mutual political solidarity.

Greek representative Stratis Perrakis, who had proposed the inclusion of the concept of "territorial integrity" in the term "protection of borders", reacted strongly to the Franco-German proposals. The British representative also reacted to the proposal for joint decisions on common strategy by the heads of the 15 member-states, and special majorities by the foreign ministers for their implementation.

Greece also rejects Commission proposals regarding the 'troika', the distinction between commissioners with and without portfolios, and the selection of commissioners by the president of the Commission on the basis of the curriculum vitae of three candidates, proposed by the member-states.

[18] National team reps tour Athens '97 facilities

Athens, 12/03/1997 (ANA)

The Athens '97 World Championships are due to take place in the Greek capital between Aug. 1-10.

Representatives of teams from the United States, Jamaica, Germany, France, Italy and Australia yesterday visited the facilities at Athens' Olympic Stadium. They were accompanied on their visit by International Amateur Athletics Federation (IAAF) technical director Sandro Giovannelli.

In a related event, a conference is to be held today regarding press coverage of the world championships. Representatives of 40 television and radio stations had already arrived in Athens last night in order to attend the conference and are to visit facilities.

The Athens '97 organizing committee is due to meet today with IAAF Secretary General Isvan Gulai and the federation's director general, Pierre Weiss.

[19] Plan to focus on improvement of Athens' environment

Athens, 12/03/1997 (ANA)

The results of a recent large international scientific symposium on the subject, also held at Zappeion, will be part of the presentation.

The event will be attended by several ministers, deputies and mayors of the greater Athens area.

[20] Noted scholar Browning dies

Athens, 12/03/1997 (ANA)

Browning, who suffered from cancer, headed the Byzantine Studies department at the University of London for many years and was actively involved in the promotion of many of Greece's political and cultural issues.

He had been declared an official lecturer at Athens University and had been honored on two occasions by Greece.

French director Jules Dassin, the widow of former culture minister Melina Mercouri, also expressed regret at the death of Browning, as did Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos.

Mr. Dassin, who heads the effort for return of the Parthenon Marbles from the British Museum, said Greece has lost a "loving friend."

[21] New York to host number of Greek cultural events

Athens, 12/03/1997 (ANA)

The events will begin with the opening of a Greek archaeological exhibition at New York's National Gallery.

Addressing a press conference yesterday, Mr. Venizelos referred to the "Glory of the Byzantium" exhibition currently held at New York's Metropolitan Museum, considered to be one of the great events in the museum's history and the first Greek major cultural event in the United States since 1992.

In reference to his trip to New York, where he attended the opening of the exhibition, Mr. Venizelos elaborated on his meetings with the president of the National Foundation for the Arts, the Secretary-General of the Smithsonian Institute, the director of the Library of Congress and the director of the National Gallery.

The minister also held a meeting with a delegation from the American Jewish Committee regarding the construction of a monument dedicated to the Nazi genocide of Greek Jews. The monument will be erected in Thessaloniki, as part of events marking the institution of the Cultural Capital of Europe.

[22] Seminar focuses on Schliemann's Trojan treasures

Athens, 12/03/1997 (ANA)

The museum's director, Katy Dimakopoulou, will present the collection of Trojan antiquities - featuring tools, weapons, jewels and other artifacts - donated to the museum by the wife of the renowned archaeologist, Sophia, in 1892.

Meanwhile, Yiannis Tzedakis, the director of the antiquities department at the culture ministry, will also address the seminar, while Pushkin Museum's Director Michail Traister will present the 13 "treasures" exhibited in Moscow recently.

The Pushkin Museum houses the bulk of the treasures excavated by Schliemann in Asia Minor.

[23] Aheloos diversion project awarded

Athens, 12/03/1997 (ANA)

The runners-up for the 35-billion-drachmas project was the Terna-Ferrocemento consortium (43.05 per cent).

[24] Tourist arrivals expected to rise in '97

Athens, 12/03/1997 (ANA)

Ms Papandreou recently visited Berlin to attend the international tourism exhibition ITB. While there, the Greek minister had meetings with representatives of several major tourist agencies.

Greece is a traditional tourist destination for many German tourists who together with tourists from Britain account for one half of the overall tourist arrivals each year.

Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Ms Papandreou announced that Greece will launch a campaign this month to improve the country's tourism image.

[25] Weather conditions worsen

Athens, 12/03/1997 (ANA)

There is a restricted ban on ferry boats and hydrofoils conducting routes in the Saronic Gulf.

The Rio-Antirrio ferry service was suspended yesterday morning due to bad weather, cutting off traffic between the western Peloponnese and central Greece.

Heavy snow and rain has been falling in the prefecture of Achaia, while chains are required on vehicles traveling near Kalavrita.

Meanwhile, 25 villages in the Fthiotida prefecture, central Greece, have been cut off due to snowfall, which has reached more than one meter in several areas.

Prefectural services have dropped tons of salt on roadways, in an attempt to keep roads leading west to Amphissa and Karpenisi open.

End of English language section.

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