Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 01-10-09

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

CONTENTS

[01] Greece totally supports U.S. & EU decisions to fight terrorism, PM says

[02] ND gives its complete backing to the US attack on Afghanistan

[03] Stringent security measures in Greece following US strikes

[04] FM stresses need for democratic course for Afghanistan

[05] EU declares full solidarity with U.S. in Afghanistan attack

[06] Parliament president meets with Belgian parliamentarians

[07] Parties of the Greek left criticize war operations in Afghanistan

[08] New US envoy visits Greek president, presents credentials

[09] EU General Affairs Council examines EU-Turkish relations

[10] File sent to Supreme Court concerning land register

[11] PASOK Secretary presents hall where Congress will be held

[12] Deputy defense minister to visit the Netherlands on November

[13] Coalition makes official complaint over Turkish press report

[14] Free Citizens Movement party to hold congress on November 24

[15] Greek inflation falls to 3.6 percent in September

[16] EU employment ministers agree on European company charter

[17] Greek banks focus on housing and consumer loans

[18] Civil Aviation Federation requests economic aid

[19] International conference of insurers held on Hydra

[20] Stocks drop on Monday's session

[21] NATO, Greek scientists confer on nuclear and chemical hazards

[22] All Greek airports operating normally, CAA says

[23] Red Cross appeal for aid to Afghanistan, Tajikistan

[24] Council of ministers examines European policy on cinema

[25] Appeal by German occupation victims overruled

[26] Four earth tremors near Thessaloniki

[27] Cyprus FM says US military operation in Afghanistan is part of overall campaign against international terrorism

[01] Greece totally supports U.S. & EU decisions to fight terrorism, PM says

Athens, 09/10/2001 (ANA)

Simitis noted that "we have no special reason to fear something, we are calm and balanced in confronting the situation, of course, however, we are increasing our security and checks, where that is necessary, without, however, a feeling of fear or much more so panic".

Simitis also spoke during the KYSEA meeting about his telephone conversation with U.S. Vice-President Dick Cheney on Sunday, who spoke to him of a long-term struggle against terrorism.

He added that the U.S. vice-president said that Sunday's operations were just the beginning of the first phase of this military operation, which is taking place in parallel with other actions, including the collection of information and the combating of terrorist networks around the world.

Simitis also agreed with the assessment that this operation will be a long-term one.

The premier also spoke of the meeting of the NATO permanent representatives in Brussels, who decided that all AWACS airborne warning and control system platforms, which are stationed in Europe, thus in Greece as well, would depart for the United States, as the AWACS covering North America had gone to Pakistan, India and other places.

During the KYSEA meeting, Simitis requested of Foreign Minister George Papandreou to stress to his 14 European Union counterparts the issue of humanitarian aid and the need for the operations to be focused on specific targets.

"We should not be in a state of panic and under the influence of a climate, which views every accident, like the one in Milan today, as a terrorist action. There is an atmosphere of war and in such an atmosphere fear and panic are easily created," Simitis said.

"It would be very negative if such a climate takes hold," he said, adding that in any case there is a need for a climate of "decisive attention, a stable control and firstly cooperation with our partners".

Greek gov't decides on counter-terrorism measures: Prime Minister Costas Simitis on Monday chaired a Government Council of Foreign Affairs and Defense (KYSEA) meeting, during which it was decided that measures would be put into effect to increase readiness and to protect all the social infrastructures of the country, in the face of current international developments.

Following the meeting, Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos clarified that the measures aim to protect specific installations of the country, such as airports, ports, power plants, and dams, "so as to guarantee the security of the Greek people against any unforeseen events and to be able to deal with the situation".

Tsohatzopoulos added that this conflict is not one of cultures or peoples, rather it has as its only target the effective confrontation of international terrorism.

He noted that none can confront international terrorism alone, and placed especial emphasis on the exchange of information between allies, as in this way the collective effort is better armed to confront unorthodox and asymmetrical threats.

The Greek defense minister also reiterated that the United States did not request Greece's contribution to the operations against terrorism, adding, however, that it was agreed in NATO's framework the deployment of Greece's AWACS air control aircraft for the better coverage of the European space.

Meanwhile, in Luxembourg, the 15 foreign ministers of the European Union issued a statement providing their full support to the United States in their attack in Afghanistan and announced a 316-million-euro aid package for the civilians of the beleaguered country.

Greek AWACS crews may participate in NATO's operations, gov't spokesman says: Greece's newly acquired AWACS airborne warning and control system platforms and their crews may participate in NATO's operations in North America, Greek government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said on Monday, following a Government Council of Foreign Affairs and Defense (KYSEA) meeting.

Reppas said that the airplanes go together with their crews, thus AWACS with Greek crews may participate in NATO operations in North America.

He stressed that during the KYSEA meeting Prime Minister Costas Simitis, who chaired it, said that the operations in Afghanistan were not a war of civilizations, nor a war between religions, rather it is a war against terrorism.

Reppas noted that Simitis called President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos and briefed him on developments in Afghanistan, while during the cabinet meeting he issued orders to Foreign Minister George Papandreou and Health and Welfare Minister Alekos Papadopoulos for the confrontation of possible effects of the U.S. offensive in Afghanistan.

Responding to questions, Reppas said that according to reports the migration wave from Afghanistan to Europe and consequently to Greece is rising, while he added that the Greek government was undertaking all the necessary measures to increase the security of the country's borders.

Reppas called the measure of grounding all private airplanes and helicopters an effective preventative measure, adding that if any of these kind of planes attempts to fly it then falls under the responsibilities of the Greek Air Force.

He stressed that there is no danger for biological warfare against Greece, but despite that the government has undertaken all necessary measures.

In closing, Reppas said that the ruling PASOK party congress would convene as scheduled, as well as the government reshuffle planned for after the congress.

[02] ND gives its complete backing to the US attack on Afghanistan

Athens, 09/10/2001 (ANA)

"We have to stay united in the fight against those who seek to undermine the foundations of the modern world. This is not a battle between cultures and religions but a defense of our principles and values," Karamanlis said.

The ND leader said Greece would participate in this battle in the framework of the United Nations, NATO and the European Union.

Meanwhile, in comments earlier on Monday, honorary New Democracy president Constantine Mitsotakis said the air attacks by the United States against Afghanistan were to be expected and unavoidable.

He said they marked the start of military operations that would last a long time and take many forms.

He also said that the message by Osama bin Laden was a political mistake, since he had indirectly taken responsibility for the Sept. 11 attacks on the Twin Towers and the Pentagon, and removed the onus of proof from the Americans.

Mitsotakis described the Greek government's stance as correct but 'mean', and said it need not constantly add 'footnotes' that differentiated its stance from that of other Europeans and could be interpreted by some as hesitation or indecision.

[03] Stringent security measures in Greece following US strikes

Athens, 09/10/2001 (ANA)

Transport minister Christos Verelis issued orders forbidding all flights by small private aircraft until further notice, while airports are on alert and passenger checks are exhaustive.

In addition, civil aviation authorities have been instructed to alert the Greek air force so that it can identify and intercept aircraft that veer off course in Greek airspace.

Security has also been stepped up around possible NATO, US and western targets in the country, including US and NATO military bases on Crete, Aktion and in Larissa.

In statements to reporters early on Monday morning, Deputy Defense Minister Dimitris Apostolakis, said that the increased security around bases or areas where foreign forces were deployed was natural and one of Greece's obligations toward its allies.

He also pointed out that Greece had pledged to assist the international effort against terrorism, and would provide any assistance or facility that was needed and considered useful.

"The first procedure will be to facilitate the movement of forces, providing space in the air and sea. But this will be dealt with depending on the circumstances, for each situation and specific request."

Apostolakis denied that the air force had orders to bring down any aircraft in Greek airspace that had not submitted a flight plan.

"The matter is not that simple, shooting down any aircraft. There are procedures that are followed and which will now be followed even more strictly," he said.

Asked whether there was a danger of a terrorist strike in Greece, the minister said that no one could preclude a terrorist strike on their territory, since terrorism was by definition 'blind'.

"It may have an ideological 'mantle', a general goal or target of revenge, but it is generally blind and therefore no one can assure themselves that they are safe or unassailable."

The minister pointed out that Greece was not a primary target, however, since a terrorist strike here would not have the 'shock effect' that terrorists wanted, while its relations with Arab countries were generally good.

[04] FM stresses need for democratic course for Afghanistan

LUXEMBOURG, 09/10/2001 (ANA - M. Spinthourakis)

Papandreou said that during the session the British delegation briefed the Council on military operations in Afghanistan, pointing out that they are being carried out in such a way as to deliver a blow to purely military targets and to be in accordance with the principles of international law.

He said the EU expressed its solidarity with the U.S., assessing that the American reprisals constitute a response to the September 11 attack and lie within the framework of UN resolutions.

He reiterated that the intervention in Afghanistan is not a "war between civilizations" and that the target is not the people of Afghanistan, while pointing out that the EU decided on Monday to provide humanitarian aid for Afghanistan amounting to 314 million euros.

Papandreou further stressed the need for the EU to intensify its efforts to achieve peace in the Middle East. He added that the issue is not linked to bin Laden's terrorist attack against the U.S., but noted that the crisis and tension in the Middle East create major problems and make difficult the creation of a wider alliance against international terrorism, which is the aim of both the U.S. and the other western countries. He also said the dialogue in the Middle East should continue.

Papandreou also referred to the need for cooperation between the EU and the U.S. with Turkey in the event of waves of refugees from Afghanistan to this country. He also said relations between the EU and Asian countries should be improved and underlined that the improvement of Russia's relations both with EU and NATO countries is a very positive development.

Referring to Greece's initiatives for understanding and dialogue with Moslem countries, Papandreou said that problems in relations between the Moslem and Western worlds will be discussed at the next Euro-Mediterranean Forum to take place in Morocco under Greek chairmanship.

Papandreou said developments in Afghanistan should not make the situation in the Balkans an issue of secondary importance, adding that after the September 11 terrorist attack the lesson derived is that problems should be resolved with democratic dialogue and not through resorting to force. This lesson applies to all the Balkans and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) in particular, he added.

[05] EU declares full solidarity with U.S. in Afghanistan attack

LUXEMBOURG, 09/10/2001 (ANA - A. Makridis)

"The EU declares its full solidarity with the US and its whole-hearted support for the action that is being taken in self-defense and in conformity with the UN Charter and the UNSCR 1368. The terrorist attacks of the 11th September are an assault on our open, democratic, tolerant and multicultural societies and are regarded by the UN Security Council as a threat to international peace and security," the statement said.

"All the information points clearly and convincingly to the responsibility of Osama Bin Laden and the Al Qaida network for the 11 September attacks," it added.

The statement further said "the EU stresses that the carefully targeted action launched on 7 October is not an attack against Islam nor the people of Afghanistan, whom the EU is determined to support and sustain. The EU and its Member States are responding urgently to the humanitarian crisis in and around Afghanistan and have already decided to make available 316 million EUROS. The Afghani people deserve a government which is truly representative and which responds to their needs and aspirations. Such a government will find a ready partner in the EU. The EU believes that the role of the UN in this respect is essential."

Meanwhile, British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw said that France, Germany and Italy have already offered to provide military backing for the attacks against Afghanistan.

[06] Parliament president meets with Belgian parliamentarians

Athens, 09/10/2001 (ANA)

He said that the events in the U.S. "bring closer and more intensely to the surface the issue of a common policy, Europe needs so much, in the sectors of foreign and defense affairs".

[07] Parties of the Greek left criticize war operations in Afghanistan

Athens, 09/10/2001 (ANA)

He added that this development was not "mandatory", noting that he did not accept the logic of the message issued by U.S. President George Bush and the dilemma it posed.

"For us yesterday's message by Bin Laden is a nightmare for humanity," he said.

On his part, Democratic Social Movement (DHKKI) leader Dimitris Tsovolas criticized the leadership of the United States saying that in order to "confront terrorism it chose the un-orthodox and dangerous road of military intervention and not the peaceful and political road of resolving regional open issues, such as the Palestinian, the Cyprus and Kurdish issues, in a just way".

Papariga says cause of war is thirst for profit: Communist Party of Greece (KKE) General Secretary Aleka Papariga, in the wake of the US military operation in Afghanistan, in statements Monday night criticized Prime Minister Costas Simitis, claiming that his government was "willing to dutifully serve the interests of the US".

"The real cause of wars is the thirst for profit, the thirst for expansionism and the thirst to save the system, particularly when it finds itself in a phase of recession. This is our opinion and we view that now that a great number of governments are either aligned or frightened not to be aligned with the United States, the responsibility now lies exclusively with the peoples," she said.

"We believe that all peoples can put a brake on this situation providing they raise their voice that the governments do not represent them, that they do not give orders to the governments to participate in such a dirty war."

Demonstration outside US embassy to protest military strike in Afghanistan: Shouting slogans such as "another world is possible", hundreds of people demonstrated outside the US Embassy in Athens, where there was a strong police force, on Monday evening, burning an American flag and protesting the US military strike in Afghanistan.

The protest began with three separate rallies. They were organized by the Genova 2001 Initiative in the center of Athens at 6.p.m, by the Youth Organization of the Communist Party of Greece at Kaningos Square at 6.30 p.m. and by the Network for Dialogue on Globalization in Panepistimiou street at 7 p.m.

All the demonstrators marched to the US Embassy where they expressed solidarity for the families of the victims of the bombings in Afghanistan. They also called for Greece not to get involved in the war and that no Greek troops should be sent to the military operations in Afghanistan.

Representatives of the demonstrators stated that the US, "by claiming that they were striking a blow against terrorism, were in fact implementing a plan to control the critical regions of Afghanistan and Pakistan".

[08] New US envoy visits Greek president, presents credentials

Athens, 09/10/2001 (ANA)

In televised statements after their half-hour meeting, Stephanopoulos welcomed Miller to Greece, noting that he was already acquainted with the country from his previous postings here, and expressed his condolences for the victims of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks in New York and Washington.

The US envoy did not make any statements after the meeting, while security throughout his visit was unusually heavy.

[09] EU General Affairs Council examines EU-Turkish relations

LUXEMBOURG, 09/10/2001 (ANA - M. Spinthourakis)

Foreign Minister George Papandreou said the discussion was of a limited duration due to the developments in Afghanistan and took place during the noon luncheon.

He said that during their addresses, both the Belgian Council President and Foreign Minister Louis Michel and Commissioner Guenter Verheugen said the recent constitutional reform in Turkey is in the right direction, but added that a great deal will be judged in practice.

The German commissioner also referred to the Cyprus issue and expressed pessimism as to what will take place in the future.

Verheugen said that for the time being Turkey is showing no signs of compliance with what is referred to in its partnership relation with the EU on the Cyprus issue, saying that "the window to a solution to the Cyprus issue before the accession of Cyprus to the EU is gradually closing."

However, he added that the EU should continue its efforts to achieve a rapprochement between the two communities again. European Commission President Romano Prodi will be visiting Cyprus on October 26 together with Verheugen.

In parallel, no development occurred regarding the issue of European defense, which Turkey opposes, claiming its equation with EU member-states with respect to rights on this issue.

Papandreou referred primarily to the Cyprus issue during his address, reminding his counterparts that the UN has already placed responsibilities on the Turkish side for the deadlock in Cyprus.

He stressed that despite the fact that there has been an improvement in Greek-Turkish relations recently, the Cyprus issue constitutes the permanent and major problem between the two countries and that all margins to resolve it should be exhausted.

[10] File sent to Supreme Court concerning land register

Athens, 09/10/2001 (ANA)

The file is said to contain copies of ND motions in Parliament concerning the course of the national land register, but also of charges against members of the Land Register Company SA.

The file was sent to the Supreme Court's president and public prosecutor, S. Mathias and D. Katsireas, respectively, to Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis, to presidents of judicial unions and to the president of the Athens Bar Association, A. Roupakiotis.

Public prosecutor Katsireas is studying the file's documents and will probably assign a deputy prosecutor to launch an investigation.

[11] PASOK Secretary presents hall where Congress will be held

Athens, 09/10/2001 (ANA)

Skandalidis, who presented to the journalists the hall, which will host the Congress, said that PASOK has secured the most modern mass media facilities for the journalists and also announced the operation of the INTERNET CAFE at the area of the Congress.

The hall is almost ready and 6,000 seats have already been placed.

Skandalidis outlined the aims of the Congress, which he said included social justice, development and prosperity.

The PASOK secretary added that the Press Center will be equipped with computers, fax machines, telephone lines and a giant screen which will show the sessions of the Congress.

[12] Deputy defense minister to visit the Netherlands on November

Athens, 09/10/2001 (ANA)

The visit will be conducted on Nov. 12-15 at the invitation of the deputy defense minister of the Netherlands.

[13] Coalition makes official complaint over Turkish press report

Athens, 09/10/2001 (ANA)

According to sources, the Turkish ambassador responded by saying that the Turkish state could not intervene in matters concerning the operation of the press, indirectly implying that the Turkish government was not responsible for the reports.

[14] Free Citizens Movement party to hold congress on November 24

Athens, 09/10/2001 (ANA)

Addressing the party's Central Committee, Avramopoulos said KEP's target is the next election, adding that its course has been determined.

Referring to international developments, he said that from the beginning his party had sided with democratic forces in the blow against terrorism and that in no way should peoples or nations not having the same culture as us be demonized.

[15] Greek inflation falls to 3.6 percent in September

Athens, 09/10/2001 (ANA)

The monthly 1.9 percent increase in the consumer price index in September reflected an 11.7 percent increase in clothing and footwear prices and a 2.9 percent rise in education prices.

[16] EU employment ministers agree on European company charter

BRUSSELS, 09/10/2001 (ANA - B. Demiris)

According to the agreement, due to be implemented in 2004, companies which are active in more than one member-state will have the right to create subsidiaries which will function in accordance with European Union laws.

The companies will be governed by a unified framework of rules and one management system, in this way avoiding national procedure. They will also be obliged to inform their staff on the company's policy on employment issues.

Another precondition for the European company's charter to be applied is the functioning of subsidiaries in a member-state for at least two years.

[17] Greek banks focus on housing and consumer loans

Athens, 09/10/2001 (ANA)

It is characteristic that loans of the private sector as a percentage of the Gross National Product (GNP) in Greece reaches about 45 per cent, while in Portugal it exceeds 110 per cent, Germany 107 per cent, Britain 88 per cent and Spain 86 per cent.

The rate of development in housing loans in Greece is in excess of 50 per cent while for consumer loans it is about 40 per cent.

A major role in the major increase in housing loans is due to the marked reduction in interest rates for housing loans, due to Greece's accession to the eurozone.

However, bank deposits have a negative result. It is noteworthy to point out that most of the 20 trillion drachmas which are in deposit accounts have negative performances which reach 2 percent, as deposit interest rates which are only 2.75 per cent to 3 per cent, are affected negatively by inflation, which at the end of September closed at 3.6 per cent, and interest tax.

[18] Civil Aviation Federation requests economic aid

Athens, 09/10/2001 (ANA)

The Federation's President Manolis Patestos is asking the Greek government to support the Federation's request during the special meeting of EU transport ministers in Brussels on October 16, adding that at this stage restructurings, privatizations and other changes being planned in the local airline industry should stop.

The OSPA president said that during the January-September period this year passenger traffic decreased 2 percent compared to last year, while in the U.S. the decrease reaches 18 percent and in Canada 7 percent. In September, and immediately after the terrorist attacks in the U.S., the decrease in passenger traffic amounted to 9 percent.

[19] International conference of insurers held on Hydra

Athens, 09/10/2001 (ANA)

This was stressed during the sessions of the 3rd international Conference of Insurers and Counter-insurers which was held at the initiative of the Union of Insurance Companies of Greece on the island of Hydra.

More than 350 delegates from 35 countries took part in the conference.

During the meeting, the opportunity was given to the insurers to hold talks with the counter-insurers of Western Europe and to exchange views and to assert their positions for further cooperation.

Greece is considered the connecting link of the countries of eastern and central Europe and the Balkans with the European Union in the sector of the insurance sector.

[20] Stocks drop on Monday's session

Athens, 09/10/2001 (ANA)

The general index ended 1.52 percent down at 2,215.30 points, after falling as much as 2.9 percent in midday trading. Turnover, however, was a low 26.3 billion drachmas, or 77.2 million euros.

The FTSE/ASE 20 index ended at 1,240.45 points, off 1.53 percent, the FTSE/ASE MID 40 index fell 1.63 percent to 223.35 points, and the FTSE SmallCap 80 index ended at 656.83, off 1.30 percent.

The parallel market index for smaller capitalization stocks ended at 202.63 points, off 0.94 percent.

Broadly, decliners led advancers by 287 to 45 with another 17 issues unchanged. Hellenic Telecoms, National Bank, Alpha Bank, EFG Eurobank,

Equity futures end lower again: Equity futures on the Athens Derivatives Exchange on Monday finished at a lower discount, roughly tracking a drop in the main market.

At the same time, players in derivatives had remained pessimistic this week, even when the main market rose, traders said.

The underlying FTSE/ASE-20 index for heavily traded stocks and blue chips shed 1.53 percent; and the underlying FTSE/ASE-40 for medium capitalization stocks ended 1.63 percent down.

Futures on the FTSE/ASE-20 showed a discount of up to 0.5 to 1 percent; and on the FTSE/ASE-40 of 1.53 percent to 1.63 percent, the traders said.

Bond prices drop in heavy trade: Bond prices in the domestic secondary market on Monday finished lower in heavy trade focusing on 10-year paper.

The Greek benchmark 10-year bond showed a yield of 5.11 percent, and the yield spread over German bunds was 45 basis points.

Turnover through the central bank's electronic system totaled 1.5 billion euros.

Sell orders accounted for the bulk of turnover.

[21] NATO, Greek scientists confer on nuclear and chemical hazards

Athens, 09/10/2001 (ANA)

George Therianos, a representative of the Greek Armed Forces general staff who attended the meeting - along with officials from the health and interior ministries - said that it had been planned four months ago and was completely unrelated to the terrorist strikes of September 11 or the United States air attacks that began on Sunday.

According to Therianos, the measures discussed concerned protecting the general populace in the case that a retired nuclear-powered communications satellite should fall in an inhabited area instead of the ocean. If this should happen, it is estimated that the four-tone satellite would contaminate an area stretching from northern England to the south of Crete, spraying fragments weighing between 1.5 million to 250 kilos in its path, which would then have to be collected by a special committee that would also warn the public.

He said the contingency plan was being worked out in the framework of the NATO exercise IDEX conducted each March, while Monday's meeting assessed last year's exercise, planned the next exercise and outlined the measures taken by other NATO countries.

[22] All Greek airports operating normally, CAA says

Athens, 09/10/2001 (ANA)

[23] Red Cross appeal for aid to Afghanistan, Tajikistan

Athens, 09/10/2001 (ANA)

Cash donations are accepted by the Red Cross at special bank accounts opened at Attica Bank and Commercial Bank, while it is also collecting winter clothing to send to Tajikistan.

[24] Council of ministers examines European policy on cinema

BRUSSELS, 09/10/2001 (ANA - B. Demiris)

Speaking at the meeting, Deputy Press Minister Telemahos Hytiris underlined the double character of audiovisual means and film production and said jobs should be safeguarded, as well as the production of cultural values.

"The new technology in the production and trafficking of films comes as a helper for rich European multifaceted culture," he said, placing emphasis on the need for continuing economic backing through the Media Plus program.

A meeting was also held between the "15" and their counterparts from candidate countries. A review was made on the course of adjustment to EU established practice in the sector of audiovisual means and the cinema in the candidate countries.

[25] Appeal by German occupation victims overruled

Athens, 09/10/2001 (ANA)

The latter decision had referred the issue of German reparations for victims from the towns of Arta and Kalavryta to the Supreme Special Court. Whatever decision is taken by the Supreme Special Court does not concern the victims of the massacre in the town of Distomo since for them the issue is irreversible.

Following the overruling of the appeal, the case will be ultimately tried, without there being any legal problem, at the Supreme Special Court on November 21.

[26] Four earth tremors near Thessaloniki

Athens, 09/10/2001 (ANA)

The first tremor occurred at 07.50 and measured 3.8 points on the Richter scale, the second and biggest occurred at 08.27 and measured 4.2 points, the third at 08.32 measuring 4.1 and the fourth at 08.36 measuring 3.2.

The tremors were located about 15 kilometers northeast of the city in the region of Asvestohori. Seismologists believe the main earthquake was the one measuring 4.2 points on the Richter scale.

[27] Cyprus FM says US military operation in Afghanistan is part of overall campaign against international terrorism

NICOSIA, 09/10/2001 (CNA/ANA)

Welcoming statements by US President George Bush and British Premier Tony Blair that the offensive is not targeting innocent and unarmed civilians in Afghanistan, the minister said Cyprus is one of 40 countries which have offered its air space and landing rights to US military aircraft.

Kasoulides reassured the neighboring friendly Arab countries that Cyprus' policy towards them remains unaltered, as the Republic joins the fight against international terrorism.

On the situation in Cyprus, he said everything is under control, there are increased security measures at airport and ports but there is no cause for alarm.

The minister also said he had been in touch with the ambassadors of foreign countries on the island to brief them on the security measures taken by the Cypriot authorities.

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