A Journal of Foreign Policy Issues
Directorate of Bilateral Relations with Turkey-Cyprus
A very important exchange of views between the Govenments of Greece and Cyprus took place during the meeting of the Prime Minister Mr. Simitis with the President of Cyprus Mr. Clerides on January 17, 1997, in Athens.
At the above meeting the two sides reviewed both the latest developments in the Cyprus problem and the prospects for a solution in 1997.
The two leaders reiterated their strong support for the prompt resolution of the Cyprus problem, based on the relevant Security Council Resolutions and the High Level Agreements.
In that respect they stressed the importance of intensified efforts
on the part of the International Community to promote such a settlement.
It was also reaffirmed that the Greek and the Cypriot Governments
will support all initiatives aiming at, finally, convincing the
turkish side to adopt a constructive stance and contribute in
a positive way to the solution of the problem.
Directorate of Bilateral Relations with Balkan Countries
Albania
For Greece the acute economic problems of the Balkan countries ought to be addressed with a leadership spirit that included the cooperation of the European Union, the International Monetary Fund and leading credit institutions.
As the situation in Albania and Bulgaria was of primary importance, Alternate Minister of Foreign Affairs George Papandreou submitted the above ideas to the European Union General Affairs Council of 24th of February.
After a Greek initiative, the Political Committee of the Council of Ministers adopted on the 6th of March a declaration on the situation in Albania where the need for a cooperation of the political parties of the country was stressed. At the same day the Dutch Foreign Minister Mr. Hans van Mierlo visited Rome and Athens on his way to Tirana.
The 7th of March Mr. van Mierlo presented officially to President Berisha a declaration by the European Union whose main point was precisely the formation of a national salvation government.
On the 8th of March on parallel missions Franz Vranitky and a Greek delegation led by Mr. Yannos Kranidiotis, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs arrive in Tirana. Talks were held with all the political parties and with President Berisha.
On the 13th of March the Greek government dispatched humanitarian aid of 19 tones to Saranda. On the 14th of March an important meeting took place with the participation of Mr. Vranitsky, the Greek Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. Kranidiotis, the Secretary General of the Italian Foreign Ministry and Representatives of Dutch and Danish Presidencies, United States and Russia with the new Prime Minister Mr. Bashkim Fino and Òcitizen committees' from eleven insurgent cities of Albania.
The main point of the meeting is that the Albanian President asked for the dispatch of an international peace force in order to facilitate the Albanian government in restoring order and preparing elections. On the 14th and 15th of March Greek army vessels in cooperation with the Greek Embassy in Tirana evacuated Greek and foreign citizen from the port of Durres.
On the 24th of March the General Affairs Council adopted a resolution on Albania according to which an advisory mission would be sent in order to cooperate with the Albanian government on the humanitarian, economic and political field as well as on the field of security.
The final decisions for the dispatch of an international military force were taken on the 27th and 28th of March by the permanent council of the OSCE and the Security Council of the U.N. after a petition by the Albanian government (Resolution 1101).
An international meeting with the participation of the Prime Minister of Albania, Mr Baskim Fino, the Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis, the President of the Minister's Council Mr. Hans van Mierlo the Representative of OSCE Mr. Franz Vranitski and the Greek Foreign Minister Mr. Theodoros Pangalos took place in Athens on the 2nd and 3rd of April.
The international force, whose dispach to Albania was agreed,
started to be dispatched officially at the 15th of April. Greece
participates with approximately 1.000 men.
Fyrom
Greece signed with this country the New York Interim Accord on September 13, 1995, followed by the conclusion of the two Memoranda on the "Practical Measures" and the "Mutual Establishment of Liaison Offices". Through what has so far been achieved, the relations between the two countries have been normalised and the two sides have begun encouraging bilateral meetings of experts, with a view to improving inter-state relations, namely in the fields of transport, hydroeconomy, as well as economic and police cooperation.
In parallel, talks, regarding the difference over the name, continue in New York, under the auspices of UN. Secretary General's Special Envoy Mr. Cyrus Vance, in accordance with article 5 par.1 of the N.Y. Interim Accord.
In the framework of Greece's initiatives on promptly responding to the ongoing crisis in Albania, Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. Pangalos paid a working visit to Skopje on March 19, 1997, in order to discuss the assessment of the Skopje Government on the Albanian crisis and exchange views over the risk of a possible spill-over effect of it in FYROM. Following this visit, Greece hopes that the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, instead of being reluctant as it has been the case so far, may search a solution to the name difference, based on a compromise.
Recent event in the Balkans justify Greeces position that the
above-mentioned solution will stand to the benefit of both the
stability and close cooperation among the countries of the region.
Bulgaria
The Alternate Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. George Papandreou, visited Sophia on the 21st of February, 1997, in order to relay to the Bulgarian side the support of the Greek government with respect to the confrontation of the crisis which Bulgaria is facing today, to exchange views regarding the General Affairs Council on February 24th, where Greece will submit her proposal for the declaration of her interest regarding the EU to the countries of the region which are facing an acute economic crisis (Bulgaria, Albania), and to discuss bilateral issues. On the eve of his arrival to Sophia, the Alternate Foreign Minister met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bulgaria, Mr. Stalev, the Minister of Commerce and Foreign Economic Collaboration, Mr. Bobeva, as well as A' Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Dobrev.
The Alternate Minister informed the Bulgarian side regarding the mobilization of Greek cities which have been fraternized with Bulgarian cities, in order to provide humanitarian aid, and that all available alternative means of providing additional aid on a bilateral level are under investigation.
Greece has traditionally pursued the establishment and maintenance
of close relations with Bulgaria. The fact that a large number
of visits has taken place, including that of the President of
the Hellenic Republic in this country in December 1995, is indicative
of the high level of these relations. It is worth noticing that
in 1995 four agreements were signed between the two countries:
on the water of Nestos River, on the opening of three border crossing
points, on seasonal employment and on readmission of illegal immigrants.
Thesem agreements are of decisive importance not only for the
two countries but for the development of the area as well, and
are creating important perspectives for a substantial increase
in economic activity, in human contacts and trade exchanges.
Romania
Relations between Greece and Romania have reached an excellent level and both countries express their mutual desire towards further developing and enhancing their cooperation in all fields. The recent visit of Prime Minister Mr. Simitis in Bucharest in March 1997, is one more important step towards this direction.
Federal Republic of Yugoslavia
The traditionally excellent relations with the Federal Republic
of Yugoslavia have been given fresh impetus since the beginning
of 1997. Of course, Greece continues to build upon the framework
laid down on earlier occasions. An Agreement on Double Taxation
has been initialed, while those on Mutual Investments and Air
Transport are being prepared. A Transports Protocol, deemed to
represent a concrete advance over its predecessors, has been agreed
upon last February. Several contacts on a high level, in particular
the visits of the Greek Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. Theodoros
Pangalos in Belgrade, on January 12 and March 19, 1997, were in
the line of this traditionally close relation.
Croatia
Relations with Croatia are developing at an accelerating rate.
A series of Agreements have been signed, including three on Mutual
Investments, Road Transport and Double Taxation, since the end
of last year, while others have been initialed: among these, the
very important Agreement on Police Cooperation in the fight against
drugs and international terrorism, due to be signed before this
summer. Croatian enterprises are taking a closer look at the Greek
market and a major Croatian investment is already operating in
northern Greece.
Slovenia
Ties with Slovenia are also growing rapidly. A very advanced Road Transport Agreement has recently been initialed and will be signed soon, probably during the visit of the Foreign Minister to Ljubljana, in late summer. Contacts are afoot for further visits of high officials, of both sides, in the near future. Discussions for a Mutual Investments and Economic Cooperation Agreement are due to start in mid-May.
Croatia and Slovenia are typical cases of countries where Greece
is asserting her presence following an absence of several decades.
Bosnia and Herzegovina
A Hellenic Embassy is operating in Serajevo of Bosnia and Herzegovina
since last November at Charge d'Affaires level, a post
which will be upgraded to Ambassadorial rank within the next few
months. A two-companies strong specialist formation of the Hellenic
Army is deployed with SFOR in Visoko, in central Bosnia and has
just assumed command of the multinational BELUGA Battalion stationed
there. A budget line totaling ten million US Dollars has been
earmarked for reconstruction aid to Bosnia, following last years
seven million Dollars disbursement. Credits will start to be released
as soon as the next Donors' Conference is convened.
The Balkan Conference
Greece has supported and actively participated in all international initiatives in the region. She will be hosting the next Balkan Conference on Stability, Security and Cooperation in Southeastern Europe, to be held in Thessaloniki (9-10.6.1997), which will focus on enhancing stability, security and good neighbourliness, developing multilateral regional economic cooperation, proposing measures to stimulate trade and investment as well as accelerating development of infrastructure in transport, telecommunication and energy sectors.
In addition, it will promote common environmental endeavours, cultural cooperation and put emphasis on actions in the field of justice by intensifying efforts towards combating organised crime and eliminating terrorism, illicit drug and arms trafficking. Greece attaches particular importance to this Conference because it comes from the countries of the region and reflects their determination in strengthening their ties and transforming the area into an area of peace, stability and economic prosperity.
Greece also participates, from the very beginning, in the Royaumont E.U. Initiative for Good Neighbourly Relations and Stability in Southeastern Europe, aiming at restoring dialogue, preventing tensions and crises as well as establishing permanent good neighbourly relations among all states in the region.
Greece considers with interest the South-East European Cooperative
Initiative (SECI) which complements the above mentioned ones and
is aiming at mobilising supplementary financial resources form
the private sector.
Black Sea Economic Cooperation
Greece, one of the eleven founding members of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC), as the only EU member state, is the natural link between these two entities.
Under this dual capacity, it plays an active role in this initiative and makes an important contribution to the achievement of the BSEC goals, which among others, aim at the strengthening of confidence, stability and prosperity in the area.
It is noteworthy that Greece is the host country of two important organs of the BSEC: a) the Black Sea Trade and Development Bank in Thessaloniki. b) The International Center for Black Sea Studies in Athens, which is expected to start functioning within 1997.
An important event which took place in Athens (9-11 December 1996) was the Conference of the Academic Communities of the BSEC, which was the first of its kind since its establishment.
Scientists and scholars of the region exchanged views and presented proposals which will be forwarded to the various Working Groups of the BSEC, thus contributing to the promotion of academic cooperation in the framework of the BSEC.
One can easily say that this conference constitutes a landmark in the BSEC process, since it adds a new dimension to the existing cooperation of the member states.
It is also worth mentioning the active participation of Greece in the special meeting of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs with the participation of the Ministers responsible for economic affairs in Istanbul (7.2.97), where amongst other issues, the ministers expressed in a Declaration of Intent, their wish to initiate the examination of the ways and means to progressively establish a BSEC Free Trade Area.
Directorate of Bilateral Relations with U.S.A., Canada, C. and L. America.
The Glory of Byzantium
The inauguration at New York on March 3rd of the exhibition the "Glory of Byzantium" gave the opportunity for high level contacts between the foreign policy leaders of the two countries, Greece and the USA.
Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos met with his US counterpart Madeleine Albright on March 6th, 1997 in Washington. The two Ministers discussed all bilateral, regional and international issues of common interest. It was a fruitful and productive meeting which further promoted the close relationship of the two sides. The Greek Minister had also meetings with National Security Advisor Samuel Berger and the Special Presidential Advisor Richard Schifter at which the same issues were reviewed.
Mr. Pangalos also met with UN General Mr. Anan on the same day
in New York and during his stay in the United States which lasted
for a about a week he addresses several academic institutions
and had meetings with journalists. These occasions gave him the
opportunity to present the tenets and guidelines of Greek foreign
policy.
The Voice of America
On 6.2.94, the Greek Parliament ratified the Washington Agreement of 20.5.96 which regulated the status of the Voice of America broadcasting stations at Kavala, Xanthi and Rhodes. The agreement contains an annexe (Annexe V) that regulates the conditions allowing the use of the facilities at Kavala also by the Radio Free Europe and Radio Liberty stations.
It is well-known that Greece terminated the previous agreement of 1962 in 1978 and, ever since, the stations have been operating in a "legal gap". The document signed brings to a conclusion a long negotiating effort of nineteen years which started with the termination of the agreement and lasted to these days.
The procedure will be completed with the exchange of the ratification instruments between the two Governments.
The text of the agreement, based on the agreement of 1987, initialled but never signed, contains provisions that serve our objectives because, apart from the payment of a satisfactory rent for the future use of public property on which the stations are built, compensation is provided for all the years from 1978 onwards as well as for the settlement of all claims of the Greek state.
However, the most important long-term benefit for Greece is that, for the first time, the facilities, including those situated in USA, may be used for the overseas transmission of the programmes of ERA [Greek Radio]. Furthermore, the agreement provides for the supply of radio equipment (transmitters, antennas etc.) which upgrades the Greek radio and makes it, for the first time since its establishment, of international range.
Moreover, the foundations are laid for the creation of a television satellite infrastructure by the acquisition of two television satellite stations for reception and transmission.
The dream of many generations of Greek immigrants is finally coming
true: the voice of Greece will be heard continuously and clearly
wherever there are Greeks.
Directorate of Bilateral Relations with the countries of Indian Sub-continent,Asia and Ocean
A delegation of the Greek Parliament visited Chine from 25.1 to 2.2. 1997.
On 10.2.1997, the Greek Minister of Foreign Affairs paid an official visit to Bangkok, where he met with the Prime Minister and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand.
On 13-14.2.1997, an EU-ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meeting was held
in Singapore in the framework of the institutionalised dialogue
between the two sides. This event was followed, on 14-15.2.1997,
by the ASEM (Asia-Europe Meeting) Foreign Affairs Meeting, which
was a follow up of the First ASEM Summit Meeting in Bangkok last
year. This new forum comprises the EU countries, on the one hand,
and the ASEAN countries plus China, Japan and South Korea, on
the other hand. The Greek Foreign Minister participated in both
events. In the margin of the meetings, Mr. Theodoros Pangalos,
held talks with the Foreign Ministers of China, Singapore, Malaysia,
Indonesia, the Philippines and Vietnam.
Directorate of U.N. and International Organisations and Conferences.
Greece has presented its candidates for one the two seats allocated to the Western European and other States Groups (W.E.O.G.), for the Security Council and for the term 1999-2000. The elections will be held during the 53rd Session of the UN General Assembly.
It should be noted that Greece, a founding member of the United
Nations, has only once served as a nonpermanent member of the
Security Council (1952-1953) and despite its limited human resources
has been actively participating in several Peace Keeping operations,
always upholding the principles and purposes set out in the UN
Charter.
Directorate of Security, Defence and NATO department
Greece has assumed he Presidency of the WEU Transatlantic Forum (T.F.) from 1.7.1996 until 30.6.1997. The Forum's main objective is to convey to North-American audiences that the transatlantic relation and institutions are based on shared co-values and that the development of European integration should enable the Europeans to make a more consistent contribution to the security of all Allies by sharing the tasks, responsibilities and financial burdens.
The programme of the Greek Chair has been approved by WEUs Transatlantic Forum Working Group and in this framework, preparations are currently underway for the organisation of:
Directorate of European Conferences and other European Organisations.
Greece actively participated in the works of the Council of Europe.
Greek Parliamentarians actively participated in the recent (27.1-1.2.1997)
first part of the 1997 Session of the Parliamentary Assembly of
the Council of Europe (during which the Cyprus issue was dealt
with) as well as in the works of the various Committees of the
Parliamentary Assembly.
Directorate of Bilateral Economic Cooperation Coordinating Bureau.
The Bilateral Economic Cooperation Coordinating Bureau was established in September 1995 with the principal aim to foster economic cooperation between Greece and the third countries, in particular the Balkans, the Balkan Sea, Eastern European and MAGHREB-MAHREK countries.
The Bureau's activities are mainly focused in promoting Greek economic interests for the development of the infrastructure of those countries (in the field of energy, telecommunications, transport and construction).
Relevant projects are examined by the Bureau and interested Greek companies are accordingly informed. If they so wish, they can be assisted by the Greek diplomatic Authorities in the respective countries, whereas various financial schemes are also proposed.
Up to date, the new system has had numerous successes and it is
expected to be even more fruitful in the future.
Directorate of European Integration and Economic and Monetary Policy.
The main task of the Directorate during the past two years was Greece's preparation for an participation in the Intergovernmental Conference (IGC) for the review of the Maastricht Treaty.
In order to carry out these duties an ÇIGC Task ForceÈ was created, composed of all the diplomatic and scientific staff of the Directorate, as well as special Advisors to the minister and Alternate minister for Foreign Affairs.
The also liaisons, where necessary, with other competent departments of the Ministry according to each IGC meeting's agenda. This "Task Force" is chaired by the Secretary General for European Affairs, Professor St. Perrakis, currently the Foreign MinisterÕs Representative to the IGC Group of Personal Representatives.
The Directorate also deals with issues concerning the budgetary policy and EU's preparation for the EMU. On these matters the Ministry of National Economy is the main competent authority within Greek Government. However, the Directorate assists in this field both the Minister and the Alternate Minister for Foreign Affairs, supply him with all necessary information and policy evaluations.
Another activity of the Directorate is to follow bilateral cooperation with neighbouring countries targeted by EU programs (PHARE CBC-INTERREG II mainly), and assist the Ministry of National Economy in this field. Cooperation already started with Bulgaria and Albania and is under preparation with FYROM.
The Directorate is also the main co-ordinator for the relations
of all Greek authorities with the European Centre for the Development
of Professional Education (CEDEFOP) which has resided in Thessaloniki
since 1-9-1995.
The European Parliament continues to offer its considerable contribution to the construction of the European edifice.
The European Parliament, a Democratic and Representative Body of the Peoples of Europe, has a key role to play within the Intergovernmental Conference framework, always seeking to strengthen its authority.
During the voting on the 1997 EU Budget, the European Parliament emphasised the respect of International Law and Human Rights. It is to be noted that in its resolution of September 1996, the European Parliament not only demands that the Turkish Government clearly explain its position to the European Union in four areas-Human Rights, Democratisation, the Cyprus question and the Kurdish problem-but also, decides to begin the procedure for entering in the reserve the appropriations relating to the EC-Turkey agreements.
For the same reason, the European Parliament calls on the Commission to block, with immediate effect, all appropriations set aside under the MEDA Program for projects in Turkey, except those concerning the promotion of democracy, human rights and civil society.
In January 1997, the European Parliament elected Mr. Jose Maria Gil-Robles Gil Delgado (Spanish, Christian-Democrat) as its President for the period January 1997-June 1999. At the same time, two Greek Members, Mr. Anastassopoulos and Mr. Avgherinos, were elected as Vice-Presidents, which reflects national as well as personal success. On the 3rd of February, the European Deputy, Mr. Kranidiotis, resigned in order to take over the responsibilities of Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs. His successor in the European Parliament will be Mrs. A. Karamanou.
From the beginning of this year the European Parliament Bureau
of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is connected on line with the
European Parliament Programs IVIDE and EPOQUE.
In an emotionally charged atmosphere, at a simple ceremony at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the well-known film director, Michalis Kakoyiannis, handed over his cinema archive to the Greek Minister of Foreign Affairs Theodoros Pangalos. On the occasion of this gift, Mr. Pangalos announced the setting up at the Ministry's Historical Archive a Cinema Archive for short and feature films dealing with the history of the Greek world.
On handing over the material Michalis Kakoyiannis declared his relief at passing it into Greek hands, revealing thus that there had been great interest on the part of the Americans and the British in acquiring this archive.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs intends to make use of this material in the future to highlight the history of the Greeks of Cyprus and other major events in the history of the Greeks both in Greece and abroad.
For the time being, the films are being recorded and classified. It is worth noting that the film "Attila" alone has more than ten hours of additional unedited footage with interviews and events from that period. This fragile material will be arranged on premises with special conditions suitable for its conservation.
The Scientific Council is a new Institution of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs which has been set up by the ministerial Decision 441/7.3.96, published in the Official Gazette, Leaf No. 147/B/12.3.96.
The Scientific Council is an advisory body on legal matters attached to the Minister of Foreign Affairs which is composed of the following members:
1. Christos Rozakis, Professor of Public International Law at the University of Athens, Former Under-secretary of State, Member of the European Commission on Human Rights.
2. Krateros Ioannou, Professor of Public International Law at the University of Thrace, Honorary, Legal Advisor of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
3. George Papadimitriou, Professor of Constitutional Law at the University of Athens, Legal Advisor of the Prime Minister.
4. Arghyrios Fatouras, Professor of International Economic Law at the University of Athens, Former Minister of Justice.
Mrs. Katerina Polyzoides, First Counsellor, is responsible for
co-ordination and Mr. Alexander Linos Sicilianos, Lecturer of
Public International Law at the University of Athens, is a scientific
co-ordinator.
General Secretariat for Greeks Abroad
A Greek Cultural Month was, for the first time,
on April 8th, 1997, inaugurated in the cities of Novorossiysk,
Krasnodar, Sochi, Stavropol, Essedouki, and Vladicavcas, of Southern
Russia. "The Month" was organised by the General
Secretary for Greeks Abroad with the collaboration of the Greek
Embassy in Moscow and the Federation of the Greek Associations
and Communities of Russia.