The Institute also faults the Athens 2004 organization for not having embarked on any form of communication strategy taking advantage of the Olympic Games. ITEP forecasts a decline of three to five percent in tourist arrivals in 2001, contrary to the seven percent increase anticipated by the Development Ministry. The decision also concerns armaments costing a total of about one trillion drachmas. In reference to the recent remarks made by Turkey's Foreign Minister Ismael Cem concerning Cyprus' accession to the European Union, Mr. Tsochatzopoulos stated that the economic, social and political crisis being experienced by Turkey are leading it to use high tones. Turkey has been realizing very correctly for some months that the accession of Cyprus and other eastern European countries to the EU is proceeding at an accelerated rate.
Turkey has difficulties.
The economic crisis, the social crisis and the political crisis it is going through are leading it to use high tones. However, it cannot be concealed that the country itself in its entirety has entered a course of adjustments at many levels and, despite reactions, I am optimistic, with regard to Greece's interests, that this adjustment of Turkey's to the new situation will produce results. Having concluded the official part of a three-day visit to Zagreb, the President of the Hellenic Republic Costis Stephanopoulos expressed his satisfaction over his contacts with Croatia's leaders and stressed that he ascertained an identity of views on matters of mutual interest. In an interview with Croatia's state television channel HRT, the President stated that Greece is an advocate for facilitating the course of all European countries that wished to join the European Union. Greece has from the first been in favor of EU enlargement with all European countries that wish to become members, Mr. Stephanopoulos stated.