A.N.A. Bulletin, 18/12/95

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

Athens News Agency Directory

ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No. 767), December 18, 1995

Greek Press & Information Office

Ottawa, Canada

E-Mail Address: grnewsca@sympatico.ca

CONTENTS

[1] Greece satisfied with Madrid summit, EU reaffirms commitment to Cyprus entry

The Madrid summit ended favorably for Greece on Saturday, with the EU confirming its intention to begin accession talks with Cyprus and Malta six months after the end of the intergovernmental conference and adopting a Greek intervention that the new European currency be written with both Latin and Greek characters.

The most important decision taken at the European Union's summit in Madrid was the adoption of the name "Euro" for the common European currency due to take its first steps in 1999 and finally replace national currencies in the year 2002.

The 15 leaders followed Germany's proposal on the "Euro-currency" to bear the name "Euro" in both Latin and Greek characters.

The Greek delegation, headed by Interior, Public Administration and Decentralization Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos, stressed in its intervention that it was unacceptable that a certain sector of European citizens should not be able to read the name of the currency they would use in their own language.

Mr. Tsohatzopoulos, standing in for Prime Minister Andreas Papandreou, appeared satisfied with the Greek delegation's performance on Saturday, saying that it had functioned collectively in representing national interests.

The European Council also adopted the scenario on transition to the third phase of Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) and decided to convene a special summit in early 1998 on the crucial selection of member-states to compose the first group of countries having the common currency. In other words, it will be established which countries fulfill convergence criteria set out by the Maastricht treaty on the basis of macroeconomic data for 1997.

During the transitional period between 1999 and 2002, the "Euro" will only be used in bank transactions. It was also decided that, as of 1999, EMU countries will be obliged to make state lending (namely issue state securities) with the "Euro."

Lastly, the EU council of finance and economic ministers (ECOFIN) and the European Monetary Institute will be called on to further examine the EMU's repercussions in relations between the "Euro" and the national currencies of member-states which will no t participate as of 1999.

Meanwhile, the intergovernmental conference will start officially in Turin on March 29, 1996 and is expected to be concluded during the Dutch presidency in the summer of 1997.

[2] Greek conclusions

Mr. Tsohatzopoulos told reporters at the end of the summit it was very important that decisions had been taken on an explicit timetable both on the course towards Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) and the intergovernmental conference (IGC).

He said EMU should have economic and social targets, adding that Greece supported the steadfast implementation of convergence criteria after January 1, 1999 so that each country fulfilling them could enter the third phase automatically.

Mr. Tsohatzopoulos expressed satisfaction over the decision to call the common currency "Euro" while National Economy Minister Yiannos Papantoniou termed the decision to denominate the currency with both Latin and Greek characters "historic".

Mr. Papantoniou said Greece had "done battle" to achieve the decision and had gone as far as threatening to use its veto.

Mr. Papantoniou said the role played by small- and medium-size enterprises (SMEs) in the effort to combat unemployment was safeguarded and that existing clouds of doubt were dissolved since it was proved that the "15" had the will to see the EU went ahead with EMU.

[3] Cyprus

For the first time the European Council's finalized text of conclusions underlines the importance the EU attaches to the effort to find a just solution to the Cyprus issue (in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions), a fact noted by Foreign Minister Karolos Papoulias.

Mr. Tsohatzopoulos highlighted the reaffirmation of decisions to start to negotiations for the accession of Cyprus and Malta to the EU six months after the IGC.

He said the European Council had made a positive assessment of the structured dialogue already begun, adding that these two countries were separated from central and eastern European countries. However, he conceded that in each case it was natural to speak of a long process.

Alternate Foreign Minister George Romeos said that in the case of Cyprus and Malta the EU had expressed its will, as well as taken a political decision. He said in the case of central and eastern European countries the "wish" was expressed for negotiations to start at the same time, but noted that a relevant opinion by the European Commission was previously required.

Mr. Romeos said the European Council's conclusions stressed that Community vested interests would not be harmed by enlargement and that the Commission would examine the so-called "cost of enlargement."

Mr. Tsohatzopoulos said the text of the Consideration Group, to constitute a basis for discussions to take place in the framework of the IGC, was useful.

He made special reference to the Greek side's interventions concerning the need to delineate Europe's external borders, the clause on border protection assistance, the cost of enlargement, settlements regarding the islands and mechanisms for confronting natural disasters in member-states.

Mr. Tsohatzopoulos declined any comment on a statement by Turkish Prime Minister Tansu Ciller (threatening to annex the northern part of Cyprus), saying he was not aware of the statement (made on Friday) since he had been participating in the summit.

In the morning, government spokesman Telemahos Hytiris had attributed the statement to the heightening of the pre-election period in Turkey. Cyprus President Glafcos Clerides also reacted strongly.

On the question of Ms. Ciller meeting the Community troika (Spain, France and Italy), Mr. Tsohatzopoulos said that in a private meeting with Mr. Gonzalez, he requested that no meeting should take place within the framework of the Council.

He said this had happened and the meeting was held outside the EU's institutional bodies, adding that it was natural for contacts and communication to take place with the leadership of a country which would have economic relations with Europe as of January 1, 1996.

Mr. Tsohatzopoulos said that despite the fact Greece's partners were pleased with the ratification of the customs accord with Turkey in the finalized text approved on Saturday, they made special reference to the need for respect for human rights in this country, the creation of a state of law and the continuation of processes in the direction of democratization.

Commenting on this issue, Mr. Papoulias said that on the basis of contacts he also had with Mr. Gonzalez in Barcelona a fortnight ago on Ms Ciller's visit, he wished to underline the "Spanish presidency's adherence to the Community's institutional frame work."

Mr. Tsohatzopoulos said the summit started with wishes by (Spanish Prime Minister) Felipe Gonzalez, on behalf of the 15 member-states, for Mr. Papandreou's speedy recovery.

Government spokesman Telemahos Hytiris said an effort was being made to set out a definitive timetable for the IGC by the end of the first half of 1997. He said this would consequently mean that negotiations with Cyprus and Malta should start at the end of the same year.

[4] Opposition parties

Main opposition New Democracy (ND) party leader Miltiades Evert on Saturday called on Mr. Tsohatzopoulos to ask EU leaders to condemn statements by Turkish Premier Tansu Ciller "which are blatantly aimed against the independence of Cyprus".

"Otherwise, Mr. Tsohatzopoulos and the Greek delegation should walk out of the Madrid summit in order to protest this unacceptable stance of Turkey," Mr. Evert said.

Ms. Ciller said on Friday that if Cyprus was unilaterally allowed to join the EU, Turkey would annex the territory it is occupying in the north of the island republic.

The ND leader criticized the government for what he called its "criminal policy" on the issue of the EU-Turkey customs union, saying that its decision to lift the veto against the union was a "monumental error".

"Not only did the government fail to safeguard Greece's national and economic interests, it didn't even perceive the more general importance and the repercussions of the customs union," Mr. Evert said.

Political Spring leader Antonis Samaras said that "as soon as Turkey secured its customs union with the EU, Ms Ciller and the rest of the Turkish leadership hastened to reveal the obnoxious face of their country."

Mr. Samaras laid blame "for this development" with both the Greek government and Greece's EU partners "who pretend to believe in the promises about democratization and respect for international law on the part of Turkey".

"Ms. Ciller's threats against Cyprus constitute a direct attack against the entire European Union and should be dealt with as such," Mr. Samaras said.

Mr. Samaras also called on Mr. Tsohatzopoulos to seek Turkey's condemnation by the EU leaders at the Madrid summit.

[5] Papandreou stable

Prime Minister Andreas Papandreou's condition was unchanged last night after doctors changed the antibiotic treatment being administered to him on Saturday following signs that the premier had contracted a new infection.

The evening medical bulletin, issued at 8pm last night, said the premier's health had not changed over the previous six-hour period.

It confirmed reports that Mr. Papandreou was subjected to minor surgery in the morning to avert the danger of infection through dialysis.

According to the official announcement "a blood dialysis catheter with a double tube was provided (for Mr. Papandreou) and with which he was subjected to blood dialysis."

The latest medical announcement concluded by saying that "the prime minister's respiration was taking place normally without the support of a respirator, while the functioning of his heart is unchanged."

Doctors said a positive factor was that Mr. Papandreou, who needed support by a respirator at intervals since Saturday night and until yesterday afternoon, was breathing normally by the time the announcement was issued.

Yesterday's midday bulletin on the prime minister's health said his condition had remained unchanged in the previous 24 hours. His breathing continued to be periodically supported through a respirator, and the renal function through dialysis. There was no fever, and Mr. Papandreou remained under antibiotic treatment.

On Saturday, doctors, reportedly concerned by indications of a new infection, changed the antibiotic treatment being administered to the premier.

"In the last 24 hours, clinical and laboratory tests indicate a possible infection and for this reason the antibiotic treatment has been modified. For the same reason, the premier's breathing is being supported periodically by a respirator. The prime minister's renal function is being supported by a kidney machine," a medical bulletin said.

According to informed sources, the doctors treating the prime minister re-connected the respirator at the point where a tracheotomy was performed last week, as a preventive measure, and in order to strengthen his organism in view of the possible infection.

For the same reason, although the premier's doctors had decided on Thursday that he should undergo dialysis every 48 hours, the kidney machine was used again, just 24 hours since the previous treatment. Sources said that doctors still maintained some hope that Mr. Papandreou's kidneys would recover, but could not be certain before the end of the week. They added that predictions as to whether more complications were likely were impossible.

Meanwhile, doctors treating the premier issued a statement, dissociating themselves from various unsigned reports on his health.

"Doctors participating in the council state that published reports, unsigned by doctors, and other information relating to the prime minister's health, do not originate in the medical council, which expresses itself only through the official communiques ," the statement said.

At a reception hosted by President Kostis Stephanopoulos for media representatives Saturday, party leaders Evert, Samaras, Papariga and Constantopoulos said that initiatives for a resolution of the issue of the prime minister's replacement belonged to the ruling party itself. Mr. Evert did not rule out an intervention on his part in the next few days.

Meanwhile, at the European Union summit in Madrid on Saturday, Spanish Prime Minister Felipe Gonzalez, speaking on behalf of the '15', and French President Jacques Chirac sent their hopes for Mr. Papandreou's speedy recovery.

[6] Stephanopoulos

Unconfirmed press reports said yesterday that President Kostis Stephanopoulos would meet with Interior, Public Administration and Decentralization Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos today.

According to the reports, the president will also request a meeting with House President Apostolos Kaklamanis and ruling PASOK party secretary Costas Skandalidis.

These meetings come after President Stephanopoulos met late last week with the education minister and premier's son, George Papandreou, and Coalition of the Left and Progress leader Nikos Constantopoulos.

Mr. Constantopoulos said Friday, after his meeting with the president, that he expressed his views and concerns regarding the current political situation.

The reports say that the goal of the president's activity is to sound out the intentions of leading PASOK members regarding the successor to Prime Minister Andreas Papandreou. The reports added that these contacts were indicative of his concern and interest in political developments, without this necessarily meaning that he is promoting "solutions".

In Crete, where they were attending a meeting on tourism, government members commented on the president's activity.

Alternate Interior Minister George Daskalakis said the president was exercising his duties "perfectly" and "we can be certain that he will continue to exercise his duties within the constitutional and legal framework".

He predicted that there would be "specific initiatives" within the party after the Christmas break.

Asked about the president's moves, Transport and Communications Minister Evangelos Venizelos said he was not aware of whether there was "any specific initiative".

He said the president was able to make certain contacts, but this meant nothing more than that.

[7] FYROM name talks begin in NY in an 'encouraging, constructive climate

Four-hour-long direct talks on the issue of the name of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia were held between Greece's permanent representative Christos Zacharakis and FYROM representative Ivan Tosevski on Friday, under the stewardship of UN negotiator Cyrus Vance.

The official start to talks on the issue of the name, anticipated by the interim accord, was held with a two-and-a-half hour meeting at Mr. Vance's private office outside UN headquarters. A working luncheon followed.

"We had a very interesting meeting, a wide-ranging discussion which I believe we all found interesting and useful. I do not wish to elaborate further on this point. I am pleased to have the opportunity to meet with these two distinguished gentlemen for a start to talks between us on the issue, " Mr. Vance told reporters before the working luncheon.

Mr. Vance responded with a laugh when asked "if a new name has already been found." Replying to other questioners, he said "I do not know how long the talks will last. However, they will continue. Today's was the first of probably many meetings."

He said meetings would resume after Christmas and gave a negative reply to the question "did you give any document" to the two interlocutors.

According to diplomatic sources, Friday's start to talks on the name was held in a constructive and very encouraging climate.

The sources said that in the first meeting, Mr. Tosevski showed moderation and let it be clearly understood that his government recognized that finding a solution to the problem of the name was necessary.

Mr. Vance is expected to convene a new direct meeting between Greece and FYROM on January 11 or 12 to allow adequate time to both sides to examine what has been discussed.

[8] Greek frigate, mine sweepers to join NATO Bosnia force

Greece will participate in the NATO naval support force to implement the peace agreement in Bosnia with a frigate and two mine sweepers. The mine sweepers are already sailing to the Adriatic Sea.

Greece will also participate in NATO's respective land operation with a military unit. The entire Greek force due to participate in NATO operations aimed at implementing the peace accord in Bosnia will amount to 1,000 men.

[9] Greece sends aid to Albania

Greece is sending foodstuffs, medical supplies and clothing to Albania as part of a defence co-operation agreement signed by the two countries last week.

A Greek air force transport plane flew to Tirana Saturday with foodstuffs and medical supplies, while two more flights have been scheduled for today and tomorrow.

The agreement also provides for the treatment of Albanian military officers and the training of military doctors at Greek military hospitals.

[10] Parliament begins Budget debate today

The 1996 state budget goes to Parliament today for a five-day debate, ending with a roll-call vote on Friday.

According to Finance Minister Alekos Papadopoulos, the 1996 budget is "prudent, realistic and, most importantly, workable and achievable".

However, the General Confederation of Workers of Greece (GSEE) and the Civil Servants Supreme Administrative Council (ADEDY) have planned a protest march to the House today at 6pm and are scheduled to meet with Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis and representatives of political parties, in an effort to make "substantial changes" to the budget's proposed two 2.5 per cent increases for wages and pensions.

The two organizations plan to call on all deputies to vote against the government's incomes policy as expressed in the 1996 budget.

[11] Press strike 'a complete success', ESHEA says

An announcement by the Athens Journalists' Union (ESHEA) Saturday said that the 24-hour strike by press and media workers which ended at 4am on the same day, with an extension until 11 am for newspapers, had been a complete success "with the participation of the vast majority of journalists all over the country".

Minor incidents were reported outside the installations of the Kouris Group in Tavros and of the Ethnos newspaper in Halandri when pickets attempted to stop the distribution of newspapers.

The reason for the strike was the refusal of the press ministry to amend article 12 of the new law 2328/95, pertaining to the demand for modification of the collection and payment of social funds for pensions and health insurance.

The ESHEA statement said that further protests, to begin on January 1, would continue until demands were met.

End of English language section.