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Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 96-11-25

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 1049), November 25, 1996

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


CONTENTS

  • [01] Tsohatzopoulos: Joint defense pact deals with Turkish threats and provides basis for Cyprus settlement
  • [02] Meeting with foreign minister
  • [03] Clinton to visit Greece, newspaper reports
  • [04] President criticizes failure of superpowers to pressure Turkey
  • [05] Ciller statement
  • [06] Athens to block EU decision if July conditions not met
  • [07] Papoulias wary of another incident between Greece, Turkey
  • [08] Expatriates call for speedy end to occupation of Cyprus
  • [09] Petsalnikos speaks on Cyprus during NY visit
  • [10] Vartholomeos continues tour of Australia
  • [11] Developments on ND party congress expected this week
  • [12] New base for Evros Cooperative Bank inaugurated in Alexandroupolis
  • [13] Week of strikes kicks off today
  • [14] News in Brief

  • [01] Tsohatzopoulos: Joint defense pact deals with Turkish threats and provides basis for Cyprus settlement

    Nicosia, 25/11/1996 (ANA/CNA)

    Greek Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos said in Nicosia yesterday that the defense pact between Greece and Cyprus provided the ability to deal with Turkish threats and also constituted the prerequisite for a peaceful settlement to the Cyprus issue.

    Speaking to reporters at the close of a four-day visit to the eastern Mediterranean island for talks with the Cyprus political leadership aiming at reviewing the defense pact with Greece, Mr. Tsohatzopoulos said the Greek-Cypriot joint defense doctrine constituted what he termed "a non-negotiable national choice" and that the materialization and reinforcement of the pact was Greece's right to defend approximately "one tenth of the Hellenic nation."

    The two countries signed a defense pact in November 1993.

    Mr. Tsohatzopoulos assured that Greek aircraft would fly to the defense of Cyprus against a possible Turkish attack in the minimum time required.

    "Both Greece and Cyprus' adequate defense ability against any external threat or in order to overturn the occupation of a part of Cyprus, goes through the formulation of the common defense zone which at the same time forms the condition for the peaceful settlement of the occupation problem," Mr. Tsohatzopoulos said.

    He added that the "strengthening, adequate defense ability, modernization and upgrading of the armed forces in both Greece and Cyprus constitute the best possible condition for everyone to feel the need to support efforts for a peaceful settlement of the Cyprus issue."

    Speaking at a joint press conference with his Cypriot counterpart Costas Eliades, the Greek defense minister said he was returning to Athens certain that both Greece and Cyprus were on the right path concerning the handling of provocations.

    Mr. Tsohatzopoulos and Mr. Eliades dismissed any talk about a ban of flyovers by Greek and Turkish aircraft over Cyprus, saying the former are legal and the latter illegal.

    Replying to questions, Mr. Tsohatzopoulos said flyovers by Greek aircraft and Turkish aircraft "are two different things."

    Greek fighters fly to Cyprus at the invitation of the internationally-recognized government but Turkish planes fly over Cyprus in contravention of international law.

    Mr. Eliades noted that Cyprus President Glafcos Clerides had rejected proposals relating to a ban of flyovers by Greek and Turkish aircraft, on the basis that the former are legal and the latter illegal.

    The ministers also noted that the defense pact is not "a race to catch up with Turkey's defense capability," but a defensive pact to enable Cyprus to boost its defenses and deter any possible offensive against the island.

    "It would be absurd if we were to attempt to enter a race to compete with Turkey or any other country in terms of arms acquisition," Mr. Tsohatzopoulos said.

    But, he added, one must secure the defense capability of the Greek and Cypriot armed forces through effective means.

    Complementing his reply, Mr. Eliades said that the decisions taken during Mr. Tsohatzopoulos' visit will result in bolstering Cyprus's air defenses.

    "Our air defense capability will be strengthened significantly following our talks here," the Cypriot minister said.

    Mr. Tsohatzopoulos said that during his contacts in Nicosia it was agreed that "there are possibilities to improve and conclude the defense doctrine," through promoting coordination and planning joint military exercises, training, arms purchases or technical matters.

    "Our defense capability must be complemented by a steady economic and social development which backs our ability to meet the cost of arms acquisition programs," he said.

    Asked about the possibility of signing a formal bilateral defense agreement, Mr. Tsohatzopoulos said that such an issue did not require urgent attention as there is already a political agreement between the two governments on the defense front.

    "This is not an issue of immediate concern. It is on our agenda of talks and we are dealing with the essence of the matter," he explained.

    According to Mr. Eliades, Cypriot defense ministry officials will visit Athens for further talks in a bid to push for implementation of decisions taken during the visit.

    [02] Meeting with foreign minister

    Nicosia, 25/11/1996 (ANA/CNA)

    On Saturday, Mr. Tsohatzopoulos confirmed Greece's commitment to the joint defense doctrine in his meeting with Foreign Minister Alecos Michaelides.

    "The common course of action, drafted by Greece and Cyprus to promote a Cyprus solution, push for Cyprus' accession to the European Union and boost the island's defenses, shall not be deterred by any initiative," Mr. Tsohatzopoulos told reporters after the meeting.

    He added that both countries will stick to the agreed strategy, irrespective of the content of any outside attempt dealing with the Cyprus problem.

    "We reiterated once more that our course of action is firm. Our efforts rely on formulating all the necessary prerequisites to enable us to have effective defense capability in the context of our joint defense doctrine," he added.

    Noting that joint efforts are directed towards Cyprus' membership of the EU, Mr. Tsohatzopoulos said that "we stand firm in our objective to find an overall, democratic, acceptable and viable settlement in Cyprus based on UN principles."

    Speaking to the press, Mr. Michaelides said Mr. Tsohatzopoulos' visit to Cyprus signified the rapid pace at which the joint defense pact proceeds.

    "We are very pleased to see that the political implications of the joint defense doctrine, as far as our security is concerned, are positive," he said.

    This, he explained, will contribute towards a Cyprus solution.

    "Cyprus cannot remain without any defense capability when the danger comes from within the country itself (the continuing Turkish occupation of part of the island)," he concluded.

    Mr. Tsohatzopoulos on Saturday also met with Democratic Rally president Yiannakis Matsis, communist AKEL party Secretary-General Dimitris Christofias, socialist EDEK party president Vassos Lyssarides and leader of the United Democrats party, former president George Vassiliou.

    [03] Clinton to visit Greece, newspaper reports

    Athens, 25/11/1996 (ANA)

    A visit by US President Bill Clinton to Greece and Turkey in June signals high-level US intervention in Greek-Turkish issues, according to a report in the Kathimerini newspaper yesterday.

    President Clinton accepted an invitation issued by President Kostis Stephanopoulos when the Greek president visited the US last May. The visit is directly linked to the prospect of developments over Greek-Turkish relations and the Cyprus issue in the next six months.

    [04] President criticizes failure of superpowers to pressure Turkey

    Athens, 25/11/1996 (ANA)

    President Kostis Stephanopoulos yesterday criticized the failure of "global superpowers" to exert pressure on Turkey to pursue a solution to the delineation of the Aegean continental shelf, attributing this failure to "other interests".

    "They are aware of Greece's just cause regarding the delineation of the Aegean continental shelf and are also aware of the ways which all international issues are resolved; they do not, however, because of (other) interests, exert appropriate pressure, advice or suggestion to the neighboring country (Turkey) in order to find a just settlement to the issue," the president said at the close of a two-day visit to Thrace.

    "Greece's unquestionably just cause will finally prevail, because, in interpreting the Treaty of Lausanne, no one is able to change or alter it," Mr. Stephanopoulos said.

    In statements on the border island of Samothrace, the president said Greece was making efforts to peacefully settle existing differences in Greek-Turkish relations caused by Turkey's "persistently offensive attitude."

    Mr. Stephanopoulos clarified there was only one issue in the Aegean, that of the delineation of the continental shelf.

    Athens reiterated on Friday that it would not treat the delineation of the Aegean continental shelf and the issue of the Imia islets as two aspects of a package deal, but would deal with the two issues separately.

    Government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said, however, that if Turkey was to seek recourse to the Hague over the Imia issue, he could not rule out discussion for the drafting of an agreement for the mutual referral of the continental shelf issue to the International Court.

    According to Mr. Reppas, although the two issues should be dealt with separately, they could be both considered at the same time.

    After his visit to Samothrace, Mr. Stephanopoulos visited the island of Thassos, and Chrysoupolis, near Nestos, and Kavala before returning to Athens yesterday evening.

    On Saturday, Mr. Stephanopoulos visited the northeastern border town of Alexandroupolis where he also attended a scheduled ceremony to honor the "bard of Thracian songs," Chronis Aidonis.

    Speaking from Alexandroupolis, the president made special mention of Thrace's Moslem minority, stressing that Greece was abiding by and respected provisions on minorities in international agreements, thus achieving equality amongst its citizens.

    Turning to other issues, Mr. Stephanopoulos referred to what he termed "optimistic prospects" for Eastern Macedonia and Thrace in trade with Balkan and Black Sea markets.

    According to the president, trade will be further strengthened between Greece and these countries after completion of the necessary infrastructure work.

    [05] Ciller statement

    Athens, 25/11/1996 (ANA)

    In an unrelated development on Saturday, Turkish Foreign Minister Tansu Ciller again accused Greece of impeding the solution of problems between the two countries.

    "We have learned that Greece has rejected the efforts made in the last few days by certain members of the EU for the commencement of dialogue between Turkey and Greece.

    "The most appropriate way of settling problems are talks, and Greece is hampering the solution of problems, avoiding talks, and attempting to involve the EU," a written statement in Ankara on Saturday said.

    [06] Athens to block EU decision if July conditions not met

    Athens, 25/11/1996 (ANA)

    Athens is determined to block any decision by the European Union to revive relations with Turkey if the Irish EU presidency's plan does not meet conditions set by the EU last July.

    The Irish plan will be discussed at the Council of Foreign Ministers in Brussels today. According to reports, the Irish EU presidency is expected to present a compromise proposal on Greek-Turkish issues which, however, does not satisfy Athens.

    Consequently, Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos will block a decision being issued unless the plan is amended.

    [07] Papoulias wary of another incident between Greece, Turkey

    Athens, 25/11/1996 (ANA)

    Former foreign minister Karolos Papoulias said yesterday that he could not rule out another "incident" between Greece and Turkey in statements to the Athens News Agency (ANA).

    Mr. Papoulias, who was in Thessaloniki to address an event organized by "Ipirotiki Estia" marking the 56th anniversary of the liberation of the town of Korytsa during the Greek-Italian War, was reserved about the results of US President Bill Clinton's reported plans to visit Athens and Ankara next year.

    "I am very careful. I have seen many US presidencies. What is of interest to us is the resolution of differences through satisfying our national claims and our national policy. If Mr. Clinton wants to observe equal distances this will not help our national issues," Mr. Papoulias told the ANA.

    Speaking on the same issue, he made the evaluation that what Mr. Clinton will aim at will not be the promotion of a package but a settlement of many issues both between Greece and Turkey, as well as the Cyprus issue, and Balkan issues.

    Mr. Papoulias said there were no "differences" in the exercise of Greek foreign policy and that reports in the press to the contrary were "creations from media pressrooms".

    [08] Expatriates call for speedy end to occupation of Cyprus

    New York, 25/11/1996 (ANA - M. Georgiadou)

    Safeguarding the unity of the expatriate community and defining a unified action policy for a more effective promotion of Greek just causes preoccupied Greek expatriate leaders attending the conference of the Federation of Greek Societies of New York on Saturday.

    Visiting Macedonia and Thrace Minister Philippos Petsalnikos gave a short address at the meeting. World Council for Overseas Greeks President (SAE) Andrew Athens urged federation and association representatives to approve a resolution which will circulate all over the world and will show the strength and determination of expatriate Hellenism to demand and achieve the condemnation of the tactic of continuous threats and aggressiveness by Turkey. He called for an immediate end to the illegal occupation of Cyprus and the attainment of a just and viable solution to the problem, as well as an end to the failed US policy of generous arming and silent tolerance for the illegal actions of Turkey.

    On his part, Mr. Petsalnikos said international law is humiliated in Cyprus and Hellenism is bleeding, adding that Turkey is a troublemaker in the region and is continuously creating problems for other neighboring countries as well with its aggressive and expansionist policy.

    [09] Petsalnikos speaks on Cyprus during NY visit

    New York, 25/11/1996 (ANA - M. Georgiadou)

    Minister of Macedonia and Thrace Philippos Petsalnikos said here on Saturday the start to the process of Cyprus' accession to the European Union is one of the main reasons that Turkey is trying to create a climate of tension on the island and torpedo every initiative of finding a solution to the problem with criminal acts against unarmed Greek Cypriot citizens.

    Speaking in Astoria on Friday night at an event on the 13th anniversary of the illegal proclamation of the Turkish Cypriot pseudo-state, Mr. Petsalnikos said co-operation between the governments of Greece and Cyprus, which is based on the unified defense doctrine, is "excellent". He said the doctrine is a defensive "umbrella" covering the entire area from Thrace to Cyprus and in practice represents the reinforcement of Cyprus's defense.

    Mr. Petsalnikos referred, as did the President of the Council for Overseas Greeks (SAE) Andrew Athens, to the need for unity between all Greeks, both at home and abroad, to facilitate effective support for the struggle of the Cypriot people.

    [10] Vartholomeos continues tour of Australia

    Melbourne, 25/11/1996 (ANA - S. Hatzimanolis)

    Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos arrived in Sydney on Friday on the last stage of his first historical tour of Australia and New Zealand.

    He was due to visit various expatriate establishments on Saturday and officiate at a church service yesterday in the presence of thousands of Orthodox believers.

    Patriarch Vartholomeos will wrap up his visit to Sydney on Wednesday and leave for Istanbul.

    [11] Developments on ND party congress expected this week

    Athens, 25/11/1996 (ANA)

    Main opposition New Democracy party honorary president Constantine Mitsotakis said yesterday in Chania that issues concerning the party's congress will be cleared up this week.

    Speaking one day before party Vice-President Ioannis Varvitsiotis submits a proposal on the enlargement of the electoral base of the Congress, Mr. Mitsotakis said a solution to the existing problems in the party can only be given through a Congress "that will genuinely express the will of the people who voted and support ND."

    "ND must elect a leader who can lead New Democracy to victory in the next elections. He shall be the next party leader," Mr. Mitsotakis said.

    Meanwhile, former New Democracy party national economy minister George Souflias on Saturday reiterated that he would again be a candidate for his party's leadership at next year's congress, saying he aimed at its rejuvenation, the synthesis of different views, and the best use of all cadres on the basis of their abilities.

    Speaking in Alexandroupolis while on a tour of northeastern Greece, he accused the ruling PASOK party of following an economic policy that was hostage to parochial trade union interests, of not having a political ideology, of not protecting the farmers, and of confusion in the crucial issues of foreign policy.

    In an unrelated development yesterday, ND spokesperson Prokopis Pavlopoulos said "that ND must and will be alerted to pending government decisions on economic and foreign policy issues."

    [12] New base for Evros Cooperative Bank inaugurated in Alexandroupolis

    Athens, 25/11/1996 (ANA)

    National Economy Ministry Secretary-General Apostolos Fotiadis inaugurated the head office of the Evros Cooperative Bank in Alexandroupolis on Saturday, in the presence of local authorities, economic officials and about 1,600 bank shareholders.

    The president of the bank's board and Evros Chamber Nicos Dasteridis said the next step is the opening of a branch office in Orestiada and then in Didimotiho, Soufli and Feres. Addresses were also made by the Presidents of the Cooperative Banks of Greece and Cyprus Mr. Floratos and Mr. Yiannakis.

    Evros Bank director Christos Tasioulis said "the shareholders are 1,600 today and they are expected to double in a year's time. Every client of the bank is a shareholder and every bank process or transaction is the same for all."

    The Bank of Greece had given the Evros Bank four months from the approval of its license to organize itself but the board succeeded in doing this in a month.

    [13] Week of strikes kicks off today

    Athens, 25/11/1996 (ANA)

    A week of strikes will start today in protest at the government's economic policy, with teachers calling a 48-hour strike as of Wednesday and a 24-hour strike being called on the following day by the General Confederation of Workers of Greece (GSEE) and the Civil Servants Supreme Administrative Council (ADEDY). Farmers will also start mobilizations.

    The cabinet will meet tomorrow to examine the issue of tax exemptions. Decisions are expected to be taken on the objective criteria for taxing self-employed professionals, as well as the new criteria concerning privately-owned cars and pleasure craft.

    Main opposition New Democracy party spokesman Prokopis Pavlopoulos said the government's economic policy is "propaganda to cover up the tax receipt raid", adding that the Greek people will be called on to pay the price of their own disinformation.

    [14] News in Brief

    Athens, 25/11/1996 (ANA)

    -- Seven Balkan nations will take part in a two-day Balkan summit to be held in Tirana, organized by the Balkan Center of Culture in Thessaloniki. The summit will be attended by ministers and aims at establishing a Balkan Center of Culture and Economy.

    -- Hundreds of national resistance veterans attended a ceremony at Gorgopotamos yesterday to celebrate National Resistance Day and the 54th anniversary of the destruction of the bridge of the same name. In a brief speech, Justice Minister Evangelos Yiannopoulos referred to the destruction of the bridge as a "severe blow which determined the outcome of the allied forces' effort against the conqueror."

    -- A new dining hall at the Athens old people's home was inaugurated on Saturday by former Archbishop of America Iakovos, representing Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos. The new hall was donated by Panayiotis and Eleni Angelopoulos who were proclaimed great benefactors of the establishment by the charity owning it as a token of honor and gratitude. The donation consists of a new dining wing together with necessary equipment, a special vehicle for distributing food as well as special wards. The donation is valued at 230 million drachmas.

    End of English language section.


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