Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 97-04-24
From: The Greek Press & Information Office, Ottawa Canada <[email protected]>
ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No 1172), April 24, 1997
Greek Press & Information Office
Ottawa, Canada
E-Mail Address: [email protected]
CONTENTS
[01] Pangalos sets out Athens' views on Greek-Turkish experts'
committee
[02] COREPER
[03] Opposition
[04] Commission sees Greece out of EMU start, despite improvement in
economy
[05] Arsenis-Reppas confer following press reports citing resignation
threat by the former
[06] Albania's Fino hopes multinational forces assists in nation's
normalization
[07] Main Greek contingent arrives
[08] Montenegro cabinet briefed on Djukanovic visit
[09] Athens says its ambassador not recalled from Tehran
[10] High court prosecutor addresses circular on clauses against
racial discrimination
[11] Simitis-Kohl meeting in Bonn today
[12] Simitis' Austria visit
[13] Australian soldiers in Greece remembered
[14] Award to Nea Karvali Museum
[15] Papantoniou announces utility bill hikes below inflation rate
[16] Halkidiki hotel information
[17] Large fitness and sports exhibition set for Thessaloniki
[18] U S, France and China welcome moratorium on military overflights
[19] National Council session
[20] UN working on Karpass trip
[21] To Readers of the Daily Bulletin
[01] Pangalos sets out Athens' views on Greek-Turkish experts'
committee
Athens, 24/04/1997 (ANA)
Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos yesterday further clarified
matters relating to the form, operation and objective of the
Greek-Turkish committee of experts proposed by the Dutch EU
presidency. Mr. Pangalos reiterated the general political
framework within which Athens is acting, in order, as he said,
"to ward off Turkish efforts to turn Greece into a country under
its tutelage."
This framework, he said, consists of Turkey retracting its
threat of war, accepting the legal framework which governs
relations between the two countries and fixes their common
borders and Ankara's recognizing of the International Court at
the Hague as "a judicial mechanism having jurisdiction for the
settlement of bilateral differences."
Greece wishes to proceed to the normalization of its relations
with Turkey "at all costs... on condition that this does not
impinge our sovereign rights," Mr. Pangalos said.
The foreign minister stressed that Greece was prepared to do
whatever it must in order not to exacerbate bilateral relations.
Addressing those countries which have advised Greece to enter
into a dialogue with Turkey in order to resolve differences, Mr.
Pangalos said that "by itself, this procedure is not sufficient
to solve the problems."
Turning to the Dutch EU presidency's proposal for the formation
of a Greek-Turkish committee of experts to examine the
procedural aspect of certain problems between the two countries,
Mr. Pangalos stressed that "no problem will be recorded and
consequently recognized as such, unless there is agreement
between the two sides."
In effect, this means that Athens is not prepared to indirectly
recognize, through the operation of the committee, all the
so-called problems and claims put forward by Turkey against
Greece.
Mr. Pangalos also expressed a view that the formation and
functioning of the committee held no danger for Greece. On the
contrary, he said, if some agreement were reached as to the
recording of "certain mutually acceptable general rules of
behavior," t his would constitute a gain.
Explaining the manner in which the committee will function, Mr.
Pangalos clarified that the two teams of experts would convey
their views to the Dutch presidency which, after studying the
respective texts, would note the points on which views converge.
At least in the present stage, he added, the two teams would not
hold joint meetings but "will exchange their views as many times
is necessary through the presidency."
Asked whether this was in line with what had been agreed during
recent talks in Malta between Alternate Foreign Minister George
Papandreou and his Turkish counterpart Onur Oymen, Mr. Pangalos
stressed that the two ministers had not reached any conclusive
agreement but had merely exchanged "thoughts and ideas" which
had been noted by both sides.
Mr. Pangalos said that the two ministers then returned to their
countries and the various proposals were examined by the two
governments.
Clarifying that Turkey had acted in similar fashion, Mr.
Pangalos said the government expected the Dutch presidency to
convey Ankara's views to Athens within the next few days.
Asked to explain the meaning and purpose of such a procedure,
Mr. Pangalos said the Dutch presidency had requested
"transparency of procedures" and Athens had no reason to refuse
this.
"Of course, we believe that things are quite clear and require
no further clarifications, but on the other hand, given that
such a request was made, we do not think it is in any way
prejudicial," he added.
Mr. Pangalos, however, left open the possibility of a joint
meeting of the two groups of experts at some later stage,
provided "common ground" has been ascertained by the two sides.
"If common ground is indeed ascertained, it will be a
significant political development and there will be no need for
the experts to handle it since we shall have to handle it
politically," Mr. Pangalos said.
Turning to the forthcoming EU-Turkey Association Council, Mr.
Pangalos reiterated that the meeting had been convened on the
responsibility of the Dutch presidency "and, therefore, there is
no issue of the member-states giving their consent or not."
He underlined, however, that member-states could choose to agree
or disagree with the text of the joint position.
Referring to the joint position of the "15" member-states in
view of the Association Council meeting on April 29, Mr.
Pangalos said the views contained therein "cover the greater
part of Greece's problems and positions."
On the economic aspects of the council session, Mr. Pangalos
reiterated that Greece "retains its veto" to the (fourth)
financial protocol, adding that the lifting of the veto
presupposed fulfillment by Ankara of the three conditions set by
Athens.
"If Turkey declares that it retracts its threat of war,
recognizes the institutional framework which determines the
borders between the two countries and accepts international
mechanisms of jurisdiction for the settlement of problems, then
Greece will have no objection to consenting to the release of
the financial protocol," Mr. Pangalos said.
He also reiterated that both during the council sessions and the
dinner to be given by the Dutch presidency in honor of his
Turkish counterpart, Tansu Ciller, he would have the opportunity
for "a broad exchange of views and make an effort to approach t
he problems" with the Turkish foreign minister.
"This is what our partners expect of us also," he added.
Mr. Pangalos noted that he would not be having a private meeting
with Ms Ciller in Luxembourg due to a lack of time, but that
such a meeting could take place on the sidelines of the Black
Sea Economic Co-operation meeting in Istanbul the following day.
Athens, 24/04/1997 (ANA)
Meanwhile, the Commission of Permanent Diplomatic
Representatives of EU members (COREPER) in Brussels yesterday
continued discussions of the joint position on financial
matters, to be presented at the Association Council meeting in
Luxembourg on Tuesday.
According to reports, the 15 EU countries agreed on the text
regarding the EU's political position towards Turkey, but many
issues regarding the financial position remain open.
Athens' representative said the government is not prepared to
endorse the statement which would mean accepting the economic
co-operation between the EU and Turkey.
Under this co-operation, Turkey would receive financial aid
amounting to ECU 375 million.
Greece will not endorse the statement if the Dutch EU presidency
does not receive a reply from Ankara on the EU's already stated
Common Political and Economic position, which would ensure Greek
interests in its relations with Turkey.
Athens has said it will not object to EU-Turkish co-operation if
Ankara's reply to the Association Council satisfies Greece on
its three conditions: the withdrawal of the threat of war, the
recognition of the institutional framework determining borders
between the two countries and acceptance of the responsibility
of the International Court of Justice at The Hague for the
resolution of the conflict over Imia.
[03] Opposition
Athens, 24/04/1997 (ANA)
Responding to the foreign minister's statements, main opposition
New Democracy party spokesman Aris Spiliotopoulos said they
proved, "once again, that the government lacks a stable and
consistent strategy".
"Its moves are exhausted in spasmodic reactions to the pressures
exercised either from abroad or from inside the country. The
result is that not only the integrity, but also the seriousness
of the country are exposed," he said.
Democratic Social Movement (DHKKI) leader Dimitris Tsovolas
reiterated his party's opposition to the establishment of an
experts committee.
Mr. Tsovolas said the foreign minister's statements "prove that
the government of the 'new PASOK' has decided long ago to
proceed with a substantial dialogue with Turkey, paying back
debts to the major forces which supported the leadership of
today's PASOK."
On his part, Political Spring leader Antonis Samaras said Mr.
Pangalos' statements were "a trick aimed at disorienting the
people," adding that the government has begun a secret dialogue
with Turkey on all issues.
[04] Commission sees Greece out of EMU start, despite improvement in
economy
Brussels, 24/04/1997 (ANA - M. Spinthourakis)
The European Commission's report on European Union
member-states' economic policies, unveiled here yesterday, noted
that despite steps of recent progress, efforts should be more
than doubled so that convergence program targets are achieved in
relation to inflation, the public deficit and national debt.
The European Commission ascertained that in connection with the
"crucial" criterion of the fiscal deficit for entry into
Economic and Monetary Union (EMU), in 1997 13 of the 15 EU
member-states will fulfill the condition concerning its decrease
to below 3 per cent of GDP set by the Maastricht Treaty and two
will not, Greece and Italy.
In connection with public finances, increased efforts are
required in many sectors such as enlargement of the tax base,
added effectiveness of tax auditing mechanisms and public
administration, a decrease in state expenditures as well as
continuation and development of the privatization program.
However, indicative of the progress achieved by the Greek
economy is the decision taken by the Commission yesterday to
lift the threat it had made against Greece, Spain and Portugal
to suspend financing by the Cohesion Fund, ascertaining that
these three countries ultimately succeeded last year in
decreasing their fiscal deficits to levels set out in their
convergence programs with the remaining European economies.
Greece's deficit decreased to 7.4 per cent of GDP (the
convergence program anticipated 7.6 per cent), Portugal's to 4.1
per cent (the target was 4.3 per cent), while Spain achieved its
target exactly, which was a decrease to 4.4 per cent.
The report anticipates that in Greece inflation will decrease to
6 per cent in 1997 and 4.8 per cent in 1998 (exceeding targets
set in the convergence program). The public deficit, as a
percentage of GDP, will drop to 4.9 per cent in 1997 and 3.4 per
cent in 1998, while the public debt, again as a percentage of
GDP, will amount to 108.3 per cent in 1997 and 104.9 per cent in
1998.
[05] Arsenis-Reppas confer following press reports citing resignation
threat by the former
Athens, 24/04/1997 (ANA)
Government spokesman Dimitris Reppas had a telephone
conversation with Education Minister Gerassimos Arsenis
yesterday, after press reports that the government spokesman had
criticized Mr. Arsenis and following rumors that the latter was
planning to resign over disagreements of the government's
handling of Greek-Turkish relations.
Mr. Reppas said that contrary to what was reported in the press
yesterday, Mr. Arsenis expressed satisfaction over the
statements made by him on Tuesday.
Referring to reports in the press yesterday, Mr. Reppas spoke of
unacceptable interpretations of statements he made on Tuesday
and of deliberate distortions.
Mr. Reppas also clarified that as far as the government and the
prime minister are concerned, ministers have every right to
express their views on every other government policy issue,
apart from issues falling under their jurisdiction.
[06] Albania's Fino hopes multinational forces assists in nation's
normalization
Tirana, 24/04/1997 (ANA - T. Ioannidis)
Albanian Prime Minister Bashkim Fino said yesterday that he is
relying on the support of the multinational force in Albania for
a blow to be dealt to criminal gangs which "use weapons for
obscure purposes."
In an interview with the Athens News Agency (ANA), Mr. Fino also
appears to be hoping for some type "Marshall plan" to bring
Albania into a European orbit.
He listed the imposition of order, procurement of foodstuffs by
certain regions and the functioning of local authority
structures as his country's main problems. He also placed
importance on the preparing for general elections.
Mr. Fino further said that the immediate response by the
international community, including the European Union, the OSCE
and the UN, shows its great concern over events in Albania.
"I am optimistic, however, that this time the aid provided by
international organizations and friendly countries will reach a
level allowing for Albania's full recovery at all levels, both
institutional and economic. There is also word of a 'Marshall
plan' for Albania which would place the country in a smooth and
irreversible European orbit," he said.
Mr. Fino said the problem of disarming the people will remain
for quite a long time, adding that he saw no threat posed by the
majority of armed citizens.
"A problem is created by some gangs and individuals who use
weapons for obscure purposes outside. Police have organized
several successful operations in various zones in the country
concerning the latter. Blows against gangs will increase with
the full reorganization of the forces or order, their equipping
with necessary means to defend themselves and an increase in
their effectiveness. The arrival of the international forces
will help in this direction from many aspects," he said.
[07] Main Greek contingent arrives
Athens, 24/04/1997 (ANA)
The Hellenic Navy troop vessels "Samos" and "Hios" arrived in
the Albanian port of Durres at noon yesterday with the main body
of the Greek contingent participating in the multinational peace
force in the neighboring country.
The final 110 troops of the contingent, along with another 73
military vehicles, will leave from Thessaloniki for Durres on
Tuesday, April 29, also aboard the "Samos" and "Hios".
National Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos is to visit the
Greek troops in Albania on Easter Monday, April 28.
Meanwhile, the second shipment of humanitarian aid from Greece
to the people of Albania leaves for Tirana today aboard a Greek
air force C-130. The total amounts to 18 tons of food and
medical aid. The last part of the Greek contingent is due to
reach Albania next Wednesday.
[08] Montenegro cabinet briefed on Djukanovic visit
Belgrade, 24/04/1997 (ANA - M. Mouratidis)
Montenegro's cabinet yesterday discussed Prime Minister Milo
Djukanovic's private visit to Athens last week, which was
described as successful, given the confirmation of traditionally
good bilateral relations during meetings with Greece's
leadership.
It was also noted that Athens expressed a readiness to promote
economic co-operation.
A statement issued after the cabinet session said that
implementation of an agreement for the granting of credits
totaling US$90 million ($50 million in goods) by Greece is
expected to begin next week. It was also decided that a
committee of experts will be set up to prepare a detailed action
plan for implementing the agreement with the Greek government
and Greek banks.
[09] Athens says its ambassador not recalled from Tehran
Athens, 24/04/1997 (ANA)
Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos said yesterday that Greece
had not recalled its ambassador from Tehran, clarifying that the
envoy had gone to Brussels to attend a meeting and was now in
Athens on his regular leave.
Mr. Pangalos said the ambassador would return to his post in
Tehran immediately after the Easter holiday this weekend.
The European Union presidency recently suggested that
member-states should recall their ambassadors from Tehran in
solidarity to Bonn, after a German court accused Iranian
political leaders of ordering the assassination of several
exiled Kurdish dissidents in Berlin.
Greece has expressed reservations on the necessity of the recall
measure, drawing a reaction from Bonn, with the German foreign
ministry expressing surprise at the fact that Greece was the
only EU country not to recall its envoy from Iran.
[10] High court prosecutor addresses circular on clauses against
racial discrimination
Athens, 24/04/1997 (ANA)
Supreme Court prosecutor Ilias Spyropoulos has addressed a
circular to appeals court prosecutors throughout the country
underlining legal clauses against racial discrimination on the
occasion of 1997 being proclaimed the European year against
racism by the European Union.
The circular highlights the many provisions against racial
discrimination in general, which have already been incorporated
in Greek law, such as the European Human Rights Treaty, the UN
treaty on the prevention and suppression of genocide, the
international treaty abolishing all racial discrimination and
the European Social Charter, which rules that there should be no
discrimination regarding sex, race, color and religion.
Mr. Spyropoulos ordered the strict implementation of these
clauses, adding that in the event of disputes concerning the
interpretation of international agreements, discussions should
be organized by the heads of appeals and first instance courts.
[11] Simitis-Kohl meeting in Bonn today
Bonn, 24/04/1997 (ANA - P. Stangos)
Prime Minister Costas Simitis arrived in Frankfurt yesterday
from Vienna to begin his six-day visit to Germany, which is both
of a private and of an official nature.
The political side of the premier's visit will materialize in
Bonn today, where he is scheduled to meet with German Chancellor
Helmut Kohl. Alternate Foreign Minister George Papandreou is
also expected in Bonn today.
Mr. Simitis is also scheduled to meet with German Foreign
Minister Klaus Kinkel following the latter's request, during his
stay in Bonn, German diplomatic sources said.
According to the same sources, Mr. Kinkel is to visit the Greek
premier informally in the Greek embassy.
Reports have said Mr. Kinkel wishes to be informed "first hand"
on the prospects of the Greek government regarding Greek-Turkish
relations.
The unofficial meeting between Mr. Papandreou and his German
counterpart Woerner Heuer is also expected to run along the same
lines.
The meeting, which will probably be held at the same time as the
Simitis-Kohl meeting, will focus on the Intergovernmental
Conference and will discuss "certain aspects" of the EU-Turkey
Association Council, scheduled to take place in Luxembourg next
wee k.
The presence of Turkish opposition leader Mesut Yilmaz in Bonn
tomorrow and his scheduled talks with Mr. Kinkel underline
Germany's particular interest in an improvement in Greek-Turkish
relations, which could lead to Greece lifting its veto on EU
funding to Turkey.
[12] Simitis' Austria visit
Vienna, 24/04/1997 (ANA - D. Dimitrakoudis)
Earlier, Mr. Simitis concluded an official visit to Austria
after three days of talks that revealed a coincidence of views
on major regional issues as well as a desire to expand economic
and trade relations.
In the first visit by a Greek prime minister to Austria in 14
years, Austria's leadership was briefed on the Cyprus issue and
Greek-Turkish relations, while emphasis was given to bilateral
co-operation within the European Union, particularly in view of
t he Intergovernmental Conference.
[13] Australian soldiers in Greece remembered
Melbourne, 24/04/1997 (ANA - S.Hatzimanolis)
Australian soldiers who served in Greece during World War Two
were the subject of a lecture by the journalist Voula Lousta,
given in Melbourne as part of the Greek community's centenary
celebrations. Lousta made particular mention of those veterans
who returned to visit areas of Greece where they had served and
to return Greek flags they had saved from confiscation by the
Nazi invaders.
[14] Award to Nea Karvali Museum
Athens, 24/04/1997 (ANA)
The historical and ethnological museum of Nea Karvali in Kavala
has received an honorary distinction at this year's "European
Museum of the Year" competition.
The Queen of Belgium, Faviola, delivered a special award to the
Museum's director Kaplanis Iosifidis at a special ceremony
organized by the Museums of Europe Committee in Lausanne,
stressing that the Nea Karvali Museum "is not merely a common
museum, but constitutes a project seeing into the future and
which is linked to peace between two peoples, the Greeks and
Turks."
[15] Papantoniou announces utility bill hikes below inflation rate
Athens, 24/04/1997 (ANA)
Public utility (DEKO) bills will increase in the second half of
the year by less than the expected 4.5 percent inflation rate,
National Economy and Finance Minister Yiannos Papantoniou said
yesterday.
Mr. Papantoniou declined any comment on the insurance issue,
saying that a letter will be addressed to relevant agencies on
issues to be discussed in the government's "social dialogue".
He said a report by the governor of the Bank of Greece is
positive since, as he noted, its remarks facilitate the
government in its options.
Commenting on the course of tax revenues, Mr. Papantoniou said
there is a recovery in April and the rate anticipated by the
state budget is expected to be restored completely as of May.
[16] Halkidiki hotel information
Athens, 24/04/1997 (ANA)
An information bureau has opened at Thessaloniki's Macedonia
Airport by the Hoteliers' Union of Halkidiki, offering
information on the region as well as hotel reservations and all
special offers available. The bureau will be open every day
until the end o f September from 9.30am to 7.00pm.
[17] Large fitness and sports exhibition set for Thessaloniki
Athens, 24/04/1997 (ANA)
The annual turnover of the Thessaloniki area's and all of
Macedonia's 550 fitness centers is estimated at 10 billion
drachmas, while total turnover from fitness equipment and food
supplements is believed to reach five billion drachmas,
according to figure s released by the organizers of the
"Sportiva '97" exhibition to be held on May 3-5 in
Thessaloniki's Helexpo facilities.
The exhibition's organizers said that some of the largest
companies in the fitness industry are participating at this
year's exhibition.
The event will host a series of events including a martial arts
exhibition, an aerobics marathon and seminars.
The fitness and sports exhibition will feature sportswear,
health and fitness equipment, organic cosmetics etc.
[18] U S, France and China welcome moratorium on military overflights
Nicosia, 24/04/1997 (ANA/CNA)
The US welcomed the Cyprus government's unilateral decision to
forego military overflights by Greek fighter aircraft during the
ongoing proximity talks.
A spokesman for the US embassy in Nicosia told CNA the US
government welcomes "any steps to reduce military tensions on
and around Cyprus", and "to create an atmosphere conducive to
settlement efforts".
"We regard the reported decision to forego military overflights
as a constructive step", the embassy spokesperson added.
The decision was also welcomed by the embassies of France and
China in Cyprus.
"Any measure or decision aiming at creating confidence between
the two communities is welcome", French Ambassador to Cyprus
Henry Jacolin told CNA yesterday.
First Secretary and Press officer at the Chinese embassy in
Nicosia Liang Hi echoed the French Ambassador's words.
"We have noticed the position announced by the Cyprus
government, and we welcome every action that can help in finding
a just and reasonable solution of the Cyprus problem", Mr. Hui
told CNA.
Russian Embassy Press Officer Vladimir Maistrenko was more
reserved with his comments, saying only that "this is a matter
concerning Cyprus and Greece" and that the Russian government
"has no comment" on the issue.
[19] National Council session
Nicosia, 24/04/1997 (ANA/CNA)
A meeting of the National Council yesterday discussed all issues
related to the Cyprus question.
"The Council (the top advisory body to the president on the
Cyprus problem) was fully briefed by President Glafcos Clerides,
while Foreign Minister Yiannakis Cassoulides briefed Council
members on his recent visit to Athens," government spokesman
Manolis Christofides said.
Yesterday's Council meeting has been described as "crucial",
mainly because of the recent furor caused by the disclosure that
two informal notes were handed to the president during the
ongoing proximity talks, and Tuesday's announcement by the
government to suspend overflights of Greek military aircraft
during the talks, which has come under fire.
[20] UN working on Karpass trip
Nicosia, 24/04/1997 (ANA/CNA)
Hundreds of Greek Cypriots will make the trek to the monastery
of Saint Andreas, at the tip of the Turkish-occupied Karpass
peninsula, this Sunday to celebrate the Greek Orthodox Easter
service, while efforts are underway to accommodate an even
larger number of the faithful for the trip.
United Nations Forces in Cyprus (UNFICYP) spokesman Waldemar
Rokoszewski, told CNA the UN is in touch with the Turkish
Cypriots to help accommodate as many Greek Cypriots wishing to
travel to the monastery as possible.
"(The Turkish Cypriots) indicated they would be prepared to
accommodate 600. I know there are many more requests, so we are
working on this", Mr. Rokoszewski told CNA.
[21] To Readers of the Daily Bulletin
Athens, 24/04/1997 (ANA)
The Athens News Agency (ANA) provides a same-day,
around-the-clock-news service in English to keep subscribers up
to date on the issues that shape Greece's political and economic
scene.
The ANA Special English Service offers diplomats and journalists
the latest news through on line (PC & Modem) on the country's
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and visits by officials from abroad.
For further information, please call Chris Eliou, Director of
the Special English Service on 6400560, Ext.613.
You may order subscriptions from George Tsambras, Marketing and
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End of English language section.
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