Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 01-06-16

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

CONTENTS

[01] Simitis: EU enlargement a 'pre-determined, irreversible' process

[02] EU leaders believe Irish negative vote should not affect enlargement

[03] EU leaders and President Bush disagree on environmental protection

[04] Albanian extremists accept new peace plan by FYROM President Trajkovski

[05] Gov't says no UCK 'fund-raising' activities detected

[06] Cem says 'Turkey will not sacrifice Cyprus for EU membership'

[07] Turkish president refers to positive climate in Greek-Turkish relations

[08] Balkan meeting on dissemination of international humanitarian law

[09] Greek health minister and Cyprus House president discuss Cyprus problem

[10] Palestinian authority expresses sorrow for priest's murder

[11] Justice minister comments in Parliament over German war reparations issue

[12] Patriarch arrives on Lesvos for 5-day visit

[13] Panhellenic Journalists Conference begins in Samothraki

[14] Steady growth for Greek economy, despite international slowdown

[15] ASE falls to 33-month lows in the week

[16] Sat. meeting between OA pilots, Australian firm to focus on joint bid

[17] Egnatia Bank SA announces dividend, results for 2000 and first four months of 2001

[18] Greek stocks end Friday's session flat

[19] Bond prices finish with mixed results in heavy trade

[20] ADEX reports 20 percent increase in May turnover

[21] Equity futures finish with mixed results

[22] Death toll from sunken cruiser carrying illegal immigrants rises to seven

[23] Rescue teams seek Czech couple missing on Mount Olympus

[24] 3rd World Conference of Greeks from Egypt starts in Athens

[25] Georgian national arrested for drug dealing

[26] Briton McRae wins first day of Rally Acropolis

[27] Gov't, hoteliers and Athens 2004 discuss deal on hotel capacity increase

[28] UN Security Council renews UNFICYP mandate in Cyprus

[29] Foreign minister's proposals on EU enlargement

[30] Council of Europe adopts third interim resolution in Loizidou case

[01] Simitis: EU enlargement a 'pre-determined, irreversible' process

GOTEBORG, 16/06/2001 (ANA - V. Mourtis)

He was speaking on the sidelines of a European Union summit in the Swedish port city.

Regarding Cyprus EU accession prospects - an issue of paramount importance for Greece - Simitis said Athens would exhaust all its efforts and influence to ensure that the island republic participates in the next wave of EU enlargement. His comments came in answer to a question over whether his previous warning still stands, namely, that Greece will veto the expansion process if Cyprus accession course is impeded.

However, the Greek prime minister appeared optimistic, stressing that he personally believes Cyprus will be among the first group of countries set to join the Union. Simitis also reiterated that Greece is in favor of accelerated negotiations with a handful of prospective members on track for the first wave, thereby allowing those new member-states to participate in the 2004 Euro-elections.

Finally, he said Athens is wholly in favor of an EU timetable envisioning a timetable for late 2002 for the completion of accession procedures.

[02] EU leaders believe Irish negative vote should not affect enlargement

GOTEBORG, 16/06/2001 (ANA - V. Mourtis)

The issue of the negative vote cast by the Irish regarding EU enlargement was the focus of the Goteborg EU's summit's morning session.

The Irish referendum appears to have made European leaders skeptical since it was stressed during the discussion that there was a gap between citizens and decisions taken in the framework of the EU, as well as a lack of confidence. It was further noted that the widening of democratic procedures in the EU was necessary.

The EU is set to find solutions to the problem of Ireland, while Simitis pointed out that similar problems had appeared in the past, such as that concerning Denmark, which were ultimately resolved.

[03] EU leaders and President Bush disagree on environmental protection

GOTEBORG, 16/06/2001 (ANA - V. Mourtis)

Prime Minister Costas Simitis said all the Europeans stated that they agree with the Kyoto protocol, while President Bush said he believes that the Kyoto agreement does not adequately protect the environment and that it does not meet the aims of the U.S. on developing new energy sources.

Simitis said that inspite of this there appeared to be a positive inclination for an understanding which includes exchanges between experts who will work to bridge the distance between the two sides.

The target is for the U.S. to be able to contribute positively at the next session on the environment due to take place in Bonn.

Meanwhile in Athens, acting government spokesman Telemahos Hytiris said on Friday Greece's position on the views of President Bush in relation to the European Union is also the position of the EU, adding that in the meeting held in Goteborg there was disagreement on two points between the U.S. and the EU.

He said the first concerned the Kyoto agrrement on the environ-ment and the second the issue of the anti-missile defence of the U.S.

[04] Albanian extremists accept new peace plan by FYROM President Trajkovski

GOTEBORG, 16/06/2001 (ANA - V. Mourtis)

Briefing Greek media correspondents, Prime Minister Costas Simitis said Trajkovski addressed a letter to NATO Secretary Lord Robertson, who is in contact with the European Union's High Representative Javier Solana, while consultations are un-derway in the framework of NATO where Trajkovski's proposal is being discussed.

According to the proposal, NATO's assistance is being requested for the implementation of a ceasefire agreement, the autonomists to be disarmed and the truce to be applied.

Simitis, as well as Foreign Minister George Papandreou, said it was a question of military assistance.

Simitis said a positive climate exists in all countries on Traj-kovski's proposal, while Greece's position was also positive. He added that the proposal by FYROM's president is based on a past Greek proposal.

In the event a NATO force is sent to FYROM, Greece will participate in such a force.

[05] Gov't says no UCK 'fund-raising' activities detected

Athens, 16/06/2001 (ANA)

[06] Cem says 'Turkey will not sacrifice Cyprus for EU membership'

ISTANBUL, 16/06/2001 (ANA - A. Kourkoulas)

"The accession of the Republic of Cyprus to the EU prior to a solution to the Cyprus issue is 'dangerous' and Ankara will not accept it easily," he said.

"We are not quarrelsome, but we do not like being treated unjustly," Cem added, pointing out that "there are no limits" in defending Turkey's interests.

In another development, Cem expressed satisfaction "for finding himself in such a nice gathering for the first time", welcoming students and professors from the Athens based "Athina Dia-mantopoulou" school at the foreign ministry in Ankara on Fri-day.

Cem said that today world peace is not based on diplomacy alone but also on initiatives by citizens and activities of non-governmental organisations and added that the people of Greece and Turkey are responding positively to this rapprochement.

"If the politicians of the two countries continue Greek-Turkish rapprochement, the next step will be taken by the peoples," Cem said and underlined that youth is the greatest guarantee for shaping a peaceful world.

The students and professors of the "Athina Diamantopoulou" school, who are accompanied by the Mayor of Aegaleo Ioannis Mistakopoulos, are in Ankara in the framework of the school's twinning with the Turkish Bilfen school.

[07] Turkish president refers to positive climate in Greek-Turkish relations

ANKARA, 16/06/2001 (ANA - A. Abatzis)

He made the statements from the port city of Izmir, in reference to Greek-Turkish relations.

"The fact that bilateral relations have entered a period of positive developments pleases us," he said, adding that Turkey has "always been in favour of dialogue with Greece. The problems between us can be solved only through talks".

[08] Balkan meeting on dissemination of international humanitarian law

Athens, 16/06/2001 (ANA)

The agreement was reached during a meeting, organised by the Red Cross at the Panteios University, on the dissemination of international humanitarian law.

Representatives from Balkan countries agreed in principle on cooperation between local Red Cross organisations aimed at training and taking joint initiatives to tackle disasters in the Balkans.

What is even more important, is determining a new humanitarian culture at schools to enable children to develop the sense of volunteerism and of providing for fellow man.

Speakers said the meeting was held at a crucial time for the Balkans since the region experienced wars recently and is continuing to suffer.

[09] Greek health minister and Cyprus House president discuss Cyprus problem

Cyprus Acting President and House of Representatives Speaker Demetris Christofias and visiting Greek Health and Welfare Minister Alekos Papadopoulos discussed issues of mutual concern on Friday, such as the mutual aims of Greece and Cyprus for a just solution to the Cyprus problem and the island's accession to the European Union.

Christofias said that in the next few days, and after consulting his Greek counterpart Apostolos Kaklamanis, the date of his visit to Greece would be announced, adding that "it will be very soon."

Papadopoulos said the election of Christofias as House of Re-presentatives Speaker "is an important event of political and na-tional significance and a positive development."

Papadopoulos also said that in Greece Christofias is considered a politician of a high acceptance due to the great prestige he has in Cyprus and Greece in particular.

In another development, the Greek Health Ministry offered 65,000 pounds to the Neurology and Genetics Institute to enable it to purchase a DNA analyzer.

The amount was delivered by Papadopoulos to his Cypriot counterpart Frixos Savvides.

Papadopoulos is in Cyprus to participate in a meeting organised by the health ministry in cooperation with Greece's National Public Health Academy.

Savvides said the donation is a token of the effort aimed at mutual aid, mutual information and strengthening relations between the health ministries of Cyprus and Greece.

[10] Palestinian authority expresses sorrow for priest's murder

Athens, 16/06/2001 (ANA)

The statement noted that the priest was moving on a road controlled by Israeli forces, which is not open for use by Palestinians, stressing that the late Rev. Germanos was respected and loved by all Palestinians, both Christian and Muslim.

The statement also quoted the speech of Christian Orthodox Metropolitan Theophanis during Rev. Germanos' funeral, denying categorically the Israeli radio reports that armed Pa-lestinians were responsible for the murder.

"This claim of the Israelis is suspicious and aims at creating dissension among the Muslim and Christian Palestinians. We at the Patriarchate of Jerusalem accuse the fanatical Jewish settlers for the murder of Rev. Germanos, and we consider the Israeli Ariel Sharon government as being a moral accomplice," Theophanis said, according to the statement.

[11] Justice minister comments in Parliament over German war reparations issue

Athens, 16/06/2001 (ANA)

Minister Mihalis Stathopoulos, one of three top Cabinet members not an elected deputy, reiterated that the Greek government was "pursuing a political resolution to a matter presented to the German side, which for the first time, is showing understanding."

Communist Party of Greece (KKE) deputy and noted local journalist-publisher Liana Kanelli tabled the question in Parliament.

[12] Patriarch arrives on Lesvos for 5-day visit

Athens, 16/06/2001 (ANA)

[13] Panhellenic Journalists Conference begins in Samothraki

Athens, 16/06/2001 (ANA)

The conference, due to continue on Saturday, is focusing on the issue of "Power and the Media" and is being organised by the Evros prefecture, the municipality of Samothraki and the country's journalist unions.

Inaugurating the conference, Minister of Macedonia and Thrace George Paschalidis said it should become an institution, adding that the ministry strongly supports the creation of two journalist villages in Florina and Samothraki.

Evros prefect George Dolios referred to efforts made to support the conference and his longstanding contribution to the media sector, while the mayor of Samothraki George Hanos called for efforts to be intensified to enable Samothraki to acquire an airport.

[14] Steady growth for Greek economy, despite international slowdown

GOTEBORG, 16/06/2001 (ANA - M. Spinthourakis)

Greek National Economy Minister Yiannos Papantoniou, who represented Greece in the meetings, said that the slowing US economy and high petrol prices were to be blamed for the economic slowdown in the Union's economy.

"The EU should depend more on its own forces, increase its productivity and support its development based mostly on domestic demand, if it wishes to secure high growth rates," Papantoniou told reporters after the meetings.

He stressed that the social cohesion and solidarity policies, which were decided upon during the Lisbon summit, were not fully implemented and called for specific measures to promote structural reforms in the Union and support for the social cha-racter of the state in all member-states.

This Greek proposal, Papantoniou said, echoed the feelings of other states as well, including Belgium, Britain and Portugal.

He stressed, however, that these international conditions would have a lesser effect on Greece's economy, as tax cuts in Greece over the past two years have strengthened domestic demand, which is also boosted by dropping interest rates in home and consumer loans.

Papantoniou also referred to moneys entering the Greek market from projects to be funded by the third community support framework fund of the European Union, which in turn will promote public investment in infrastructure in the country.

He added that through prudent fiscal management that lead to a budget surplus, Greece would be the only country of the EU to achieve a higher growth rate in 2001 than it did in 2000.

He concluded, however, that the high rates of growth did not absolve the Greek government of the obligation to speed up structural changes that aim to increase the Greek economy's competitiveness.

[15] ASE falls to 33-month lows in the week

Athens, 16/06/2001 (ANA)

This positive development, however, was overshadowed by a continuing decline of prices on the Athens Stock Exchange, with the general index falling to its lowest levels since September 1999 when it hit its all-time highs. The index has lost more than 55 percent of its value since then.

The general index ended 3.4 percent lower in the week under review (from Friday, 8 June).

Traders said market sentiment remained bearish on disappoin-tment that predictions over the inflow of foreign institutional funds' capital in the Greek market, following its upgrading into a developed market on May 31, failed to materialise.

Around 140 stock shares have lost 80-98 percent of their value from September 1999 until today, another 85 stocks have lost 70-80 percent and around 90 stocks were showing losses between 40-70 percent.

In other news during the week, National Economy and Finance Minister Yiannos Papantoniou announced that the Athens 2004 Olympic Games' budget would total 1.5 trillion drachmas. He also presented a New Economy Development Fund (TANEO) aimed to support businesses with activities in new technologies.

Public Power Corporation, Greece's electricity utility, announced a 5.0 percent increase in the price of electricity for home use and finally, Olympic Airways said that its passenger traffic fell 22 percent in the first months of operation in the new Athens airport at Spata. OA said its competitors have suffered a 35 percent decline over the same period.

[16] Sat. meeting between OA pilots, Australian firm to focus on joint bid

Athens, 16/06/2001 (ANA)

Any cooperation between the two sides is expected to focus on the percentage of shares the firm would transfer to employees. Another thorny issue apparently deals with the debt-ridden carrier's employment level, as IAS has reportedly pointed to an OA workforce of around 6,500, with the pilots' union demanding a ceiling of 7,500. State-run Olympic currently has 10,500 em-ployees.

Sources claim the Australian-US group is offering 140-145 billion drachmas (of which 20 billion drachmas are covered by OA's pilots) to buy a 65-percent equity stake in OA. (One euro equals 340.750 drachmas)

Cyprus Airways is reportedly offering 30 billion drachmas to buy a 50-percent equity stake in OA, while according to sources, the Restis shipping group has floated an offer of 100 billion drachmas to purchase a 51-percent stake.

[17] Egnatia Bank SA announces dividend, results for 2000 and first four months of 2001

Athens, 16/06/2001 (ANA)

During the general assembly of the bank's stockholders in Thessaloniki, northern Greece, it was also announced that turnover in 2000 rose to 12.3 billion drachmas compared to 8.9 billion drachmas in 1999.

It was also announced that the bank's turnover the first four months of the year deposits rose to 465.2 billion drachmas compared to 415.1 billion drachmas of the same period of 2000, for a year-on-year increase of 12 per cent.

During the same period the bank loaned out 476.2 billion drachmas, compared to 312.2 billion drachmas in the same period of 2000 for a year-on-year increase of 53 per cent.

[18] Greek stocks end Friday's session flat

Athens, 16/06/2001 (ANA)

Traders said the market found support to a wave of buying interest in blue chip stocks - included in the MSCI index - during the last hour of trading.

The general index ended 0.21 percent higher at 2,859.66 points, off the day's highs of 2,863.04 and the day's lows of 2,820.05 points. Turnover was a low 128.05 million euros, or 43.63 billion drachmas.

The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks ended at 1,665.52 points, off 0.39 percent, the FTSE/ASE 40 index rose 1.44 percent to end at 328.29 points, and the FTSE/ASE SMALLCAP 80 index ended at 906.05 points, up 0.90 percent .

The parallel market index for smaller capitalisation stocks ended at 270.96 points, off 1.98 percent.

Broadly, advancers led decliners by 188 to 133 with another 38 issues unchanged.

Electra, Korfil, Stabilton, Athenian Holdings, Duty Free Shops, Hadzikraniotis, Nestsos, Sysware, Lanakam and Nexans scored the biggest percentage points, while MLS Informatics, Benroubi, Sarandopoulos, Hellenic Spinning, Hellenic Biscuits, VIS, Halyps, Karamolegkos, Nextnet, AAA and Rokas suffered the heaviest losses. National Bank, Hellenic Telecoms, Commercial Bank, Alpha Bank and Panafon were the most heavily traded stocks.

[19] Bond prices finish with mixed results in heavy trade

Athens, 16/06/2001 (ANA)

The Greek benchmark 10-year bond showed a yield of 5.45 percent from 5.54 percent a trading day earlier.

The yield spread over German bunds was 45 basis points from 43.8 in the previous session.

Turnover through the central bank's electronic system totaled 1.02 billion euros (350 billion drachmas) from 1.01 billion euros (344 billion drachmas) a trading day earlier. Buy orders accounted for the bulk of turnover.

[20] ADEX reports 20 percent increase in May turnover

Athens, 16/06/2001 (ANA)

ADEX attributed the increase to more sessions in May (22 from 19 the previous month) and to higher turnover. The average daily volume rose 3.9 percent to 7,850 contracts from 7,555 over the same period. More analytically, 4,936 contracts based on the FTSE/ASE 20 index, 2,293 contracts on the FTSE/ASE 40, 620 contracts on the FTSE/ASE 20 options and one contract on a 10-year state security.

ADEX said that the number of clients-investors rose 10.9 percent in May for an increase of 11 percent in the first five months of the year (slower from an increase rate of 16 percent in the period September-December 2000.

[21] Equity futures finish with mixed results

Athens, 16/06/2001 (ANA)

The underlying FTSE/ASE 20 index closed 0.39 percent down, and the FTSE/ASE 40 ended 1.44 percent up. Traded were 9,945 contracts on turnover of 66.9 million euros.

[22] Death toll from sunken cruiser carrying illegal immigrants rises to seven

Athens, 16/06/2001 (ANA)

A cruiser transporting at least undocumented immigrants from the Turkey coast to Greece run aground and sank near the rocky islet Chtapodi off the central Aegean island of Mykonos after developing engine failure.

The ministry said the cruiser was transporting at least 58 Afghani and Kurdish illegal immigrants -- 45 men, 6 women and 7 children. 48 survivors had been taken to facilities on Mykonos, while Harbour Authority divers working throughout the night had so far recovered a total of 7 bodies (six men and one woman) that were trapped in the sunken vessel, while at least three other persons, probably children, were still missing.

Authorities late Thursday arrested the cruiser's owner, Panagiotis Kouvas, a Greek national, and the vessel's captain, George Hazakis, who were in custody at the Mykonos port authority.

Sources said the cruiser had initially set sail from Athens' Flisvos port, travelled to the Turkish coast where the undocumented immigrants were boarded from a Turkish vessel, and was headed back to Greece when it suffered engine failure.

[23] Rescue teams seek Czech couple missing on Mount Olympus

Athens, 16/06/2001 (ANA)

Jiri Kominek, 65, and his wife Marie, 60, disappeared last week after arriving in the Leptokaria region with a tourist group and leaving for an unknown destination on June 4. Their disappearance was reported to police on June 9 after they failed to turn up on the previous day when the group of tourists was due to return home.

A rescue team was finally created to search for the two Czechs on Mount Olympus as they were known to be mountaineering enthusiasts.

[24] 3rd World Conference of Greeks from Egypt starts in Athens

Athens, 16/06/2001 (ANA)

The 3rd conference follows two others, one in 1984 and the other in 1992, and is attended by many Greeks from Egypt who are distinguishing themselves abroad.

The importance of the conference was indicated by the presence of many politicians who addressed the event, as well as by government and Parliament members.

"Greece is one, but the Greeks who played an important role were the best everywhere and this was the case with the Greeks from Egypt," said Deputy Press Minister Telemahos Hytiris.

The conference is being organised under the sponsorship of the Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa Petros VII who was given an honourary distinction with the medal of the Federation of Greeks from Egypt for his great contribution.

[25] Georgian national arrested for drug dealing

Athens, 16/06/2001 (ANA)

They said the man, Zaza Samharadze, was arrested in the Kypseli residential district on Tuesday and three glass jars containing a total 1.28 kilos of heroin and 40 grams of opium found in his apartment were confiscated.

Police also confiscated 840,000 drachma in cash, an electronic precision scale, three pistols, bullets, eight rubber stamps of various State services, and three checks from various banks totalling 8.69 million drachma.

Police said Samharadze was located and placed under discrete surveillance after they received a tip-off five days earlier that a Georgian national residing in the Kypseli district was dealing large quantities of heroin in the area. The man was taken before a public prosecutor, who ordered his detention.

[26] Briton McRae wins first day of Rally Acropolis

Athens, 16/06/2001 (ANA)

The second leg of the rally will begin on Saturday and will include seven rounds of harsh road conditions.

Aris Vovos lead Greek national crews participating in the rally with a Subaru Impreza WRC.

[27] Gov't, hoteliers and Athens 2004 discuss deal on hotel capacity increase

Athens, 16/06/2001 (ANA)

After the meeting the hoteliers reassured the government that they would make available 90 per cent, instead of 80 per cent, of their hotels capacity to ATHOC for the Games.

On its part the government is expected to withdraw, next week, plans to allow increased construction limits and lot coverage in Athens for hotels that would serve the purposes of the Games.

The agreement is expected to be signed on Monday and a meeting on the issue is expected to be discussed on Tuesday in a ministers' meeting.

The government is also expected to announce that it would lift the ban on new hotel construction in the Attica region and incentives to renovate older hotels.

[28] UN Security Council renews UNFICYP mandate in Cyprus

NICOSIA, 16/06/2001 (CNA/ANA)

Resolution 1354 "reaffirms all its resolutions on Cyprus, and in particular resolution 1251 (1999) of June 29, 1999 and subsequent resolutions". The Security Council in its resolution 1251 "reaffirms its posi-tion that a Cyprus settlement must be based on a state of Cyprus with a single sovereighty and international personality and a single citizenship, with its independence and territorial integrity

safeguarded and comprising two politically equal communities as described in the relevant Security Council resolutions, in a bicommunal and bizonal federation, and that such a settlement must exclude union in whole or in part with any other country or any form of partition or secession."

Friday's resolution welcomes the report of UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, dated May 30, 2001, on the UN operation in Cyprus, and "in particular the call to the parties to assess and address the humanitarian issue of missing persons with due urgency and seriousness". It "urges the Turkish Cypriot side and Turkish forces to rescind the restrictions imposed on June 30, 2000, on the operations of UNFICYP, and to restore the military status quo ante at Strovilia".

The Turkish occupation forces illegally put up a checkpoint in the southeastern area of Strovilia as part of measures against UNFICYP in retaliation to the non-inclusion of an addendum in a report by UN chief Kofi Annan for an earlier renewal of the Force's mandate with a Turkish demand for separate discussions with UNFICYP.

The Security Council notes that "the government of Cyprus has agreed that in view of the prevailing conditions in the island, it is necessary to keep UNFICYP beyond June 15, 2001", and "decides to extend the mandate of UNFICYP for a further period ending December 15, 2001".

In its resolution, the Security Council "requests the Secretary-General to submit a report by December 1, 2001, on the imple-mentation of this resolution", and "decides to remain actively seized of the matter".

It also welcomes and encourages UN efforts "to sensitise peace-keeping personnel in the prevention and control of HIV/AIDS and other communicable diseases in all its peacekeeping opera-tions".

The UN has some 1.200 peacekeepers in Cyprus, who patrol a 180-kilometre-long buffer zone across the island, divided since Turkish troops invaded and occupied 37 percent of its territory in the summer of 1974.

Some 200.000 Greek Cypriots, making one third of the island's population were forcibly uprooted from their homes and properties by the Turkish invasion troops. Hundreds of people have been missing since then.

[29] Foreign minister's proposals on EU enlargement

GOTEBORG, 16/06/2001 (CNA/ANA)

He also expressed the hope that the EU summit that began on Friday in Goteborg will send stronger messages with regard to enlargement than those the previous summit had sent from Nice.

The minister said some candidates of the so-called Helsinki group have progressed to the point that countries of the Luxem-bourg group have, and noted that Poland has closed the same number of chapters as countries of the Helsinki group.

"We respect the position of Poland in the first group of enlarge-ment but EU enlargement can also be gradual, with one group of countries joining one year and another the next," Kasoulides said, adding that the existing position favours enlargement on January 1, 2004.

Cyprus is in the Luxembourg group and has closed more chapters in its negotiations with the EU than any candidate, a total of 22 chapters.

Commenting on expectations from the Goteborg summit, he said it is possible that no specific dates on enlargement will be fixed but "the message conveyed will be stronger than those the Nice summit has sent."

Replying to questions, he said the EU supports the UN efforts to find a negotiated settlement in Cyprus, divided since 1974 when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third, and stands by its Helsinki decision that a solution would facilitate accession but it is not a precondition for it.

[30] Council of Europe adopts third interim resolution in Loizidou case

NICOSIA, 16/06/2001 (CNA/ANA)

The Cypriot government would not comment on the delibera-tions of Thursday's meeting, saying it is bound by confidentiality rules not to disclose anything on the matter.

"The content of the Committee meeting is confidential and I am not at liberty to reveal anything about it," the Strasbourg sources told CNA on Friday, noting that the interim resolution will be made public in the week beginning 25 June.

They explained that according to existing regulations there is a delay of about ten days before such documents are released for publication and refrained from replying to any questions on the matter.

Questioned on the outcome of Thursday's meeting, government spokesman Michalis Papapetrou said "the government has made a commitment not to comment on anything relating to this matter" until documents are in the public domain.

The Committee had in the past adopted two resolutions in the case of Greek Cypriot Titina Loizidou. The latest resolution of July 2000 said the refusal of Turkey to execute the judgment of the Court demonstrates a "manifest disregard for its international obligation" to comply with it.

Loizidou had sued Turkey for violation of her right to property and to the peaceful enjoyment of that property in the Turkish-occupied part of Cyprus. The Court ruled in her favour and ordered Turkey to pay some 900,000 US dollars in compensation and allow her access to her property. Ankara has done neither. Loizidou sent on Monday a letter to the Committee president pointing out that three years after the Court judgment it is time to take further action on this matter and calls for suspension of the rights of representation of the Turkish government and if necessary a request to withdraw from the Council.

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