Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 97-11-04
From: The Greek Press & Information Office, Ottawa Canada <[email protected]>
ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No 1331), November 4, 1997
Greek Press & Information Office
Ottawa, Canada
E-Mail Address: [email protected]
CONTENTS
[01] Simitis calls for institutionalization of SE European summits
[02] Greek proposal
[03] Regional co-operation still necessary
[04] Yilmaz response
[05] Afternoon session
[06] Simitis describes meeting with Yilmaz as 'useful'
[07] Yilmaz
[08] Pangalos stresses interest in rehabilitating relations with
Turkey
[09] Yilmaz wants mutual understanding - 'Hurriyet'
[10] Simitis holds separate talks with Balkan leaders
[11] Milosevic-Nano meeting focuses on Kosovo
[12] Simitis urges Balkan leaders to leave past behind, look ahead
[13] Language a sticking-point in better Bulgarian-FYROM relations
[14] Ankara stresses support for Skopje membership in NATO
[15] Balkan leaders' spouses tour Irakleion's archaeological museum
[16] ND on Simitis-Yilmaz meeting
[17] Violations of airspace, Athens FIR by Turkish warplanes reported
[18] Turkish military chief: 'We must avoid speaking of war'
[19] Two men convicted for last week's protests in Thessaloniki
[20] OECD session held in Athens on water resources
[21] President receives ESHEA honor
[22] Romeos discusses EU program for monitoring ship traffic
[23] Greek stocks rebound on stable money market rates
[24] Confidence in drachma boosted
[25] No new taxes to cure burden of monetary turmoil
[26] Social dialogue on employment issues
[27] EU urges growth initiative in third countries
[28] More than 30 new golf courses to be built in 3 years
[01] Simitis calls for institutionalization of SE European summits
Athens, 04/11/1997 (ANA)
Prime Minister Costas Simitis yesterday proposed the
institutionalization of co-operation between countries of
southeast Europe along the lines of the European Union, at the
morning session during the first day of a summit of Balkan
leaders in Crete.
In addition to further summit meetings, Mr. Simitis proposed the
convening of "councils of ministers" to promote separate issues
within their competence. At the end of the session, Foreign
Minister Theodoros Pangalos announced that the next meeting of
southeast Europe foreign ministers would be held in Istanbul in
June, while the heads of state and government would meet for the
second time in the Turkish port city of Antalya next October.
During the session, discussion also focused on the creation of a
center for the coordination of economic activities.
Mr. Pangalos said this issue had long been delayed "due to a
lack of political impetus".
He said the coordination of the activities of non-governmental
organizations was discussed "in a positive climate".
Clearly satisfied with the talks so far, Mr. Pangalos said
inter-Balkan co-operation was already a fact.
[02] Greek proposal
Athens, 04/11/1997 (ANA)
Presenting the framework of the Greek proposal "for the building
of a new reality in southeast Europe", Mr. Simitis said that
Balkan ministers competent for commerce and investments should
meet regularly, at least once a year, to examine the progress
made on decisions taken. "I should like also to propose that we
set up in Athens a center to bring legislation of the countries
of the region in line with the rules of the European Union.
"Greece has particular experience in this area and could make a
decisive contribution in this respect," Mr. Simitis said.
Turning to cross-border co-operation, Mr. Simitis proposed that
economy and finance ministers of the region should meet at least
once a year, and experts from the various countries once every
six months, "to examine the financing possibilities available
under various EU programs".
Of decisive importance for the further development of economic
co-operation in the region, Mr. Simitis continued, will be the
implementation of various decisions taken by the Balkan
governments in the sectors of transport, telecommunications and
energy.
Here too, Mr. Simitis proposed meetings of competent ministers
at least once a year and of experts every six months.
"I believe it is necessary to assign to the foreign ministers of
our countries the monitoring of the results of these meetings
and (for them) to discuss progress on these issues," Mr. Simitis
said.
[03] Regional co-operation still necessary
Athens, 04/11/1997 (ANA)
Mr. Simitis said the globalisation of the economy did not
eliminate the need for regional co-operation which, he stressed,
was of particular importance "in the case of countries like ours
which are relatively isolated geographically from the nucleus of
the European Union".
He stressed that the development of economic co-operation in the
region at all levels should be an absolute priority.
"The limited co-operation and economic relations which existed
between our countries until recently must now be replaced with a
network of initiatives and collaboration, bilateral and
multilateral, for the promotion of investments, common
infrastructures , technological co-operation, joint business
ventures, and the optimum use and improvement of human
resources," Mr. Simitis said.
Mr. Simitis urged efforts for the creation of "a more cohesive
area of financial co-operation in our region, characterized by
development and the convergence of our economies".
He said in order to upgrade "our position" in the international
distribution of labor and increase the competitiveness of "our
products", it was necessary to improve and expand "our
productive bases" through new investments, particularly in areas
of high added value and technology.
"Our countries will become attractive for new investments only
if they succeed in becoming parts of a broader market, which
will allow the proper exploitation of economies of scale," he
said.
Therefore, he continued, it was in the common interest to take
all the necessary measures to facilitate the free movement of
goods, services and capital, in line with the provisions of the
World Trade Organization and EU rules.
Of strategic importance for the future of the region, Mr.
Simitis said, was co-operation in the infrastructures sector.
"Today, most investments in the infrastructures sector are not
effective when they are designed for one country alone," he said.
Mr. Simitis noted that the systematic monitoring of the
implementation of the various economic co-operation decisions
taken by the countries of the region would require the operation
of a more permanent coordinating body, "for example, an
International Secretariat for the Conference of the countries of
Southeast Europe," in order to secure the necessary continuity
between the various meetings and serve as a point of reference
for all the states.
"Greece would be willing to host such a secretariat," he said.
[04] Yilmaz response
Athens, 04/11/1997 (ANA)
In the discussion following Mr. Simitis' presentation yesterday
morning, the other Balkan leaders concentrated on their
countries' concern for their future relations with NATO and the
European Union, practical measures to promote co-operation among
Balkan states and support for the idea of frequent communication
between leaders in the region.
According to informed sources, Turkish Prime Minister Mesut
Yilmaz congratulated Athens for promoting co-operation and
friendship in the region in the form of the summit.
Mr. Yilmaz also reportedly said that nationalism and intolerance
were threats that should be overcome. Co-operation, he added,
was moving forward, while the accession of the region's
countries was of strategic importance.
The Turkish prime minister also expressed approval of the
creation of a free trade zone, proposing that a Regional Trade
Center be based in Turkey.
Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic, expressing support for
the Greek initiative, emphasized the need to convince the
European Union to change its view with regard to the Balkans and
to change its policy of selective treatment (of countries in the
region).
Albanian Prime Minister Fatos Nano emphasized that efforts
should be directed toward the adoption of rules of democracy,
the protection of human rights and economic growth. Mr. Nano
proposed the foundation of a Center for Regional Cultural
Communication , based in Albania.
Bulgarian Prime Minister Ivan Kostov placed particular emphasis
on the need to develop regional networks in the sectors of
energy, communications and transport. He also expressed the hope
that the under-construction Egnatia motorway would reach "as far
as Varna".
Meanwhile, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM)
President Kiro Gligorov warned against any "hasty regional
integration in the creation of new European regions which did
not help the process of European integration", although he did
not rule out the development of all forms of co-operation in the
region.
With regard to the role of Greece as a member state of the
European Union and of NATO, Mr. Gligorov stressed that Greece
could help towards speeding up the process of accession to the
European Union and the Atlantic Alliance of countries in the
region.
This process, however, "should not benefit one country at the
expense of the whole region, nor should new centers of power be
created."
At the same time, the FYROM president proposed the creation of a
center, based in Skopje, aimed at assisting in the transition
from a planned economy to a market economy.
On his part, Romanian Prime Minister Victor Ciorbea expressed
support for the Greek initiative on the strengthening of
relations between countries in the region, stressing the need
for their joining Euro-Atlantic structures and called for an
acceleration in co-operation in the enterprises sector and
promotion of investments.
[05] Afternoon session
Athens, 04/11/1997 (ANA)
Speaking in the afternoon session, Mr. Simitis said the dramatic
changes of the last eight years in Europe proved the need for
peace, security and co-operation to become the central idea and
sole course for the future.
"The Balkans used to be called the powder-keg of Europe due to
the tensions and conflicts caused by the political, religious
and cultural diversity and the particularly sensitive
geopolitical position. What needs to be determined is the
framework for the new course," he said.
He set as a matter of foremost priority the respect for
international law at all decision and action levels, pointing
out that previously hostile nations, such as France and Germany,
developed on a similar level in the post-war period.
"A second issue concerns the characteristics of the society that
will emerge, given that the foundations of a healthy and fair
society are democracy, freedom, the rule of law, human rights,
equality before the law, and social justice...
"A third issue is the promotion of economic co-operation,
communication and closer ties between the peoples of the
Balkans, through academic, professional, and cultural
associations, trade unions, local authorities etc.
The prime minister assured his counterparts that Greece will do
everything possible to promote the new goals, and will undertake
joint initiatives with other countries so that Balkan nations
will come nearer the new reality, with closer links or members
hip of the European Union and/or NATO.
Summing up the issues raised by the Balkan leaders, government
spokesman Demetris Reppas stressed firstly, that the creation of
a climate of confidence, that would involve the use of dialogue
as a means for solving differences, was a common desire.
Secondly, they stressed that co-operation should be intensified
as behaviors and mentalities of the past still posed dangers,
and thirdly, that ways should be examined for closer
co-operation with the European Union.
Other issues discussed included the problems of crime, drugs and
illegal immigration.
[06] Simitis describes meeting with Yilmaz as 'useful'
Athens, 04/11/1997 (ANA)
Prime Minister Costas Simitis last night described as a "useful"
step a meeting with his Turkish counterpart Mesut Yilmaz on the
sidelines of the southeast European leaders' summit on Crete.
Mr. Simitis told reporters after the meeting, which lasted one
hour and 20 minutes, that both sides had expressed their support
for the Madrid declaration of principles to smooth out
relations, signed between the two countries last July, and
agreed to continue the process of exchanging views through
bilateral committees of experts as well as to treat the 1988
Papoulias-Yilmaz memorandum as a basis for overcoming disputes.
"Mr. Yilmaz believes that problems can be overcome by dialogue
on all issues, which however, has taken place in the past, but
without results. We insist on a step-by-step approach, and
particularly on the steps we have defined for overcoming
differences ," the Greek premier said.
Mr. Simitis said he reminded his counterpart that an answer was
still pending to the latest Greek expert committee's letter,
adding that the recent climate of conflict was of benefit to no
one and that the two countries should co-operate. "Other issues
of common interest, such as the fight against drug trafficking
and illegal immigration were also discussed. There are issues
which unite us and others that separate us. Those uniting us can
be treated in the framework of bilateral co-operation," he said .
Referring to the issue of dialogue in general, he said there are
inhibitions, such as "we should not be talking to the other side
because it betrays a yielding attitude."
"The unyielding attitude is not a refusal to talk. Rather, it
gives strength to negotiating and the promotion of our
positions. We have no hesitation in talking to anyone," Mr.
Simitis said.
Finally, the Greek prime minister said he had accepted an
invitation to visit Turkey at a date to be determined through
diplomatic channels.
Athens, 04/11/1997 (ANA)
Turkish press sources later said Mr. Yilmaz described the
meeting as useful and positive, saying it had given the
opportunity for clearing up many of the misunderstandings
between the two countries.
Questioned on Mr. Simitis' reaction to his proposal for
unconditional dialogue, Mr. Yilmaz was reported as saying that
he found it "constructive", stressing he had no doubt that if
the Greek side continued its positive approach, then Turkey
would reciprocate, even in double measure.
He added that the bilateral experts committees should regain
precious time lost in its operation.
According to the same sources, Mr. Yilmaz said there could also
be other mechanisms between the two countries and reiterated
that Turkey supported the Solana ideas for confidence-building
measures in the Aegean and that his country ruled out no means
of peaceful resolution of bilateral differences, including
international adjudication or arbitration.
He reiterated that dialogue under terms and conditions could not
take place, adding that what the two countries should do was to
find mechanisms for solving their differences.
"It is not conceivable that only one problem be presented and
only one mechanism of resolution be indicated," Mr. Yilmaz said.
[08] Pangalos stresses interest in rehabilitating relations with
Turkey
Athens, 04/11/1997 (ANA)
Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos stressed yesterday that
Greece was greatly interested in establishing good relations
with neighboring Turkey, just a few hours before the talks
between the prime ministers of the two countries.
Mr. Pangalos was speaking to reporters after the first session
of the Balkan summit at Agia Pelagia and hours before the
Simitis-Yilmaz talks.
The Greek foreign minister declined to make any forecast about
the result of the talks between the two premiers, saying it was
something that concerned only them.
He added that the Balkan leaders who requested bilateral talks
with Mr. Simitis were able to choose the manner in which the
meeting would be held, noting that both Mr. Yilmaz and Albanian
Premier Fatos Nano had asked for one-on-one talks with the Greek
premier.
Asked whether it would be possible for Greece and Turkey, in
view of the summit, to postpone the military exercises currently
being conducted by both countries, Mr. Pangalos replied that it
was not possible to suspend exercises which had already begun.
"What is important is that the exercises be conducted without
creating any problems," he stressed.
Replying to other questions, Mr. Pangalos noted that the
recognition of the compulsory jurisdiction of the International
Court at the Hague was not a Greek demand but a prerequisite for
participation in the European Union.
He underlined that all European countries had acknowledged the
jurisdiction of the International Court.
Asked to comment on statements on yesterday by Turkish Foreign
Minister Ismail Cem concerning the peaceful settlement of
disputes in the manner stipulated by article 33 of the UN
Charter, Mr. Pangalos said Mr. Cem's position was completely
compatible with the need to recognize the compulsory
jurisdiction of The Hague court.
He also expressed satisfaction at the position expressed by his
Turkish counterpart.
Concerning the reservation expressed by Greece with respect to
the jurisdiction of the International Court, Mr. Pangalos said
it pertained to matters of defense and national security, adding
that similar reservations had been expressed by many countries ,
including the United States.
"If Turkey too accepts the compulsory jurisdiction of the
International Court, then it too will be able to express one or
more reservations and the two countries (Greece and Turkey) will
then be able to see which issues they can resolve at the Hague,"
Mr. Pangalos said.
At this point, Mr. Pangalos said that the issue of the
delineation of the Aegean continental shelf could be examined by
the International Court, expressing his conviction that "in
reality, this is the only real problem between the two
countries".
[09] Yilmaz wants mutual understanding - 'Hurriyet'
Istanbul, 04/11/1997 (ANA - A. Kourkoulas)
Turkey's major goal is to avert an accident that could lead to
open conflict, Turkish Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz said in an
interview in the Turkish daily "Hurriyet", published yesterday.
"In my opinion there is nothing which cannot be resolved through
mutual understanding," he said with regard to the current Balkan
summit and his talks with the Greek prime minister, although his
expectations from their meeting last night were reserved.
"Conditions, as far as both Mr. (Costas) Simitis and his party
as well as domestic policy is concerned, are not particularly
appropriate," he said.
Mr. Yilmaz also observed that following the Papandreou-Ozal
meeting in Davos in 1988 and the Madrid communiqui signed
earlier this year, reactions within Greece had not permitted the
implementation of what had been agreed upon.
He drew attention to international interest in this week's
talks, saying that NATO Secretary General Javier Solana had
repeatedly telephoned him to assure him that he wished to
contribute to the success of the meeting.
"Both the European Union and the United States are closely
following (the talks) and are expecting a positive step," said
the Turkish premier, adding that he felt the meeting itself was
a positive step.
"A second positive step is the fact that we are not squabbling
like (Greek and Turkish foreign ministers) Pangalos and Cem," he
added.
[10] Simitis holds separate talks with Balkan leaders
Athens, 04/11/1997 (ANA)
Prime Minister Costas Simitis met earlier with Former Yugoslav
Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) President Kiro Gligorov. No
statements were made after the meeting.
The Greek premier also held cordial meetings with his Bulgarian
and Romanian counterparts, Ivan Kostov and Victor Ciorbea,
respectively.
Regarding his meeting with Mr. Kostov, Mr. Simitis said there
was a new climate in bilateral relations, an agreement had been
reached on waters of the Nestos River, and the borders are now
more open than previously.
Mr. Kostov also stressed the good relations between the two
countries and the need for continuing dialogue on the issues
still outstanding.
Sources said both sides expressed willingness to intensify
efforts to make the Burgas-Alexandroupoli oil pipeline project a
reality.
Regarding his meeting with his Romanian counterpart, Mr. Simitis
also stressed the good state of relations and the potential for
further developing trade relations.
Mr. Ciorbea expressed his country's desire for EU membership,
which Greece supports.
After his meetings with the participating leaders he said all
sides accepted an initiative by Athens to discuss problems in
the Balkans.
In terms of bilateral relations, he said those are developing
well, adding that there is a desire among all the region's
nations for EU accession, while he stressed the government's
political will to assist in the upgrading of relations between
Balkan nations and the EU.
[11] Milosevic-Nano meeting focuses on Kosovo
Athens, 04/11/1997 (ANA)
Albanian Prime Minister Fatos Nano yesterday hailed as
"his-toric" a meeting on the sidelines of the southeast European
countries' summit on Crete with Yugoslav President Slobodan
Milosevic, which lasted approximately an hour and a half.
Speaking to reporters, Mr. Nano said "new foundations are
created for the closer co-operation between the two countries",
adding that new meetings between the two leaders would take
place.
Yugoslavia and Albania are at odds over the Serbian province of
Kosovo, a region inhabited by predominately ethnic Albanians.
Mr. Milosevic referred to an Albanian "minority", indicating
that "their problem will be resolved in the framework of
international law" and on the basis of Yugoslavia's policy
promoting the equality of ethnic groups.
Mr. Nano spoke of a an "Albanian community" and underlined that
its problem should be dealt with in the same European framework
as other communities.
On his part, Mr. Milosevic said he had asked that the issue of
Serbs and Montenegrins living in Albania be discussed, and added
that Kosovo was an inseparable part of Serbia and was an
internal Yugoslav issue.
He described his meeting with the Albanian prime minister as "a
start to the process for smoothing out relations between
Yugoslavia and Albania," and as "very interesting and good for
both sides".
"I hope in our next meeting, we shall be able to say much more,"
he concluded.
[12] Simitis urges Balkan leaders to leave past behind, look ahead
Athens, 04/11/1997 (ANA)
Greece's Prime Minister Costas Simitis yesterday called for a
"new reality" and a "new page" to be turned in the Balkans in
order to avoid a return to "old practices", which he warned
would lead the region to "defeat".
Opening the first-ever Balkan summit, entitled the informal
southeastern Europe meeting, at Agia Pelagia near the Cretan
capital of Irakleio, Mr. Simitis said that international law,
international treaties and international bodies of justice "must
comprise the inalienable element of every policy seeking the
settlement of differences. It is the only road to consolidating
peace and to achieving the development and prosperity of our
peoples through co-operation".
"We all find ourselves at a historic crossroads, and if we
persist on old practices would be tantamount to defeat," he told
the heads of state or government of Albania, Bosnia, Bulgaria,
the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), Romania,
Turkey and Yugoslavia.
"For many, our region is still an area of disputes. They see
dangers, keep their distances, hesitate to embrace our region
when they draft the major policies that formulate the Europe of
tomorrow. This situation must change. We must change it," Mr.
Simitis told the two-day summit.
"The first major development we are all experiencing is the
globalisation of the economy, which is being followed, with
smaller but decisive steps, by the globalisation of the
political system. Economic frontiers of all kinds have already
been abolished in large groupings of states, such as those
comprising the European Union, or are headed to complete
abolition in the framework of even wider international
organizations, such as the World Trade Organization (WTO). This
momentous development demands adaptation, it demands new
policies that open up, with perspicacity, the prospects of our
countries for the next century," Mr. Simitis said.
The Greek premier said "the second major challenge is to seek
new perceptions on all crucial issues".
He said solutions could not be sought "only on the basis of
perceptions that were formulated many decades ago. Concepts that
once determined the dominant mentality in the international
community, such as vital space or sphere of influence, no longer
correspond to a new reality of co-operation".
"The third challenge concerning our region arises from the fact
that what other European peoples have achieved continues to be
fragile for us: Peace, stability, the certainty that our people
will not again face the prospect of a conflagration which would
cost lives. To overcome the present uncertainty, international
law, international treaties and international bodies of justice
must comprise the inalienable element of every policy seeking
the settlement of differences. It is the only road to
consolidating peace and to achieving the development and
prosperity of our peoples through co-operation," he said.
"The new European reality creates momentum. We can take part in
and influence developments. The lonely path of each of us
increases the distance from the goals that we all envisage for
the interests of our peoples. Our peoples want contact,
co-operation, conciliation. It is our duty to give them that
prospect," he added.
Mr. Simitis called for the consolidation of peace, respect of
international law, economic co-operation and solidarity in the
Balkans, and said: "Our meeting is an indication of the
political will of all of us to begin, together, a new effort
that will be founded on peace and respect for international law,
on the desire for full-scale economic co-operation and
solidarity, on the common search for the answers to the problems
that have divided us until now. My country has the sincere
desire to contribute, with all its abilities, to the creation of
a new reality. I call on you to unite our forces so that hope
for a better tomorrow will be born in all our peoples."
[13] Language a sticking-point in better Bulgarian-FYROM relations
Athens, 04/11/1997 (ANA)
The "language problem" is the main obstacle to improvement of
relations between Bulgaria and the Former Yugoslav Republic of
Macedonia (FYROM), according to diplomatic observers at the
Crete summit of southeast Europe leaders.
The observations came after a half-hour meeting Sunday night
between FYROM President Kiro Gligorov and Bulgarian Prime
Minister Ivan Kostov.
Mr. Gligorov raised the language issue during the sideline
meeting with Mr. Kostov, who replied that overall co-operation
"can proceed by leaving aside the language problem."
Mr. Kostov side-stepped a reminder by Mr. Gligorov that there
were about 20 economic co-operation agreements between the two
countries that were pending signature.
Sources close to the FYROM delegation believe that Mr. Kostov
was not authorized to discuss the issue, and that it fell under
the authority of Bulgarian President Petar Stoyanov.
Bulgarian officials have long claimed that the language spoken
by most of FYROM's slavophone residents is simply a Bulgarian
dialect. Conversely, Skopje's leadership claims that most
residents in the landlocked country speak a distinct Slavic
language.
[14] Ankara stresses support for Skopje membership in NATO
Athens, 04/11/1997 (ANA)
Turkish Prime Minister Yilmaz expressed his government's active
support for the accession of FYROM to NATO, in a meeting with
the central Balkan nation's President, Kiro Gligorov, on the
sidelines of the Crete summit.
During the meeting, which lasted more than an hour, the two
countries' "excellent" political relations were stressed, while
Mr. Yilmaz said his government has decided to give new impetus
to economic relations.
The Turkish premier also said that both he and Turkish President
Suleyman Demirel would visit Skopje within 1998.
[15] Balkan leaders' spouses tour Irakleion's archaeological museum
Athens, 04/11/1997 (ANA)
The spouses of the heads of government and state and of foreign
ministers attending the summit yesterday were given a guided
tour of the Irakleio Archaeological Museum, amidst strict
security measures.
Turkey's first lady, Verna Yilmaz, was absent from the tour due
to ill health although Turkish Foreign Minister Ismail Cem's
wife was present.
The museum and surrounding area was swept by specially trained
sniffer dogs for any possible explosive devices before the visit
while anti-terrorist and special forces police were on guard
before and during the guided tour by the director of the museum'
s curator.
The coach carrying Daphne Simitis, the wife of the Greek prime
minister and the hostess of the events, and the spouses of the
Bulgarian and Albanian premiers and of the Yugoslav and Former
Yugoslav Republic of Macedonian (FYROM) presidents was
accompanied by motorcycle escorts, three police cars and two
security vehicles.
The wife of Romanian Premier Victor Corbea arrived at the museum
separately, having reached Crete only yesterday morning.
Reporters were barred from the museum during the visit.
At a ceremony later at the town hall, Mayor Costas Aslanis
presented each of the women with the municipality's gold medal.
Mrs. Yilmaz joined the group at the town hall, where the program
included a performance by the municipal string quartet and youth
orchestra and was followed by a reception.
[16] ND on Simitis-Yilmaz meeting
Athens, 04/11/1997 (ANA)
The main opposition New Democracy party termed yesterday's
meeting between Prime Minister Costas Simitis and his Turkish
counterpart Mesut Yilmaz "a failure."
ND spokesman Aris Spiliotopoulos said the failure of the meeting
"confirms once again the intransigent and provocative policy of
Turkey."
Mr. Spiliotopoulos also criticized the government, saying "it is
insisting in its passive policy which, given the position of
Turkey, is leading to deadlocks."
The announcement was made after a meeting convened at party
headquarters by ND leader Costas Karamanlis.
[17] Violations of airspace, Athens FIR by Turkish warplanes reported
Athens, 04/11/1997 (ANA)
Multiple infringements of the Athens Flight Information Region
(FIR) regulations as well as several violations of Greek
airspace over the Aegean by Turkish warplanes were reported
yesterday.
The violations came as leaders from eight Balkan countries,
including Turkey, were holding their first round of summit talks
on Crete. National defense ministry sources said 26 Turkish F-16
fighters and four formations of F-4 "Phantoms" infringed Athens
FIR regulations over the central Aegean, while one pair of
intruders also violated Greek national airspace over Samos.
Sources at the defense ministry said another three pairs of
Turkish F-16s violated Athens FIR regulations in the
southeastern Aegean, south of Rhodes.
In all instances the Turkish warplanes were intercepted by
Hellenic Air Force Mirage 2000 and F-16 fighters, while on seven
occasions the mid-air interception procedure developed into an
engagement, according to reports.
[18] Turkish military chief: 'We must avoid speaking of war'
Istanbul, (ANA - A. Kourkoulas)
Replying to questions by the press yesterday, Turkish General
Staff Chief Gen. Ismail Hakki Karadayi said "we must avoid
speaking of war."
"It is impossible for these exercises to lead to war," he added.
Gen. Karadayi made his observations at an art exhibition by
former Turkish general and president Kenan Evren, inaugurated in
Ankara yesterday.
"Both sides are facing issues with calm," he said, adding that
"both peoples do not feel any hostility for each other."
The observations come at a time when a climate of tension and
conflict is being created in Turkey over exercises being
conducted in the Aegean and the Turkish-occupied part of Cyprus.
In another development, the Turkish general staff briefed
military attaches of foreign embassies in Ankara yesterday,
including the Greek attachi, on the military exercises -
codenamed "Determina-tion '97" and "Taurus '97" which are being
conducted in the eastern Mediterranean and the Turkish-occupied
part of Cyprus.
The Anatolian News Agency reported that the foreign military
attaches were given a detailed briefing on the targets of the
exercises and their scenarios.
Earlier, Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesman Kermet Atazali said:
"Certain friendly and allied countries, as well as NATO's
secretary general, made efforts to have the exercises postponed,
that Turkey and Greece had announced prior to the inter-Balkan
conference, which started on Crete today."
"Turkey notified the interested parties that the dates of the
exercises... had been determined much earlier, while the
exercise announced by Greece had not been determined beforehand.
Unfortunately, the exercises are being carried out at the
moment. The so le reason for the failure of efforts is that a
positive reply was not given by Greece," he added.
[19] Two men convicted for last week's protests in Thessaloniki
Athens, 04/11/1997 (ANA)
Two men arrested last week for provoking clashes between police
and demonstrators outside the Thessaloniki Chamber of Commerce,
where several Greek and Turkish businessmen were scheduled to
hold a joint event, were sentenced yesterday to four-month jail
terms each.
A 24-year-old medical student was convicted of throwing objects
at the businessmen as they left the chamber, while a 26-year-old
laborer was arrested for verbally abusing a Turkish businessman.
Both said they would appeal their sentences and were released on
bond.
[20] OECD session held in Athens on water resources
Athens, 04/11/1997 (ANA)
The management of water resources in agriculture will be the
main subject for discussion at a three-day working session by
the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development
(OECD), which opened in Athens yesterday.
The session, attended by scientists from 70 counties, is
organized by the agriculture ministry.
Conclusions are essentially expected to contribute to
determining possible policies to be implemented by OECD
member-countries in order to secure sustainable water resources.
Declaring the session open, Agriculture Minister Stephanos
Tzoumakas said the management and protection of water resources
was an issue of major concern for the government.
Even though water quality in Greece is generally good, there is
a problem in quantity, owing mainly to unequal rainfall in
various regions.
In the session's first day, participants heard that in a few
years' time water may be more expensive even than oil, if
measures are not taken.
Conclusions of the meeting will be announced tomorrow.
[21] President receives ESHEA honor
Athens, 04/11/1997 (ANA)
President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos said yesterday
he fully accepted criticism but in silence, as it was not
permissible for the president of the republic to respond or to
become involved in disputes.
The president was speaking at a ceremony in which he was
presented with an award by the Journalists' Union of Athens
(ESHEA).
Mr. Stephanopoulos was apparently referring to criticism of
statements he made on the national holiday of 28 October, to the
effect that the Turks "had no civilization".
Earlier, the president referred to the "symbolic" nature of his
post and to the possibilities he had of coming into contact with
the people, "contact in which it is not possible for him to
remain silent".
Turning to the role of the press, Mr. Stephanopoulos said
journalists were only subject to their own consciences and that
they should follow the fundamental rule of democracy which was
self-regulation.
ESHEA president Aristides Manolakos praised Mr. Stephanopoulos
saying:
"(His behavior) is founded in his realization of his duty and
his responsibility to society as a whole."
[22] Romeos discusses EU program for monitoring ship traffic
Brussels, 04/11/1997 (ANA - G. Daratos)
Public Order Minister George Romeos held talks with European
Commission services here yesterday, focusing on the
possibilities for European funding to a system of electronic
(video) monitoring of ship traffic in the Aegean and Ionian.
More specifically, the system has already been installed and
operates in Spain. It comprises a chain of coastal stations,
which systematically videotape shipping, reaching as far as
200km from the coast.
The system, called Vessel Traffic Control, is used to facilitate
traffic of all types of vessels, irrespective of length, as well
as to locate oil leaks and other waste dropped into the sea.
With an average of 100 illegal immigrants entering the country
daily by sailing across the Aegean, Greece wants to install such
a system urgently to deal with the serious problem.
Mr. Romeos was briefed on the problems in going ahead with the
project by the director of the Cohesion Fund, which could
approve of funding of up to ECU 12 million.
The Greek minister also discussed with the relevant European
Union services the possibilities of funding by the Regional Fund
under the Community Support Framework II, for a program to equip
traffic police on major motorways with high-speed cars and
towing vehicles.
Greek authorities may soon publish a guide containing tips and
advice, with economic assistance by the EU, to be distributed
free-of-charge to drivers on national motorways.
[23] Greek stocks rebound on stable money market rates
Athens, 04/11/1997 (ANA)
Greek equities rebounded spectacularly on the Athens Stock
Exchange yesterday breaking a six-day sharp fall in prices.
The general index closed 3.53 percent higher at 1,541.10 points,
recovering a small part of its previous week's heavy losses,
totaling 14.25 percent.
Traders said an improvement in the domestic money market climate
and a decline in interbank interest rates encouraged buying in
stock shares.
A general recovery in international markets also helped
sentiment.
Trading was extremely heavy with turnover at 30.3 billion
drachmas.
Sector indices scored gains. Banks rose 2.75 per cent, Insurance
jumped 5.48 per cent, Leasing increased 1.80 per cent,
Investment rose by 5.76 per cent, Construction soared to 6.03
per cent, Industrials rose 5.20 per cent, Miscellaneous
increased 5.95 per cent and Holding was 4.18 per cent up.
The parallel market index for small cap companies was 5.36 per
cent higher.
Broadly, advancing issues led declining ones by 199 to 31, with
another 13 issues unchanged.
Intracom, Mailis, Syswear, Singular and Altec scored the largest
percentage gains at the ceiling of 8.0 per cent, while Pairis,
Demetriades, Macedonian Mills, Mochlos and Agrinio Metalplastics
suffered the heaviest losses.
National Bank of Greece ended at 29,000, Ergobank at 16,200,
Alpha Credit Bank at 18,645, Delta Dairy at 3,700, Titan Cement
at 14,185, Intracom at 12,895 and Hellenic Telecommunications
Organization (OTE) at 5,680.
[24] Confidence in drachma boosted
Athens, 04/11/1997 (ANA)
The inflow of 250 million ECU in the domestic foreign exchange
market, as reported by the Bank of Greece, was seen as a sign of
restoring confidence in the Greek drachma.
The drachma was again stable against the ECU while the US dollar
was slightly higher against the Greek currency.
[25] No new taxes to cure burden of monetary turmoil
Athens, 04/11/1997 (ANA)
The finance ministry yesterday rejected press reports that the
government has taken final decisions over next year's budget
revenues linked to the recent monetary turmoil.
Finance Under-secretary George Drys, in an interview with the
daily newspaper "Ethnos" commented that the Greek economy would
suffer serious consequences due to a crisis in the stock market
and a speculative attack on the drachma.
He stressed however that the extra burden would not be linked to
new taxes.
Mr. Drys said the ministry was considering raising living
standards taxes on boats and cars to 10 percent, property taxes
by 20 to 25 percent and underlined that small and medium sized
enterprises would face an increase in taxes of no more than 20
percent in 1998.
The finance ministry is also examining to implement a 0.3
percent tax on stock share transactions in the Athens Stock
Exchange, raising taxes on state securities to 7.5 percent, a
rise in tobacco tax and a monthly surcharge on mobile telephones.
[26] Social dialogue on employment issues
Athens, 04/11/1997 (ANA)
The government yesterday discussed with representatives from
workers and employers ways to support employment in the European
Union and a cutback in weekly working hours ahead of an EU
Employment Conference to be held November 20-21 in Luxembourg.
The meeting, chaired by National Economy and Finance Minister
Yiannos Papantoniou, was attended by Labor Minister Miltiades
Papaioannou, Federation of Greek Industries President Jason
Stratos and General Confederation of Workers of Greece (GSEE)
president Christos Polyzogopoulos.
Mr. Papantoniou said the government would agree on its final
positions at a meeting chaired by the Prime Minister Costas
Simitis.
After the meeting, Mr. Polyzogopoulos said that workers asked
the government to raise the issues of further community funds to
support employment and lower weekly working hours to 35 in the
European Union.
[27] EU urges growth initiative in third countries
Athens, 04/11/1997 (ANA)
European Union member-states' growth was linked directly to the
development of third countries, a working group of European
development representatives was told during a seminar in Hania,
Crete, yesterday.
The issue was of particular interest to Greece which faced large
inflows of immigrants from neighboring Balkan countries, mainly
from Albania, Bulgaria, Romania, former Yugoslav republics and
former Soviet Union republics.
EU's executive commission argues that if coordinated efforts and
specific growth initiatives were taken in these countries their
citizens would have no reason to seek a better life abroad.
[28] More than 30 new golf courses to be built in 3 years
Athens, 04/11/1997 (ANA)
Although Greece is far behind most western and tourism-developed
countries as far as golf courses are concerned, this trend is
hoped to be reversed over the next three-year period, as there
will be a gradual effort to build more than 30 courses,
according to the Greek Tourism Organization (EOT).
EOT Secretary General Nikos Skoulas, who is participating in the
first international conference on tourism and golf held in
Greece, which opened yesterday and winds up today in Halkidiki's
Porto Carras resort, said that the effort will be assisted by
EOT. He added that "we have now realized the need to
differentiate our country's offers in tourism by enhancing
tourism products."
He said that was the reason why "we are consciously preparing
the development of golf." The tourism and golf conference is
attended by many leading representatives of the sport worldwide,
as well as local government officials and businesspeople.
Development of golf infrastructure, coupled with an extension of
the tourism season, is an EOT target.
End of English language section.
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