Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 00-04-18

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

CONTENTS

[01] Greek stocks suffer biggest drop in history

[02] Turkish foreign ministry delegation concludes talks in Athens

[03] Turkish minister urges Athens and Ankara to make efforts to resolve "real problems"

[04] Papandreou sees meeting with Denktash after united Cyprus' EU accession

[05] Israel's Peres arrives for 'Economist' event, meets with Papandreou

[06] Peres sees possible Israel- Turkish - Greek links

[07] Greek FM and US ambassador discuss bilateral relations and the former's visit to New York

[08] Government planning to focus on EMU, completing the social state and changes in public administration

[09] New ND Parliamentary group to convene this week

[10] Supreme Allied Commander Wesley Clark on two-day farewell visit to Greece

[11] Greek and Swiss left MPs confer on co-operation

[12] Black Sea bank elects president

[13] Building activity fell 8.3 pct in 1999

[14] Deregulation, DEH's flotation discussed

[15] Hyatt Regency buys into historic Athens hotel

[16] Greek and Turkish journalists aid rapprochement

[17] Rhodes island to obtain "wonder"

[18] Vartholomeos receives Poland's Kwasniewski

[19] Stephanopoulos becomes honorary citizen of Korydallos

[20] Pinter to receive honourary degree in Thessaloniki

[21] Three Germans arrested on antiquities smuggling charges

[22] Japanese gov't scholarships to Greek researchers

[23] Athens rejects IOC's request for Athens Olympics to start earlier

[24] A Cyprus settlement not a precondition for EU accession, EU officials say

[25] President Clerides meets with Dukakis

[26] Turkish warplanes violate Cyprus airspace

[01] Greek stocks suffer biggest drop in history

Athens, 18/04/2000 (ANA)

Dealers said investors worldwide-fled riskier stocks for the safety of bonds and gold, a move that hit mainly Wall Street and Asian markets. They noted, however, that the impact on the Greek bourse was heavier because of the negative sentiment currently prevailing in the market.

Private investors were particularly active following a week of selling by institutional investors, domestic and foreign.

The general index plunged 9.17 percent to 4,064.85 points, near its day's lows. Turnover was a moderate 145 billion drachmas.

The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks ended at 2,301.02 points, off 9.16 percent while the FTSE/ASE 40 index dropped 9.30 percent to 548.62 points.

The Greek stock market's decline could not be decoupled for a turmoil in international markets, government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said on Monday.

He noted, however, that Greek economic prospects were positive and justified a medium- and long-term advance in the stock market.

Reppas said the government firmly believed that the stock market was an autonomous institution that operated on its own rules, but stressed that the government was determined to increase the market's institutional safeguards.

Sector indices ended as follows: Banks: 7,872.60

-9.02% Leasing: 845.87 -9.96% Insurance: 2,789.67

-8.81% Investment: 1,699.78 -9.11% Construction: 1,988.21 -9.95% Industrials: 2,434.76 -9.00% Miscellaneous: 3,997.51 -9.72% Holding: 4,674.08

-8.89%

The parallel market index for smaller capitalisation stocks ended at 721.93 points, down 9.86 percent.

Broadly, decliners dramatically led advancers by 332 to two with another two issues unchanged.

Hellenic Telecoms, National Bank and Alpha Credit Bank were the most heavily traded stocks.

Leading shares' closing prices (in Drs): National Bank: 20,320 Alpha Credit: 19,650 Commercial Bank: 18,975 Ergobank: 7,050 Eurobank: 9,800 Hellenic Telecoms: 8,265 Panafon: 4,005 Hellenic Petroleum: 4,055 Intracom: 12,235 Minoan Lines: 5,545 Hellenic Bottling: 5,720 Heracles Cement: 8,325 Titan Cement: 13,050

The biggest daily declines in the last decade Monday's 9.17 percent record-drop was the 19th session since 1990 that the Athens bourse's general index loses a big part of its value in one day.

In the period 1990-1991, the Greek market suffered six major daily declines. Disappointment, after a Greek bid to host the 1996 Olympic Games in Athens had lost to Atlanta, hit shares in the construction sector which had flourished in anticipation of a Greek victory in the previous months.

1991, was the year with the most negative records. The Gulf war and a political turmoil in Russia, following a failed coup against Gorbachev that led to the end of the Soviet Union, led to five big daily drops in the year.

The next blow was recorded in March 3, 1997 when the general index lost 7.45 percent of its value following a social unrest in neighbouring Albania and news of a scandal involving Delta Securities SA.

The Russian economic crisis this time hit international markets in August 27, 1998, and its impact was felt also in the Athens bourse. The Greek drachma plunged forcing the Bank of Greece to intervene for the currency's support spending 500 billion drachmas.

Fears of a collapse in the Brazilian economy and a 2.7 percent drop on Wall Street the same day, hit the Greek market on October 2, 1998. Greek investors were also spooked by fears of a resurgence in the domestic inflation rate.

The general index lost 6.21 percent of its value on January 13, 1999 on persisting fears of a collapse in the Brazilian economy.

The Ocalan affair undermined sentiment in the Greek market pushing the general index 6.06 percent down on February 23, 1999.

A NATO-led air campaign against Serb forces in Kosovo led to a 7.55 percent plunge in the Greek market on April 1, 1999.

On October 18th, the Athens bourse lost 6.21 percent of its value signalling a change in market sentiment.

Greek stocks suffered a 6.6 percent drop on March 14, 2000, three weeks before the April 9 general elections in the country.

The market fell 5.29 percent last Friday.

Derivatives prices suffer heavy losses: Derivatives prices ended sharply lower on the Athens Derivatives Exchange on Monday reflecting a free-fall in the two benchmark indices, FTSE/ASE 20 and FTSE/ASE 40.

Trade was brisk with a total of 3,566 futures contracts changing hands, worth 11.6 billion drachmas.

A total of 1,900 futures contracts were traded on the FTSE/ASE 20 index, with a turnover of 8.2 billion drachmas. The April expiring contract ended at 2,215 points, the May at 2,224 and the June contract at 2,250 points.

A total of 1,666 futures contracts were traded on the FTSE/ASE 40 index, with a turnover of 3.4 billion drachmas. The April and the May expiring contract ended at 521 points, the June at 533,50 and the September contract at 535 points.

Bonds nose down in scant trade: Bond prices in the domestic secondary market edged down in negligible trade on Monday, brushing off an abrupt fall in stock markets in Greece and abroad.

Domestic paper has managed to hold on to reasonably high levels, containing the market crisis to stocks.

The Greek benchmark 10-year bond showed a yield of 6.11 percent from 6.10 percent a session earlier and 6.12 percent on Thursday.

The paper's yield spread over German bunds was 88 basis points from 86 basis points in the previous session and 90 basis points on Thursday.

Turnover through the central bank's electronic system totalled 14 billion drachmas from 48 billion drachmas on Friday and 36 billion drachmas in the two sessions before that.

Of Monday's total, sell orders accounted for the whole of turnover.

Drachma drops vs euro, rises vs dollar: The drachma on Monday fell against the euro and rose versus the US dollar in the domestic foreign exchange market.

The Bank of Greece stepped into the fixing, selling around 60 million euros, but the drachma still ended down against the single European currency.

At the central bank's daily fixing, the euro was set at 335.350 drachmas from 335.010 drachmas a session earlier and 335.070 drachmas on Thursday.

Also at the fixing, the US dollar was set at 349.440 drachmas from 350.700 drachmas on Friday and 350.070 drachmas on Thursday.

[02] Turkish foreign ministry delegation concludes talks in Athens

Athens, 18/04/2000 (ANA)

Greek Foreign Ministry sources said the talks focused on Greece's contribution to the process of Turkey's adjustment to European established practice, cooperation between the two countries on various EU programmes and general developments in the EU, with emphasis on the course of enlargement, institutional reforms and the Intergovernmental Conference.

The sources said the talks were held in "a very positive climate" and resulted in many proposals being specified in the framework presented by Greece. The next meeting between the two delegations will take place in Ankara on May 17-18.

According to reports, a tripartite meeting between Greek, Turkish and European Commission delegations will also take place in May regarding their cooperation within the framework of the INNOGATE programme, European Union's energy cooperative effort.

In another development, Turkish Ambassador to Greece Ali Tuygan, who accompanied the head of the Turkish delegation during his meeting with Greek Foreign Minister George Papandreou, delivered a letter of congratulations to the latter from his Turkish counterpart Ismail Cem.

In his letter to Papandreou, Cem expresses satisfaction over his reappointment to the post of foreign minister and stresses that his new term of office "will provide a historic opportunity for us to continue our efforts towards cooperation and friendship for the benefit of our peoples and of the entire region."

"It is my profound conviction that your wisdom and your personal commitment, your realistic and humanitarian approach to foreign policy issues and the transparent and friendly relationship between us will continue to be invaluable advantages for maintaining a new era in our bilateral relations," the letter said.

The Turkish delegation will visit Thessaloniki on Tuesday and depart for Turkey on the same day.

[03] Turkish minister urges Athens and Ankara to make efforts to resolve "real problems"

ISTANBUL, 18/04/2000 (ANA - A. Kourkoulas)

Gurel, who was addressing a meeting in Izmir on "Turkey and Greece on the Path to Peace", said "living history" guides relations between the two countries, adding that "history has accumulated many problems between the two countries and has created a psychological parametre in Greek-Turkish relations".

He said the two countries should initially discuss the "problem of the Aegean" and that peace in the Aegean will be implemented through joint steps being taken for cooperation in the region.

[04] Papandreou sees meeting with Denktash after united Cyprus' EU accession

Athens, 18/04/2000 (ANA)

Commenting on a statement by Denktash, that he was willing to visit Athens and meet with the Greek minister, Papandreou said "I would gladly meet with Mr. Denktash when both of us as European citizens, citizens of the European Union, would be able to cross Cyprus from one end to the other, without artificial or other obstacles".

Papandreou made the statement after a meeting with former Israeli premier Shimon Peres.

Cyprus, engaged in accession negotiations with the EU, is ahead of all the other candidate countries. Denktash has rejected an invitation from the government of the Republic to nominate Turkish Cypriot representatives to the negotiating team.

[05] Israel's Peres arrives for 'Economist' event, meets with Papandreou

Athens, 18/04/2000 (ANA)

Peres, the current minister of regional cooperation in the Ehud Barak government, arrived in Athens this week to participate as a keynote speaker in a round-table discussion organised by the "Economist", entitled "Reconstruction, Development and Security in SE Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean".

Papandreou briefed Peres over recent developments in the Cyprus issue and Greek-Turkish relations, while reiterating that Athens is ready to contribute in any way it can to the Middle East peace process -- a direct reference to several conferences the Greek government has sponsored over the past years near the capital to bring together Israeli and Palestinian opinion-makers and personalities.

On his part, the veteran Israeli Labour leader underlined that "Greek-Israeli bilateral relations have been improving for some time now, reaching their highest level in the present." He also congratulated Papandreou on his landslide re-election from Athens' first election district in the April 9 general election.

Peres was also received by Greek President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos later in the day.

The visit marks the former premier's third to Greece over the last year and a half.

Athens mayor briefs Peres on "the diplomacy of cities": Athens Mayor Dimitris Avramopoulos held talks with former Israeli Prime Minister and current Development Minister Shimon Peres, at the Athens Town Hall on Monday and briefed him on the plans of the city of Athens culminating with the 2004 Olympic Games.

Speaking later, Avramopoulos said he "set out the theory 'on the diplomacy of cities', which Mr. Peres supports, and for this reason our meeting today also had a special content. The promotion of the idea of a meeting between the historical cities of the eastern Mediterranean which the city of Athens will undertake in the framework of its international initiatives."

On his part, Peres said "the Athens mayor was the first Greek mayor to visit Jerusalem and we can see the big historic change between the two cities, Athens and Jerusalem, which proclaim peace, cooperation and understanding between the different peoples in the Mediterranean."

[06] Peres sees possible Israel- Turkish - Greek links

Athens, 18/04/2000 (ANA)

"Turkey and Israel have an open relationship in which Greece could also join ... For Israel, both Turkey and Greece are friendly countries and good allies," he said in an address to the Economist magazine's annual conference in Athens. Peres said he was optimistic regarding progress in Greek-Turkish relations.

The subject of this year's conference, which is organised in collaboration with Panteion University's Institute of International Relations, is "Reconstruction, Development and Security in SE Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean".

Referring to the Cyprus issue, Peres expressed the view that Turkish Cypriots would ultimately have to join in the island-republic's membership of the European Union for lack of any alternative.

"The solution of the Cyprus problem necessarily depends on the EU," he said.

Another contributor to the conference, State Department adviser on Balkan issues Richard Shifter spoke of the need for border disputes to be solved on the Franco-German model.

"This model can also be applied in the Balkans," he said.

Shifter expressed the view that loan agreements, which had gradually begun being applied in the framework of the Balkan Stability Pact, would bring about significant changes in the daily lives of citizens in the region.

"It is absolutely necessary to implement a new Marshall Plan which will extricate the area from the crisis," he said.

[07] Greek FM and US ambassador discuss bilateral relations and the former's visit to New York

Athens, 18/04/2000 (ANA)

They discussed bilateral relations between Greece and the United States, and Papandreou's visit to New York on May 2-3, as well as cooperation between the two countries in the framework of Balkan reconstruction.

[08] Government planning to focus on EMU, completing the social state and changes in public administration

Athens, 18/04/2000 (ANA)

Prime Minister Costas Simitis is coordinating the efforts of the government to produce the policy statement, which will be based on two axes: a short-term one extending to the end of June, which has already been completed, while the second will be analysed during the debate since it is still being processed, the same sources said.

The sources said three priorities have been set until the summer holidays: Economic and Monetary Union (EMU), the immediate implementation of election promises to integrate the social state and incisions regarding both the government and the state "with the purpose of renewed and modern rule."

The Prime Minister's intentions, the sources said, also include changes in people both in public administration and in the ruling PASOK party.

[09] New ND Parliamentary group to convene this week

Athens, 18/04/2000 (ANA)

The session will be the first following the April 9 general elections.

According to reports, veteran ND deputy and former minister Stavros Dimas has decided to step down as the party's Parliamentary group secretary.

In other related developments, ND leader Costas Karamanlis met with several high-ranking party officials on Monday, as the main opposition's leadership is currently considering the possibility of holding a national conference in mid June and with a congress to follow in the late autumn.

[10] Supreme Allied Commander Wesley Clark on two-day farewell visit to Greece

Athens, 18/04/2000 (ANA)

[11] Greek and Swiss left MPs confer on co-operation

Athens, 18/04/2000 (ANA)

Expatriate Josef Zisiades, MP of the Swiss labour party expressed his intention in a meeting with Nikos Constantopoulos, leader of the Greek leftist "SYN" party.

Zisiades expressed his satisfaction for "SYN's" entrance into the new parliament to Constantopoulos, while he discussed issues concerning Greek people abroad.

Zisiades revealed that his party wishes to become linked to the European Unifying Left Team of the European Parliament.

[12] Black Sea bank elects president

Athens, 18/04/2000 (ANA)

Elected president of the board of governors was Merab Kakulia, governor of the bank for Georgia. The board's new vice-presidents are D.I. Remes of Romania and V. Yuschenko of Ukraine

The Black Sea bank's share capital of 1.2 billion US dollars is distributed among Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Georgia, Greece, Moldova, Romania, Russia, Turkey and Ukraine.

The board of governors endorsed the bank's annual report and proposals on spending 1999 net income.

The board's next meeting will be held in Georgia on May 21, 2001.

The bank launched operations in June 1999 in order to aid growth in the Balkans and Black Sea region and boost economic ties among shareholding countries.

Emphasis at the meeting was laid on explaining the bank's methods of financing commercial transactions among member-state enterprises, and outlining opportunities for co-financing with international organisations.

The bank has already endorsed loans of 45 million US dollars for four investments and commercial plans. Another 150 business proposals are awaiting evaluation.

[13] Building activity fell 8.3 pct in 1999

Athens, 18/04/2000 (ANA)

The drop reflected mainly a 9.0 percent fall in building activity in the rest of the country. Activity in the Attica prefect fell 6.4 percent in 1999.

[14] Deregulation, DEH's flotation discussed

Athens, 18/04/2000 (ANA)

No further details were disclosed. Newly appointed Development Minister Nikos Christodoulakis chaired the meeting.

[15] Hyatt Regency buys into historic Athens hotel

Athens, 18/04/2000 (ANA)

Hyatt said it acquired the stake through the Athens Stock Exchange and aimed to increase it at reasonable prices.

The company reported a 12 percent rise in operational profits in the first quarter, compared to the same period last year. Turnover in 1999 was 44.3 billion drachmas and net pre-tax profits 11.3 billion drachmas.

The statement said no part of profits originated in stock market operations.

[16] Greek and Turkish journalists aid rapprochement

Athens, 18/04/2000 (ANA)

Entitled "Greek-Turkish meeting in Rhodes - Mass Media - local societies, tourism, economic and scientific relations", the conference is to be held on Rhodes as "the island has proven that it pioneers and remains loyal to the tendency of co-operation between the two peoples," according to the island's Mayor Giorgos Yiannopoulos.

[17] Rhodes island to obtain "wonder"

Athens, 18/04/2000 (ANA)

The monument will draw inspiration from the "Kolossos" statue, one of the Seven Wonders, allegedly ruined 2,220 years ago.

Yiannopoulos said "It will be a landmark technical achievement for Greece and an international reference point emanating national identity messages of Greek presence in international developments."

Artists from around the world will be invited to submit their plans by the end of the 2000 summer.

[18] Vartholomeos receives Poland's Kwasniewski

ISTANBUL, 18/04/2000 (ANA - A. Kourkoulas)

Poland's head of state is currently on an official visit to Turkey.

His spouse and the Polish foreign minister accompanied Kwasniewski.

[19] Stephanopoulos becomes honorary citizen of Korydallos

Athens, 18/04/2000 (ANA)

Thanking the mayor, Stephanos Christou, Stephanopoulos said "I do not wish you for the prison complex in your area to be relocated -the need for this is self-evident, but I do wish you that skylarks soon sing again in Korydallos, like in the old days ". Korydallos means, "skylark".

[20] Pinter to receive honourary degree in Thessaloniki

Athens, 18/04/2000 (ANA)

Accompanying events will include an exhibition of photographs from 40 different plays of Pinter's on Greek theatre stages. It will be entitled "Pinter on the Greek stage" and will be open until April 23.

Pinter was born in London's East End and first appeared as a playwright in 1957 with "The Room" and "Birthday Party". Of late, Pinter has directed many of his plays.

[21] Three Germans arrested on antiquities smuggling charges

Athens, 18/04/2000 (ANA)

The three, identified as Jacob Reinhard, 54, Kuchar Thorsten, 26, and Margarette Arnold, 44, were arrested Sunday night when police, acting on a tip-off, stopped their truck, bearing the licence plate AKA 7449 and drivern by Reinhard, and found two metal detectors and several small-size archaeological objects.

A search later of Reinhard's home in the village of Karnoupoli, Laconia prefecture near Sparta, turned up what police described as a large number of priceless clay and bronze artefacts and icons.

Police declined giving further details pending an assessment by specialists from the state archaeology board who were en route to the area to examine the artifacts.

[22] Japanese gov't scholarships to Greek researchers

Athens, 18/04/2000 (ANA)

The scholarships will run for one and a half and two years, beginning from April 2001 or October 2001. The deadline for applications is July 28, 2000 -- including mailed applications.

For more information, call the Japanese embassy in Athens' cultural affairs department at (01) 72.45.875 between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.

[23] Athens rejects IOC's request for Athens Olympics to start earlier

Athens, 18/04/2000 (ANA)

The IOC proposed the change in date to enable "high-profile" soccer players from all over the world to participate, since later they would have commitments with their clubs and would be unable to take part.

The Organising Committee reached this decision on grounds that there are no guarantees on the part of the Federation of International Football Associations (FIFA) and the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) that these players will be able to participate in the event the Olympic Games are held earlier than scheduled.

[24] A Cyprus settlement not a precondition for EU accession, EU officials say

NICOSIA, 18/04/2000 (CNA/ANA)

The European officials were speaking at the 17th meeting of the EU-Cyprus Joint Parliamentary Committee, which opened on Monday and ends Tuesday in Nicosia. They will address issues such as the political situation in Cyprus, current EU-Cyprus relations and accession negotiations, the EU Intergovernmental Conference, protection of the environment and preservation of Cyprus' cultural heritage, safety in the shipping sector, taxation of the off-shore sector.

Addressing the opening session Co-Chairman of the EU-Cyprus Joint Parliamentary Committee, Cypriot MP Tassos Papadopoulos, said with Cyprus at the final stages before its accession to the EU, the role of the Committee becomes all the more important.

Papadopoulos made reference to the current UN-led peace process of proximity talks between the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot sides, noting that they have not been fruitful so far due to Turkish intransigence and because Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash insists on demands which run contrary to the UN Security Councilresolutions.

The US and the EU should turn their attention to Turkey, Papadopoulos said and expressed the hope that after Helsinki Europe will be able, as a result of its new relation with Turkey, "to exercise its influence so that Ankara will change its aggressive and intransigent stance in efforts for a Cyprus solution".

Referring to the Cyprus problem, Co-Chairwoman German Euro-MP Mechtild Rhote said there are no substantial messages pointing towards a solution, but noted that conditions are more positive because of improved Greco-Turkish relations, increased international interest, especially on the part of the US, and the Helsinki conclusions.

The German Euro-MP commented on Cyprus' accession course, noting that it is the only country, which has closed 15 chapters in the process of harmonisation with the acquis communautaire.

In the case of Turkey, Rhote said it was inconceivable for Europe to begin talks as long as Turkey occupies the northern third of Cyprus and stressed that Europe would not tolerate just any solution for Cyprus but only a just and sustainable one based on UN resolutions, providing for a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation.

During the morning session Ambassador Leonardo Mathias, representing the Presidency-in-Office of the Council of the EU and Donato Chiarini Head of the European Commission, spoke on the political situation in Cyprus and current EU-Cyprus relations.

Mathias expressed the support of the Presidency to the UN-led process of proximity talks, noting that the commitment of both sides to continue with the negotiations "is in itself positive". He described it as "a window of opportunity, which is the best in years".

The Portuguese presidency representative said "a fair and comprehensive settlement" to the Cyprus question can be reached and said that accession to the EU would benefit both communities and would be the best guarantee for security and prosperity for all.

On his part Chiarini reminded that according to the Helsinki conclusions a solution is no precondition for accession despite the desire for a united island to join the Union.

[25] President Clerides meets with Dukakis

NICOSIA, 18/04/2000 (CNA/ANA)

Speaking after the meeting, Dukakis promised "we are going to work as hard as we can" on the Cyprus problem and that US President Bill Clinton "feels very strongly about these issues".

He said what Clinton did during the European Union Helsinki summit "was very important, but we also need some serious negotiations here (Cyprus)", adding that Greek Americans will be meeting in Washington in May and will hopefully "have some serious discussions with the White House, Secretary of State Madeleine Albright and others, to see if we can make sure that the US is deeply and actively involved in this as we possibly can". Dukakis said "this is probably the best opportunity we have had, at least in my adult lifetime to do something" towards solving the Cyprus problem, and "obviously the US has got to play a major role".

Responding to questions, Dukakis said the US "can have a lot of influence", adding that if European Union accession proceeds with Cyprus and Turkey, then "Europe will be playing an increasingly important role in this".

He also noted it is "a mistake to assume that all the US has to do is say 'boo' and Turkey will jump" and pointed out that "Turkish politics are very fragile".

Dukakis said if Turkey "is serious about accession to the European Union, it means that they are going to have to make some very fundamental changes, both politically and economically", adding that "this is not going to be easy".

He added his family "goes back a long way" regarding Cyprus and noted that during World War II when he was ten years old, Makarios III, who later became Archbishop and President of Cyprus, went to his home in the United States "for Sunday dinner".

Dukakis said if he had won the 1988 US presidential elections, then maybe "things would be different in Cyprus, but unfortunately I did not win that election and I am very sorry".

He noted "all of us who are active in the Greek American community in the Unites States feel very strongly about Cyprus and we share your pain and frustration", adding that he will speak about this subject on April 19, during a lecture he will give at the University of Cyprus.

[26] Turkish warplanes violate Cyprus airspace

NICOSIA, 18/04/2000 (CNA/ANA)

Government Spokesman Michalis Papapetrou told his daily press briefing that new representations were to be made today to NATO members who have not indicated whether they would be participating in military manoeuvres, under Turkish aegis, in the eastern Mediterranean.

Charides told CNA that Turkish aircraft violated Cyprus' airspace and FIR Nicosia on April 12 and two days later they violated Nicosia FIR again.

Commenting on press reports about the manoeuvres, Charides said the Defence Ministry and the National Guard were not monitoring NATO military manoeuvres in the Aegean and Nicosia FIR.

Papapetrou said that the Cyprus government "is to make new representations to all the member-states of NATO, which have not yet said whether they would be participating in today's part of the exercise", noting that Greece and France have already said they would not be taking part.

He also said the maneuvres concerning Cyprus would be taking place over the next few days.

The government spokesman was commenting on Greek press reports that the exercise was being carried out under the auspices of Turkey, with the participation of NATO forces. The manoeuvres reportedly include aeronautical exercises with live ammunition in Nicosia FIR.

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