BRIEF GREEK NEWS BULLETIN (07/02/1996) 2o

From: Macedonian Press Agency <[email protected]>

Macedonian Press Agency News in English Directory

BRIEF GREEK NEWS BULLETIN BY MACEDONIAN PRESS AGENCY

February 7, 1996

TITLES

NEWS IN DETAIL

[01] PASOK EXECUTIVE BUREAU CONVENED WITH PRIME MINISTER

The discussion was centered around the Imia crisis, as well as the issue of appointing Mr. Theodoros Karatzas to the position of Director of the greek National Bank.

Mr. Antonis Livanis, Executive Bureau member, when asked if there are any problems surrounding the appointment of Mr. Karatzas, replied thata united PASOK is proceeding to address the problems and to achieve the accomplishment of the party's aims."

When asked to comment on Mr. Karatzas appointment, Mr. Pantelis Economou said that these responsibilities fall into the government's hands. "Whether or not the government is executing these responsiblities properly, that is a different issue," Mr. Economou said.

Mr. Manolis Daskalakis stated that "PASOK and the government have the necessary unity for the succesful accomplishment of the governmental program." He further referred to the Central Committee's last meeting during which members expressed the need for meritocracy.

[02] PRESIDENT OF CYPRUS REPUBLIC ARRIVES IN ATHENS

Mr. Klerides stated that the reason for his visit to Athens is to hold discussions on the Cyprus issue and issues regarding a unified defense policy with his greek counterpart Kostis Stefanopoulos and the Prime Minister Kostas Simitis, as well as with other political leaders.

Regarding the cancelled visit to Cyprus by U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Richard Holbrooke, Mr. Klerides said that a basic prerequisite for the U.S. envoy's trip to Nicosia was the formation of a government in Ankara.

When asked to comment on the armored tanks which have been brought recently to the turkish occupied region of Northern Cyprus, Mr. Klerides stated that Turkey has for long been reinforcing the occupied area, despite Cyprus' repeated protests to the United Nations.

[03] EUROPEAN COMMISSION OFFERS VERBAL SUPPORT TO GREECE

The European Commission, through its President Jacques Santers, decided today to issue a statement of support and solidarity to Greece regarding the Imia issue.

Also, according to sources close to the Commission, the european body is planning to forward a stern notice to Turkey, reflected in the evident climate during today's Commission session.

The Imia issue was tabled by the greek Commissioner Christos Papoutsis who informed his counterparts on the international law status quo regarding Imia's greek sovereignty. Mr. Papoutsis also related to the european commissioners the disappointment that permeates Greece regarding the European Union's "inexcusable silence."

The greek Commisioner emphasized that Europe must react and warn Turkey that with its stance it further moves away from Europe

Mr. Papoutsis' statements were not challenged by anyone at the European Commission headquarters, while many of the members categorically judged Turkey for its provocative stance, just a few weeks following its Customs Union agreement with Europe.

Specifically, italian Commissioner Emma Bonino stated that "we must not see the greek-turkish crisis in the Aegean as a problem between two countries.

"It is regarding an issue that touches upon the community borders," Ms. Bonino said.

Commissioner Hans Van der Broek, also favored sending a message of solidarity to Greece. According to sources, the dutch Commissioner has stated that while he is not the appropriate person to take legal sides on the greek-turkish difference, he has assigned the proper agencies to look into the matter.

Moreover, Mr. Van Der Broek and the spanish Commissioner Manuel Marino commented on the cancellation of the intermediary efforts by US Assistant Secretary of State, Richard Holbrooke, saying that the European community must not give the impression that it is absent.

Meanwhile, Ankara today reminded the EU of its legal obligations, resulting from Turkey's recently enacted Customs Union.

The turkish Foreign Ministry's spokesperson Omer Akbel stated today that Turkey expects the European Union to conform to the obligations it has undertaken in the customs union and added that these obligations are of a legally binding.

Mr. Akbel's reference to the legal nature of the agreement could mean that his country could resort to the European Court if Europe imposes economic sanctions in its funding to Turkey.

[04] IMIA WAS NOT A TURKISH VICTORY, SAYS TURKISH PARTY LEADER

Specifically, the ANAP leader addressed the acting Premier and said that "this is not a victory, as it is presented with so much fanfare, since there is not one specific indication of Turkey's sovereignty in the controversial islets."

"If you can, dare to go there and erect the turkish flag!" Mr. Yilmaz daunted Ms. Ciller.

[05] TURKEY REJECTS GREEK DEMARCHE OVER INCIDENT IN AEGEAN

Without denying that the incident took place, a spokesperson from Turkey's Foreign Ministry said that it is unfathomable that a turkish patrol boat would open fire by chance.

Omer Akbel attributed the increased greek naval presence in the eastern Aegean to the recent search for the downed helicopter and noted that this search was conducted within turkish territorial waters.

[06] PASOK LEADER'S HEALTH REMAINS STABLE

"Mr. Papandreou has no fever and is undergoing respiratory physiotherapy, kinesiotherapy and periodical dialysis," the medical report stated.

A group of american physicians is expected to arrive within the following days at the Onasion from Minessota's Mayo Clinic. The physicians will examine Mr. Papandreou and assess whether or not it is necessary to bring him to the U.S.

[07] FOREIGN EXCHANGE RATE REPORT

CURRENCY               FIXING      BUY         SELL
ECU                     303.3300   303.4200    304.2400
U.S. Dollar             243.8700   243.1380    244.6020
Deutsche Mark           165.2500   164.7540    165.7460
UK Sterling             374.8000   373.6760    375.9240
French Franc             48.1140    47.9700     48.2580
Swedish Crown            34.8280    34.7240     34.9320
Danish Kroner            42.7180    42.5900     42.8460
Norwegian Crown          37.8700    37.7560    37.9840
Italian Lira             15.4875    15.4410     15.5340
Swiss Franc             202.2500   201.6430    202.8570
Spanish Peseta             1.9638     1.9579     1.9697
Finnish Mark             53.6300    53.4690     53.7910
Yen                     230.0050   229.3150    230.6950