Simitis - Kranidiotis in Buenos Aires
Simitis calls for balanced economic development around the world, during Socialist Int`l address
26/6/1999 (ANA)

Prime Minister Costas Simitis yesterday defended the need for balanced economic development around the world, during a Socialist International summit which began here yesterday.
Mr. Simitis stressed the need of confronting dangers resulting from the globalisation of the economy. He underlined the more active role Europoe should assume in the international economic, social and political environment. Earlier in the day, the Greek PM held talks with Argentine President Carlos Menem.
The meeting was also attended by Alternate Foreign Minister Yiannos Kranidiotis, the PM's adviser Nikos Themelis and the director of his diplomatic office Theodoros Sotiropoulos.
Following his address, Mr. Simitis spoke to reporters and referred to the efforts being made in Greece.
"The main theme of discussion today was what socialism means in a world with a globalised economy, with continuous changes in technology, in a world which is, as it is said, a 'global village'," Mr. Simitis said.
"The answer, of course, differs from region to region, from country to country. For us, in Greece, I would say, the basic principles of socialism Π such as social justice, social solidarity and democracy Π are summed up in the phrase 'equal opportunitie s for all, more and more possibilities for all'. Regarding democracy, it is
consolidated in our country. But we must pay more attention to the position of the citizen towards economic and social authorities. "We have promoted economic development, but we must continue to ensure that there is self-powered development, more stability and to com bat phenomena such as unemployment.
Considerable steps have been taken in social policy. But attention is necessary in education, health, in the quality of life. Because the citizen needs more security, he needs to have open paths, particularly youth, new horizons," he added.
Mr. Simitis said the rivals in this effort are the conservative forces which want domination of the market and the abolition of the state. Trade unions are also rivals, he added, which don't want anything to change. And, of course, demagogues of every o rigin who promise everything to all, but who in reality lead to dramatic
deadlocks.
"As it appeared in discussions over these two days, Greece has advanced a agreat deal. We are no longer a country which sustains, but we are a country which can take necessary decisions independentlyΙ" he said.
Mr. Simitis also held talks on the sidelines of the session with Italian Prime Minister and national secretary of the Italian Democratic Left Party Massimo D'Alema, Albanian PM and president of the Albanian Socialist Party Pandeli Majko, the president o f the Socialist International Pierre Mauroy and the honourary president
of the Spanish Socialist Party Felipe Gonzalez. Discussion over Kosovo, Albania Mr. Simitis and Mr. D'Alema discussed developments in the Balkans after the war and the start of the peace process in Kosovo.
Particular emphasis was placed on securing the necessary preconditions for consolidating peace and stability in the sensitive Kos ovo area combined with efforts underway to reconstruct the Balkans, focusing on the autonomous region of Kosovo in the framework of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia.
Mr. Simitis discussed issues concerning bilateral relations as well as issues of mutual concern related to the wider region with Mr. Majko.
Mr. Simitis pointed to the problem of security for the population in southern Albania and called on the Albanian government to show the relevant interest. He stressed to his Albanian counterpart the importance of strict adherence to what has been agreed  to promote the peace process in Kosovo in the framework of respect for the border status quo, as well as for the human and minority rights of the various ethnic groups.
Mr. Simitis also stressed the importance of a stability pact for the Balkans and assured Mr. Majko that Greece will support the reforms being carried out in Albania for more democracy, economic and social development, and its efforts to achieve its grad ual incorporation in Euroatlantic structures, also in the framework of Europe's effort for the reconstruction of the Balkans.