A.N.A. Bulletin, 04/06/96

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

Athens News Agency Directory

ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No 902), June 4, 1996

Greek Press & Information Office

Ottawa, Canada

E-Mail Address: grnewsca@sympatico.ca

CONTENTS

[1] Unarmed Cypriot national guardsman shot dead by Turkish troops

The Cypriot and Greek governments strongly reacted yesterday to the fatal shooting of a 19-year-old Cypriot National Guardsman by Turkish troops along the UN-controlled buffer zone in Nicosia yesterday morning.

Cypriot President Glafkos Clerides condemned the killing as a "cold-blooded murder," and criticized the United Nations for negligence and inability to control the neutral zone.

A Cypriot defense ministry statement earlier yesterday announced that Stelios Kallis was fatally wounded after entering the neutral zone along the "green line" unarmed. Defense Minister Costas Iliades said an investigation would be launched in cooperation with the UN to determine the exact conditions under which the shooting occurred, adding that increased security measures had been adopted along the buffer zone.

Eyewitnesses said that for as yet unknown reasons the Cypriot guardsman entered the neutral zone and was shot in the chest while talking to a Turkish sentry and after ignoring calls by a fellow soldier to turn back.

UN troops pulled the soldier from the scene shortly after, although he was pronounced dead upon arrival at a nearby hospital.

The Nicosia government lodged a strong protest with the United Nations secretariat and the permanent members of the UN Security Council, while the foreign ministry made strong representations to the organization's deputy special envoy Gustav Feissel.

In Athens, government spokesman Dimitris Reppas condemned the killing as "a cold-blooded act of shame."

"This criminal act must sensitize the international community even more, concerning the conditions prevailing in Cyprus. No one is legitimized in remaining a neutral observer of such brutality," he added. The main opposition New Democracy party described the incident as "yet one more provocative manifestation of Turkish brutality in Cyprus.

"We wonder whether this new tribute of blood will at last awaken the European and international public opinion to how Turkey really perceives of the concept of civilization and respect for international legality," the statement read.

Political Spring party spokesman Notis Martakis said "the cold-blooded murder of the unarmed guardsman revealed Turkey's real intentions, and the way it perceived of the rules of international law."

"Let everyone at last realize that at a time when Islamic fundamentalism is consolidating itself in Ankara, the supposedly conciliatory Turkey is undisguisedly increasing its aggressive stand. We hope the government after the Imia incident, and today's (yesterday's) callous murder, realizes that no dialogue of any sort, either 'step-by-step' or by the 'crooked line,' can be entered with Turkey," he added. The Coalition of the Left and Progress said the "cold-blooded execution of the unarmed guardsman in the buffer zone is a dangerous and alarming incident of murderous violence".

[2] State Department reaction

The killing of the guardsman underlines the need for extending a forces separation agreement there, the US State Department announced yesterday.

State Department spokesman Glyn Davies said Washington was still awaiting a United Nations report on the incident.

"But we can say even before the report arrives that the incident underscores the need and the importance of extending the 1989 Unmanning Agreement to cover all areas of the UN buffer zone, where the two sides are close together," he said.

The agreement separates the opposing forces more widely than the buffer zone itself, but applies only to certain areas of the zone.

"The narrowness of the zone can lead to these kinds of problems, so we think that the Unmanning Agreement ought to be extended to the entire zone," Mr. Davies told reporters. "That would reduce the risk of tragic incidents like this."

[3] Athens vetoes Turkish proposal on WEU associate members' participation in military exercises

Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos has vetoed a Turkish proposal allowing Western European Union (WEU) associate members, such as Turkey, be granted the right to participate voluntarily in the organization's military exercises and within the framework of NATO reforms, sources in Berlin said yesterday.

The proposal was submitted at the NATO foreign ministers meeting held in the German city.

The same sources said that all other participating countries were in favor of the proposal, but given the Greek objection a compromise formula finally arrived stating that "NATO is favorably disposed toward this desire, however, without this meaning that an associate member can automatically participate," adding that possibilities will be examined according "to case."

Commenting on the earlier cancellation of a planned meeting between Greek Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos and Turkish Foreign Minister Emre Gonensay, German Foreign Minister Klaus Kinkel told Turkish journalists it was "a pity" and that he himself "would gladly mediate in a rapprochement of the two sides if such a meeting were to take place."

In another statement, US State Department spokesman Nicholas Burns admitted "there is indeed a problem between NATO members in the southeastern flank," but stressed that "this is not a NATO problem, because it does not affect the strategic unity of the alliance...

"Besides, what is important for us is that we know and believe that in case of crisis Greece will defend Turkey, and Turkey will defend Greece," he added.

On the sidelines of the conference, Mr. Pangalos later met with the Italian president of the European Union's Council of Ministers, Lamberto Dini, and his Bulgarian counterpart Georgui Pirinski. The content of the talks was not revealed. Sources said that in his morning speech, Mr. Pangalos, along with several of his colleagues including Mr. Gonensay, stated his opposition to raising the issue of NATO expansion eastwards in the form of an ultimatum to Russia.

[4] Gonensay remarks

Referring to his WEU proposal in the course of a press conference, Mr. Gonensay spoke of a "misunderstanding," adding that it simply concerned the joint determination of the European identity on issues of security and defense by all European NATO members, and not the operations that would come under the administration of the WEU.

He added that he would "gladly" include confidence-building measures (CBMs) in an agenda of possible talks with Mr. Pangalos.

"I would be willing to discuss the matter. The United States is favorably disposed too... it is a very good idea, but unfortunately I did not meet with my Greek counterpart and was not able to discuss it," he added.

Meanwhile, an ANA dispatch from Istanbul yesterday quoted Mr. Gonensay as stating in Berlin that "hopes for a dialogue (with Greece) have not evaporated.

"At present, we have simply asked for a time-out," he said, adding that "our prime minister's proposal for dialogue with Greece is on the table. In Turkey, there is state continuity. One government may go and be replaced by another one, but our initiative remains valid.

"I am sure that in Greece, too, logic will prevail and that finally we shall find a method on which we shall both agree," he concluded.

[5] Papantoniou in Luxembourg for ECOFIN meeting

The European Union Economic Ministers' Council (ECOFIN) met here yesterday in preparation of the Florence summit meeting on June 21 and 22, and dealt with guidelines for the economic policies of the 15 member-states an d issues concerning the third phase of the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) as well as introduction of a common currency (Euro).

After the end of the session, Greek National Economy Minister Yiannos Papantoniou said conclusions had been favorable for Greece, containing positive references regarding the course of the Greek economy and the progress recorded, as well as encouragement for continuation of policies aimed at nominal and real convergence.

He added that texts concerning the initiation of the third EMU phase were in line with the spirit of Greek views, and it had been agreed that operating mechanisms envisaged in the "stability pact" (or fiscal discipline pact) would be fully in accordance with provisions of the Maastricht Treaty regarding excessive deficits and general orientations.

[6] Clinton responds favorably to Athens' Balkan initiative

The newspaper "To Vima" on Sunday printed the contents of a letter in which it said US President Bill Clinton had replied favorably to Prime Minister Costas Simitis' proposal for Greek-American technological co-operation and investment in the Balkans.

The Greek premier had discussed the matter during his meeting with Mr. Clinton at the White House last April.

"My administration systematically stresses the need for economic and technological investment in the Balkans, so as to secure a long-lasting peace and stability...

"We are especially interested in the possibilities of the initiative you propose, as a contribution to technological co-operation between the United States, Greece and the Balkan countries," the letter read.

President Clinton added that he had given instructions to US administration officials to submit their recommendations on how best to achieve these aims.

[7] New Greek ambassador to the Vatican assumes his post

Catholic Pope John Paul II received the credentials of the new Greek ambassador to the Vatican Nikos Kalatzianos yesterday, stressing that a new era was awaiting the international community, which should be characterized for "promoting dialogue and peace, solidarity and the struggle against poverty."

The pope said Greece and the Vatican should work for peace in the Mediterranean, and expressed a hope that every obstacle for peace would be overcome with a sincere and open dialogue.

He added that Greece and the Vatican could contribute to peace in the Balkans after the recent destruction and slaughter in the area.

Referring to Greece's role in the European Union, John Paul II underlined what he called an "enlargement taking place" in the EU, but called the continent to be vigilant in avoiding new forms of racism and nationalism.

[8] Papandreou calls for collective effort at PASOK youth wing meeting

A nationwide conference of the ruling socialist PASOK party's youth wing was held at Athens' Olympic Stadium over the weekend with participation of the organization's central council and the three-member secretariats of PASOK's prefectural and regional youth committees.

Youth organization's secretary Tonia Antoniou declared the opening of the conference on Saturday, before reading messages by PASOK leader Andreas Papandreou and Prime Minister Costas Simitis.

"Today that the ephemeral is chosen many times and individualism prevails, the mandate is one: A collective effort," Mr. Papandreou's message read, while Mr. Simitis underlined the party's renewal and modernization in light of the party's fourth congress this month.

"Today we are called upon to act before a horizon of crisis and a spurning of politics, a crisis of socialist visions. We must once again provide politics with a content. We must learn to discuss now, so as not to be committed by dogmas but new concepts and quests," Mr. Simitis' message said. He also criticized "personal squabbling and barren and sterile political feuds."

Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis expressed his support for a collective leadership for PASOK "regardless of persons," adding he was primarily interested "in maintaining cohesion in the party."

On the sidelines of the conference on Saturday, Mr. Kaklamanis ruled out the possibility of early elections taking place (elections are in October 1997), considering it disastrous for the country and expecting "a commitment by all of us that the four-year period will be exhausted..."

On the question of Mr. Simitis' candidacy for PASOK's vice-presidency, Mr. Kaklamanis said the prime minister would assess responsibly by himself if he would contest the post.

Mr. Kaklamanis went on to say that "the United States and NATO are leading us to a disastrous dilemma: A disgraceful compromise or war with Turkey. We must avoid both. It is for this reason that Greece is obliged to maintain a powerful military presence in the Aegean and Thrace as a deterrent force."

He said Greece should continue to implement a multi-faceted foreign policy, to economically strengthen border regions and acquire a strong economy, capable of securing powerful armed forces.

Central committee secretary Costas Skandalidis stressed the need to dissolve "anachronistic traditional structures and practices to be overturned" as well as for a congress which will be a forum of responsibility and creation.

He underlined the danger of political life's absolute manipulation by an economic policy promoted by "economic interests."

Mr. Skandalidis said the result of the influence exerted by these interests is "the dividing lines being transferred inside parties...

"The substantive walls separating the conservative from the progressive policy line between the parties are being nullified. Consequently, the scenes which occurred in New Democracy's Parliamentary group should not have made us gleeful."

National Defense Minister Gerassimos Arsenis said on Saturday that despite the fact Greece would try to complete its development course within the framework of the European Union, it should have no illusions concerning the latter's operation.

"There will be no common policy on the Balkans for many years in the future," Mr. Arsenis said, adding that he saw no alternative foreign policy to Greece obliging Turkey to change its position.

"Turkey's position will not change with appeasement or dialogue. On the contrary, Turkey must feel that Greece is strong. We must reveal Turkey's role in the Balkan countries and in the eastern Mediterranean and isolate it diplomatically. But a powerful

Greece also means first of all powerful armed forces. Greece must send a message in all directions that we will not hesitate to use them if necessary," Mr. Arsenis added.

Also in his address on Saturday, National Economy Minister Yiannos Papantoniou defended the government's stabilization policy, saying it had secured a satisfactory growth rate (2.5 per cent compared to minus 1 per cent in 1993), without however, allowing for an ambitious social programs policy.

Mr. Papantoniou said such a stabilization policy was necessary due to the swelling of the public debt, and placed responsibility on PASOK during its first seven years in office for "the irrational fiscal policy it followed."

He expressed satisfaction over the fact that "the restructuring of the Greek economy did not take place through the imposition of new taxes but through a cracking down on tax evasion and tackling the expenditures of the Greek state," as he said.

On his part, Interior Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos expressed opposition on Sunday at what he referred to as efforts to reverse PASOK's steadfast positions on national issues, social and economic policy and the party's cohesion in light of the upcoming fourth party congress.

"We must reject policies breaking the unity of the Greek people," Mr. Tsohatzopoulos said, adding that "we as PASOK will not allow a policy of changing steadfast positions on national issues, the improvement of Greek-Turkish relations at all cost, the commercialization of social policy, one-sided austerity, the marginalization of social strata and submission to interrelated interests and the mass media."

Mr. Tsohatzopoulos said "it is irresponsible for some to talk of elections", since "we are committed to the Greek people... we have a duty to complete the four-year period of office."

He called for "unifying policies for society and PASOK, which do not disband its social basis."

Mr. Tsohatzopoulos urged party members and cadres "to protect PASOK from expendable leaders and to avoid prolonged leadership crises."

[9] Simitis: shipping a top Gov't priority

In an address at the inauguration of the maritime exhibition "Poseidonia '96" yesterday, Prime Minister Costas Simitis stressed that the Greek government placed a top priority on the continuous development of the Greece's shipping sector.

"For the Greek government, the continuous development of Greek shipping and the smooth operation and development of international trade and international sea transport are exclusive top priorities. This is natural because from the beginning of their existence, Greeks have been bound with the sea," he said.

Merchant Marine Minister Kosmas Sfyriou followed, saying a principal factor in the appropriate operation and further development of merchant shipping internationally, apart from the need to continuously improve material and technical infrastructure, was a stable international institutional framework based on the principle of free and legitimate competition.

He said implementation of the principle was supported by Greece steadfastly in all international organizations where maritime issues were discussed.

The Poseidonia exhibition is being held at the Piraeus Port Authority's exhibition center in Piraeus and will be open until Friday.

"For this reason, Greece undertakes and supports initiatives on an international scale which are aimed at abolishing all kinds of protective or restrictive measures which obstruct the maintenance and further development of the healthy competitive environment, which must prevail in international sea transport," Mr. Sfyriou added.

Meanwhile, a press conference was given at the exhibition by the organizing committee's president, Themistoklis Vokos, yesterday morning, who added that the exhibition was larger, more complete and more important than previous exhibitions.

Mr. Vokos said this year's exhibition was attended by 64 countries, while 1,400 companies were represented that covered all aspects of shipping. In addition, shipyards had the largest participation.

Another important aspect of this year's Poseidonia is celebration of the 50th anniversary of the delivery of 100 "Liberty ships," organized by the Union of Greek Shipowners with an exhibition inaugurated by Mr. Sfyriou on the cable ship-museum "Thalis o Milisios," at noon yesterday.

[10] Tsovolas' DHKKI party to hold its conference this month

Former PASOK finance minister and deputy Dimitris Tsovolas on Saturday announced the holding of his Democratic Social Movement (DHKKI) party's first nationwide conference in Athens this month.

Speaking at the inauguration of DHKKI's offices in Drama, Mr. Tsovolas said his party's political positions would be made more specific during the conference, scheduled for June 15-16.

In addition, he said DHKKI's organizational structure throughout the country would be finalized and a vote would be taken on the statutes governing its operation.

Mr. Tsovolas launched his party last December after giving up his PASOK central committee seat and party membership.

Speaking in Thessaloniki at the time, Mr. Tsovolas said his party would place an emphasis on the "social dimension" of its policy proposals.

[11] Berlin investigating East Germany-Intracom connection

A spokesman for the Berlin State justice ministry confirmed a report appearing in the mass circulation newspaper "Bild Zeitung" on Saturday that the state's general prosecutor's office was conducting an investigation into million s of deutschmarks worth of "unaccounted" assets from the "Unified Socialist Party" (SED) of the former East Germany (DDR), and its alleged ties with the Greek hi-tech company Intracom.

However, spokesman Ruediger Reiff did not wish to reveal details concerning what stage the investigation has reached.

According to the newspaper, a new element in the case lies in Mr. Reiff's confirmation that the investigation was targeting the whereabouts of the missing SED assets, which the Democratic Socialist Party (PDS) "inherited," and part of which has not yet been discovered.

Bild Zeitung's article was titled "(former East German communist strongman Erich) Honecker's millions in Greece?"

The paper went on to claim that prosecuting authorities would focus on whether PDS, the heir of SED, salvaged its assets through Greece.

End of English language section.