BRIEF GREEK NEWS BULLETIN (15/02/1996)

From: Macedonian Press Agency <mpa@uranus.ee.auth.gr>

Macedonian Press Agency News in English Directory

BRIEF GREEK NEWS BULLETIN BY MACEDONIAN PRESS AGENCY

February 15, 1996

TITLES

NEWS IN DETAIL

[01] PANGALOS TO TURKEY: IF IN DOUBT, GO TO HAGUE

Mr. Pangalos, commending on statements made yesterday by american State Department spokesperson Nicholas Burns (who said that the two countries should resort to the International Court of The Hague so that the dispute is resolved), stated that it is not in his domain to take a position on the effectiveness of US diplomacy.

Mr. Pangalos also stated that the US examine the eventuality of The Hague, as well as the potential of direct bilateral dialogue between Greece and Turkey.

The Foreign Minister reiterated that the greek government's position remains unchanged and categorically ruled out the possibility of engaging in a dialogue with Turkey regarding Greece's territorial sovereignty.

"Our right is a given and is supported by legal arguments," mr. Pangalos said.

"If anyone questions the legal status quo of the Aegean Sea, then they can initiate the necessary legal proceedings."

Mr. Pangalos also noted that Turkey is aiming at a dialogue "between winner and loser. Greece has not lost," the Foreign Minister stated, adding that " if Turkey proceeds to exercise violence, then the greek state will respond (accordingly)."

Commenting on the Europarliament's resolution regarding the Imia crisis, mr. Pangalos characterized it as "very important." He did, however, criticize New Democracy leader Miltiades Evert for having aided in the resolution's amendment to a weaker version during the latter's visit to Strasbourg.

Moreover, Mr. Pangalos referred to Turkey's relations with the European Union by confirming that Greece will re- examine its position regarding its neighbor's relations with the Community.

Lastly, Mr. Pangalos announced that he will accompany the President of the Hellenic Republic Kostis Stefanopoulos on a series of visits to foreign capitals, part of a campaign to promote Greece's position internationally.

Their first trip will be a visit to Albania, scheduled to take place on March 21 and 22, aimed at capping the pleasant developments that have been noted in the relations between the two countries in recent days.

[02] US PRECIPITATES IMIA OUTCOME BEFORE HEARING, SAYS ATHENS

In regard to the recent remark made by State Department spokesperson Nicholas Burns that The Hague will drive the Imia issue to a compromise, Mr. Reppas responded that "Mr. Burns has issued a decision on a matter that has not even been heard yet."

Commending on the meetings held in Strasbourg by the leader of the New Democracy main opposition party, Miltiades Evert, the government spokesperson expressed his contentment by saying that he is "quite satisfied" by the outcome of these meetings.

However, he noted that the European People's Party, in which New Democracy participates, altered the wording of a resolution whose original text denounced Turkey for causing the Imia crisis, resulting in a new resolution that merely expresses the Europarliament's deep concern.

[03] ANDREAS PAPANDREOU SPEAKS THROUGH MINISTER OF INTERIOR

In a telephone conversation he held with Minister of Interior, Public Administration and De-Centralization Akis Tsohatzopoulos, mr. Papandreou is quoted as having alerted his colleagues to the evident turkish expansionism.

Speaking in Thessaloniki, mr. Tsohatzopoulos brought up his telephone conversation with the PASOK leader, who is quoted as having said "Be careful, our national issues will be troubled by turkish expansionism."

According to Mr. Tsohatzopoulos, Turkey has chosen the specific point in time to create a crisis in Imia, now that Andreas Papandreou is not in power. Moreover, Mr. Tsohatzopoulos added, that "Turkley chose this time in order to test the credibility of the newly-formed goverment and its ability to protect Greece's national rights."

With regard to Greece's relations with its eastern neighbor, the Minister of Interior said that the only matter of discussion with Turkey is the "continental shelf issue, upon which we have already decided that it will be resolved in The Hague. Our top priority" Mr. Tsohatzopoulos added, "however, is the Cyprus issue, and if Turkey wants a positive outcome on the continental shelf issue, then it must work towards a positive outcome in the cupriot issue as well."

On the matter of FYROM, mr. Tsohatzopoulos stated categorically that "our position remains the same, under no circumstance will we recognize FYROM with the name 'Macedonia' or derivatives thereof."

[04] EX-PREMIER IN FAVOR OF TAKING THE HAGUE VENUE

Mr. Mitsotakis emphasized that "Greece, who is cerain of her rights, has no reason to assume the initiative for the matter's referral to The Hague."

However, mr. Mitsotakis added that "Greece has every reason not to discourage other countries from adopting this position, since, on this matter, we are legally all powerful."

Mr. Mitsotakis's stance may mark one of the rare occassions that finds one associate of the main opposition party in agreement with ruling PASOK, since, as government spokesperson Dimitris Reppas said, the honorary President's position is identical with that of the government.

However, without missing a beat, Mr. Reppas pointed out that mr. Mitsotakis' position is differentiated from the position adopted by New Democracy.

[05] GREEK PRIME MINISTER TO MEET WITH GERMAN CHANCELLOR

According to Press and Media Minister Dimitris Reppas, the issue of the german occupation loan could also be part of the two men's agenda, although the Press Minister was reluctant to make a statement regarding the restitution claims made by greeks who suffered loss of assets duing the german occupation. He did say, however, that restitution concerns mainly greek private citizens and the german state.

[06] GREEK DEFENSE MINISTER MEETS WITH ROMANIAN COUNTERPART

Mr. Arsenis noted the close relations between the two countries, not only on a military level, but on the economic, political and cultural levels as well, and added that the two countries are in complete agreement regarding the recent developments in International Organizations.

During today's meeting between the two Ministers, which could be considered as reciprocal since Mr. Arsenis had visited Bucharest one year ago, the grounds were laid for further mutuality among the two Balkan countries.

Mr. Tinka, who is visiting Greece for the first time, will meet with Greek Premier Kostas Simitis tomorrow.

[07] THRACE RECTOR APPOINTED TO SECRETARY OF WORLD HELLENISM

The general secretariat position was handed over to mr. Panousis by former SAE Secretary Nikos Dimakis who, in his exit speech, said that " the dream of all greeks abroad for a closer relationship with Greece is in good hands."

Mr. Panousis said that he considers his predecessor to be "in part, his teacher" and called all those working in the secretariatship to unite their efforts.

[08] FOREIGN EXCHANGE RATE REPORT

CURRENCY          FIXING      BUY          SELL
ECU              303.4300   303.4300    304.3400
U.S. Dollar      242.6650   241.9370    243.3930
Deutsche Mark    165.6000   165.1030    166.0970
UK Sterling      374.1200   372.9980    375.2420
French Franc      48.0550    47.9110     48.1990
Swedish Crown     34.9310    34.8260     35.0360
Danish Kroner     42.8080    42.6800     42.9360
Norwegian Crown   37.8840    37.7700     37.9980
Italian Lira      15.2835    15.2380     15.3290
Swiss Franc      203.1180   202.5090    203.7270
Spanish Peseta     1.9630     1.9571      1.9689
Finnish Mark      52.9600    52.8010     53.1190
Yen              229.8000   229.1110    230.4890