Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 97-03-15

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

ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No 1139), March 15, 1997

Greek Press & Information Office
Ottawa, Canada
E-Mail Address: grnewsca@sympatico.ca

CONTENTS

[01] Kranidiotis: Albanian Gov't, insurgents request peacekeeping force

[02] Defense leadership considers situation

[03] WEU, political leadership

[04] Evacuation

[05] Mortar shell

[06] New Tirana Gov't

[07] Simitis, Italy's D'Alema speak on 'challenges of the Left'

[08] Other parties

[09] More understanding for Greek positions after briefing of EU on Imia, Simitis notes

[10] G. Papandreou talks with Spanish counterpart de Neguel cover several issues

[11] Navy denies Ankara's claims that Greek ship fired on Turkish vessel

[12] Constantopoulos, D'Alema meeting

[13] Papandreou visits Sweden

[14] Pangalos to attend EU General Affairs Council this weekend

[15] Reppas on V. Papandreou's meeting with businessmen

[16] Van den Broek holds series of meetings on Cyprus issue

[17] News in Brief

[01] Kranidiotis: Albanian Gov't, insurgents request peacekeeping force

Brindisi, 15/03/1997 (ANA - L. Hatzikyriakos)

"Today's meeting was very useful. We met with Mr. Fino, the foreign minister, and the chief of the Albanian army. They conveyed the request for the immediate formation of an international peace force that will restore order. The same request was made by the delegates of the 15 (insurgents) committees, which stated that they support the new government, while insisting on the resignation of (Albanian President Sali) Berisha and compensation for the money (Albanian citizens) lost," he said, referring to the failed pyramid schemes that sparked the crisis.

"These delegates held a unanimous stand and claimed that they represented all the rebel forces. They stressed that this is not a civil war, it is not a north-south confrontation, but an outburst caused by lack of democracy and the economic problems," he added.

Replying to a questions, Mr. Kranidiotis said it was not clear whether it would be the OSCE or the UN that would form the multinational force, and that would have to be discussed with European partners.

Back in Athens late last night, he revealed that there was an OSCE plan currently in the stage of preparation, which envisages the beginning of dialogue between the new government and citizens' committees as well as the handing over of weapons to the peace force dispatched.

"There is no doubt that if such a force is formed, Greece must see its participation in a positive light," he added.

He referred especially to the constructive role played by Greece either through its own initiatives, or in co-operation with Italy, the EU and OSCE, making continuous efforts for the finding of a peaceful solution.

"The Greek presence today sent a strong message on our keen interest in the Greek minority. It was a message to the new Albanian government, the citizens' committees, and our partners," he said.

Mr. Kranidiotis announced that he would visit Gjirokaster in the next few days.

He concluded that Mr. Vranitzky will today submit his findings and will ask for the dispatch of a peace force.

[02] Defense leadership considers situation

Athens, 15/03/1997 (ANA)

Reports said emergency measures had been implemented on the Greek-Albanian frontier and that a regiment was ready to participate in a multinational force that would head to the neighboring nation if necessary.

With regard to a possible multinational peacekeeping force for Albania, government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said Athens would participate only if an official written request were made on behalf of all political forces in Albania, with a specific legal framework and under the auspices and control of an international organization. Nevertheless, he emphasized that the necessary conditions for such an undertaking did not yet exist.

Mr. Reppas added that Greece had made preparations to receive refugees from Albania in line with a request from the United Nations High Commission for Refugees, a request also been made to Italy.

He also said the issue had not been raised on whether to grant asylum to Albanian President Sali Berisha, if he left that country.

[03] WEU, political leadership

Athens, 15/03/1997 (ANA)

"It would be really hopeful if the problem in Albania could be settled through peaceful means. But if the situation worsens, then Europe can not remain silent without resorting to action, (but) would consider whether there was need to intervene," Mr. de Puig told reporters after a meeting with Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis.

Mr. de Puig later discussed the Albanian crisis with Prime Minister Costas Simitis and main opposition leader Miltiades Evert.

Mr. Evert stated afterwards that Europe had to be ready to intervene, depending on developments, and that Greece should not allow the role it could play in the region to be disregarded.

"Greece cannot suffer the consequences of what goes on in the neighboring countries and not be taken into account in the initiatives undertaken," he said.

Speaking at a press conference after a telephone conversation with Mr. Simitis, Communist Party (KKE) Secretary-General Aleka Papariga expressed her party's categorical opposition to a possible military intervention in Albania, saying it would be "criminal and disastrous" and that Greece should not participate even if Turkey and Italy did.

Ms Papariga later met at her request for an hour with the President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos, to whom she reiterated KKE's opposition to any Greek participation in a multinational intervention force.

"It is an open intervention in favor of Berisha and against the Albanian people," she claimed.

[04] Evacuation

Athens, 15/03/1997 (ANA)

The operation was backed up by other support vessels and a squad of navy commandos, National Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos told Parliament.

It was also announced that the Greek ambassador and his staff will remain in Tirana.

Additionally, Mr. Tsohatzopoulos late last night announced that a new evacuation operation by Greek armed forces is scheduled for today. In a related development, the national defense minister accepted a request by the People Republic of China's embassy and Jordanian embassy in Athens for the evacuation of 200 and 60 of their nationals, respectively, setting as a condition, however, that evacuees first arrive in the port of Durres in order to be picked up by Hellenic Navy vessels.

A massive operation by Italy to evacuate its citizens from Tirana was undertaken yesterday. Italian helicopters landed in a Tirana football field (just half a kilometer from the presidential palace) to pick up evacuees. A similar operation was undertake n by the US yesterday.

In Athens, the Greek Red Cross launched a mass appeal for food and medical aid for Albania.

[05] Mortar shell

Athens, 15/03/1997 (ANA)

The customs post on the Albanian side was abandoned by its staff on Thursday.

[06] New Tirana Gov't

Gjirokaster, 15/03/1997 (ANA - S. Liarellis)

Afterwards, Mr. Fino verified that in his meeting with OSCE mediator Franz Vranitzky, the Albanian government requested the dispatch of a peacekeeping force, while he called his talks with Foreign Under-secretary Yiannos Kranidiotis very positive, noting that he is counting on aid and co-operation with Greece.

Mr. Fino appealed to all "real patriots", as he said, to help in the defusion of the crisis by surrendering weaponry in order that the country return to a normality. He also remarked that his government "is a government of all Albania".

The new Albanian prime minister said that there are no "winners or losers, only losers" from the crisis, promising justice and objectivity in the operation of the secret services and state television.

In a related development, the Albanian government decided to institute a 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. curfew.

Insurgents in Vlore, Sarande and Gjirokaster expressed their support for the new government formed by Mr. Fino, but have gave no indication of intending to lay down their arms unless President Berisha resigned, according to reports.

The same report says that more than 10 people were killed yesterday in Tirana, with more 100 wounded, although these figures come from only the military and one civil hospital.

The spread of the armed insurrection to the north has been interpreted by the leader of the Gjirokaster rebels, Gen. Agim Gozita, as a result of the people's despair with the Berisha rather than a need to defend themselves, as people are simply seizing arms and destroying state property.

In Shkoder and other towns further north, all public buildings have been looted. In only five to seven small prefectures out of a total of 35 is there no information as to who is in control. Everywhere else the situation is either out of control or controlled by popular 'salvation committees'.

In Tirana, the political parties appear to be limiting their attempts to gain control either through the new government or international organizations. However, they continue to sign various joint agreements with Mr. Berisha, bringing them up against the insurgents, particularly in the south. The report concludes with the estimation that the appearance of Socialist leader Fatos Nano, released from prison, is eagerly awaited, although sources say he will not become involved until the issue of Sali Berisha is solved.

Finally, dozens of Albanian deserters arrived in Brindisi and gave themselves up to the authorities. In addition, six Albanian helicopters landed there, while 10 Albanian navy torpedo boats have docked, their crews requesting political asylum.

[07] Simitis, Italy's D'Alema speak on 'challenges of the Left'

Athens, 15/03/1997 (ANA)

Both leaders agreed in their assessments that the main issue today is none other than the problems created by the globalization of the economy and the need to provide answers for them. Both said that only the modern left can provide these answers.

"The socialist movement lived and made great achievements because it had the ability to overcome present-day vested interests and always gave priority to what is required today and tomorrow," Mr. Simitis said, adding that "let us seek this again", adding that for this to be achieved we must deny "yesterday, overcome today and conquer tomorrow."

He said dialogue is an investigatory mission for the center-left and that this dialogue must be sincere, be a political dialogue and be aimed at common action in society, far from short-term expediencies, demagoguery, populism or electoral expediencies.

The Greek prime minister said rejection of frontal confrontations, a characteristic of past eras, is necessary and also rejected the "economism" of the old socialist thought, according to which the liberation of production forces was sufficient for a new more human society to follow almost automatically.

Mr. Simitis said PASOK is moving in this direction as well as wider political and social forces, which see further away than party labels or political delineations.

He said the center-left is faced with 12 challenges and mentioned, among others, that the first issue raised is the "moral and political content of political and social action", the values of democracy, solidarity, social justice, individual freedom and equality and a new collectiveness must be built on the basis of these values.

Mr. Simitis referred to the relationship between society and the state, saying that the state has a directing and coordinating role to play. However, its policies must focus on man, the individual and the citizen.

On the question of economic activity, he said private initiative is worthy of protection but what is necessary are directions, control and integration.

On his part, Mr. D'Alema focused on the entire issue of problems created by the globalization of the economy, saying that the center-left must be the regulating factor between the globalized economy and the problems and claims of social forces. He said the left is the force which has combined the functioning of the market with democracy and social ideals.

He placed particular emphasis on the need for common action by socialists worldwide, and referred in particular to the role played by the Socialist International and the need to strengthen the organization.

Mr. D'Alema said the left can tackle these problems and, referring to the Maastricht Treaty, said the left must try to overcome the treaty. Otherwise, he said, the field will be open for the conservatives who cannot proceed with the concept of European unification.

He also rejected one of the basic principles of social democracy which he considered antiquated, one way or another, and according to which an increase in public investments would provide solutions for problems. He said that if this took place today inflation would increase, interest rates would be higher, capital would leave, investments would decrease, unemployment would increase and of course there would be a smaller social state.

Mr. D'Alema said the left will survive through its co-operation with other movements.

[08] Other parties

Athens, 15/03/1997 (ANA)

The Communist Party of Greece (KKE) and the Democratic Social Movement (DHKKI) did not send representatives.

[09] More understanding for Greek positions after briefing of EU on Imia, Simitis notes

Athens, 15/03/1997 (ANA)

Regarding a recent "Wall Street Journal" article referring to a briefing of US correspondents in Ankara by Turkish military leaders, which reported the disputing of "scores" of Aegean islands by Turkey's military leadership as far as Crete, the premier said:

"The Greek government has considerable information confirming that the Turkish side raises issues and makes claims.

"The Greek government's answer is not based on other maps or evidence. It is based on specific facts which are real and of which the Greek government has knowledge," Mr. Simitis said.

Athens reacted strongly to reports that Turkish military leaders were disputing a series of Greek islands, saying that such claims were "too wild for words and ludicrous."

However, Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos noted that the matter was important because Greece had always believed that the real power in Turkey was yielded by the military.

Addressing Parliament yesterday, National Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos also said that any Turkish act of aggression against Cyprus will constitute cause for war between Greece and Turkey.

Mr. Tsohatzopoulos added that "if Ankara makes a step in Cyprus this will constitute a cause for war with Greece."

"Greece will not under any circumstances accept that borders with Turkey be transferred to the Aegean," Mr. Tsohatzopoulos said.

In reply to a question by the Democratic Social Movement (DHKKI) on Greek-Turkish relations, Mr. Tsohatzopoulos said Ankara had a strategy of creating tension in the region.

[10] G. Papandreou talks with Spanish counterpart de Neguel cover several issues

Madrid, 15/03/1997 (ANA)

On the question of Albania, the two sides agreed to the need for a political solution to be sought with the participation of all the sides involved.

Mr. Papandreou underlined the special problems created for Greece by the present situation prevailing in Albania. He reiterated Athens' proposal for immediate aid in foodstuffs in the country together with economic support. He also repeated Greece's standing position on the Cyprus issue, while the Spanish side showed understanding.

Referring to relations between the EU and Turkey, Mr. Papandreou said there is no objection to Turkey's European orientation, however, he reiterated that certain preconditions should be met, namely, resolution of the Cyprus issue, Turkey's stance on the Aegean and human rights.

He said these preconditions must be fulfilled, even in the case of the special relationship between the EU and Turkey.

Concerning the Intergovernmental Conference (IGC) and Economic and Monetary Union (EMU), the two men shared similar views on a number of issues, particularly those concerning the European Parliament, with regard to joint decision-making and simplifying procedures of co-operation with the European Council.

Spain is in favor of limiting the numbers of European Commissioners, with smaller member states forming a group to be represented by one Commissioner. Greece, however, wants to maintain the current status quo, that is one Commissioner for each member-state.

With regard to the common agricultural policy and security policy, Spain favors the creation of a central body governed by the president, Council of Ministers and European Commission.

Madrid also favors the gradual integration of the Western European Union (WEU) with the European Union, with a protocol providing for mutual commitments with regard to defense.

Spain wants a protocol included in the new treaty allowing consideration of particular geographical characteristics. It declared itself open to a Greek proposal with regard to island regions.

[11] Navy denies Ankara's claims that Greek ship fired on Turkish vessel

Athens, 15/03/1997 (ANA)

An Athens News Agency dispatch from Istanbul said the Turkish foreign ministry yesterday summoned Greece's ambassador to Ankara, Dimitris Nezeritis, to protest over the alleged incident.

According to a Turkish foreign ministry announcement, "the Turkish Assistant Foreign Under-secretary Inal Batu protested to the Greek ambassador over the incident occurring in the Aegean at 8:30 p.m. yesterday (Thursday), in which a Greek coast guard vessel fired at the Turkish ship 'Deniztur', which was carrying out a regular tourist schedule."

The alleged incident was not reported in Turkey, but was revealed only through the Turkish foreign ministry's announcement.

According to information, a Greek military vessel has fired warning shots only on one occasion during the past few days, when a Turkish vessel suspected of transporting illegal immigrants failed to heed warnings from a coast guard patrol boat.

Specifically, a representative of the foreign ministry's press office said that "on the night of March 13 a Turkish merchant ship approached Agathonisi (south of the eastern Aegean island of Samos). A coast guard vessel sailing in the area contacted the

Turkish vessel through channel 16 because there were suspicions that the vessel could have been transporting illegal immigrants. The Turkish captain did not reply, following which shots were fired in the air."

Athens has continuously protested over the past few months over the significant problem of illegal immigrants being transported to Greek islands from the Asia Minor mainland.

[12] Constantopoulos, D'Alema meeting

Athens, 15/03/1997 (ANA)

Speaking after the meeting, Mr. Constantopoulos said "the meeting was friendly, because the ties which exist between the Party of the Left and the Synaspismos are both old and new. They are ties fed by the joint effort for the renewal of the left, and also the promotion of the democratic left to a factor of determining importance."

He added that "there are social, political and institutional" problems which are central concerns for both parties. We exchanged views around these problems and we developed the positions of both countries."

[13] Papandreou visits Sweden

Athens, 15/03/1997 (ANA)

The two ministers will discuss the Intergovernmental Conference, European Union enlargement, EU relations with Cyprus, NATO related issues, Greece's position in the Balkans and bilateral issues.

[14] Pangalos to attend EU General Affairs Council this weekend

Athens, 15/03/1997 (ANA)

Greece considers the council extremely important and crucial, since its agenda includes almost all issues concerning Athens' foreign policy, ranging from the Albanian crisis to the Cyprus issue, as well as the course of Cyprus' accession to the EU and prospects in relations between Europe and Turkey.

Apart from the Albanian issue, which Greek diplomacy is handling in co-operation with Italy and the EU Dutch presidency, the remaining issues are expected to be more difficult, since almost all EU partners want a goodwill gesture made for Ankara, particularly after a recent decision by the European Peoples' Party (EPP) grouping in the Europarliament which clearly stated that Turkey should not join the EU, either in the near or distant future.

Meanwhile, Greece, through statements by government spokesman Dimitris Reppas, has rejected the content of a recent letter by Turkish Foreign Minister Tansu Ciller as unsatisfactory.

Mr. Reppas has also let it be understood that Athens will maintain its veto against the fourth financial protocol for Turkey.

In a related development, the outcome of the Cyprus issue is unknown since the Dutch presidency has communicated to Athens that the scheduling of a new date for structured dialogue between the EU and Cyprus to get underway will depend a great deal on the results of this weekend's council.

[15] Reppas on V. Papandreou's meeting with businessmen

Athens, 15/03/1997 (ANA)

Ms Papandreou's talks with Socrates Kokkalis, Vardis Vardinoyiannis, Nikos Grigoriadis (a representative of the Latsis group) and Dimitris Kopelouzos was the third in a series of meeetings with prominent Greek businessmen in the framework of the government's promotion of a more aggressive policy of economic co-operation with Balkan countries in the energy and industry sectors.

Mr. Reppas denied that the creation of a parallel or private Hellenic Telecommunications Organization (OTE) was discussed, as mentioned in a press report yesterday.

[16] Van den Broek holds series of meetings on Cyprus issue

Brussels, 15/03/1997 (ANA - M. Savva)

On his part, Mr. Cavanaugh told reporters afterwards that he hoped Greek-Turkish relations will be normalized soon.

He also expressed his belief that the Cyprus issue is on course for a solution.

"The problem is that (developments) are proceeding extremely slowly," Mr. Cavanaugh told the Athens News Agency, adding: "But the slow pace does not mean there are no ways of solving the problem."

The US official expressed optimism over results of international efforts on the Cyprus problem, saying "one must be optimistic in order to seek a solution to the problem which has occurred in this corner of Europe."

After his meeting with the US official, Mr. van den Broek met with British special envoy on the Cyprus issue, Sir David Hannay, the UN Secretary General's special envoy Han Sung Joo and the UN's deputy special representative Gustave Feissel.

No details were made available on the content of the meetings.

Asked to comment on the results of his meetings, the EU commissioner stressed that "in this crucial period, when negotiations for resolving the Cyprus issue are due to begin, we all wish to help as much as possible the United Nations, and particularly Prof. Han in his efforts."

Cyprus and EU relations with Turkey are to be discussed during an informal EU General Affairs Council meeting today and tomorrow in the Netherlands.

[17] News in Brief

Athens, 15/03/1997 (ANA)

- Police yesterday arrested 53 Bulgarian nationals in Kavalla on charges of entering Greece illegally. They are thought to have been seeking work in agricultural units in the region. Another 19 illegal immigrants from Russia, Romania, Poland, Iraq and Georgia were also arrested in a separate operation after entering the country through the northern and eastern borders. All 72 illegal immigrants are to be deported.

End of English language section.

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