Athens News Agency: News in English (AM), 97-06-14
NEWS IN ENGLISH
Athens, Greece, 14/06/1997 (ANA)
MAIN HEADLINES
- Greek government prepares for crucial Amsterdam EU summit
- Defence Minister comments on new Euro-Atlantic Security Council
- Philippino leader to visit Greece
- President Stephanopoulos begins tour of Cyclades islands
- Governement: Greek experts' committee reply in a few days
- Turkish business delegation to visit island of Rhodes
- Albanian Socialist leader Nano addresses campaign rally in Athens
- Gov't says no issue of Gibraltar protocol at hand
- Trade attaches briefed on Pella exports' potential
- Mount Athos treasures open in Thessaloniki this month
- Greenpeace Halkida bridge banner promotes solar energy
- European publishers, reporters visit Athens 2004 committee
- Replica of ancient trireme arrives in Thessaloniki
- EOT expects increase in tourist arrivals from Middle East
- Weather
- Foreign Exchange
NEWS IN DETAIL
Greek government prepares for crucial Amsterdam EU summit
Prime Minister Costas Simitis yesterday chaired a cabinet meeting focusing
on the Intergovernmental Conference (IGC) in view of the crucial European
Union summit in Amsterdam next week, expected to witness several major
political skirmishes by member-stat es.
During a briefing by the competent ministers on the course of the IGC,
government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said the cabinet expressed satisfaction
regarding developments to date.
Mr. Reppas noted that most of Greece's targets appeared to have been
attained "since the issues in question are included in the text which will
serve as a guideline for discussion" at the Amsterdam summit.
The spokesman emphasised in particular that Greece's proposals concerning
borders were included in the relevant chapter on the Community's common
foreign and security policy.
On his part, Alternate Foreign Minister George Papandreou said yesterday
that he expected a "major battle" on institutional issues during the EU
summit on Monday and Tuesday.
Noting that differences between EU member-states on the issue of Commissioners
and the reweighting of votes were still large, however, he nevertheless
said that the political will for negotiations to come to a successful end
was there, and one had to lo ok at the total compromise possible.
He also stressed that efforts were underway by socialist parties and
governments at a European level to bring out the EUYs social profile, and
it would be a mistake to suppose that there was singularity of pursuits in
the European Union.
The Greek side views with satisfaction the inclusion in the proposal for
the new Treaty of the EU of Article 130, concerning the islands, which is
accompanied by a satisfactory statement, while in the chapter on the common
external and security policy t here is reference to territorial integrity,
political solidarity and the borders.
However, certain member-states have stated their opposition to this chapter,
and therefore, its final form, according to observers, is uncertain.
Defence Minister comments on new Euro-Atlantic Security Council
NATO defence ministers convened in Brussels yesterday to discuss the issue
of the Euro-Atlantic Security Council, which will be composed of 43
countries, namely, NATO's 16 members and countries from eastern Europe, the
Middle East, the former USSR and Russia.
Greece was represented by National Defence Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos.
Speaking to Greek reporters, Mr. Tsohatzopoulos said the Euro-Atlantic
Security Council "constitutes a place in which all issues related to
security, stability and cooperation in the Euro-Atlantic region can be
discussed."
He said it is an exclusive form of collective action by a large number of
countries which will be jointly able to take decisions on issues of
security and cooperation. Defence ministers will meet twice a year and
foreign ministers twice to safeguard coo peration terms and create
preconditions for collective security, he added.
Mr. Tsohatzopoulos said the organisation has particular importance for
Greece and that two basic principles in its functioning must be secured,
namely, the possibility of each country to determine by itself what degree
of cooperation it will have with t he new institution, regardless of the
relationship it has with NATO, as well as the possibility of regional
cooperation according to the region to which each country belongs.
Mr. Tsohatzopoulos further stressed the significance of the Euro-Atlantic
Security Council and more specifically support for regional cooperation for
the Balkan region, because from now on Balkan countries which are not
currently NATO member-states will have the possibility of expressing their
views and positions in the framework of the new organisation.
Mr. Tsohatzopoulos said Greece "has already submitted proposals in the
Balkan region for the creation of a Security and Cooperation Council and
for predicting crises", adding that after NATO's session yesterday this
logic was confirmed. He further said that "the experience which contributed
towards promoting the Euro-Atlantic Security Council is utilising the
institution of partnership for peace." He also referred to Bosnia where
NATO's activity was impressive and commented on Albania, saying that "neit
her NATO nor the West European Union (WEU) managed to intervene and tackle
the crisis."
Referring to the WEU in particular, Mr. Tsohatzopoulos said the issue of
Albania belonged to its jurisdiction if it wanted to prove that a realistic
prospect existed for the European identity and defence. However, this
possibility was replaced by the co operation initiative between certain
OSCE member-states, and primarily Italy and Greece.
Mr. Tsohatzopoulos stressed the importance of NATO's cooperation with
countries that have expressed desire to join NATO but will not be included
in the list of the first few entrants. He said these countries must be
given the chance for a wider cooperation with NATO and acquire experience
by accessing NATO infrastructure to make their future accession a tangible
prospect.
Philippino leader to visit Greece
The President of the Philippines Fidel Ramos will pay a three-day official
visit to Greece beginning June 22 at the invitation of President Kostis
Stephanopoulos, it was announced yesterday.
During his stay, Mr. Ramos will have talks with Prime Minister Costas
Simitis and sign a bilateral cultural accord and an informal agreement
between the Greek overseas trade council and the equivalent Philippine
agency.
Mr. Ramos' talks with Mr. Stephanopoulos and Mr. Simitis are expected to
focus on ways of further improving relations between the two countries in
the political and, particularly, economic sectors.
Within this framework, Mr. Ramos will also have talks with representatives
of the Greek business world, including shipowners.
President Stephanopoulos begins tour of Cyclades islands
President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos started a three-day tour of
the Cyclades yesterday from Kythnos.
Speaking on problems facing the islands, he confirmed the intetest of the
state to find solutions to these problems.
Turning to other issues, he defended the status quo in the Aegean, saying
that "all the Aegean islands, isles or rockly isles, are Greek."
Justice would prevail in the Aegean and Turkish claims in the area would be
lifted, he later said on the island of Sifnos.
"Justice will prevail because it is based on our history and tradition, and
on international treaties and agreements," Mr. Stephanopoulos said.
"We dont have the right to make more concessions," he said.
"We have (already) lost many homelandsI" he added, calling on all the
Aegean residents to remain on their islands.
The president also criticised Ankara for its expansionist tendencies and
foresaw that it would not achieve anything more than reaffirming the
Aegean's Greekness.
Mr. Stephanopoulos is accompanied by Aegean Minister Elisabeth Papazoi.
Governement: Greek experts' committee reply in a few days
The reply by the two-man Greek "committee of experts" formulating Athens'
positions on Greek-Turkish differences will be sent to the Dutch EU
presidency within the next few days, Alternate Foreign Minister George
Papandreou stated yesterday.
Replying to reporters' questions, Mr. Papandreou said Athens' reply would
comment on the views set out by the two members of the corresponding
Turkish committee of experts, in accordance with the agreed procedure.
Greece and Turkey each agreed to set up a committee of experts to examine
procedures for approaching and recording certain differences between the
two countries.
The reports drawn up by the committees are exchanged between the two
countries via the rotating Dutch EU presidency.
Turkish business delegation to visit island of Rhodes
One hundred businessmen from Turkey, members of the Commerce and Industry
Chamber of Izmir, will visit Rhodes on June 29 and 30 to discuss cooperation
and commercial exchanges.
It will be the first time a Turkish business delegation visits Rhodes. The
event is being organised after an initiative by the Izmir chamber.
Delegation members will meet with local chamber representatives and other
agencies and discuss cooperation in tourism, coastal shipping and promotion
of Turkish products on the island.
Albanian Socialist leader Nano addresses campaign rally in Athens
Albanians living in Greece should return to their country to vote in the
June 29 general elections, the leader of the opposition Socialist Party of
Albania Fatos Nano told a campaign rally in Athens yesterday.
At the rally at Kaningos Square, combined with an official visit to Greece,
Mr. Nano said he guaranteed their safe transport and return, and accused
Albanian President Sali Berisha of having "turned Albania into a country of
emigres".
"Albanians must work in Albania", Mr. Nano told the crowd who had thronged
to the square, adding that if he won the elections, he would return the
money invested in pyramid schemes, whose collapse led to the present severe
crisis in the neighbouring cou ntry.
The socialist leader thanked the Greek govenrment for the respect it showed
for rights of ethnic Albanians working in Greece and for the permission it
granted his party to hold an open rally in central Athens.
A short message was also conveyed by former socialist deputy Todor Bei, of
Greek descent, who called for "unity of Albanians and Albanians of Greek
descent, in the north and south, against Berisha".
He also guaranteed that whoever left Greece to vote in the Albanian
elections would not be prevented from returning by Greek authorities.
Gov't says no issue of Gibraltar protocol at hand
Government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said there is no question of a
protocol for Gibraltar, invoking a relevant statement by a Dutch European
Union presidency representative, who said Britain and Spain are not
interested in the issue and that it does not concern Greece.
On the occasion of this statement, Mr. Reppas criticised the Athens daily
"Eleftheros Typos", saying it falsified past statements he had made and
further criticised main opposition New Democracy party vice-president
Yiannis Varvitsiotis for relevant sta tements, calling for more responsibility
in handling such issues.
Replying to a question, Mr. Reppas said Community Affairs secretary-general
Stelios Perrakis, in relevant consultations with the Dutch presidency,
raised an issue of possible confusion which could arise due to the
Gibraltar Protocol, categorically reite rating the government's position
that borders are defined by international treaties and not by EU bodies.
Trade attaches briefed on Pella exports' potential
Trade attaches from 25 countries visited the eastern Macedonian prefecture
of Pella over the weekend, to inspect local production facilities and
attend a briefing on the export potential of the area.
The diplomats' meeting, organised by the Greek Exports' Promotion
Organisation (OPE), was addressed by the Undersecretary to the Prime
Minister's Office George Paschalidis and the prefect of Pella George
Tanos.
Mr. Paschalidis referred to the area's dynamic agricultural production, the
capability of the local processing sector as well as the potential for
tourism development in Pella which combines archeological-historical site-
seeing and natural attractions.
Mr. Tanos in his speech stressed the fact that Pella processes and exports
half of the world's production in tinned peaches and tinned snails adding
that the area is renown for the quality of its cheries, asparagus and other
agricultural products.
OPE president Giannis Tzess announced the establishment of a local branch
in Edessa that will be staffed with appropriately trained people to assist
local businesses in accessing export markets.
Mount Athos treasures open in Thessaloniki this month
An unprecedented exhibition of 600 treasures from the all-male monastic
community of Mount Athos opens officially in Thessaloniki on June
21.
The objects, which have never left the semi-autonomous peninsula before,
will be sent off in a Byzantine ceremony from Karyes, the community's
administrative headquarters on June 17.
They include one of the rarest possessions of the monasteries, one of the
two existing charters establishing the community, and will be the only
chance women have of seeing the objects, since they are banned from setting
foot on Mount Athos.
The exhibition is part of the celebrations for Thessaloniki Cultural
Capital and will be attended by President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos,
government officials, political leaders and others.
The objects come from 17 participating monasteries of Mount Athos, out of
the total of 20. The exhibition will last until Dec. 31. Opening hours for
the public are 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily, including Sunday.
Entrance fees are 2,000 drachmas for adults and waived for the clergy,
monks, soldiers and tour guides.
Receipts from tickets will be turned over the Mount Athos monasteries for
renovation and infrastructure works.
Greenpeace Halkida bridge banner promotes solar energy
Greenpeace activists staged a dramatic spectacle yesterday, unfolding a
gigantic transparent banner with the slogan "Solar Power - Bridge to the
Future" from the new Halkida Bridge connecting Evia with mainland
Greece.
This Greenpeace action was part of a solar power promotional tour by the
Greenpeace vessel "Sirius".
Halkida's new bridge was chosen because the island of Evia is one of the
most suitable regions in the Mediterranean for large-scale development of
renewable energy sources.
With some 2,500 hours of insolation per year, Evia is an ideal region for
developing solar power stations, given that it is linked to the Public
Power Corp.'s (DEH) continental grid. The island, the second largest in
Greece, is also considered suitable for wind power production.
European publishers, reporters visit Athens 2004 committee
Thirty-five publishers and reporters from Europe's major economic and
business publications visited the headquarters of the Athens 2004 Olympics
committee at the Zappeion Hall yesterday.
The group is currently in Athens on the occasion of the Union of the
European Economic Press' (UPEFE) annual assembly.
Meanwhile, International Olympic Committee (IOC) member Un-Ihiro Okano from
Japan, who is paying an official visit to Athens, termed the candidacy of
Athens "excellent and fully substantiated."
He later attended a ceremony during which an olive tree bearing his name
was planted in the "Forest of IOC members."
Another permanent IOC member, Agustin Carlos Arojo from Ecuador, is
expected in Athens tomorrow.
Replica of ancient trireme arrives in Thessaloniki
An full-scale, sea-going replica of an ancient Athenian trireme "sailed" in
the port of Thessaloniki yesterday.
The "Olympias", a copy of a 5th century BC trireme, with places for 170
rowers, linen sails and bronze rams, was carried to Thessaloniki by a
Hellenic Navy landing craft. With the help of a floating crane and tug-
boats, the trireme was placed on a specially-designed platform where it can
be visited by the public.
The trireme, built with shipbuilding methods, has generated archaeological
and naval interest throughout the world. It was built in Perama, near
Piraeus, with the assistance of two British history professors and officers
of the Hellenic Navy general sta ff.
The naval vessel which transported the trireme, the "Ikaria", also anchored
at the port, while an exhibition entitled "The Hellenic Navy," which will
be open to the public, will be held aboard the Ikaria.
The two exhibitions will be officially inaugurated by National Defence
Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos on Tuesday.
EOT expects increase in tourist arrivals from Middle East
A significant increase in the number of tourists from the Arab gulf states
and the Middle East is expected this year, according to a National Tourism
Organisation (EOT) statement yesterday.
EOT and Olympic Airways participated with a joint pavilion in the recent
Arabian Travel Market 1997 exhibition in Dubai.
EOT representatives also participated in a meeting of about 400 travel
agents, organised by Emirates Holidays, a subsidiary of Emirates Airways,
on the occasion of GreeceYs inclusion in its programmes for 1997-98.
The travel agency last year included Athens in one of its European
destinations, with two direct flights from Dubai weekly.
Greece was presented as a competitive destination, together with Malaysia,
South Africa, Kenya, Australia and Yemen.
Weather
Fine, hot weather with light variable winds is forecast for most of the
country for Sunday. Southern Greece can expect some light cloud. Temperatures
in Athens will range between 19 to 37 degress centigrade and 16 to 35 in
Thessaloniki.
Foreign Exchange
Friday's closing rates - buying US dlr. 271.927
Pound sterling 443.305 Cyprus pd 527.486
French franc 46.584 Swiss franc 188.311
German mark 157.172 Italian lira (100) 15.993
Yen (100) 237.574 Canadian dlr. 196.515
Australian dlr. 204.491 Irish Punt 413.565
Belgian franc 7.619 Finnish mark 52.530
Dutch guilder 139.743 Danish kr. 41.303
Swedish kr. 35.083 Norwegian kr. 37.662
Austrian sch. 22.348 Spanish peseta 1.860
Port. Escudo 1.554
(K.G.)
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