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A.N.A. Bulletin, 29/10/96

Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

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

ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No 1026), October 29, 1996

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


CONTENTS

  • [01] European Socialist Party declaration favors EU expansion
  • [02] IOC evaluation committee finds 3 strong advantages to Athens' bid
  • [03] Simitis meets with Horn for talks covering EU, Greek-Hungarian relations
  • [04] Political leadership address messages commemorating Greece's entry into WWII
  • [05] Stephanopoulos says only name issue prevents full co-operation with FYROM
  • [06] Ciller again calls for unrestricted dialogue with Athens
  • [07] Greek delegation satisfied with call for BSEC members to fulfill financial obligations
  • [08] Captain of ferry boat that collided with islet appears in court
  • [09] Several Greek-Yugoslav economic agreements signed

  • [01] European Socialist Party declaration favors EU expansion

    Budapest, 29/10/1996 (ANA - D. Dimitrakoudis)

    The European Socialist Party summit ended in Budapest on Sunday with the adoption of a joint declaration welcoming the entry of central and eastern European countries into the European Union. During a press conference held after the meeting, Prime Minister Costas Simitis stressed the confirmation by the European Socialists of the EU's decision for negotiations for the entry of Cyprus and Malta to begin six months after the end of the Intergovernmental Conference (IGC).

    British Labor Party Vice-President John Prescott stressed that it is the duty of the European Socialist Party and the EU to take initiatives to deal with the Cyprus problem, adding that they cannot be uninvolved in the issue.

    Both Mr. Simitis and Cypriot EDEK socialist party leader Vassos Lyssarides noted the volatile nature of the situation in Cyprus and its possible dangers.

    The summit meeting noted that certain issues, which are of particular importance to Greece, such as foreign policy and the protection of the environment, must be presented more intensely in the IGC, so that provisions can be made for them in the new Maastricht Treaty.

    Speaking to Greek reporters, Mr. Simitis described the two-day summit as having been particularly useful and successful, saying relations between socialist parties are becoming closer and joint policies on central European issues are now possible.

    Speaking on the entry of central and eastern European countries into the EU, the prime minister said socialist leaders are asking for there to be a detailed and careful preparation, in order to prevent negotiations and the countries' entry leading to a multi-speed Europe.

    Mr. Simitis told reporters that doubts were expressed during the summit as to whether IGC negotiations will be completed during the set time schedule, saying it is almost certain that due to the British elections, they will not be completed within the first half of 1997.

    Mr. Simitis said what the European socialists want is not a Europe with differentiations but a unified Europe in which there will be economic development, employment and prosperity for all.

    He said that all were agreed that speedy rates should be applied to enable all negotiations concerning the European Union to close before the end of the century, namely those as well which are related to enlargement, the budget and new policies.

    Outlining the results of the meeting, European Socialist Party President Rudolf Scharping said that enlargement, which is clearly supported by socialists and social democrats, constitutes a dynamic process from which there will be benefits derived both for EU member-states and candidate countries, while the EU's character will also change.

    Mr. Scharping said European socialists oppose neo-conservative positions and nationalistic and reactionary trends, for which the sole alternative solution constitutes the deepening of European co-operation, which is aimed at development, the creation of jobs, protection for the security of citizens and protection for the environment and safeguarding peace.

    He said that for the first time Europe has the opportunity to overcome destruction caused by two world wars in the first half of the century and this prospect must not be lost through details and procedural differences.

    On his part, Hungarian Prime Minister and president of the ruling socialist party, Gyula Horn, said it should be examined how the EU can help candidate countries to prepare themselves appropriately for entry.

    [02] IOC evaluation committee finds 3 strong advantages to Athens' bid

    Athens, 29/10/1996 (ANA)

    Athens appears to have made a decisive step in its promotion for the final phase of cities contesting the 2004 Olympic Games, as the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) evaluation committee ascertained three strong advantages for the Greek capital's candidacy.

    The German president of the evaluation committee, Thomas Bach, addressed a press conference at the Zappeion Mansion on Saturday at the end of its visit, together with Greek Candidacy Committee President Yianna Daskalaki-Angelopoulou.

    Mr. Bach said the city's advantages are support for the candidacy of Athens by an overwhelming majority of the Greek people, a cultural program and the guarantees by both the government and the opposition on organizing the 2004 Olympics.

    "First of all, we as a committee cannot refer to our conclusions or make any comments. However, I can speak to you about our three impressions from our three-day stay in Greece.

    "Firstly, our committee ascertained that the candidacy of Athens is supported by the overwhelming majority of the Greek people. Additionally, there is support from businessmen and political bodies.

    "Secondly, there is the cultural program of Athens. The people can participate in this program which includes, among others, a torch race linking many historical cities in your country and the marathon race.

    "Thirdly, we appreciate the guarantees of the government and the opposition for the candidacy of Athens."

    He also said the candidacies of the 11 cities for hosting the Olympic Games in 2004 are like a marathon race.

    "The Greeks can set out on this marathon, where they have 10 opponents, with confidence. The individuality in this struggle is, however, that there are not three medals but only one, the gold, since only one city will organize the Games," he said.

    The German committee president said talks with all the officials of the Greek candidacy took place in a friendly climate and explained that the prime target of the International Olympics Committee is that the best athletes in the world should compete with the best possible conditions.

    Mr. Bach said the evaluation committee's final report on the 11 candidacies will constitute the basis for the IOC's decision on March 7, concerning the four or five cities which will be on the short list.

    Replying to a question on the candidacy of Stockholm for the 2004 Olympic Games, Mr. Bach said "80 per cent of the Swedish Parliament voted in favor of Stockholm's candidacy. According to an opinion poll conducted later on, however, it appeared that most Swedes do not want to host the Games."

    Mr. Bach went on to say that candidate cities should strengthen their positive points as much as they can, adding that the splendor of the Olympic Games is that each country promotes its own strong points and it is a very important factor for one to know how to promote his country.

    "The 164 guarantees given to us in all by Athens to organize the Games helped us to shape a spherical view," he said.

    Ms Daskalaki-Angelopoulou said "we replied to all the questions put by the International Olympic Games evaluation committee and we had very good co-operation with all its members. We thank all who contributed to this effort."

    Athens Mayor Dimitris Avramopoulos gave a reception for the evaluation committee at the Athens City Hall on Saturday.

    The evaluation committee will visit San Juan (Nov. 16-20), Rio de Janeiro (Nov. 21-25), Buenos Aires (25-29) and Cape Town (Dec- 6-10).

    The 19 evaluation committee members left Athens yesterday.

    [03] Simitis meets with Horn for talks covering EU, Greek-Hungarian relations

    Budapest, 29/10/1996 (ANA - D. Dimitrakoudis)

    Prime Minister Costas Simitis held an hour-long discussion here with his Hungarian counterpart Gyula Horn yesterday, while a coincidence of views was ascertained between the positions of Athens and Budapest on Greek-Turkish relations and the Cyprus issue.

    Mr. Simitis said afterwards that the positions of the Hungarian government coincide with those supported by Greece, namely that whatever demands on the Turkish side must be resolved through processes anticipated by international law, meaning the International Court of Justice at The Hague. On the question of Cyprus, Hungary maintains that it is time that resolutions of the United Nations are applied.

    He said that he discussed problems with Mr. Horn concerning Hungary's potential accession to the European Union, which is the main issue preoccupying the Hungarians at present.

    Mr. Simitis said countries such as Greece, which have every interest in increasing their influence within the framework of the EU, need allies. And such allies can be countries such as Hungary, which has about the same level of development and about the same population.

    He said he believed that after the Intergovernmental Conference, the completion of Economic and Monetary Union in Europe and processes for the new budget, there will be no developments in the EU, which will benefit countries in southern Europe as was the case in the past.

    Mr. Simitis said new dynamics will emerge and Greece can participate in them, guiding the EU if it has many allies. He said that for this reason enlargement was necessary, first of all with Cyprus, and from then on how this enlargement will be carried o ut should be examined.

    The Greek premier said that if we want a strong EU, the Union must "embrace" all of Europe and must "embrace" more countries than today.

    Both prime ministers also discussed bilateral Greek-Hungarian relations, whose level is considered excellent.

    On the sidelines of the European Socialist Party meeting, Mr. Simitis had talks with German Social Democrat party leader Oskar Lafontaine on Sunday, focusing on the global economy, Economic and Monetary Union as well as strengthening relations between PASOK and the German social democrats.

    In talks with the secretary of the Italian Democratic Left Party, Massimo D'Alema, Mr. Simitis referred to the meeting he will have with the leadership of the party during his visit to Rome on Nov. 20.

    [04] Political leadership address messages commemorating Greece's entry into WWII

    Athens, 29/10/1996 (ANA)

    Three-day celebrations marking the anniversary of Greece's entry into World War II against fascist Italy on Oct. 28, 1940, culminated in Thessaloniki yesterday with a large military parade in the presence of President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos.

    The parade was also attended by National Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos, who represented Prime Minister Costas Simitis, main opposition New Democracy party leader Miltiades Evert, the leadership of the armed forces, ministers, deputies and local authorities.

    The parade ended with the appearance of four ultra-modern US-made Apache helicopter gunships, recently acquired by the Hellenic Army.

    A Te Deum service was held at the Athens Cathedral in the presence of Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis, ministers, deputies and representatives of resistance groups. Education Minister Gerassimos Arsenis then took the salute at a pupils' parade.

    Referring to Ankara and the United States at a reception given in his honor by the Officers Club of the Third Army Corps in Thessaloniki on Sunday night, President Stephanopoulos said Greece has no intention and no possibility of backing down even at the least from its sovereign rights based on international law and determined by international treaties.

    Addressing the US side, due to rumors of a possible assumption of an initiative by the US to normalize Greek-Turkish relations, President Stephanopoulos said "all efforts and initiatives are welcome, provided those undertaking relevant initiatives should not forget and not disregard reality."

    In a message marking the Oct. 28 national holiday, Mr. Simitis said the message of Oct. 28 is a message of unity, consensus and faith in defending the integrity of the nation against whatever design.

    "And this will always be the message of Greece in every direction, at the same time with our persistent action to safeguard peace and stability in the region and to develop relations of friendship and co-operation with all our neighbors," he said.

    "In the course towards the 21st century, at a time when the future of Europe of tomorrow is being planned and shaped, Greece and the Greeks will always be ready to give their own contribution for the prevalence of those values which will safeguard a peaceful future with respect for international law, freedom and democracy and with fronts always open against modern phenomena of fascism and racism," Mr. Simitis added.

    Similar messages were addressed by Mr. Evert and other party leaders.

    A message by the ruling PASOK party's executive bureau said the anniversary signaled the consistency and traditions of long-standing Greek history, adding that at present our message is that a strong and modern Greece constitutes a message in all directions, a message that Greeks will give their own contribution to Greece, respect for international law and the emergence of Greece as a factor of stability.

    Mr. Evert said in his message this year's anniversary finds the nation faced with direct dangers.

    "The unbridled Turkish provocativeness in the Aegean, the continuing occupation on the island of Cyprus by Attila, who is getting more and more audacious, and the threatened shrinking of Hellenism in Albania, which compose certain characteristic example s, set out the need for national vigilance," Mr. Evert said.

    He said all Greeks should struggle for a strong Greece which will be respected by friends and reckoned by adversaries.

    The Coalition of the Left and Progress said at present Greece needs a new surge to exit from the deep crisis and decline, adding that Greece should seek war reparations and an occupation loan forcibly handed over to Nazi Germany.

    Democratic Social Movement (DHKKI) leader Dimitris Tsovolas raised doubts as to whether the government is determined to protect national causes, adding that the holiday coincides with a crucial period for the country and the Greek people.

    Political Spring party leader Antonis Samaras said the national holiday must become the starting point for a new militant course for Hellenism because the nation must respond to the challenges of the times.

    [05] Stephanopoulos says only name issue prevents full co-operation with FYROM

    Athens, 29/10/1996 (ANA)

    The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) will receive full assistance and co-operation from Greece as soon as the name issue is settled, President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos said yesterday from Pella prefecture in northern Greece.

    Addressing Skopje's leadership, Mr. Stephanopoulos stressed that Athens will be able to help the one-time Yugoslav republic overcome its economic and social problems, a process which he said will also help Greece. Replying to a question regarding FYROM, he said the name issue remains, "and is a problem which still creates difficulties in our relations with FYROM and when it is solved, there will be nothing to hinder the full development of our relations. "I wish and hope that diplomatic procedures will lead to a satisfactory solution," the president added. Mr. Stephanopoulos will continue his tour of northern Greece with visits to Skyra and Yiannitsa.

    [06] Ciller again calls for unrestricted dialogue with Athens

    Luxembourg, 29/10/1996 (ANA - M. Spinthourakis)

    Ankara reiterated last week its long-standing proposal for unrestricted dialogue with Athens, this time in the form of an Oct. 25 letter addressed by Turkish Foreign Minister Tansu Ciller to the European Union's 15 member-states.

    Ms Ciller's four-page letter initially refers to a Europarliament resolution issued last month in relation to the murder of two unarmed Greek Cypriots by a mob and Turkish occupation forces on Cyprus in early August. In her letter, the one-time Turkish premier and current junior partner in an Islamist-led government covers several issues related to Ankara's relations with the EU, developments on the Cyprus issue and Greek-Turkish relations.

    The Ciller letter was not discussed in yesterday's EU general affairs meeting, where Athens was represented by Alternate Foreign Minister George Papandreou.

    The issue of Turkey's relations with the EU is, however, expected to be discussed at the upcoming foreign ministers' summit scheduled for Nov. 25 in Brussels. In a related development, Irish Foreign Minister Dick Spring, chairing the rotating EU presidency, told the meeting that based on the EU's July 15 decision, the Union is still awaiting Turkey's reply to the resolution, which listed several areas of concern, including human rights and lack of democratization in Turkey.

    [07] Greek delegation satisfied with call for BSEC members to fulfill financial obligations

    Moscow, 29/10/1996 (ANA - P. Drakopoulos)

    The Greek delegation participating in the Black Sea Economic Co-operation (BSEC) summit, which ended here Friday with the signing of the Moscow Declaration, has expressed its satisfaction over the declaration's call for all member-states to fulfill their financial obligations for establishment of a Black Sea Commercial and Development Bank.

    The bank is scheduled to operate in Thessaloniki at the beginning of next year.

    Athens has decided to provide loans as a form of economic assistance for economically weaker members, such as Armenia and Moldova, which have asked for Greece's help.

    Meanwhile, only three countries, Albania, Greece and Romania, have said they can meet their financial obligations at present.

    As the bank can begin operating with 51 per cent of the founding capital, Russia has decided to accelerate its internal procedures so that the bank does not begin operation without Moscow's contribution. According to the National Economy Secretary-General and president of the bank's temporary organizing committee, Nikos Zahariadis, Russia has made it clear that it will make efforts to pay its share within three months, including the relevant funds - roughly US$ 23 million) - in its 1997 budget.

    During the summit in Moscow, Greece also officially stated its wish for one of the bank's two or three vice-presidents to be a Greek national.

    According to the Moscow Declaration, BSEC member-states also called on European funding organizations, such as the European Investment Bank and the European Reconstruction and Development Bank, to participate as members in the Black Sea Commercial and Development Bank or to jointly fund investment programs in the region.

    [08] Captain of ferry boat that collided with islet appears in court

    Athens, 29/10/1996 (ANA)

    The captain, first officer and chief engineer of a ferry boat that crashed into an islet near Cape Sounion on Saturday morning were due to appear in a Piraeus court on Sunday.

    Meanwhile, a merchant marine ministry announcement said a total of 71 passengers out of 450 on board the ferry boat "Pegasus" were injured in the accident and were transported to Athens-area hospitals. Eight of the injured remained in the Asklipeion Hospital in Voula, while a further two are being treated at the Nikaia hospital.

    The ship's captain, Evangelos Antonopoulos, attributed the accident to rudder failure.

    After the ferry boat was towed into the port of Piraeus on Saturday evening by two tug boats, cranes were used to unload the vehicles in the vessel's hold. According to reports, many of the vehicles were severely damaged in the accident.

    The Pegasus, on route from Piraeus to several Cyclades islands, ran aground on the Patrokolos islet in the Saronic Gulf at 10:14 a.m. Saturday.

    Coastguard vessels and a private helicopter rushed to the scene, as did three other ferries and three tug boats from Piraeus and Lavrio.

    Members of the Merchant Ships Inspectorate arrived on the scene in order to begin a preliminary investigation into the causes of the accident.

    In a related development, Merchant Marine Minister Stavros Soumakis visited those injured in order to be briefed on their condition.

    [09] Several Greek-Yugoslav economic agreements signed

    Belgrade, 29/10/1996 (ANA - M. Mouratidis)

    Talks held between Greek and Yugoslav businessmen over the past months have led to the signing of many agreements on economic co-operation, according to a report in yesterday's "Politika" newspaper here.

    Agreements were finalized on creating joint enterprises, producing automobile tires, building plants and producing ceramic tiles and aluminum sheets.

    An agreement was also signed for a Greek investment in the production of lead and zinc, as well as for export of foodstuffs, hydraulic accessories, iron ores, automobile spare parts and wooden products.

    Another agreement is underway for the purchase of farm products, petroleum byproducts as well as cotton and aluminum goods.

    End of English language section.


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