Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 01-06-25

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From: The Athens News Agency at <http://www.ana.gr/>

CONTENTS

[01] Greek-Turkish cooperation on five 'low-impact' issues decided at Papandreou-Cem talks

[02] Greek, Turkish border town networks' leaders visit Brussels

[03] FM's spokesman denies report of Papandreou call to Nano

[04] Memorial service for 5th year since Andreas Papandreou's death

[05] Ministers, ND's Bakoyianni comment rescheduled PASOK congress

[06] Tsohatzopoulos stresses role of PASOK's October party conference

[07] Court rules Monday work stoppage by OA cabin crews illegal

[08] Delphi concert commemorates creation of UN High Commission for Refugees

[09] Australian politicians receive Nike Award from Australian-Greek Council

[10] Municipality holds memorial service for Drama Jews killed in Holocaust

[11] FM calls on Turkish Cypriot side to cooperate on missing persons issue

[01] Greek-Turkish cooperation on five 'low-impact' issues decided at Papandreou-Cem talks

KUSADASI, 25/06/2001 (ANA - V. Mourtis)

The two foreign ministers agreed on cooperation at their borders for greater facilitation of the movement of people and merchandise between the two countries.

They further agreed on setting up advisory mechanisms to deal with common problems, mainly in the field of natural disasters.

Third, they agreed on an open line of communication between the two foreign ministers for the immediate handling of problems that arise.

Fourth, they agreed on cooperation on scientific research on Mediterranean anaemia, or thalassaemia, a congenital blood disease particularly common in the Mediterranean region that can prove fatal unless patients receive blood transfusions every three to four weeks to replenish dying blood cells.

Fifth, the two ministers also agreed, on the occasion of the organization of the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens and the Greek initiative for an Olympic Truce, that Turkey should be called on to play some role, mainly with respect to the highlighting of historical monuments.

Papandreou and Cem reiterated their desire for the Greek-Turkish cooperation on 'low impact' issues, which began two years ago, to progress, noting that it had produced clear-cut results so far.

Regarding the open line of communication between the two foreign ministers, Cem said in reply to press questions that this would not concern urgent, critical or major issues, but communication mainly on international relations issues, such as the Balkans, on which "it would be good for Greece and Turkey to be able to confer and, if feasible, to follow a common line".

Papandreou said there was already a face-to-face contact between the two foreign ministers given their frequent meetings, but it was important to place that contact on a permanent basis between the two ministries. He said a similar effort had been launched between the Greek and Turkish defense ministers Akis Tsohatzopoulos and Sabahattin Cakmakoglu

Asked whether the communication effort between the two countries would be put at risk in the event of a government reshuffle in Greece that could mean his move from the foreign ministry, Papandreou said the effort between the two countries had moved far beyond the two ministers and was now the domain of the peoples. He also expressed hope that the effort would continue for many generations to come.

Asked if such an open line of communication could be opened between the two prime ministers as well, Cem said that there was no reason it could not, but added that, for the time being, the line between the two foreign ministers was sufficient.

Papandreou and Cem arrived at Kusadasi at noon on Sunday from Samos, and were warmly received by the local authorities and residents.

On Samos Saturday, where they attended the third joint conference of the Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Greece and Turkey, Papandreou and Cem said the results of the step-by-step approach to Greek-Turkish relations were positive so far, and expressed hope that the relations would improve even further.

They also said that if the present course continued, the two countries could eventually proceed to discussing more serious matters aiming at a solution that would benefit both sides, but both foreign ministers noted that the serious issues, which they did not specify, were approached in different ways by the two sides.

Papandreou and Cem added that their optimism was founded not only on the course of the rapprochement so far but also on the fact that they had the backing of their respective prime ministers in this effort.

Cem said that the 'correct approach' to the issues was for each side to pay attention to the sensitivities of the other side. The target, he said, was not for one side to corner the other, but instead, with understanding, for a solution to be reached in the interests of both countries. "And this possibility exists," he added.

The Turkish foreign minister said that, whenever he met with Papandreou, they also discussed international issues.

Replying to the same question, Papandreou said that the step-by-step approach had been successful so far and must be continued, adding that the proper way needed to be found to solve the problems in a way that would be of benefit to both countries.

He said that although there were different approaches to the problems, so long as the rapprochement procedure proceeded, the day would near for those problems to also be resolved.

The two ministers said that they had agreed to proceed with the removal of mines in the Thrace region, while Papandreou added that the two governments would advance the issue of opening up a second border crossing between the two countries in Thrace.

[02] Greek, Turkish border town networks' leaders visit Brussels

Athens, 25/06/2001 (ANA)

It said Polis president and Sapes, northern Greece, mayor Dinos Haritopoulos, Polis secretary and Vistonida mayor Vassilis Tsolakidis, and president of Trakyakent Osmam Tabak, mayor of Tekirdag, called at the European Parliament on Greek EuroMPs Manolis Mastorakis and Yannis Souladakis who expressed satisfaction over the "noteworthy initiative" of the local government agencies in Greece and Turkey to advance the relations of their local societies through the simultaneous planning and materialization of activities in areas of common interest.

The group, whose associations network the border towns and municipalities of Greece and Turkey, further met with Greece's European Commissioner, Anna Diamantopoulou, who said the local agencies, with EU reinforcement, could create a platform of information for the European Commission.

This, she added, would require the operation of Information Centers for the dissemination of information on European issues both in Turkey and Greece.

She accepted an invitation by Haritopoulos to take part in an informational day-seminar on European programs and innovative initiatives to be organized by Polis in the near future.

[03] FM's spokesman denies report of Papandreou call to Nano

Athens, 25/06/2001 (ANA)

[04] Memorial service for 5th year since Andreas Papandreou's death

Athens, 25/06/2001 (ANA)

Many people had arrived early on to deposit flowers on the late politician's grave, while his widow Dimitra Liani arrived together with Prime Minister Costas Simitis for the memorial service carried out by Archbishop Christodoulos of Athens and All Greece.

The event also highlighted the current divisions and problems within PASOK, while many people commented on the irony of it coinciding with such a difficult time for the party.

Characteristic was the enthusiastic welcome bestowed on Dimitra Liani and Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos on their arrival, while the prime minister, conversely, was the target of slogans objecting to his 'blackmail' in bringing forward the PASOK party conference.

After the memorial service, Simitis made a brief statement saying that by founding PASOK and winning the elections in 1981, Andreas Papandreou had created the political framework that determined Greece as it was today.

"Andreas Papandreou gave the opportunity to social forces and groups to express and pursue goals they had had for many decades. Democracy and social justice. Freedom and a society that progressed.

"These are our goals. It is for these that we fight and will continue," he said.

Many people remarked on the absence of Papandreou's first wife, Margarita, who held a private memorial later on with her daughter Sophia, her son-in-law Theodoros Katsanevas, Andreas Papandreou's brother George and Aggela Kokola. The press was asked to stay away from the second memorial service.

Memorial service for PASOK founder Andreas Papandreou held in Thessaloniki: A memorial service commemorating the fifth year since the death of ruling PASOK founder and former premier Andreas Papandreou was held Sunday in Thessaloniki, with party officials noting his memory continued to inspire unity in the PASOK.

Local PASOK MPs Haris Kastanidis, Stelios Papathemelis and Yannis Magriotis, EuroMP Yannis Koukiadis, PASOK municipal councilors and the secretary of the party's prefectural committee for Thessaloniki, Kostas Mamelis, joined by dozens of party supporters, attended the memorial service.

Mamelis said that Papandreou's death had left a void that was difficult to fill, but his memory still today united, inspired and guided the party he founded.

Similar tributes were voiced by the PASOK MPs, while Kastanidis said that "in our days, wisdom is lacking, and the more it is lacking, the more necessary is silence. Within silence the memories become stronger, and for precisely this reason his (Papandreou's) absence is even greater".

[05] Ministers, ND's Bakoyianni comment rescheduled PASOK congress

Athens, 25/06/2001 (ANA)

"There's no room for a 'clash'. Society and citizens are expecting answers from us to their problems and needs," Foreign Minister George Papandreou was quoted in the Sunday edition of "To Vima".

Conversely, high-ranking main opposition New Democracy deputy Dora Bakoyianni stressed that "the problem of the country's governance is not a party issue to be solved by PASOK's conference".

In comments to the same newspaper, she also sternly criticized Simitis over his decisions, saying that a premier that "expresses an inability to govern resorts to the people's judgment".

On her part, Interior Minister Vasso Papandreou reiterated that internal divisions, "groupings" and "personal strategies" have no place at the ruling party's October congress.

Finally, PASOK Secretary Costas Skandalidis called for a change in the government's policy, structure, its operation, its relations and top cadres in the party, "for a radical and progressive framework of policies."

Additionally, he called for a resolution to what he termed as "sterile and untimely open fronts", especially the "... perpetual and insipid confrontation with the (Orthodox) Church."

The latest political fermentation in the country followed a marathon PASOK executive bureau meeting on Thursday, where Simitis proposed the rescheduling of the party's congress for October. One of the results was the cancellation of the premier's weeklong official trip to the People's Republic of China.

A government spokesman said Simitis decided to remain in Athens during the upcoming period to follow political developments. Spokesman Dimitris Reppas also categorically denied that a reshuffle was imminent.

He referred to another executive bureau meeting this Wednesday, planning for the newly re-scheduled congress and what he cited as the possibility of negative comments in case the premier was away from the country for such a long period of time - 10 days - as necessitating the cancellation.

Another official visit to China was cancelled in September 1999 due to a devastating earthquake that hit the greater Athens area.

In comments over the weekend, Reppas - who is also the mass media minister -- said that after the PASOK party congress in October "only those who agree with the positions of the conference majority will be part of the government".

He also predicted that there would be no alternative candidate to Simitis for the ruling party's leadership and that the current PASOK president would be easily re-elected.

PASOK conference will be 'zero hour' Reppas tells Flash radio: After the PASOK party conference in October, only those who agree with the positions of the conference majority will be part of the government, Media minister and government spokesman Dimitris Reppas told Flash radio station on Saturday.

He predicted that there would be no alternative candidate to Prime Minister Costas Simitis for the party leadership and that the current PASOK president would be easily re-elected.

"Who will go with him," he added, "will depend on who went with the prime minister before, during and after the conference."

[06] Tsohatzopoulos stresses role of PASOK's October party conference

Athens, 25/06/2001 (ANA)

He was speaking at a conference organized by an Achaia PASOK branch on "Greece today and tomorrow".

He stressed the importance of the early PASOK conference in October for working out policy lines and achieving consensus within the party.

He also warned against people using the conference as a vehicle "for personal goals and ambitions," saying that this was inconceivable and "foreign to the logic supporting the character and future of PASOK".

He blamed many of Greece's problems to uneven distribution of wealth and called for a ten-year program of economic, social and cultural growth to benefit all of society.

"I don't understand why it bothers us (the government) when people ask for answers on unemployment, social security, decentralization, the environment, development, health and education.

We have 11 per cent unemployment when the average in Europe is 3 per cent. We have the lowest rate of employment in Europe with 56 per cent. There are people unemployed for more than a year..."

At the same time, he noted, the Greek economy was doing well, better than it had ever done before, and for the first time there were funds to spare for education, training and the environment, including the 17 trillion drachmas from the 3rd Community Support Framework.

"You might ask where all that money goes. There is a large section of the population that is not satisfied. This is because there is uneven distribution of wealth, an uneven distribution of the result between the regions of our country. The differences come to 8.5 per cent," he said.

In a press conference afterwards, Tsohatzopoulos denied that the government or its members were 'tired' and stressed the importance of the conference in creating a unified party line.

"The end of the conference, I am sure, will express the vast majority of PASOK," he said.

[07] Court rules Monday work stoppage by OA cabin crews illegal

Athens, 25/06/2001 (ANA)

A 24-hour strike called by OA technicians for Tuesday, meanwhile, was also cancelled.

[08] Delphi concert commemorates creation of UN High Commission for Refugees

Athens, 25/06/2001 (ANA)

During the event, the High Commission's representative in Athens, F. Rojas Rodriguez, also honored noted Greek composer Mikis Theodorakis for his contribution to the international humanitarian organization’s efforts.

"I must tell you that this award doesn't just honor me, it moves me deeply. The word refugee is interwoven with my own existence, the formulation of my personality and the basic ideological and political choices I've made in my life," Theodorakis said.

The Russian orchestra Osipov, US soprano Joselyn Smith and popular Greek performer George Dalaras participated in the concert, held under the auspices of the culture ministry.

[09] Australian politicians receive Nike Award from Australian-Greek Council

Athens, 25/06/2001 (ANA)

The Nike awards are presented by the Council each year to distinguished personalities of non-Greek origin who have offered valuable services to the overseas Greek community and to Greece.

Accepting his award, Olsen praised the contribution of the Greeks of Australia.

He also said it was a great honor for him to be a member of the Australian Committee for the Return of the Parthenon Marbles, along with co-recipients Whitlam and Fraser.

Olsen recently sent a letter to British Prime Minister Tony Blair calling for the return of the Marbles to Greece by 2004, when the Olympic Games will be held in Athens.

"As members of the Australian committee, we all pledge -- and also on behalf of all Australians -- to continue to exert international pressure on the British government for the return of the Marbles," Olsen said.

The 5th century B.C. friezes, or Marbles, were removed from the Parthenon by British diplomat Lord Elgin with the permission of the local Ottoman occupation authorities in the early 19th century. Elgin removed the priceless statues and other parts of the Parthenon temple and sold them to the British Museum in 1816, where they have been housed since.

[10] Municipality holds memorial service for Drama Jews killed in Holocaust

Athens, 25/06/2001 (ANA)

A service was held at a memorial to the victims, erected in a town park, and in the presence of local government and religious officials, as well as representatives of the Central Jewish Council of Greece (KIS).

[11] FM calls on Turkish Cypriot side to cooperate on missing persons issue

NICOSIA, 25/06/2001 (CNA/ANA)

Speaking at the 17th Annual Marathon of Love for Missing Persons Kasoulides said the government decided unilaterally to proceed with the exhumations after the Turkish Cypriot side raised serious obstacles in the implementation of an agreement it had made in July 1997 with President Glafcos Clerides adding that the this process has so far revealed that about 26 remains are related to cases of missing persons.

Kasoulides said that the government is setting up a Bank Data where information on missing persons could be submitted thus facilitating the process of investigating their fate.

He added that the foreign ministry in cooperation with the Pancyprian Organization of Relatives of Undeclared Prisoners and Missing Persons promote the issue to all international fora and point out Turkey's obligation to contribute to the solution of the problem.

He also said the Foreign Ministry has asked the International Red Cross and the United Nations to provide it with any evidence in their disposal as regards the missing persons in Cyprus.

Referring to the recent European Court of Human Rights decision against Turkey for violations of human rights in Cyprus, Kasoulides said the Court's ruling is "an important tool" in our efforts to deal with this humanitarian issue adding the foreign ministry has given out orders to all Cypriot diplomatic missions to promote and utilize the ECHR's ruling to all international Organizations and foreign governments.

On May 10, 2001 the ECHR found Turkey guilty of human rights violations on 14 counts of the Convention relating to the right to life, liberty and security, prohibition of inhuman or degrading treatment, the right to respect for private and family life, protection of property and right to peaceful enjoyment of their property and the right to an effective remedy.

The Court also said Turkey violated rights relating to freedom of thought and expression, the right to education and the right to a fair trial.

Kasoulides said the relatives of missing persons, Greek and Turkish Cypriots want to find out what happened to their loved ones, adding, "It is their basic right".

Cypriot authorities have been conducting since 1999 tests on remains in marked and unmarked graves at two cemeteries and so far about 108 remains have been identified, through the DNA method, 26 of which relate to cases of missing persons.

The work has been undertaken by a team from the Nobel peace prizewinner organization Physicians for Human Rights, led by William Haglund, and a team of scientists at the Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics.

Turkish troops invaded and occupied 37 percent of Cyprus' territory in the summer of 1974.

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