Normalisation of relations between Greece and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) is in the common historical and political interests of the region, Press and Media Minister Evangelos Venizelos said in an interview appearing in Tuesday's issue of the Skopje daily "Nova Makedonia."
Headlined "Normalisation of relations without recognition of the name," Mr. Venizelos, who is also the Greek government's spokesman, underlines that this is the reason why Greece persists "in the need not only for the existence but also the prosperity" of FYROM.
He cited existing problems, such as the name, Skopje's constitution and the symbols, and placed particular emphasis on Skopje's "hostile state propaganda" against Greece, which he described as a "long-reaching threat to stability in the region."
Turning to the European Commission's recourse to the Europarliament against retortion measures taken by Greece against FYROM last year, Mr. Venizelos explained that the Athens-Skopje dispute was not a legal problem or one which the EU was called on to resolve.
He urged FYROM leader Kiro Gligorov and the Skopje government "to find in a mature and serious manner, but also with interest in the Balkans, a way to proceed in an act of historical and political responsibility on an international scale, and to abandon the intransigence they have displayed, which has also been observed by officials of the international community."
Greece, Mr. Venizelos added, was prepared and willing to lift its economic counter-measures "as soon as we have specific, tangible actions on the part of the Skopje government on the issues of the constitution and national symbols, in order that - without recognition, it goes without saying - we may have normal relations, from which there will be common benefit." At the same time, he clarified that lifting of the measures prior to this, as demanded by Skopje, is "the point" on which there can be no agreement.
Asked about the fact that Greece has on occasion been criticised for having views which deviate from those of the EU, Mr. Venizelos pointed out that other member-states have also been criticised at times for their differing stances. He cited as examples Britain's abstention from the building of a social Europe; rejection of the Maastricht Treaty in the first referendum held in Denmark and a close vote in the French referendum. "As you can understand, there are bound to be such phenomena when we are talking about a huge venture such as that of European integration," he added.
As for the impression created at times that Greece was the "poor relation" of Europe because in its fiscal relations with the EU, Greek coffers had larger inflows from the EU than it contributed to the European budget, Venizelos explained:
"This mathematical equation also holds true for many other EU member-countries. But the economic relations between a member-state and the EU are not only fiscal ones. "In this major transaction," he added, "Greece has contributed its own domestic market, which is now a part of the single European market. It has contributed its developmental opportunities for large European companies which are taking part in tendering for the major infrastructure projects. It has opened its imports to European products, which now comprise more than 70 per cent of the Greek market."
If all these factors were taken into consideration, "you will see that the relationship is completely balanced, and Greece has no reason to feel like a 'poor relation' because it has paid the price, and continues to do so daily," Mr. Venizelos said.
Turning to relations with Turkey, Mr. Venizelos said Athens had taken a major step and policy turn-about when it lifted its 'veto' on EU-Turkish customs union to prove to its European partners that Greece was not the obstacle to Turkey's relations with the EU, and the west in general.
"We lifted the veto to prove that the problem of respect for human rights and the values of European civilisation by Turkey was not a Greek-Turkish problem but a Europe-Turkish one. And now we are awaiting the stance of the European Parliament and the other authoritative EU bodies, where the people, not governments of the EU are represented, and therefore governments are unable to exercise any particular influence.
"Consequently, if Turkey's relations with Europe depend on someone, that someone is not Greece but Turkey itself, which must make very serious steps in these areas. Steps which are adequate and real, and not deficient and simulated," Mr. Venizelos said.
Questioned on the Bosnia crisis, Mr. Venizelos pointed out that Greece as a Balkan country and a country that knew the region and was interested in peace and stability throughout the southern Balkans was maintaining a "level-headed" stance. Its insistence on a viable and long-lasting political solution "very frequently gave rise to slanderous attacks against us which were of a secondary nature."
The primary cause, he explained, was the stance of "some member-states toward the fundamental protagonists of the crisis in Bosnia." Greece got "caught in the crossfire," without having the main responsibility, he said. Greece, he went on, unlike the other EU members, was a country of the region, had particular sensitivity and wished to help and was helping by maintaining good relations not only with the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia but also with Croatia and the Bosnian government, taking initiatives which were constantly developing.
Asked to comment on the Bosnian Serbs' taking of the UN-designated "safe areas" of Srebrenica and Zepa, Mr. Venizelos replied: "We are against war operations. We favour respect for the resolutions of the international community and deeply believe that a political, diplomatic and long-lasting solution must be found. We are members of NATO and voice our observations and reservations there, which naturally do not obstruct the taking and execution of decisions. But every time the opportunity arises, at all international fora, we stress that the means for resolution of the Bosnian crisis cannot be military ones.
"Since Greece was the only EU and NATO member-state in the Balkan region, it was only natural that it had more frequent and systematic contacts with Serbia and had an interest in these matters. But it also had similar contacts with the other countries o f the region, such as the Croatian government. It has also undertaken a tripartite initiative, together with the Bosnian and Iranian governments."
The main opposition New Democracy party yesterday branded as a "serious impropriety and an incomprehensive move" a decision by National Defence Minister Gerasimos Arsenis to grant an interview to the Skopje newspaper "Nova Makedonia."
"Mr. Arsenis' decision to give an interview to the Skopje newspaper 'Nova Makedonia' in order to announce his intentions and plans with regard to armaments of our armed forces and the service of Greek soldiers is an impropriety and an incomprehensible move," ND spokesman Vassilis Magginas said yesterday in a statement.
"The (decision of the) National Defence Minister (to grant an) interview (to Nova Makedonia)," Mr. Magginas said, "falls within the framework of finding a solution to the Skopje problem, almost pleading (with them to accept) the small package, against absolutely vague guarantees for the name issue." Mr. Magginas reiterated the position of New Democracy for settlement of the issue through the big package.
Mr. Arsenis told "Nova Makedonia" that Athens would lift its trade sanctions against FYROM the moment it agreed to change its flag and constitution. "I am surprised why the political leadership in Skopje has not, up to now, accepted the mediating proposal of (UN mediator Cyrus) Vance and pressed ahead with changes in specific articles of its constitution and the flag's emblem," Mr. Arsenis was quoted as telling the Skopje daily. "If this happens, then there will be a simultaneous lifting of the embargo from our side," he added.
He was quoted reiterating that Athens wished for friendly relations with its northern neighbour, but said it hinged on "rules of mutual understanding and respect."
The Political Spring party also issued an announcement later in the day calling "an unprecedented fact," Mr. Arsenis' decision to grant an interview to the Nova Makedonia "announcing his intentions regarding the armament of our armed forces and the service of Greek soldiers."
The statement said the interview "can only be perceived as a de facto recognition (of Skopje)." "The Political Spring party will not allow the curious triangle of the government, the main opposition, and Washington, to become a Bermuda triangle in which all our national issues will sink," it added.
Greece imposed trade sanctions as retortion measures against FYROM last February in an effort to force the Skopje government to change its name, the ancient Greek emblem on its flag, and its constitution that expresses territorial designs against Greece 's northern province of Macedonia.
Visiting Bulgarian Parliament Speaker Blagovest Sendov yesterday had talks yesterday with President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos, main opposition New Democracy party leader Miltiades Evert and political party representatives.
Mr. Sendov's talks with Mr. Evert lasted 45 minutes and, according to informed sources, focused on developments in the Balkans and issues of bilateral interest, such as the proposed oil pipeline between Burgas and Alexandroupolis.
Mr. Sendov also held a meeting with the secretary of the parliamentary group of the Political Spring party, Stephanos Stephanopoulos, who said that all Greek-Bulgarian meetings aim at projecting the friendship between the two countries as a factor of peace and stability in the region.
He later held talks with Communist Party of Greece (KKE) Secretary General Aleka Papariga, who said after the meeting that she had the opportunity to come forward with KKE's position that the government's unilateral policy toward the European Union was putting obstacles to the realisation of initiatives for inter-Balkan co-operation and solidarity.
Mr. Sendov also held meetings with PASOK parliamentary spo-kesman Lefteris Verivakis, ND parliamentary spokesman Theodoros Anagnostopoulos, as well as the members of the defence and foreign parliamentary groups.
Meeting with Mangakis Mr. Sendov also held a meeting with Alternate Foreign Minister Georgios Alexandros Mangakis, focusing on Bulgaria's new European dimension and Greece's role in it. The meeting also confirmed the "traditional" and "tested" friendship between the two countries.
Both Mr. Sendov and Mr. Mangakis said friendly relations between the two countries could not be described in terms of "mathematical or geographical terms neither in terms of a regional axis." Greek-Bulgarian relations, they added, are the natural evolution of common interests between the two countries, "and are not aimed against a third party."
Mr. Arsenis' interview also sparked strong reactions from political youth organisations Tuesday. The socialist youth movement, affiliated with the ruling PASOK party, said the minister's position on the mandatory military enlistment of all 18-year-old Greek males was in line with "old opinions espoused by the military establishment."
The conservative New Democracy youth organisation (ONNED) praised the measure, saying it provided the potential for young males to fulfil their military obligations without suspending their professional careers. Leftist youth movements condemned the move, saying the minister's statements contradicted previous pledges to upgrade the quality of the armed forces.
Australia yesterday declared its strong opposition to renewed French nuclear testing in the South Pacific, asking for Greece's support and mobilisation of Greek organisations in Europe.
A Foreign Ministry announcement said the Australian government's op position was expressed by Nikolas Bolkus, the Minister of Nationalities for Australia's federal government, during Athens talks with Foreign Under-Secretary Grigoris Niotis. Mr. Niotis told Mr. Bolkus that Greece rested its position on the issue of nuclear testing within the framework of European Union regulations and directives.
Discussions centred on Greek-Australian relations, issues related to the Greek community in Australia and international affairs. During the talks, also attended by Australian ambassador to Athens Christopher Edwards, and the Greek Foreign Ministry's General Secretary for Overseas Greeks, Nikos Dimadis, both sides underlined the excellent climate in bilateral relations and a desire of both governments to increase co-operation in the economic and cultural sectors.
A central issue at the talks, according to the Foreign Ministry announcement, was settlement of pension and insurance matters concerning members of the 700,000-strong Greek community in Australia. Negotiations on those issues began last year and a ministerial meeting is expected in the next few months.
Mr. Bolkus, a second-generation Australian of Greek descent, assured Mr. Niotis that Australia would continue to support Greece's national issues within the framework of international decisions. The Australian government, he said, is in favour of a solution to the Cyprus problem in accordance with UN resolutions providing for a single, independent and sovereign Cyprus Republic.
Mr. Bolkus also gave assurance that Australia would not recognise Skopje as anything but the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), until its dispute with Greece is settled.
A special US envoy wrapped up top-level talks in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) Tuesday, but made no statement on possible headway in efforts to resolve disputes between Athens and Skopje.
A statement issued by Skopje's Foreign Ministry said US mediator Matthew Nimetz and senior government officials "reviewed proposals aimed at reviving negotiations" between the former Yugoslav republic and Greece.
Mr. Nimetz, appointed by US President Bill Clinton to help settle a long-running dispute between the two Balkan neighbours, met with Skopje President Kiro Gligorov and Foreign Minister Stevo Crvenkovski.
Athens insists the neophyte Balkan state stop using the name of Greece's northern province of Macedonia, or using Hellenic symbols on its flag, and delete expansionist language in the preamble of its constitution. Greece last year imposed a trade embargo against FYROM.
The Skopje Foreign Ministry statement reiterated the government's position on the issue, saying Skopje was prepared to press ahead with negotiations that would normalise relations with Athens. It hinted that Mr. Nimetz would soon return to the region for an additional round of talks, saying "these regular meetings will continue in the near future."
Following his talks with the US envoy, Skopje President Kiro Gligorov voiced concern over Greece's continued trade embargo and negotiations stalemate, warning that it could "exacerbate the political situation in the region." "This reflects the need for the two countries to proceed with negotiations based on equal conditions that would secure a quick and successful result," the Skopje leader said.
The executive committee of the ruling PASOK party met Tuesday to "chart" a string of measures to be taken this fall, party sources said. Executive Committee Secretary Akis Tsohatzopoulos said the autumn measures would "mark the start of a new beginning" for the party," but did not elaborate.
The committee's meeting comes a week after PASOK president and Prime Minister Andreas Papandreou said he would initiate a string of measures to improve the image of his party and government.
"The government's outward image is not good," he conceded at a news conference, attributing responsibility to leading socialist dissidents aspiring to become future leaders of the party.
Mr. Tsohatzopoulos denied media speculations on early national elections, saying "only the irresponsible could consider such an eventuality." Parliament President and leading PASOK member Apostolos Kaklamanis said holding early elections would "not be good."
Press speculation over early elections surfaced last week after Mr. Papandreou told reporters he would back his wife, Dimitra, if she decided to run for Parliament. In a letter to the Athens daily "Eleftherotypia," Mrs. Papandreou denied allegations of pressuring her husband to call early elections, noting she did not "desire any form of immunity" that could result from her election as a parliamentarian. "The only immunity I desire is that which every citizen is entitled to when faced with malicious press reports, which unfortunately have become daily in my case," she said.
Mrs. Papandreou has been at the centre of criticism waged by Greek media over her reported intentions to embark on a political career and the interest-free loans she and her husband received to build a new mansion in the plush suburb of Ekali.
Mr. Tsohatzopoulos said the executive committee would meet with Mr. Papandreou later this month to iron-out final details of the upcoming measures. Law enforcement upgrades announced.
The Public Order Ministry said in an announcement yesterday that 500 policemen are currently undergoing training at the Grevena Police Academy.
Following the training, the new police officers will man border posts in order to prevent illegal immigration into Greece. For better surveillance of the border, police will be equipped with electronic hardware worth 500 million drachmas. The initiative falls under a joint effort by the Foreign Ministry, the Public Order Ministry and the National Defence Ministry to face illegal entry to Greece.
In addition, Public Order Minister Sifis Valyrakis said a contract had been signed for delivery of 49 Opel Astra 2000 automobiles for use as patrol cars by police as part of efforts to increase the effectiveness of the force.
From now on, Mr. Valyrakis said, the police force will have better and more modern equipment. Already, he added, police had taken delivery of two helicopters and 64 motorcycles. A further contract has been signed for the purchase of an automatic fingerprint identification system, while testing is under way on computer equipment for the creation of a national information system.
Another contract, Mr. Valyrakis said, provides for the purchase of 230 cars of different types for use by police departments fighting organised crime. In addition, contracts have been signed for the purchase of a target practice training system using laser, 4,500 police revolvers with more than six million rounds of ammunition.