A.N.A. Bulletin, 30/01/96

From: "Greek Press & Information Office, Ottawa Canada" <grnewsca@sympatico.ca>

Athens News Agency Directory

ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No 800), January 30, 1996

Greek Press & Information Office

Ottawa, Canada

E-Mail Address: grnewsca@sympatico.ca

CONTENTS

[1] Simitis presents new government programme: 'Building a strong Greece'

Prime Minister Costas Simitis stressed last night that the road ahead of his new government was "long and difficult" but was a necessary step towards "a society of freedom, democracy and social justice".

Mr. Simitis was making his inaugural appearance as prime minister in Parliament after being sworn-in, along with his new cabinet, a week ago.

Presenting his new government's policy statement to the 300-member House, from which he will seek a vote of confidence tomorrow midnight, Mr. Simitis outlined that the government would be guided by seven points: a creative, strong Greek presence on the international scene; coordinated action and prioritization of aims; the creation of a 'social safety net'; a stable economy leading to growth; a society of citizens with a sense of social responsibility; active participation in the global economy; and the importance of the ethos and profile of power.

Turning to foreign policy issues, Mr. Simitis said Greece was determined to defend its sovereign rights.

He termed the recent interim agreement with FYROM "a positive step," but said Greece would stick to its positions in the negotiations over the name issue of the neighboring state.

He said Greece acknowledged "the necessity of Turkey's European orientation," but said "such a prospect is directly linked with respect for human rights, democratic principles and Europe's political values."

He said: "Greek-Turkish relations continue to be based on rules of international law and international treaties as well as Greece's determination to defend its sovereign rights," an obvious reference to the weekend flag incident over the uninhabited island of Imia in the eastern Aegean.

Turning to the Cyprus problem, he said Greece would not "accept the consolidation of faits accomplis imposed through arms".

"On the contrary, Greece will continue efforts, jointly with the Cyprus government, for the creation of conditions which will allow the peaceful reversal of such faits accomplis.

"Our aim is to implement the UN resolutions on Cyprus and to develop multi-faceted initiatives for a just and viable solution."

Mr. Simitis described the joint defense doctrine between Greece and Cyprus as a "choice based on a just political solution to the Cyprus problem."

The process for Cyprus's accession to the European Union was a "priority", and in accordance to what had been agreed so far with the EU, "thus reinforcing efforts for a peaceful and just solution to the Cyprus issue."

Turning to the Balkans, Mr. Simitis pointed out that the focus of his government's policy was "the development of constructive and mutually beneficial political and economic relations with all states in the Balkan peninsula."

"Our country, both independently and as a member of the European Union and NATO, can contribute to the search for (the Balkan states') new orientations, setting an example and helping them in their EU approach."

Greece, he said, was continuing efforts to implement a programme of multi-faceted inter-Balkan co-operation and in advancing regional business activity.

What is of primary importance to Greece, Mr. Simitis said, were the inter-European and international transport, telecommunications and energy networks in the region, "with the aim of exploiting Greece's geopolitical position as a junction of international economic activities."

Mr. Simitis stressed that "co-operation with the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia is a basic stabilizing factor in the Balkans."

Describing the signing of the interim agreement in New York last September as a "positive step," Mr. Simitis said "our relations should continue in the same direction."

Greece "will back its known positions in the negotiations which started in New York recently over FYROM's name issue," he said.

[2] ... on Europe

European integration was "a priority", he said.

"Our aim at the Intergovernmental Conference is to ensure the equality of all member-states, the prevention of a Europe of 'variable geometry', the safeguarding of our national security and foreign policy, and the strengthening of democratic institutions ."

Mr. Simitis said the Greek government would aim at policies leading to the real convergence of economies and to cohesion, the creation of jobs, and improving the position of citizens.

"Such policies will allow Greece to play a leading role in the southeastern region of the European Union," he said.

Turning to relations with the United States, Mr. Simitis said Greece would continue its "constructive co-operation and seek new activities that would enhance these relations."

He said that relations with Russia were "developing on all levels of feasible co-operation" and that the successful peace and democratization process which was starting to consolidate in the Middle East was "shaping a new potential for Greece and Cyprus in the southeastern Mediterranean."

[3] ... on Defense

Mr. Simitis pointed out that the aim of Greece's defense policy "remains the prevention of any foreign military threat against Greece and Cyprus."

Greece, he stressed, was participating in the new adjustment process of NATO and Western European Union alliances and in discussions in EU security.

"Developments in these bodies outline positive prospects for Greece as well as peace and security in the region."

Greece, he pointed out, was taking part in all UN peace initiatives and was seeking bilateral defense co-operation especially in the Balkan region, but at the same time would continue to upgrade the fighting capability of its armed forces at the lowest possible cost.

Turning to domestic issues, Mr. Simitis said the government's priorities included the revision of the constitution, meritocracy in public appointments, modernization of the public sector in order to improve productivity, real equality of opportunity between the sexes and major institutional reforms in the state apparatus, which began in 1994 and will be completed this year.

[4] ... on Economy

Turning to economic issues, Mr. Simitis said that the Greek economy had entered the stage of higher growth rates, pledging that "the unshakable target of the government's economic policy is Greece's participation in EU developments and the final stage of Economic and Monetary Union.

"The targets of our economic policy on inflation and the public deficit are visible in the Convergence Programme, and our development goals have become more ambitious since both in 1994 and 1995 the increase of the Gross Domestic Product was substantially higher than the programme's forecasts," Mr. Simitis said.

Mr. Simitis predicted a 2.5 per cent increase in the GDP in 1996 with a simultaneous drop in inflation down to about 5 per cent by the end of the year.

He pointed out that the success of the stabilization policy depended on the "just distribution of burdens among all social classes, the combating of tax evasion and the para-economy, the revision of tax exemptions and the simplification of the tax system so that it would become more transparent, comprehensible and effective."

He said a draft bill for the modernization of state-owned companies would be tabled in Parliament in the next few days, adding that the government was decisively proceeding with legislation of measures for the effective control of public organizations' expenses and the better management of their funds.

Mr. Simitis pointed out that the new government's development policy focused on the denationalization of public enterprises, including the floating of a small percentage of shares of the Hellenic Telecommunications Organization (OTE) and the Public Petroleum Company (DEP) on the Athens Stock Exchange.

Other economic priorities of his new government, Mr. Simitis said, included the upgrading of the quality of tourist services, the improvement of the relevant infrastructure, and the modernization of tourist enterprises.

Regarding shipping, Mr. Simitis said efforts were continuing in international fora for the protection of the free competitive environment in international sea transport.

"In industry and services, we are implementing a new policy aiming at development, boosting the competitive capacity of businesses, the promotion of new technologies and innovations.

"We are giving support to private investment through the simplification of procedures, integrated long-term business plans, and are introducing new financial institutions and tools...

"Subsidies to interest rates on loans, technical assistance, joint ventures, sub-contracting, and merger incentives constitute some of the main measures of a special programme for small and medium enterprises, budgeted at 370 billion until 1999."

In combating unemployment, Mr. Simitis said the government would focus on policies which created stable and viable prospects for both employed and unemployed, "policies aiming at the bettering of their abilities and the ability of our economic system i n general to create new jobs."

"The road we are choosing is long and difficult. Experience shows that fatigue often appears ... It is the era of disappointment and decline. We want to put an end to disappointment, an end to the era of non-politics. If we succeed, we shall approach a society of freedom, democracy, and social justice. It will be a step that will allow us to leave behind doubt and hesitation, a step of hope," Mr. Simitis concluded.

[5] Reactions

Commenting on the new government's policy statements last night, main opposition New Democracy party leader Miltiades Evert said he hoped the Greek people followed the prime minister's address, adding that "the Greek people have judgment and understand."

Mr. Evert will meet representatives of social partners this morning to help finalize the content of the address he will be making in Parliament in the afternoon.

Political Spring party leader Antonis Samaras said the same things were heard from a different mouth.

"The conclusion is austerity and again austerity for the small and medium-size entrepreneur, the farmer, the salary earner and, unfortunately, great unemployment for young people," Mr. Samaras said.

The Communist Party of Greece's (KKE) Parliamentary Group called the new Simitis government's policy statement a disappointment.

"...The KKE will do everything in its power, so that these policy statements are not instituted, so they will meet with the people's resistance," a statement read.

The Coalition of the Left and Progress criticized the government for lacking boldness in its policy statements and for refusing to make substantive changes in a failed government policy.

"The new government did not dare. It chose the dogma of continuation of the government's two-year period of office and party balances, and not incisions demanded by the times and the citizens. It refused substantive changes in a failed government policy ," the Coalition said.

The announcement said the Coalition would exercise a responsible left-wing opposition policy with criticism as well as proposals.

Former Minister of State Antonis Livanis said the policy statements were "comprehensive and complete and cover all the spectrum of government activity."

[6] Greece warns Turkey that its response will be 'strong, immediate, effective'

The government said yesterday that Greece's response to Turkish "aggressive nationalism" would be "strong, immediate and effective," following an incident on the Greek islet of Imia over the weekend where Turkish journalists replaced the Greek flag with a Turkish one.

Government spokesman Dimitris Reppas conveyed a statement to reporters by Prime Minister Costas Simitis who said "it is well known that nationalistic circles in Turkey create tension in relations with Greece whenever this is dictated by the domestic political situation in Turkey."

In the statement, Mr. Simitis said that the incident on Imia was within this framework.

"The climate manifested by this action constitutes a very serious issue. It reveals aggressive nationalism. Greece's response to this and any other manifestation of aggressive nationalism will be strong, immediate and effective. We have the means and will use them without hesitation. We do not accept any disputing of our sovereign rights. They should not fool themselves," Mr. Simitis said.

Mr. Reppas said that the issue was discussed yesterday by the Cabinet, which was briefed by National Defense Minister Gerassimos Arsenis, since Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos was in Brussels. "From the very first moment, the government responded directly, prudently and effectively, both at a diplomatic level and through the national defense ministry," Mr. Reppas said.

The spokesman described the way in which the two ministries handled the incident as "impeccable," underlining that it was clearly shown that "we are in a position to defend our national integrity."

Mr. Reppas said that the government was closely following any developments on the issue, for which there was "zero tension" at the moment.

He added that, according to information, the Turkish leadership was playing down the incident, but stressed that it ought to condemn such actions.

Asked whether Ankara had given assurances that the three Turkish journalists involved in the flag incident would be prosecuted, Mr. Reppas replied that "Greece does not ask for assurances, it gives assurances."

Mr. Reppas reiterated that Turkey's domestic problems could not be dealt with "by exporting chartered patriotism."

Commenting on Turkish Prime Minister Tansu Ciller's statement that differences could be resolved through dialogue, Mr. Reppas said it was Greece's permanent position that Athens had nothing to discuss with Turkey further than the issue of the continental shelf in the Aegean.

Meanwhile, the Greek armed forces remained in a state of "increased alert" in the vicinity of Imia and along the Greek-Turkish border.

Naval vessels are patrolling the sea region near Imia while, according to informed sources, a Turkish helicopter tried to approach the rocky islet Sunday morning but was spotted by Greek warplanes and backed off.

[7] Turkish statements

A Turkish foreign ministry statement yesterday called for the "avoidance of any one-sided move that would create tension, and the immediate evacuation of Greek units that have been placed on the rocky islets of 'Kardak' (Imia), as well as the removal of all symbols used to prove Greek sovereignty."

The announcement was related to the contents of a written diplomatic note handed earlier to Greece's ambassador in Ankara. A summary of Turkey's legal arguments related to the "regime of unpopulated islands and rocky islets in the eastern Aegean" is also included in the announcement.

The Turkish foreign ministry claims that agreements signed by Turkey and Italy in 1932 concerning the borders of the Dodecaneese are "invalid," because "they were signed under peculiar conditions before World War II." The foreign ministry also cited Greek diplomatic documents that questioned whether the 1932 Italian-Turkish agreements were actually valid.

However, according to these agreements, the Imia islets are included in the Dodecaneese group of islands.

Ankara claims that only Article 14/1 of the 1947 Paris Agreement is in force "which names the 14 islands transferred to Greece and uses the term 'adjoining islets.' "

The Turkish announcement continued: "The rocky islet that is located 5.5 miles from the nearest Greek island is neither adjoining or an islet."

Turkish Foreign Minister Deniz Baykal characterized the situation that has arose around Imia a "legal problem," calling Greece to a dialogue.

"We want dialogue and we invite Greece to the negotiating table," Mr. Baykal said after his meeting with Greece's Ambassador to Turkey, Dimitris Nezeritis, yesterday afternoon.

Mr. Baykal gave Turkey's positions over the islet in writing to Mr. Nezeritis.

"Ankara does not accept Greece's theory that it owns the islet," he said. "We believe that the Imia islet lies within Turkish sovereignty."

"It is sad that such an incident has been created," the Turkish minister said, adding that "the most positive way to deal with the issue is to discuss the claims of both countries."

The Turkish minister said the islet incident would be discussed in the Turkish cabinet yesterday and international public opinion would be informed of the Turkish positions "so that everyone understands why it is not possible to accept faits accomplis."

"Turkey cannot accept Greece's fait accompli in the Aegean," the Turkish minister said, adding that "we know how to defend our rights."

Meanwhile, in Istanbul, caretaker Prime Minister Tansu Ciller said that "Greece's allegations that Turkey has territorial designs, are completely unfounded and opposed to the international law."

She added that "these issues should be solved through negotiations and not through fait accompli."

Ms Ciller said the Imia incident was being considered at the foreign ministry and the Armed Forces General Staff and would be raised in the Cabinet.

In another development, an ANA dispatch from Istanbul said the Turkish foreign ministry spokesman said "the Imia islet belongs to Turkey," but accepted that the Greek flag would remain on the islet.

"According to the information available, and from the point of view of international law, the Kardak (Imia) islet belongs to Turkey," ambassador Omer Akbel told the foreign press in Ankara.

"It is clear that there is a certain disagreement with Greece, already known to Greece since the 1950-1953 period, when the Turkish government wished to clarify such issues," Mr. Akbel said.

"The Greek government avoided negotiations then," he added, reiterating that Ankara wished to deal with all such issues through peaceful means and dialogue.

"Sovereign rights cannot be founded on the creation of fait accomplis," he said, adding that the Greek flag may remain on the islet "but this does not serve any peaceful or constructive purpose."

Mr. Akbel added that the US ambassador in Ankara Mark Grossman had been briefed on Turkish positions on the issue.

"We have already began our contacts with certain of our allies in NATO and the members of the European Union," he added.

Turkish newspaper Hurriyet said "Turkey and Greece have become entangled in a new conflict over an uninhabited islet in the Aegean, which caused warships of the two countries to come dangerously close."

[8] Opposition reactions

Commenting on the prime minister's statements, the main opposition New Democracy party charged he had reacted with delay to the new Turkish provocation.

"Prime Minister Costas Simitis' reflexes functioned with a 48-hour delay, after letting his close collaborator Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos claim that the issue was not serious and that there was much ado about nothing," the statement said.

According to the sources, the ND believes the government also delayed information to the US, Russia and the EU countries concerning the event, terming "unacceptable" the foreign minister's alleged attempt to play down the issue in an interview to the newspaper "To Vima tis Kyriakis."

Political Spring party leader Antonis Samaras fully agreed with the prime minister that Greece accepted no disputing of its sovereign rights. He expressed disagreement, however, with Mr. Simitis' position that the incident was a result of the neighboring country's domestic political situation.

"Manifestation of such unacceptable moves does not take place for reasons of domestic consumption, but expresses Ankara's permanent foreign policy," Mr. Samaras said.

A Coalition of the Left and Progress statement called on the government not to fall into the trap of provocation and destabilizing tension promoted by certain circles of the Turkish regime.

"Greece must defend its sovereign rights in a steady and cool manner," it said.

The Panhellenic Federation of Journalists' Board yesterday denounced the Imia incident to the International Federation of Journalists, adding that "journalists have the duty not to provoke but to contribute to the normalization of differences between countries with peaceful means," in reference to the claimed raising of the Turkish flag on the islet by Turkish journalists.

[9] Eurodeputies bring up issue

Coalition Eurodeputy Alekos Alavanos yesterday raised the issue of Turkish provocations in the Aegean with the EU's Council of Ministers, calling for the immediate demarche to the Turkish government seeking an explanation for the event an d guarantees of respect for EU borders, which, in the specific case, are Greece's borders.

Mr. Alavanos specifically noted that in line with the Maastricht Treaty "the goals of the common foreign policy and the European Union's security policy are the reinforcement of security of the Union and its member-states in all its forms".

PASOK Eurodeputy Yiannos Kranidiotis submitted a question to the Council of Ministers yesterday regarding the Imia islet, requesting that the EU state which measures it will follow to force Turkey to respect its obligations to the European Union, "a par t of which is the whole of Greece, including all its big and small islands."

[10] Simitis responds to foreign leaders' best wishes

Prime Minister Costas Simitis expressed his hopes for improvement of relations and development of co-operation between Greece and other countries, in several response letters sent to foreign leaders. In a letter to US President Bill Clinton, Mr. Simitis writes: "...we look forward to the further development of traditional friendly relations between our two countries, based on our common ideals and in continuation of our close co-operation, for the benefit of our people and stability in southern Europe." In responding to European Commission President Jacques Santer, the Greek premier stated that the new Greek government will continue to put forth a systematic effort in order to achieve the greatest possible benefits for Europe's peoples.

Mr. Simitis' letter to Turkish caretaker Prime Minister Tansu Ciller added: "We share the hope of a common beneficial promotion of bilateral relations; the Greek government will continue efforts for a better understanding between our countries."

The premier also sent letters to Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos; Chinese Premier Li Peng; Bulgarian Prime Minister Jean Videnov; Romanian Premier Nicolae Vacaroiu and to Yugoslav Prime Minister Radoje Kontic, Italian Premier Lamberto Dini, as well as to all the leaders of Cyprus' parties.

[11] Clerides due in Athens next week

Cyprus President Glafcos Clerides is due in Athens on a formal visit on February 8, after an invitation by Prime Minister Costas Simitis.

According to an announcement issued by the press ministry, the aim of the visit will be the exchange of views between the Greek and Cypriot governments on the Cyprus problem.

[12] Pangalos-Milutinovic talks

Government spokesman Dimitris Reppas yesterday declined to clarify the content of talks Sunday night between Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos and his Yugoslav counterpart Milan Milutinovic.

Mr. Reppas said only that "many issues are in progress which require delicate handling," adding that he was therefore unable to provide any further clarifications.

The spokesman would not confirm whether the two ministers discussed Belgrade's reported intention to recognize the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FY-ROM) under the name "Republic of Macedonia".

He said, however, that Mr. Pangalos was in Brussels yesterday to attend the European Union General Affairs Council and that one of the items on the agenda was the recognition of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia.

According to informed sources, one condition for the recognition is that Belgrade recognizes all the countries with which it shares a border following the break-up of former Yugoslavia.

[13] Mitsotakis meets Yugoslav FM

Main opposition New Democracy honorary president and former premier Constantine Mitsotakis met with Mr. Milutinovic yesterday to discuss developments in the former Yugoslavia and the issue of Belgrade's possible recognition of Skopje.

Mr. Mitsotakis expressed his opinion that Belgrade would not recognize FYROM under the name "Macedonia", because "the friendship between our two countries is so deeply rooted that a solution can be found to satisfy Greek requests," the former prime minister said.

"They have a real problem, but their (Yugoslavia's) friendship with Greece is so great that I believe they will help our country, given the fact that we are so close to a solution for the problem with Skopje."

[14] Belgrade adopts draft for relations with FYROM

The Yugoslav government yesterday adopted the text of a draft agreement smoothing relations with FYROM. The relevant foreign ministry announcement, which avoided referring to a 'Republic of Macedonia', said the date for the signing of the agreement would be decided later by the two sides.

It was not known under which name recognition of Skopje by Belgrade would take place. The first estimates by the Yugoslav press said that Belgrade would probably proceed to a recognition under the name of FYROM.

Concerning "concessions" by Athens in exchange for the adoption of such a composite name, press analysts said they may concern facilities for use of Thessaloniki port.

[15] Yugoslav consul

In a related development, Yugoslavia's consul in Thessaloniki, Rajiko Ristic said that discussions between his government and Skopje were not connected with parallel discussions taking place with the Greek government for the granting of port facilities in Thessaloniki.

Speaking to the ANA yesterday, Mr. Ristic said missions had been exchanged between Belgrade and Skopje, "in the context of the normalization of relations with all former Yugoslav republics".

He added that "all these years, Yugoslavia had supported Greece, not recognizing FYROM, due to the latter's problems with our friend Greece."

[16] Greece pledges $7 million credit for reconstruction in Bosnia

A senior foreign ministry official left yesterday for Sarajevo for talks with Bosnian President Alia Izetbegovic on Greece's intention to provide a seven million dollar credit line for reconstruction projects in the war-devastated country.

Dimitris Platis, head of the foreign ministry department coordinating bilateral economic co-operation, was carrying a message to Mr. Izetbegovic from Prime Minister Costas Simitis and Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos. A foreign ministry announcement described the message as one of "friendship and co-operation", mentioning Greece's intention to open an embassy in Sarajevo "as soon as possible" following a draft bill due to be tabled in Parliament yesterday.

Greece said in December it would provide the sum of $7 million to Bosnia in the first four months of 1996, representing one-tenth of Bosnia's immediate needs, for the execution of high-priority projects by Greek companies.

The projects would cover the repair of destroyed infrastructure works, the dispatch of hygiene-related supplies, and reconstruction of government services in Bosnia, undertaken exclusively by Greek entrepreneurs, the foreign ministry said.

Mr. Platis will hold talks with officials of the Bosnian state organization responsible for reconstruction of the country, paving the way for Greek business activity in the region and participation in tendering for reconstruction projects, the ministry said.

The international community has been working on setting up a Bosnia reconstruction fund which hopes to raise $5.1 billion in donations (from countries and international credit institutions) to be absorbed over the next three years, the ministry said.

[17] EU appoints Italian diplomat to oversee fact-finding mission on Cyprus

European Union foreign ministers yesterday appointed an Italian diplomat to oversee a fact-finding mission to Cyprus as part of negotiations to resolve the Cyprus issue.

Greece's Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos said the appointment of Frederico de Roberto, a former ambassador, was a positive development.

"It was not precisely the solution we and the majority of colleagues called for, but there were reservations by Britain, since the appointment of this coordinator constitutes for all of us the first step on an issue (the Cyprus issue) having its own potential: this initiative will develop further by the end of the year, namely during the Irish (EU) Presidency," Mr. Pangalos said.

"We all conceded that the Community has a role to play in the Cyprus question, given that Cyprus has a prospect of accession to the EU, Turkey has a special relationship with the Community and Greece is a member," he said.

Greece had expressed its wish that the European Union appoint a more permanent representative to efforts to resolve the long-standing problem.

However, EU foreign ministers opted for the Italian presidency's compromise proposal to appoint Mr. de Roberto with a fact-finding mission.

According to the decision, Mr. de Roberto will act as a representative for both the Italian and the next Irish EU Presidency and will report to the Council of Ministers, which the Greek side achieved despite the current presidency's opposition.

Mr. Pangalos said the Italian diplomat's mission would be comparable to that of US Assistant Secretary of State Richard Holbrooke and the US secretary-general's special envoy for Cyprus.

Pangalos: Turkey has commitments under customs union - In his intervention at the General Affairs Council yesterday, Mr. Pangalos focused on the Cyprus issue, Turkey and mutual recognition between the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) and Belgrade - a condition for the normalization of relations between the Community and Yugoslavia.

Referring to Turkey, Mr. Pangalos reiterated both during the open morning session of the Council of Ministers and during the working lunch at noon that Turkey not only had rights stemming from its customs union with Europe but commitments as well.

He said customs union necessitated and demanded from Turkey respect for human rights and democratic freedoms, its contribution to the process of finding a solution to the Cyprus question and that Ankara should abstain from all kinds of aggressive and provocative actions against an EU member-state such as Greece.

Speaking to reporters on the question of the islet of Imia, Mr. Pangalos said "in no way will Greece tolerate its sovereign power being questioned by another state even over the smallest part of its territory."

In connection with the EU recognizing the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, Mr. Pangalos briefed his counterparts on talks he held with Yugoslav Foreign Minister Milan Milutinovic in Athens on Sunday.

"There is an agreement between Skopje (FYROM) and Belgrade on their mutual recognition in which the issue of the name (with which FYROM will be recognized) has not yet been defined," Mr. Pangalos said.

He said the joint communiqu  referred to the capitals of the two countries, adding that this agreement "paves the way for the recognition of Yugoslavia by the EU."

Commenting on the issue, and before the discussion on former Yugoslavia was concluded, many representations of member-states, as well as the European Commission, expressed the view that the recognition of FYROM by Belgrade should take place "in a framework safeguarding that FYROM constitutes a successor state of former Yugoslavia."

Bonn, however, considers the recognition of Yugoslavia by the Community "premature" and "hasty", insisting that a solution should be found first to the question of the return of tens of thousands of refugees who have abandoned Kosovo and are living in Germany.

German Foreign Minister Klaus Kinkel told reporters yesterday that before the Community recognized Belgrade, it should await the reaction of FYROM on the draft agreement announced yesterday morning.

Mr. Pangalos left for Athens after the working lunch at noon to attend the parliamentary debate on the new government's policy statements, leaving Alternate Foreign Minister George Romeos in his place.

Referring to the MEDA programme at yesterday's General Affairs Council, Mr. Romeos requested that the relevant draft regulation be referred again to the Committee of Permanent Diplomatic Representatives (COREPER) to enable the European Commission to provide specific data on the allocation of the amount of 3,424.5 million ECU anticipated by the programme for the 12 Mediterranean countries, including Turkey.

Mr. Romeos also called on the European Commission to specify the transparency process regarding the allocation of programmes to be financed by MEDA to European companies.

[18] Romeos to meet German counterpart next month

Alternate Foreign Minister George Romeos is scheduled to have numerous contacts with foreign officials next month. On February 12, he will meet with the German alternate foreign minister, on February 13 with the Italian representative of the EU intergovernmental conference and on February 14-15, with Cuba's foreign under-secretary. Mr. Romeos will also meet with the French alternate foreign minister and the Norwegian commerce and merchant marine minister on March 1 and EU Commissioner Hans van den Broek on March 4-5.

[19] First regional conference of Balkan unionists gets underway

New Labor Under-secretary Lambros Kanellopoulos yesterday stressed the importance of co-operation between Balkan trade unions for closer economic links and to achieve stabilization in the region.

Mr. Kanellopoulos was speaking during the first Inter-Balkan Trade Unions Conference, which opened yesterday in Athens.

The two-day conference, organized on the initiative of the General Confederation of Workers of Greece (GSEE), brings together 19 trade union representations from 10 countries and focuses on such issues as peace, development, employment, immigration, and trade union co-operation.

Speaking later to reporters, GSEE President Christos Protopapas stressed the importance of co-operation and solidarity among trade unions.

He branded the Imia islet incident a "provocation" and called for the reinforcement of dialogue with the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) in order to obtain a final and just solution to the issue, a solution which would be mutually acceptable to both sides.

Mr. Protopapas, who said he supported an "open and flexible" approach to Balkan policies, backed the Bosnian peace agreement, the abolition of all embargoes, respect for minorities and the regulation of migration through interstate agreements.

He further stressed the importance of economic co-operation in the region and suggested the establishment of a Balkan Council for all nations in the region, the creation of cross-border development zones and speeding up of infrastructure projects such as the Egnatia Highway, as well as promotion of relations between Europe and all the Balkan countries.

GSEE's Secretary-General George Mavrikos stressed the problem of illegal immigration, forecasting that illegal immigrants to Greece would soon total one million.

He reiterated GSEE's position to give immigrants already residing in Greece legal status. This position has been particularly hailed by the Albanian trade unions.

Two Turkish trade unionists, the president of TOURKIS and a representative of DISK said they wished for trade union co-operation aiming at bettering relations between the two countries.

Commenting on the Imia islet incident, Tourkis' President Miral Bayram said he hoped that neither the Greek or Turkish governments "have completely lost their minds as to become entangled in war over two dry rocks."

President of the Trade Unions' Federation of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia Tolev Zivkofski said there were good co-operation prospects between his country and Greece in the economic, political and social field.

"Unions, as representatives of the workers, have the moral obligation to contribute to the amplification of relations between the two countries," he said.

End of English language section.