From: tzarros@ccs.carleton.ca (Theodore Zarros) Subject: News (in ENGLISH)- Sat, 25 Jun 1994 (Greek Press Office BBS, Ottawa). Athens News Agency Bulletin, EU-Russia landmark accords, EU becomes 16-member bloc at Corfu summit ----------------------------------------------------------------- Athens, 25/6/94 (ANA): The European Union signed a landmark partnership and co-operation agreement with Russia yesterday, before the official opening of the EU Summit on the island of Corfu. The EU also sealed membership treaties with Austria, Finland, Sweden and Norway. But EU leaders failed to agree on who should be the next president of the European Commission to succeed Jacques Delors, hoping to reach agreement at today's session. The heads of state and government of the EU also agreed on measures intended to begin putting the bloc's 19 million unemployed back to work. Russia, EU sign partnership, co-operation agreement --------------------------------------------------- Athens, 25/6/94 (ANA): Russian President Boris Yeltsin signed a partnership and co-operation agreement with the European Union yesterday, kicking off a two-day EU summit on this Ionian island. Fresh from Wednesday's signing of Nato's partnership Agreement for Peace programme, Mr Yeltsin walked away with an EU partnership and co-operation accord, granting it closer political and trade ties. Premier Andreas Papandreou hailed the agreement calling it the "final act" of the six-month Greek presidency of the EU. "This ceremony proves the great importance which the European Union places in its relations with Russia," Mr. Papandreou said before the signing ceremony at the St. George Chapel in the 14th century Venetian built Old Fortress of the island. "The agreement confirms the European Union's support for the on-going process of democratisation in Russia. It is the basis for our future co-operation and will contribute to stability and security in Europe," Mr. Papandreou said. The 10-year co-operation agreement was signed by Mr. Yeltsin, European heads of states, European Commission President Jacques Delors and EU Trade Commissioner Sir Leon Brittan, who took on a strong role in negotiations for the accord's conclusion. European Commission President Jacques Delors said the accord was "the greatest agreement Russia has ever signed." "The agreement opens doors for Russia with its vast natural resources," Mr. Delors said. Mr. Yeltsin said the agreement was of "historic importance" noting that it signified the first step of a Russian economic come-back to Europe. He said the agreement marked the end of ideological and economic conflicts that had prevailed during the Cold War era. "We all felt the symptoms of an economic cold war, but this threat is abolished with this agreement. Today, Russia becomes a significant partner of the Europeans, and we will do everything possible to support European integration," Mr. Yeltsin said. He added that Moscow would back efforts aimed at enlarging the 12-nation bloc which will extend formal accession treaties to four new members later yesterday. Referring to developments in the Balkans, the Russian president said the agreement would also contribute to security and stability in Europe. "Let the twenty-first century be the first century of peace in the European continent," he said. Mr. Yeltsin said despite two years of intense negotiations before the signing, Russia agreed to the accord hoping that it would open a new chapter of improved relations with the EU. "It lays the basis for consistent political dialogue and opens several doors of co-operation in various fields," Mr. Yeltsin said. The 10-year partnership agreement offers Russia free trade with the EU after 1998, if it makes satisfactory progress towards a market economy, and commits Moscow to promote human rights and democracy. The partnership is part of a new mosaic tying Russia to the west. Moscow has already accepted a degree of military integration through membership of the NA-TO's "partnership for peace" programme of military co-operation. The partnership calls for the abolition of most restrictions imposed on Russian exports to the EU, initiates rules for trading in nuclear materials, adopts measures facilitating a greater flow of capital, improves conditions for enterprises and adopts agreements permitting banks and other EU purveyors of monetary and credit services to operate in Russia. Delors succession initial bid fails, fresh efforts today ------------------------------------------------------ Athens, 25/6/94 (ANA): European leaders have not reached agreement on who should be the next European Commission president, government sources said late last night. They added consultations to reach a unanimous decision on Jacques Delors' replacement would continue today. Dutch Prime Minister Ruud Lubbers, one of the front-runners in the contest for Mr. Delors' succession, confirmed that the European Union leaders have not reached a decision on the issue and that fresh consultations would begin this morning. Earlier, the Greek presidency pressed, according to government sources, EU leaders to start from scratch negotiations on a new president, during the working dinner last night. The sources added the proposal aimed at clearing the bitter ground of discussions and re-focusing on the prerequisites for a unanimous election for the post. Vying for Mr. Delors' seat are Belgian Prime Minister Jean-Luc Dehaene, Dutch Prime Minister Ruud Lubbers and Britain's EU Trade Commissioner Sir Leon Brittan. Mr. Delors will step down from his post in January after heading the European Commission for ten years. His high-profile achievements are credited with having raised the stature of the job and helped trigger a tense battle for the succession. Talks resumed after the end of the EU leaders working dinner. According to press reports, at 2 a.m., national delegations made a fresh bid. In case of success, the decision would be submitted for approval at this morning's session. European Union adds on four members, a 16-nation bloc now -------------------------------------------------------- Athens, 25/6/94 (ANA): The European Union became a 16-nation bloc yesterday, adding four new member-states to its list. The heads of Austria, Finland, Norway and Sweden signed accession treaties on the first day of the EU summit on Corfu. In a ceremony at the 14th century Venetian-built fortress on the Ionian island, the leaders of the new member-states said EU membership was "historic", pledging to support European integration and struggle for a secure and stable continent. Greek Premier and EU Council President Andreas Papandreou called the four's EU accession "an important historical step" for year-long EU efforts to expand the Union. Mr. Papandreou added he was "proud" expansion had taken place under the Greek presidency. "The new members are manifestly aware that they, too, will be part of a daily struggle to secure peace and banish intolerance," European Commission President Jacques Delors said. Austrian President Thomas Klestil referred to the results of his country's referendum, saying it reflected Austria's determination to support the European ideal and Europe's future integration. "We are determined to contribute to the building of a new Europe and a new order in the continent," Mr. Klestil said, adding EU was the "main anchor" for security in Europe. Only Austria has secured the backing of its people in a referendum last month. Nordic states have until the end of the year to convince still deeply sceptical populations that joining the EU is right, before each holds a referendum. Swedish Prime Minister Carl Bildt said the signing of the treaties was a "historic moment for Sweden and the future of European integration". He said close co-operation among member-states was a fundamental prerequisite to ensure peace in the new bloc. "If we fail, problems we face will become even more difficult," Mr. Bildt warned. Swedes will vote on EU membership in November. Norwegian Prime Minister Gro Harlem Brundtland said Norway's decision to join the EU was the "best solution" for her country. "I hope the Norwegian people will agree on that," she said. Finnish President Martti Ahtissari said the accession treaties were an important step in strengthening economic and political integration. He, too, acknowledged EU enlargement "promotes further stability and security in Europe". The Nordic trio share a common desire for further enlargement to include Central and Eastern Europe, and initiatives on employment and the environment. European Council greenlights building European networks --------------------------------------------------------- Athens, 25/6/94 (ANA): The European Council meeting in Corfu yesterday gave the green light for the construction of Trans-European Networks (TEN), but left behind the issue of financing for future discussion. "The Council approved construction of eleven major transport and eight energy projects drafted by Commission Vice-President Henning Christophersen", government spokesman Evangelos Venizelos said. "The issue of financing will be dealt with by the European Union in the future," Venizelos told a news conference on the sidelines of summit. The multi-billion dollar investment programme is aimed at creating new jobs for Europe's 17 million unemployed. Some EU countries, particularly Britain, Germany and France do not want to raise their public debt in order to pay for the multi-billion investment programme of transport, energy and telecom networks. Two out of the 11 eleven major projects in the transport sector are of interest to Greece, namely the Egnatia and Patras-Thessaloniki highways. Meanwhile, National Economy minister Yiannos Papantoniou declared the Council had approved the text of general orientations for the economies of EU member-states, to be finalised at the next ECOFIN Council session in July. Mr Papantoniou said he was confident about developments in the EU, adding the economic conjuncture was favourable. European governments had decided to back measures for checking inflation and restricting expenditure, he added. The Greek government had committed itself to approaching 3% inflation by 1999, Mr. Papantoniou noted. Patriarch sends PM wishes for EU summit ------------------------------------------ Athens, 25/6/94 (ANA): Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomaios has sent Premier Andreas Papandreou a message of wishes for a successful outcome of the European Union Summit in Corfu. The Patriarch requested that the EU give special emphasis on labour, securing equal opportunities and possibilities for both sexes and of minority groups, and initiating social dialogue among partners at European level. Russia's agreements with NATO, EU a "quantum leap" - Leon Brittan ----------------------------------------------------------------- Athens, 25/6/94 (ANA): The combination of "Russia's Partnership for Peace" plan with NATO and the "Partnership and Co-operation Agreement" with the European Union is a "quantum leap" in Russia's relations with the European Union, EU Trade Commissioner Sir Leon Brittan said yesterday in Corfu. "I think this is of enormous importance," he added. The Commissioner said the Partnership and Co-operation agreement would eventually lead to "a free trade area (with Russia) and close political links." Sir Leon told questioners talks on Cyprus' application for EU membership would be reviewed early next year. The question of Cyprus' accession to the European Union will be considered by "taking into account positions and attitudes taken by the various parties to the Cyprus dispute," he said. "Nobody should have a veto on negotiations with Cyprus. If circumstances are such that the competent parties make us see that the time is right for next year I think we should do so," he added. Sir Leon Britain is one of the front-runners for the succession of European Commission President Jacques Delors, one of the priority items on the agenda of the Summit, which will be discussed later in day. Klepsch urges Council pick Delors successor by summit end --------------------------------------------------------- Athens, 25/6/94 (ANA): European Parliament President Egon Klepsch yesterday urged the European Council to choose a new European Commission president by the end of the on-going EU summit on Corfu. "Should this fail to happen, it will have an adverse effect on European citizens. The Council will appear unable to settle matters, and public opinion will react," Mr Klepsch said. "If one is in no position to put forth a proposal, how is it possible to guarantee the negotiating abilities of the European Union," Mr Klepsch told a news conference on the summit sidelines. He declared German Chancellor Helmut Kohl had said in case European Union leaders failed to unanimously agree on a successor to European Commission president Jacques Delors, a German organised summit would be held in August. "If that should fail too in producing a candidate'" he (Kohl) said, "summits will be held every fourteen days until a successor is found," Mr Klepsch said. He added the Chancellor's suggestion was not in the form of an official proposal, but what he called a "last-ditch effort". The European Parliament President expressed hope the Greek presidency of the EU would succeed in convincing European leaders to agree on a successor to Mr Delors. Asked whether or not an Italian neo-fascist would be appointed in the European Commission, Mr Klepsch said he was not aware of any such proposal. On Cyprus' request to join the EU, Mr Klepsch said the island-republic's application would be reviewed next year. Addressing the morning session of the European Council, Mr Klepsch referred to European Parliament "grave concern" at the "difficult situation in the sector of employment." He called for implementing related proposals in the White Paper. He also expressed reservations on the policy followed in former Yugoslavia, but lauded Greek EU presidency efforts for a new policy in the Mediterranean. "Parliament supports the initiative to create a Mediterranean Forum with the inclusion of Union member-states and Mediterranean countries, he said." Next EU enlargement must include Cyprus - Venizelos -------------------------------------------------- Athens, 25/6/94 (ANA): Greece said yesterday the next phase of European Union enlargement must "definitely" include Cyprus, stressing that apart from the political aspect of the island-republic's accession, Cyprus also fully met the economic prerequisites of the Treaty of Maastricht. Speaking on Corfu in light of the EU summit, government spokesman Evangelos Venizelos added that Thursday's meeting between Prime Minister Andreas Papandreou, European Commission President Jacques Delors and Cyprus President Glafcos Clerides had taken place within the framework of the political dialogue between Cyprus and the EU. Clarifying that the issue of Cyprus' accession had not been discussed, the spokesman said that Mr. Clerides had set out the present phase of the Cyprus problem following the latest report of UN Secretary-General Boutros Boutros-Ghali. Meanwhile, the spokesman said that Foreign Minister Karolos Papoulias' forthcoming visit to Cyprus was within the framework of "continuous and close collaboration" between Athens and Nicosia. He added that all issues would be discussed during talks. European Parliament President Egon Klepsch yesterday morning urged the Council to insist on the need for the next phase of EU enlargement to include Cyprus and Malta" with a specific date for the commencement of negotiations, if possible." EU must include Cyprus, Mitterrand says --------------------------------------- Athens, 25/6/94 (ANA): The European Union must include Cyprus because "it is a geographic and historic reality," French President Francois Mitterrand said yesterday in an interview with the Athens afternoon daily 'Ta Nea'. "The Union must not show signs of slowing down or lose its capacity of decision-making and action," President Mitterrand noted, adding that the Union should finalise "the institutional provisions allowing the functioning of an expanded Union." Pangalos absence at Italian PM's arrival "unintentional", no diplomatic incident ---------------------------------------------------- Athens, 25/6/94 (ANA): European Affairs Minister Theodoros Pangalos described as "unintentional" his failure to greet Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi in the same manner as with other political leaders arriving at St. George's Chapel for the signing of the Russian-EU Partnership and Co-operation Agreement yesterday morning. "When Mr Berlusconi arrived I was busy talking to an ambassador," Mr Pangalos told the French News Agency, assuring his act was unintentional. The Italian delegation spokesman expressed surprise when asked to comment by the press on the "incident". He categorically denied any "diplomatic incident" had occurred between the two countries. He stressed that at Thursday's dinner, held in honour of Russian President Boris Yeltsin, Mr Berlusconi was "warmly greeted" by Greek Prime Minister Andreas Papandreou. "Mr Pangalos was standing right next to him," the spokesman added. Greek Foreign Ministry spokesman Constantine Bikas later denied what he called "press rumours", saying that the two men "warmly greeted each other both yesterday and today." Mr Berlusconi later denied reports he had been snubbed by Mr Pangalos, saying relations between them were friendly. "An issue which does not exist has been stirred up. We spoke for ten minutes. He is a very likeable person," he said in a statement to ANA. At an earlier news conference, government spokesman Evangelos Venizelos said Mr Pangalos "did not intentionally avoid greeting the Italian Prime Minister on his arrival to a ceremony for the signing of a EU-Russian co-operation accord." He added that the fact that Mr Pangalos did not shake hands with Mr Berlusconi had "no political implications". He added that there had been "a problem in describing what had actually happened," adding that when Mr Berlusconi arrived, Mr Pangalos was accompanying French President Francois Mitterrand. Europarliament bureau blast: ELA terrorists claim responsibility ---------------------------------------------------------------- Athens, 25/6/94 (ANA): The Revolutionary Popular Struggle (ELA) terrorist organisation yesterday claimed responsibility for a bomb attack on the central Athens offices of the European Parliament. The blast occurred at dawn yesterday, causing considerable damage but no injuries. Police said parts of a powerful time-bomb were found near the entrance of the building. An anonymous caller telephoned the afternoon daily Eleftherotypia saying ELA claimed responsibility for the explosion. ELA had also claimed an attempted time-bomb attack against the Belgian Embassy two weeks ago which was defused minutes before exploding. The same organisation has claimed responsibility for several attacks against European interests in recent years. ND claims Gov't ducked home issues during EU presidency -------------------------------------------------------- Athens, 25/6/94 (ANA): Main opposition New Democracy party said the government has been avoiding domestic issues for the past six months, during which it held the European Union's rotating presidency, in a statement yesterday. After today, when the EU wraps up its summit in Corfu, the Greek Presidency essentially ends and Greeks "lose a chance which they won't have again for at least 10 years", the statement added. Greece's presidency ends June 30. Germany takes over July 1. "We hope that even at the last moment, the Prime Minister will use all available possibilities for promoting responsibly and effectively the main issues which our country faces and are of concern to the Greek people". KKE leader writes PM, wants debate on CP, EU presidency -------------------------------------------------------- Athens, 25/6/94 (ANA): Communist Party of Greece (KKE) Secretary-General Aleka Papariga has written Premier Andreas Papandreou, calling on the government to hold a special debate in Parliament on Greece's position in the European Union. Ms. Papariga's latter said a debate on the revised convergence programme and the Greek EU presidency was imperative. Macedonia, Thrace Minister on Australia visit --------------------------------------------- Athens, 25/6/94 (ANA): Minister for Macedonia and Thrace Constantine Triarides yesterday began a visit to Australia at the invitation of Victoria State Premier Jeff Kennet and Macedonian associations. During his stay, Mr Triarides will attend the sessions of the 8th Pan-Australian Conference of Pan-Macedonian Associations which opens today in Melbourne. He will also have talks with Victoria State officials, representatives of the Greek community and the Greek Orthodox Archbishop of Australia. On June 29, Mr. Triarides will depart for Washington to attend the 48th conference of the Pan-Macedonian Association of America and Canada which will be held in the US capital from June 30 to July 3.