The President of Synaspismos N.Constantopoulos announced the following proposal on 25 August 1999:

"The catastrophic earthquakes in Turkey brought to the fore the huge economic and social problems as well as problems in its infrastructure faced by our neighbouring country. Similar problems are faced in a different way by our country and are manifested at every exceptional natural catastrophe.

Synaspismos considers it unacceptable that two neighbouring countries with such great needs in the fields of economic, social and infrastructural development should waste, for years, immense amounts of public money, among the largest in the world in relation to their GNP, for military expenses and be at the same time planning new, colossal armaments programs for the coming years.

Synaspismos considers that it is an opportune moment for Greece and Turkey to curb the arms race. Such a move would mean a real step towards peace and would free huge resources for the real development of both countries and their social needs.

With this aim in mind, SYN proposes that the two countries begin immediately a dialogue for an agreement which should include:

1.The mutual, drastic, balanced and immediate reduction of military expenses and arms, especially those military projects which can be used for offensive purposes.

2. The mutual proportional and substantial reduction of the armed forces of both countries

3. The avoidance, by both countries of activities and actions which could be taken as provocation by either country and sharpen the climate of tension and mistrust.

Synaspismos calls on the government to take up the initiative in this direction. Towards this aim, I will address a special letter to the Prime Minister and the Foreign Affairs Minister and will ask for a meeting in order to better inform them of our proposals.

At the same time Synaspismos will make this proposal a matter of the "citizens diplomacy" and promote a public dialogue with NGOs and scientists involved in such issues in Greece and Turkey".

Athens, 25 August 1999