Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 97-03-18
From: The Greek Press & Information Office, Ottawa Canada <[email protected]>
ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No 1141), March 18, 1997
Greek Press & Information Office
Ottawa, Canada
E-Mail Address: [email protected]
CONTENTS
[01] Greece ready to participate in EU police force for Albania
[02] Ultimatum to Berisha
[03] Simitis meets with defense, foreign ministers
[04] Niles on Albania
[05] Turkish ambassador
[06] Conference on southeastern Europe business co-operation opens in
Thessaloniki
[07] SBEE
[08] US business interest
[09] Simitis calls for greater support of Gov't work
[10] US Senate again honors Greek Independence Day
[11] Gov't denies clash with EU following Pangalos-Kinkel exchange
[12] Ankara pleased with results of EU foreign ministers' meeting,
Greece's stance
[13] Turkish planes again violate Greek airspace
[14] Mitsotakis calls for a ND leader to ensure unity
[15] Discussions on lost teaching hours to follow end of educators'
strike: Arsenis
[16] Expatriate Greek journalists briefed on national issues
[17] Baltas in Australia for trade talks
[18] Partial privatization of DEP announced
[19] ECOFIN rejects Commission energy tax plan
[20] New faces to lead EAB into new phase
[01] Greece ready to participate in EU police force for Albania
Athens, 18/03/1997 (ANA)
Prime Minister Costas Simitis yesterday stressed Greece's
support and willingness to participate in a European Union
police force in Albania if the Union takes such a decision.
In Tirana, a high-level European delegation held talks late last
night with new Albanian Prime Minister Bashkim Fino and
President Sali Berisha on ways to end the severe crisis in the
neighboring country, according to an ANA dispatch. The 11-strong
delegation, led by roving Dutch ambassador Jan de Marchant et d'
Ansembourg, flew to the Albanian capital from Rome yesterday for
a two-day mission. The delegation also includes representatives
from Greece, Italy, the EU Commission and the OSCE.
In Athens and speaking to 40 journalists of Greek origin from
various countries, Mr. Simitis said that the only possible
solution to the Albanian crisis was a political one, with the
holding of elections, which however, presupposed a restoration
of the rule of law.
"We believe this is necessary for the solution of the economic
and social problems of the neighboring country," he said.
"It is up to the EU and the OSCE to decide which countries will
participate in the police force for Albania," he added in reply
to a question on the possible inclusion of a Turkish contingent.
He expressed hope that there will not be a wave of Albanian
refugees to Greece.
"But if there is we will not be able to say no. Nevertheless, we
have adopted all necessary measures to avert such an
eventuality," he added.
Expanding on Greece's foreign policy concerns, the prime
minister stressed the existence of problems on all sides of the
country's geopolitical borders and that Greece wants close
co-operation and friendship with all countries surrounding it
and with all countries of Europe, including Turkey, but with
concurrent guarantees for the EU's borders.
"Besides, the relationship between Greece and Turkey today does
not allow us to develop our relations with the countries of the
Middle East, where we also have an important field of action,"
he added.
Meanwhile, it was announced last night that Foreign
Under-secretary Yiannos Kranidiotis will go to the southern
Albanian town of Gjirokaster today to meet with representatives
of insurgents and the area's Greek minority in a new effort to
restore normalcy in the area.
Sources said that he will also attempt an assessment of the
situation of the Greek minority, the needs for humanitarian aid,
and will try to persuade the insurgents' leaders to lay down
their arms and co-operate with the new government.
[02] Ultimatum to Berisha
Gjirokaster, 18/03/1997 (ANA - P. Barkas)
The National Committee for the People's Salvation, the
coordinating body of the rebel forces controlling southern
Albania said yesterday that if President Berisha did not resign
until March 20, it would invite parties to talks for the
election of a presidential council.
The committee expressed support for the Fino government, but
warned that "the continuation of its co-operation with Berisha
incriminates its mission and deprives the committee of the
possibility for providing further support".
Furthermore, the committee leader in the town of Sarande, Jevat
Kotsiou, criticized the Greek ambassador's statement inviting
the insurgents to lay down their arms.
[03] Simitis meets with defense, foreign ministers
Athens, 18/03/1997 (ANA)
Earlier in the day, Mr. Simitis chaired a two-hour meeting with
the leaderships of the foreign and defense ministries to discuss
developments in Albania in the light of initiatives being
undertaken by the European Union, the Western European Union and
the OSCE.
Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos briefed the meeting
concerning the decisions taken at the informal meeting of the EU
Council of Foreign Ministers in the Netherlands over the
weekend. The EU foreign ministers decided to send an expert
military and police advisory group to try and help restore order
in Albania.
Sources said that during yesterday's meeting it was agreed to
form a foreign ministry committee that will implement the
government's decisions regarding the crisis, continue the
provision of humanitarian aid, undertake initiatives for
economic support t o Albania through the European Union and to
examine the possibility of granting a bank loan to Albania.
In statements after the meeting, National Defense Minister Akis
Tsohatzopoulos said the various initiatives currently being
undertaken had been examined so that Greece could respond in the
most effective way and support Albania "in terms of humanitarian
aid, politically, and with police assistance in this difficult
period which the country is going through."
Meanwhile, Mr. Pangalos described as a positive development
Albanian President Sali Berisha's commitment to resign if he
lost the announced general elections in June. At the same time,
both he and Mr. Tsohatzopoulos strongly denied reports citing
disagreement between them regarding the government's handling of
the Albanian crisis.
Government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said "everyone's efforts
should be directed towards restoring democracy and attaining
calm and progress as well as supporting the new Albanian
government."
Regarding scenarios on Mr. Berisha's possible resignation, the
spokesman said that the government's position was not a
"guarded" one, but puts emphasis on the need for normality to be
restored in the neighboring country.
"The government does not wish all efforts being made for a
solution to become hostage of the question whether Mr. Berisha
should resign or not," he said.
"The Greek government fully supports the government of Bashkim
Fino..." Mr. Reppas added.
If an international presence is needed during general elections
in June, the spokesman said, Greece would participate by sending
observers.
In reply to other questions, Mr. Reppas categorically denied
that Greek crew of Hellenic Navy vessels evacuating civilians
from Durres on Saturday had fired on Albanians who had gathered
at the port in the hope of finding a way to leave the country.
On his part, describing the Balkans "as Europe's powderkeg,"
Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis stated that "Greece,
an economically and politically strong country not facing
domestic problems, is the only one in this dangerous region
which can help in the cause of peace and stability for all its
peoples."
Meanwhile, main opposition New Democracy leader Miltiades Evert
is due to meet with the prime minister today in order to brief
him on his trip to southern Albania on Sunday.
Mr. Evert, in a televised interview last night, said that
Europe, the US and Russia should persuade President Berisha to
resign because "only then can a peaceful and political solution
to the crisis be found."
[04] Niles on Albania
Athens, 18/03/1997 (ANA)
In a related development, US Ambassador in Greece Thomas Niles
yesterday expressed Washington's opposition to any military
intervention in Albania.
Speaking in Thessaloniki, Mr. Niles said the problem in Albania
was a political one which must be resolved through dialogue
among the local political forces and the assistance of the
governments of neighboring states.
"We say no to military intervention by an international force,"
Mr. Niles said, describing the situation in Albania as
"difficult."
"We should be neither overly optimistic nor pessimistic, but
evaluate the situation in a balanced and calm manner, and help
to solve the problems," the US diplomat said. Mr. Niles made the
statements on the sidelines of the fourth business cooperation
conference "Greece and the Balkans", which opened yesterday in
Thessaloniki.
Commenting on the repercussions of the Albanian crisis on
business, Mr. Niles observed that political turmoil undoubtedly
affected business activities and called on governments and the
business world in the region to publicize the many positive
developments taking place in southeast Europe.
[05] Turkish ambassador
Athens, 18/03/1997 (ANA)
In another development, Turkey's ambassador in Greece, Umit
Pamir, yesterday expressed support for a political solution to
the Albanian crisis, while addressing a business co-operation
conference in Thessaloniki.
Noting that Turkey was closely following developments in
Albania, Mr. Pamir said "we are concerned but hope that the
situation will be normalized through political processes."
The envoy said the other peoples of the Balkan countries should
show solidarity with the Albanian people, adding that Turkey was
ready to provide any kind of assistance to help Albania overcome
the crisis.
Commenting on the relations between the peoples of the Balkans,
Mr. Pamir referred to the importance of the ethnic minorities in
the region, saying they should serve as "bridges of friendship"
since they provided an opportunity for "transcending national
borders in order to establish co-operation."
[06] Conference on southeastern Europe business co-operation opens in
Thessaloniki
Athens, 18/03/1997 (ANA)
Greece will boost both infrastructure projects and co-operation
with businessmen in Balkan countries in the immediate future,
Development Minister Vasso Papandreou emphasized in Thessaloniki
yesterday.
Addressing the opening of a four-day conference on business
co-operation in southeastern Europe, Ms Papandreou said that the
course of privatization of major state-run organizations and
businesses and the incorporation into international financial
systems were the major focus of institutional changes to be made.
On the part of Greece, she added, there is a dramatic increase
in trade, intense investment activity and particular investment
interest in southeastern Europe, adding that there was a
political program to improve the investment climate in the
region.
Within this framework Greece aimed to undertake initiatives on
both a national and European Union level, she said.
Greece is obliged to negotiate the availability of EU funds for
its own development and to make a strong case for increased
funds for the creation of networks as well as promotion of every
form of development activity in the Balkans.
"In regard to the immediate future, Greece's development
activity in the region moves on two levels... that of
infrastructure, which is proceeding with the implementation of
projects of the Greek Community Support Framework and INTERREG.
"These infrastructure works are being bolstered not only by the
creation of the Egnatia Highway and horizontal (road) axes but
by the creation of the "energy Egnatia" with a natural gas
network," she said.
Athens, 18/03/1997 (ANA)
Despite recent negative developments in the Balkans, the
Federation of Northern Greece Industries (SBEE) continues to
support expansion outside Greece, according to a statement by
SBEE President Nikos Efthymiadis.
Addressing the opening of the conference, Mr. Efthymiadis
referred to the fruitful co-operation between the private and
public sectors in business ventures in neighboring countries
over the past year.
In particular, he referred to the Thessaloniki Stock Exchange
Center, which opened in April 1996, the Black Sea Trade and
Development Bank, slated to open next month, as well as the
completion of a development plan.
He also referred to certain "bitter truths", such as the lack of
fundamental infrastructure for enterprises in northern Greece
wanting to expand their activities north of the border, as well
as the fact that Greece did not adequately exploit possibilities
offered by its membership in the European Union.
Macedonia-Thrace Minister Philippos Petsalnikos referred to the
role northern Greece was called upon to play in the European
Union's efforts for regional development.
The chairman of the board of the Bank of Macedonia and Thrace,
Spyros Kouniakis, said the bank was participating dynamically in
all initiatives bolstering business activity in the Balkans
aimed at economic and cultural development in the region.
Tomorrow, Prime Minister Costas Simitis and Foreign Minister
Theodoros Pangalos are to address the conference.
In addition, the Bulgarian Minister of Regional Development and
Construction Nikola Karadimov, Romanian State and Reform
Minister Ulm Spineanu, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia
(FYROM) Development Minister Abdulmenaf Bedjet as well as
Turkish Federation of Industrialists' President Muharrem Kayhan
also spoke at the event, underlining optimism for the future of
investments and development possibilities of the Balkan
countries.
[08] US business interest
Athens, 18/03/1997 (ANA)
In a related issue, United States Chamber of Commerce
Vice-President Williard Workman announced the formation of a
200-strong group of US businessmen who wish to become active in
southeastern Europe, saying that the chamber had already signed
bilateral cooperation agreements with Poland, Hungary, the Czech
Republic, Slovakia, Romania and Bulgaria.
Business Council for International Understanding President Peter
Tihanski said the establishment of a continuous flow of
information and access to individuals in key positions, both at
government and private level, are the two basic requirements
from prospective investors, and that there is strong American
interest in the region, especially in the fields of
infrastructure, defense electronics, pharmaceuticals and
consumer products.
On his part, Lawrence Korb, an official with the Center for
Public Policy Education at the Brookings Institute, described
the next three years as particularly crucial for political
stability in the region, warning that if the Turkish model for
development of the Islamic world did not succeed in making
headway, "there is a danger of the Iranian model spreading
throughout the area".
International Finance Corp. (IFC) executive Constantine
Grigoriadis stressed that the stock markets of Greece and Turkey
monopolized the interest of foreign institutional investors, and
that on the basis of January 1997 data, in only three of the
nine Balkan stock markets the value of daily transactions
exceeded $1 million. He predicted that the volume of fixed
investment in southeastern European countries will go on rising
until the end of the century.
National economy ministry secretary general of international
economic relations Nikos Zachariadis stressed the need for
reforming the practice or export credits, and said that Greece's
relations with the other Balkan countries were developing on the
basis of full equality.
"The term of economic penetration, which was used extensively,
was unfortunate, as no one can profit at the expense of the
others, but only all together," he said, adding that Greece was
utilizing its developed institutional potential in order to
promote development in the whole region.
[09] Simitis calls for greater support of Gov't work
Athens, 18/03/1997 (ANA)
In yesterday's session of PASOK's political secretariat, Prime
Minister Costas Simitis called for greater support for the
government's work and a speeding up of the pace of restructuring
of the party, sources said.
He added that following the end of recent strikes, the
initiative now rested with the government, the same sources
added.
[10] US Senate again honors Greek Independence Day
Washington, 18/03/1997 (ANA - T. Ellis)
The US Senate has unanimously declared March 25 as "Greek
Independence Day" as well as a day to commemorate Greek and
American democracy.
The vote marked the eleventh consecutive year that the US Senate
has passed such a resolution.
Greek-American sources in Washington expressed their
satisfaction with the continuation of the tradition and the US
Senate's decision to honor the historic event, which marked the
beginning of the end for the levantine Ottoman empire in the
Balkans.
A similar resolution by US President Bill Clinton on the Greek
Revolution of 1821, which is released every year, is expected to
be announced soon.
[11] Gov't denies clash with EU following Pangalos-Kinkel exchange
Athens, 18/03/1997 (ANA)
The government said yesterday that Athens had not clashed with
its European Union partners following Greece's refusal to lift
its reservations regarding the EU-Turkey financial protocol,
during a Council of Ministers meeting in the Netherlands over
the weekend.
Government spokesman Dimitris Reppas, while answering questions
on the stance of German Foreign Minister Klaus Kinkel on the
issue, said Greece had not clashed with the EU .
During the council meeting, Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos
said Mr. Kinkel directly asked him whether Greece intended to
lift its reservations, and that he replied "certainly not."
Mr. Kinkel walked out of the session immediately after Mr.
Pangalos' response.
Although this stance was not unprecedented, Mr. Pangalos said
Athens considered Mr. Kinkel's action to be "unacceptable".
"Nobody can come and submit an ultimatum and then become angry
when the ultimatum is not accepted," Mr. Pangalos said.
Mr. Reppas called on the EU to be consistent with its own
positions as expressed in the past, citing in particular
references to Turkey in the EU's text of July 15, 1996.
"Greece does not discuss matters related to its sovereign
rights," Mr. Reppas added.
Meanwhile, Mr. Pangalos yesterday expressed displeasure at the
stance of the major EU countries and the United States on
Greek-Turkish relations, as well as what he called Ankara's
expansionist designs against Greece.
"I wonder if it is worth Greece being a member of the EU and if
it is worth anyone concerning themselves with the venture of
European integration," Mr. Pangalos said, adding that on issues
of importance to Greece, EU countries and the US adopted stances
so that their interests are not harmed.
"Having expansionist designs against Greece, Turkey has
formulated a plan to grab half the Aegean. Greece, which on the
one hand believes that the plan is doomed to failure and on the
other is a peace-loving country, is doing everything possible to
avert military confrontation with Turkey," Mr. Pangalos said.
He was speaking at a meeting of foreign journalists of Greek
origin currently visiting the country.
Mr. Pangalos called on Ankara to present all the claims and
objections it might have against Greece to the International
Court of Justice at the Hague "which is competent for the
settlement of such differences."
Turning to the Albanian issue, Mr. Pangalos said "the policy
which our country followed regarding the way the Albanian
refugees were treated in Greece over the past six years is a
model of new relations in the Balkans and in general."
The Greek foreign minister said Athens is called upon to play a
leading role in developments in the Balkans, "and this should be
respected by all."
The visiting journalists also met with Prime Minister Costas
Simitis and Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis.
[12] Ankara pleased with results of EU foreign ministers' meeting,
Greece's stance
Istanbul, 18/03/1997 (ANA)
Ankara's relief over the results of a European Union foreign
ministers meeting in the Netherlands over the weekend has
apparently led to a change in Turkey's tone towards Greece.
Turkish Foreign Minister Tansu Ciller yesterday expressed
satisfaction over Athens' stance at the meeting and announced
her intention "to start dialogue until we reach the point of
being able to discuss our problems."
Speaking at a press conference in Ankara, Ms Ciller said "that
Greece's (diplomatic) openings influenced us", adding that "we
congratulate Greece."
"Turkey is always in favor of dialogue and is ready to
contribute to the continuation of this attitude" she said.
Ms Ciller said she considers it beneficial to "reiterate that we
are ready to restore dialogue to resolve problems between the
two countries." She said Greece's "positive" position at the
session was an "important step", adding that "the position will
contribute to the easing of tension."
"I hope that in the next few days that we will be able to start
the dialogue and reach a point that we will be able to discuss
our problems."
Ms Ciller said during the press conference that "for the first
time Turkey is proceeding on the path of full accession to the
European Union."
"The results were successful. The doors have not closed for
Turkey," Turkish Foreign Under-secretary Onur Oymen said earlier.
Political analysts believe that Ankara's relief is due to the
fact that the worse was averted, namely a "blunt" repetition of
what had been stated earlier by the leaders of Europe's
Christian Democrat parties.
Moreover, recent statements by Foreign Minister Theodoros
Pangalos, where he made it clear that he disagreed with
positions excluding Turkey from Europe have created a positive
impression among Turkish public opinion.
[13] Turkish planes again violate Greek airspace
Athens, 18/03/1997 (ANA)
Infringements of air traffic rules in the Athens Flight
Information Region (FIR) and of Greek national airspace by
Turkish warplanes were reported yesterday.
According to reports, 12 Turkish F-16 and F-4 planes violated
Greek airspace between the eastern Aegean islands of Hios and
Lesvos and Lesvos and Limnos.
In all cases the Turkish aircraft were recognized and
intercepted by Hellenic Air Force Mirage 2000 and F-16 fighters.
In seven instances the recognition and interception process was
turned into engagements, reports state.
[14] Mitsotakis calls for a ND leader to ensure unity
Athens, 18/03/1997 (ANA)
Former prime minister and main opposition New Democracy honorary
president Constantine Mitsotakis yesterday said the party's
Congress should elect the contender most able to ensure party
unity and prospects and govern the country as the new party
leader.
"The congress is the last big chance for New Democracy," Mr.
Mitsotakis told an interview with the 'Adesmeftos Typos'
newspaper.
The three-day congress will begin on Friday. Contenders include
current ND leader Miltiades Evert and party deputies Costas
Karamanlis, George Souflias and Vyron Polydoras.
Stressing that the Greek people have no confidence in political
parties and politicians, the former premier noted the need for a
government "able to take decisions."
[15] Discussions on lost teaching hours to follow end of educators'
strike: Arsenis
Athens, 18/03/1997 (ANA)
Education Minister Gerassimos Arsenis said in a press conference
yesterday that after the end of the eight-week-old teachers'
strike, there will be discussion with educators, pupils and
parents on how to make up for a portion of the lost teaching
hours.
He said university entrance examinations will take place as
scheduled on June 25, while it is possible that the end-of-term
exams will be canceled.
At the same time, he added that the ministry is determined to
resume suspended reforms in the education sector.
Commenting on the end of the strike, government spokesman
Dimitris Reppas said that "everyone has lost" in terms of time
and knowledge.
[16] Expatriate Greek journalists briefed on national issues
Athens, 18/03/1997 (ANA)
Forty journalists of Greek descent from 12 countries around the
world are currently visiting Greece at the invitation of the
press and media ministry.
Yesterday they were briefed by Foreign Minister Theodoros
Pangalos and National Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos on
Greek policy with regard to the Cyprus issue, Turkey's claims
against Greece, the dispute with the Former Yugoslav Republic of
Macedonia (FYROM) as well as Greece's initiatives in the
Albanian crisis.
Press Minister Dimitris Reppas said after welcoming the
reporters yesterday morning that the visit was aimed at
strengthening ties as well as informing them on Greek policy.
"Greece has for a number of years been the subject of a
widespread disinformation campaign with regard to issues related
to its vital interests, among other things," he said.
[17] Baltas in Australia for trade talks
Melbourne, 18/03/1997 (ANA - S. Hatzimanolis)
National Economy Under-secretary Alekos Baltas is expected in
Australia tomorrow at the head of a major trade delegation to
strengthen commercial relations between the state of South
Australia and Greece.
Mr. Baltas will arrive in Melbourne before traveling to
Adelaide, the South Australian capital.
He is expected to have meetings with members of the
Greek-Australian Commercial and Industrial Chamber and will
attend celebrations marking Greece's national holiday on March
25.
[18] Partial privatization of DEP announced
Athens, 18/03/1997 (ANA)
Development Minister Vasso Papandreou yesterday announced the
partial privatization of the Public Petroleum Corp. through the
offering of a portion of the state-controlled company's stocks,
accompanied by a management restructuring.
In the first half of April the selection of a financial adviser
will be finalized for the process anticipating completion of
initial work by the end of 1997, and sell-off of 10 per cent of
DEP's stock through the Athens bourse.
It was pointed out in connection with the financial position and
the future of the DEP group that with a turnover of about 660
billion drachmas in 1996, as against 552 billion in 1995, total
pre-tax profits are expected to total 35 billion in 1996
compared to 25 billion in 1995.
The group's companies invested 25 billion drachmas in 1996 and
22 billion in 1995.
[19] ECOFIN rejects Commission energy tax plan
Brussels, 18/03/1997 (ANA - P. Pantelis)
A proposal by the European Commission on harmonizing the tax
system in energy consumption, anticipating a progressive
increase in fuel tax as of 1998, met with a negative response by
the ECOFIN Council of Ministers.
Strong objections were raised by National Economy and Finance
Minister Yiannos Papantoniou against the European Commission's
proposal which anticipates increases of 9 per cent for gasoline
and 11 per cent for oil for Greece.
He said in no way will Greece accept these tax increases in the
years to come. He said it is inconceivable that at this crucial
period while Greece is making an effort to achieve Economic and
Monetary Union to have to accept inflationary consequences
emanating from these increases which burden inflation and the
deficit with an increase in interest rates.
[20] New faces to lead EAB into new phase
Athens, 18/03/1997 (ANA)
The Hellenic Aerospace Industry (EAB) has announced a new board
of directors whose members will be called upon to implement
structural, stabilizing and development programs to enable EAB
to succeed in an increasingly competitive market.
Apart from developing the sector of support for national defense
policy, emphasis is expected to be given to new markets in the
eastern Mediterranean, Arab states, the Balkans and eastern
Europe, as well as joint ventures in the sectors of civil
aviation aircraft, engines and electronics.
Chairman of the board is Lefteris Moschopedis, 46, formerly
financial director and deputy general director of the OIKO
group, with degrees in commerce and management from universities
in Canada and the United States.
Managing Director is George-Nikiforos Goulios, 51, who has 20
years experience in management and international business, while
he served in many senior positions in the Greek Air Force until
his retirement in 1994 with the rank of Air Vice-Marshall. He is
a graduate of the School of Aviation Engineers, while his many
other qualifications include postgraduate studies at the
Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He is a member of the
American Aeronautical and Astronautical Institute, the AGARD
group of NATO.
End of English language section.
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