A.N.A. Bulletin, 12/09/96

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

Athens News Agency Directory

ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No 987), September 12, 1996

Greek Press & Information Office

Ottawa, Canada

E-Mail Address: grnewsca@sympatico.ca

CONTENTS

[1] Simitis outlines PASOK's foreign policy goals

Prime Minister Costas Simitis yesterday presented his ruling PASOK party's six "directions" as a basis for the country's foreign policy in order to promote national issues and create a strong Greece.

"The strategic goal," Mr. Simitis told a press conference, "is a strong Greece for the defense of our national sovereignty, stability and friendship in the region, within the framework of the new order of things which has been shaped at an international level."

The six-point package features political and economic initiatives in the Balkans and the southeastern Mediterranean, initiatives with Greece's EU partners and allies aimed at consolidating peace and stability and Greece's "vivid" presence at international organizations "in order to make new friends."

In addition, Mr. Simitis said, Greece in all negotiations would seek institutions, guarantees and measures which serve broader interests as well as those of the country.

Fifthly, the premier continued, Greece would persist in exercising steady pressure "for an international society which respects the rules of international law."

Lastly, Greece would develop policies at all levels which strengthen the country's defense deterrent capability in order to confront all designs against the country.

Mr. Simitis said the threat from Turkey was the main foreign policy problem but noted a change in attitude on the part of Greece's allies in favor of Greek positions.

"This has been the result of our political and diplomatic counter-attack with arguments, cool-headedness and prudence," Mr. Simitis said.

For the first time, Mr. Simitis said, Greece had a comprehensive policy for the Balkans, aimed at consolidating the country's position as a factor for stability and co-operation in various sectors.

The prime minister added that he would visit a number of Balkan capitals, while visits by Balkan leaders to Greece were pending.

Mr. Simitis reiterated that the Cyprus problem was of top priority for Greece, which would continue its efforts for a just settlement and the island republic's accession to the European Union.

He confirmed that he would visit Cyprus on October 1.

Commenting on the planned arms procurements program for Greece's military, Mr. Simitis stressed that "the main axis of our defense policy is our deterrence capability against the Turkish threat."

In this respect, he went on, a full program has been prepared to modernize the armed forces "but what is needed is a strong economy and society and not the verbal outbursts of (the main opposition) New Democracy."

Mr. Simitis also made special reference to the initiatives which Greece must undertake in the EU, concerning in particular the inter-governmental conference (IGC), the broadening and reform of structural funds and the transition to economic and monetary union (EMU).

The prime minister forecast tough negotiations but expressed optimism that Greece would attain its targets.

[2] Simitis on ND foreign policy plans

Mr. Simitis criticized the main opposition New Democracy party, saying it was unable to implement a specific policy and that during its last term in power ('90-'93) it had caused lack of credibility abroad and confusion in Greece due to its lack of strategy.

"During its three years in power, ND canceled out its own policies with its double talk on the Yugoslavia issue, it widened existing confrontations and caused confusion in Greece and lack of credibility abroad," he said.

He accused ND of trying to create "momentary impressions" for petty party reasons "even on national issues."

Referring to ND leader Miltiades Evert's recent remark that "if seven Turkish aircraft violate Greek airspace, Athens will send 14," Mr. Simitis described it as a "dangerous recipe which would lead to an uncontrollable situation."

"The main opposition party, in the face of the standing expansionist policy of Turkey, which according to the various conjunctions escalates the tension, has the following recipe: 'Further escalation of the tension and whatever happens'," Mr. Simitis said.

Criticizing ND's proposed foreign policy in general, Mr. Simitis underlined the government's achievements, particularly the interim agreement with the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), the improvement in relations with Albania and Greece's initiatives in the Balkans.

With regard to the Balkans and the southeastern Mediterranean, Mr. Simitis presented a package of political, institutional and economic proposals which he described as a "comprehensive package for security, friendship and co-operation on the basis of equality."

The central axes of the package, Mr. Simitis said, were Greece's firm support for the aspirations of the Balkan countries vis-a-vis the European Union, the establishment of regular contacts and co-operation between the defense ministers of the Balkan countries, coordination for combating organized crime and co-operation between the Balkan states and the other countries of the Mediterranean.

Turning to economic co-operation, Mr. Simitis referred to the undertaking of initiatives and multilateral dialogue concerning the possibility of creating "a financial area of co-operation in the Balkans, to operate in good collaboration with the EU".

Replying to reporters' questions, Mr. Simitis criticized the proposals announced by New Democracy one by one.

On Mr. Evert's proposal to set up a council of political party leaders to chart a common foreign policy strategy, Mr. Simitis counter-proposed the upgrading of Parliament "which should function as a generator of policy...".

Mr. Simitis also rejected Mr. Evert's proposal for the establishment of a permanent foreign under-secretary post, described as "a great mistake" ND's call for the renegotiation of the Greek economy's convergence program, while regarding Mr. Evert's proposal for a joint visit to Cyprus by the premier and main opposition leader, Mr. Simitis said: "Mr. Evert apparently hasn't the faintest idea of what is going on in Cyprus."

Clarifying his position, Mr. Simitis said that there was unanimity among the political forces of Cyprus as to strategy and targets, but differences of opinion concerning tactics.

"This must first be cleared up within the framework of the Cyprus leadership, followed by discussion with Greece, which under no circumstances should seek to impose on the Cypriots the policy which they should follow," Mr. Simitis added.

The prime minister also rejected Mr. Evert's proposal for the formation of a national foreign policy council, saying that the Government Council for Foreign Policy and Defense (KYSEA) secretariat was already performing such duties. Disagreeing with an ND recommendation for a ten-year armaments program, Mr. Simitis said the armed forces leadership considered a medium-term arms program to be more sound.

Mr. Simitis discounted Mr. Evert's proposal for a meeting of Balkan premiers within three months as being "ridiculous" without any prior preparation.

"Mr. Evert appears to imagine that the prime ministers of the Balkan countries are nothing but a committee of New Democracy," Mr. Simitis said.

Asked by reporters whether his government was under international pressure to change the status quo in the Aegean, Mr. Simitis dismissed the question, saying "I realized nothing of the kind," and adding that "Greece is non-negotiable."

Concerning the Cyprus defense doctrine, he reiterated that it constituted his government's firm policy, adding however that the doctrine needed to be more detailed in some aspects.

The doctrine, he added, meant that if Greece "has to go to war then war will be conducted also in the regions of Thrace, the Aegean and Cyprus."

Replying to questions regarding Greek-Turkish relations, Mr. Simitis said Greece's policy was a "step-by-step rapprochement" and that this policy "has been internationally accepted."

Referring to the name issue of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, he said "valuable time has been lost due to the (past) handling of the ND administration."

He said his government followed a steady course of action, evidenced by the achievement of the interim agreement which constitutes the basis for the development of economic relations between the two countries.

He said the name issue was handled by special UN mediator Cyrus Vance, adding that PASOK has committed to participate in this negotiation.

"We negotiate means we discuss," he concluded.

[3] Evert responds to Simitis. Greece's defense relies on unity

Main opposition New Democracy party leader Miltiades Evert yesterday called for a unified foreign and defense policy, stressing that Greece's "deterrent force relies on the unity of the Greek people."

He was commenting on the prime minister and PASOK leader Costas Simitis' presentation earlier in the day of the six directions forming the country's foreign policy and his rejection of ND's foreign policy positions.

The ND leader said the prime minister's package was full of generalizations and "self-evident things which every Greek government is obliged to do."

Expressing surprise at Mr. Simitis' rejection of his proposal, Mr. Evert said the prime minister "either did not understand the context of his proposals or has entered into commitments abroad."

Mr. Evert said that during Mr. Simitis' eight-month term in office the prime minister had not recorded any success in the field of foreign policy and criticized him for his handling of the Imia crisis in late January, accusing him of adopting a policy of concessions.

Mr. Evert reiterated that any extension of the occupied territory by Turkey in Cyprus would be cause for war, adding that the new government "should be prepared to prevent a repetition of the Imia fiasco".

He accused US President Bill Clinton of "scheming and hatching devilish plans against Greece".

Regarding Mr. Simitis' refusal to convene a political leaders' council, Mr. Evert said such a council "will not result in disagreements (as claimed) since disagreements are caused by petty party interests."

Referring to his proposal for a joint visit to Cyprus by Greece's new prime minister and opposition leader, after elections, Mr. Evert said it had been positively met in Cyprus adding that "a united Greek and Cypriot political leadership is very important to the Cypriot people."

Turning to the Skopje issue, Mr. Evert said "we should not entrust the national issue to a mediator."

The opposition leader reiterated his proposal for Greek initiatives for a broad understanding in the Balkans and criticized the prime minister for rejecting the ND proposal for a Balkan prime ministers' meeting.

Earlier, ND spokesman Prokopis Pavlopoulos commented on Mr. Simitis' announcements.

"The prime minister added nothing new to the proposals put forward by Mr. Evert, reiterated his favorite exposition of ideas which is a monument to vagueness and a conglomeration of self-conflicting positions," Mr. Pavlopoulos said.

"Whatever is positive in foreign policy is due to New Democracy and Mr. Simitis forgets that the positions which he now espouses were supported by ND right from the outset," he added.

Mr. Pavlopoulos insisted on the renegotiation of the economic convergence program, which he described in its current form as a "divergence program."

"Mr. Simitis either is unaware of the reality or is placing Greece in the second speed," the spokesman added.

[4] Other party reactions

Political Spring leader Antonis Samaras described Mr. Simitis as "a prime minister who leaves huge gaps when he speaks about our national issues... he is unable to present to the Greek people a clear-cut national line of policy... he is a prime minister who is unsuitable for protecting the country's interests."

Mr. Samaras criticized Mr. Simitis for giving "vague replies" on the FYROM issue, Greek-Turkish dialogue and Cyprus, and called on the premier to clarify his positions before general elections on September 22.

The Communist Party of Greece (KKE) said yesterday's press conference by Mr. Simitis in effect constituted a "general pardon for the United States, NATO and the European Union."

"Mr. Simitis announced the foreign policy which he will follow, a policy which above all will serve the new order of things in the region and has nothing to do with the protection of Greece's interests and the peaceful co-existence of peoples on an equal basis," KKE Secretary-General Aleka Papariga said.

Ms Papariga charged that Mr. Simitis' ascertainment that the allies had taken a recent turn in favor of Greece's positions on national issues had "not been seen by anyone or realized by anyone because it never happened."

[5] Pangalos lashes back at Evert

Responding later to Mr. Evert's comments, Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos accused him of "evoking the notion of national unity in order to exploit the feelings of the Greek people".

"How will Mr. Evert, who has accused us of treason, sit at the same table with us?" he asked, pointing out that the opposition leader had been "systematically refusing to participate in debate at the (parliamentary) committee of foreign affairs and defense".

Mr. Pangalos then invited Mr. Evert to comment on his predecessor, former premier Constantine Mitsotakis' view, expressed when he was in office, that calls for the establishment of a national foreign policy council "are oddities heard only in Greece," and that "parties have nothing to say about foreign policy, this is why they keep returning to the issue of setting up a council".

He noted that the opposition leader had "even managed to involve himself in the American presidential elections, accusing President Clinton of scheming and hatching plans against Greece," and wondered how Mr. Evert proposed to face Mr. Clinton, if he is re-elected, after such accusations".

Regarding the proposal for the establishment of a post of permanent foreign under-secretary, Mr. Pangalos said that the foreign ministry's present Secretary-General, ambassador Costas Georgiou, ensured both continuity in foreign policy and respect for seniority.

Finally, he called on Mr. Evert to completely abandon, following his press conference, foreign policy issues until the end of the pre-election campaign, "in order to obtain then the answer that befits him".

Mr. Pangalos earlier yesterday said that the main opposition New Democracy party's declared foreign policy axis was "incomprehensible."

Regarding ND leader Miltiades Evert's proposal for an Inter-Balkan summit to take place in March, Mr. Pangalos said PASOK had already proposed the convening of such a meeting to take place with the participation of Balkan foreign ministers in Thessaloniki and to be followed, if successful, by a prime ministers' meeting.

He said the government had made the proposal during the recent meeting of foreign ministers from the Balkans in Sofia.

Quizzed as to whether he would keep his position in the new government, if PASOK wins elections this month, Mr. Pangalos said the issue of a new PASOK cabinet was premature and that the prime minister is responsible for forming his government.

[6] Tsohatzopoulos not concerned over results of opinion polls

Former interior minister and PASOK Parliamentary candidate in the first Thessaloniki region Akis Tsohatzopoulos said PASOK would win the September 22 general elections, adding that he is not concerned over the results of opinion polls.

Speaking to reporters while on a tour of schools in Thessaloniki yesterday, he said "opinion polls simply confirm something that I have said, that is that PASOK started the election struggle against the opposition with a relative delay."

Mr. Tsohatzopoulos said "efforts for communication are escalating and their results will appear at the end of the week," and added that it the "liquidity" which appeared in the opinion polls was natural. "However, my profound faith is that over the next two weeks the election struggle will confirm which political proposal is leading. I am certain that the lead is on the side of the progressive proposal made by PASOK to Greek society," he added.

Referring to Democratic Social Movement (DHKKI) leader Dimitris Tsovolas, Mr. Tsohatzopoulos said that Mr. Tsovolas "substantively supports the positions which PASOK turned into practice, to a great degree, during its period of government."

Replying to a question regarding Mr. Tsovolas' position that "the old PASOK has changed and has become the PASOK of Mr. Simitis", Mr. Tsohatzopoulos said "everyone can excuse the founding of their own party in any way they wish," but added that "with isolated personal proposals you can not answer to society's problems."

[7] PASOK is the only choice, Simitis tells Cretan supporters

The Sept. 22 poll is not a simple electoral contest but in effect a "referendum" for a strong Greece, for its course and the future of the land, PASOK leader and Prime Minister Costas Simitis told a party rally in Iraklion yesterday.

Mr. Simitis received an enthusiastic welcome from locals when he arrived at Iraklion airport earlier, the biggest and warmest reception in the PASOK election campaign so far.

Crete is traditionally a PASOK stronghold.

"Crete today is not only giving the message that the victory of PASOK is certain but that it will be great, because Greece needs a strong government," Mr. Simitis told supporters.

He reiterated that a vote for smaller left parties was in essence a vote for a New Democracy government. "Either the progressive movement will win the elections or the conservative party will," he said. "There is no other choice".

He criticized ND's economic policies which he said served the interests of the few and said its foreign policy platform was "a policy of reactions, excesses and false patriotism".

Mr. Evert is falling into a trap set by Turkey which is seeking dialogue with Ankara on all issues, Mr. Simitis said, and added that ND's policy is dangerous as by increasing tensions, it could lead to "uncontrollable situations".

"We will not fall into the trap and be dragged to a comprehensive dialogue under the observation of the United States or other countries. For us the slogan 'Greece to the Greeks' always applies.

Greece is non-negotiable and our sovereign rights cannot be the object of any dialogue," the prime minister said.

[8] Evert certain of victory

Main opposition New Democracy party leader Miltiades Evert expressed his certainty of an ND victory in the elections on September 22 during his speech at a gathering of his party's supporters in the town of Arta, Epirus.

Mr. Evert said that "Mr. Simitis' outgoing government ... cannot start, much less finish any projects," and stressed that his party is fighting against vested interests.

The opposition leader said his party believes in the drawing up of a national foreign and defense policy as he said the people of Greece could not stand another 'Imia' or any more concessions being made. "We did not lower the Greek flag, we did not than k the American government and we did not apologize to the Germans," he said.

[9] KKE accuses Simitis of serving foreign interests

Communist Party of Greece (KKE) Secretary General Aleka Papariga told reporters yesterday that Prime Minister Costas Simitis "has issued a pardon to the US and NATO, as well as to the European Union."

Commenting on Mr. Simitis' press conference held yesterday at the Zappeion Hall, Ms. Papariga said the foreign policy announced by the prime minister was one of primarily serving the new world order in the region and had nothing to do with the protection of Greek interests and the peaceful and equal cohabitation of peoples.

Ms. Papariga said the Prime Minister's statement that the country's allies have made a turn in favor of Greece on national issues lately had not been seen or understood by anyone because it had never taken place.

"There is not even one statement in favor of Greece, while the European Union refuses to guarantee our borders as borders of the EU," she added.

Referring to the International Court at The Hague, Ms. Papariga said "we all know that the International Court is not composed of impartial judges, but of employees of primarily US interests who have the leadership of Turkey as their first representative in the region."

Ms. Papariga accused the prime minister of exercising "terror ...that if PASOK is not voted in to power, chaos will prevail," and said that "we have been hearing this for the past 22 years with different variations from the two main parties."

[10] Coalition leader confident of a return to Parliament

Coalition of the Left and Progress leader Nikos Constantopoulos yesterday reiterated his conviction that this party would be returned to Parliament in elections later this month.

As his two-day visit to Crete drew to its close, Mr. Constantopoulos said he was satisfied with the election atmosphere on the island but added that ruling PASOK and main opposition New Democracy nurtured a climate of bi-polarism with the aim of reinforcing the major parties and causing minor parties to lose votes.

The Coalition of the Left and Progress was knocked out of Parliament in the October 1993 poll under the new electoral system which defined a three per cent threshold nationwide for representation in the House. The party is represented in the European Parliament.

[11] Pangalos comments on various foreign policy issues

Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos told reporters yesterday that if consultations regarding the Skopje name issue between Athens and FYROM came to an impasse then UN special mediator Cyrus Vance should have to call on the UN Security Council to impose an international name on Skopje, a procedure applied in similar cases in the past.

Regarding evidence by the Cyprus government that the so-called "agriculture minister" in the Turkish-occupied areas was one of the murderers of Greek Cypriot Solomos Solomou, Mr. Pangalos said Greece should present this new evidence for consideration to its European partners.

Solomou was fatally shot by Turkish occupation forces during occupation protests at the demarcation line of the divided island in August. Just a few days before his murder, a Turkish mob of extremists had brutally clubbed another young Cypriot protester to death.

Mr. Pangalos reminded reporters that during the recent unofficial EU foreign ministers' council in Ireland "our country denounced efforts by Ankara and the 'Denktash group' to show that the incidents in Dherynia constitute evidence that Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots allegedly cannot live together."

"We have explained to our partners," Mr. Pangalos said, "that the overwhelming majority of the Turkish Cypriots want to live with the Greek Cypriots in peace and democracy in a European Cyprus."

Quizzed on a 'Washington Times' article alleging that the Greek government supports the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), Mr. Pangalos called on the US newspaper not to convey Turkish propaganda "lightly."

Responding to the claim that there was a PKK training camp in Evia, Mr. Pangalos ironically replied that the thousands of tourists visiting the island can "easily verify this".

The Minister said Greece had refugee settlements for Kurds fleeing from Turkish slaughter and terrorism.

Reporters defending the slaughterers instead of the victims of a genocide should feel ashamed, he added.

[12] Gov't denies 'Washington Times' report

The government yesterday described as a "tradition" of the 'Washington Times' its habit of publishing information supposedly originating from secret service sources.

Caretaker Press and Media Minister Dimitris Konstas made the statement when asked to comment on an article in the US newspaper supposedly citing CIA sources and claiming that the Greek government supports the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK).

The Greek Embassy in Washington has already categorically rejected the newspaper's claims, a rejection which was accepted by a State Department spokesman, who said it must be respected since it came from "an ally of the United States."

[13] Protocol of co-operation between foreign ministries of Greece, Belarus signed

Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos and his Belorussian counterpart Vladimir Syanko yesterday signed a protocol of co-operation in Athens, regarding the regular contacts between the foreign ministries of the two countries.

Speaking after the meeting, Mr. Pangalos said discussion included issues of economic and international co-operation with other countries. He added that Mr. Syanko, the first Belorussian government official to visit Greece, briefed him on his country's course towards European organizations and relations with the Russian Federation.

Mr. Syanko told reporters that he has invited Mr. Pangalos to visit his country, while Belorussian President Aleksander Lukashenko had extended invitations to President Kostis Stephanopoulos and Prime Minister Costas Simitis.

[14] Simitis elected Vice-President of Socialist International

Prime Minister Costas Simitis was elected to one of the 25 seats of the vice-presidency of the Socialist International yesterday, on the last day of its convention.

Mr. Simitis was elected by absolute majority, while Pierre Mauroy was elected to a second term as the organization's president.

[15] Karditsa mayor to participate in monitoring elections in Bosnia-Herzegovina

The mayor of the central Greek town of Karditsa, Athanasios Kantartzis, is to participate in the international committee of observers monitoring local elections in Bosnia-Herzegovina on Saturday, following an invitation extended by the Council of Local an d Regional Authorities of Europe.

[16] Albanians besiege Greek Consulate for visas

Hundreds of Albanians again besieged the Greek Consulate General in this southern Albanian town yesterday to apply for entry visas to Greece.

A strong police presence averted any repeat of last week's incidents when a crowd of Albanians waiting for visas besieged the building. Visa hopefuls began queuing at the building at 5am.

[17] Proposal made for of residence permits to all foreigners living in Greece

Members the National Committee Against Racism, Xenophobia and Intolerance (NCARXI) yesterday called for bold measures to alleviate the worst effects of social exclusion and economic discrimination against immigrants.

In a press conference held yesterday at the Foreign Press Association in Athens, they proposed the granting of residence permits to all foreigners already in the country, the de-penalization of the provision of work without a work permit, workers to be granted social insurance irrespective of whether they have residence permits and the extension of various social benefits provided. Magdi Helmi, representative of 'Immigrants' Forum', and Nikos Karoutsos, representative of 'Citizens' Solidarity', condemned the policy regarding residence and living conditions of immigrants in Greece.

NCARXI representatives stressed that immigrants, refugees, Gypsies and the homeless are easy targets for racism, social prejudice and aggression.

[18] Thessaloniki police arrest members of major drug ring

Police in Thessaloniki yesterday dealt a decisive blow to the drug trade when they arrested three Greeks and two Bulgarians in possession of more than 3.5 kilos of heroin destined for the local market. The five were identified as: Ioakim Karakidis, 35, Christos Hristou, 39, Alexandros Kouveloglou, 62, Kiril Trougkov, 28, and his wife Spasha Boyianova, 26. Police said they were seeking more accomplices.

Police said the heroin was imported into Greece through a network operated by Bulgarian national Basil Manikatov, 37, who is thought to control a very well-organized European-wide operation.

Manikatov has been arrested by the Greek authorities in the past and served time in prison. On his release from jail, he settled in Bulgaria, which he now uses as his operation base. According to police, Manikatov's couriers follow the mountainous path ways of Mount Belles to the border region of Promahonas. Once in Greece, his associates distribute the narcotics throughout the country.

[19] Polish officials to visit Thessaloniki next month

Polish government officials are scheduled to visit northern Greece next month to outline the legal framework governing investments and trade co-operation in Poland, within the framework of strengthening trade relations between the two countries.

A delegation of Greek businessmen will then visit Poland for an on-the-spot examination of prevailing conditions, the commercial attachi of the Polish Embassy in Athens, Eva Dolinska, said during a press conference on the occasion of Poland's participation in the 61st Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF).

The press conference was also addressed by the representative of Poland's foreign economic affairs ministry responsible for relations with European Union countries, Cheslav Jankowski, who spoke of the current situation prevailing in Poland and of progress achieved in the country's transition to a market economy.

[20] Greek-Bulgarian trade continuously on the increase

Commercial transactions between Greece and Bulgaria, where Greece has most of its foreign companies, have been improving continuously since 1990.

More specifically, from $53 million of trade transactions concluded in 1990, transactions totaled $413 million in 1994 and exceeded half a billion dollars in 1995.

The above data was disclosed by the Vice President of the Thessaloniki Chamber of Commerce and Industry (EVETH) Dimitris Bakatselos in an address made to members of a business mission from the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Shourmen, Bulgaria, who visited EVETH yesterday.

Mr. Bakatselos said relations between the two countries could be further improved due to their good relations and the familiarization of the Bulgarian market with Greek products.

He said Greece could offer a great deal to Bulgaria, regarding both farm and industrial products and the construction sector.

End of English language section.