From: tzarros@ccs.carleton.ca (Theodore Zarros) Subject: News (in ENGLISH)- Mon, 21 Nov 1994 (Greek Press Office BBS, Ottawa). Athens News Agency Bulletin, November 21, 1994 ---------------------------------------------- * Venizelos: Gligorov main settlement hitch now FYROM poll over * Gligorov's claims * Papoulias in Warsaw * PM wants Belgrade trip to help end crisis * Ministry to slate humanitarian aid to FYROM * Mandela accepts PM's invitation to visit Greece * Niotis in Paris on Overseas Greeks Parliament mission * Niriis '94 ends, Turkish exercise continues, US cruiser off Psara * Thessaloniki seminar on Greek national issues * Kranidiotis details foreign policy at London meeting * Simitis, Andrianopoulos speak on Greece's modernisation prospects * Greek Centre inaugurated in London Venizelos: Gligorov main settlement hitch now FYROM poll over ------------------------------------------------------------- Athens, 21/11/1994 (ANA): The government said Saturday the focus of Greece's dispute with the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) had switched to the intransigent stance adopted by FYROM President Kiro Gligorov. Commenting on talks between Mr. Gligorov and UN officials, government spokesman Evangelos Venizelos told a press briefing: "It is certain that focus has switched to Skopje's stance and, in particular, Mr. Gligorov' attitude. That is where the source of intransigence lies, since the pretext of domestic political developments no longer holds, in the wake of recent elections in the neighbouring country." The spokesman reiterated Greece's attitude on the issue of the neighbouring country's name remains unchanged. "Our position on the name issue is well known. It continues to apply," Mr. Venizelos said. Greece has repeatedly made it known it will not recognise a state using the name 'Macedonia' or any derivative thereof. Gligorov's claims ----------------- Skopje, (ANA/M.Vichou): Meanwhile, in Skopje, FYROM President Kiro Gligorov claimed his government was interested in settling the dispute with Greece. "We are interested in developing good neighbourly relations with Greece," he said, in a speech Saturday after taking the oath before Parliament, following October 16 elections that won his government a second mandate. He noted relations with Greece covered a significant part of his foreign policy, reiterating Skopje was willing to sign an inter-state agreement with Greece on the non-violability of borders. Turning to the Skopje Constitution, he claimed it did not express expansionist designs or interference in the domestic affairs of Greece or other neighbouring states. "In our relations with neighbouring countries or any other country, we will take no action aimed against the security of Greece," Mr. Gligorov declared, describing potential co-operation with Greece as the "key to peace and security in the entire region." He said Skopje was interested in continuing dialogue (with Greece) to settle differences. Dialogue, he said, should focus on all issues that "do not threaten the national identity or dignity" of his country and be based on an equal footing. Mr. Gligorov said it was tantamount to "European anarchism" that "the only Balkan EU member country should create tension in the region, thus running counter to principles and laws of the Union itself." He also called on the US "to quickly establish full diplomatic relations (with FYROM) -- a move that was both necessary and reasonable -- as it will lead to stability in the region." Papoulias in Warsaw ------------------- Athens, 21/11/1994 (ANA): Foreign Minister Karolos Papoulias is due in Warsaw today, on a two-day official visit. Mr. Papoulias is accompanied by National Economy Under-Secretary Yiannis Anthopoulos. PM wants Belgrade trip to help end crisis ----------------------------------------- Athens, 21/11/1994 (ANA): The government reiterated Saturday that Prime Minister Andreas Papandreou wished to visit Belgrade as part of efforts to find a solution to the Bosnian crisis. Confirming a statement by Foreign Minister Karolos Papoulias during talks in Belgrade Thursday, government spokesman Evangelos Venizelos said Mr. Papandreou wished to visit the Serbian capital "when the conditions are right". "Greece maintains friendly relations with all countries of the region and, of course, Belgrade. It is doing everything possible within the framework of related decisions, as is also (Serbian President Slobodan) Milosevic, who has stated he too is acting and launching initiatives," Mr. Venizelos said. "The problem is very difficult, but the Greek position is oriented towards a cease-fire and consolidation of conditions of peace, "the spokesman added. Ministry to slate humanitarian aid to FYROM ------------------------------------------- Athens, 21/11/1994 (ANA): A Russian-flag cargo ship, 'Sergo Zakariadge', has sailed into the port of Thessaloniki with 45,000 tons of American corn destined for the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) as humanitarian aid. A second consignment of 25,000 tonnes is expected on November 26. Three New Democracy party deputies yesterday described the cargo as a violation of the trade embargo applied by the Greek government against FYROM on February 16. Government spokesman Evangelos Venizelos denied the claim. The Finance Ministry today is expected to grant special authorisation for unloading humanitarian aid to FYROM. The Political Spring (Pol.An) party press office yesterday described the decision as a thinly-veiled pretext for deactivating the embargo, at a time when (FYROM president) Kiro Gligorov's intransigence is being intensified, and corroborate Pol.An charges that our national issues are led to unconditional closing. Mandela accepts PM's invitation to visit Greece ----------------------------------------------- Johannesburg, 21/11/1994 (ANA/L. Tsirigotakis): South African President Nelson Mandela has accepted an invitation by Prime Minister Andreas Papandreou to visit Greece in the first half of 1995. The invitation was conveyed by visiting Sports Under-Secretary George Lianis. "I accept with pleasure. Greece will be the first European country I visit", said President Mandela. In his letter to the South African president, the Premier said that the visit "will provide an opportunity to co-ordinate our joint efforts in achieving peace, and consolidate your endeavours for democracy in your country to benefit all South Africans . It will also effectively contribute in developing relations between our two countries". Mr. Mandela and Mr. Lianis were guests of honour at the main annual event of the Greek Chamber of Commerce and Industry in South Africa, to select the best businessmen of the year. In his speech, Mr. Lianis made special reference to the problems of the Greek community in South Africa and to Mr. Mandela's personality and work. "I heard with enthusiasm that you read Sophocles' Antigone while in prison, and I can well understand what has stirred you. Man's duty sometimes forces him against his own fate... winning History and Time on his side." Mr . Mandela seemed particularly moved by Mr. Lianis' speech, and showed it by the unusual gesture of rising and accompanying him back to his seat. The South African president urged Greek businessmen to develop joint ventures with the black population of his country and avail themselves of great opportunities lying before hem. Greek businessmen in South Africa employ 10 percent of the country's work-force. Niotis in Paris on Overseas Greeks Parliament mission ------------------------------------------------------ Paris, 21/11/1994 (ANA/Y. Zitouniati): Foreign Under-Secretary for Overseas Greeks Gregoris Niotis, arrived in Paris yesterday, the first leg of a world tour to promote the establishment of an "Overseas Greeks Parliament" that should bring together key figures of Greek communities on a world-wide scale. The Parliament will comprise 400 members and convene on an annual or bi-annual basis. Its seat will be based in Thessaloniki. Mr. Niotis is also promoting establishment of a "World Council of Overseas Greeks" also to be based in Thessaloniki, and comprise all Greek community organisations on a universal scale, as well as the creation of a "Civic Records Registry" of Overseas Greeks. Niriis '94 ends, Turkish exercise continues, US cruiser off Psara --------------------------------------------------------------- Athens, 21/11/1994 (ANA): "Niriis '94", the multinational air and naval exercise which began in the South-eastern Aegean on November 10, was successfully concluded yesterday. A Turkish Navy exercise code-named Seawolf '94 is still in progress in Turkish territorial waters. Meanwhile, the USS Cape Saint George, a cruiser, is still sailing in international waters, south of the island of Psara. Thessaloniki seminar on Greek national issues --------------------------------------------- Athens, 21/11/1994 (ANA): The first of a series of seminars on Greece's national issues will take place at the Conference Centre of the Thessaloniki-based HELEXPO on November 25 through 27. Participants include Minister of Macedonia-Thrace, Constantine Triarides, Cyprus government spokesman Yiannakis Cassoulides, as well as Greek and Cypriot press officers. The meeting is sponsored by the Press and Mass Media Ministry, and is part of a joint drive by Greece and Cyprus to project such issues. Kranidiotis details foreign policy at London meeting ------------------------------------------------------ London, 21/11/1994 (ANA): Foreign Under-Secretary Yiannos Kranidiotis yesterday addressed a seminar on Greek policy issues titled "Modernisation Prospects", at the London School of Economics. Mr. Kranidiotis dwelt on Greek foreign policy with special emphasis on the European Union and Greece's approach to the 1996 interstate conference. He elaborated on Greece's preference for a federation model taking into account member-states' individual features and special characteristics, as opposed to the British approach of opting out which, he noted, "should not be allowed to lead to different tiers and goals within the European Union." In a subsequent discussion, Mr. Kranidiotis explained to the audience Greece attitude on various foreign policy issues, such as the Cyprus problem, Greek-Turkish relations, the Albanian dispute and the Skopje issue, which he listed in order of priority. Mr. Kranidiotis said Greece's EU partners now appeared to show greater understanding for its attitude on the Skopje issue, "as they have come to realise Greece genuinely wants a settlement, while (Skopje President Kiro) Gligorov rejected UN mediator Cyrus Vance's recent proposals." Greece insists Skopje should change its flag, name and amend its constitution which reflects designs against Greece's northern province of Macedonia. It has clamped trade sanctions against Skopje in February, in retaliation against Mr. Gligorov's intransigence. Mr. Kranidiotis also explained Greek reservations on Turkey's pursuit of closer relations with the EU without prior settlement of the Cyprus problem, insistence on establishing the fate of the 1619 missing since the island republic's invasion by Turkey in 1974, the state of ethnic Greeks in Istanbul and, in general, an improved Turkish human rights record. Turning to Community financing to Greece, Mr. Kranidiotis said two thirds of ECUs received by Greece were returned to the European Union. Simitis, Andrianopoulos speak on Greece's modernisation prospects ---------------------------------------------------------------- London, 21/11/1994 (ANA): A three-day conference on "Greece: Prospects of Modernisation", organised at the London School of Economics, was wound up yesterday, with speeches by Industry and Commerce Minister Costas Simitis, former New Democracy Cabinet member Andreas Andrianopoulos, and Professors Alivizatos, Manitakis and Tsoukalis. Mr. Simitis spoke on "Modernisation and European Convergence", stressing that stabilisation of the economy, improvement in productivity and structural changes were basic conditions for Greece's modernisation. He stressed the qualitative dimension of institutional change, the aim of modernisation throughout Europe, saying the concept of modernisation was not a static one, but a process of continuous adaptation to new conditions, with a number of constant criteria and values, such as freedom of the individual, democracy etc. Mr. Andrianopoulos spoke on the dramatic changes taking place world-wide in the post-industrial era, in which information science, technology and television were dominant. He stressed modernisation in Europe was reflected in terms of privatisation, bureaucratic deregulation, with large-scale government intervention remaining a problem. For modernisation to be achieved in Greece, he said, there should be confrontation with vested interests that control both the public sector and mass media. Greek Centre inaugurated in London ---------------------------------- London, 21/11/1994 (ANA): The Greek Centre of London, established to project Greek culture and language, was officially inaugurated Saturday, in the presence of Cyprus President Glafkos Clerides, Greek and Cypriot ministers, the Greek and Cypriot ambassadors, and a large number of Greek expatriates and British friends of Greece. Greek Ambassador Elias Gounaris read out a message from President Constantine Karamanlis, stressing the importance of the Greek Centre in preserving Greek tradition and cultural heritage, and projecting Greek positions on national issues. Greek Under-Secretary for Overseas Greeks Grigoris Niotis and Education Minister George Papandreou hailed the opening of the Centre, stressed its significance in promoting cultural, educational and scientific co-operation between Greece and Britain. Mr. Papandreou conveyed Prime Minister Andreas Papandreou's wishes and support to the mission of the Greek Centre. Cypriot President Glafkos Clerides said the impressive building of the Centre paid adequate tribute to overseas Greeks, adding great satisfaction the Cyprus government had also contributed to its creation. He referred to the dangers facing the Greek nation, especially in Cyprus, emphasising Greece's solidarity with Cyprus, and hope the Greek Centre would serve as yet another means of promoting the just cause of Greek Cypriots and other national issues.