Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 97-12-15

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

ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No 1367), December 15, 1997

Greek Press & Information Office
Ottawa, Canada
E-Mail Address: grnewsca@sympatico.ca

CONTENTS

[01] Greece has every reason to be pleased, Simitis says after EU summit

[02] ... European Council decision historical, says Clerides

[03] ... Denktash negative

[04] The EU is not a Christian club, Juncker retorts

[05] ... Blair, Kohl

[06] ... Greek parties' reactions

[07] NATO's new structure is a plus for Greece, Tsohatzopoulos says

[08] ... 'Indivisibility' of Europe

[09] Be kind to the environment

[10] President begins official visit to Ukraine

[11] Albania strives to regain stolen weapons

[12] Albanian minister concludes visit to Greece

[13] PASOK delegation tours Albania

[14] Taxi fares to increase

[15] Cretan sponges

[01] Greece has every reason to be pleased, Simitis says after EU summit

Luxembourg, 15/12/1997 (ANA - S. Liarellis/M. Spinthourakis)

Mr. Simitis said the summit took two decisions of historical importance. One concerns European Union enlargement and the other the agreement achieved on coordinating the macroeconomic policies of member-states and the terms of operation of the so-called informal council of euro-zone countries.

Referring to issues of Greek concern, Mr. Simitis said, in relation to the start of negotiations for the accession of Cyprus to the EU, that it was made clear it will get underway together with the negotiations of the five central and eastern European countries.

Mr. Simitis said this decision was considered a foregone conclusion by many. However, during the summit talks it became clear that quite a few countries, France in particular, had objections. The final decision is that negotiations for the accession of Cyprus will start with the process which had been agreed.

Another decision of Greek interest regards the EU's enlargement. Enlargement concerns all 10 central and eastern European countries and this is of particular importance for southeastern Europe and Greece which desires to maintain and develop close relations with these countries.

The third important decision concerns the European Conference, a meeting between EU member-states and countries aspiring to join the EU. Mr. Simitis reminded Greek objections to the initiation of this conference, but stressed that the final shaping of proposals on the European Conference is such which satisfies Greece.

The political preconditions raised by Greece for the participation of a country in the European Conference were ultimately included in the proposal made by the "15", Mr. Simitis said and stressed references made to respect for the sovereignty and inviolability of the borders of states which will be included in the conference, as well as to a resolution of bilateral differences which they might have, on the basis of the principles of international law and with referral of whichever of these differences considered necessary to the international court at The Hague.

"Every country, and Turkey as well, has the right to participate in the European Conference, provided it states and countersigns the above principles," Mr. Simitis said.

Commenting in particular on the issue of Turkey's participation in the European Conference, Mr. Simitis said its relationship with Europe is now part of a framework with specific clauses and principles.

With the clauses on the European Conference a control process is being scheduled for the policy Turkey will apply and, more specifically, if its attitude corresponds to rules governing relations between European countries.

Referring to European strategy on Turkey, included in the summit's finalized conclusions, Mr. Simitis said its basic ingredient is for Turkey to resolve its differences with Greece, among others, by referring the differences which possibly exist to the International Court at The Hague and to back the efforts of the UN to find a viable solution to the Cyprus issue.

Mr. Simitis said that Turkey's main pursuit in past months to be handled on equal terms with the 11 candidate countries from central and eastern Europe and Cyprus, even if it did not fulfill the political criteria set out by the Copenhagen summit, was not realized.

He went on to say that recent tensions with Turkey did not alarm him because these tensions are escalated when there are periods of crisis, such as the present one on Turkey's relations with the EU.

Mr. Simitis said Greece has a positive approach to the issue of Turkey's European prospect and that it desires the creation of a framework in relation to this prospect. However, Turkey must realize, Mr. Simitis added, that Greece is not the sole country having claims from Turkey, but many member-states share Greece's views on Turkey.

Mr. Simitis further stressed that the door to Europe remains open to Turkey, provided it meets the terms and preconditions set by the EU for the further strengthening of its ties with the union.

He said that Turkey must countersign the principles and preconditions set by the summit for the participation of a country in the European Conference and then the final decision on whether or not it will join the European Conference will be taken by the Council of EU Foreign Ministers.

Referring to the issue of economic support to Turkey by EU funds, over which Greece has raised reservations and calling on Turkey to resort to the international court at The Hague on the issue of the Imia islets, he said these reservations continue to exist and that the summit accepts this fact with the reference existing on the decisions taken by the council of the "15" on April 29, 1997.

On the question of the start to negotiations for the accession of Cyprus to the EU, which is expected to start on March 30 according to the summit's decisions, Mr. Simitis appeared absolutely satisfied.

He said the negotiations for Cyprus' accession to the EU will take place with the internationally-recognized government of Cyprus and not with two separate delegations, as certain countries were pursuing and primarily France.

Referring to the position of France, Mr. Simitis said that when the discussion between the "15" leaders came to the Cyprus issue France expressed reservations over the start to negotiations, saying that a solution to the political problem is necessary in advance.

Mr. Simitis said that Greece's reply at that moment was that if France did not withdraw its reservations then Greece would raise reservations over the total enlargement process.

After a prolonged discussion France changed its position and so negotiations with Cyprus will start on the basis of what had been agreed.

Mr. Simitis said that the French reaction was not understandable given that during his recent visit to Paris the French president had not given him the impression that he intended to raise similar reservations at the summit and interpreted this reaction as a political maneuver in his effort to alleviate the terms set by Greece for the accession of Turkey to the European Conference.

Referring to the issue of the participation of the Turkish Cypriots in the Cypriot delegation which will conduct negotiations for the accession of Cyprus to the EU, Mr. Simitis said that Cyprus President Glafcos Clerides had agreed to this proposal long ago.

Commenting on decisions taken by the summit on the so-called informal council of countries which will adopt from the start the single European currency and to which Greece, Britain, Denmark and Sweden are not expected to be included, Mr. Simitis said these decisions are absolutely satisfactory given that at this informal council only the issues set by the Maastricht Treaty would be discussed and which primarily concern the management of the single European currency.

Mr. Simitis said that the Council of "15" Economic and Monetary Affairs Ministers is the one which will have the last say on exercising the supervision of the EU's economic and monetary policy.

[02] ... European Council decision historical, says Clerides

Luxembourg, 15/12/1997 (ANA/CNA)

Noting that the decision "really opens the door for our accession to the European Union (EU)," the president said "I am fully satisfied with this development."

President Clerides publicly thanked the Greek government for its support in the handling of the issue and especially Greek Premier Costas Simitis.

Asked to comment whether the reference to Turkish Cypriots' participation is satisfactory, he said: "Of course. We never denied their participation in the Cypriot delegation, under the auspices of the Republic of Cyprus' delegation. We had said this has always been our stance."

President Clerides also pointed out it had always been the firm stance of the Cyprus government that the accession course into the European Union would be helpful and a catalyst towards reaching a solution to the protracted Cyprus problem.

The president estimated the duration of EU-Cyprus accession talks to be around two to three years.

[03] ... Denktash negative

Athens, 15/12/1997 (ANA)

Mr. Denktash was quoted as saying to reporters Saturday in Turkish-occupied Nicosia: "If they (the EU) want our participation, then they should recognize our state. There is no other way."

"However, by officially recognizing the Greek Cypriots as the island's only government, they (the EU) give this message: Cyprus is Greek," Mr. Denktash added, according to AFP.

"But by doing so they are also saving us from that ridiculous thing called intercommunal talks," the Turkish Cypriot leader was cited as saying.

Two rounds of UN-sponsored direct talks between President Clerides and Mr. Denktash, in the US and Switzerland, reached a deadlock this summer, when the Turkish side had denied to further negotiate, unless the EU would freeze its decision to start accession talks with the Cyprus government.

Turkey, smarting at not being included in the envisaged expansion, had threatened to unite with the occupied north of Cyprus if the EU went ahead with entry talks with Cyprus.

Only Turkey recognizes the breakaway puppet regime and the UN itself has called on all states "not to recognize" the self-styled entity and "not to facilitate or in any way assist the aforesaid secessionist entity."

[04] The EU is not a Christian club, Juncker retorts

Luxembourg, 15/12/1997 (ANA - M.Spinthourakis)

On the issue of Turkey in particular, both Mr. Juncker and European Commission President Jac-ques Santer mentioned the following: The main result of the summit for Turkey is that the danger of a deadlock was averted and a clear message of European prospect was given to Turkey. The EU's proposal is a serious and constructive offer to Turkey and we hope we will receive a serious and constructive reply from Ankara.

The Luxembourg prime minister said that with the present decision, the EU set out a European strategy towards Turkey and clarified that this country is eligible for accession but at present it does not fulfill necessary preconditions.

Mr. Juncker further said that Europe needs Turkey as, in any case, Turkey needs Europe.

However, these relations must be made in an organized framework, on a basis of common principles and with respect for common conceptions.

Mr. Juncker said specifically that this framework demands from all the countries desiring to participate in the European Conference to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the other countries in the Conference and to resolve possible territorial differences with each other on the basis of the principles of international law and by resorting, if considered necessary, to the international court at The Hague.

Replying to questions from Turkish reporters, the President of the Council of Foreign Ministers, Luxembourg Foreign Minister Jacques Poos said that for Turkey's participation in the European Conference no "special terms" exist, but there is a demand for it to share the same principles and to set the same targets set by the EU.

[05] ... Blair, Kohl

Luxembourg, 15/12/1997 (ANA)

He added that Britain will do all it can to promote accession negotiations and the finding of a good, as he said, settlement.

Referring to the result of the Luxembourg summit, Mr. Blair distanced himself fully and publicly from the positions of French President Jacques Chirac against Cyprus.

Mr. Blair appealed to Turkey to accept the invitation to participate in the European Conference and said that the EU is not turning its back on Turkey.

On the part of Germany, Chancellor Helmut Kohl specifically said for the Cyprus issue that the start to negotiations for accession to the EU will contribute positively towards the UN's efforts to have the Cyprus issue resolved and that the participation of the Turkish Cypriots in the delegation of Cyprus which will negotiate accession would constitute an extremely positive factor, but not a necessary factor for the accession of Cyprus to the EU.

[06] ... Greek parties' reactions

Athens, 15/12/1997 (ANA)

"The respect of borders which the 15 demanded from Turkey is a vague and hypocritical condition, as it is well known that NATO's new structure does not recognize any borders in the Aegean," the statement added.

On the Cyprus issue, the KKE statement said that "the problems are still unresolved while no decision whatsoever was taken towards securing the unity of Cyprus".

The Coalition of the Left and Progress (Synaspismos) party in its statement said the summit's decision on Cyprus was an "important development" for the island republic and the resolving of its problem.

Regarding decisions on economic and monetary union as well as enlargement, the statement said that they "institutionalize different speeds", accusing the Greek government of not having timely negotiated in political terms thus securing the country's participation in the EMU from the first phase.

[07] NATO's new structure is a plus for Greece, Tsohatzopoulos says

Luxembourg, 15/12/1997 (ANA - S. Liarellis)

In an interview with the ANA in Luxembourg, Mr. Tsohatzopoulos stressed that issues pertaining to national security were the sole responsibility of each NATO member-state.

"The national sovereignty of our country constitutes an inalienable right and obligation of the Greek armed forces," Mr. Tsohatzopoulos said, while acknowledging that "particular care" would be necessary during the next six months as the various aspects of the new agreement will be made more specific.

Replying to a question on criticism expressed in Greece, including from within the ruling PASOK party, of the government's decision to sign the agreement on NATO's new structure, Mr. Tsohatzopoulos made a number of clarifications.

Since 1980, he said, when Greece rejoined NATO's military wing, the country had in effect been a "second class" member, since it was unable to intervene substantially in developments.

"Within the framework of the new structure, Greece has acquired full equality. It will have a land headquarters and will be able to intervene in any Alliance activity," he said.

Mr. Tsohatzopoulos underlined also that Greece's right of veto was consolidated with respect to all issues without exception.

"Greece had always sought this status, but up to now had not attained it. Therefore, this agreement is a great success for Greece," he said.

Commenting on Education Minister Gerassimos Arsenis' disagreement on the government's handling of the issue, and that he would continue expressing publicly his disagreement, the defense minister said that in such a case Mr. Arsenis should take alone the responsibility of his options.

[08] ... 'Indivisibility' of Europe

Athens, 15/12/1997 (ANA)

NATO was also urged to take into account the particular characteristics of regions in the enlargement process, so as to promote regional stability through consensus. Migration, the spreading of Islamic fundamentalism and of weapons of mass destruction, terrorism, environmental and economic problems, territorial claims against sovereign states, and the need to respect human rights were mentioned as some of the particular characteristics of the countries in this region.

President of the Greek Parliament's Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee Eleftherios Veryvakis said it was inconceivable that there could be a differentiated stand towards human rights or the status quo depending on the region. In the conclusions of the symposium it is stressed that small countries need to join the collective security organization into which NATO is evolving so as not to leave their future to fortune, and that Balkan countries must act on the basic assumption that in the new NATO they will be tributaries to rather than beneficiaries of security.

The symposium also examined NATO's relations with Russia and Ukraine, which were urged to lift their reservations towards enlargement and appreciate its advantages.

[09] Be kind to the environment

Athens, 15/12/1997 (ANA)

The five-day conference, entitled "Environment and Society: Education and Sensitization of Citizens on Sustainability", was sponsored by UNESCO and the Greek government, and was attended by delegations from 90 countries.

The conclusions, issued in the form of a declaration, stress the inadequate progress noted on issues of environmental protection since the Rio Earth Summit five years ago. They also stress that the reorientation of all education towards sustainability includes all levels of formal and informal education in all countries, and that sustainability is a moral value in which cultural differences and traditional knowledge must be respected.

This reorientation also requires governments and leaders to recognize the commitments undertaken during United Nations conferences, and to provide the educational communities of their respective countries with the necessary means so that they may fulfill their role in achieving a sustainable future.

Special mention is made of the media, which are called upon to sensitize and mobilize their know-how and channels for the dissemination of information towards properly informing the public.

The Thessaloniki Declaration also recommends the setting up of a special prize, sponsored by UNESCO, to be awarded every two years to exemplary educational programs for the environment and sustainability.

Finally, it recommends the convening of an international conference in 10 years' time to evaluate the application and progress of the recommendations included in the Declaration.

[10] President begins official visit to Ukraine

Athens, 15/12/1997 (ANA)

Mr. Stephanopoulos is scheduled to have private talks with his Ukrainian counterpart Leonid Kuchma and with the Ukrainian prime minister, as well as meetings with members of the Ukraine Greek community.

He is also scheduled to address the country's Parliament in Kiev and visit Odessa and other major cities.

This will be the first official visit by a Greek dignitary since November 1994, when then-Foreign Minister Karolos Papoulias visited the former Soviet republic. Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos visited Ukraine in July this year to observe the multinational "Partnership for Peace" exercise. Greece and Ukraine signed a friendship and co-operation protocol and three agreements in the sectors of transport, tourism and culture in November 1996 when Mr. Kuchma visited Athens. A month earlier, Mr. Tsohatzopoulos had signed an agreement on defense co-operation between the two countries, when his Ukrainian counterpart visited Athens.

An increasing number of Greek concerns are interested in investing or further developing business ties with Ukraine.

Greece has also expressed its support of Kiev's intention to join European and Atlantic organizations with Greece's defense minister saying last month that Athens intended to pursue improved relations between the Western European Union and Russia and Ukraine when it takes over the presidency in January next year.

[11] Albania strives to regain stolen weapons

Athens, 15/12/1997 (ANA)

In an interview with the ANA in Thessaloniki, Mr. Islami said 30 per cent of weapons had already been recovered, while the majority of those still in the hands of citizens were not being carried openly, but were being kept in people's homes.

Mr. Islami said it was much more difficult for the government to recover arms from villages than cities and acknowledged that some weapons had been smuggled into neighboring Greece and Kosovo province, "but not as many as has been claimed".

"One solution would be to buy back the weapons, with the assistance of the United Nations. We are currently discussing this option with the international community," Mr. Islami said, adding that the government had recovered all heavy weapons.

Replying to other questions, Mr. Islami said the Albanian government had no intention of putting former president Sali Berisha on trial.

"Berisha wants to go to prison so that he can appear as the victim of political revenge. We won't make the same mistake Berisha made with (current Albanian Premier) Fatos Nano. In another country perhaps Berisha would have to answer for what he did, but we don't want to follow this path," Mr. Islami said.

Mr. Islami said the government was preparing to amend legislation in order to allow the Albanian Communist Party to become legally established.

"But we will not accept it with the old mentality of Hoxha or the Stalinist communist strategy which seeks to take power by force," he said.

On the issue of the ethnic Greek minority in Albania, Mr. Islami said that in a democracy, a minority should resolve its problems through the political parties.

"Now, the problem is that many ethnic Greeks have left for Greece, leaving only the elderly behind. If our compatriots who are members of the ethnic Greek community wish to resolve their problems, they must return and make the same sacrifices as the other Albanians," Mr. Islami said.

[12] Albanian minister concludes visit to Greece

Athens, 15/12/1997 (ANA)

At a dinner held in Mr. Teta's honor on Friday, Greek Defense Under-secretary Demetris Apostolakis said "Greece and Albania have a long road to travel together, because not only do they have common borders, they believe and share in the same human values ."

Mr. Apostolakis said the talks centered on bilateral co-operation in the defense sector and the reform of the Albanian armed forces and the education and training of Albanian soldiers in Greece.

[13] PASOK delegation tours Albania

Tirana, 15/12/1997 (ANA - P. Haritos)

On Friday, the delegation visited Albanian Prime Minister Fatos Nano and held two-hour talks with him.

Mr. Nano expressed satisfaction over the level of relations between the two parties, referring to his party's priorities as well as those of the government which are relations of confidence, the creation of a positive climate between Balkan countries and the accession of Albania to the European Union.

Mr. Nano also referred to Greece's position towards Albanian immigrants and to the effort being made by Greece to support Albania at present to help create conditions for an exit to the crisis.

The delegation's head Theodoros Tsoukatos conveyed greetings by Greek Prime Minister and PASOK leader Costas Simitis, adding that the visit was aimed at upgrading relations between the two parties and the two countries.

The PASOK cadres further visited Archbishop of Albania Anastasios on Saturday who briefed them on the role played by the Orthodox Church and on conditions prevailing in Albania.

[14] Taxi fares to increase

Athens, 15/12/1997 (ANA)

[15] Cretan sponges

Athens, 15/12/1997 (ANA)

The discovery, coming after years of research, has encouraged the team of experts from the Crete Polytechnic and the University of Berlin and has bolstered a UNESCO program to monitor and protect regions of palaeontological interest.

End of English language section.

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