From: zarros@turing.scs.carleton.ca (Theodoros Sp. Zarros) Subject: News (in ENGLISH)- Mon, 10 Jan 1994 (Greek Press Office BBS, Ottawa). Athens News Agency Bulletin, Brussels, 10/1/1994 (ANA / S. Liarellis - C. Verros): The government described the NATO summit opening in Brussels today, as very important, since a new role was being established for the Alliance. Premier Andreas Papandreou arrived in Brussels, Saturday. Under-secretary to the Prime Minister's Office, Telemahos Hytiris declared Mr. Papandreou's speech would outline Greece's position and views on Nato's new role, including other matters related to the Alliance. Today's discussion on the Yugoslav problem may lead to including a reference on Skopje in the final communiqui and, depending on the outcome of the discussion, Mr. Papandreou may raise the issue, probably at a luncheon, warning of danger of the war's spreading south (Kosovo, Skopje), a possibility that caused great concern. Mr. Papandreou will lay emphasis on the need for a political and diplomatic solution to the Yugoslav crisis, the sources added. He will also tell NATO allies Greece is prepared to contribute towards seeking a peaceful solution to the Yugoslav problem. Greece will raise no objection should any NATO member-state seek confirmation of a resolution taken last August, not excluding any air strikes in Bosnia, the sources added. The Greek side might raise issues concerning Greek-Turkish relations, during discussion of a Spanish proposal on security in the Mediterranean. The Greek side adds special significance to the meeting to be held between Prime Minister Andreas Papandreou (as President of the European Union) and President of the European Commission Jacques Delors, with US President Bill Clinton tomorrow at noon. After the meeting, the three leaders will give a joint press conference, while talks will continue at delegation level. Mr. Papandreou today will have a private meeting with Norwegian Prime Minister Gro Harlem Brundtland (mainly on the issue of Norway's application for accession to the European Union). Mr. Hytiris said that no meeting had been set between Mr. Papandreou and his Turkish counterpart, Mrs. Tansu Ciller, and no such suggestion had been made by the Turkish side. Athens, 10/1/1994 (ANA): Greece on Saturday accused Turkey of cultivating tension in relations between the two neighbouring countries, in an attempt to distract Turkish public opinion from crucial domestic issues. The accusation was prompted by a recent report in the Turkish daily 'Hurriyet' saying the Turkish Foreign Ministry had drafted a memorandum aimed at challenging Greek sovereignty over the Aegean islands. "Recent reports in Turkish newspapers once more project a climate of tension in Greek-Turkish relations, fomented by the Turkish side. It is manifest that such acts are mainly prompted by domestic considerations, or serve as diversionary moves", government spokesman Evangelos Venizelos said. "The Turkish government is well aware that any direct or indirect challenge to Greece's sovereignty over the Aegean islands constitutes direct violation of the United nations charter, international accords and CSCE principles", he added. "Turkey should understand that participation in the world community imposes its (Turkey's) respect for such rules, and its connection with Europe hinge on this condition", Mr. Venizelos concluded. Hurriyet said Turkey would raise the sovereignty issue as a result of continued arming of Greek islands in the Aegean, and Athens' recent decision to incorporate Cyprus into Greece's defence zone. The Turkish Ministry has not corroborated the report. Main opposition New Democracy party also voiced criticism of Turkey's threats, an a statement Saturday. New Democracy said Turkish threats were in direct conflict with international accords and agreements. The statement called on Ankara to bear in mind the Greek people would defend their country's territorial integrity. Athens, 10/1/1994 (ANA): Alternate Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos Saturday denied he had granted an interview to the Paris daily 'Figaro'. Speaking to reporters in Corfu, Mr. Pangalos clarified that he had had a general discussion with a Figaro reporter, whom he had also supplied with additional material on the Skopje issue. "We did not have that sort of discussion", Mr. Pangalos said, referring to the interview which appeared in the form of questions and answers. "It was not a formal interview, but a general discussion instead", he added. Reiterating Greece's position on the Skopje issue, Mr. Pangalos said "if Skopje withdraws the (Ancient Greek) emblem, guarantees borders and amends the Constitution, then there may be a better climate in (relations with Skopje) which might make it possible for someone to assume Greece would want to withdraw its veto at the Conference on Co-operation and Security in Europe (GCSE)".