From: tzarros@ccs.carleton.ca (Theodore Zarros) Subject: News (in ENGLISH)- Fri, 18 Nov 1994 (Greek Press Office BBS, Ottawa). Athens News Agency Bulletin, November 18, 1994 ---------------------------------------------- * Contact Group peace plan only road to peace in Balkans, Papoulias says after meeting Milosevic * Thousands turn out for Polytechnic march to US embassy * Premier briefs Papariga on national issues * Premier meets with Papantoniou * Kranidiotis, Hurd say EU must set date for Cyprus membership to EU * Greece queries State Dept's 'Albanian minority' * Papoulias ends historic visit to Ukraine * Vartholomeos arrives in The Netherlands * Sea convention to be ratified by parliament * Turkish jets violate Athens FIR, national airspace * Turkish paper says Turkey, Greece agree to enforce old rules of conduct for military exercises * Paleokrassas to retire from political life * Andrianopoulos submits resignation * 17 billion drachma budget for parliament passed * New coin to mark 150th year of Parliament * ASE approves increases in share capital for Ionian Bank, others * National Bank to offer factoring services Contact Group peace plan only road to peace in Balkans, Papoulias says after meeting Milosevic ----------------------------------------------------------------- Belgrade, 18/11/1994 (ANA/M. Mouratidis): Greece considers the Contact Group's peace plan the only solution which will assist the peace process, Greek Foreign Minister Karolos Papoulias said last night after talks with Serb President Slobodan Milosevic. Mr. Papoulias also announced that Prime Minister Andreas Papandreou was planning to visit Belgrade soon. Referring to Greece's initiative for a meeting of the presidents of Serbia and Croatia, Mr. Papoulias added that, in such an eventuality, Greece could be considered the best venue. Mr. Papoulias' visit to Belgrade, which began last night, is part of efforts by Greece to help overcome the crisis created especially after a unilateral decision by the United States to lift the arms embargo on Bosnia. "This is a hard moment for all and for peace," Mr. Papoulias said upon his arrival in Belgrade, adding that during talks with the Serbian president he would focus on solutions to problems in former Yugoslavia. "We are close to the region and therefore we are very much concerned (with developments)," Mr. Papoulias said, adding that Greece's partners in the European Union were also concerned. Mr. Papoulias reiterated Greece's proposal to the Western European Union for an urgent meeting of the ministerial-level Contact Group. Upon his arrival in Belgrade, Mr. Papoulias was greeted at the airport by his Yugoslav counterpart Vladislav Jovanovic. Mr. Jovanovic told the ANA that Yugoslavia viewed Mr. Papoulias' visit as a co-ordination of activities so as to bring about a viable and peaceful solution to former Yugoslavia as soon as possible. Mr. Jovanovic said he expected Greece to play a more active role in achieving peace in Bosnia, because Greece's allies in the European Union appreciated Greece's correct policy on the Bosnian crisis. He said Greece's contribution to the peace process was significant and that Greek-Yugoslav relations should be considered a "useful model" for the development of good relations between neighbouring Balkan states. Mr. Papoulias was expected to return to Greece late last night. Speaking to reporters in Kiev earlier in the day, Mr. Papoulias said the US withdrawal from the Contact Group left a gap which had to be filled. Asked whether the Contact Group's plan could continue to be the basis for a peaceful solution to the Bosnian problem, Mr. Papoulias told the ANA that the plan existed despite the fact that the Americans no longer shared the ideas which have been developed. "We are now one less," he said, adding that "(US Secretary of State Warren) Christopher does not share any more the ideas which we have developed." "But for the Europeans, the Contact Group's plan remains intact in both prestige and orientation," Mr. Papoulias said. "There is a gap of course, created by the American's attitude, which must be filled." Mr. Papoulias was speaking to reporters in a joint press conference yesterday with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Tarasuk, prior to his departure for Belgrade. Mr. Papoulias reiterated his concern over the inherent dangers of such a decision. "Such a unilateral decision by the United States could have tragic results," he said. The minister also called for more daring steps towards lifting the embargo against Serbia, which, he said, strikes a blow to the economies in the region. Thousands turn out for Polytechnic march to US embassy ------------------------------------------------------ Athens, 18/11/1994 (ANA): Thousands of demonstrators transformed the centre of Athens into a sea of flags and banners yesterday to commemorate the 1973 student uprising which signalled the beginning of the end for the 1967 rule of the colonels. The traditional march to the US embassy, marking the climax of events, ended without serious incidents. The marchers blocked Athens' main roads in a demonstration stretching from the US embassy to its start at the Polytechnic, the site of the uprising which mobilised Greeks to reject the junta, which fell nine months later, and restore civilian rule. During the march, more than 100 youths stormed and occupied the Polytechnic, refusing to leave until police met their demands for the release of youths seized in clashes earlier in the day. The building was surrounded by hundreds of riot police. About 30 of some 60 youths arrested earlier in the day were released before the occupation of the Polytechnic began, police said. The others were held on weapons charges. Television crews and journalists were also attacked by the youths in downtown Athens. Police said about 200 youths hurled rocks and petrol bombs at journalists covering skirmishes at the Athens Polytechnic. None of the reporters was injured but a radio and television van was set on fire. Riots have often marred the anniversary. Two people were also injured in clashes Wednesday night when riot police battled masked youth armed with petrol bombs in a confrontation outside the Polytechnic. National Defence Minister Gerasimos Arsenis said: "The lesson of the Polytechnic is that the armed forces' respect for freedom constitutes the safest and most effective armament of Greece against the challenges of the times, wherever they come from." Government spokesman Evangelos Venizelos said the message and the significance of the uprising formed the basis of Greece's democratic regime. "The message of that battle, a message of unity for the Greek people, is timely today and must inspire our people and our youths, but first of all it must inspire our leadership which is faced with critical circumstances and serious problems, both on the international and domestic front," President of Parliament Apostolos Kaklamanis told reporters. Political Spring party leader Antonis Samaras said "the day is symbol of the struggle of youth and its seriousness must be protected." Communist Party of Greece (KKE) Secretary-General Aleka Papariga told reporters that "the Polytechnic has become the symbol of resistance of the Greek people." Premier briefs Papariga on national issues ------------------------------------------ Athens, 18/11/1994 (ANA): Prime Minister Andreas Papandreou yesterday briefed Communist Party of Greece (KKE) Secretary-General Aleka Papariga on all aspects of Greece's national issues. She said she gave Mr. Papandreou a document on her party's positions to provide him with first-hand and official knowledge of them. Ms Papariga said Mr. Papandreou's briefing was "substantive", but added that her party's conclusions remained unchanged since, she said, the Balkans have become a playing ground for Germany and the US because "the region is a bread basket". "Greece, as well as other countries, is a victim of this competition," Ms Papariga said, adding that problems cannot be resolved by a few moves alone, no matter how clever and adept they may be. "The starting point of our policy must be distancing ourselves from the games and rationale of the US and Germany and the question should not be which of the two countries we must choose," she added. Ms Papariga said the Balkan peoples should co-operate to repel intruders since, she added, all suffer from the expansionist policy of imperialist powers. "If the Balkan peoples do not confront this phenomenon we may be led to the spreading of conflicts and not just at a local level," she said. Premier meets with Papantoniou ------------------------------ Athens, 18/11/1994 (ANA): Prime Minister Andreas Papandreou held a meeting yesterday with National Economy Minister Yiannos Papantoniou to discuss economic policy. Kranidiotis, Hurd say EU must set date for Cyprus membership to EU ----------------------------------------------------------------- London, 18/11/1994 (ANA/CNA): Foreign Under-Secretary for European Union affairs Yiannos Kranidiotis said yesterday he had discussed the need for the EU to set a date for the beginning of accession negotiations for Cyprus with British Foreign Secretary Douglas Hurd. Speaking after the 45-minute meeting, Mr. Kranidiotis said there was no turning back on Cyprus' bid to become a full member of the EU. "It's a matter of finding the proper timing and the correct wording which will lead towards this direction and will constitute a step beyond what was decided in Corfu," he added. A communique issued during the EU summit in Corfu last June said the European Council noted the next phase of enlargement of the Union would involve Cyprus and Malta. Cyprus signed an Association Agreement with the European Community in 1972 and a customs protocol in 1987. It applied for EU membership in July 1990, and its application is due to be examined by the EU Commission in early 1995, in the light of developments in the Cyprus problem. Asked whether Britain linked Cyprus' membership to the solution of this protracted problem, Mr. Kranidiotis replied, "not necessarily". He added that setting a date for the beginning of negotiations would send a strong message to both sides in Cyprus and Turkey for a solution, and would also affect Turkey's relations with Greece and the EU. On Greek relations with Turkey, Mr. Kranidiotis stressed that Turkey was trying to create artificial tension in its relations with Greece and that Greece had the right to extend its territorial waters to 12 miles. Greece, he said, places greater weight on the need for Turkey to respect human rights, democracy and international law. Turkey is in the final stages of negotiations with the EU for customs union to begin next year, and the EU-Turkey Association Council is due to meet next month. Michael Lake, EU ambassador to Turkey, said in an interview with Reuters on Wednesday, that Turkey may find full integration difficult unless it rectifies its human rights record and makes political reforms. Mr. Kranidiotis said his discussion with Mr. Hurd touched on relations with Albania. "We exchanged views on the situation after the recent referendum. We believe that our fears concerning the lack of democracy and respect for human rights in this country have proved justified. Concerning prospects, we shall exercise our influence in the European Commission, so that this country conforms to international regulations and its obligations emanating from the CSCE," he said. Greece queries State Dept's 'Albanian minority' ----------------------------------------------- Athens, 18/11/1994 (ANA): The government said yesterday that it had sought explanations from the US government concerning a State Department document referring to the existence of a supposed Albanian "minority" in Greece. Government spokesman Evangelos Venizelos also expressed surprise at the existence of such a document, reportedly drawn up by the State Department official responsible for Albanian affairs Christopher Hill. Mr. Venizelos said that explanations were expected "very soon" from the State Department, perhaps in the form of a public statement by Secretary of State Warren Christopher. The spokesman underlined that in official US statements by President Bill Clinton and the State Department, no mention had ever been made of the existence of an Albanian minority in Greece. Mr. Venizelos said he had the impression that Mr. Hill was not speaking for the US government. Papoulias ends historic visit to Ukraine ---------------------------------------- Kiev, 18/11/1994 (ANA/D. Constantakopoulos): Foreign Minister Karolos Papoulias, the first Greek official to visit the Ukraine since it gained its independence in 1991, ended his two-day official visit yesterday. Mr. Papoulias met President Leonid Kuchma and Prime Minister Vitol Masol and held talks with his counterpart Vladimir Udarenko and Parliament President Aleksandr Marol. Talks between Mr. Papoulias and Mr. Udarenko focused on the framework of agreements regulating bilateral relations in all sectors between the two countries. Mr. Papoulias expressed the hope the agreements will be ready to be signed during Mr. Udarenko's forthcoming visit to Greece. Mr. Papoulias requested more favourable taxation rules for Greek shipowners active in Ukraine and thanked the Ukrainian leadership for the fair treatment of the large Greek community. He accepted a proposal by the Ukrainian Parliament President on the development of the institution of Black Sea co-operation into an institution which will also examine problems related to peace and stability in the region, but with the reservation of discussing the issue in principle with Bulgaria. Turning to other issues, Mr. Papoulias hailed a Ukrainian Parliament decision to ratify the convention for the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons. Vartholomeos arrives in The Netherlands --------------------------------------- The Hague, 18/11/1994 (ANA): Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos of Constantinople yesterday arrived here from Brussels to attend the first silver jubilee of the founding of the Diocese of Belgium, which incorporates St. Nicholas' Church in Holland. The Patriarch was greeted at the airport by Greek diplomatic and Dutch officials, delegates of other Churches and diplomatic missions, including the Russian, Romanian, Bulgarian and Serb, and a large crowd of Dutch Greeks. Patriarch Vartholomeos said mass at St. Nicholas' Church and Metropolitan Maximos of Evmenia delivered a sermon in which he stressed the close relations between the Orthodox Church in Holland and the Holy See of Constantinople. Vartholomeos stressed the main aim of the Ecumenical Patriarchate was unity among Orthodox Churches throughout the world, and a successful outcome of the current dialogue to establish unity. He also paid a courtesy call on the Turkish ambassador and was later received by Queen Beatrix and members of the Dutch government. The Greek ambassador, Mr. A. Vayenas, gave a reception in honour of the visiting Patriarch which included Dutch Premier Wim Kok, members of the Cabinet, senior state officials, and delegates of other Churches and the diplomatic corps. This afternoon, Patriarch Vartholomeos will visit Utrecht to officiate a service at the local Orthodox church, and meet with local state and church officials. Sea convention to be ratified by parliament ------------------------------------------- Athens, 18/11/1994 (ANA): The government said yesterday that it was "just a matter of time" before the bill ratifying the international convention on the law of the sea was tabled in Parliament. Government spokesman Evangelos Venizelos once again played down the importance of ratification, stressing that Greece's sovereign right (to extend its territorial waters from six to twelve miles) was founded in international law already in force. Mr. Venizelos criticised the main opposition New Democracy party for emphasising the importance of ratification, saying that it gave the impression that the country's sovereign right to extend its territorial waters was directly connected with the act of ratification. "This impression is totally false," the spokesman said. Mr. Venizelos reiterated that "for obvious reasons" Greece was following its European Union partners on the issue of ratification, noting that up to now only Germany had ratified the convention. Turkey has repeatedly threatened that any attempt by Greece to implement its right to extend its waters in the Aegean would be a cause for war. Turkish jets violate Athens FIR, national airspace -------------------------------------------------- Athens, 18/11/1994 (ANA): Turkish jet fighters violated the Athens Flight Information Region and national airspace, Defence Ministry sources said yesterday. They said the violations occurred in eight separate cases in which the Turkish planes were identified and intercepted by Greek jet fighters. The same sources said the country's armed forces were "on alert, ready to confront any Turkish provocation". The violations, in the north and central Aegean, came amid a tense period of relations between Greece and Turkey. Both NATO members, Greece and Turkey have indulged in a war of words over Greece's right to extend its territorial waters in the Aegean from six to 12 miles. Turkey has said such an act would be considered a cause of war, while Greece has maintained that it is its sovereign right. Both countries are currently holding separate military exercises at opposite ends of the Aegean. The US destroyer Cape St. George is in international waters in the Aegean, to "demonstrate US interest in the region". Turkish warships taking part in the Sea Wolf air and naval exercise were reported yesterday as sailing in international waters west of the islands of Lesvos and Hios, while a Turkish oceanographic vessel Piri Reis is steaming east of Fourni islands with in Turkish territorial waters. The Greek Navy is discreetly shadowing Turkish Navy movements and operations, especially the course of the Piri Reis. Meanwhile, the third phase of a multinational air and sea exercise in the Aegean, code-named Niriis 94, began yesterday. Turkish paper says Turkey, Greece agree to enforce old rules of conduct for military exercises --------------------------------------------------------------- Istanbul, 18/11/1994 (ANA): Turkey and Greece Wednesday agreed to revalidate the 1988 agreement on rules of conduct during military exercises, the Turkish daily 'Milliyet' reported yesterday. The agreement has remained inoperative for quite some time. The two countries will henceforth keep each other posted on movements of their warships during exercises, according to the paper. It was further agreed vessels should not approach each other beyond an agreed minimum distance to remove collision hazards, the paper added. Paleokrassas to retire from political life ------------------------------------------ Athens, 18/11/1994 (ANA): European Union Commissioner for the environment and former New Democracy finance minister Ioannis Paleokrassas announced in London yesterday that he would retire from active politics when his present term of office expires at the end of the year. He said the reason for his decision is that he can no longer contribute to politics given "the will of well-organised interests". He added, however, that his decision is neither related to being ordered to stand trial by parliament in connection with the AGET-Heracles cement company affair nor to developments in the New Democracy party. Andrianopoulos submits resignation ---------------------------------- Athens, 18/11/1994 (ANA): Former New Democracy minister Andreas Andrianopoulos yesterday submitted his resignation from parliament to the president of the house Apostolos Kaklamanis. In a statement, Mr. Andrianopoulos said his resignation was meant to denounce the miserable state of affairs of political life in the country and that a politician's duty is sacrifice, not a career. Mr. Andrianopoulos was one of the former conservative government ministers sent to a special supreme court after parliament found he had a case to answer on his involvement in a major corruption scandal over the sale of the state cement company AGET-Heracles. He said that it was not possible for him to remain a member of a body which has ordered him to stand trial for breach of faith, with the direct or indirect connivance of both major parties. 17 billion drachma budget for parliament passed ----------------------------------------------- Athens, 18/11/1994 (ANA): The Parliamentary budget was approved unanimously yesterday. Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis said Parliament's budget will amount to 17,514,000,000 drachmas in 1995, 1.5 billion drachmas more than this year's or an increase of 9.38 per cent, below the annual inflation rate. According to figures, deputies' income decreased 12.6 per cent during the 15-year period between 1980-1994. About two billion drachmas will be returned to state coffers this year after being earmarked for deputies' remuneration for participation in committees and summer recess committees which did not operate. Deputies' remuneration is expected to amount to 5,321,000,000 drachmas in 1994. Another significant amount in the budget is 1.2 billion drachmas for an underground garage to be built next to the House of Parliament. New coin to mark 150th year of Parliament ----------------------------------------- Athens, 18/11/1994 (ANA): Fifteen million 50-drachma commemorative coins will be circulated to mark the 150th anniversary of Parliament's constitutional life. The coins will be legal tender along with the 50-drachma coins in circulation since 1986. Half the new coins will depict General Makriyiannis on the one side and the remaining half Dimitris Kallergis. All the coins will depict the House of Parliament on their other side together with the words "Greek Parliament 1844-1994 150 years of Constitutional life". The total cost of producing and circulating the coins will amount to 225 million drachmas. Finance Under-Secretary Nikos Kyriazis has signed a relevant decree which has been forwarded to the Council of State for processing. ASE approves increases in share capital for Ionian Bank, others --------------------------------------------------------------- Athens, 18/11/1994 (ANA): The Athens Stock Exchange's board convened yesterday and approved informative notices for increases in the share capital of the registered Ionian Bank and International Clothes Industry companies and the Ilios insurance company. The Ionian Bank will increase its share capital by about 19.8 billion drachmas. It will issue 4,970,992 new shares each having a face value of 700 drachmas and a sale price of 4,000 drachmas. The new capital will be used, among other things, to modernise the bank's internal functioning and for a new central services building. The International Clothes Industry will increase its share capital by 721,805,000 drachmas through cash payments and by 541,800,000 drachmas through the capitalisation of reserves. The new capital will be used to complete building installations in Pallini and Kalamata, for working capital and to pay off part of the company's short-term loans. The Ilios insurance company will increase its share capital by 102 million drachmas through issuing 85,000 new ordinary name shares each having a face value of 100 drachmas. The new capital will be used to strengthen the company's technical reserves and solvency margin, improve technical and material infrastructure and promote sales. National Bank to offer factoring services ----------------------------------------- Athens, 18/11/1994 (ANA): The National Bank of Greece has been granted authorisation by the Bank of Greece to offer factoring services and will proceed with establishing a company in order to do so in the next year.