Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 97-05-26
From: The Greek Press & Information Office, Ottawa Canada <grnewsca@sympatico.ca>
ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No 1195), May 26, 1997
Greek Press & Information Office
Ottawa, Canada
E-Mail Address: grnewsca@sympatico.ca
CONTENTS
[01] Greece reiterates status quo in the Aegean clearly set
[02] Opposition comments
[03] Demirel interview
[04] Turkey's foreign under-secretary in Athens
[05] Turkish military textbook disputes Greek isles and islets
[06] Greece against reduction in number of European Commissioners
[07] Businessmen hold significant meeting in Istanbul
[08] Event in Mitilini on EU-Turkey relations
[09] Greece takes gold and silver in rhythmic gymnastics
[10] Olympiakos lifts Greek soccer championship cup
[11] Thessaloniki can be important link for north, south Europe,
Romanian president says
[12] Greek investment in Bulgaria
[13] Athens hosts UN conference on Mideast
[14] ND leader plans to clear party register
[01] Greece reiterates status quo in the Aegean clearly set
Athens, 26/05/1997 (ANA)
Greece has reiterated that the status quo in the Aegean is
clearly set by international treaties, and that the only
possible topic for discussion with Turkey is the status of the
continental shelf.
The reiteration came over the weekend from Defense Minister Akis
Tsohatzopoulos and Foreign Under-secretary Yiannos Kranidiotis,
in response to statements by Turkish President Suleyman Demirel
in a two-part interview with the Greek Antenna TV channel, where
he said that the sovereignty of 130 small islands and rocky
islets in the Aegean is questionable. Mr. Demirel added that
this issue must be handled first with dialogue and accused
Greece of attempting to occupy the islets.
"Because there is nothing to claim in the Aegean, there is
nothing for discussion, except the continental shelf," retorted
Mr. Tsohatzopoulos to Friday's first part of the interview in a
press conference in Irakleion on Saturday.
"This is an artificial questioning of our borders, aiming at
creating the impression that there are 'gray' zones in the
Aegean, the sovereignty of which he intends to dispute with the
strategic aim of overturning the status quo in the Aegean. It is
an indirect attempt at questioning Greece's sovereign rights.
Our answer is most clear: There is nothing to claim in the
Aegean," he added.
He urged the Turkish president to seek recourse at the
International Court at The Hague to find out what Turkey can
claim.
"The Aegean is delineated through international treaties and
everything is well-defined," he added.
In follow-up statements yesterday, Mr. Tsohatzopoulos said the
disputing of the sovereignty of Aegean islets had nothing to do
with the recently set up bilateral committee of experts that
will examine problems, as this was conceived in the framework of
the EU, and "it must proceed in order to establish where justice
lies and who really wants restoration of international law,
stability, and the application of international treaties and
agreements".
Mr. Kranidiotis stated that the Demirel interview added nothing
new and did not contribute to the normalization of Greek-Turkish
relations as they reiterated already known positions, based on
unlawful claims which are now codified.
[02] Opposition comments
Athens, 26/05/1997 (ANA)
Former New Democracy defense minister Ioannis Varvitsiotis
commented that the Turkish president had appeared extremely
irreconcilable, and warned that the government had already begun
a form of dialogue with Turkey which could lead to a dangerous
entanglement.
Communist Party deputy Orestis Kolozof called on the government
to face up to the danger that the Demirel interview might cast
Greece and not Turkey as irreconcilable in the eyes of the
allies.
Coalition of the Left leader Nikos Constantopoulos said that the
content of the interview had to be analyzed now that Greece had
to win international public opinion as a force of dialogue and
stability at a time when Turkish policy faced problems in being
understood.
Democratic Social Movement (DHKKI) leader Dimitris Tsovolas said
the interview proved that a dialogue had begun through the
committee of experts, leading to the joint management of the
Aegean and exploitation of the oil deposits therein.
"The government is being led to this dialogue," he said.
[03] Demirel interview
Athens, 26/05/1997 (ANA)
In the second part of his interview to Antenna TV channel on
Saturday night, Turkish President Suleyman Demirel stated his
categorical opposition to Cypriot EU membership before Turkey.
"If the Greek part of Cyprus becomes a member of the EU, there
will be no solution, and the problem will remain for years and
years," he said. He claimed that the Turkish side is ready to
discuss the finding of a solution, and blamed the Greek side f
or reluctance to do the same, stressing that his country is only
interested in the security of the Turkish Cypriots.
"Turkey has no intention of occupying Cyprus, or creating
problems. If it wanted to occupy the whole island, it should
have done it 22 years ago," he said.
He reiterated that his country's proposal for dialogue with
Greece is still open, emphasizing that chronic problems cannot
be solved overnight.
As this might take even years, as he said, the solution of
Greek-Turkish problems cannot be set as a precondition for his
country's' membership of the EU.
"In the reshuffling of Europe, Turkey must not be left out," he
said.
Referring to the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate in Istanbul, the
Turkish president said his country is not willing to accept its
ecumenical character, because "according to the treaties, it has
never agreed to any such thing".
"What other countries do is a different thing," he added.
[04] Turkey's foreign under-secretary in Athens
Athens, 26/05/1997 (ANA)
Turkey's Foreign Under-secretary Onur Oymen arrived in Athens
yesterday to join Alternate Foreign Minister George Papandreou
on the podium of a conference on Greek-Turkish relations in
Athens, beginning today.
In arrival statements, Mr. Oymen said that "where there are
problems there are also solutions," and referred to what he
called "a new era in Greek-Turkish relations" which was
inaugurated with the meeting between Greek Foreign Minister
Theodoros Pangalos and his Turkish counterpart Tansu Ciller and
that of his own with Mr. Papandreou.
Mr. Oymen expressed the conviction that the operation of the two
countries' committees of experts will constitute a positive step
and that the non-binding proposals that will be submitted will
be beneficial.
[05] Turkish military textbook disputes Greek isles and islets
Istanbul, 26/05/1997 (ANA)
A Turkish Military Academy textbook, published last May and
reportedly withdrawn from circulation since then, disputes a
score of Greek isles and islets in the Aegean and the
Argosaronic sea waters, adding that Turkey should lay claim to
them in order to change to its benefit the current equilibrium
of powers. Despite strong criticism by Turkish diplomats and
politicians, the textbook reflects the same views which had been
presented by the Turkish general staff to a selective group of
US correspondents in Ankara, published in the Wall Street
Journal.
"Turkey has struck a victory of tactics in the crisis of the
Ikizce Kardak (Imia) islets," the textbook notes, adding that
"ensuring the same victory on a strategic level depends on
whether (Ankara) will force Greece to the negotiations table on
all Aegean-related issues." "If (Ankara) proves unable to bring
into the limelight the unjust status quo in the Aegean, which is
benefiting Greece, it will simply put under reconsideration its
own sovereign rights in the Aegean," the textbook adds.
Revealing Turkish military leaders' efforts to change the
existing status quo in the Aegean, the textbook resurfaces old
Turkish theories according to which the Greek islands in the
Aegean do not have a continental shelf.
"It has been scientifically proven that the Aegean sea has been
formed by the geological sinking of a part of the East," the
textbook alleges. "The islands of Thracian Sporades (Trakya) and
Eastern Aegean (Bogazonu ve Saruhan) and the Dodecanese
(Mantese) are natural anomalies of the continental shelf of the
Anatolia. They do not have a continental shelf, they are part of
the continental shelf."
[06] Greece against reduction in number of European Commissioners
Noordwijk, The Netherlands 26/05/1997 (ANA - M. Spinthourakis)
Alternate Foreign Minister George Papandreou said on Saturday
that Greece disagreed with a proposal for a reduction in the
number of European Commissioners.
Mr. Papandreou, who is accompanying Prime Minister Costas
Simitis to Noordwijk for a special summit of government leaders
convened by the Dutch EU presidency, said however that Athens
agreed the powers of the Commission president should be expanded.
On flexibility, Mr. Papandreou said the views of Athens were
similar to those of London, adding that he would meet with
British Foreign Secretary Robin Cook on the sidelines of the
General Affairs Council next week to discuss the issue of the
implementation of the principle of flexibility.
Mr. Simitis said yesterday that although there was a
"willingness" to agree on a revision of the Maastricht Treaty,
it was unlikely it would be reached by EU members at the June
summit in Amsterdam, since many issues remained unresolved.
[07] Businessmen hold significant meeting in Istanbul
Istanbul, 26/05/1997 (ANA-A.Kourkoulas)
A group of Greek and Greek Cypriot businessmen held a meeting
today in Istanbul with a group of Turkish and Turkish Cypriot
businessmen, the first meeting of its kind ever.
Analysts say the meeting, which was held at the initiative of
the Turkish Committee of Foreign Economic Relations (DEIK),
indicates the will of the business community in both countries
to contribute to co-operation as opposed to eternal opposition.
[08] Event in Mitilini on EU-Turkey relations
Athens, 26/05/1997 (ANA)
PASOK's Europarliamentary group organized an event on "EU -
Turkey relations" in Mytilini, Lesvos island, yesterday.
Euro-MP Paraskevas Avgerinos described the current period as
"crucial for Greece and decisive for Europe and its vision",
stressing that this vision was endangered "by fascists,
chauvinists, racists and xenophobics".
He stated support for EU membership of Balkan countries as a
necessary condition for the consolidation of the Union in the
area.
Speaking under the title, "European Union - Turkey - A Problem
of Values", Euro-MP Dimitris Tsatsos said the State in Turkey
was deeply divided ideologically, a pseudo-parliamentary
democratic system prevailed, and there were important problems
concerning the country's international profile, indicated by
President Suleyman Demirel's recent interview where he claimed
that international law is not binding on his country".
Eurodeputy Yiannis Roubatis said "Greece has no reason to reject
Turkey's approach to Europe, and condemns the use of racial,
religious and cultural reasons for such a rejection".
Minister for the Aegean Elisavet Papazoi referred to "the
environmentally friendly mask worn by Turkey before
international fora", mentioning in particular the problem of the
gold processing unit near Bergama, now thankfully being led to a
solution, and to the dangers posed by the proposed operation of
nuclear power plants in southwestern Asia Minor and near Sinop
on the Black Sea.
[09] Greece takes gold and silver in rhythmic gymnastics
Athens, 26/05/1997 (ANA)
Greece's junior women's rhythmic gymnastics team yesterday won
the gold medal at the 13th European RSG Championships in Patras,
its best performance ever.
The Belarus team won the silver medal, followed by the Russian
team who took the third place.
The Greek team achieved 37,450 points.
Greece's women's rhythmic gymnastics team also made its best
ever performance by winning the silver medal at the
championships in Patras.
The Greek team had initially hoped to place in the first eight
but put on an impressive performance to achieve 38,550 points,
placing second behind the Russian team.
Third place went to Ukraine, followed by Spain, Hungary and
Bulgaria.
[10] Olympiakos lifts Greek soccer championship cup
Athens, 26/05/1997 (ANA)
The Greek soccer championship ended yesterday with Olympiakos
Piraeus winning the title after ten years in the cold.
In yesterday's last match, Olympiakos trounced Kavala 6-0.
Olympiakos will play in the Champions League next season while
AEK Athens, who finished second in the league, will play in the
Cup Winners' Cup.
OFI Crete and PAOK Thessaloniki will represent Greece in the
UEFA Cup.
[11] Thessaloniki can be important link for north, south Europe,
Romanian president says
Athens, 26/05/1997 (ANA)
Romanian President Emil Constantinescu, who arrived in
Thessaloniki on Saturday morning, referred to the city's
potential in becoming a trade and economic center connecting
north and south in Europe.
Mr. Constantinescu was met at the airport by Macedonia -Thrace
Minister Philippos Petsalnikos.
At a meeting later, the two men examined the potential for
further developing the two countries' trade relations, and
particularly boosting the presence of Greek investors in Romania
in the framework of the privatization of many enterprises.
Discussion also included the organization of mutual business
missions, and improvement in the co-operation of commercial and
industrial chambers and universities.
Referring to Romania's participation in the multinational force
in Albania (ALBA) and its decision to join NATO, Mr.
Constantinescu said his country was a pole of stability in the
region and met all requirements for NATO membership. He pointed
out that there is excellent co-operation between Greek and
Romanian forces in the framework of ALBA.
The two men later left for a brief visit to the monastic
community of Mt. Athos.
The Romanian president returned to Bucharest later on Saturday
evening.
[12] Greek investment in Bulgaria
Athens, 26/05/1997 (ANA)
Greek investment in Bulgaria represents 10 per cent of all
foreign investment in that country, amounting to $120 million on
March 31, 1997, Greece's commercial attachi in Sofia, Giorgos
Doudounis, said on Friday night.
The data was presented at the one-day conference on the
prospects of Greek enterprises in the neighboring country, held
in the framework of the 6th annual 'Thrace 97' trade fair in the
city of Komotini, organized by HELEXPO.
Greece comes first in the number of investments, but sixth in
the overall sums invested, he added.
Those attending the conference included Bulgarian Minister of
Trade and External Economic Co-operation, Daniela Bobeva,
diplomats, bankers and businessmen.
Discussion also included the EU FAIR program for cross-border
co-operation between the two countries, where the need was
stressed for transparent procedures that will facilitate the
participation of all European companies in construction projects.
The first dispatch of food, medicine and other essentials will
leave for orphanages, nursing homes and hospitals in south
Bulgaria from the port of Thessaloniki today. The aid has been
collected by a joint effort by Doctors of the World, Greek Radio
ERA, Greek Television 3, and employees of the Greek Radio and
Television through regional and city fundraising events.
[13] Athens hosts UN conference on Mideast
Athens, 26/05/1997 (ANA)
A United Nations two-day conference on the Middle East ,
entitled "The Peace Process: The Challenges Ahead", begins in
Athens today.
The conference, at the Caravel Hotel, will examine the peace
agreements signed in Oslo and Cairo and the progress which has
been achieved in implementing them, the final status of the
Palestinian territories and economic prospects.
Alternate Foreign Minister George Papandreou will address the
start of the conference this morning.
Taking part will be analysts from the Palestinian territories,
Israel, the Arab world, the United States and Europe.
Representatives from the Greek and international mass media will
also be present.
[14] ND leader plans to clear party register
Athens, 26/05/1997 (ANA)
New Democracy party leader Costas Karamanlis yesterday announced
his intention to proceed to an immediate reorganization of the
party machine. He specified he will ask the Central Committee on
Saturday to clear the members' register, with the aim of
"determining the party's real base on qualitative criteria, and
not quantitative which prevailed in the past".
End of English language section.
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