Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 97-08-14
From: The Greek Press & Information Office, Ottawa Canada <grnewsca@sympatico.ca>
ATHENS NEWS AGENCY BULLETIN (No 1263), August 14, 1997
Greek Press & Information Office
Ottawa, Canada
E-Mail Address: grnewsca@sympatico.ca
CONTENTS
[01] Denktash voices objections, but Cyprus talks continue
[02] Clerides takes into account all Cypriots' interests
[03] Samaranch congratulates president on success of championships
[04] IOC members continue visits to Athens
[05] Helicopter-maker Agusta protests Merchant Ministry decision
[06] ND leader to visit Nicosia
[07] Messages marking Armed Forces Day
[08] Meeting on crop damage compensation
[09] Increased devolution for Thessaly
[10] Gov't aims at revitalizing rural districts
[11] OA crash investigation
[12] Works for Athens' new airport proceed at fast pace
[13] Olympiakos thrashes Mozyr 5-0
[01] Denktash voices objections, but Cyprus talks continue
Montreux, 14/08/1997 (ANA-D. Konstantakopoulos)
Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash yesterday expressed his
objections to a new United Nations (UN) document submitted on
Tuesday for discussion at talks with Cyprus Republic President
Glafcos Clerides near Montreux, Switzerland.
Talks are continuing today in the presence of Diego Cordovez,
the UN secretary general's special advisor on the Cyprus issue,
as diplomatic observers have stated that neither Mr. Denktash
nor Turkey can afford a walk-out at this point. The two leaders
a re meeting for the second time after July in direct talks
under the auspices of the UN.
According to press reports, the new document under discussion
includes a draft for a joint communiqui to be signed by both
leaders, and a lengthier annex named "Guide-lines for drafts of
legal documents which will contain a settlement for the solution
o f the Cyprus issue".
Mr. Denktash criticized the contents of the document and the
procedure to be followed, and reiterated his opposition to the
continuing process for Cyprus' accession to the European Union
(EU).
According to sources, the document contains two changes that
don't alter the essence of an initial document that was
submitted during the first round of direct talks in Troutbeck,
New York, from July 9 to 12. The documents are drafted along the
plan for a bizonal, bicommunal single unity.
The same sources said one of the changes in the new document
includes the deletion of a reference on "sovereignty" emanating
from the two communities. It says instead that there should be
one federalist state with single and indivisible sovereignty. It
retains all other references to political equality between the
Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities.
The other change concerns the addition of a paragraph calling
for the strict observation of all international treaties on
human rights.
The document does not contain any reference to the need for the
withdrawal of foreign occupation forces and settlers (from the
Turkish-occupied northern part of Cyprus), nor to the island's
demilitarization, or the deployment of multinational forces,
something which the Greek Cypriot side has called for.
Whatever powers are not vested in the federal government shall
be handed over to the federated states, each of which shall be
responsible for its own administration, security, law and order
and justice, all of which should be compatible with the federal
constitution. This latter shall also include provisions for
solving differences, but the document does not detail the method.
The last paragraph of the document mentions that the talks
aiming for a solution to the Cyprus problem are carried on with
respect of one side for the other, in an effort to establish a
joint partnership based on a spirit of friendship and
co-operation. This means that both sides must pledge to change
policies that might possibly create problems in the effort to
establish the federal republic of Cyprus.
Diplomatic observers expressed fears that this particular point
could be interpreted by the Turkish Cypriot side as an argument
either against Cyprus' accession talks to the EU or against the
deployment of the Russian-made SS-300 missiles in the island
republic.
The first section of the document, acting as a joint communiqui,
consists of five paragraphs, while the guidelines consist of 13
paragraphs.
The joint communiqui section includes the provision that talks
to formulate a constitution shall be held in parallel with talks
on the rest of the issues related to the bizonal and bicommunal
unity.
Negotiations on the constitution and other aspects will begin in
March 1998, following the Cyprus Republic's presidential
elections in February 1998.
Drafts on all aspects of the issues involved in solving the
Cyprus problem must be submitted by each side to the UN by
December 31 of this year. This will give the UN secretary
general enough time to prepare his own documents for submission
to both side s, prior to the March 1998 negotiations.
Diplomatic observers noted as positive the fact that the new
Cordovez document calls on the two sides to discuss the finding
of a solution on the basis of UN resolutions as well as the
summit agreements of 1977 and 1979.
The annex also rules out the integration of Cyprus or a section
of it with another country. It also forbids the division of the
island or the breaking away of sections. The document also
foresees the existence of special relations of the federal state
with Greece and Turkey that would be in line with the 1960
independence agreements, which would remain in effect and be
supplemented accordingly. It also adds that proposals for
guarantees and security arrangements should be submitted to the
UN Security Council for approval.
Further details were unavailable since a press black-out is
still in effect until the end of the current negotiations at
Montreux.
The UN secretary general's spokeswoman in Geneva, Therese
Gastaut, said the talks will continue until the weekend.
[02] Clerides takes into account all Cypriots' interests
Montreux, 14/08/1997 (ANA/CNA)
Foreign minister Ioannis Kasoulides said President Clerides was
due to outline yesterday his views on a UN document the Greek
and Turkish Cypriot sides were given Tuesday, taking into
account the interests of the people of Cyprus.
He also said it was too early to make any prediction about the
outcome of this round of talks, noting that the Greek Cypriot
side has not taken a decision either to sign or not a joint
declaration.
Speaking after his meetings with British representative for
Cyprus Sir David Hannay, British High Commissioner and US
Ambassador to Cyprus David Madden and Kenneth Brill, Mr.
Kasoulides steadfastly refused to disclose anything about the
content of the document except to describe it as "one entity".
Asked by CNA if the document outlines views which could help the
working of a joint declaration, he replied "President Clerides
is outlining his views, taking into account the interests of
Cyprus and its people and the views expressed by the political
leadership at Tuesday's night meeting of the National Council"
(the top advisory body to the President on the Cyprus problem).
Asked if the Greek Cypriot side is ready to sign a joint
declaration, the minister said "our side has not taken a
decision on whether to sign anything or not".
Meanwhile Turkish sources have said that the Turkish Cypriot
side does not even acknowledge the existence of the UN document.
Invited to comment on reports that special advisor to the UN
Secretary General Diego Cordovez has made a proposal to Turkish
Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash to allay his fears about the
European Union (EU) process, Mr. Kasoulides said he could not
know what Mr. Cordovez has told Mr. Denktash and added, "I
believe the President's position on the role which the UN can
play in relation to accession negotiations is well known".
Concerning the views expressed by Deputy Undersecretary of the
Turkish Foreign Ministry Inal Batu, that the UN talks are
conducted under the dark shadow of the EU, Mr. Kasoulides noted
that "we continue to believe that the EU course will finally be
a catalyst which will help efforts to settle the Cyprus problem
and UN Security Council resolutions say so".
Replying to questions, Mr. Kasoulides said progress in this
round of talks would mean "not to find yourself at the point
where you were when you started".
[03] Samaranch congratulates president on success of championships
Athens, 14/08/1997 (ANA)
International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Juan Antonio
Samaranch has sent a letter of congratulations to President of
the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos for what he described as "the
great success" of the 6th World Athletics Championships which
were held in Athens 1-10 August.
"I would like to congratulate you, on behalf of the IOC, on the
great success of the 6th World Athletics Championships, and our
appreciation for the honor of your constant presence at the
stadium during the games," Mr. Samaranch said.
He also extended an official invitation to Mr. Stephanopoulos to
visit the IOC headquarters and the Olympic Museum there "at your
convenience".
Mr. Samaranch sent a similar letter Tuesday to Greek Olympic
Committee (GOC) president Lambis Nikolaou praising "the
excellent organization" of the championships, which were
attended by a number of IOC members.
Mr. Samaranch sent also a telegram to Athens Mayor Dimitris
Avramopoulos congratulating him too on the success of the
championships.
"Your city can be proud for the excellent organization of the
championship," Mr. Samaranch said.
[04] IOC members continue visits to Athens
Athens, 14/08/1997 (ANA)
With only three weeks remaining for the crucial day of September
5 when the International Olympic Committee (IOC) is due to
announce its decision over the city that will host the Olympic
Games in the year 2004, IOC members continue their visits to the
five candidate cities.
The six members of the IOC currently in Athens are from Israel,
Libya, Norway, Australia, New Zealand and China.
The IOC life members yesterday planted olive trees with their
names on them in Athens' IOC Members' Park. They were also shown
around the Olympic Stadium and were briefed on Athens' file to
host the 2004 Olympics.
[05] Helicopter-maker Agusta protests Merchant Ministry decision
Athens, 14/08/1997 (ANA)
Italian company Agusta appealed to the Council of State to
cancel a decision for the purchase of six search-and-rescue
helicopters by the Merchant Marine ministry.
Agusta is arguing that the tender and decision for the purchase
excluded middle-sized helicopters, which made for 18 of the 24
existing types of helicopters, violated Greek presidential
decision 370/1995 on preventing favoritism among suppliers and
was too costly.
According to the company, the 18 billion drachmas allotted for
the purchase is enough only for three heavy-duty helicopters,
while statistics on rescue missions show that middle-sized
helicopters which would cost less are perfectly able to be used
for rescue missions.
The helicopters will be used by the Port Authorities and
according to the tender specifications may hold up to 12 rescued
people.
[06] ND leader to visit Nicosia
Athens, 14/08/1997 (ANA)
Main opposition New Democracy party (ND) leader Costas
Karamanlis will visit Cyprus from August 25 to 27 at the
invitation of Democratic Rally party leader Nikos Anastassiades,
an ND spokesman told the ANA yesterday.
While in Nicosia, Mr. Karamanlis will meet with President of the
Republic Glafcos Clerides, Speaker of the House of
Representatives Spyros Kyprianou, Archbishop Chrysostomos and
the leaders of the political parties.
Talks are expected to focus on latest developments in the Cyprus
issue and the ongoing UN-sponsored direct talks between
President Clerides and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash in
Montreux, Switzerland, informed sources said.
[07] Messages marking Armed Forces Day
Athens, 14/08/1997 (ANA)
Political parties and leaders yesterday issued messages for
Armed Forces Day tomorrow.
New Democracy party leader Costas Karamanlis said in his message
that "the armed forces provide a living guarantee of the
independence, integrity and the honor of the nation," and that
the responsibility of political forces is to formulate a single
and long-term foreign and defense policy, which is the only one
effectively capable of securing the country against any
provocations and designs.
The Coalition of the Left stressed the importance of promoting a
national strategy of peace and security, but also the need for
transparency and control of armaments contracts and procurements.
Democratic Social Movement (DHKKI) leader Dimitris Tsovolas
stressed that the state must contribute to further strengthening
the armed forces through economic upgrading and meritocracy for
officers, and the rational and transparent utilization of funds
for defense.
[08] Meeting on crop damage compensation
Athens, 14/08/1997 (ANA)
Crop damages at farms in 23 Thessaly communities from last
weekend's hailstorm range over 92 sq. km., according to an
announcement at a meeting at Larissa's prefectural headquarters
yesterday,
The meeting was attended by Greek Agricultural Insurance Fund
(ELGA) deputy director Costas Koundouriotis, PASOK deputy George
Adamopoulos as well as regional municipal officials from
Larissa, Farsala and Elassona, who demanded action from the
authorities.
Mr. Koundouriotis referred them to an Agriculture Ministry
statement giving assurances of a political commitment to support
those who suffered damages to their produce and said estimations
of the damage would begin soon.
The municipal representatives asked for extra agriculturalists
to be added to the ELGA team, usually casual workers, who are
undertaking the evaluations, due to take place within 12 days.
Evaluations of damage to the cotton crops are to begin in
September. ELGA officials have asked farmers not to touch their
fields until these evaluations are complete.
The Agriculture Ministry estimates the damages to be in the
region of three billion drachmas; local authorities put the
figure at four billion.
[09] Increased devolution for Thessaly
Athens, 14/08/1997 (ANA)
A historic decision for the broader Thessaly region was signed
Tuesday by the Regional Director of Thessaly Mr. P. Vasiliou,
whereby as of September 1 the region will effectively acquire
the powers of a ministry.
The decision, based upon provisions of a recently passed bill,
allows for the transfer of ten regional directorates under
establishment to Thessaly. These, will employ about 1,200
employees, who are currently employed with regional services
under the Ministry of Interior, Public Administration and
Decentralization.
This development is essentially signaling the establishment of
an autonomous decentralized administration in Thessaly.
[10] Gov't aims at revitalizing rural districts
Athens, 14/08/1997 (ANA)
Interior and Public Administration Minister Alekos Papadopoulos
said yesterday that reactions against government plans for the
merging of the multitude of the country's small municipalities
into larger units have been overplayed by a section of the press.
He said that many recommendations and observations had been
taken into account, but what could not be accepted as a factor
in the mapping out of the new municipalities was the personal
strategies of local strongmen and their parochial interests.
Finally, he reiterated that the endeavor aimed at revitalizing
rural districts that were in a state of collapse.
[11] OA crash investigation
Athens, 14/08/1997 (ANA)
An Olympic Airways Boeing 727 that crash-landed on Tuesday
evening at Thessaloniki's Macedonia Airport was towed to a
hangar yesterday morning for an inspection.
None of the 26 passengers or the crew members were injured when
the pilot, Stefanos Vasilikos, landed in torrential rain and was
forced to make an abrupt turn off the end of the runway, causing
one of the wings to break off.
Expert have retrieved the flight recorder, which has been sent
to Athens for examination.
According to informed sources, attention is being given to the
aircraft's landing, as its wheels appear to have touched down
less than half-way to the end of the runway.
The 26 passengers from Athens, along with the 113 who were to
join the flight to Frankfurt in Thessaloniki, left on another OA
aircraft, a Boeing 734, later the same evening.
[12] Works for Athens' new airport proceed at fast pace
Athens, 14/08/1997 (ANA)
Works for the new Athens airport at Spata are proceeding at a
pace faster than envisaged by the plan, it was reported
yesterday.
One year after the laying of the founding stone, 60 per cent of
earth removing works has been completed, and construction of the
main building of the airport is proceeding normally.
Also, since August 1, work has started on the water supply and
drainage systems and the fire station.
[13] Olympiakos thrashes Mozyr 5-0
Athens, 14/08/1997 (ANA)
In the preliminary round of the European Champions League,
Olympiakos last night beat Mozyr of Belarus 5-0.
The soccer match at Athens' Olympic Stadium was attended by
50,000 spectators who saw an impressive Olympiakos score all
five goals in the second half.
The Daily News Bulletin will not appear tomorrow due to the
Assumption of the Virgin holiday. The next issue will appear on
Saturday, 16 August.
End of English language section.
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