A.N.A. Bulletin, 27/09/96

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

Athens News Agency Directory

ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No. 1000), September 27, 1996

Greek Press & Information Office

Ottawa, Canada

E-Mail Address: grnewsca@sympatico.ca

CONTENTS

[1] Pangalos calls latest Ciller's proposal usual Turkish policy of 'raising new issues' for negotiation

Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos yesterday snubbed Turkish Foreign Minister Tansu Ciller's proposal that for Ankara to take recourse over the Imia islets issue at the International Court at The Hague, the court should also deal with the issue of demilitarization of all Greek islands in the eastern Aegean.

"This is a known Turkish position. It is obvious that it is not possible for it to be accepted, for the simple reason that it would mean approval of the Turkish tactic to continuously raise new issues in order to negotiate them," he told reporters after meetings on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly and a subsequent dinner hosted by European Union foreign ministers for US Secretary of State Warren Christopher.

He added that any discussion on the matter at the present time was unthinkable and required fulfillment of certain pre-conditions which were still very distant.

"The Hellenic Army on the islands has been there since the events on Cyprus, because Turkey still occupies certain sections of the island. A pre-condition for any such discussion, and for us to listen to any such view - we are not even listening to this view of Ms. Ciller - is the resolution of all Greek-Turkish differences, the withdrawal of Turkish troops from Cyprus and the onset of a good climate of friendship and co-operation between the two countries and the two peoples. We are very far from such a point, this issue is not for discussion at this moment and any discussion in any way is inconceivable," he added.

He said it was up to Turkey to initiate a process of improvement in relations.

"Of course, what we desire, our ultimate aim, is indeed this good friendship and co-operation. But in order to arrive there, we must go through a long period of time with mutual efforts. It is Turkey that must initiate these efforts, having raised the la test issue over Imia. It is its own initiative, its own responsibility, it must remove it, by stating that it will seek recourse for any interpretations of the issue to the International Court at The Hague," he said.

Asked to comment on Ms. Ciller's reference to "the Turkish borders in Cyprus," he said:

"This is a confession which, I think, must please Greece. We have been saying for years that Turkey occupies Cyprus militarily, has replaced Turkish-Cypriot authorities and brought thousands of settlers to the island, thereby becoming the main interlocutor of the international and the Cypriot community at this moment. If Ms Ciller admits it in such an elegant way, I have nothing to add."

The Greek foreign minister also referred to his bilateral talks with his counterparts from Bosnia, Slovenia and Yugoslavia, as well as to his separate meeting with his Iranian and Bosnian counterparts, where the problem of the former Yugoslavia was discussed at length, along with the Balkan foreign ministers' meeting in Thessaloniki in June.

"There is a desire on all sides in (the former) Yugoslavia to promote the Dayton Accord, and we expressed our intention to assist in this direction, and if necessary contribute with initiatives or our military presence, in the framework of the international force, but also with economic aid and our development policy in the reconstruction projects," he said.

"In a few months, representatives of economic ministries and business bodies will meet in Athens to discuss plans for the reconstruction of Bosnia, in which Iran and Greece can participate," he added.

[2] Gov't spokesman

The government wants to resolve national issues but without outside pressures being exerted now or in the future, especially if exercised "in an unorthodox way", government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said yesterday in reply to questions on statements by US officials concerning Greek-Turkish relations.

He added that Athens' foreign policy positions remained unchanged.

Asked to comment on statements by former national defense minister and current Education Minister Gerassimos Arsenis on Wednesday, who expressed fears of "a new Zurich" (1959 agreement establishing Cypriot independence, used by Turkey as a pretext for invading Cyprus), Mr. Reppas ruled out the possibility of any discussion (with Ankara) which might lead to a similar agreement.

Replying to other questions on statements by Ms Ciller, the spokesman said it was not possible for a country to have recourse to international bodies concerning "whatever issue it believes constitutes a dispute with a neighboring country."

"What is important is for the territorial claims raised by Turkey against Greece to be confronted," Mr. Reppas added.

Asked where Turkey might have recourse to raise issues such as the disarmament of the Greek islands, Mr. Reppas replied that in order for a party to have recourse to the International Court at the Hague, it must first have "a positive image, something which Turkey does not have, having occupied a large part of the Cyprus Republic for the last 22 years.

"Turkey has much to do before it can raise such issues before international bodies," Mr. Reppas said. Commenting, meanwhile, on the deaths of 11 Kurds in riots at the Diyarbakir high-security jail, Mr. Reppas stressed that the international community should not remain indifferent to "the policy of terror, annihilation and eradication followed by Turkey on the Kurdish issue."

"Turkey must be confronted, with reference not only to its foreign policy, but also on the basis of the policy implemented by Ankara domestically," he concluded.

[3] Top Clinton aide says US to undertake initiative on Aegean, Cyprus

The United States will undertake an initiative for a comprehensive solution of problems in Cyprus and the Aegean after the US presidential elections, President Clinton's close aide George Stephanopoulos stated yesterday, indicating that the process might involve participation of former assistant secretary of state Richard Holbrooke.

"We believe that through the efforts of Mr. Lake at the National Security Council , the US ambassador at the UN, Madeleine Albright, and perhaps the good offices of Richard Holbrooke, we shall find a comprehensive solution to the Aegean and Cyprus," he said at the Hellenic Leadership conference, which was concluded here yesterday with an award to Mr. Holbrooke.

Regarding the Greek-Turkish dispute over the Imia islets in the eastern Aegean, and in the wake of Turkish Foreign Minister Tansu Ciller's statement that the issue must be referred to the International Court at The Hague together with that of the demilitarization of the Greece's eastern Aegean islands, President Clinton's national security adviser Anthony Lake yesterday expressed the view that what had to be referred was the Imia issue.

"Regarding Imia, we believe that the International Court at The Hague must resolve the difference," he said. "President Clinton has made it clear to the Greek, but also - mainly - to the Turkish government that the US expects a solution with respect for territorial integrity and international treaties, and without the use, or the threat of the use of violence," he added.

He referred to 1996 as not being a good year in the Aegean, and explained that the prolonged government instability in Turkey and the pre-election period in Greece hampered the assumption of an American initiative.

"Now there is an opportunity to do what we have to do," he added.

Mr. Holbrooke reported that during breakfast with Ms Ciller on Wednesday he told her that "following the successful election in Greece, we must proceed to a solution of the Cyprus problem."

[4] Pangalos discusses bilateral relations, expatriate community with Australian FM

Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos spoke to reporters yesterday about talks with his counterparts within the framework of his contacts at the UN, focusing in principle on his meeting with the Australian foreign minister, saying they discussed issues concerning relations between the two countries and the presence of the Greek community in that country.

Mr. Pangalos said that very soon "someone from the Greek foreign ministry, either I or Mr. Papandreou, will make a prolonged visit to Australia and to all the Greek communities."

He said they also discussed Greek affairs, Greek-Turkish relations, the Cyprus issue and Greece's relations with the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM).

Mr. Pangalos then referred to his meeting with his Romanian counterpart.

"We discussed our bilateral relations. Prime Minister Costas Simitis will visit Romania immediately after their elections in early November. We also discussed the future Balkan meetings of the Initiative for Economic and Technical Co-operation in early October, the meetings of foreign ministers in January in Sofia, as well as the meeting of Balkan countries in Thessaloniki in June."

Called on to comment on statements by the State Department's spokesman on the meeting between US Secretary of State Warren Christopher and FYROM President Kiro Gligorov on Wednesday and Washington's intention to assist in the FYROM issue as well, Mr. Pangalos said "we particularly appreciate every activity which helps in resolving problems concerning us or concerning the region."

He made the statement in regards to a statement by State Department spokesman Nicholas Burns, who said both sides are showing flexibility.

"In turn FYROM must show its intention for an agreement on the second part of the interim agreement as well, which is finding a mutually acceptable name. Up to this moment FYROM has not shown any intention of any kind for an understanding in this direction," he said.

"If Mr. Burns means that the US will exert pressure on FYROM in this direction so that FYROM will show some intention for an understanding, then this pressure will be beneficial and, of course, the US have a great capability of influencing the government of FYROM," he added.

[5] Archbishop Spyridon greets Pangalos in NY

The Archdiocese of America will do all in its power to promote Greek causes, new Archbishop of America Spyridon said after his first meeting with Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos yesterday.

"Whatever is Greek concerns me directly, and the Archdiocese will do all it can to promote with its meager powers the improvement of Greek causes the world over," he said.

On his part, Mr. Pangalos praised the role of the Orthodox Church of America.

"We discussed matters concerning the expatriate community. As you know, we consider the Church of America a reference point for American citizens of Greek extraction. Its role in maintaining the relation between the Greek-American community and the motherland is very important, and we wish to strengthen this relation. And I am sure that the new head of the Church of America will contribute in this direction with the abilities and the authority that he possesses," he added.

Archbishop Spyridon will also be visited by Cypriot President Glafcos Clerides tomorrow.

[6] NY meeting to focus on Greek-Iranian-Armenian economic development

Foreign Ministry Secretary-General Costas Georgiou travels to New York on Monday for a meeting with Armenian Foreign Minister Papazian and Iranian Alternate Foreign Minister Vaezi in the framework of tripartite co-operation between Greece, Iran and Armenia.

According to a foreign ministry announcement, the meeting will focus on plans for developing economic co-operation between the three countries and preparing the next meeting at a foreign ministers' level to be held in Tehran this November.

[7] Kohl, Chernomyrdin send congratulations to Simitis

In a message of congratulations addressed to Prime Minister Costas Simitis yesterday on the occasion of his election victory last Sunday, German Chancellor Helmut Kohl expressed certainty on their co-operation to build Europe and on the deepening of bilateral relations.

"In the years to come we will find ourselves together in facing the great challenges during the shaping of the European 'home'. I am certain that in the future as well you will seek with all your strength to actively contribute to this decisive phase in the process of European unification with a courageous policy orientated to the future," the message said.

"Friendship between our two countries and peoples was always of interest to you. The target of deepening our bilateral relations is common," it added.

In addition, Russian Prime Minister Viktor Chernomyrdin also addressed a letter of congratulations to Mr. Simitis. "I express certainty that constructive co-operation between Russia and Greece will develop further for the good of our peoples in building European security and in consolidating peace and stability in the Balkans," the letter stated.

[8] Rifkind congratulates Pangalos

Malcolm Rifkind, Britain's secretary of state for foreign and Commonwealth affairs, yesterday sent a message to Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos, congratulating him on PASOK's re-election. "I was pleased to learn that we will continue to be colleagues following the outcome of the recent elections in Greece. Please accept my warmest congratulations on your re-appointment. "You will recall my invitation to come to London for talks. We have a great deal to talk about. I very much hope we can quickly find convenient dates," the message read.

[9] ND rejects proposal for Varvitsiotis as provisional president

The main opposition New Democracy party, reeling from a 3-point defeat in last Sunday's general elections, has reportedly rejected a new plan whereby ND Vice-President Yiannis Varvitsiotis would become the party's provisional leader prior to the election of a new leader at an upcoming congress.

ND leader Miltiades Evert resigned his position Sunday night after conceding defeat by the ruling PASOK party.

The idea of electing Mr. Varvitsiotis as provisional leader was forwarded by a number of ND deputies and cadres, as well as by the Athens daily "Apogevmatini."

According to reports, Mr. Varvitsiotis had two telephone conversations with Dora Bakoyianni, a candidate for the party's leadership and daughter of ND honorary president and former prime minister Constantine Mitsotakis.

According to reports, Mr. Varvitsiotis said intra-party elections cannot be held since the term of office of the prefectural committees' administrative councils was renewed five months ago, adding that his presence at the leadership of the party could not be annulled in advance.

According to reports, Mr. Varvitsiotis did not object to such a development on condition that the proposal was accepted by both Mr. Evert and Mr. Mitsotakis, and that he would be free to run for the party's leadership at the congress if he so wished.

Sources said Mr. Evert apparently viewed this prospect positively, while many believed that the new scenario was a reply by Mr. Evert's side to Ms. Bakoyianni's proposal that Tzannis Tzannetakis become ND's transitional leader.

Both Mr. Evert and Mr. Mitsotakis are so far keeping their intentions under wrap, but are holding consecutive meetings with deputies and cadres.

Former minister Stephanos Manos, a candidate in the leadership race, insists that a final decision for the leadership issue should be given now and not six months later, believing that during the run-up to the party congress, the party will be damaged b y intra-party confrontations, claiming Prime Minister Costas Simitis will be able to infiltrate ND's sphere of influence even further.

Mr. Manos insists that both Mr. Evert and Mr. Mitsotakis should not be candidates and neither should Ms Bakoyianni or Costas Karamanlis. He maintains that he and George Souflias, who has also announced his candidacy, should seek the party's leadership. On his part, Mr. Souflias has started his own contacts with party deputies to promote his candidacy.

Meanwhile, deputies loyal to Mr. Evert are continuing to gather signatures in support of his maintaining ND's leadership and, according to his associates, the figure has so far exceeded 52.

According to reliable sources, Mr. Evert notified the Parliamentary Group's Secretary-General Stavros Dimas that he will take up the party's seat in Thessaloniki, leaving out Sotiris Kouvelas.

In another development, European Democratic Union President Alois Mock has addressed a letter to Mr. Evert saying, among others, that "in such a difficult period your European friends are at your side."

[10] Greece expresses concern for developments in Palestinian territories

Greece yesterday expressed concern over the latest dramatic events in the Palestinian territories and said it followed developments with particular attention.

A foreign ministry statement last night also said the government unequivocally condemned the use of violence and expressed deep regret over the heavy loss of human life, addressing an appeal to both sides for self-restraint, the adoption of appropriate measures for the de-escalation of tension and the avoidance of counter-productive actions.

"Greece wishes for the speedy resumption of negotiations regarding the ultimate status of Palestinian territories and the peace process. It stresses, in particular, the need for implementing the agreement for the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Hebron ," the statement concluded.

[11] Mega, Antenna in Australia

Australians will soon be able to see Greek private television stations Mega and Antenna on cable, according to an announcement.

The Australian telecommunications organization Optus will carry Mega programs by November while Antenna will be broadcast by the end of the year.

Subscriber costs for each channel will be approximately $A10 (2,500 drachmas) a month, with the condition that viewers also subscribe to Optus's other channels, at an added cost.

Both channels will offer news, current affairs shows, serials, comedies and light entertainment.

[12] Modern Greek Studies Congress

The 3rd Congress of Modern Greek Studies begins on Sunday at the University of Melbourne, entitled "Hellenic Civilization: Tradition, Innovation and Development."

The congress will examine the course of Greek culture in the near future as well as methods of teaching modern Greek studies.

It will end on Wednesday.

[13] Gov't rules out change in electoral law, co-operation with other parties, for the moment

The government is not for the time being considering changing the electoral law or cooperating with other parties, government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said yesterday.

The spokesman was replying to questions on comments yesterday by Prime Minister Costas Simitis concerning the centre-left.

"An effort will be made to find a common language and common course with the forces of the centre-left," Mr. Simitis said yesterday, shortly after chairing the first Cabinet meeting since Sunday's general elections. Mr. Reppas said it was not in the government's intentions to undertake some relevant initiative at the moment, clarifying that the issue of where such an initiative would be directed "when and if it is undertaken" would first have to be discussed.

Meanwhile, the spokesman declined to comment on developments in the main opposition New Democracy party following the resignation late Sunday night of its leader Miltiades Evert.

[14] Athens mayor honors Paralympics medalists

Athens Mayor Dimitris Avramopoulos yesterday awarded the Medal of the City to the Greek medalists at the Atlanta Paralympics, and the Panhellenic Association of Paraplegics for winning the silver medal in the European Union competition on the subject of "Economic and Social Integration of Handicapped People."

The competition involved the participation of 380 other collective bodies.

"Your stamina, the strength of your soul managed to overcome any bodily disadvantages, proving your high sense of responsibility, boldness, courage, self-denial, and noble emulation," the mayor said in his address to the Paralympics medalists.

End of English language section.