Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 01-03-26

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From: The Athens News Agency at <http://www.ana.gr/>

CONTENTS

[01] Athens adamant in support of FYROM gov't; predicts normalization

[02] PM cites support for markets' deregulation, accompanying regulatory framework

[03] Bush cites prospect of visiting Greece before Olympics

[04] Greece celebrates 180th anniversary of revolution against Ottoman rule

[05] Cyprus President Clerides addresses messages to Greek counterpart and PM on national holiday

[06] Parliament President stresses need for unity of forces of Hellenism in the world

[07] National defense minister and Bulgarian counterpart agree to enlarged defense meeting in Skopje

[08] Greek defense minister: Athens, Ankara must support security in Balkans

[09] Turkish defense minister says proposal on minefield cleanup made by Turkey two and a half years ago

[10] ND leader says PM Simitis is a 'bad maestro'

[11] ND leading PASOK in opinion poll, but Simitis preferred to Karamanlis for premiership

[12] Greek transport and communications minister signs transportation and telecommunications agreements with Syria

[13] Tony Blair: Parthenon Marbles belong to British museum

[14] Nicosia to issue formal invitation to John Paul II

[15] US President expresses support for UN efforts to resolve Cyprus issue

[01] Athens adamant in support of FYROM gov't; predicts normalization

Athens, 26/03/2001 (ANA)

A concerned, but cautious Greek leadership -- led by PM Costas Simitis -- placed the issue of Albanian extremist violence in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) at the top of its agenda going into an EU Summit in Stockholm over the past two days.

Simitis noted afterwards that the international communitys reaction towards the violence in the Tetovo area of FYROM doesnt leave any room for anyone to promote unilateral changes.

The latest turbulence in the Balkans following the breakup of Yugoslavia some 10 years ago has brought conflict close to EU and NATO member Greece's borders - a infinitely frustrating development for Athens' painstaking efforts over the years at building regional cooperation with its neighbors and promoting other Balkan states' EU orientation.

The Greek premier also stressed that certain NATO members, including Britain, have decided to strengthen their forces in KFOR, the multinational military contingent controlling the strife-torn Yugoslav province of Kosovo, in order to better seal the province's often porous borders.

In response to a press question, Simitis dismissed any notion of a federal solution for FYROM, saying the Union supports the FYROM president's position of maintaining a system of cohabitation and cooperation among minorities in that country along with the participation of all sides in government.

Meeting with Trajkovski: Athens' solidarity to Skopje was in fact reiterated during a meeting between FYROM President Boris Trajkovski and Simitis on the sidelines of the Stockholm summit.

Simitis repeated Athens' standing positions regarding FYROM's territorial integrity, security, sovereignty and the inviolability of the land-locked country's borders, at the same time condemning all acts of violence and terrorism on the part of Albanian gangs.

Conversely, he praised what he called the "moderation and realism" exhibited by the leaderships of the predominately ethnic Albanian parties in FYROM, before noting that a Stability Pact between the EU and FYROM -- to be signed on April 9 -- "sends a clear message to all concerned."

Relations between Greece and the 10-year-old Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia to its immediate north have dramatically strengthened in recent years, with only the nagging 'name issue' pending -- a matter, however, that apparently isn't preventing ever-growing cooperation in practically all sectors.

Helicopters to FYROM: Meanwhile, Greek Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos arrived in Sofia on Saturday for talks with his Bulgarian counter-part Boyko Noev regarding the troubling FYROM situation, and after departing the EU Summit in Stockholm.

According to press reports, Greece has lent two US-made transport helicopters to neighboring FYROM, part of a mutual assistance agreement signed by the countries last December.

[02] PM cites support for markets' deregulation, accompanying regulatory framework

STOCKHOLM, 26/03/2001 (ANA - M. Spinthourakis)

Simitis spoke at the conclusion of a two-day European Summit in the Swedish capital initially expected to focus primarily on the bloc's economic situation and international financial developments - although the violence in neighboring FYROM garnered its fair share of attention.

He also said that Athens was in favor of instituting fixed indexes to gauge the economic performances of each EU member-state, adding however, that such indexes must also record the progress each country achieves in various social categories as well.

Regarding the controversial issue of slashing state subsidies - an often divisive matter between the Union's prosperous north and less developed south - Simitis said Greece believes state subsidies geared towards regional convergence and social cohesion should not be curtailed.

Finally, the Greek PM said the government has taken all the necessary measures to facilitate a pending deregulation in the country's power production sector - as only the state-owned utility still produces and distributes electricity - while noting that if the "15" agree on a 2005 deadline for deregulation in the sector, Greece would not have a problem in meeting its commitments.

[03] Bush cites prospect of visiting Greece before Olympics

WASHINGTON, 26/03/2001 (ANA - T. Ellis)

"I may come sooner," was the former Texas governor's response, while he added that his father and former president George Bush visits Greece practically every year for his vacation.

The younger Bush addressed an audience made up of some of the most prominent Greek-Americans in the United States, praising the ethnic Greek community in that country by saying that immigrants from Greece were the most significant gift that country has offered America. He also mentioned what he termed a responsibility to protect the "sacred friendship" between Greece and the United States, while noting Washington's interest in assisting Athens and Ankara in further improving their bilateral relations.

The US president also cited his new administration's support for a just and viable solution to the Cyprus problem and efforts by the UN Secretary-General for a resumption of talks between the two sides on the island republic.

[04] Greece celebrates 180th anniversary of revolution against Ottoman rule

Athens, 26/03/2001 (ANA)

In a statement after the parade, President Stephanopoulos said, among others, "March 25 expresses the acceptance of sacrifices for the sake of freedom and the motherland. I believe we should acquaint ourselves with this position of the spirit and of life because the freedom of the motherland always remains a paramount value and its defense is a great commitment for us."

President Simitis said "today's parade showed, as in past years, that the Greek armed forces are very well equipped, they have a high morale and can defend national causes and rights effectively."

On his part, main opposition New Democracy party leader Costas Karamanlis said "today's anniversary is a reminder to all that national pride is not a question of figures but a question of spirit. Every victory requires determination and faith. Determination to stand your ground and claim your just causes and faith in the achievement of the target, regardless of obstacles."

National Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos said "entering the new century, the Greek people are celebrating history and memory with particular enthusiasm, the day 180 years ago when the struggle for national liberation, independence and the creation of the modern-day Greek state began with the uprising."

Coalition of the Left and Progress leader Nikos Constantopoulos said "freedom, independence and democracy are always utilized for peace and cooperation among peoples."

Archbishop Christodoulos pointed out that "the Greeks entered that struggle being united in principle and believing in values and principles. This gave them a social cohesion and led them to victory and they proved that over and above material things stand the spiritual ones. No pursuit of man can succeed without them. We have need of this teaching in present-day society, because Hellenism without tradition, principles and values, and primarily without faith, is Hellenism without a future."

[05] Cyprus President Clerides addresses messages to Greek counterpart and PM on national holiday

NICOSIA, 26/03/2001 (ANA)

President Clerides also expresses the appreciation and gratitude of the people of Cyprus for Greece's active support.

"With the undivided support of the Greek government and all of the Greek people, we are convinced that our efforts for a just and viable solution to the Cyprus issue, based on international legality and basic principles of justice, will have a successful conclusion," President Clerides said in his message to his Greek counterpart.

In his message to Simitis, President Clerides underlines the difficult struggle being made by Cypriot Hellenism for freedom and vindication, adding that "I feel confident that with the support of Greece, which is at our side with consistency and steadfastness in our struggle, the expectations of the people of Cyprus for a just and viable solution to the Cyprus issue and the prevalence of principles of international law on our suffering island will have a favorable conclusion."

[06] Parliament President stresses need for unity of forces of Hellenism in the world

Athens, 26/03/2001 (ANA)

Kaklamanis briefed the Greek-American deputies on the ongoing drama being faced by Cyprus for 27 years and on Turkish provocativeness in the Aegean and called on them to brief US Parliamentary bodies and public opinion accordingly.

Earlier, Kaklamanis met with Boston Mayor Thomas Menino with whom he discussed social policy, educational and health issues concerning the Greek community in the area.

Kaklamanis is due to arrive in New York on Sunday to address an event organized by the Federation of Greek Societies of Greater New York, on the occasion of the Greek March 25 national holiday, the anniversary of the 1821 revolution against Ottoman rule.

[07] National defense minister and Bulgarian counterpart agree to enlarged defense meeting in Skopje

Athens, 26/03/2001 (ANA)

The agreement was reached during talks between the two ministers in Plovdiv, Bulgaria, while reports said Tsohatzopoulos would be discussing the proposal with his Albanian counterpart in a meeting they will be having over the next 10 days.

"All should realize that all of us together have the obligation and right to build a peaceful southeastern Europe based on the principles of democracy and freedom and which will guarantee prosperity, progress and liberties for its peoples," he said.

Tsohatzopoulos stressed the need for a collective expression of political support for the government of FYROM and called on the local government to show sensitivity towards problems causing reactions by the Albanian minority.

He reiterated that it is inconceivable for one to think that whatever minority in the Balkans can start an effort aimed at changing borders in the name of human rights.

Tsohatzopoulos also dismissed fears that Greece might be in danger as a result of crucial developments in FYROM, saying that "there is no danger and impressions should not be created that an enlarged security problem exists in the region."

[08] Greek defense minister: Athens, Ankara must support security in Balkans

Athens, 26/03/2001 (ANA)

Tsohatzopoulos said "now that Turkey is seeking its convergence with the European Union, it is very logical for it to be led to cooperation with its neighbors, lifting all those elements obstructing cooperation so far, such as unilateral claims and disputing international law, which Greece cannot accept."

He clarified that he has not proposed a mutual decrease in armaments, but announced relevant cutbacks unilaterally, "since Greece, being a country belonging to the euro-zone, feels greater security than in the past."

Referring to conflicts in the Balkans, Tsohatzopoulos denounced "those who want to impose any issue with force and terrorism", adding that "one can only claim human rights with political means."

He further said "we support the government of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) and we reject the small minority within the Albanian minority which is resorting to force. Of course, we want necessary changes for minorities, but at the responsibility of the government of FYROM."

Turkish Cypriot group attends: Of particular interest was the first-ever participation at an IUSY event by a Turkish Cypriot youth group - the "Patriotic Union Movement" located in the occupied territories of the island republic.

"Our party is at odds with the regime in northern Cyprus. Most young people, however, fear following us as none of our members has any prospect of finding work in the public sector, which covers some 70 percent of jobs," the group's secretary for education, Onsel Polili, said.

"Our people need peace. Our youth face severe economic and social problems that force people to emigrate, while the situation is heading for the worst," he said, noting that in terms of Greek Cypriots feelings are mixed.

"Feelings differ from person to person. There is, however, a fear that emanates from our education system, which teaches us that 'Greek Cypriots butchered us before the invasion' ... However, it's difficult for one to say that we dislike the Greek Cypriots more than the Turkish (mainland) settlers, who consider Cyprus a natural extension of Turkey."

The T/C youth group has been in contact with several Greek Cypriot groups, while in February it held its first congress in the occupied part of Nicosia.

[09] Turkish defense minister says proposal on minefield cleanup made by Turkey two and a half years ago

ANKARA, 26/03/2001 (ANA - A. Ambatzis)

Cakmakoglu also raises the issue of the Greek islands' demilitarization and says the proposal on cleaning up minefields in the region of the River Evros, the border between Greece and Turkey, had been made by Turkey two and a half years ago.

Referring to a proposal made by his Greek counterpart Akis Tsohatzopoulos, in an interview with the Turkish newspaper Hurriyet, on cleaning up minefields in the Evros area, Cakmakoglu said "the Turkish general staff had made this proposal two and a half years ago", adding that "the issue was raised again by the Turkish foreign ministry one and a half months ago."

Cakmakoglu further said "Greece does not state that it is not facing Turkey as a threat, but that it is not facing it as a threat as much as in the past."

On the question of the Greek islands' demilitarization, Cakmakoglu says "the Greeks are continuing to obstruct Turkish war-planes in international airspace, which is not compatible with friendship. They are continuing to present Turkey as a threat from the east in their official documents. On the other hand, Greece is arming the islands, despite the fact the Lausanne Treaty anticipates a status of demilitarization. If they want us to believe they are sincere, let them bring the islands back to their previous state."

[10] ND leader says PM Simitis is a 'bad maestro'

Athens, 26/03/2001 (ANA)

Karamanlis further criticized Simitis over commitments he made to pensioners during his election campaign, as well as over the issue of major projects being carried out.

"Only a few days ago, through Labor and Social Insurances Minister Tassos Yiannitsis, Simitis took back his election commitments by which thousands of Social Insurances Foundation (IKA) pensioners were expecting to see their pensions increasing to 152,000 drachmas," Karamanlis said.

On the question of major projects, Karamanlis said in the public works sector "an unstable state has been imposed which is virtually leading to the direct awarding of projects" and reminded of the government's refusal to accept the creation of an independent administrative authority to control public works.

"We cannot accept that every kilometer of the Metro costs Greek taxpayers 37.5 billion drachmas, while in Madrid a similar project costs 11 billion," he added.

Karamanlis went on to say that "I am stressing once again that the country needs a strong government. A government capable of providing solutions to the problems of citizens and of society."

[11] ND leading PASOK in opinion poll, but Simitis preferred to Karamanlis for premiership

Athens, 26/03/2001 (ANA)

Athens Mayor Dimitris Avramopoulos' recently established Free Citizens Movement comes third in the public's preferences with 10.9 percent, while 21 percent of respondents remain undecided.

However, Prime Minister Costas Simitis continues to be considered more suitable than ND leader Costas Karamanlis for the premiership with 30.7 percent to 24.6 and PASOK is considered more likely to win the next election than ND by 33.4 percent to 30.8.

President Kostis Stephanopoulos continues to be the most popular political personality in the country with 89.4 percent, followed by Avramopoulos with 55.2, while Simitis and Coalition of the Left and Progress leader Nikos Constantopoulos each have 45.6.

Moreover, the most popular figures in the two mainstream parties are George Papandreou with 59.2 percent and Apostolos Kaklamanis and Akis Tsohatzopoulos each with 52.1 for PASOK, and Dora Bakoyianni with 59.8 percent, Theodoros Roussopoulos 54.5 and Vyron Polydoras 47.4 for ND.

[12] Greek transport and communications minister signs transportation and telecommunications agreements with Syria

Athens, 26/03/2001 (ANA)

Apart from Verelis, the Greek delegation included government and business officials, as well as journalists.

Obeid called for Greece's support for investments in a country having possibilities for increasing the volume of trade, since Syria now has the political will to create favorable investment conditions and modernize its legislation to provide solutions to problems, which have been faced by foreign investors and businesses.

Verelis, as well as businessmen accompanying him, reacted positively to the call and showed great interest in transit trade, telecommunications and shipping.

[13] Tony Blair: Parthenon Marbles belong to British museum

Athens, 26/03/2001 (ANA)

Blair, who had voiced support for the friezes' return before being elected as prime minister in 1997, said the artifacts belong to the British Museum ... which does not intend to return any part of the collection to its country of origin".

He was quoted by the Sunday edition of the Athens daily "To Vima".

The marbles, which once adorned the Parthenon on the Acropolis, were sliced from the ancient temple's edifice in the early 18th century by a British diplomat, Lord Elgin, before being carted off to England and later sold to the British Museum in London.

"I know my reply will disappoint many of your readers ... But one should consider the fact that six million people visit the British Museum every year, where they can appreciate the beauty of the Parthenon sculptures and Greece's special contribution to world civilization," he said.

[14] Nicosia to issue formal invitation to John Paul II

NICOSIA, 26/03/2001 (ANA)

The report comes a week after the Church of Greece's influential Holy Synod acquiesced to a pilgrimage to the predominately Eastern Orthodox nation by the head of the Roman Catholic Church, and following an invitation extended to the pope by the Greek president during the latter's visit to the Vatican.

Nicosia and the Vatican have reportedly been in contact during the recent period to discuss such a possibility, with the Cypriot president expected to issue the invitation by Monday or Tuesday.

If accepted by the Vatican, Pope John Paul II will arrive on Cyprus after his journey to Athens and before he is due in Syria. Paphos, on the island's western coast may be on the itinerary, as the Apostle Paul had been incarcerated and tortured in that ancient port city.

[15] US President expresses support for UN efforts to resolve Cyprus issue

WASHINGTON, 26/03/2001 (CNA/ANA)

Addressing Greek community leaders in Washington Friday, on the occasion of the anniversary of the Greek Revolution (25 March 1821) against the Ottoman Empire, the US President said he is "committed to a just and lasting settlement of the Cyprus dispute".

"Our goal is an early resumption of the UN process", President Bush pointed out.

President Bush said "the United states stands ready to help Greece and Turkey as they work to improve their relations."

President Bush said "we in the United States consider Greece to be a friend, a strong ally, and a powerful force for good in the world. And the world will see this in vivid display when Athens hosts the Olympics of 2004. We're all looking forward to the great event."

Referring to the Greek Revolution, President Bush said it was 180 years ago that Greece proclaimed its independence, "yet another example of Greece's contribution to the cause of human liberty."

A Chinese scholar, President bush said, hoping to foster an appreciation of western thought in his country, recently translated the work of Homer into Chinese. "He mastered ancient Greek in order to produce the most accurate translation possible, and explained it this way: If one wants to understand western civilization, one has to search back to its roots. And the roots lead to ancient Greece."

Greek ideals had an enormous influence on the American founders. James Madison, the father of the Constitution, wrote this: Among the confederacies of antiquity, the most considerable was that of the Grecian republics, the US President added.

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