Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 00-09-23

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

CONTENTS

[01] Greek government announces energy saving measures

[02] Greece would defend its national interests, deputy defense minister says

[03] Defense Minister Tsohatzopoulos participates in informal meeting of EU defense ministers

[04] Southeastern European defense minister to meet in Thessaloniki

[05] Premier fully backs foreign minister on national issues, spokesman says

[06] Greek-Turkish symposium recognizes progress in bilateral relations

[07] Muslim leaders deny reports of involvement in Church drive for plebiscite on IDs

[08] PM meets with Liberals leader Manos

[09] Tsohatzopoulos calls for separation of politics from economic vested interests

[10] Delegation from Greek Parliament to attend CoE Parliamentary Assembly

[11] ND-sponsored conference on IGC, future of EU

[12] Albania's ethnic Greek party leader calls on Greek-Albanians to come home for elections

[13] New tax bill to be submitted in parliament early October

[14] Greek stocks rebound, market finds support at 4,000

[15] Current account and trade deficits increase, during first half of 2000

[16] Greece to auction short-term state bills on Tuesday

[17] Greece to lift ban on exiting the country for those with past due accounts with the state

[18] Contribution of social partners in EU social programs lauded

[19] Workers oppose method of sale of Skaramanga Shipyard

[20] Barclays Funds says Greece ahead following euro zone bid

[21] Greek, Turkish bank trade groups set up info exchange

[22] Manos calls for joint Greek-Turkish exploitation of Aegean Oil

[23] Gov't mulls raising passenger-shipping fares due to fuel hike

[24] Premier, ND leader on "European Day Without Cars"

[25] Police pilot program yields results reducing accidents

[26] Pangalos announces regular meetings with archaeological site unification company to speed up progress

[27] Conference on culture to be held in Santorini beginning on Sunday

[28] Prince Sadruddin made honorary citizen of Patmos island

[29] Viktoras Mitrou wins silver medal in 77 kg weightlifting contest

[30] Athens Olympic Games preparations will be completed on time

[31] Foreign envoys' involvement in Cyprus talks helpful, UN spokesman says

[32] Spokesman says some criteria on territorial aspect discussed at proximity talks

[01] Greek government announces energy saving measures

Athens. 23/09/2000 (ANA)

Development Minister Nikos Christodoulakis, announcing the measures, said the Greek and the European economy should be prepared to face a possibility of high oil prices for many more months.

He did not rule out a decision to impose a ceiling on fuel prices, although he said that the cooperation between the ministry, refineries, oil distribution companies and petrol stations, was "very good up to now".

Christodoulakis said he did not expect the Greek market to experience any fuel supply problems because of an anticipated strike by lorry drivers in the country.

He reiterated that any increase in consumer product prices, resulting from a combination of high oil and US dollar prices, would harm both the companies themselves and the national economy.

The measures included: an information campaign for citizens, a more efficient use of energy in public buildings ahead of the winter, investing 25 billion drachmas in the next six months to promote projects for saving and co-producing energy, and incentives to promote the creation of Energy Saving Companies.

The plan also envisages subsidizing the use of non-fossil fuels in electricity and changes in the pricing policy of Public Power Corporation.

Christodoulakis also presented the results of a ministry's recent inspection in petrol stations and storage facilities in the Attica prefect, which showed several cases of illegal distribution in fuel oil.

[02] Greece would defend its national interests, deputy defense minister says

Athens. 23/09/2000 (ANA)

"We will defend our national interests where ever those are threatened," the deputy minister said, adding that Greece was resolved to do it, and it has the necessary force for such action, confronting "all those who have different motives and aims".

"It is a message of peace and willingness to coexist in peace with the other peoples of the region, as well as the resolve to not allow anyone to question our sovereign rights," Apostolakis concluded.

Greece to participate in NATO aeronautical exercise in Turkey, spokesman says: Greece will participate in a major aeronautical exercise in Turkey using forces from NATO member-states, government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said on Friday.

The exercise will take place on October 8-25 and Greece will participate with 12 F-16 aircraft and an engineering company that will make a landing at Xiros Bay.

[03] Defense Minister Tsohatzopoulos participates in informal meeting of EU defense ministers

PARIS, 23/09/2000 (ANA - O. Tsipira)

National Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos represented Greece.

Presiding French Defense Minister Alain Richard told a press conference the conclusion reached by the 15 member-states was that the number of 60,000 men comprising the Union's force should be increased to about 80,000. The air force will have between 300-350 fighter planes and the naval force 80 ships.

Speaking to Greek reporters later, Tsohatzopoulos said "Europe's ability to have the possibility of intervention on security issues leads clearly to the EU's political unification, which we have a great need for at the present period, because it is taking place parallel to economic unification. We need to go ahead with the unification of many policies to enable us to handle a crisis of any kind."

Referring to Greece's participation in the new European force, Tsohatzopoulos said "we proposed a body of 3,500 soldiers, a squadron of aircraft having 20 or 22 aircraft, 5-8 ships and one submarine."

[04] Southeastern European defense minister to meet in Thessaloniki

Athens. 23/09/2000 (ANA)

The meeting will take place during a time of increased international for the Balkans, due in part to crucial elections in Yugoslavia and Albania.

US Defense Secretary William Cohen will attend the session, since Washington is participating in the regional political and military initiative created by the defense ministers of the countries of southeastern Europe, at Greece's initiative.

The agenda also includes the activities of the multinational military force of 25,000 men, headquartered in Plovdiv, Bulgaria, whose creation was decided last September.

[05] Premier fully backs foreign minister on national issues, spokesman says

Athens. 23/09/2000 (ANA)

He also announced that the chairman of Parliament's Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, Karolos Papoulias, had decided that the committee should convene when Parliament's winter session began.

[06] Greek-Turkish symposium recognizes progress in bilateral relations

Athens. 23/09/2000 (ANA)

The symposium entitled "The course and prospects of Greek-Turkish relations after Helsinki" begun Zappeion Mansion in Athens on Thursday.

Foreign Ministry European Affairs Secretary General Ilias Plaskovitis said Greece is maintaining an authentic and non-fictitious support for Turkey's accession course towards the EU, in which it has invested many hopes.

He said four categories of conditions exist for Turkey's accession to the EU. The political and economic criteria set out in Copenhagen, the promotion of relations of good neighborliness, with its contribution to a solution to the Cyprus issue, and the incorporation and effective implementation of all EU established practices.

Plaskovitis said Greece is contributing considerably towards the achievement of these four categories by Turkey, but what is required on the part of Turkey is political will, social consensus and bold decisions.

He said Greece is showing in practice its interest for authentic support for Turkey's accession course, which can be gained quite soon and with the achievement of the remaining conditions.

"We should stop preparing for a war which will never happen. This is an absurd game. It needs faith and an effort to build, because what is important is for us to be above and defiant towards historical positions," former European Investment Bank Deputy Governor Panayiotis Gennimatas said.

"The Cypriots are in front of crossroads," Turkish ambassador Cem Duna said, adding that either a compromise will be sought to enable them to proceed together on the accession course towards the EU, or they will take different paths with the risk of rivalry which will seal division forever, with whatever this will entail for both sides on the island and for Greece and Turkey.

[07] Muslim leaders deny reports of involvement in Church drive for plebiscite on IDs

Athens. 23/09/2000 (ANA)

"The issue of identity cards concerns the relations of our country with the Orthodox Church of Greece. I state categorically that there has been no involvement of mine whatsoever in this issue. The effort to involve me does not benefit in any way and I request an end to it," the Mufti of Komotini said.

In the same mood, the Mufti of Xanthi denied statements by the Metropolitan of Xanthi Panteleimon.

"I regret being in the unpleasant position to categorically deny announcements by the Reverend of Xanthi and by a section of the press that I have requested printed forms of the Church of Greece to supposedly enable Moslems to participate in the informal 'referendum' on identity cards. I repeat that neither do I agree with the position of the Orthodox Church nor am I involved in the issue. Such actions can only create problems in relations between us, which are harmonious," the Mufti of Xanthi said.

[08] PM meets with Liberals leader Manos

Athens. 23/09/2000 (ANA)

Manos rode on a bicycle to the Maximos Mansion from the party's offices to participate in the events, stressing his party's support for the initiative.

Manos said after his brief meeting with Simitis that he requested the meeting to make a series of practical proposals to him, which, if applied, will considerably improve living conditions in the capital.

He said Simitis promised that next week he would arrange to have a new meeting held between them to discuss the issue at length.

"If we do not make a move now, I do not think we can organize the Olympic Games in a presentable manner with Athens being as it is today," he said.

[09] Tsohatzopoulos calls for separation of politics from economic vested interests

PARIS, 23/09/2000 (ANA - O. Tsipira)

Tsohatzopoulos, in Paris to attend a meeting of European defense ministers, said "we should not forget the stance we have repeatedly stressed. Regarding this matter I have been repeatedly specific in the past. It is a matter of fact that the new level of development within the EU differentiates the relations of politics with that of economics. The economic interests loom more powerful now than in the past".

"Thus the political power has the responsibility to promote more effective ways in regulating the relation of these two elements," he added.

[10] Delegation from Greek Parliament to attend CoE Parliamentary Assembly

Athens. 23/09/2000 (ANA)

The delegation will be comprised of deputies Rodoula Zisi, Nora Katseli, Stavros Dimas, Michalis Liapis, Dora Bakoyianni, Nikos Floros, Aristotelis Pavlidis, Liana Kanelli and Maria Damanaki.

The CoE Parliamentary Assembly is to discuss a report on Croatia's commitments and obligations to the CoE, recent developments in Chechnya, the European Union Charter of Fundamental Rights, environmental issues and the status of homosexuals in CoE member-states.

[11] ND-sponsored conference on IGC, future of EU

Athens. 23/09/2000 (ANA)

The conference will examine issues regarding the course of the IGC, enlargement and the future architecture of the EU and European security.

It will be addressed by ND leader Costas Karamanlis, former European Commission president Jacques Santer, a vice-president of the European People's Party, members of ND, European Christian Democrat party Euro-MPs and Greece's representative at the IGC, Prof. Panayiotis Ioakeimidis.

[12] Albania's ethnic Greek party leader calls on Greek-Albanians to come home for elections

Athens. 23/09/2000 (ANA)

The 'Omonia' party, which has formed an alliance with the Human Rights Party for these elections, hopes to increase its strength and elect 10 sub-prefects instead of the current eight.

For the region on Heimarra, in particular, Doules claimed that the ruling Socialists were cooperating with the Democrats to exclude Omonia's Greek candidate, whose elections would force Albanian authorities to concede the existence of a sizeable Greek minority in the region.

Doules also claimed that the Human Rights Party was coming under vicious attacks from the two main parties led by Sali Berisha and Fatos Nano and he accused the ruling party of "unacceptable maneuvers, blackmail and threats against members of the Greek minority."

According to the Omonia party leader, his party's alliance with the Human Rights Party was threatening the Socialists dominance in the south, which it had long regarded as its "stronghold". He also said that the Tirana government had been disgruntled by Omonia's success in highlighting the human rights situation in Albania.

[13] New tax bill to be submitted in parliament early October

Athens. 23/09/2000 (ANA)

The new tax bill, implementing the government's pre-election pledges for corporate and income tax cuts, will envisage raising the ceiling in the tax-free income, reducing the highest tax scale factor and gradually lowering corporate taxes for companies not listed on the stock market.

The new tax bill was discussed on Friday during a meeting between National Economy and Finance Minister Yiannos Papantoniou and Finance Deputy Minister Apostolos Fotiadis.

According to sources, the meeting decided not to change the taxation in car ownership.

[14] Greek stocks rebound, market finds support at 4,000

Athens. 23/09/2000 (ANA)

Blue chip stocks, particularly in the banks sector, attracted heavy demand led by Eurobank, Alpha Bank and National Bank, while Hellenic Telecoms' shares ended lower in heavy trade.

Traders said a fall in international oil prices and in the US dollar rate combined with an improved climate in international markets, also helped sentiment.

The general index ended 1.24 percent higher at 4,090.89 points, off the day's lows of 3,972.43 points. It ended the week with a net loss of 2.70 percent. Turnover was a heavy 204.53 billion drachmas for a weekly average turnover of 124.896 billion, down from 159.364 billion in the previous week.

The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks ended 1.55 percent higher at 2,328.85 points and the FTSE/ASE 40 index rose 0.45 percent to 534.60 points.

Sector indices ended as follows: Banks: 8,212.60 +2.26% Leasing: 673.71 -0.71% Insurance: 2,215.59 +1.05% Investment: 1,642.76 +0.70% Construction: 2,094.36

-0.77% Industrials: 2,430.03 +1.00% Miscellaneous: 4,209.42 +0.58% Holding: 5,061.26 +2.34%

The parallel market index for smaller capitalization stocks ended 0.67 percent up, at 626.91 points.

Broadly, advancers led decliners by 168 to 166 with another 19 issues unchanged.

Alpha Finance, Hellenic Telecoms, Alpha Bank, National Bank, Panafon and Spyrou were the most heavily traded stocks.

Leading shares' closing prices (in Drs): National Bank: 15,470 Titan Cement (c): 14,200 Alpha Bank: 14,830 Hellenic Telecoms: 7,650 Commercial Bank: 19,300

Panafon: 3,600 Hellenic Petroleum: 4,170 Eurobank: 10,100 Attica Enterprises: 2,855 Piraeus Bank: 6,450 Intracom: 13,620 Lambrakis Press: 9,250 Minoan Lines: 3,305 Heracles Cement: 6,280 Hellenic Bottling: 4,400

Equity futures up, tracking Athens bourse: Equity futures traded on the Athens Derivatives Exchange finished higher on Friday, in line with the indices on which they are based.

The FTSE/ASE 20 index closed 1.55 percent up, and the FTSE/ASE 40 ended 0.45 percent higher.

Turnover was 29.8 billion drachmas.

A total of 5,170 contracts were traded on the FTSE/ASE 20 with turnover at 23.9 billion drachmas.

On the FTSE/ASE 40 index, 2,761 contracts changed hands on turnover of 5.9 billion drachmas.

Bond prices nose up in moderate trade: Bond prices in the domestic secondary market on Friday finished higher in moderate trade.

The Greek benchmark 10-year bond showed a yield of 6.071 percent, the same as in the last session.

The Greek paper's yield spread over German bunds was 78-79 basis points from 78-79 basis points in the previous trading day.

Turnover through the central bank's electronic system totaled 150 billion drachmas from 214 billion drachmas in the session before.

Of the total, buy orders accounted for the bulk of trade.

Drachma down vs. euro, up vs. dollar: The drachma on Friday ended lower against the euro and higher versus the US dollar in the domestic foreign exchange market.

Central banks intervened throughout Europe to prop up the euro, aided by Japan and, in a surprise move, by the US.

At the central bank's daily fixing, the euro was set at 339.180 drachmas from 339.080 drachmas in the previous session.

Also at the fix, the dollar was set at 393.010 drachmas from 398.650 drachmas a trading day earlier.

[15] Current account and trade deficits increase, during first half of 2000

Athens. 23/09/2000 (ANA)

The trade deficit rose to US$10.8 billion, during the first half of the year, compared to US$8.3 billion during the same period last year, the report added.

The report of the bank stressed that the increase was mainly due to the crude oil price increase as Greece spent more than US$2.6 billion for crude, during the first half of the year, compared to US$924 million during the corresponding period of 1999.

On a positive note, the balance of financial transactions surplus rose to US$5 billion, compared to US$1.7 billion, during the same period last year.

At the end of August the foreign currency assets of Greece were US$ 15.4 billion.

[16] Greece to auction short-term state bills on Tuesday

Athens. 23/09/2000 (ANA)

The auction includes: a 12-month bill worth 40 billion drachmas, a six-month bill worth 25 billion and a three-month bill worth 25 billion drachmas.

Settlement date was set Friday, 29 September. The organization will pay a commission of 0.45 percent, 0.25 percent and 0.15 percent for the three issues, respectively.

[17] Greece to lift ban on exiting the country for those with past due accounts with the state

Athens. 23/09/2000 (ANA)

The decision will be incorporated in the tax bill being prepared by the finance ministry, and is in line with meeting the Schengen Treaty criteria, mandated by the European Union, regarding unobstructed travel within the Union.

[18] Contribution of social partners in EU social programs lauded

BRUSSELS, 23/09/2000 (ANA - G. Zitouniati)

European Commissioner on employment and social affairs Anna Diamantopoulou and French Labor and Social Affairs Minister Martine Aubry recognized the contribution of the aforementioned organization in the "Agenda of Social Policy" compiled as the Union's program for the next 5 years.

[19] Workers oppose method of sale of Skaramanga Shipyard

Athens. 23/09/2000 (ANA)

Workers would refuse to sell their 49 percent stake in the yard under a plan proposed by ETBA for a 100 percent sale it claims will attract more potential buyers, the Cooperative of Skaramanga Shipyard Workers said in a statement.

The trade union said it had never agreed to an unconditional sale of workers' stock, as reportedly claimed by ETBA.

Workers were willing to sell their stake in their own right, and not through the bank, the statement said.

In a gesture of protest, worker representatives boycotted a company board meeting, saying the bank's decision was a unilateral move.

[20] Barclays Funds says Greece ahead following euro zone bid

Athens. 23/09/2000 (ANA)

"Thanks to its exceptional achievements in the economic and social sectors, Greece became a member of the euro zone and is taking part in a plethora of changes," said Carlos Rache, sales director of Barclays International Funds.

"This transition phase finds Greece at a relatively more advanced stage than the old member-countries of the euro zone," Rache told a launch ceremony for New Economy SA, a subsidiary of Mercury Management AG of Switzerland, held in the northern port city of Thessaloniki on Thursday.

[21] Greek, Turkish bank trade groups set up info exchange

Athens. 23/09/2000 (ANA)

Addressing a Greek-Turkish political and economic symposium in Athens, Vranas said that individual commercial banks were seeking the same kind of arrangement to inform each other of domestic and international developments.

National Bank of Greece recently set up a representation in Istanbul, and is taking part with JP Morgan and Gananti Securities in the creation in Turkey of a private equity fund.

[22] Manos calls for joint Greek-Turkish exploitation of Aegean Oil

Athens. 23/09/2000 (ANA)

"I would recommend study of the prospect as the price of oil has become extremely high and I believe that now is the right time for such a move," Manos told a Greek-Turkish political and economic symposium held in Athens.

"For many years, Greece and Turkey have disagreed over demarcation of the continental shelf in the Aegean, and many believe the reason is that that there is oil in the Aegean," he said.

"Oil in the Aegean offers nothing to anyone when it is in the sea. It is time to agree, and ask someone to pump out the oil and sell it," the former national economy minister said.

[23] Gov't mulls raising passenger-shipping fares due to fuel hike

Athens. 23/09/2000 (ANA)

The minister was replying to a reporter's question.

[24] Premier, ND leader on "European Day Without Cars"

Athens. 23/09/2000 (ANA)

In observance of European Day Without Cars, public transportation was free of charge throughout the day in Athens and the other 60 municipalities taking part in the initiative, while outdoor concerts and other cultural events were also organized in the participating municipalities.

Simitis, attending events marking the Day organized by pupils in Paleo Psychico, said that if one looked from Lycabettus Hill towards the Acropolis, one would see that Athens was plagued by thick smog, which was caused by a number of factors by chiefly by cars.

Urban development in recent years had failed to place priority on creating green areas and conversely had focused more on cars, the premier said, adding that the citizens were no demanding a more viable development and better living conditions.

Simitis, accompanied by environment minister Costas Laliotis and transport minister Christos Verelis took Athens' new Metro to the Katechaki station and from there boarded a mini-bus to Paleo Psychico to attend the nearby schools' events.

Laliotis bicycled from his home atop Lycabettus Hill to the Evangelismos metro station to join up with the premier.

Main opposition New Democracy leader Costas Karamanlis also walked to his office on central Rigillis street in a symbolic observance of the Day, and told reporters that the everyday environment, the need for a human city and for quality of life for the citizens were a major priority.

He said today's reality was quite different, due to a "huge lack of infrastructures, tragic delays in necessary interventions, abandonment of the green policy, and inadequate public transportation".

Karamanlis called on the government to shoulder its responsibilities and "turn the words into action".

Thessaloniki's day without cars blocked by local authority bodies: 'European Day without Cars' failed to materialize for Thessaloniki residents on Friday, where local authority bodies did not agree with closing roads to cars.

Despite measures by public transport organizations to encourage people to leave their cars at home, such as free, city-wide use of buses and the introduction of two coastal ferry routes, local residents did not seem keen to abandon their customary modes of transport.

According to Thessaloniki traffic police this was just another normal Friday, with no reduction in traffic congestion or the numbers of cars double-parked on the roads.

Thessaloniki's sole contribution to European Day without cars, which was observed in 60 other Greek towns and cities and 620 European municipalities, was a pantomime performance on traffic issues put on by the members of the Meditation and Intervention Club and the decision of the Thessaloniki prefectural authority to not put any vehicle on the road, except in dire emergencies.

Laliotis, Avramopoulos agree to ban cars from Athens once a month: Environment, Town Planning and Public Works Minister Costas Laliotis and Athens Mayor Dimitris Avramopoulos on Friday agreed to enforce a ban on cars at the center of the Greek capital on the first Sunday of every month.

The two men met during a concert in downtown Athens closing the events for the European Day Without Cars.

[25] Police pilot program yields results reducing accidents

Athens. 23/09/2000 (ANA)

The data indicated a tenfold increase in violations of the highway code between June 15 to Sept. 15 - the duration of the program, compared to the same period last year.

Four highway police stations were involved in the program, all on the Patra-Athens-Thessaloniki-Evzoni highway, and checked vehicles for speed, drunken driving and other safety violations, and as a result accidents in this central highway traversing Greece from north to south were reduced, compared to 1999.

[26] Pangalos announces regular meetings with archaeological site unification company to speed up progress

Athens. 23/09/2000 (ANA)

Pangalos said the aim of the meetings would be to speed up the rate at which work on the project progressed, while he announced that the road circling the Acropolis from Thisseion should have been fully pedestrianized by the end of the year.

[27] Conference on culture to be held in Santorini beginning on Sunday

Athens. 23/09/2000 (ANA)

The conference will be attended by representatives of non-governmental cultural organizations from Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Ecuador, Switzerland, Greece, the United Kingdom, the United States, India, Italy, Cameroon, Canada, Croatia, Norway, South Africa, the Netherlands, Senegal, Sweden, Sri Lanka and the Philippines.

[28] Prince Sadruddin made honorary citizen of Patmos island

Athens. 23/09/2000 (ANA)

Among those attending the ceremony were many of the Aga Khan's personal friends, such as Nicholas Negreponte, the prince of Bulgaria and many others.

In his address, the prince referred fondly to his first memories of the island, which he had first visited in 1962, and to the many friends he had made there.

Princess Katerina then took the stand and said that she was proud, as a Greek, that she had been able to transmit her love of the country to her husband.

Last to speak was the Archimandrite of Patmos monastery, Antypas Nikitaras, who praised the prince's "understanding" of the Orthodox monastic tradition and urged him to continue his humanitarian work.

[29] Viktoras Mitrou wins silver medal in 77 kg weightlifting contest

SYDNEY, 23/09/2000 (ANA-D. Efstathiou/G. Mantaios)

Mitrou lifted 165 kg in the snatch and 202.5 kg in the jerk, while the Chinese weightlifter lifted 160 kg in the snatch and 207.5 kg in the jerk. The bronze medal was won by Arsen Melikian from Armenia who lifted a total of 365 kg (167.5-197.5).

Greece has won a total of three medals in the Sydney Olympics so far. Two silver and one bronze. All three were won in weightlifting contests.

ND leader, Skandalidis, DHKKI leader congratulate Mitrou on silver medal: New Democracy leader Costas Karamanlis, PASOK Central Committee Secretary Costas Skandalidis and Social Movement (DHKKI) leader Dimitris Tsovolas on Friday each sent their warmest congratulations to weight-lifter Viktoras Mitrou for his silver medal at the Sydney Olympics.

[30] Athens Olympic Games preparations will be completed on time

MELBOURNE, 23/09/2000 (ANA - S. Hatzimanolis)

"The preparations in Athens continue at a fast pace, it is, however, true that we lost valuable time," she said, denying doubts on Greece's ability to organize the Games in 2004.

"I am totally certain that the in time preparation of the Olympiad will stun the world. The infrastructure projects continue at a speedy pace and will be completed within the timetable, assigned by the International Olympic Committee (IOC)," she added.

[31] Foreign envoys' involvement in Cyprus talks helpful, UN spokesman says

NEW YORK, 23/09/2000 (CNA)

Eckhard said that "the involvement of the foreign envoys on Cyprus is helpful to the work de Soto is doing", adding that "this is a group effort to make progress".

Asked whom de Soto was meeting, Eckhard said he could not reveal this information, due to a news blackout imposed by UN Secretary-General, Kofi Annan, regarding Cyprus peace talks.

However, European Union chief negotiator for Cyprus, Leopold Maurer, who is in New York in the sidelines of the peace talks, confirmed to CNA he had met with de Soto.

Meanwhile, de Soto met on Friday with Turkish Cypriot leader, Rauf Denktash, in the context of the fourth round of proximity talks.

Speaking after the meeting, which lasted for one hour and fifteen minutes, Denktash said this round of talks would be wrapped up on September 26.

UN-led proximity talks, separate meetings of the UN with President Glafcos Clerides and Denktash, began last December and a fourth round is underway in New York, aiming at paving the way for substantive negotiations leading to a comprehensive settlement in Cyprus, divided since Turkey invaded and occupied the northern third of the island in 1974.

[32] Spokesman says some criteria on territorial aspect discussed at proximity talks

NEW YORK, 23/09/2000 (CNA)

Speaking to the Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation, Papapetrou said some criteria relating to territory were discussed during the ongoing proximity talks, which started here last week, adding that things are likely to become more concrete in the next weeks or months, when proposals are expected to be put forward on a map.

The spokesman was commenting on press reports that some 40 villages, under Turkish occupation since Turkish forces invaded the island in 1974 occupying its northern third, will be part of the Greek Cypriot administered area of a bizonal, bicommunal federation, to emerge from the UN-led talks.

"There has been no reference to any village at the talks and no maps produced. We did discuss certain criteria," the spokesman added.

Papapetrou cautioned against any speculation on the content of the talks, on which the UN has imposed a blackout, noting that there would be concrete things in the next weeks or months, when proposals on paper are expected to be discussed. "Let us be patient," he suggested.

The fourth round of UN proximity talks, which started here Tuesday last week, is set to wrap up on September 26.

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