A.N.A. Bulletin, 14/06/96

From: "Greek Press & Information Office, Ottawa Canada" <grnewsca@sympatico.ca>

Athens News Agency Directory

ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No. 911), June 14, 1996

Greek Press & Information Office

Ottawa, Canada

E-Mail Address: grnewsca@sympatico.ca

CONTENTS

[1] Outrageous Turkish behavior is also a NATO problem, Arsenis stresses

NATO must realize that Turkey's "outrageous behavior" creates not only bilateral problems but also problems for the operation of NATO itself, National Defense Minister Gerassimos Arsenis told reporters in Brussels yesterday on the sidelines of the NATO defense ministers meeting.

Mr. Arsenis, who is representing Greece at the meeting, had talks yesterday with his Canadian, British and German counterparts. He is scheduled to have talks with his US counterpart and NATO Secretary-General Javier Solana this morning.

Speaking of the results of his first day of contacts, Mr. Arsenis said the Greek side "did not experience any difficulty in briefing and convincing" its NATO partners regarding Turkey's "outrageous stance." He added, however, that "further efforts will be needed to persuade the allies to stop burying their head in the sand and abandon their policy of keeping equal distances between Greece and Turkey."

With respect to the Gavdos issue, Mr. Arsenis said Turkey's stance had reached a "fever pitch," adding that Greece would not stand back with "arms folded."

Mr. Arsenis said he had not raised the issue of Turkish provocations against Greece at the NATO meeting itself because he did not consider the situation to be "critical" and also because Athens was not seeking NATO arbitration.

"The issue will be raised at the right moment when the allies understand that Turkish intransigence is creating problems for the very operation of NATO's southeast flank," he said.

Mr. Arsenis said Greece was prepared to react to Turkish aggressiveness "using all means" and that several NATO countries and Mr. Solana had offered to mediate in the matter of Greek-Turkish differences.

"But what is important is for Turkey to change its behavior in order for there to be some basis for a discussion of other issues," Mr. Arsenis said.

[2] Portillo calls for CBMs

Britain insists on a policy of equal distances between Greece and Turkey and refers the two countries to dialogue "at least for the adoption of confidence-building measures."

Replying to a question by the Athens News Agency (ANA) on whether he thought that the policy of equal distances between Ankara and Athens dealt a blow at NATO's credibility, British Defense Secretary Michael Portillo said that "the conflict between Greece and Turkey concerns all of us in the alliance and we are really shaken that this conflict has reached the verge of military confrontation. Such a thing was not expected from two alliance members."

"NATO has offered its good offices for the resolution of the feud and we call on the two countries to start a dialogue with one another, if not on matters of principle, at least for the adoption of confidence-building measures," he added.

Replying to a questioner on the French position over the escalation of tension between Greece and Turkey, French Defense Minister Charles Millon expressed the view that NATO's ministerial session "is not the suitable venue and time to resolve an internal problem of the alliance, such as a confrontation between two of its member-states."

Speaking to Greek reporters, a US diplomat said the US had offered to mediate to have the Greek-Turkish conflict resolved.

[3] Gov't spokesman comments

"It has already emerged from National Defense Minister Gerassimos Arsenis's contacts on the sidelines of a NATO meeting in Brussels that there is understanding of Greece's positions, particularly following the Gavdos affair," government spokesman Dimitris Reppas noted yesterday.

Replying to press questions, Mr. Reppas said that NATO must show an interest in the problems between its members "which it must approach on the basis of international law."

"It is not permissible for NATO to be indifferent when there are such problems," Mr. Reppas added.

He called US President Bill Clinton's expression of concern about the future of the region unless the problems of the Aegean were solved a "tautology".

Asked to comment on Mr. Clinton's statement, Mr. Reppas added that "in order for the future of the region to be auspicious, there must be friendship, co-operation and respect for international law. "It is in this direction that Greece is working," he said.

The spokesman called on the United States "to assist the forces working in this direction and to resist those who would wreck such efforts."

US President Bill Clinton had expressed his deep concern Wednesday over the tension surfacing the last few months between Greece and Turkey.

[4] Simitis begins four-day tour of Crete

Prime Minister Costas Simitis arrived on the island of Crete last night for a four-day tour of the island, accompanied by an entourage of ministers.

Mr. Simitis, who was welcomed by Archbishop of Crete Timotheos, the regional Secretary-General, deputies, prefects and mayors from Crete and many local residents, said on arrival at Iraklion airport that "our vision for Crete is to make it an economic, educational and cultural center for the wider eastern Mediterranean region."

"Our aim is to have a comprehensive development and investment programme which, with far-sighted projects, will shape a different aspect for this big island and will give a new impetus to its development," he said.

Referring to Turkish claims on the islet of Gavdos, located southwest of Crete, Mr. Simitis said in a later speech in Iraklion, the first stop in his tour, that "whoever disputes Gavdos is disputing Crete and whoever disputes Crete is doomed."

In the face of Turkish aggressiveness, Mr. Simitis stressed the need for patriotic rallying in all sectors to render Greece "powerful on the internal front and with prestige and influence at international decision-making centers."

"By rallying, the government, political forces and Hellenism both inside and outside the country, with calm can confront every threat," he added.

"As in Crete, there are two parallel Greeces ... a Greece of crisis and a Greece of creation. Our duty is to do away with whatever pins down the country and give first role to the forces of creation. This is the challenge of our era. I call on all creative forces in the country, regardless of parties, regardless of party policies and entrenchments, to respond to this challenge. This is the country's future and the future has no exclusive owners or managers," he said.

Referring to his party's congress later this month, Mr. Simitis said "some people want to present the congress as a forum for personal confrontations. They are expressing the mentality of the crisis. I do not feel a part of the crisis".

"PASOK will emerge from the congress united and renewed and with the potential for a new victory" and for "a victory for Greece and creation against whatever wants to keep us pinned back in the past," he said.

[5] ND ready to work with Gov't to counter Turkish threat, Evert says

The Greek people and its leadership must face Turkish provocations with a cool head and a stable hand, although the possibility of a confrontation in the Aegean cannot be ruled out, due to the lack of a stable political framework in Turkey, New Democracy party leader Miltiades Evert said yesterday.

In statements after the party's Political Council session yesterday, he stressed that long-term Turkish policy towards Greece was expansionist and there had to be Greek countermeasures to it.

New Democracy was ready to help, he added, and called on the government to undertake initiatives and discuss with party leaders the formulation of a single foreign and defense policy.

Commenting on the equal distances policy adopted by the United States and the European Union, he stated, "we would expect greater support, because our country fully has justice on its side, but instead of protesting we should see what we can do for ours elves".

He added that this possibly involved sacrifices, such as increased defense spending and the length of military service.

"As a nation we must be prepared for sacrifices which are not only made when a confrontation occurs. They include, par excellence, the psychological preparation during peace time," he said.

Mr. Evert refused to answer whether Greece should insist on its veto regarding EU financing of Turkey, saying that "we should not isolate one chapter of our foreign policy and not see it within a single strategic framework".

He accused the government of inconsistency in its foreign policy, and possibly changing stands for reasons of internal party expediencies.

Sources said that during the Political Council session, former premier Constantine Mitsotakis said exercising a veto was meaningless, and that his policy while in office had been vindicated, claiming that during a meeting in Davos, Switzerland, Turkish President Suleyman Demirel had been persuaded that Turkey should not press any new claims.

[6] European Parliament to review MEDA protocol next week

The plenum of the European Parliament, meeting in Strasbourg next week, will review the content of the regulation for the Euro-Mediterranean Economic Co-operation Agreement (MEDA), and will issue an avis on it.

On June 11, the foreign affairs committee of the European Parliament approved a report by Spanish Socialist Enrique Baron-Crespo concerning the MEDA regulation, incorporating an amendment by New Democracy Eurodeputies Lambrias and Dimitrakopoulos, according to which "a condition for the granting of financial aid is the respect for human rights".

MEDA envisages financial aid to 12 Mediterranean countries, including Turkey, which hopes for a substantial chunk of the 3.525 billion ECU package.

[7] Parliament discusses ongoing tragedy of Imvros, Tenedos, possibility of recourse to international courts

The Greek Parliament yesterday discussed the issue of the violation of human rights on the northeastern Aegean islands Imvros and Tenedos for the first time in more than 20 years.

Taking part in the discussion during a session of the parliamentary foreign affairs committee, were members of Greece's diplomatic corps and several university professors.

Speakers agreed that "Greece does not have the right to remain silent," stressing that if the violations which are being committed by Turkey on Imvros and Tenedos had taken place in Thrace, "some people would have incited international public opinion."

Sociology professor Neoklis Sarris said that no Greek governments had shown the proper interest in Imvros and Tenedos and charged that Turkey was preparing to send a new wave of "settlers" with the aim of completely eradicating the Greek identity of the two islands. Other speakers stressed that Greece had the right under the Treaty of Lausanne to unilaterally take the matter to the International Court of Justice at the Hague and the Court of Human Rights of the Council of Europe.

Imvros, which covers an area of 259 square kilometers, was formerly inhabited exclusively by ethnic Greeks. In 1912 the island was liberated from Ottoman rule by the Hellenic Navy, only to be handed over with the nearby island of Tenedos to the newly-founded Turkish Republic under the Treaty of Lausanne in 1923, due to their geographical position at the mouth of the Hellespont.

Article 14 of the treaty provides for a special regime of self-government for the two islands ensuring protection of life and property; freedom for the Greek inhabitants of the island to exercise their religion and to speak their native language is also provided for. However, the Turkish authorities since 1964 have closed down schools, looted churches and seized 90 per cent of farm land to build prisons and army camps. Only 300 Greeks, most of them elderly, remain on the islands today, compared to about 8,000 before 1964.

[8] 'Milliyet' finds more 'grey areas'

The Turkish daily 'Milliyet' said yesterday islets such as Farmakonisi, Agathonisi and Kalolimnos, all close to the Asia Minor coast, comprise "grey areas" that do not belong to either Greece or Turkey.

The Istanbul newspaper presented the most recent Turkish positions concerning areas in the Aegean over which Ankara disputes Greek sovereignty.

According to an article in the daily, besides the sovereignty of the larger inhabited Aegean islands, where Greek sovereignty is based on bilateral and international agreements, there exist other islands, islets and rocks that "Greece considers its territory" without being supported by any agreement.

Milliyet states that the islets are a type of "no man's land" but that Ankara has decided for the moment to not bring the matter up for discussion, before recourse is made for some type of "arbitration."

There was "a clear lack of coordination between the Turkish foreign ministry and the armed forces general staff" over the recent raising of the Gavdos issue during planning of a NATO exercise, director of the 'Hurriyet' newspaper, Ertogrul Ozkiok, wrote in an article yesterday.

Referring to statements by Turkish Foreign Minister Emre Gonensay and navy chief Admiral Dervisoglu on the issue, the author says they are contradictory and show a clear lack of coordination between the two bodies.

He also refers to a study drawn up by the Turkish navy, concerning the Aegean islands, in which Gavdos is classified as one of the "islets whose status is unclear". The Turkish officer who raised the issue at NATO, acted on the basis of these instructions, says Mr. Ozkiok.

He goes on to say that it is by now obvious that the Imia crisis, earlier in the year, and now the Gavdos issue, have "cornered" Turkey, which like a "large ship" cannot easily manoeuvre.

"The Greek positions have, in the case of Gavdos, elicited even greater support than in the case of Kardak (Imia)," he says.

[9] Greece ready to defend itself, president tells German Greeks

President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos told an audience of Greeks in Munich yesterday that Greece was quite capable of defending itself but expressed the hope that it would not be forced to.

Speaking in the Orthodox Church of the Ayion Panton to members of the Greek community on the last day of an official visit to Germany, Mr. Stephanopoulos said that "none of the problems currently facing Greece were caused by us."

"Others have created the problems," he said.

Mr. Stephanopoulos asked where Greece was to blame vis-a-vis Turkey, stressing "we never persecuted the Turkish clergy, we never desecrated Turkish graves, the Moslem minority in Thrace enjoys complete religious freedom.

"We do not want military conflict and we have proposed the only way which civilized countries resolve their differences. But there are of course uncivilized countries. We proposed to them to seek recourse - together if they want - to the International Court of Justice at the Hague, because we are certain that we are in the right and will be vindicated. And the Turks know it too, and this is why they refuse," Mr. Stephanopoulos said. The president added that Greece expected, but would not beg for, solidarity from its EU partners.

"We do not want to upset the old friendship between Germany and Turkey, but beyond economic and other interests, there are certain principles which must remain unassailable. Greece is in favor of Turkey coming closer to Europe, but not at the expense o f our national interests. Greece will not accept behavior which offends the country," Mr. Stephanopoulos said.

The president also underlined the need for national unity, noting that "Greeks march on united and are of the same mind when it comes to national issues."

Mr. Stephanopoulos returned to Athens yesterday afternoon, accompanied by Alternate Foreign Minister George Romeos.

[10] PASOK gaining but ND still has slight lead, new poll shows

A recent opinion poll has shown the main opposition party, New Democracy, losing its edge over ruling party PASOK but still ahead in voters' preferences.

The MRB poll conducted on behalf of the Mega Channel TV network showed ND retaining its lead with 28.1 per cent, with PASOK improving slightly on performances in previous polls with 25.4 per cent.

The other parties trailing behind are Political Spring with 4.9 per cent, the Coalition of the Left and Progress 4.6 per cent, the Communist Party of Greece (KKE) 4.3 per cent and the Democratic Social Movement (DHKKI) with 3.7 per cent. The poll revealed that 40.3 per cent of respondents consider a PASOK government headed by Costas Simitis more efficient, compared to 27.4 per cent for an ND government headed by Miltiades Evert.

First in popularity among political party leaders was Nikos Constantopoulos (Coalition of the Left) with 50.5 per cent followed by Costas Simitis a close second with 49.5 per cent, Dimitris Tsovolas (DHKKI) 45.3 per cent, Antonis Samaras (Political Spring) 28.9 per cent, Miltiades Evert 27.4 per cent and Aleka Papariga (KKE) with 20.6 per cent.

Costas Simitis comes first in popularity among PASOK voters with 37.3 per cent as against 10 per cent for his nearest rival, Interior Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos.

[11] Kremastinos interview

Meanwhile, Dimitris Kremastinos, a former minister and personal physician to former prime minister Andreas Papandreou, told an interviewer on Wednesday that he predicted Mr. Papandreou would make an intercession before the party's congress at the end of the month. He did not rule out the possibility of Mr. Papandreou attending the congress, and expressed support for a meeting between Mr. Papandreou and Mr. Simitis.

[12] Israeli official confirms scheduled Greek-Israeli naval exercises

An Israeli government official confirmed yesterday that Israel and Greece had agreed to hold joint naval exercises in the eastern Mediterranean in the next few months. The Israeli media reported that the purpose of the exercises w as to allay Greece's fears over the strengthening of military ties between Israel and Turkey.

When queried on these assessments, Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesman Yigal Palmor said the decision on the exercises had been taken 18 months ago.

Eleni Tzanetoulea from the Greek Embassy in Tel Aviv said Greece was not concerned over the military agreement between Israel and Turkey.

"I don't think that this agreement is threatening," she said.

[13] Albanian opposition parties call for Greece's help

High-ranking officials of Albania's opposition parties yesterday called on Greece to do all it could on an international level to help resolve the problems caused by the recent controversial elections.

The delegation told a press conference in Athens yesterday that events in Albania "are jeopardizing not only democracy in the country, but Greek-Albanian relations themselves."

Deputy Socialist Party Chairman Namik Dokle, Democratic Alliance President Neritan Ceka and Social Democrat Chairman Skender Gjinushi said their aim "is not for Greece to react against what happened in Albania, but for it to act as a middleman in international organizations for the solution of the Albanian problem."

Mr. Ceka stressed that Europe "has its share of responsibility for the finding of a solution and the avoidance of the installation of a dictatorial regime in the midst of Europe."

He said Albania has been "created over the past four years by Europe, which has provided $1,400 billion for the reconstruction of the economy, a reconstruction which does not exist due to the operation of a pro-capitalist economy, based on smuggling and the mafia, as the state is non-existent."

The three speakers stressed that on May 26 when the Albanian elections were held, President Sali Berisha "broke his contract with the West" and added that the only feasible compromise is the holding of new elections in three to four months' time with an inter-party government and supervision by international organizations.

The delegation arrived in Athens on Tuesday on the second stop of their tour of European countries and met with political figures, including Coalition of the Left and Progress Party President Nikos Constantopoulos and former foreign ministers Karolos Papoulias and Mihalis Papaconstantinou. They were due to meet with Press Minister Dimitris Reppas yesterday afternoon.

The Albanian delegation has already visited Brussels, where they met with the European Commission and Eurodeputies, and is due to continue with visits to Rome and Paris.

[14] Samaras tells future EU presidency of dangers of Turkish stance for Greece and Europe

Political Spring party leader Antonis Samaras met Irish Prime Minister John Bruton, who will be assuming the European Union's six-month rotating presidency on July 1, on Wednesday night, bringing to his attention the dangers Turkey's aggressiveness created for peace in the region and warning him of Europe's position on Greek-Turkish relations. "I told Mr. Bruton specifically that the policy of equal distances, followed by some European partners in Greek-Turkish relations, is dangerous from the point of view that they encourage Turkey's provocative stance towards Greece and of course tears European credibility to shreds. Turkey's attitude eliminates every concept of international law and of course poses a threat for peace and security in our region. The Greek people feel bitterness over the position of some countries in Europe concerning Greek-Turkish relations," he said.

Mr. Samaras was due to leave Dublin for Athens yesterday.

[15] Kurds march through Athens in solidarity with hunger strikers in Turkish jails

Scores of Kurds, many wearing traditional dress, marched through downtown Athens yesterday to protest what they called appalling conditions and atrocities in Turkish prisons. The march was in support of Kurdish prisoners in some 35 Turkish jails who have been on hunger strike for 49 days. Many are reportedly close to death, while about 20 have already lost their sight. The prisoners were captured during the Kurds' 12-year campaign for independence for autonomy in southeast Turkey. Marchers assembled in Klafthmonos Square, where members of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) have been staging a hunger strike for the last nine days in support of demands that Kurdish captives should be treated as prisoners of war. They are also demanding that Ankara respond to a unilateral cease-fire declared by the PKK, an end to the "policy of destruction, massacres and murders," as well as implementation by Ankara of the Geneva Convention.

[16] Greece positive about Polish bid for NATO, Kouris tells Polish foreign minister

National Defense Under-secretary Nikos Kouris had talks yesterday with visiting Polish Foreign Minister Darusz Rosati on European security issues and NATO's enlargement eastwards.

Mr. Rosati, on the second and final day of his visit, expressed his country's desire to join NATO and asked for Athens' support in its efforts.

Mr. Kouris stressed that Greece viewed Warsaw's bid to join the alliance in a very positive light. During his talks with Mr. Rosati, Mr. Kouris outlined the security problems in the region and discussed issues of bilateral co-operation.

Greece and Poland signed a defense co-operation agreement in 1992 providing for military exchanges and the manufacture or purchase of defense material.

The two countries on Wednesday signed a friendship and co-operation accord following talks here between Mr. Rosati and Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos.

In talks later with Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis, Mr. Rosati expressed Poland's respect for the principles of international law and the international treaties pertaining to the Aegean.

He also expressed Warsaw's strong opposition to any change of borders in Europe as well as to any threat or use of force. During the talks, Mr. Rosati asked Mr. Kaklamanis for the Greek Parliament's support in ratifying the bilateral accord signed Wednesday and for Poland's bid to join the European Union and NATO.

Mr. Kaklamanis praised Poland's adherence to the principles of international law and its support for the treaties concerning the Aegean, expressing support for Warsaw's efforts to come closer to Europe and assuring Mr. Rosati that the Greek Parliament would ratify any Greek-Polish agreement without delay.

On the question of stability and peace in Europe, Mr. Kaklamanis pointed to the need for a pan-European security system, with the participation of the former eastern bloc countries, which would guarantee the security of borders.

[17] Pensioners rally outside Parliament for more money

Roughly 2,000 pensioners held a rally in Kaningos Square at 10am yesterday before marching to Parliament to press their demand that low pensions be brought into line with 20 daily wages of an unskilled worker and all other pensions to be made equal to 80 per cent of salaries.

A three-hour work stoppage called by the General Confederation of Workers of Greece (GSEE) began at the same time in a show of solidarity with the pensioners.

"We disagree with the government's decision to increase pensions of up to 100,000 drachmas by 11,400 drachmas," a GSEE announcement said, adding that this decision has excluded the vast majority of pensioners.

President of the federation of pensioners of the Greek Self-Employed Professionals and Craftsmen Pension Fund (TEBE) Christos Triantis said that "if the government does not reply to our positions and proposals, our struggles will intensify nationally an d during the summer I am afraid we will reach the point where the struggle will be relentless."

The Struggle Coordinating Committee of pensioners' organizations met with Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis and delivered a resolution condemning the position of the government, which it said "has chosen a shameful scenario in the handling of pensioners' issues through an insensitive policy without a social character."

Mr. Kaklamanis told the committee representatives that Parliament is following their problems and added they must not doubt the positive climate within the government for possible amendments to its decisions.

"The government ought to get the pensioners' message," GSEE President Christos Protopapas said.

Meanwhile, pensioners in Thessaloniki held a rally at the city's Labor Center yesterday, saying they are determined to continue mobilizations until lower pensions reach 112,000 drachmas, while another rally was held by pensioners in Kavalla.

[18] Arab market offers favorable prospects for Greek tourism

The Greek National Tourism Organization (EOT) and Olympic Airways participated for the first time in an international tourism exhibition in Kuwait, during which they noted favorable prospects for attracting high income tourists from the Arab countries.

EOT's and OA's participation in the exhibition was supported by the Greek embassy in Kuwait.

During the exhibition, the Greek representatives received numerous requests for information on specific destinations within Greece, while an interest was expressed for business co-operation with Greek tourist organizations.

It was noted that although the country is popular as a holiday destination to the Arab market, Greece has not yet developed existing possibilities in this sector, and both EOT and the Greek embassy promised to make efforts in order to aid those interested in traveling to the country.

Olympic Airways announced that it has already planned an increase in direct flights between Athens and Kuwait from two to three times a week.

The Kuwaiti exhibition was the last exhibition abroad in which EOT is to participate this year.

[19] Good prospects for more trade between Greece, Tunisia, Tunisian trade minister says

Tunisian Trade Minister Slaheddine Ben Mbarek yesterday referred to the large potential for the growth of trade between Greece and his country, in an address to the Athens Chamber of Trade and Industry (EBEA).

Mr. Mbarek stressed the need for further co-operation in the industry and services sectors, especially tourism. He said that the main means of developing such co-operation was the appropriate exchange of information and continuous business contacts.

He announced the signing of an agreement between the Chambers of the two countries, as well as the start to the operation of a business council between Greek and Tunisian employers.

The meeting was also addressed by EBEA president Yiannis Papathanasiou, and the two countries' ambassadors.

[20] Trade relations

Greek-Tunisian trade exchange shows strong fluctuations, reaching a volume of $113.9 million in 1992, $44.7 million in 1993, and $94.4 million in 1994.

Greek exports increased by 66.4 per cent over the last two years, being represented mainly by textile fibres, inorganic chemicals, and metals, such as iron and steel.

Imports from Tunisia have almost tripled in the last three years, rising to $45.8 million.

A relevant EBEA study points out that prospects for improving economic relations are most positive, as the income level of Tunisian consumers is constantly rising, and the liberalization of the economy is proceeding at a fast pace.

[21] 2,000 die annually on Greek roads, parliamentary committee says

More than 2,000 people are killed each year and 32,000 are injured in 22,000 traffic accidents in Greece, Parliament's Inter-party Committee said in a report publicized on Wednesday.

According to the report, Greece comes second in the world for road accidents, and while the number of accidents in European Union countries fell by 9 per cent, it increased by 34 per cent in Greece. The number of fatalities in EU countries decreased by 22 per cent and increased by 64 per cent in Greece.

The report revealed that the annual socioeconomic costs of traffic accidents in Greece is estimated to amount to 115 billion drachmas. According to statistics, 67.6 per cent of accidents occur on municipal roads and 21 per cent on national roads.

In European Union countries, 131 people are killed from traffic accidents per one million residents, compared to 217 in Greece, while fatalities per one million cars amount to 285 in the EU and 801 in Greece.

The report revealed that in the years of 1987-1993, 51 per cent of those killed in such accidents were drivers, 24 per cent were pedestrians and 25 per cent were passengers, while 77 per cent of the total fatalities were men and 23 per cent were women.

Deputies said the non-implementation of laws was the main reason behind the problem, as was the lack of a road network and the poor maintenance of existing roads.

End of English language section.