Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 97-09-27
From: The Greek Press & Information Office, Ottawa Canada <[email protected]>
ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No 1300), September 27, 1997
Greek Press & Information Office
Ottawa, Canada
E-Mail Address: [email protected]
CONTENTS
[01] Pangalos at UN reviews Greek stance on foreign relations
[02] Pangalos support for NATO co-operation with Russia
[03] Pangalos reiterates Turkish demands 'unacceptable'
[04] Pangalos on State Dept. announcement
[05] Gov't spokesman
[06] Turkish reaction
[07] Other Gov't ministers on Greek-Turkish relations
[08] Opposition parties
[09] Cyprus' EU accession impedes solution, Cem claims
[10] Greek, Turkish businessmen to meet in Izmir
[11] Pangalos-Annan meeting focuses on Cyprus
[12] ... Yugoslavia
[13] Vartholomeos, Russia's Alexiy confirm intent to co-operate
[14] Avramopoulos made honorary Chicagoan
[15] EU's Fischler hears Athens' position vis-a-vis EU enlargement
[16] Papoutsis continues tour of Thessaly
[17] Cabinet discusses new framework for state procurements
[18] Opposition reaction
[19] Rock fans rush to Thessaloniki for U2 concert
[20] Alliance of European News Agencies held in Geneva
[21] Ecumenical Patriarch in Thessaloniki tomorrow
[22] Karamanlis pledges equality for women
[23] Greek, European experts debate repairs for war-hit monuments
[24] Greek equities ease back in correction after all-time high
[25] Greek bourse sees historic moment on economic euphoria
[26] EU Commissioner tries to reassure Greek farmers
[27] Greece recognizes importance of regional co-operation
[01] Pangalos at UN reviews Greek stance on foreign relations
New York, 27/09/1997 (ANA)
Greece reiterated yesterday its intention to continue
contributing towards peace and stability in the region,
stressing its commitment to international law and treaties
governing relations between states.
Greece's special role in the area as a member of both the EU and
NATO, its concern over the Cyprus issue and relations with
Turkey as well as other neighboring countries, punctuated by a
call for reform within the UN structure, were the highlights of
a speech by Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos at the UN
General Assembly meeting in New York yesterday.
Mr. Pangalos began his speech by pointing out Greece's unique
role, saying that as the country was the only member-state of
both the European Union (EU) and NATO in the region, "we
function as the latter's link towards Europe, guided by our firm
belief that conflicts and prejudices have to be overcome through
respect of International Law and the United Nations' principles".
"In this context, we believe that Greece is able to play an
important role in the UN Security Council and therefore is
seeking election to this body, for one of the two non-permanent
seats, allocated to the Western European and Other States Group
for the biennium 1999-2000," he explained, adding that Greece
was "deeply dedicated to the purposes and the principles of the
UN Charter ready to take (its) share of responsibility for
international peace and security".
Supporting this stance, Mr. Pangalos said: "Indeed, Greece,
despite its limited human resources, has been actively
participating in several peace-keeping operations, as a
troop-contributing country. This year, we became a member of the
Special Committee on Peace Keeping Operations. We did advocate
the Committee's expansion as a positive step forward, and we do
support any effort aimed at improving the UN's peace-keeping
capabilities".
Furthermore, he added that "Greece has confirmed its willingness
to participate in the 'Stand-by Arrangements System' and joined
other member-states in the continued efforts to enable it to
react more quickly and more efficiently to future peace-keeping
requirements".
The foreign minister called for "comprehensive reform and
restructuring of the United Nations System, including the
Security Council's size and working methods".
These, he explained, "must be attained with a view to meeting
the changing needs of the world community as it moves into the
next millennium."
"Improved performance within existing resources, is a reform
precept, whereto we fully subscribe," he stressed.
He praised the reform package presented by the UN Secretary
General in July, in response to this necessity, and called it "a
welcome step towards modernizing and strengthening the UN".
"Greece will contribute in a constructive and positive way to
the success of the efforts undertaken by the Secretary General
through his proposals," he said.
Mr. Pangalos pledged the intention of Greece, a UN member since
1945, to support the organization's efforts. Specifically,
Greece "will continue to honor its obligations to the UN,
gradually increasing its annual contribution to the
peace-keeping operations budget, moving from Group C to Group B,
on her own initiative", he said.
Moving on to the conservation of the environment, Mr. Pangalos
reiterated that the 19th Special Session of the UN General
Assembly on the overall review and appraisal of the
implementation of "Agenda 21" last June, gave the opportunity,
five years after the Rio Conference, to renew and reinforce
Greece's commitment to "sustainable development".
Explaining his country's interest in the issue, the Greek
minister noted that "Greece, with one-third of the coastline of
the entire Mediterranean basin and almost 3,000 islands, has a
specific interest in promoting coastal zone management,
sustainable tourism, sustainable water management and policies
to combat desertification and deforestation".
Greece "uninterruptedly continues to implement a long strategy
for the protection of the environment, while sharing with the
international community the belief that implementing 'Agenda 21'
can only be achieved through a sense of common responsibility".
Mr. Pangalos reiterated Greece's devotion to the idea of a
reunited Cyprus, as common home to all its inhabitants.
Reiterating Greece's position, he said that "we maintain that a
settlement on the basis of the Resolutions of the United Nations
and the High Level Agreements of 1977 and 1979 can bring peace
and reconciliation in the island."
Such a settlement, he explained, "should provide for a bizonal
and bicommunal federation, with a single sovereignty and
international personality and with its independence and
territorial integrity safeguarded through effective
international guarantees. "
"A functional solution of the Cyprus problem would, no doubt,
eliminate a source of instability in the region and contribute
to the improvement of Greek-Turkish relations."
"The main obstacle, however," he noted, "remains Turkey's aim to
legitimize the present status quo. Ankara's negative stance and
lack of political will was once again displayed during the
direct talks under the auspices of the Secretary General, held
recently at Glion-sur-Montreux".
He added: "As the President of the Security Council pointed out,
'substantive progress at this time was impeded by the attempt to
bring preconditions to the table by the other party and here of
course I mean the Turkish Cypriots' ."
Mr. Pangalos praised "the constructive stance" of Cyprus
Republic President Glafcos Clerides at the talks with Turkish
Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash.
"His proposal for the demilitarization of Cyprus must retain our
thorough attention," he explained.
Pointing out the importance of Cyprus' accession to the EU, for
which negotiations are scheduled to begin early next year, Mr.
Pangalos said that "Greece supports unwaveringly Cyprus'
accession process to the EU, which will commence at the near
future. We believe that its accession will benefit all the
island's inhabitants. It may also act as a catalyst for the
solution of the political problem".
Regrettably, he added, "Turkey, in its quest for regional
hegemony opposes accession, holding the entire people of Cyprus
hostage to its blackmailing policy. We sincerely hope that
Turkey will eventually realize the benefits of Cyprus' accession
to the EU - especially for the Turkish Cypriot population - and
will change its present rejectionist stance".
"Our relations with Turkey have taken an added downturn since
1996," he warned, "when our neighbor added direct territorial
claims to the existing policy of demands, threats of war and
constant pressure, in an attempt to subvert the territorial
status quo established more than 70 years ago by International
Law and Treaties. Her attempt to back these claims by military
means in January 1996 resulted in a crisis that fell short of
war".
Greece, while "determined to protect her sovereign rights
stemming from International Law by all legitimate means,
sincerely supports the need to establish normal good-neighborly
relations, based on the principles of International Law and
respect for international treaties which, however, Turkey seems
determined to ignore".
The Greek foreign minister said, "It has been a consistent
policy of our government that Greek-Turkish relations should be
addressed in a context of respect for International Law and
Treaties. Greece has made it her policy to channel such
relations through accepted rules of behavior and the principles
recognized in international life. The Madrid Joint Statement
signed by Turkey's President, Mr. (Suleyman) Demirel, and the
Greek Prime Minister, Mr. (Costas) Simitis, provides a welcome
initiative which might contribute to a gradual improvement."
The Madrid text, he said, "through the principles agreed in this
text, our neighbors withdraw the threat of war leveled against
my country in contravention to the UN Charter and also confirm
the legal framework of International Agreements and principles
of International Law which govern Greek-Turkish relations".
Mr. Pangalos said that "any issues raised and those problems
that really exist will be dealt with by legal means provided for
by International Law and specifically the International Court of
Justice".
Such a step, he said, "would open possibilities for a gradual
build-up of good neighborly relations and the establishment of
confidence and co-operation in any field. In this sense, we are
waiting for a move of the new Turkish government towards this
direction and away from statements and acts which confuse the
issue and refer to a past that we must transcend by means of
those principles of International Law which this Charter
enshrines and this organization, as well as our gathering here
pledge to serve".
Speaking about another neighboring country with a different
attitude, Albania, Mr. Pangalos praised that country for being
"committed to continue working for the strengthening of the
co-operation between the two countries", especially after the
recent crisis in Albania. Greece's contribution to the
(peace-keeping) operation ALBA and the Organization for Security
and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) was "essential and prompt", he
added.
In terms of Yugoslavia, Greece supported the Dayton Agreement
and was interested in "maintaining excellent relations with all
actors in the Yugoslav drama".
"Persistence in implementing the Dayton Agreement, encouraging
democratization" and opening up to the market economy and to the
international community, he said, "will provide guidance for all
towards overcoming present difficulties and will enable all
actors to normalize their relations with each other, the UN and
the international community in general".
Referring specifically to the Former Yugoslav Republic of
Macedonia (FYROM) and the dispute over its name, Mr. Pangalos
reiterated that Greece honored the Interim Accord with FYROM and
continued talks under the auspices of the special representative
of the UN Secretary General Cyrus Vance about the state's final
name.
"We hope that the government of Skopje will realize the need for
an early solution of this issue," he added.
In closing his speech, Mr. Pangalos also made special mention of
the Middle East problem and expressed Greece's support for "any
effort which could have positive results, thus encouraging those
undertaken by the European Union's special envoy in the Middle
East".
The minister closed his speech by a renewed call for reform at
the UN, and with decisions taken by consensus regardless of size
or richness, adding that "Greece is prepared to take its share
of responsibility in this ongoing reform process".
[02] Pangalos support for NATO co-operation with Russia
United Nations, 27/09/1997 (ANA - M. Georgiadou)
Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos yesterday expressed support
for Russian co-operation with NATO.
"Today we had a very useful meeting with Russian Foreign
Minister Yevgeni Primakov. It was the first meeting of the
NATO-Russia council. In this context, we stated our position in
favor of effective Russian co-operation with NATO and supported
some of the Russian proposals, such as the setting up of a team
to determine the terms and procedures under which the
safeguarding of peace will become effective," he stated after
meeting with his Croatian counterpart Mate Granic.
"With Mr. Granic we found that our two countries have excellent
relations. We began discussing a very important new plan,
namely, the construction of a motorway on the eastern coast of
the Adriatic along the coast of Albania through Croatia..."
"We also discussed the problems of the implementation of the
Dayton peace accord and the situation in eastern Slavonia, on
which we explained to the Croatian foreign minister the Greek
positions," Mr. Pangalos stated.
[03] Pangalos reiterates Turkish demands 'unacceptable'
United States, (ANA - M. Georgiadou)
Turkey's demands are totally unacceptable and will never
materialize, for any reason and at any price, Foreign Minister
Theodoros Pangalos told reporters yesterday after meeting his
Croatian counterpart Mate Granic.
"You can assess, I believe, both what I say and what Mr. Cem
says and whatever is said by whatever third person," he said, in
response to Turkish criticism on statements he made on Thursday.
Mr. Pangalos told a private Athens television station using a
metaphor, that no one could hold a debate with murderers,
rapists and thieves.
In reaction to this, a Turkish foreign ministry spokesman made
the following announcement which was circulated at the UN by the
country's permanent delegation:
"We categorically reject the words of Mr. Pangalos, Minister for
Foreign Affairs of Greece, in an interview with a Greek
television, and also published in the Greek newspapers. These
expressions of the Greek Minister qualifying Turkish leaders as
'murderers, rapists and thieves' are not only impertinent and
far beyond the limits of politeness, but also reflect a
psychopathological state of mind."
Turkish Foreign Minister Ismail Cem was reported as saying that
since "Mr. Pangalos does not want dialogue I cannot see why I
should go to Crete" for the Balkan summit in November.
Addressing the press Mr. Pangalos said in response: "The summit
in Crete is a Balkan meeting, primarily between Prime Ministers,
to which I have also invited, as we had agreed in Thessaloniki,
Foreign Ministers and Mr. Cem. The content of the Crete summit
will not be a discussion on our bilateral problems but on issues
uniting us. Namely, on prospects of developing the Balkans. I do
not think that with threats, extortion and with parallel moves
can anyone, as I also said yesterday, force Greece to discuss
all issues, without legal terms and preconditions, concerning
its territorial integrity," he added.
Mr. Pangalos and Mr. Cem met on Tuesday on the sidelines of the
UN General Assembly but their meeting only confirmed the
stalemate in Greek-Turkish relations due to what Mr. Pangalos
described as Turkish insistence in disputing the status quo in
the Aegean.
The two foreign ministers also met separately on Wednesday with
US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright.
[04] Pangalos on State Dept. announcement
New York, 27/09/1997 (ANA)
In a related development, Mr. Pangalos said late Thursday that
the US State Department announcement on referring territorial
disputes to the International Court of Justice at the Hague
worked in Greece's favor.
"I carefully read this (US State Department) statement and did
not understand whatever you (press) understood," Mr. Pangalos
told reporters after meeting with UN Secretary-General Kofi
Annan.
"I understood that there are territorial claims in the Aegean,
obviously Turkey's, because we, as you know, do not make such
claims and that these must be resolved by the Hague, if they
exist. This is the standing Greek position.
"The State Department announcement adopted these two Greek
positions: firstly, that these types of claims must be led to
the court at the Hague; and secondly that the Turks, apart from
(their claim on) Imia also have other claims, which they do not
dare to declare directly and specifically, so that they be taken
into consideration by the international community.
"I believe this declaration to be very serious and very
important support of our approach to the issues," he said.
[05] Gov't spokesman
Athens, 27/09/1997 (ANA)
The Greek government hopes that a meeting between Prime Minister
Costas Simitis and his Turkish counterpart Mesut Yilmaz at the
forthcoming Balkan summit in Crete will provide an opportunity
to deal positively with a situation that Turkey had exacerbated,
government spokesman Demetris Reppas said yesterday.
Meanwhile, he emphasized that the Greek government has complete
faith in its foreign minister, Theodoros Pangalos, following the
exchange of comments with the Turkish side.
"Mr. Pangalos' statements were not reported correctly as they
were not directed at particular individuals. He made simple,
comprehensible statements, that is that no one wants to work
with someone who wants to change the existing situation against
one's own interests." Referring to a US State Department
announcement on referring territorial disputes to the
International Court of Justice at The Hague, which Mr. Pangalos
said worked in Greece's favor, Mr. Reppas agreed that the
announcement reflected Greece's position.
"Greece has a clear position since it wishes to maintain
existing borders and the status quo. It is Turkey that wants to
overturn (these). It should say clearly what it wants..."
[06] Turkish reaction
Istanbul, 27/09/1997 (ANA - A. Kourkoulas)
Mr. Pangalos' use of a figure of speech regarding a refusal to
speak to "robbers, murderers and rapists" to underline his
belief that a part of the military and diplomatic establishment
in Ankara is using "the need for unconditional dialogue" to
undermine the status quo in the Aegean have been misrepresented
and drawn negative responses in Turkey.
The translation of Mr. Pangalos' comments into Turkish indicated
that he had characterized Turks as murderers, robbers and
rapists. A Turkish foreign ministry announcement said that
"Ankara was used to the strange language used by the Greek
minister".
[07] Other Gov't ministers on Greek-Turkish relations
Athens, 27/09/1997 (ANA)
National Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos yesterday warned
Washington and Ankara that their stance was not helping towards
progress in Greek-Turkish relations and reiterated that there
was nothing to negotiate with regard to the Aegean.
"The Turkish leadership would do well to realize that if they
continue in this way, the only thing they will achieve is to
reveal that they are representatives of an anachronistic policy
of destabilization, using force and the threat of force," he
told reporters in Thessaloniki.
With regard to Washington's stance, Mr. Tsohatzopoulos expressed
the hope that "those in charge today will find new approaches to
events in the geopolitical region."
"Statements of a general nature via their representatives," he
continued, "show that they prefer the easy way out, that is, to
continue on the well-trodden path. However, there is no
progress, no future in this, not even for them. They have the
responsibility, since they have assumed a political initiative
to settle issues dividing neighbours, to work a bit more," he
said.
Asked whether the spirit of the Madrid communiqui was still
alive, the defense minister replied: "The spirit of Madrid is a
statement of good intentions... (however) Turkey's recent
behavior has anything but confirmed that spirit."
Speaking in Kozani on the same issue, Alternate Foreign Minister
George Papandreou said the continental shelf was the only thing
Greece recognized as a "pending territorial issue" with Turkey,
an issue which Greece insisted should be decided by the
International Court of Justice in The Hague.
"By insisting on its views, Turkey is continuing to isolate
itself. (These views) do not set it on a course to the European
Union," he said, adding the hope that Turkey would understand
the international community's views and what its real interests
were, which would also be in the interest of peace and
co-operation between the peoples of the region.
Meanwhile, Mr. Papandreou said the Turkish foreign ministry's
characterization of Mr. Pangalos as "rude and psychopathic" was
absurd and unacceptable.
Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis said yesterday that
Turkey's firm goal was to restrict Greece's national sovereignty
in the Aegean.
Mr. Kaklamanis made the statement upon his departure for
Australia.
"We have the obligation to reassure and try to convince the
international public opinion that we are willing to discuss only
existing issues and nothing more," he said.
[08] Opposition parties
Athens, 27/09/1997 (ANA)
Main opposition New Democracy leader Costas Karamanlis slammed
the government's policy on Greek-Turkish relations, saying that
it was "unclear leading nowhere as well as being slippery and
dangerous as shown by the increased provocative behavior and
insults from the Turkish side."
He said that the policy was sending "the wrong message to a
neighbor who will receive them as indications of weakness".
Greece needs a policy confirming our basic principles which will
send the message of decisiveness and strength towards the other
side of the Aegean, he said.
"We have the willingness to find the solutions which will ensure
peace and normality in the region," the ND leader added.
In a related development, honorary ND president and former
premier Constantine Mitsotakis said from Crete that a solution
to the Cyprus problem constituted the key to Greek-Turkish
relations.
"As long as Turkey does not fully clarify its intentions in the
Aegean, Greece obviously, cannot take a step forward," Mr.
Mitsotakis said.
"Greece could never agree to discuss the defense of the Aegean
islands as long as the Turkish threat continues," he added.
"I believe that the touchstone in Greek-Turkish relations is the
Cyprus problem," Mr. Mitsotakis said, anticipating that results
from he present mobility in the Cyprus problem will begin to
show in 1998.
On its part, the Communist Party of Greece (KKE) said in an
announcement that "the latest developments in Greek-Turkish
relations together with the statements of US Secretary of State
Albright and other US officials prove that the United States, as
the leading force of NATO, is the determining factor for
developments in the Aegean and developments in the two
countries."
"The guilty party is before us, but the government and the
leadership of (ruling) PASOK cover up for it," the KKE
announcement read, adding that a US plan providing for what it
claimed was the division of the Aegean and of Cyprus was
currently being promoted.
Meanwhile, Coalition of the Left and Progress (Synaspismos)
Nikos Constantopoulos said in Hania, Crete that he was concerned
with the course of Greek-Turkish relations and the Cyprus
problem, accusing the government of not having a national
strategy.
"The country's foreign policy cannot depend on US initiatives,
Turkey's intransigence and the Greek premier's mysticism," he
said.
"The government must give explanations regarding US intense
mobility leading to pressing stalemates at Greece's expense."
Synaspismos' leader called for a meeting of political leaders
under the president of the republic and for a debate of the
issue in Parliament.
Democratic Social Movement (DHKKI) leader Demetris Tsovolas said
the government should resign after the latest developments in
Greek-Turkish relations and recent positions of the US State
Department.
Addressing a news conference, Mr. Tsovolas lashed out against
the government, accusing it of agreeing with a US-inspired plan
for talks on all issues.
"It would be wrong to refer to the International Court in The
Hague any issue other than the continental shelf," Mr. Tsovolas
said.
The Political Spring party also lashed out against the
government. According to a party announcement, Mr. Pangalos "is
attempting to cover up the disastrous Greek concession in Madrid
through triggering tension."
[09] Cyprus' EU accession impedes solution, Cem claims
United Nations, 27/09/1997 (ANA - M. Georgiadou)
In his speech to the UN General Assembly yesterday, Turkish
Foreign Minister Ismail Cem said Turkey's principal objective
with Greece was to enter a dialogue that would bear fruit,
charging that EU accession talks f or Cyprus made a settlement
more difficult.
"In our relations with Greece our principal objective is to
promptly tackle through a substantive result-oriented dialogue
the issues mostly related to the Aegean, that still stand
between our two countries," Mr. Cem said.
He claimed that Turkey had "made several appeals to Greece",
adding: "We do not rule out any agreed method of peaceful
settlement. Furthermore, we have implemented unilaterally a
number of confidence-building measures in the hope that they
would be reciprocated".
Mr. Cem said Turkey was "eagerly awaiting" to see the
realization of what he termed was "the Madrid understanding"
into "concrete deeds for promoting better relations" between the
two countries.
He also warned that "the pursuit of EU membership by the Greek
Cypriot side has become the main impediment to progress, which
renders the negotiating process increasingly meaningless and an
agreed settlement even more elusive".
Calling the deployment of S-300 missiles by the Republic of
Cyprus "another gloomy prospect", Mr. Cem claimed that "the
purchase of highly sophisticated missiles aims at jeopardizing
the security of the Turkish Cypriot people and Turkey".
[10] Greek, Turkish businessmen to meet in Izmir
Athens, 27/09/1997 (ANA)
The first meeting of Greek and Turkish business people active in
the eastern Aegean will be held in Izmir next month at the
initiative of the Greek Islands Development Group and the Union
of Young Turkish Aegean businessmen.
Meanwhile, an event for Greek-Turkish friendship is being held
on Saturday on the island of Hios, at the initiative of the
local prefecture and municipality, featuring local dances and
with participation of about 100 children from the Asia Minor
town of Cesme.
[11] Pangalos-Annan meeting focuses on Cyprus
United Nations, 27/09/1997 (ANA - M. Georgiadou)
Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos and UN Secretary General
Kofi Annan yesterday discussed developments on the Cyprus
problem.
Mr. Annan's special representative on Cyprus, Diego Cordovez,
was also present at the meeting.
Mr. Pangalos told reporters that he did not want to comment on a
text by Turkey's UN permanent representative on Cyprus on the
issue of S-300 missiles being purchased by Nicosia.
The text, calling on UN chief to intervene in order to prevent
the purchase of the missiles, was circulated at the UN on
Thursday.
"There is nothing new (in the report). It was circulated at the
UN, along with thousands other reports, circulated by various
countries. I don't think it is worth comments from me," he said.
He said he was impressed by Mr. Annan's resolve to find a
resolution to the problem of Cyprus and that Mr. Cordovez's
positions were in the direction of finding a solution through a
resumption of negotiations, which he called "parti-cularly
satisfying".
He added that the dialogue between Cypriot President Glafcos
Clerides and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash on security
issues was a positive development.
"This dialogue is supported by the UN Secretary General of the
United Nations and we agree that it must go ahead and be
extended to the more general problem of demilitarization and the
security of the island," he said.
Referring to the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia issue
(FYROM), Mr. Pangalos said there had been no indication of
flexibility yet from the other side for the resolution of the
name issue.
Mr. Pangalos stressed that, on the contrary, Greece has shown "a
great deal of understanding".
He avoided referring to the specifics of the talks between
Athens and Skopje, held under the auspices of UN mediator Cyrus
Vance, noting that the two sides were bound not to make any
announcements.
He said he hoped the presence of FYROM President Kiro Gligorov
at the UN General Assembly would help his envoy to the talks to
show "greater flexibility" in negotiations.
[12] ... Yugoslavia
United Nations, 27/09/1997 (ANA)
Mr. Pangalos said his meeting with his Yugoslav counterpart
Milan Milutinovic on Thursday afternoon had provided an
opportunity to discuss "re-incorporating Yugoslavia into
international life".
"Greece supports the re-entry of Yugoslavia to the UN," Mr.
Pangalos said, adding that Russian Foreign Minister Yevgeny
Primakov had agreed with him on this point.
Mr. Pangalos said he also brought up with Mr. Milutinovic the
forthcoming Balkan summit in Crete as well as regional problems
and co-operation in the economic sector , as well as work
beginning in October on a road from northern Yugoslavia to
Greece.
[13] Vartholomeos, Russia's Alexiy confirm intent to co-operate
Moscow, 27/09/1997 (ANA - D. Konstantakopoulos)
Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos met with Patriarch Alexiy of
Moscow and All Russia in Odessa recently and confirmed their
intent to help the two Orthodox churches co-operate more closely.
In a joint announcement quoted by Russian news agency ITAR-TASS,
they said "secessions and divisions in the church end up
bringing great losses, and we must do anything possible to heal
these wounds on the body of the church the soonest possible".
The statement added: "What is worst of all is that people suffer
(from secessions and divisions). They are unable to navigate in
a complex situation, they accept communion without communicating
with God's grace".
Vartholomeos met with Alexiy on the occasion of a Black Sea
environmental symposium entitled "Religion, Science and the
Environment", that was chaired by the former.
The meeting was significance in light of recent
misunderstandings between the two churches, which had led to a
cancellation by Vartholomeos of an official visit to Austria
where both Orthodox leaders would also have met with Pope John
Paul II.
"We are praying to God for the unity of the Ukrainian Church,"
Vartholomeos said, adding that the Ecumenical Patriarchate
recognizes the jurisdiction of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church and
its Metropolitan Vladimir, which is under Moscow's Patriarchate.
T he Ecumenical Patriarch, however, made it clear that good
wishes are not enough and what was needed was "to find ways to
restore the unity of the church the soonest possible".
The visit constitutes a recognition of Moscow's Patriarchate
over the Ukrainian church and prompted the angry reaction of
Philaretus, formerly metropolitan of Kiev, who complained he was
excluded from the welcoming of Vartholomeos.
Disagreements among churches in Russia became more obvious after
the break-up of the Soviet Union, with church policy becoming
associated with political interests and regional politicians
pushing for a total break-away from Moscow's jurisdiction.
Such cases are the church of the Ukraine, where three churches
have declared independence from Moscow, while the Russian
capital retains jurisdiction of eastern Ukraine and the Crimea
peninsula. Another problem was created by Estonia, whose
Orthodox faithful are divided in opinion between retaining ties
with Moscow or joining the Ecumenical Patriarchate's ranks. This
latter problem was solved by the two Orthodox leaders in a way
that satisfied all sides.
[14] Avramopoulos made honorary Chicagoan
Athens, 27/09/1997 (ANA)
Athens Mayor Demetris Avramopoulos was made an honorary citizen
of Chicago yesterday during a ceremony for the twinning of
Athens and the midwest metropolis.
Chicago is holding music and dance events to celebrate the
unification, which includes performances by Athens
municipality's orchestra.
[15] EU's Fischler hears Athens' position vis-a-vis EU enlargement
Athens, 27/09/1997 (ANA)
Agriculture Minister Stephanos Tzoumakas stressed to visiting EU
Commissioner Franz Fischler yesterday that Greece would show a
"constructive attitude" towards EU enlargement if the Commission
showed understanding regarding vital Greek interests in the
proposed Agenda 2000 reforms.
Agenda 2000 includes issues such as reduced prices, reduced
supports, and a lower level of protection - tariffs, taxes etc.
Mr. Fischler also met with Prime Minister Costas Simitis, main
opposition New Democracy party shadow agriculture minister
Savvas Tsitouridis and representatives of farmers, traders and
industrialists at the beginning of his briefing tour of all 15
EU capitals.
In all contacts, the Commissioner met with the uniform attitude
that Greek farmers could not pay the cost of enlargement, and
that all products should be treated as a package and on an equal
basis for north and south.
In effect, Athens' stance means that Greece will raise a veto to
enlargement if the quotas for cow's milk, cotton, and industrial
tomatoes are not increased, and if subsidies for olive oil and
tobacco are not increased, as well as if the use of sugar i n
wine is not forbidden and the quantities for the withdrawal and
exports of fruit and vegetables remain the same, Mr. Tzoumakas
said.
In a written statement later, the minister said: "At first
sight, the proposed changes will considerably restrict the flows
of Community of resources for the support of Greek agriculture.
Practically, Greece stands to lose, having a quite developed
vegetable production and a limited animal production."
Speaking to reporters, Mr. Fischler said "the reform is clearly
necessary" and that despite the increasing demand for food
worldwide, the gap of prices between the Community and the world
markets will remain if the present policies continue.
He also rejected the claim that the proposals for wheat, beef,
and milk represent the interests of northern producers and
consumers only.
[16] Papoutsis continues tour of Thessaly
Athens, 27/09/1997 (ANA)
European Union Commissioner Christos Papoutsis visited Karditsa
and Trikala yesterday as part of his tour of Thessaly.
Speaking to reporters on the business climate prevailing in
Greece, he said it is stable, adding that growth rates are
satisfactory and are above the EU averages.
Replying to questions on the accession course of Cyprus, Mr.
Papoutsis said the first negotiations to start on EU enlargement
will be with Cyprus. He said this means that accession will help
in general towards a solution to the Cyprus issue.
Mr. Papoutsis, who is touring Thessaly in the framework of the
European Commission's information campaign for the "Agenda
2000", met officials in Karditsa and Trikala for an exchange of
views, while he visited industrial units and projects being
finance d by the EU.
His tour will be concluded today with a visit to Volos in
central Greece.
[17] Cabinet discusses new framework for state procurements
Athens, 27/09/1997 (ANA)
The Cabinet yesterday discussed the final form of an
institutional framework for state procurements and public works.
A statement later said the government aimed to secure the
greatest possible degree of transparency and would never object
to subjecting any case causing controversy to auditing.
The new framework establishes full judicial protection in cases
of contraversion of rules in bidding procedures, compulsory
auditing by the State Audit Council for procurements worth more
than 500 million and for public projects worth more than one
bill ion drachmas.
It also provides for harmonization of national legislation with
the EU and extends its provision to certain types of
procurements for the armed forces.
The framework will be drafted within a month.
The government statement said that the framework promotes the
optimization of resources, establishes full transparency and
quality control, maximizes domestic production and discourages
potential speculation.
Finally, it was stressed that yesterday's decisions were not in
any way related to the organization of the Olympic Games of 2004.
[18] Opposition reaction
Athens, 27/09/1997 (ANA)
Commenting on the Cabinet's decisions on public procurements,
the main opposition New Democracy party said that the prime
minister was attempting for once more, through half measures, to
rid himself of the responsibility for the huge issue of
transparency in the public sector.
ND proposed the establishment of an independent administrative
authority and a strengthening of the State Audit Council for the
large projects and public procurements.
In another statement, ND called on the government to stop
deceiving EU partners when inviting them to dialogue, only to
ultimately use them as "mere decorative elements for the
promotion of its insensitive policies."
[19] Rock fans rush to Thessaloniki for U2 concert
Athens, 27/09/1997 (ANA)
Thessaloniki's center was jammed with traffic yesterday as
thousands of people converged on the city's port for last
night's scheduled concert by the Irish rock group U2.
Dozens of coaches had ferried in fans from all over the country
and from northern border points, where ticket-holders crossed
into Greece on foot after a customs officials' strike closed the
borders to road traffic.
Around 400 people have come from the Former Yugoslav Republic of
Macedonia (FYROM), 500 from Turkey and another 150 from
Belgrade. The customs strike also delayed the arrival of trucks
containing stage sets and equipment.
The members of U2 were expected to take the stage at around 10
p.m., flying in about an hour earlier from Crete where they have
been vacationing.
The group's fee for last night's performance, reportedly 650
million drachmas, is being provided by the Cultural Capital of
Europe Organization, the culture ministry, the General
Secretariat for Youth and business sponsors, apart from ticket
sales.
Immediately after the concert, the stage set and equipment will
be loaded onto a ship for Tel Aviv, Israel, where U2 will hold
their next performance.
Group members are expected to continue their mini holiday on
Crete.
[20] Alliance of European News Agencies held in Geneva
Geneva, 27/09/1997 (ANA)
Newspapers, in their traditional but also their electronic form,
as well as reliable, analytical and in-depth journalism will
continue providing the basic source of information for citizens
in the cyber era, participants at the 40th general assembly of
the Alliance of European News Agencies were told yesterday.
The assembly was attended by the general directors of 26 of the
0 European news agencies.
The general director of the World Press Organization (WAN -
formerly FIEJ), Timothy Bolding, referred to the increase in the
sales of certain newspapers noted in the last two years,
underlined the return of the young to traditional values, and
stressed that "the newspaper of the future will be that which
will respond to the citizens' more specialized needs and will be
offered to him in all possible forms".
Reuters editor-in-chief Mark Wood referred to the huge prospects
held by digital technology and to the need for news agencies to
utilize all possible forms of communication. Bloomberg's
founder, Michael Bloomberg, stressed the role of news agencies
in t he efforts of all media in restricting their costs,
referred to the prospect of 'personal television' (TV per se),
and described as positive the fact that the newspapers already
use the advantages of radio and television in their competition
with them.
The general assembly was also briefed on the draft resolution
for strengthening the press, submitted to the Culture and Media
Committee of the Europarliament by Greek Euro-MP Katerina
Daskalaki. The general secretary of the alliance expressed
satisfaction with the fact that Ms Daskalaki accepted the
amendments proposed by the alliance, and stressed that "such
initiatives are worth the appreciation of all in the media."
Finally, the General Assembly unanimously elected ANA general
director Andreas Christodoulides to the post of Vice-President
of the Alliance of European News Agencies.
[21] Ecumenical Patriarch in Thessaloniki tomorrow
Athens, 27/09/1997 (ANA)
Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos, due on an official visit to
Thessaloniki, is scheduled to meet here tomorrow with President
of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos. The Patriarch will be
accorded head-of-state honors during his arrival at the central
Aristotelous Square at 10:00 a.m. His visit will end on Oct. 2.
At a press conference in Romania signaling the end of a recent
symposium focusing on the Black Sea region's environment, which
the Patriarch chaired, Vartholomeos said the Ecumenical
Patriarchate's concern over the environment had begun during his
predecessor's reign. He said that ecological seminars were
sponsored by the Patriarchate every summer, while a congress
would take place on the small island of Halki.
"All clerics at the Patriarchate will be mobilized in the
struggle to save the environment. They will be briefing the
faithful and encouraging initiatives that focus in this
direction," the Ecumenical Patriarch said. On dialogue between
the churches, Vartholomeos said the Ecumenical Patriarchate
"promotes dialogue between churches and religions not only on
religious issues, but also on issues concerning lay people,
regardless of religious inclinations".
[22] Karamanlis pledges equality for women
Athens, 27/09/1997 (ANA)
Main opposition New Democracy party leader Costas Karamanlis
yesterday addressed the 22nd General Assembly of the European
Women's Union, comprised of women members of Christian
Democratic parties of the European Union, central and eastern
Europe.
Mr. Karamanlis, noting that the proportion of women represented
at decision-making level was lower than in many other European
states, said his party had the political will to redress this
imbalance.
The New Democracy party, he said, was struggling to bring about
the implementation of "formal equality before the law".
He also called for particular emphasis on fighting the sexual
exploitation of women and child pornography.
[23] Greek, European experts debate repairs for war-hit monuments
Athens, 27/09/1997 (ANA)
Experts from Europe and the Balkans began a three-day meeting in
Greece yesterday to discuss restoring monuments damaged during
years of fighting in countries of the former Yugoslavia.
The experts, who will also examine southeast European states
unscathed by the war, plan to seek ways of cataloguing monuments
in the region and funding restoration.
Financing available under programs of the European Union,
international organizations, national and local government, and
private groups will be listed.
The forum is organized by the Technical Chamber of Greece (TEE)
and ICOMOS, an international group that keeps track of monuments
and their sites.
"(The war in former Yugoslavia) also damaged monuments, which
were in the front line because they symbolized religious dogma,
beliefs and the values of local cultures," ICOMOS president
Nikos Agriantonis and TEE president Costas Liaskas said in a
joint statement.
The two groups decided to undertake the groundwork for future
restoration due to the weak economies of the countries in the
region.
"Publicity about the monuments has shed little light.
International co-operation is needed in the few cases where
there is room for action," the two officials said.
The destruction of the region's cultural heritage, including
architecture, was irreversible in many instances, the two
officials said.
[24] Greek equities ease back in correction after all-time high
Athens, 27/09/1997 (ANA)
Greek equities eased back slightly in the last trading session
of the week on the Athens Stock Exchange in what traders
described as a normal correction after Thursday's new all-time
record.
The general index closed 0.34 percent down at 1,734.12 points to
show a 3.19 percent gain on the week.
Trading was extremely heavy with turnover at a record 85.7
billion drachmas, driven up by a block trade in AGET-Heracles
worth 62 billion drachmas.
Sector indices ended mixed. Banks fell 1.0 percent, Leasing was
1.05 percent off, Insurance gained 1.60 percent, Investment fell
0.03 percent, Industrials increased 0.20 percent, Construction
eased 1.57 percent, Holding fell 0.02 percent and Miscellaneous
ended 1.28 percent down.
The parallel market index for small cap companies was unchanged.
Broadly, decliners led advancers by 149 to 82 with another 22
issues unchanged.
Hellenic Bottling, Vasilopoulos, Metrolife and Kambas scored the
biggest percentage gains, hitting the daily upper limit.
Sarandopoulos, Halyps Cement, Benroubi and Heliofin suffered the
heaviest losses.
National Bank of Greece ended at 34,300 drachmas, Ergobank at
18,600, Alpha Credit Bank at 20,175, Delta Dairy at 3,805, Titan
Cement at 16,650, Intracom at 14,700 and Hellenic
Telecommunications Organization at 6,850 drachmas.
In the domestic foreign exchange market the US dollar fell by
0.95 percent against the drachma, while the DMark gained ground.
[25] Greek bourse sees historic moment on economic euphoria
Athens, 27/09/1997 (ANA)
The Athens Stock Exchange saw a historic moment this week with
the general index hitting a new all-time high on Thursday,
reflecting the market's euphoria over economic prospects and
favorable corporate results.
Turnover substantially improved to an average of 34.8 billion
drachmas against 22.5 billion in the previous week, boosted by
the transaction of a large block of shares in AGET-Heracles.
The market ended the week with a 3.19 percent gain. The
insurance and industrials sectors led the advance with a 5.73
and 5.29 percent rise respectively.
Traders noted that buying interest focused on small and medium
sized stocks in the last two weeks with the market trying to
avoid opening new positions in blue-chip stocks like banks, a
pattern followed in the first half of the year. But blue chip
trade helped the market to hit its historic high.
The bourse has flourished since Athens was awarded the 2004
Olympic Games, but it has also reacted positively to favorable
corporate results and the government's intention to speed up
privatization through the bourse.
[26] EU Commissioner tries to reassure Greek farmers
Athens, 27/09/1997 (ANA)
There is no reason for concern that Greek farmers' incomes will
drop due to the European Union's planned expansion by gaining
new members in eastern Europe, EU Commissioner for Agriculture
Franz Fischler said yesterday.
Mr. Fischler was responding to questions during a visit to
Athens as part of a tour of European Union capitals to present
the Commission's proposals on reform of the Common Agricultural
Policy (CAP).
He told reporters at a news conference that the European
Commission would submit specific proposals on goods and sectors
after the EU's summit in Luxembourg in December.
He stressed that the Commission, the EU's executive, aimed to
improve regional infrastructure and create new jobs in order to
sustain the farming population in EU regions.
The EU Commissioner predicted that Greece's rural population
would shrink because of a continuous shift to urban centers.
[27] Greece recognizes importance of regional co-operation
Athens, 27/09/1997 (ANA)
Closer co-operation between countries of the Black Sea, Balkans
and Mediterranean has great importance for peoples in the
southeast Mediterranean, Alternate Foreign Minister George
Papandreou said yesterday.
Speaking at an international conference on Mediterranean
co-operation and development in the northern city of Kozani, he
said that the conference would have practical results in forging
closer co-operation within the region.
Development Under-secretary Anna Diamantopoulou described the
conference as the biggest economic event taking place in Greece,
citing the presence of ministers, deputies, local government
officials, chamber representatives, bankers and businessmen from
34 countries in the region.
The conference's target was to encourage the creation of joint
ventures among participating countries.
"Greece can and must play a bridging role in the region," Ms
Diamantopoulou said.
The second international conference on Mediterranean
co-operation and development is sponsored by the Mediterranean
Co-operation Foundation, Hellenic Export Promotion Organization,
Athens Industry Chamber, Thessaloniki International Fair,
Arab-Hellenic Chamber and the Euro-Balkan Co-operation
Foundation.
End of English language section.
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