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"GREECE"
A NEWS REVIEW FROM THE EMBASSY OF GREECE
PRESS & INFORMATION OFFICE, Washington D.C.
February 2003; Vol. 9 No. 2
(also available in PDF file)
 The European Union's Common Stance on Iraq
European Council's Conclusions on Iraq
IMF Reports "Strong Economic Growth" in Greece
Record TV Coverage of the Athens Olympics
Kofi Annan in New Push For Cyprus Peace Plan
From the US Press
An Experiment in e-Democracy
President Bush Praises Greek Presidency's Work
The European Union's Common Stance on Iraq
Following consultations among the 15 leaders of the European Union, called on the initiative of the Greek EU Presidency, an extraordinary meeting of the European Council in Brussels on February 17 was able to produce an agreed text expressing the collective stance of the EU on how to best confront the Iraq crisis. It calls on the Iraqi regime to seize the final opportunity to end the crisis peacefully by complying with the demands of the UN Security Council for its full and effective disarmament (See text of the Conclusions on page 2).
In his opening address to the special summit, Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis called on the EU to pursue a "double target": Iraq's compliance with the UN resolutions and the prevention of war. "We must obtain the certainty, in a very short period of time, that Iraq cannot use weapons of mass destruction, neither now nor in the future . . . We did not gather today to repeat our disagreements, but to find common ground for a unified stance."
Summing up the summit's unanimous decisions, Mr. Simitis stressed the need for full respect of UN resolutions which constitutes the basis of international order: "We stand by the UN inspectors and we believe that they should have at their disposal all the means to accomplish their mission." But, he added, Iraq should have no illusions: inspections cannot continue indefinitely. The EU, Mr. Simitis concluded, wishes to cooperate with the United States in seeking peace and stability in the region.
Greek Initiative Praised
The Greek Presidency's work on the Iraq issue was praised by President Bush-in what the White House spokesman described as a "warm exchange of views"-during a telephone call to Prime Minister Simitis on February 25. The conversation also reaffirmed Greek-US cooperation in the campaign against terrorism and their strong support for the UN Secretary-General's plan for a settlement in Cyprus.
Mr. Simitis was congratulated for his initiative by the European Commission President Romano Prodi and by Javier Solana, the EU High Representative for Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP). And, also speaking for the European Commission, its chief spokesman said: "We hail the courage that was so necessary for the Greek presidency to call the summit, but chiefly the results achieved by this initiative."
Greece's success was also welcomed in the European press, with a typical comment in the Italian daily Corriere della Sera, under the headline "Greece Squares the Circle," saying that the special summit had secured the consensus needed to avert the collapse of the EU's common foreign policy.
A similar view was expressed by Mr. Pat Cox, president of the European Parliament, when Mr. Simitis briefed Euro-deputies on February 18. The special summit called by Greece, Mr. Cox said, was a risk; but it proved to be successful by enabling the EU to present a coherent position.
The conclusions of the special summit were supported by the 10 countries acceding to the EU next year, and the three candidate countries. Following a meeting in Brussels on February 18 with the president of the Council, Mr. Simitis; president of the Commission, Mr. Prodi; and High Representative for CFSP, Mr. Solana, attended by the heads of government and foreign ministers of the 13 countries, a statement reaffirmed the common values for "Our Europe" and concluded: "The European Union and the '13' reiterate their determination to ensure a common stance, to avoid new dividing lines, and to promote stability and prosperity within and beyond the borders of the new Union."
Foreign Minister Papandreou in Washington
In one of the regular semi-annual meetings between the US Secretary of State and EU leaders, Foreign Minister George Papandreou, as current president of the EU Council of Ministers, accompanied by the EU High Representative for CFSP Javier Solana and External Relations Commissioner Chris Patten, had discussions at the State Department with US Secretary of State Colin Powell on February 27.
The 90-minute meeting, as described by Secretary Powell, focused on four very important challenges: Iraq, the Middle East, North Korea, and Cyprus. He noted "some differences" in the next steps proposed to achieve the common goal of Iraq's disarmament. He further spoke of shared concerns and objectives in dealing with the problems of the Middle East, North Korea and Cyprus.
In response, Mr. Papandreou affirmed that, on the issue of Iraq, the EU stands "united in purpose" with the US for full compliance by Saddam Hussein with UNSC Resolution 1441 and the complete disarmament of Iraq, and is "ready to help" on the North Korean issue. On Iraq, Mr. Papandreou said, the EU does not exclude the use of force, but holds that every possible diplomatic means, including the important role of the UN, must be exhausted to achieve a peaceful resolution, even at the last moment. Mr. Papandreou referred to the Middle East peace process as very important for the stability of the region.
Mr. Papandreou referred also to Cyprus as "an important area of cooperation," which "has been paramount" in achieving the current hopes of a solution which will have the Greek and Turkish communities of Cyprus "living under one roof in a united island and in a united Europe. This is a great opportunity to make Cyprus a showcase of multiculturalism where Muslims and Christians, Turks and Greeks can live peacefully together, side by side."
The Greek foreign minister spoke finally of the importance of the transatlantic relationship, especially in the light of the EU-US summit meeting next June between President Bush and Prime Minister Simitis at the White House. The EU delegation also met at the White House with National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice.
For more details visit the Presidency website www.eu2003.gr
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European Council's Conclusions on Iraq
We reaffirm the Conclusions of the GAERC (General Affairs External Relations Council) of 27 January 2003 and the terms of the public demarche of 4 February 2003 to Iraq which remain valid.
The way the unfolding of the situation in Iraq will be handled will have an important impact on the world in the next decades. In particular, we are determined to deal effectively with the threat of proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.
We are committed to the U N remaining at the center of the international order. We recognize the primary responsibility for dealing with Iraqi disarmament lies with the Security Council. We pledge our full support to the Council in discharging its responsibilities.
The Union's objective for Iraq remains full and effective disarmament in accordance with the relevant UNSC resolutions, in particular resolution 1441. We want to achieve this peacefully. It is clear that this is what the people of Europe want.
War is not inevitable. Force should be used only as a last resort. It is for the Iraqi regime to end this crisis by complying with the demands of the Security Council.
We reiterate our full support for the ongoing work of the UN inspectors. However, inspections cannot continue indefinitely in the absence of full Iraqi cooperation. This must include the provision of all the additional and specific information on the issues that have been raised in the inspectors' reports.
Baghdad should have no illusions: it must disarm and cooperate immediately and fully. Iraq has a final opportunity to resolve the crisis peacefully. The Iraqi regime alone will be responsible for the consequences if it continues to flout the will of the international community and does not take this last chance.
We recognize that the unity and firmness of the international community, as expressed in the unanimous adoption of resolution 1441, and the military build-up have been essential in obtaining the return of the inspectors. These factors will remain essential if we are to achieve the full cooperation we seek.
We will work with the Arab countries and the League of the Arab nations. We will encourage them, separately and jointly, to bring home to Saddam Hussein the extreme danger of miscalculation of the situation and the need for full compliance with resolution 1441. We support Turkish regional initiatives with the neighbors of Iraq and Egypt.
In this regional context, the EU reiterates its firm belief in the need to invigorate the peace process in the Middle East and to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. We continue to support early implementation of the road map endorsed by the Quartet (US, UN, EU, Russia). Terror and violence must end. So must settlement activity. Palestinian reforms must be speeded up and, in this respect, President Arafat's statement that he will appoint a prime minister is a welcome step in the right direction.
The unity of the international community is vital in dealing with these problems. We are committed to working with all our partners, especially the United States, for the disarmament of Iraq, for peace and stability in the region and for a decent future for all its people.
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IMF Reports "Strong Economic Growth" in Greece
In a broadly favorable review of the Greek economy, the latest mission of the International Monetary Fund reported on February 10 that "strong economic growth has continued in Greece and some further progress has also been made in advancing structural reforms." The report added that "the resilience of growth is particularly remarkable amid a global slowdown."
The Greek economy had benefitted, the IMF said, from declining interest rates associated with monetary union, and from preparations for the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens. Other favorable developments cited were "noteworthy recent steps" in the structural area, including tax reform, further privatization and the strengthening of transparency.
The report predicted GDP will likely grow in 2003-2004 at a rate higher than the average in the euro-area. Growth of Greece's GDP in 2002 was "close to 4 percent." And, "with the expected acceleration in public investment, preparations for the Olympics, low interest rates, and projected gradual pickup in economic activity elsewhere in Europe, we expect broadly similar growth rates over the coming two years."
The report warned, however, of some "downside risks," including higher oil prices and a weakening of the tourism sector if there is a war in Iraq. The IMF also noted that further appreciation of the euro would affect the economy's competitiveness and cautioned that fiscal consolidation has slowed at a time when public debt remains very high.
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Record TV Coverage of the Athens Olympics
In Athens next year, NBC and its affiliates will provide the most comprehensive television coverage ever given to the Olympic Games. The total 806 hours, to be aired, August 13-29, on NBC, MSNBC, CNBC, Bravo and the Spanish -language Telemundo, will include action on all 28 Olympic events. It will be almost twice as much time as NBC devoted to the Sydney Olympics in 2000.
Since Athens is a minimum of seven hours ahead of US time, American viewers will see much more live action, than was possible during the Sydney Olympics. NBC is also expecting to benefit from the boost to advertising revenue from the ability to broadcast Olympic events 24 hours a day on its affiliated networks.
NBC paid $793 million for the US television rights to the Games. Altogether, the sale of television rights will provide 42 percent of the Athens Organizing Committee (ATHOC) budget, with another 41 percent derived from sponsorships and the remainder from state funding.
Other 2004 Olympics News
The Athens News Agency has launched an English-language weekly electronic magazine "Towards 2004" on its website with up-to-date information on preparations for the Games and other Olympics-related news (www.ana.gr).
An Olympic Education program, funded with k4.8 million, will be introduced at 939 schools where special volunteer activities will be directed to Olympics-related subjects, including the arts, sports, the Olympic Truce idea, and multiculturalism.
The Olympics-related program of cultural events in 2003-2004 was described at the end of January by Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos. The 41 events, costing k42 million, include art and archaeological exhibitions, concerts, theater and dance performances, literary and cyber-space events.
ATHOC has announced a program to deal with the problem of stray animals, which are estimated to number some 20,000 in the Attica region. A 25-acre area in northern Attica has been allocated as a dog sanctuary as part of an action plan in which the agricultural ministry, local authorities and animal protection organizations will cooperate. The program calls for care, with medical treatment, vaccination and sterilization of stray animals. Public information and animal adoption programs are also part of the initiative.
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"An Extraordinary Opportunity" to Solve Cyprus Problem
Kofi Annan in New Push For Cyprus Peace Plan
In the course of a personal intervention to resolve the Cyprus problem on the basis of a revised plan, UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan on February 25 paid a visit to Athens, on a mission which took him also to Ankara and Nicosia. Referring to Greece as "an important actor on the international scene," and to his frequent contacts with Foreign Minister George Papandreou, Mr. Annan said that his paramount interest on this visit was the Cyprus problem. "There is an extraordinary opportunity at hand to solve it, and I wish to make every effort in my power to see that the opportunity is not missed."
Mr. Annan referred to the signature on April 16 of the Treaty of Accession admitting ten new members-including Cyprus-to the European Union. The strong preference of the EU, and of the UN Security Council, he said, is that the Treaty should be signed on behalf of a re-united Cyprus. This, he pointed out, requires the decisions of the Greek and Turkish Cypriots in separate referenda to be held simultaneously no later than March 30. For the preparatory work to be completed in time, Mr. Annan said, this required agreement between the parties by February 28, or at most only a few days later. "If this opportunity is missed, it is not clear whether another will occur any time soon."
The Secretary-General spoke of what he hoped was the "final revision" of the UN draft proposals for a solution, first provided last November 11 and revised on December 10. The latest revisions, he said, will not come as a surprise, having been based on "the most intensive process of negotiations that has ever occurred on the Cyprus problem." The UN had done its best to assist the parties to reach agreement; it is now "up to them, to Greece and Turkey, and, ultimately, to the people on both sides."
After his talks with Mr. Annan, Prime Minister Simitis said that a solution is possible in timetables set by the UN if the political will exists on the Turkish and Turkish Cypriot sides.
Proposal for Reunification Referenda
In Nicosia, Mr. Annan met with Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash and the new President of Cyprus, Tassos Papadopoulos, who won the February 16 presidential elections by defeating the incumbent president, Glafcos Clerides, by a vote of 51.5% to 39%. To give further impetus to his complex power-sharing plan, Mr. Annan produced a proposal which would give the two communities, voting in separate referenda on March 30, the final word.
Both sides, Mr. Annan announced, had agreed to meet with him at The Hague on March 10 to tell him whether they were prepared to sign a commitment to submit the foundation agreement to approval at separate referenda on March 30 in order to achieve a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem.
If both communities voted for the plan, it would allow a united Cyprus Republic to join the EU on April 16. It would also, Mr. Annan pointed out, enhance Turkey's prospects of future EU membership and remove "a major irritant" in Greek-Turkish relations.
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From the US Press
Papandreou: "Kickstart" Mideast Peace Process
Under the title "A Cycle of Peace for the Mideast," the Wall Street Journal Europe of February 24 published an article by Greek Foreign Minister George Papandreou in which he calls for a collective effort to confront new security challenges which the Iraq crisis has brought to the surface.
Referring to the Greek EU presidency's initiative in arranging a meeting between EU foreign ministers and Arab League leaders, Mr. Papandreou writes that "the Arab world may be the most effective broker in persuading Saddam Hussein to comply fully with his disarmament obligations." But, calling for an "even-handed" approach to global security, he adds: "There is now a danger that the Middle East peace process will be overshadowed by the Iraq crisis."
Mr. Papandreou notes that the recent EU summit had "made it clear that the Middle East peace process must be kick-started immediately," with the "road map" proposed by the "quartet" (US, UN, EU and Russia) calling for recognition of a Palestinian state by 2005, an end to settlements and to suicide attacks on Israeli civilians.
On the Iraq issue itself, Mr. Papandreou writes that it is "emblematic of the new security challenges the world faces . . .We must ensure that Saddam Hussein is neutralized and can never again threaten the stability of the Middle East." Iraq, he adds, "will set a critical precedent in how we deal with irresponsible states which possess weapons of mass destruction or endorse terrorism. We must work together to find new, sharper tools with which to neutralize these new threats, assuming war is always the last resort. Otherwise, we will have perennial preemptive military strikes."
"Saddam Hussein has demonstrated utter disdain for his own people, who suffer tyranny and yearn for democracy. He has flouted the wishes of his neighbors in the Arab world, who seek peace and stability," the Greek foreign minister continued, "but as much as we would like democracy and stability to thrive in the world, they cannot be imposed. They must be nurtured."
Noting that multi-lateralism takes on a new dimension in a world with a single military superpower, Mr. Papandreou argues that "global problems should be addressed through global institutions and backing them with whatever force we have."
"The cycle of violence can be supplanted by a cycle of peace. This is what people in the region want. In Europe, the US and the Arab world, this can become a common vision. Working together, we can ensure that the next steps taken to resolve the Iraqi crisis lead to sustainable peace across the Middle East."
He concludes that "as Europe is enlarging, our common borders are multiplying and we are eager to forge stronger ties between Europe and the Arab world in the long term. With our experience of integrating conflict-ridden areas and peoples that have lived under authoritarianism into the European community, with our experience in democratic institution-building and conflict resolution, the European Union can serve as a role model for other regions, in particular the Middle East."
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An Experiment in e-Democracy
The Greek EU Presidency has introduced a bold experiment in e-democracy: the opening of a website on which European citizens can freely-in response to specific questions, and on their own initiative-register their views on the whole range of issues facing Europe.
These views, on subjects such as future EU reforms, environment, immigration, economy, foreign affairs, and on special issues as they arise, such as the Iraq crisis, may be aired on the website evote.eu2003.gr . Europeans will be able now to participate more actively in the formulation of EU policies which affect their daily lives. And, throughout the Greek presidency, new features will be offered to encourage that participation.
The content of citizen comment and suggestions will be made available in real time, making it possible for all EU citizens to learn and compare each other's views.
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