A.N.A. Bulletin, 29/03/96

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

Athens News Agency Directory

ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN,

Greek Press & Information Office

Ottawa, Canada

E-Mail Address: grnewsca@sympatico.ca

CONTENTS

[1] Turkish paper charges Ankara cover up of irrefutable evidence proving Greek sovereignty over Imia

A leading Turkish daily yesterday charged Ankara with deliberately concealing evidence proving beyond a shadow of a doubt that Turkish claims to the islets of Imia were groundless.

Writing in the Turkish daily 'Milliyet', columnist Gunery Civaoglu revealed that a highly confidential telegram from Turkey's ambassador in Rome warned the then-government of Tansu Ciller of the existence of Italian documents irrefutably proving the validity of Greek positions on the Imia issue, documents, the message said, Greece could use to support its case at the United Nations.

According to 'Milliyet', the Ciller government ignored and covered up the warning and ordered the destruction of the coded message from its ambassador in Rome.

Greece and Turkey came close to war in late January when Ankara disputed Greece's sovereignty of the uninhabited islets, claiming that treaties ceding the islets to Greece were invalid.

Mr. Civaoglu revealed that a probe of archives at the Turkish foreign ministry some time after the Imia crisis confirmed the documents located by the Turkish ambassador in Rome and of a letter addressed by then-Turkish Foreign Under-secretary Tefik Rustu Aral to the Italians, clearly stating that the Imia islets belong to the Dodecanese.

Then-Prime Minister Tansu Ciller and President Suleyman Demirel were briefed by their advisers of the documents several days after the Imia stand-off of the issue.

[2] Gov't has nothing official on reports of Solana mediation, Reppas says

The government yesterday declined to confirm media reports that US Secretary of State Warren Christopher had proposed that NATO chief Javier Solana assume the role of mediator between Greece and Turkey.

According to an ANA dispatch from Washington, Mr. Christopher said Mr. Solana did undertake to mediate to defuse tensions in the Aegean.

Government spokesman Demetris Reppas said that the government had not been "officially notified" of such a proposal, adding that he too had learned of the reported proposal from the media.

Commenting on a call by Turkish Premier Mesut Yilmaz for dialogue between Athens and Ankara, the spokesman said that Prime Minister Costas Simitis had already replied to the proposal during his recent meeting with Turkey's ambassador in Athens.

Mr. Simitis had a 25-minute meeting with Turkish Ambassador Umit Pamir on Tuesday, during which the envoy also reiterated an invitation from Mr. Yilmaz to the Greek premier to visit Ankara.

Mr. Reppas had said after that meeting that Mr. Simitis had put forward Greece's positions and the government's desire for the normalisation of bilateral relations, on the condition that Turkey accepted and observed certain rules "in deed."

The spokesman reiterated yesterday that "the normalisation of Greek-Turkish relations is an important matter for Greece, but Turkey must give clear signs concerning the improvement of these relations in practice, if the issue is of equal importance to Ankara."

Asked by reporters if pressure was being exerted by European Union member states for Greek-Turkish dialogue, Mr. Reppas replied that "each side tries to influence the positions of other countries, but Greece will choose its options in accordance with its national interests."

[3] Christopher says Solana will mediate

US Secretary of State Warren Christopher told the House of Representatives Foreign Operations, Export Financing and Related Programs Subcommittee that NATO chief Javier Solana had assumed mediation between the two countries i n an effort to reduce tension in the Aegean.

"We are very concerned over increasing tensions in the Aegean because the two countries involved are our allies and NATO allies. I have spoken to the new secretary-general of NATO, Javier Solana about this ... who assumed the responsibility to meet with both countries in order to see if there is any way to ease the tensions between them," he said.

He added that within the framework of efforts for the normalisation of relations between Greece and Turkey, President Bill Clinton would urge both countries to "show self-restraint" during his forthcoming meetings in Washington with Turkish President Suleyman Demirel and Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis.

"We have the advantage to have new governments both in Turkey and Greece. This is not a formula for a certain solution, but it offers a new chance," Mr. Christopher said, adding that "there is a new, and I think very capable, leadership in Greece under Mr. Simitis."

Regarding the Cyprus problem, Mr. Christopher said "it was desirable to find a way to create the conditions in Cyprus that would no longer require the presence of the UN forces in Cyprus and achieve reconciliation on the issue."

"This depends to a certain extent on whether the leaderships of Greece and Turkey will settle their other differences and ease tensions in order to be able to focus on Cyprus," he added.

Mr. Christopher noted that Washington was determined to make every effort to reach a settlement on Cyprus, adding that the new government in Ankara allows for focus on this issue.

[4] Italians want speedy resolution of Turkish customs union issue

The Italian EU presidency is apparently determined to quickly restart contacts with Athens and Ankara so that the customs union with Turkey is completed by the Florence summit meeting this June.

An Italian foreign ministry official yesterday disputed the notion that an opportunity to smooth over Greek-Turkish relations was lost during this week's meeting of 15 EU foreign ministers in Brussels. He also denied criticism that the Italian presidency, which currently holds the rotating EU chairmanship, contributed to the diplomatic impasse because of lack of forceful leadership.

The Italian foreign ministry official said a shortage of time was the reason the joint EU document on Greek-Turkish relations was not signed. "A three-page text on such a serious issue could not be signed in one afternoon. If we had a week's time I am sure we would have succeeded. There were areas that neither Athens nor Ankara agreed on. Italian diplomacy did not have the proper time to work on these differences," he said.

"Let us not forget that it was a very significant text for both countries. It would be unfair to assign blame on the Italian presidency. I repeat, we did not have time from the moment Mr. (Mesut) Yilmaz (the Turkish premier) made that very important statement for us to work and approach the two sides," he added. According to reports, Greek-Turkish differences will not be on the agenda at today's inaugural inter-governmental conference meeting in Turin, expected to be attended by EU leaders and foreign ministers.

[5] Iakovos asks Clinton to pressure Turkey

Orthodox Archbishop of North and South America Iakovos and prominent members of the Greek-American community yesterday asked President Bill Clinton to exercise pressure on Turkey to change its stand towards Greece.

The delegation met the president at the White House on the occasion of his signing of the declaration for Greek Independence Day.

A private initial ten-minute meeting between the archbishop and the president was later followed by a broader one, with the participation of the president's advisers Anthony Lake and George Stephanopoulos, Greek Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis, Greece's ambassador in Washington Loukas Tsilas, and Greek-American community leaders. After the meeting, the archbishop stated he set out to the president the strong displeasure on the part of Greece and the Greek-American community for the strong US support to Turkey.

"I think I had the president's understanding, and I asked, since (Turkish President) Mr. Demirel is here, that he tells him that the policy of the intransigent ally is not the most peaceful. He told me that he would raise these issues for Mr. Demirel's consideration," the archbishop said.

[6] Greek IGC memo on unemployment, social issues finds support

A Greek memorandum entitled 'For a Democratic European Union with a Political and Social Content' has been submitted for consideration at the European Union's inter-governmental conference (IGC) opening in Turin today.

The memorandum aims at consolidating a minimum level of social protection in the Union's new revised treaty, and includes provisions for labour relations and handicapped individuals. It also places special emphasis on the fight against unemployment and social exclusion "which have acquired dangerous dimensions, threatening the social fabric of the countries of the European Union".

This Greek position has found support in other EU members, particularly in Italy, which gives priority to the issue of employment.

The memorandum also refers to the development and reform of institutions, and the need for a Europe with a more "human face".

Prime Minister Costas Simitis arrived here last night to attend the opening session of the conference, in which the Greek delegation will be headed by PASOK Eurodeputy Yiannos Kranidiotis, representing Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos.

[7] Hillary Clinton arrives in Athens

Hillary Rodham Clinton, the wife of US President Bill Clinton, arrived in Athens last night to begin a three-day visit to Greece, her last stop on her European tour.

Ms Clinton and her 16-year-old daughter, Chelsea, arrived from Istanbul and were met at Athens airport by US ambassador in Athens Thomas Niles. The US president's wife was scheduled to tour the Acropolis and Athens' ancient Agora this morning. Tomorrow she will attend a ceremony for the lighting of the Olympic flame in ancient Olympia in the Peloponnese. Tomorrow evening, she will meet with President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos and Prime Minister Costas Simitis. Massive security measures are in place for the visit of the US president's wife and daughter.

Ms Clinton was received by the Ecumenical Patriarch in Istanbul before leaving Turkey.

The Patriarch noted Ms Clinton's interest in children and her ability to stress the ecumenical values of the issues she is concerned with.

[8] Olympic flame to be lit tomorrow

The traditional ceremony for the lighting of the Olympic Flame is to take place tomorrow at ancient Olympia.

The first runner to carry the flame will be long-jump champion Kostas Koukodimos.

High-jumper Niki Bakoyianni and sailing champion Nikos Kaklamanis will carry it into the Panathinaikon Stadium on April 6 for the re-enactment of the first modern Olympic Games.

Ten countries will send 121 athletes to compete in the 12 re-enactment events, which will be conducted under the same rules as the 1896 Games.

[9] Greece expects US decision on Athens airport issue soon

"Greece is expecting the US to take a decision soon concerning Athens international airport, recognising its high standard of security, a decision which will be in line with logic and what is right," government spokesman Demetris Reppas said yesterday.

The US Department of Transportation last week issued a warning to travellers concerning security arrangements at Athens airport.

The warning provoked a strong reaction in Greece, with the government insisting that security was more than adequate.

[10] Technical issue, Pena tells Kaklamanis

The US warning for inadequate safety measures at Athens airport did not have any political expediency but was the result of technical procedures, US Transportation Secretary Federico Pena told the President of the Greek Parliament, Apostolos Kaklamanis, during a meeting yesterday.

Speaking to reporters, Mr. Kaklamanis said that Mr. Pena expressed his "personal discontent" that a purely technical issue had taken on a completely different dimension.

Mr. Kaklamanis said he had the feeling that prior to Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis' visit to the US on April 9, the Transportation Secretary would make a positive statement over safety conditions at Athens airport.

He added that, as Mr. Pena explained, the withdrawal of the first statement was not possible due to existing regulations, but assured him that every effort would be made to prevent implementation of the warning.

According to existing regulations, US experts will have to compile a report following a period of co-operation with the competent Greek authorities saying that safety regulations are being observed.

[11] US experts arrive in Athens

Experts of the US Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) arrived in Athens yesterday in the framework of an inter-state agreement between Greece and the US on training Civil Aviation Service (YPA) members on screens.

According to reports, the federations of YPA and Olympic Airways employees (OSYPA and OSPA) convened yesterday to examine security at Hellenikon airport in Athens and a tougher observance of security rules at airports throughout the country.

In parallel, they expressed the intention of addressing a letter of protest to all who question security measures at Hellenikon airport.

[12] Commission recognises problems in Greek textile industry

The issue of additional support for Greece's textile industry by the Community will be brought up by Premier Costas Simitis at the inaugural meeting of the inter-governmental conference in Turin if the British side, as expected, requests revision of EU fiscal provisions in order to gain funding to combat the "mad cow" disease.

Development Minister Vasso Papandreou made that statement here today during a meeting of EU member-states' industrial ministers, hinting that the Greek side would base its request for support of Greece's textile and clothing sector on a revision of the Union's fiscal provisions.

During the meeting, Ms Papandreou referred to problems faced by the Greek textile industry, which was specifically mentioned in an agreement in March 1995 between the EU and Turkey concerning a customs union.

Meanwhile, EU Commissioner for industrial affairs, information technology and telecommunications Martin Bangemann briefed the 15 EU states' ministers on a Commission announcement dealing with problems faced by Greece's textile sector and clothing sector s, without, however, providing added assistance towards those industries due to what the Community called "fiscal constraints."

In addition, Ms Papandreou called a Commission decision to recognise that the Greek textile industry is in the same state as Portugal's, in so much as its structural problems and the significance it has within the country's economy, as a "small but positive step".

[13] European Court censures Greek foot-dragging on sewage rules

The European Court condemned Athens yesterday for not incorporating into Greek law a Community directive on regulations for processing and treating urban sewage.

Recourse against Greece was submitted last year by the European Commission. According to Greek officials, legislation is already composed based on terms of the directive and is expected to be signed and implemented soon.

[14] Albanian church continues restoration work, Anastasios says

Archbishop Anastasios of Tirana and All Albania said yesterday that in just five years, the archbishopric had managed to build 47 new churches and restore a further 50 which had been destroyed, while 30 churches, monasteries and ecclesiastical buildings w ere currently being repaired or rebuilt.

The Orthodox primate added that eight buildings had been purchased throughout Albania and renovated to serve as cathedrals, Orthodox centres and hostels.

Speaking in Ioannina yesterday on efforts to revive Orthodoxy in the neighbouring country, Anastasios thanked all those from Greece, Cyprus, the US and many European countries who had provided assistance.

Anastasios announced that the Theological School of Durazzo would open later in the year in new buildings at the Monastery of Saint Vlassios. In Tirana, he added, the first clinic was now operating for impoverished Christians in the Albanian capital, while new clinics would soon be set up.

He was speaking at a special ceremony at the University of Ioannina, at which he was awarded an honorary doctorate by the Department of History and Archaeology.

[15] Greece, Albania enter new era in relations

The signing of a friendship and co-operation agreement between Greece and Albania last week effectively put an end to 50 years of cool relations - a greater part of which was spent in a technical 'state of war' - between the two neighbouring nations.

The pact, signed by Foreign Ministers Theodoros Pangalos and Alfred Serreqi at the end of President Kostis Stephanopoulos' visit here, formally settles a number of outstanding issues, and provides the basis for further co-operation likely to boost stability in the southern Balkans.

The pact commits the two sides to respect the inviolability of existing borders, as provided by international treaties, and to the resolution of disputes through peaceful means. It also commits Tirana to protect the rights of the Greek minority, and Athens to adopt favourable measures regarding the status of Albanian illegal immigrants, and to promote the neighbouring country's drive for closer ties with the European Union.

"There is now greater confidence, and any problems can be solved in a friendly atmosphere, whereas previously there was suspicion," a prominent member of the Greek minority commented, while Greek businessmen were quick to point out the new favourable climate for trade and investment.

Albanian President Sali Berisha provided assurances regarding public educational facilities for minority children in mainly-Greek inhabited towns, private Greek schools in others, as well as the opening of a Greek consulate in Korce.

Tirana, in return, obtained assurances for the legalisation of a number of Albanian illegal immigrants, and the opening of two new border entry points.

In his speech to the Albanian parliament, President Stephanopoulos said he attributed "special importance for the consolidation and development of friendship between the two nations to the relevant agreements of the two governments and the unhindered exercise of all rights by the Greek ethnic minority".

[16] Sofia ratifies bilateral agreements

The Bulgarian Parliament ratified yesterday two Greek-Bulgarian agreements for the use of the Nestos river's waters and the opening of three new border posts and highways between the two countries, to be implemented by 1998.

The agreements were signed by the foreign ministers of the two countries last year. The signing for the Nestos waters agreement came after 20 years of negotiations and means Greece will be able to use 29 per cent of the annual water quantity.

[17] Arsenis promises increased wages for Greek IFOR troops

Defense Minister Gerassimos Arsenis, who visited Bosnia on Wednesday, yesterday promised a 35 per cent increase in the daily wages of 251 soldiers and officers making up the Greek IFOR contingent in Bosnia.

Mr. Arsenis said that if the finance ministry could not meet the increase, it would be paid for out of the defense ministry's budget.

The defense minister was accompanied on his visit by Greek permanent NATO representative Vassilis Zafiropoulos, Commander of the Second Army Corps General George Manias and the defense ministry's press office director, Demetris Katsimis.

Mr. Arsenis visited IFOR headquarters in Sarajevo, and met with Admiral Leighton Smith, the head of the UN peacekeeping force Carl Bildt and the UN secretary-general's representative Carl Riza.

[18] CoE head to visit Greece next week

Council of Europe Secretary-General Daniel Tarschys will pay an official visit to Greece on April 1-2.

Mr. Tarschys, who will be accompanied by Greece's permanent representative at the Council of Europe Antonios Exarchos, will meet President Kostis Stephanopoulos, Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos and deputies who are members of the Greek delegation to the Council of Europe's Parliamentary Assembly.

Talks will focus on the enlargement of the 39-member organisation and its role in the framework of pan-European unification, support it can offer to new member-states, monitoring observance of their commitments and orientation issues.

The agenda will also include developments in former Yugoslavia in the wake of the Dayton agreement and the role played by the Council of Europe.

[19] Checks to locate infected beef continue

As world-wide concern over British beef and its reported link to several instances of Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD) in humans continues to grow, Greek veterinary and market authorities stepped up efforts to locate and confiscate all beef imports from Britain.

Authorities yesterday discovered 2,800 kilos of British-imported beef in warehouse refrigerators at the firm Attikis in the Rentis district of Piraeus.

In addition, some 170 kilos of meat from Britain were confiscated yesterday morning in Lamia, after checks of warehouse refrigerators in the area. According to reports, the meat was part of a 400-kilo batch of beef imported on December 13, which was mainly sold at stores along the Athens-Lamia national highway.

Checks are continuing at Lamia-area supermarkets.

Meanwhile, veterinary officials and market police in Thessaloniki and Kavalla also intensified efforts to locate quantities of British beef and meat by-products, suspected of harbouring "mad cow disease" or, more precisely, Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE).

Some 350 kilos of veal tongue shipped from Britain was uncovered and seized at a private warehouse. However, officials claimed the shipment was originally imported through Athens, with no portion sold in Thessaloniki. In addition, a check of the northern Greek city's major meat warehouses has been completed with investigations continuing in smaller units and in retail outlets.

In Kavalla, veterinary officials said no meat has been imported into eastern Macedonia and Thrace in the last six or seven years, although preventative checks have begun in area warehouses and retail outlets.

In a related development, the Hellenic Pharmaceuticals Organisation (EOF) yesterday banned the distribution and sale of cosmetics manufactured from substances originating from British beef products.

EOF said in an announcement that the ban would remain in effect pending a European Union decision on the problem. It called on companies producing, importing and distributing cosmetic products to adhere to the ban.

The European Commission yesterday slapped a provisional ban on the export of all live cattle, beef and beef products from the United Kingdom to other EU countries and to the rest of the world.

[20] Mitsotakis gives interview to Greek-American press

Former premier and honorary president of the main opposition New Democracy party Constantine Mitsotakis yesterday told Greek-American newspaper "Ethinkos Kyrix" that he was always willing to offer his political services.

In an interview with the newspaper, Mr. Mitsotakis stressed that he would continue to "tell the truth, take cautious positions and assist in issues of foreign policy."

Branding Greek-Turkish relations and the Cyprus problem as the "primary national issues," Mr. Mitsotakis said Greece should avoid tension in its relations with Turkey but exploit its powerful legal position.

According to the former premier, Greece, in the mid-term, should reinforce its economy which is the basis for military power, while, in the long run, it should develop relations of friendship and co-operation with Turkey.

"We should not let Turkey turn to Islamism," he said.

Regarding Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis' forthcoming official visit to the US, Mr. Mitsotakis said the Greek premier should ask US President Bill Clinton for guarantees that the US will support the principle of respect for territorial integrity, international treaties and international law in Greek-Turkish relations.

He further said that Mr. Simitis should assure President Clinton of Greece's desire to find solutions to the problem between the two countries based on dialogue.

Mr. Mitsotakis also called on Mr. Simitis to stress the US's moral responsibility to "act as a catalyst for the solution to the Cyprus problem," and also note the positive consequences for US interests from such a development.

Mr. Mitsotakis added that such a development would have a beneficial effect on bilateral relations and consolidate security and peace in the broader region.

On Skopje, Mr. Mitsotakis stressed the necessity of a new start "to stop Greece from sliding."

He drew attention to the need for a government to make "the painful but necessary reforms," and "assume political action abroad based on the country's true interests and have the courage to tell the Greek people the truth."

[21] Evert proposes an Olympics of the arts and intellect

Main opposition New Democracy party leader Miltiades Evert yesterday called for an "Olympics of the Intellect and the Arts" to be held every four years.

Describing his proposals as "Greece's new great contribution to humanity," Mr. Evert said it would bring together peoples and nations in a spirit of brotherhood.

Mr. Evert also proposed that the Olympics Secretariat be permanently based in Greece, adding that the first Olympics of the Arts, the Intellect and Culture be held in Greece in 2004.

Mr. Evert said he had already briefed French President Jacques Chirac of his proposal and that he would also discuss his proposal with the Athens mayor.

[22] Bill proposes greater role for Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki yesterday came one step closer to becoming Greece's official capital of commerce after a parliamentary committee accepted a proposal to base major new agencies in the port city.

The parliamentary Economic Affairs Committee accepted a bill proposed by Kozani deputy Theodoros Kokelidis stressing the shift in focus of the country's economic activity to the north due to developments in the Balkans and the greater region of the Black Sea. The bill said these events had made it necessary to turn Thessaloniki into Greece's commercial capital in order to facilitate the country's development.

The bill contained proposals for the establishment of a domestic and foreign investment centre, an inter-Balkan commercial and economic chamber and the creation of an institutional mechanism for co-ordinating government policy vis-u-vis the Balkans and t he countries of the Black Sea region.

Following approval by the parliamentary committee, the bill will now be discussed by the House plenary which is expected to vote in favour.

[23] Clocks go forward on Sunday

Summer time officially begins on March 31, when the clocks will be put forward by an hour. At 3am on Sunday morning, clocks will be moved forward to show 4am.

[24] Bank of Greece announces new measures

The central bank yesterday set out a new method of assessing obligatory deposits by commercial banks at the Bank of Greece and unveiled new decisions concerning the operation of factoring companies.

As of May, obligatory deposits will be assessed on average monthly levels. The central bank claims that in this way banks will be able to better manage available funds that they place with the central bank.

The decision brings the status of obligatory deposits into line with the practice prevailing in most European banks in the framework of a single European monetary policy.

The central bank also seeks to harmonise rules concerning factoring activity in Greece. The new measures will place factoring firms and credit institutions on the same level.

[25] Incomes policy bill goes to Parliament

The draft bill for the ratification of this year's incomes policy was submitted to Parliament today, and is expected to be voted on during the first ten days of April.

This year's incomes policy includes a 2.5 per cent increase for the first half of 1996, with another 2.5 per cent increase occurring in the second half of the year.

According to the bill, a correctional amount will be granted if inflation exceeds the five per cent mark at the end of 1996, in order to cover the difference between inflation and the agreed increases.

The bill also sets increases in pensions and benefits on a sliding scale, ranging from 3.5 per cent for the lowest brackets (up to 100,000 drachmas) to 2.5 per cent for pensions of between 130,001 drachmas to 270,000 drachmas. No increases have been set for pensions over this amount.

A correctional amount has also been set for pensions, while the increases will also be valid for those who begin claiming pensions after January 1, 1996.

The draft bill includes an increase of 20 per cent in disability benefits which will be implemented retrospectively from January 1, 1996.

The total cost of this year's increases in salaries, pensions and benefits are estimated to reach 171 billion drachmas.

Reports state that those entitled to increases in public salaries and pensions, as well as retrospective increases, will receive their payments in May.

End of English language section.