Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 97-01-13
From: The Greek Press & Information Office, Ottawa Canada <grnewsca@sympatico.ca>
ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No 1087), January 13, 1997
Greek Press & Information Office
Ottawa, Canada
E-Mail Address: grnewsca@sympatico.ca
CONTENTS
[01] Pangalos meets Milozevic, sees solution in OSCE report
[02] Three dead and heavy damage in nation-wide flooding
[03] US official's visit to Nicosia kicks off a flurry of visits on
the Cyprus missiles furor
[04] Cyprus defense minister
[05] Missiles are purely defensive, Cyprus says
[06] Ciller, Karadayi to visit occupied Cyprus
[07] US, Russia, UN condemn Ankara statements
[08] Turkish smugglers try to land illegal immigrants
[09] Russian energy minister arrives to inaugurate natural gas project
[10] Concerted effort needed to deal with farming problems
[11] Rallis to oversee ND party congress
[12] Reforestation efforts
[13] GSEE criticizes new guidelines on residency, work permits
[14] Greek-Canadian team uncover ancient city of Argilos
[15] Cavanaugh arrives in Cyprus
[16] Defense minister leaves for Athens
[17] Overwhelming majority backs S-300 purchase
[01] Pangalos meets Milozevic, sees solution in OSCE report
Belgrade, 13/01/1997 (ANA/Reuter)
Greek Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos said yesterday that
there was a chance of resolving the protracted political crisis
in Serbia, provided an OSCE report that upheld opposition
victories in disputed elections was accepted.
Mr. Pangalos was speaking at the end of his one-day visit to the
Yugoslav capital of Belgrade, where he had talks with Serbian
President Slobodan Milosevic - the Serbian leader's first
meeting with a foreign official for three weeks - Foreign
Minister Milan Milutinovic and leaders of the opposition Zajedno
(Together) movement.
Zajedno has staged mass protests in the streets of Belgrade for
the past eight weeks against the government's annulment of the
opposition's 14 victories in Serbia's 18 largest cities,
including the capital Belgrade.
A subsequent inquiry by a delegation led by former Spanish prime
minister Felipe Gonzalez on behalf of the Organization for
Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) declared the
elections valid, ratcheting up pressure on Mr. Milosevic to
admit defeat.
Mr. Pangalos said that the opposition was ready to put an end to
the protests if the OSCE report was accepted.
He refused, however, to comment on whether Mr. Milosevic was
prepared to accept the report.
He called the possibility of negotiations between the government
and opposition "a new and strong element" and expressed the
belief that only in this way would democratic procedures
preventing a repeat of such a crisis be established.
"From what we have discussed up to now, it seems that the
Gonzalez report has to be applied totally, including the city
council of Belgrade," Mr. Pangalos told reporters.
"My deep belief is that a solution is possible and those who
should take the appropriate steps should take them immediately
so as not to have consequences that will be extremely annoying
for the economy and the strength and existence of Serbia," Mr.
Pangalos said.
"This (recognition of election results) should happen
immediately and after this I believe that the opposition and the
government are ready to start discussions," he said. Mr.
Pangalos said he stressed to his interlocutors Zoran Djindjic,
Vuk Draskovic and Vesna Pesic, the three leaders of Zajedno,
that Greece was in need of a strong and democratic Serbia which
would not be buffeted by civil wars and which would be in a
position, along with Greece, to act as a pole of peaceful
co-operation in the Balk ans.
However, Mr. Draskovic said that Mr. Milosevic did not appear to
be ready to accept the electoral win of the opposition in
Belgrade and was oriented towards a solution which would see a
temporary administration in the municipality of Belgrade.
In statements on arrival in Belgrade, Mr. Pangalos said that
during his talks he would be insisting on the need "for a way to
be found to encourage the establishment of smooth democratic
life in Serbia". He added that this would "help the friends of
Serbia and Yugoslavia to work in the direction of an integration
of this country" in the European Union.
The crisis in Serbia, Mr. Pangalos said, created "great
difficulties" for the friends of the Federal Republic of
Yugoslavia.
A later announcement from the Serbian president's office noted
that issues related to the joint efforts to strengthen and
bolster trust between the peoples and countries of the region
were the main focus of talks between Mr. Pangalos and Mr.
Milosevic.
The announcement stressed that both agreed that issues related
to the internal development of each country should be resolved
by institutional bodies of each country, to the benefit of all
who desire stable inter-state and international relations based
on the principles of equality and non-involvement in domestic
affairs.
It stressed that the relations between Greece and the Federal
Republic of Yugoslavia were developing in this direction and
that the talks were held in a cordial and friendly atmosphere.
[02] Three dead and heavy damage in nation-wide flooding
Athens, 13/01/1997 (ANA)
Three people died and another three were still missing at
press-time after flash flooding hit the country yesterday.
The regions of Corinth, Argolida, Aigialia and Fthiotida have
reported widespread devastation with late reports stating that
Fthiotida had been declared in a state of emergency. Dramatic
live footage showed the raging waters sweeping away parked cars
down the roads of the city of Corinth.
According to an announcement by Public Order Minister George
Romeos, one man was confirmed to have drowned after the
long-distance bus in which he was traveling along with another
25 people was swept away by floodwater as it attempted to cross
a bridge i n the Solomos village of Corinth.
Another two people were missing late last night from the same
bridge when their car was swept away.
A 77-year-old woman was also missing in the Corinth region,
while a 65-year-old man died of a heart attack in the Aigialia
region when he witnessed his car being carried away by the
floodwater.
On the island of Crete, a 68-year-old man was killed after he
was swept away by a river which he attempted to cross on his
donkey.
Worse hit was the prefecture of Argolida with unprecedented
rainfall which swelled the waters of the Xerias river and
flooded 2,500 acres of land as well as the ground floors of
houses and shops.
Thirteen people stranded and in danger of being swept by the
rising waters were rescued by units of the local fire brigade.
The rain has caused extensive damage to power and
telecommunications' networks in the region as well as many farm
dwellings in the villages of Nea Kios, Dalamanara, Timenio and
Myli. Early in the evening, the town of Corinth suffered a
general black-out which exacerbated the situation.
Transport in the whole of the prefecture was impeded, with many
roads impassable. At Kyveri, railway lines were swept away by
the torrent. Trains from Athens could only travel to Argos,
where passengers to the south-east Peloponese were transferred
to buses. Traffic on the national highway between Corinth and
Tripoli was confined to one lane because of landslides along the
road.
Heavy rain is still falling in the mountainous regions, causing
fears of further flooding.
In the prefecture of Corinth, roads turned to rivers and in
Kiato and Lehena many houses were under water, while dozens of
people stranded on rooftops and in cars awaited rescue. Local
emergency services were inundated with calls as they attempted
to free roads from cars that had been swept away. It was
reported that a number of vehicles, including two trucks, fell
into the port of Corinth.
A government delegation headed by Environment, Town Planning and
Public Works Minister Costas Laliotis is due to arrive in
Corinth today in order to be briefed on the situation and to
give instructions for the relief of those affected by the
floods. Prime Minister Costas Simitis was being continuously
briefed yesterday.
Corinth Mayor Mr. Dalaklidis, who said his town had suffered
"devastation of Biblical proportions," implied that the problem
had been caused by the recent construction work on the
Athens-Patras national road by-pass, although any connection was
denied by the environment, town planning and public works
ministry.
In Athens, the continuous rainfall caused flooding of many roads
and homes as well as two subway stations and the Kifissos bus
depot. The Kifissos river overflowed, flooding the intersection
of two of the city's main arteries, Leoforos Kifissou and
Kavalas, with traffic chaos as a result.
Worst hit were the suburbs of Nea Philadelphia, Nea Chalkidona,
Nea Ionia, Neo Iraklio, Peania, Galatsi, Menidi and Agia
Paraskevi.
The Athens Fire Brigade had received more than 150 calls by 5pm.
Problems were compounded by the large amounts of garbage
accumulated on the capital's streets due to a municipal strike.
The garbage was swept into stormwater drains along the roads,
causing serious blockages.
Police in the Peloponese town of Argos have expressed fears
about the lives of an unknown number of illegal immigrants
living in farm houses in areas flooded when the Xerias River
broke its banks early yesterday morning after heavy rain.
About 2,500 acres of land under cultivation was flooded adjacent
to the Nafplio-Myles coastal road. Local authorities have
declared a state of emergency in the prefecture and were using
all available manpower and technical means to tackle the
problems caused by the heavy rain and gale force winds.
[03] US official's visit to Nicosia kicks off a flurry of visits on
the Cyprus missiles furor
Athens, 13/01/1997 (ANA)
This week will see a flurry of activity on the Cyprus issue and
the recent furor over Nicosia's decision to purchase
Russian-made S-300 anti-aircraft missiles.
Turkey's increasingly bellicose statements - despite censure
from Washington, Moscow and the United Nations - continued over
the weekend and latest reports from Ankara stated that Turkish
Foreign Minister Tansu Ciller will visit the occupied areas of
Cyprus this week.
In Athens, the Cyprus defense minister's visit is expected to be
followed by a visit by Cyprus President Glafcos Clerides and,
possibly, by Dutch Foreign Minister Hans van Mierlo, to indicate
increasing European Union interest in a solution to the Cyprus
issue.
Greece, however, will maintain its level-headed stance in the
face of escalating Turkish provocations, as decided at
Thursday's meeting on foreign policy, government spokesman
Dimitris Reppas said yesterday.
In an unscheduled briefing prior to the visit to Athens today of
the US State Department's official responsible for southern
Europe, Carey Cavanaugh, Mr. Reppas said Greece's policy was
aimed at securing friendship with all the countries of the
region and with Turkey in particular.
He stressed, however, that Turkey, by its actions, was refusing
to adhere to international law and order, while Greece was the
main factor for security and stability in the region.
Mr. Cavanaugh arrived in Nicosia yesterday, on the first leg of
his tour of the region aimed at smoothing relations following
Nicosia's decision to purchase and deploy the Russian missiles.
Replying to questions on Mr. Cavanaugh's visit, Mr. Reppas said
"first we must hear what he has to say and then we shall reply."
"The century which is coming to an end must take with it the
outstanding issues in the region," the spokesman said, adding
that the status quo in the region remained unchanged.
In Belgrade, Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos came out
strongly against Turkey's reaction to the purchase.
"Turkey wishes to have the right and the ability to bomb freely
and to act unrestrained with its aircraft against Cyprus,
without the government of Cyprus having any means to stop this
activity," Mr. Pangalos said in reply to a journalist's question.
"I believe the voices which have been heard by the international
community and which advise Turkey to stop using violence or the
threat of violence in its international relations simply reflect
this unprecedented situation," he added.
[04] Cyprus defense minister
Athens, 13/01/1997 (ANA)
In a related development, Cyprus Defense Minister Costas
Eliades, accompanied by the chief of the Cyprus National Guard
and members of the parliamentary defense committee, were due in
Athens later yesterday for talks with the Greek government on
the entire spectrum of issues pertaining to Cyprus' defense.
An ANA dispatch from Nicosia said Mr. Eliades would be having
private talks with his Greek counterpart, Akis Tsohatzopoulos,
during which the two men will examine developments relating to
the joint Greece-Cyprus defense doctrine and discuss issues
regarding the two countries' armaments programs.
The parliamentary defense committee will also be received by
Prime Minister Costas Simitis today before holding talks with
Mr. Tsohatzopoulos tomorrow.
During its stay in Athens, the committee will also meet with
Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos.
Cyprus President Glafcos Clerides is also scheduled to visit
Athens this week, while there are reports that Dutch Foreign
Minister Hans van Mierlo, the current president of the EU
Council of Ministers, is also due in Greece during the week in
order to b e briefed on the latest developments and to offer his
good services for a defusion of the crisis.
The Dutch European Union presidency has expressed the EU's wish
to play an active role in efforts to find a solution to the
Cyprus problem, although it has said it considers the UN to be
in a better position to undertake the role of mediator.
According to an ANA dispatch from Nicosia, a spokesman for the
Dutch foreign ministry said the problem must be discussed
between the EU and all interested members, including Russia and
the United States. It added that at the same time, relations
between Greece and Turkey must be carefully examined.
The Cyprus issue and Greek-Turkish relations were discussed in
The Hague on Friday by Mr. van Mierlo and US Assistant Secretary
of State John Kornblum, who was accompanied by Mr. Cavanaugh.
[05] Missiles are purely defensive, Cyprus says
Nicosia, 13/01/1997 (ANA/CNA)
Cyprus government spokesman Yiannakis Cassoulides said on
Saturday that Nicosia had purchased Russian-made S-300
anti-aircraft missiles in order to avert, and not to cause, a
war.
In statements to the ANA, Mr. Cassoulides added that it would be
some months before the missile system was deployed and there
would be plenty of time in the meantime "for us to concentrate
our efforts for a peaceful settlement of the Cyprus problem,
which will be followed by the total demilitarization of Cyprus."
Commenting on Turkish threats of military action against Cyprus
if the missiles were deployed, Mr. Cassoulides said they were
nothing new.
"The threats have continued for the past 22 years. It was only
recently that Turkish President Suleyman Demirel boasted that
Adana was just three minutes from Cyprus, implying that Turkey
could hit Cyprus in three minutes," Mr. Cassoulides said.
"It is for precisely this reason," he added, "that Cyprus feels
the need to upgrade and strengthen its defensive capability and
since we do not have an air-force, the only option for us was to
purchase anti-aircraft missiles."
Meanwhile, Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis stressed the
Greek government's firm decision "to stand by Cypriot Hellenism
with all means, for the ending of Turkish aggressiveness and of
Turkish threats."
Mr. Simitis gave the assurance during his meeting in Athens on
Friday with a delegation of the Cypriot socialist EDEK party,
headed by its president Vassos Lyssarides. The meeting focused
on the latest developments in the Cyprus issue, with particular
attention paid to the recent Turkish threats.
[06] Ciller, Karadayi to visit occupied Cyprus
Nicosia, 13/01/1997 (ANA)
Turkish Foreign Minister Tansu Ciller and Chief of the Turkish
General Staff Haki Karadayi are due to visit the occupied areas
of Cyprus this week, press reports said.
According to the Turkish press, the visit is directly related to
Cyprus's decision to purchase the anti-aircraft missiles.
In another development, an ANA dispatch from Ankara reported
that a close associate of Ms Ciller yesterday accused Greece of
"being behind the crisis" with the missiles.
"We cannot say Greece is not behind the crisis with the Russian
missiles," said the Vice-President of the True Path party and
former defense minister Mehmet Golhan.
"Turkey cannot remain indifferent before the fact that 'southern
Cyprus' is being converted into an arsenal. ... Turkey will
never allow the deployment of these missiles," Mr. Golhan said.
[07] US, Russia, UN condemn Ankara statements
Athens, 13/01/1997 (ANA)
Turkey's increasing belligerent statements were the focus of
condemnation by the US, Russia and the United Nations on
Saturday.
All three repudiated Turkey for threatening to take military
action against Cyprus if the island republic proceeded with its
plan to install an anti-aircraft defense system.
US State Department spokesman Nicholas Burns described as
"unjustified, irresponsible and unwise", a statement made on
Friday by Turkish Foreign Minister Tansu Ciller saying that
Ankara would not hesitate to strike Russian-made anti-aircraft
missiles to be deployed in Cyprus.
The Turkish threats were also condemned by Russia as being
"reminiscent of the worst periods of the cold war".
Russia "cannot ignore such statements from Turkey, including a
direct threat against the safety of the sovereign Republic of
Cyprus," foreign ministry spokesman Gennady Tarasov said in a
written statement.
"Such a statement seems especially strange considering the
evident fact that the S-300 anti-aircraft missile system is of a
purely defensive character," Mr. Tarasov said. "The artificial
aggravation of tensions can only delay the future settlement of
the Cyprus problem, and it does not help stability or improve
the atmosphere of trust and co-operation in the region," Mr.
Tarasov said.
Finally, Turkey was criticized by the UN Secretary-General Kofi
Annan, who stressed that using or threatening to use force
against a member state contravenes the organization's charter.
In a statement read by a UN spokesman, the Secretary-General
expressed his concern over rising tensions in Cyprus and said
that last week's events point to the urgent need for
co-ordinated efforts to achieve a comprehensive political
settlement through negotiations. Turkey on Friday repeated its
threat to take military action against Cyprus and said it might
occupy an abandoned tourist resort on the island, if Cyprus did
not back down on the acquisition of the anti-aircraft weapons.
Foreign Minister Tansu Ciller said Turkey could knock out the
defense system the Cypriot government plans to install under a
deal made with Russia last weekend.
[08] Turkish smugglers try to land illegal immigrants
Athens, 13/01/1997 (ANA)
The crew of a Greek coast-guard vessel early Saturday were
forced to open fire on a Turkish boat which tried to ram it
after unsuccessfully trying to disembark illegal immigrants on
the remote Greek island of Ro.
The first attempt was thwarted when the coast-guard vessel
stopped a Turkish boat heading from the Turkish coast to Greek
waters without navigation lights. The Turkish captain was
arrested as were 13 illegal Kurdish immigrants.
In the second attempt, Turkish smugglers tried to land an
unknown number of illegal immigrants on a remote beach of Ro.
When spotted by the same coast-guard vessel, the Turkish boat
tried to ram it, forcing the crew of the Greek vessel to fire
warning shots in the air and at the boat's motor, resulting in
the slight injury of a Turkish smuggler.
[09] Russian energy minister arrives to inaugurate natural gas project
Athens, 13/01/1997 (ANA)
Russia's Energy Minister Mr. Rodionov arrived in Athens
yesterday afternoon on a two-day visit on the occasion of the
inauguration of the natural gas project on Wednesday.
"As Prometheus gave the flame to humanity, so we are pleased to
bring natural gas to the legendary god's country as a small
token of reciprocation," the Russian minister said.
Mr. Rodionov, who is accompanied on his visit by the president
of the Russian State Natural Gas Company "Gazprom", R. Diachirev
and a 15-member delegation, was met at the airport by
Development Minister Vasso Papandreou and the president of the
Public Natural Gas Enterprise (DEPA) Savvas Papafilippou.
Welcoming the delegation, Ms Papandreou noted the importance of
its presence in Greece, which she said "the government intends
to turn into an energy hub in the wider geopolitical region."
Ms Papandreou expressed the wish for co-operation with Russia on
the natural gas project to be expanded into the wider energy
sector "as energy networks are very important for both
countries."
Mr. Rodionov expressed his pleasure on his presence in "the
cradle of world civilization." He spoke of long-term
Greek-Russian co-operation, and stressed the importance for both
countries of inauguration of the natural gas pipeline.
"During our two days here, we will have the chance to study a
series of co-operations for the future. Apart from natural gas,
there are also issues such as oil, the wider energy sector,
networks et, while the implementation of these plans will
significantly help the people of both countries," he said.
[10] Concerted effort needed to deal with farming problems
Athens, 13/01/1997 (ANA)
The first meeting of the Council of Agricultural Policy
concluded on Saturday with the general consensus that the
problems Greek agriculture is facing can only be solved with the
concerted effort of all interested parties, including farmers,
cooperatives, social groups and competent ministries.
Agriculture minister Stephanos Tzoumakas in his closing speech
called for everybody's input in order to achieve "a
self-reliant, competitive agriculture with decreases in the cost
of production, new methods o f cultivation, appropriate
infrastructure and the application of restructuring policies".
Mr. Tzoumakas said that it is time for a change of attitude on
the part of farmers and social groups. However he did not spare
government employees of his own ministry, some of whom he
accused of operating in a "closed shop" fashion.
Agricultural Bank of Greece (ATE) chief Thanassis Papageorgiou
in his submission to the newly-established council, stressed the
need for structural changes and readily available finance. Mr.
Papageorgiou said that it was more important for farmers to pay
low interest rates than to settle existing debts, which concerns
only a minority.
Opening the meeting on Friday, Prime Minister Costas Simitis
confounded expectations that he might announce measures in favor
of farmers, whose protests caused widespread disruption to road
and rail traffic throughout the country last December.
The next meeting of the Council of Agricultural Policy is
anticipated in about three months' time.
[11] Rallis to oversee ND party congress
Athens, 13/01/1997 (ANA)
Former premier George Rallis on Saturday accepted a proposal
from main opposition New Democracy (ND) leader Miltiades Evert
to preside over the organizing committee of the party's
forthcoming congress.
Accepting the proposal during a 35-minute meeting between the
two men on Saturday morning, Mr. Rallis requested that a
decision be taken according to which the decisions of the
organizing committee will be irrevocable and indisputable.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Mr. Evert said he
believed the congress would upgrade ND from the point of view
both of organization and operation.
Mr. Rallis said the organizing committee would be made up of the
parliamentary members of the party's executive committee and an
equal number of ND deputies and cadres which he himself would
appoint.
He clarified that Vice President Ioannis Varvitsiotis would not
be participating in the committee, unless he declared that he
would not be candidate for the leadership of the party at the
congress.
The ND congress will be held from March 28-30, one month later
than initially planned.
[12] Reforestation efforts
Athens, 13/01/1997 (ANA)
The Kavalla forestry service and army division began
reforestation in two regions of the prefecture, one in Nea
Peramo in the Paggeos region where a small fire had occurred
last year, and one in the Ofrynios region on the old
Kavala-Thessaloniki national road.
The reforestation began on Saturday morning. On the first day,
the army and forestry service planted pines, acacias, cedars and
fir trees. Reforestation is to continue over the next few
months, with local organizations also becoming involved in
planting trees.
[13] GSEE criticizes new guidelines on residency, work permits
Athens, 13/01/1997 (ANA)
The draft presidential decree on residency and work permits for
foreign citizens living in Greece, is unclear and ineffective
according to the General Confederation of Workers of Greece
(GSEE).
Spokeswoman Zoe Sokou, also a member of the government committee
formed to draw up the presidential decree, speaking to Filipino
migrants at an information session held at the GSEE's offices,
said that the decree had a number of "dark points", an
indication that the government "has no intention of finding a
lasting solution to the problem".
Ms Sokou referred to the reasons behind mass immigration and
stressed that with millions of Greeks living abroad, the country
has first-hand experience of the phenomenon "that could be used
in a positive way".
Expanding on the position of the confederation, Ms Sokou said
that even if migrants were to depart from Greece tomorrow, small
businesses would still close down, salary rises would still
trail inflation figures, the taxation system would still be
unjust and the education and health sectors would still suffer.
Regarding the content of the presidential decree, the GSEE
spokeswoman said that work and residency permits will still be
required for migrants not to be expelled, while citizenship can
be claimed only after 15 years of residency. She also said that
three-monthly extensions to the six-month permits will be
subject to approval by the Organization of Employment of Human
Resources (OAED), who will be assessing the needs of the labor
market at the time.
Ms Sokou said that there are no concrete figures on employment
since a large part of the labor market operates without
knowledge of the government and that many migrants are employed
on an hourly basis, which is difficult to document.
Ms Sokou also said that while migrants not completing the
required documentation could be punished by law, the same did
not apply for employers. Finally she pointed to the
extraordinary powers given to certain ministers who could cancel
permits "on grounds of public interest" such as bilateral
relations and rising unemployment.
[14] Greek-Canadian team uncover ancient city of Argilos
Athens, 13/01/1997 (ANA)
A joint team of Greek and Canadian archaeologists have
discovered the ancient city of Argilos near the Strymonas river
in Serres, northern Greece after over four years of excavations.
Argilos, built circa 654 BC, was a colony of Andros, one of four
along with Stageira, Sani and Akanthos which were located
between Chalkidiki and the Strymonas river.
So far, the archaeologists have uncovered a large part of the
city of Argilos, including part of a defensive wall and harbor,
6th and 5th century dwellings, coins, a mint and paved roads
leading from the city's acropolis to the harbor.
A large number of graves have also been found containing ancient
and classical artifacts, including two Macedonian tombs intact.
The excavations have also yielded significant ceramic finds
which show that Argilos maintained trade, economic and political
relations with the rest of the known world at the height of its
prosperity.
The body of a 53-year-old German woman was found on Saturday on
a street in the village of Panagia on the island of Thassos in
the northern Aegean. The woman was identified as Gerdin Buseit
who was staying on the island with her husband.
[15] Cavanaugh arrives in Cyprus
Nicosia, 13/01/1997 (ANA)
The Director of the Office of Southern European Affairs at the
US State Department, Carey Cavanaugh, arrived in Cyprus last
night.
Speaking on his arrival at the airport, Mr. Cavanaugh expressed
the concern of the United States and of the international
community at the current tension in Cyprus following the Cypriot
government's decision to purchase Russian-made S300
anti-aircraft missiles. He stressed the need for measures to be
taken in order to defuse the tension.
While Mr. Cavanaugh described the decision over the purchase as
"wrong", he also condemned the behavior of Turkey, which has
threatened to attack Cyprus if the missiles are deployed.
The US official stressed that Turkey attacking Cyprus would be
inexcusable and would not be accepted, adding that the situation
is tense and what is needed is calm and for the parties involved
to take steps towards a peaceful resolution of the issue.
"The purpose of my visit here is to help in the reduction of
tension and to encourage these steps," he said.
Mr. Cavanaugh was scheduled to meet with Cyprus President
Glafcos Clerides and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash today.
His meeting with Mr. Denktash is due to be held in the occupied
territories of Cyprus.
Late on Monday Mr. Cavanaugh will fly to Athens, where he will
remain until Wednesday, and will then travel on to Ankara until
next Friday.
According to yesterday's Greek Cypriot press reports, Mr.
Cavanaugh is expected to ask the Cyprus government to withhold
the purchase of the anti-aircraft missiles and will reiterate a
US proposal for a moratorium of Greek and Turkish overflights in
Cyprus.
The proposal was originally put forward by US Secretary of
State-designate Madeleine Albright, during a visit here last
summer in her capacity then as US representative to the UN.
According to State Department spokesman Nicholas Burns, during
his talks with officials in the region, Mr. Cavanaugh will try
to advance "concrete actions to reduce tension" as well as
"overall military activities."
[16] Defense minister leaves for Athens
Nicosia, 13/01/1997 (CNA/ANA)
Defense Minister Costas Eliades, accompanied by the National
Guard Commander Nicolaos Vorvolakos, as well as the president
and members of the House Defense Committee left for Athens
yesterday, to discuss defense issues.
No official announcement of the minister's visit to Athens was
made, but it is believed it is related to the joint defense
pact, agreed upon by the governments of Cyprus and Greece in
November 1993. The latest Turkish threats against Cyprus, after
a government decision to purchase Russian-made anti-aircraft
missiles S-300, is also expected to be discussed.
The President of the House Defense Committee Takis
Hadjidemetriou told CNA Sunday that the Cypriot delegation will
today hold talks with Greek Premier Costas Simitis and meet
Alternate Foreign Minister George Papandreou.
He added that during their five-day visit in Greece, the eight
Cypriot MPs will participate in a meeting at the Greek defense
ministry, under Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos, who will
be accompanied by his political and military advisers.
According to an official announcement issued here Sunday, the
committee is visiting Athens at the invitation of the Greek
defense minister and will remain in the Greek capital until
January 17.
Mr. Hadjidemetriou said they will also meet with the Greek
Parliament Defense Committee as well as the Speaker of the Greek
Parliament Apostolos Kaklamanis.
[17] Overwhelming majority backs S-300 purchase
Nicosia, 13/01/1997 (CNA/ANA)
Ninety-four percent of Greek Cypriots agree with the Cyprus
government's decision to buy the Russian-made S-300
anti-aircraft missile system and 90 per cent are willing to pay
for their security, an opinion poll has shown.
The Greek Cypriots' opinions and feelings on military issues are
revealed in a survey carried out on January 9, by the local AMER
market research company, on behalf of the top-selling Cypriot
daily newspaper "Fileleftheros".
According to the survey, published yesterday, the joint defense
pact agreed upon by the governments of Cyprus and Greece in
November 1993, has increased support compared to previous
opinion polls, with 88 per cent backing it and only two per cent
against.
The survey covered all the free areas of Cyprus, with a sample
of 308 people aged between 18 and 65, in both the rural and
urban areas.
It was carried out after the latest threats against Cyprus by
Turkish Foreign Minister Tansu Ciller, and before US State
Department Spokesman Nicholas Burns described Turkish officials
statement as "uncalled for and most unwise."
The survey has also shown that Greek Cypriots' choices were
based on the feeling of their insecurity, rather than the
prospect of their country's defense capability being used as a
negotiating factor for a solution to the protracted Cyprus
problem.
Turkish troops have been occupying 37 per cent of Cyprus
northern territory since 1974, in violation of repeated UN
resolutions calling for their withdrawal.
According to the survey, 66 per cent believe the S-300 purchase
will facilitate efforts towards a Cyprus solution, whereas 23
per cent think it will make things more difficult.
End of English language section.
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