Antenna: News in English (AM), 97-07-16

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From: Antenna Radio <http://www.antenna.gr> - email: antenna@compulink.gr

News in English, 16/07/97

TITLES

• US Special envoy Richard Holbrooke gives an interview on the Cyprus issue
• Pasok's Executive bureau is still expressing concern over the signing of the non-violence agreement
• And, Haris Alexiou sings for Athens' bid to host the 2004 Olympics

HOLBROOKE

In a special interview to Antenna's correspondent. Holbrooke gave his opinion on the importance of the talks in finding a solution to the Cyprus issue.

In his interview Holbrooke said that the US strongly supports the bilateral direct talks taking place between Cypriot president Glavcos Clirides and Turkish-Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash. Adding that there will be even more support by the US in the second round of talks to be held August 11th through 16 in Switzerland.

"That's the reason why I won't visit Cyprus during this period", Holbrooke said, "in order not to intervene in the UN efforts to end the 23-year-long division of the island".

Regarding Cyprus's entry into the EU, Holbrooke said that the European Union should promote its entry, especially now with the full support and mediation of the UN and US. "It would be a great mistake if the EU doesn't take into account the talks between the two communities in Cyprus, as well as UN and US efforts", said Holbrooke.

"The US is not just an observer, but actively involved in a resolution of the Cyprus issue", Holbrooke added.

Holbrooke expressed the hope that the issue could be resolved early next year, after presidential elections are held on the island.

European governments would like to see the island reunited before admitting Cyprus to the European Union.

When asked to comment on the "non- violence" agreement signed in Madrid last week, Holbrooke replied it was a highly important step saying,

The statement that secretary of state Madeline Albright, worked out with the foreign minister of Greece and Turkey.....

...who sign a statement saying that they won't use violence or the threat of violence to resolve their disputes IS important".

Adding that, "Cypriot president Glafcos ClirEEdis and Turkish leader Raouf Denktash have known each other for 47 years, but it's been 3 and a half years since their last meeting".

Holbrooke further expounded on the "non-violence" agreement saying it was extremely important that it was signed on the eve of the UN-sponsored talks on the Cyprus issue in New York.

In the upcoming weeks, Holbrooke will visit Western Europe, Bonne, London, Paris, Brussels and Possibly Luxembourg, to discuss recent developments in Greek-Turkish relations.

At the time of the interview, Turkish premier Messout Yilmaz sent a letter to Greek premier Kostas Simitis asking him for his support on Turkey's bid for EU membership. Yilmaz sent similar letters to all of his EU counterparts.

The Greek government has said it will send a letter saying that it agrees with Turkey's EU membership, if the following conditions set by Greece are satisfied.

The conditions are as follows;

first, Turkey is to abandon the policy of threat to go to war or to use violence against Greece, second, Turkey is to respect international law and international treaties, and thirdly, Turkey should find a way to resolve the Imia issue that occurred by their laying claim to the rocks of Imia.

Commenting on the Yilmaz letter, EU commissioner Christos PapoutsEEs, said, "The European political mentality can't accept threats or blackmails. This holds true as well to perspective of the Cypriot Republic as an EU member, the northern part which has been under Turkish military occupation for the last 23 years.

PASOK/EX.BUREAU

During a Pasok Executive Bureau meeting on Monday night, certain Pasok members were still expressing their concern over the signing of the non- violence agreement signed in Madrid last week.

Premier Kostis Simitis faced fresh criticism from education minister Gerasimos Arsenis who sent the prime minister a letter disagreeing on certain points of the non-violence agreement. Arsenis reportedly insisted that Greece had been too conciliatory- fueling rumors of his possible resignation.

Other Pasok MPs also expressed their concern regarding the non-violence agreement. Pasok general secretary Kostas Skan-da-lEE-dis expressed his concern, saying the point is not whether or not the agreement was signed but more importantly some commments on certain points in the agreement which were questionable.

Pasok MP ManOlis Da-ska-lA-kis said the agreement doesn't serve Pasok's national policy. Adding that Greece's right to extend its territorial waters to 12 miles is put in doubt.

Pangalos replied that the 12 miles issue remains a "strong card" for Greece.

The foreign minister spoke harshly to them reminding them that the Executive Bureau should be with the government and not against it, insinuating that the bureau could be reformed, if need be.

KARAMANLIS

Karmanlis expressed his concern follow a meeting with Greek president Kostis Stefanopoulos on Tuesday.

"I expressed to Stefanopoulos my party's displeasure over the premier's actions of only informing his party members on the non-violence agreement, and his continued avoidance when it comes to informing the Greek public on such an important issue".

Karmanlis also discussed his party's worries over certain clauses in the non-violence agreement.

Karamanlis further stated that New Democracy WILL intervene whenever Greek national interests are threatened. "We believe that Greece's national issues should be faced with an increased sense of responsibility, keeping it beyond any inner-party disputes".

On Tuesday, Government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said that prime minister Kostis Simitis is at the disposal of every political leader interesting in knowing the particulars of the non-violence agreement.

ECONOMY

Papatoniou met with the prime minister and the general manager of the Bank of Greece to discuss the upward movement of the American dollar.

According to economic analysts, the expected rise of the dollar will bring an increase to all imported products, fuel and interests loans. On the other hand, they say there will be more exports, tourism and the ability to purchase Greek shares abroad.

Exchange deposit limits will be lifted in July, enabling Greeks to make deposits in dollars at any Greek bank.

The devaluation of the drachma has gone from 30 drachma to the dollar in 1974 to 285 at present.

Income and tax policies for the coming year will be discussed at the Ministry of Economy on Wednesday.

ANTENNA/PENALTY

The penalty imposed on Antenna was brought up for discussion at the Greek and European parliament Tuesday.

Government spokesman Dimitris REp-pas PARTIALLY justified the decision made by the National Radiotelevision Council on Tuesday. Saying that there IS a law and a code of ethics to base the case on when making a decision, but admitted that these laws need to be modernized.

Pasok MP LoukAs Aposto-lEEdis said, "The Radiotelevision council should BE and prove to be fair with all programmes of every station equally. I believe that a code of ethics needs to be established".

Another Pasok MP, Vangelis VlassOpoulos said, "I hope that the charges brought against Antenna will finally be justified and that TV producers practice better judgement in the near future so that the Radiotelevision council need not intervene.

Pasok MP EftEEhis KondomAris said, "I believe problems in mass media can be resolved through dialogue and a code of ethics".

MP Nikos LambathAris said, "There's been a big mistake. Administration measures don't resolve problems. Freedom of the press is necessary for democracy".

New Democracy MP Angelos Bratakos brought the issue up at parliament saying, "It's political persecution. The government chose this moment to create this particular story, at a moment when national and social issues are aggravated, limiting the public's free access to news".

New Democracy MP TheofAnis DimoshAkis said, "The penalty imposed on Antenna was exhaustive. It's well-known that Antenna has offered much to Greece and other Balkan countries, financial and otherwise."

52 Pasok and 74 New Democracy MPs officially supported Antenna.

The matter was brought up for discussion at the European parliament by three New Democracy MPs who said that "the intentional and unilateral act of the radiotelevision council is an act of political pressure and silence, which is in direct violation of EU clauses concerning rights of competitiveness.

Greeks from all over the world denounced the council's decision sending post and internet letters, saying the decision was unfair and discriminatory aiming to silence Antenna.

Associations, institutions and citizens across Europe, the US and Australia, all express their support to Antenna.

F-16

The first F-16 plane with the new modifications was presented by the EAV at Ta-nA-gra airforce base Tuesday.

Technicians learned the proper adjustments first hand after working in close cooperation with the US weaponry manufacturer Lockheed.

"Greece's airforce will be getting an almost brand new type of F-16, after the necessary improvements are made by the Greek Air Industry", said an EAV official told reporters.

The EAV will be presenting the airforce with six modified F-16s every four months.

TRUCKS

The Ministry of Environment, transportation and public works, decreed that trucks weighing in at 1 to 5 tonnes will be banned from travelling highways on Fridays from 2.30pm until 9pm and Sundays from 5pm until until 10 at night.

The ban will not be implemented on trucks carrying perishable products.

The Truck Drivers Union is planning on protesting if the decision is finally implemented, stating that their financial interests are at risk.

2004 GAMES/SIMITIS

The meeting was attended by 4 representatives of the International Olympics Committee. Alternate Foreign minister who attended the meeting welcomed them by saying, "We welcome our friends, IOC members in Athens. We'll keep up with our efforts to host the 2004 Olympics".

Sports minister Andreas FOU-ras told reporters, "We go forward this September, when the IOC will pick the winner, with our spirit looking toward the future and our feet firmly on the ground".

ALEXIOU

The concert will take place at the historically significant PnEEka, or Pnyx Hill across from the Acropolis. Linked with the principles of democracy, it was there where the Democratic Assembly held their meetings in the 5th century BC, often addressed by great orators like Demosthenes and Pericles.

"The place chosen for this concert is well-suited to the Olympic spirit. It will be the first time music will be performed at Pnyx so I would like the concert to be held in the context of the reverence which the location inspires," Alexiou said yesterday during a press panel.

Alexiou will hold her concert on July 21st with her own songs as well as those by Giorgos HatzidAkis, Mikis TheodorAkis and others. The date of the concert coincides with the full moon, so Alexiou has titled her concert, "the moonlight songs".

© ANT1 Radio 1997

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