Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 97-05-02
From: The Greek Press & Information Office, Ottawa Canada <grnewsca@sympatico.ca>
ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No. 1175), May 2, 1997
Greek Press & Information Office
Ottawa, Canada
E-Mail Address: grnewsca@sympatico.ca
CONTENTS
[01] Pangalos says Greece, Turkey will manage to improve relations
[02] Opposition
[03] Solana
[04] May Day celebrated calmly throughout nation
[05] Kaklamanis
[06] Turkish trade unionist calls for support from Greek workers
[07] Theodorakis-Livanelli concerts to begin on Sunday
[08] Vranitzky-Tsohatzopoulos meeting focuses on Albanian crisis
[09] 'Social dialogue' to begin on May 14
[10] Santer to visit Athens, Mount Athos next week
[11] Visit to Mount Athos
[12] Harvard seminar to focus on IGC
[13] European Week in Berlin to begin
[14] String of traffic accidents claims 18 victims
[15] IOC member in Athens
[01] Pangalos says Greece, Turkey will manage to improve relations
Istanbul, 02/05/1997 (ANA)
Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos on Wednesday said he
believes that Greece and Turkey would be able to improve
relations, one day after telling an EU ministers meeting in
Luxembourg that Athens would maintain its veto on EU aid to
Turkey until Ankara stopped threatening Greek sovereignty in the
Aegean.
"We believe that the two countries will find the way to peaceful
relations and co-operation, which will be to the benefit of both
peoples," Mr. Pangalos said after talks with his Turkish
counterpart Tansu Ciller soon after he arrived from Luxembourg
to Istanbul Wednesday morning.
The meeting, at an Istanbul hotel, was held on the sidelines of
a Black Sea economic forum, the official reason for Mr.
Pangalos' trip to Istanbul. While in the neighbouring country,
Mr. Pangalos reiterated Greece's belief that Turkey's place is
in Europe.
Expressing her satisfaction over the meeting, Ms Ciller said
that "we are making efforts to expand relations between the two
countries".
She also underlined the warm welcome reserved for Mr. Pangalos
in Istanbul.
Also present at the meeting were Greek ambassador Ilias Klis,
and the Turkish Foreign Under-secretary Onur Oymer.
The Black Sea Economic Co-operation (BSEC) meeting was attended
by foreign ministers or senior ministry officials from the
organization's 11 member-states, namely Turkey, Albania,
Bulgaria, Georgia, Moldova, Romania, Russia, Azerbaijan,
Ukraine, Armenia and Greece.
Before meeting with Turkish Foreign Minister Ciller in Istanbul,
Mr. Pangalos told reporters that he had a "substantial" meeting
with his Turkish counterpart in Luxembourg the previous evening.
He added that discussion did not result in any progress towards
satisfying conditions set by Mr. Pangalos for progress in
Greek-Turkish relations.
"While there is life there is hope," added the Greek minister,
with regard to future prospects for talks with Turkey.
Ms. Ciller, who arrived late Tuesday evening in Luxembourg, said
Greece's move to continue blocking the aid, worth ECU 375
million, was disappointing.
"We have missed an historic opportunity," she told reporters
after the EU ministers' meeting.
On her return to Istanbul from Luxembourg, the Turkish Foreign
Minister said there was still some leeway for a step by step
improvement in Greek-Turkish relations.
In statements to the Turkish press, Ms. Ciller said Greece's
veto continued to prevent the release of EU funds to Turkey, but
that Turkey "could live without" the European aid package.
The aid package has been promised to Ankara to help it meet
increased competition posed by the customs union with the EU,
which took effect on Jan. 1, 1996.
Greece said it would not lift the veto unless Turkey withdrew
its threat of war (casus belli) in the event Athens decided to
legally extend its territorial waters to 12 nautical miles.
Athens also demands that Ankara accept recourse to international
arbitration to solve disputes between the two countries in the
Aegean.
[02] Opposition
Athens, 02/05/1997 (ANA)
In Athens, the government's stance over Greek-Turkish relations
sparked a barrage of charges and counter-charges between the
government and the main opposition New Democracy party. ND
charged that the government was being enticed into a form of
dialogue with Turkey without fulfillment of prerequisites which
the main opposition has repeatedly urged.
"Greek reservations concerning the release of EU funds to Turkey
are being neutralized by the formation of the committee of
experts," ND spokesman Aris Spiliotopoulos said.
Greece and Turkey on Tuesday agreed to appoint two
non-governmental personalities each to examine Greek-Turkish
relations. The agreement was announced in Luxembourg at the end
of the EU-Turkey Association Council meeting.
"A serious dialogue presupposes a credible interlocutor," Mr.
Spiliotopoulos said, adding that "the political instability and
manifest confusion in Turkey point to the existence of many and
conflicting (political) power centres in the neighbouring
country."
As a result, Mr. Spiliotopoulos said, the Greek government did
not know which centre would guarantee Ankara's adherence to any
obligations it might undertake.
Government spokesman Dimitris Reppas countered, saying it was
"ridiculous" for ND to play the role of accuser, because "when
it was in power (1990-1993), its leadership and cadres
proclaimed the need for Greek-Turkish dialogue without any terms
and prerequisites."
The government spokesman clarified that the "committee of
experts" to be formed would deal only with procedural matters
and its findings would not be binding on either side.
"The operation of the committee does not constitute political
dialogue, nor any kind of negotiation whatsoever. On the
contrary, it constitutes an effective way to reveal Turkey's
policy and confront it in a determined and substantiated
manner," Mr. Reppas said.
"We hope, however, that the process will prove beneficial for
both countries, provided Turkey adapts itself to the principles
of the EU and international law and order," he added.
In further reply to ND criticism, Mr. Reppas said that "Turkey's
inability to respond to Greece's proposal for a dialogue subject
to conditions, illustrates the groundlessness of its claims and
the aggressive nature of Ankara's foreign policy."
Mr. Reppas reiterated the prerequisites set by Athens for a
Greek-Turkish dialogue, namely that Ankara rejects the use and
threat of force, respect for international law and international
treaties and uses the procedures of the International Court at
The Hague for the settlement of any differences.
On his part, Democratic Social Movement (DHKKI) leader Dimitris
Tsovolas also criticized the government for its stance in
Greek-Turkish relations, charging the government with
"proceeding with an unacceptable and nationally perilous
substantial dialogue with Turkey, thus encouraging Ankara's
territorial claims against the Aegean and Cyprus."
Coalition of the Left and Progress (Synaspismos) leader Nikos
Constantopoulos said the government should pursue a fresh
national policy as well as a change of scenery in relations
between the two countries based on three axes: Non-negotiability
of Greece's sovereign rights; the use of all international
organizations and implementation of international laws and
treaties.
Political Spring leader Antonis Samaras said Ankara should
publicly commit itself with meeting three conditions before a
substantial Greek-Turkish dialogue begins. The conditions,
according to Mr. Samaras, should be Ankara's official and public
declaration of respect of Greece's territorial integrity,
abandoning its habit of threats, provocations and disputes, and
recognizing the International Law and international treaties.
Brussels, 02/05/1997 (ANA/G. Daratos)
NATO Secretary General Xavier Solana on Wednesday expressed his
satisfaction over "the agreement reached between Greece and
Turkey, whereby each country will appoint at least two
personalities who will jointly study the positions and documents
... to be submitted by the two governments."
Mr. Solana said he believed the agreement will facilitate the
examination of certain problems in bilateral relations, aiming
to result in the drawing up of non-binding proposals, regarding
procedures which must be followed for problems to be solved.
The NATO secretary general expressed satisfaction over the role
to be played by the EU's Dutch presidency in this procedure.
[04] May Day celebrated calmly throughout nation
Athens, 02/05/1997 (ANA)
Heavy rain washed out a May Day concert and parade in Athens
planned to follow a rally outside the General Confederation of
Trade Unions (GSEE) headquarters, while a separate rally held by
ESAK, the union affiliated to the Communist Party of Greece
(KKE) took place in Syntagma Square, followed by a march to the
labour ministry.
The GSEE rally, with the participation of the civil service
union (ADEDY) and the Athens Labour Centre (EKA), was addressed
by GSEE President Christos Polyzogopoulos and PASOK Secretary
Costas Skandalidis, who expressed regret over the separate
celebrations, as did Labour Minister Miltiades Papaioannou.
KKE leader Aleka Papariga said the "division" of this year's May
Day events was unavoidable, saying that unions should express
the needs of the working class and "not mince their words".
"Workers remain united at grass-roots level and they should
repel attacks, even those aimed at them via social dialogue,"
said Ms. Papariga.
Heavy rain also dampened celebrations in Thessaloniki but did
not prevent 3,000 people from parading in the streets of this
northern Greek port city.
In Piraeus, a group of shipyard workers gathered in a central
square to protest unemployment.
Addressing the crowd, Piraeus Labour Centre President Yiannis
Mihas called on Prime Minister Costas Simitis to take direct
measures to put an end to the wave of closures of shipyards.
In hailing May Day celebrations, PASOK's executive bureau said
in an announcement that the "constructive co-operation between
the government and the unions constitutes a key point for the
country's growth."
Main opposition New Democracy's May Day message focused on the
"need for the country to adjust to the new order through
dialogue and understanding between the social partners."
The Communist Party of Greece (KKE) called for "organized
struggle" as the only answer to the "storm of the government's
anti-popular policies."
The Coalition of the Left and Progress (Synaspismos) party spoke
of a "harsh, unilateral austerity measures policy," that has
lead to "the increase of unemployment, reduction of incomes and
poverty."
Synaspismos leader Nikos Constantopoulos, who attended the rally
organized by GSEE at the Pedion tou Areos Square, stressed the
need for the greatest possible unity and solidarity in
confronting unemployment, poverty, inequalities and social
exclusions.
Democratic Social Movement (DHKKI) leader Dimitris Tsovolas said
the government's aim was to "retrieve more insurance, pension
and labour rights" from the people.
The Political Spring party announced that this year's May Day
finds Greece "hard hit by unemployment, zones of poverty and
social inequalities."
[05] Kaklamanis
Athens, 02/05/1997 (ANA)
On his part, Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis held
talks with representatives of GSEE, ADEDY and the Athens Labour
Centre after May Day celebrations yesterday, saying Greece has
an advantage over all the other countries in the wider
geographical region thanks to political stability and its
positive prospects.
"Our domestic problems, economic and social, can and must be
discussed with processes of a substantive dialogue, a fact
meaning that decisions will neither be taken beforehand," he
said.
Mr. Kaklamanis promised that resolutions delivered to him by the
three committees will be announced in Parliament.
[06] Turkish trade unionist calls for support from Greek workers
Athens, 02/05/1997 (ANA)
The leader of the Turkish trade union "TURK-IS", Mustafa
Kadakci, yesterday called on Greek workers to support what he
called the struggling Turkish working class.
Mr. Kadakci made the statement while attending May Day events on
the eastern Aegean island of Hios, where he also called for the
withdrawal of Turkish troops from Cyprus.
"Greek and Turkish workers have nothing to separate them," he
said, adding that in Turkey "we say we have a democracy, but we
are significantly far from gaining rights which in Greece are a
given."
Mr. Kadakci also referred to the recent visit to Izmir by
members of the General Confederation of Workers of Greece (GSEE)
and announced a joint cultural event to be held on an island
this summer by GSEE and TURK-IS.
[07] Theodorakis-Livanelli concerts to begin on Sunday
Bonn, 02/05/1997 (ANA/P. Stangos)
An official dinner held on Tuesday in honour of Greek and
Turkish composers Mikis Theodorakis and Zulfi Livanelli,
respectively, by German Foreign Minister Klaus Kinkel was seen
by many as "a significant political gesture".
The two composers are to begin a joint European tour on Sunday.
Mr. Kinkel underlined his wish "to become involved and to help
so that what was started by Theodorakis and Livanelli can become
a broad movement which will bring Greeks and Turks together."
During a joint press conference in Bonn, Mr. Theodorakis and Mr.
Livanelli noted the new, positive climate which is developing
between Greece and Turkey. They added that the effort they
undertook in 1987 with the creation of the Greek-Turkish
friendship group has begun to bear fruit.
"This is independent of what is happening at the summit of
politics and of what arms dealers, who are draining the blood of
the two peoples, are doing," Mr. Theodorakis said, and accused
the major European countries and the United States of hypocrisy.
"Politicians of both countries are stirring nationalism and then
become its hostages, and when at some time they want peace, it
is too late because they are under the pressure of the media and
the public opinion they themselves created," Mr. Livanelli said.
[08] Vranitzky-Tsohatzopoulos meeting focuses on Albanian crisis
Athens, 02/05/1997 (ANA)
National Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos met on Wednesday
in Vienna with the Organization on Security and Co-operation in
Europe (OSCE) special envoy for Albania, Franz Vranitzky.
The meeting centred on the Albanian crisis in relation to
pending elections in the neighbouring country.
"The sooner the elections are held the more we will be able to
say that we have fulfilled our duties efficiently," Mr.
Tsohatzopoulos said.
The date for elections in Albania is expected to be set in the
following 10 days.
[09] 'Social dialogue' to begin on May 14
Athens, 02/05/1997 (ANA)
The government decided yesterday to officially initiate "social
dialogue" on May 14, with a meeting of ministers and government
officials and the participation of representatives from several
social groups.
The meeting will be chaired by Prime Minister Costas Simitis.
In announcing the decision, which was taken at a meeting on
Wednesday morning, National Economy and Finance Minister Yiannos
Papantoniou declined to elaborate on the content of the
government's views on the social dialogue.
Attending the meeting, which lasted 90 minutes, were PASOK
Secretary Costas Skandalidis, Under-secretary to the Prime
Minister's Office, George Paschalidis and Labour Under-secretary
Christos Protopapas.
[10] Santer to visit Athens, Mount Athos next week
Athens, 02/05/1997 (ANA)
European Commission President Jacques Santer will pay an
official visit to Greece between May 8-11 and is expected to
discuss current European developments, all major issues
concerning the European Union and issues of particular Greek
interest with the nation's leadership.
Mr. Santer will meet President Kostis Stephanopoulos, Prime
Minister Costas Simitis, Parliament President Apostolos
Kaklamanis and main opposition New Democracy party leader Costas
Karamanlis.
He will participate for the first time in events to be organized
in Greece on the occasion of "Europe Day" on May 9. He will also
address the message of the day to the citizens of Europe from
Athens in the framework of a special ceremony to be held at t he
Herod Atticus Theatre. The ceremony will be organized with the
co-operation of the Athens municipality and the education
ministry.
On Friday morning, Mr. Santer and Mr. Simitis will address a
special event at the Old Parliament building on the future of
the EU in the light of developments at the Intergovernmental
Conference.
Mr. Kaklamanis and the European Parliament's vice president,
George Anastasopoulos, will declare the opening of public
dialogue on Europe.
Addresses will also be made by European Commissioner Christos
Papoutsis and Alternate Foreign Minister George Papandreou, as
well as by social partner representatives on issues concerning
the Intergovernmental Conference on revising the Maastricht
Treat y, expected to be concluded in June.
Mr. Santer will leave for Thessaloniki on the evening of May 9
to address the business community in northern Greece on economic
issues in the framework of the Federation of Northern Greece's
Industries annual general assembly.
[11] Visit to Mount Athos
Athens, 02/05/1997 (ANA)
The European Commission president is to also visit the monastic
community of Mount Athos at the end of next week.
Mr. Santer is to fly to Karyes by helicopter on May 10,
accompanied by National Economy Under-secretary Christos Pachtas.
There are currently three EU-funded programs in progress in
Mount Athos for the maintenance and repair of several historic
monasteries. An unofficial itinerary for Mr. Santer's visit
includes a meeting with members of the monastic community and a
tour of the Megisti Lavra and Vatopedio Monasteries.
[12] Harvard seminar to focus on IGC
Boston, 02/05/1997 (ANA)
A seminar on the Intergovernmental Conference, and relations
between European Union member-countries is to be held today at
Harvard, with the participation of distinguished lecturers of US
universities.
Alternate Foreign Minister George Papandreou, who arrived in
Boston last night, has been invited to speak at the seminar. He
is also scheduled to participate in today's round-table
discussion on "The Balkans: From Conflict to Co-operation".
The heads of Balkan diplomatic representations to the US are to
participate in the round-table discussion.
Speeches on Greek-Turkish relations have also been included in
the seminar's program.
[13] European Week in Berlin to begin
Athens, 02/05/1997 (ANA)
European Week kicks off in Berlin for the third consecutive year
tomorrow until next week, under the aegis of European Commission
President Jacques Santer, Europarliament President Jose Maria
Gil Robles Delgado, German Foreign Minister Klaus Kinkel and the
prime ministers of the German states.
Greece will be participating with the theme of "rapprochement of
peoples and the spirit of a citizen's Europe".
Greece's program is due to begin on Sunday with the joint
concert by Greek and Turkish composers Mikis Theodorakis and
Zulfi Livanelli, respectively, with the participation of the
Berlin Orchestra's choir.
The exhibition "Spree- Athens: Greeks Live in Berlin" is being
organized by the Berlin branch of the Foundation for Hellenic
Culture (IEP) for May 10-June 20.
[14] String of traffic accidents claims 18 victims
Athens, 02/05/1997 (ANA)
A total of 18 people were killed in traffic accidents around the
nation over the past two days.
Six people were killed, among them two soldiers, and at least 14
injured in a traffic accident on the Athens-Lamia highway
Wednesday afternoon. According to reports, a truck crashed into
a bus carrying 50 soldiers in the Kastro region of Viotia
prefecture where road works are being conducted. The rented bus
was taking the soldiers to Thessaloniki from Gytheio, Laconia
prefecture.
In one fatal accident, two people died yesterday when their car
fell into a ditch near the town of Mavrolefki, Drama prefecture.
The bodies of the driver, Georgios Papadopoulos, 23, and the
passenger, Ioanna Baltoglou, both from Drama, were retrieved
from the wreckage by police.
In another accident, a car overturned in Xanthi, killing the
driver, 48-year-old Thomas Batzakidis, from Hrysa, Xanthi
prefecture.
[15] IOC member in Athens
Athens, 02/05/1997 (ANA)
International Olympic Committee (IOC) member Flor Isava of
Venezuela is currently visiting Athens, one of the five
candidate cities for the 2004 Olympic Games.
Also on an official visit is Juan Angel Caldazo, from Spain, the
president of the World Field Hockey Federation.
Ms. Isava is the third IOC member to visit Athens since the
Greek capital was declared one of the five finalists cities.
She arrived in Athens on Tuesday and visited the National
Archaeological Museum, the Panathenian Stadium, where the first
modern Olympics were held in 1896, and was briefed by Athens'
2004 candidacy committee.
Mr. Calzado attended the opening yesterday of the first field
hockey championships of southeastern Europe at Vari, near
Attica's south coast.
End of English language section.
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