Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 01-12-01

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

CONTENTS

[01] Simitis calls for wide-reaching EU enlargement from Slovenia

[02] Greek FM opens GUAEC symposium on terrorism, int'l security

[03] Gov't spokesman: Greece not a country with open borders

[04] Gov't spokesman comments on 'plane spotters' spy case

[05] Parliament president meets visiting Bulgarian FM

[06] Minister vows faster work on land register, names new board

[07] Deputy minister to attend conference on water

[08] ND leader addresses local gov't conference

[09] KKE leader, minister discuss party financing

[10] Stephanopoulos cites citizens' obligations

[11] Anti-war rally in central Athens

[12] IATA survey ranks Athens airport 6th in world, 2nd in Europe

[13] Intracom chairman seeks merger with OTE

[14] Crete gets top EU prize for use of renewable energy sources

[15] Bill on IKA modernization tabled

[16] Reppas: No surprise measures eyed for social security issue

[17] Water rates to rise 4.8 pct on Jan.

[18] Technology development centers to open by February

[19] Greek, German firms sound out Balkan alliances

[20] Axon shuts down in airlines crisis after Sept. terrorism attacks

[21] EU to adopt tighter quality-control policy for foods

[22] Greek economy: weekly review

[23] Athens-quoted Teletypos forges syndicated loan

[24] Greek stocks slightly off in ASE

[25] U.S. -Greece cooperation on 2004 Olympic Games security

[26] ATHOC hosts int'l conference for print media, news agencies

[27] Documentary on statesman George Papandreou

[28] Latest Annan report on UN operation in Cyprus

[29] EU seeks Cypriot entrepreneurs' contribution to peace effort

[30] Powell to seek greater momentum on Cyprus

[01] Simitis calls for wide-reaching EU enlargement from Slovenia

Greece believes the European Union should embrace as many European countries as possible since this will lead to greater security and development, Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis said on Friday from the Slovenian capital Ljubljana.

Simitis arrived in Slovenia on Friday for a one-day official visit, accompanied by Alternate Foreign Minister Tassos Yiannitsis, Deputy Foreign Minister Yiannis Zaphiropoulos and Agriculture Minister George Drys.

At a joint press conference after his meeting with Slovenian premier Janez Drnovsek, the Greek prime minister estimated that the current schedule for enlargement would be kept to and that negotiations would be completed by the end of 2002, so that when Greece assumed the EU rotating presidency in 2003 the necessary documents might well be signed or the negotiations finally completed.

He also complimented Slovenia on the progress it had made in this direction.

Turning to the Cyprus problem, Simitis reiterated that this was not a serious obstacle to EU enlargement.

"The big problems concern reforming the Common Agricultural Policy," he said, and avoiding problems that might arise when countries with large farming populations, such as Poland, joined the Community.

The Greek premier pointed out that Spain had raised the issue of the Community's future in relation to the structural funds, demanding that there be no reduction in funds received by Madrid as a result of enlargement and saying that the EU could easily absorb up to five new members but not as many as 10.

He did not, however, rule out the possibility that the Cyprus issue might be used as a pretext to block enlargement by member-states who felt it was premature.

The Greek premier attempted to reassure Slovenians concerned that the enlargement process might founder on the Cyprus problem, saying that there had been no official statement to cast doubts on the 1999 decision for Cyprus' EU accession.

At the same time, he stressed that Greece would use all means in its power to make sure this decisions was carried out.

Commenting on the upcoming face-to-face meeting between Cyprus President Glafcos Clerides and Turkish-Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash over the Cyprus problem, he said this discussion would be based on United Nations resolutions and past agreements by the two sides.

The Greek premier also reiterated that Athens supported the participation of candidate countries in discussions and negotiations regarding the future of Europe.

Turning his attention to the Balkans, Simitis said the region was remained a potential flash point that needed close attention, despite the events in central Asia.

He ruled out changes of borders in the area or Kosovo's secession from Fed. Yugoslavia, which he said could only be discussed once the political system in Kosovo began to work - a view echoed by his Slovenian counterpart, who said it was premature to talk about Kosovo's independence.

Simitis said that his talks with Drnovsek had also focused on bilateral relations, the Balkans, the Middle East and terrorism.

During the visit, Greece and Slovenia signed three bilateral cooperation agreements. These included an economic and technological cooperation agreement signed by Zaphiropoulos and his Slovenian counterpart, an agreement on agriculture signed by Drys and Slovenian agriculture Minister Franc But, and an air transport agreement signed by Yiannitsis and a Slovenian deputy minister.

Later on Friday, Simitis is scheduled to meet Slovenian president Milan Kucan.

[02] Greek FM opens GUAEC symposium on terrorism, int'l security

Athens, 1/12/01 (ANA)

The opening address for the two-day symposium was delivered by Foreign Minister George Papandreou and Bulgarian Foreign Minister Solomon Passy as his guest of honor.

Also notable were the speeches made by the ambassadors of the US, Russia and France.

During his speech, Papandreou stressed the importance for common security of the Balkan countries joining NATO, particularly Bulgaria and Romania.

NATO enlargement to include the Balkans, he said, would be the key to stabilizing the region in general and continuing its ambitious progress to join European institutions.

"We talk about common security in NATO today but without the Balkan states we cannot also mean the common security of Europe," Papandreou said, while he stressed the potential role of Russia in this effort.

The types of problems and threats existing now, such as terrorism, were very different from those of the past, creating new challenges that called for revising relations between countries and overcoming past antagonism.

The enlargement of communities such as the European Union, Papandreou added, allowed hope for building a new kind of international community with a common vision and the participation of all.

In this context, he concluded, issues such as Greek-Turkish relations and the Cyprus problem will be dealt with in a completely different way, the signs of which are already apparent.

Papandreou's Bulgarian counterpart, Solomon Passy, also stressed the importance of Bulgaria joining NATO, saying that it was a prospect that now seemed much more realistic and was backed by the majority of politicians in his country.

"There are no more borders in the global village," he added, saying that the fight against terrorism required a global force and that NATO enlargement was the best way of achieving this goal.

According to Passy, there were several positive developments in the Balkans and the goal was now a peaceful undivided Europe, which many countries now recognized as a means of making the transition to a market economy.

US Ambassador in Athens Thomas Miller said terrorism was both a threat and a challenge for reinventing alliances and relations, while he pointed to previously unthinkable new alliances between the US and Russia, China, Iran and Syria.

The overriding concern at this time was national interest, he said, which in the case of Greece and the US coincided. Despite the war in Afghanistan, issues such as the Middle East crisis, the Aegean, Cyprus and Balkan stability continued to command America's attention, he said.

Russian ambassador to Greece Mikhail Botcharnikov said that the new key word for Russia was "wider security", in the context of which it was prepared to completely restore its relations with NATO and accept new mechanisms for Russia's participation in the Atlantic Alliance.

A crucial meeting for Russia's participation in NATO, without becoming a full member, would be a meeting of European Union, NATO and Russian foreign ministers in Brussels on December 7. Russia, he added, could play an important role in preserving peace in Europe, so Cold War stereotypes should be abandoned and dialogue with the EU on security and defense had to begin.

Achieving security and prosperity in the Balkans, according to the Russian envoy, would mainly depend on Europe. Greece and Russia had largely similar views on dealing with the Balkans, while he called on the UN Security Council to establish ground rules such as inviolability of borders, respect for territorial integrity and the non-use of force in order to avoid "Balkanization".

[03] Gov't spokesman: Greece not a country with open borders

Athens, 1/12/01 (ANA)

In referring to a large group of Afghan illegal immigrants on the island of Zakynthos, he further said the case of their being sent back to the country from where they disembarked for Greece, namely, Turkey, is being examined.

Protopappas added that certain illegal immigrants have been returned to Turkey, following a re-entry agreement recently signed with the neighboring country.

Finally, he said that until it is finally decided what will be done with the specific group of migrants, the Greek state will provide for them whatever could make their lives better.

[04] Gov't spokesman comments on 'plane spotters' spy case

Athens, 1/12/01 (ANA)

Spokesman Christos Protopappas cited what he called a distinct international interest over the issue, adding that the government has received many letters. However, he avoided clarifying whether they include a letter from the European Parliament president.

"We have received letters. But, evidently, we cannot do anything because Greek justice has intervened on the issue. We shall await its decisions," he said.

[05] Parliament president meets visiting Bulgarian FM

Athens, 1/12/01 (ANA)

According to a Parliament press release, the two men discussed issues concerning the two countries' cooperation in international organizations, confirming their mutual support to the United Nations Security Council. They also expressed their support for EU enlargement, while Kaklamanis also voiced Greece's support to Bulgaria's candidacy for NATO and EU accession.

Kaklamanis and Passy also expressed the two countries' interest in finally beginning construction for the long-delayed Burgas-Alexandroupoli oil pipeline.

[06] Minister vows faster work on land register, names new board

Athens, 1/12/01 (ANA)

The minister also said that the European Union was expected to make a decision on December 20 concerning the return of EU funds due to delays in carrying out the project.

She also announced a new board for the land register, saying the move marked a fresh start for the troubled project.

The board is to be headed by Georgette Lali, a lawyer who has worked for the EU's executive Commission.

[07] Deputy minister to attend conference on water

Athens, 1/12/01 (ANA)

The Greek deputy minister will present the Greek government's positions on the management of water reserves.

[08] ND leader addresses local gov't conference

Athens, 1/12/01 (ANA)

Karamanlis made the statements at the Central Union of Municipalities and Communities of Greece's (KEDKE) conference in Thessaloniki.

In criticizing Prime Minister Costas Simitis, he said the premier is following a 'hard-line' stance of confrontation with the opposition, "as his propagandists told him to."

Deputy Interior, Public Administration and Decentralization Minister Lambros Papademos, replying to Karamanlis, said "Kapodistrias (the local administration scheme) was not made by PASOK but by all these people here who you can see are green and red and blue," a reference to different political groupings.

He also said that when the Kapodistrias plan was being voted in Parliament ND walked out in protest.

[09] KKE leader, minister discuss party financing

Athens, 1/12/01 (ANA)

Skandalidis later said issues regarding the ministry's policy were discussed and that the meeting took place in the framework of contacts he has with party leaders.

He said he briefed Papariga on the government's positions on his ministry's basic policy issues, such as the issue of party financing and the modernization of the electoral process, which is underway. He further said that he called for KKE's participation in the inter-party committee, which will discuss these issues.

Papariga said she set out KKE's known positions that there should be checking for parties, but without this hampering their operation. On the question of the electoral process, she stressed the need for the proportional representation system to be adopted to enable the issue to be closed.

[10] Stephanopoulos cites citizens' obligations

Athens, 1/12/01 (ANA)

Stephanopoulos said all should take into consideration their country's national interests, observing laws, which, unfortunately, are being violated.

He also referred in particular to the concept of duty and the commitment of honor regarding contributions to society at large and said, "other peoples have distinguished themselves because they are hardworking and disciplined in their work."

[11] Anti-war rally in central Athens

Athens, 1/12/01 (ANA)

The "Genova 2001" group also held a gathering in central Athens.

Speakers denounced the war in Afghanistan, which they said was "a crime against humanity."

[12] IATA survey ranks Athens airport 6th in world, 2nd in Europe

Athens, 1/12/01 (ANA)

The survey ranked Athens airport 6th worldwide and 2nd in Europe for passenger satisfaction, beating major international airports such as Hong Kong, Taipei, Peking and Seattle. In Europe, only Helsinki Vantaa Airport got a better ranking than Athens, which beat Frankfurt, Amsterdam, Paris, London, Brussels, Vienna, Madrid and Zurich.

Athens airport's CEO Dr. Matthias Mitscherlich noted on Friday that in the same survey last year, the old Hellenikon airport in Athens had ranked next to last. He said the survey showed that Eleftherios Venizelos was a highly competitive airport that will boost Greek tourism significantly and marked a new era for Greek air transport.

The independent IATA Global Monitor Survey is the main tool for measuring passenger satisfaction on an international level. The survey analyses the perception of over 90,000 international passengers for various service categories, who are asked to rate airports on the basis of questions such as ease of making connections, flight availability, speed of baggage delivery or value-for-money shopping and catering facilities.

[13] Intracom chairman seeks merger with OTE

Athens, 1/12/01 (ANA)

Addressing an Intracom-Intrasoft general shareholders meeting, Kokkalis said that "a business partnership with OTE and other companies from the telecommunications sector will significantly boost the country's presence in the telecoms and information markets in a much more wider geographic area from the one we currently move".

The international activities of the new group will expand from the southeast and central Europe to the Middle East, North Africa and the US, he said.

Such a plan would have beneficiary results not only for the companies but also for the Greek economy in general, Kokkalis said. He urged the government and opposition political parties to examine seriously his proposal.

Kokkalis said that the proposed merger would multiply both companies' activities and create new synergies. "One plus one does not always equal two," he said.

Kokkalis noted that a current international crisis offered the Group the opportunity to expand more rapidly.

Opposition blasts possible alliance of Intracom, OTE: The main opposition New Democracy party on Friday criticized a possible alliance between state-run Hellenic Telecommunications Organization (OTE) and private Intracom, an information technology and telecoms manufacturer.

"A merger being discussed between the state's most profitable enterprise, OTE, and its privileged supplier constitute a world innovation. It contravenes the principles of the free economy, competition and transparency," the party's media spokesman, Theodoros Roussopoulos, said in a statement.

He called on the government to take a stand on the issue.

Replying to a reporter's question later in the day on how the government would view an alliance between the two firms, Transport and Communications Minister Christos Verelis said: "There are no thoughts on the matter."

Earlier, Intracom chairman Socrates Kokkalis told shareholders that he would be interested in an alliance with OTE or any other company in the sector.

Intracom is a blue chip on the Athens bourse, and OTE a heavily traded stock.

[14] Crete gets top EU prize for use of renewable energy sources

Athens, 1/12/01 (ANA)

In a press conference on Friday, Regional General Secretary for Crete Athanassios Karountzos said the prize was a reward for many years of effort to establish the use of renewable energy sources on the island.

The EU instituted the prizes in 1999 in order to promote the use of renewable energy sources in Europe, which the European Commission hopes will account for up to 12 per cent of the Community's energy use by 2010.

Crete currently has 10 wind energy parks producing 10 per cent of the island's electricity, with another 14 wind parks to follow. Biomass from farms provides a further 12 per cent of the island's total energy requirements, and has been combined with two innovative systems to harvest gases created as a by-product.

Solar power provides a further 3 per cent of total energy consumption, while there are pilot programmers for solar refrigeration and photovoltaic systems.

In addition, there are two small hydroelectric dams and extensive use of heat conservation and passive solar systems in buildings.

The investments exceed 40 billion drachmas and have helped create new economic sectors and jobs, while reducing carbon dioxide emissions by up to 20 percent.

[15] Bill on IKA modernization tabled

Athens, 1/12/01 (ANA)

Among others, it anticipates employers' obligation to submit a "detailed periodic statement" to IKA for their employees, while employers' obligations are re-defined and a 300 euros fine is anticipated in case a change in a firm's name is not reported; 150 euros for failing to announce a final or temporary stoppage or a change in a firm's line of work.

[16] Reppas: No surprise measures eyed for social security issue

Athens, 1/12/01 (ANA)

Reppas, who spoke from the western port city of Patra, said the need to reform the social security system has been ascertained all over Europe and in Greece. He added that the situation has been defined in Greece and most people recognize that going ahead with reforms is an imperative need.

"We are ready to take the initiatives for the mature and realistic changes which have to be done to enable us to create a viable and socially fair social security system. We shall honor the social dialogue ... giving the possibility to all to set out their views," he said.

[17] Water rates to rise 4.8 pct on Jan.

Athens, 1/12/01 (ANA)

The last hike was on July 1, 2000, Athens-quoted EYDAP said in a statement.

The minimum household rate for small-scale supplies is to rise to 127.86 drachmas from 122 drachmas at present, the statement said.

[18] Technology development centers to open by February

Athens, 1/12/01 (ANA)

In addition, regional development councils would be established in the first half of 2002, the minister said on the sidelines of an exhibition on cities held in the northern port city of Thessaloniki.

Coordinated by the development ministry, the new bodies are to provide information, consultancy and evaluation services on project subsidies under programmers to back competitiveness, the information society and regional development.

[19] Greek, German firms sound out Balkan alliances

Athens, 1/12/01 (ANA)

The meeting was arranged by the association, the European Centre for Enterprises, and the SECI Business Support Office.

[20] Axon shuts down in airlines crisis after Sept. terrorism attacks

Athens, 1/12/01 (ANA)

At the same time, the privately owned airline did not rule out a resumption of operations in the future if conditions in the industry improved, management said in a statement.

"The global crisis in air transportation that has hit all sector companies after the September 11 terrorist attacks in the US has deteriorated rapidly with a spectacular rise in losses. Recovery is not discernible in the near future," the statement said. "This radical, fundamental upheaval in market conditions has annulled planning and led us to taking the unpleasant decision of halting the company's operations," management said.

At the same time, should international and domestic conditions improve, then Axon would consider a resumption of operations, making use of the investments it has made since 1999 in a fleet of modern aircraft and fully trained staff, the statement added.

[21] EU to adopt tighter quality-control policy for foods

Athens, 1/12/01 (ANA)

Christina Papanikolaou, head of the state's foodstuffs control authority, told a seminar on food safety arranged by the Hellenic-British Chamber of Commerce that a new European foods authority was due to open early in 2002 as an approval centre and scientific reference point.

[22] Greek economy: weekly review

Athens, 1/12/01 (ANA)

Prime Minister Costas Simitis on Wednesday announced the formation of an intra-ministerial group, with the participation of the Bank of Greece, to monitor the implementation of a preparation plan drafted by the government.

Economy and Finance Minister Nikos Christodoulakis said that euro preparations in the public sector were progressing smoothly but that several small- and medium-sized enterprises were not prepared enough to meet the new currency.

Mr. Christodoulakis also announced a package of five measures aimed to strengthen the Athens Stock Exchange's function. The measures included ASE's privatization, efforts to forge foreign alliances, and stricter regulatory operations.

Major listed companies announced their nine-month results during the week, which were, in general, positive. Viohalco, Greece's largest industrial group, Hellenic Telecoms and Cosmote reported hefty nine-month results.

Public Power Corporation's new pricing policy will not exceed the inflation rate, PPC's chief executive S.Nezis said. PPC will hold an initial public offering December 4-7 and it expects its shares to begin trading on the Athens Stock Exchange by December 12. PPC is floating 15 percent of its equity capital in the stocks markets of Athens and London.

Building activity rose 7.7 percent in the first six months of 2001, compared with the same period last year, National Statistics Service said in the week.

[23] Athens-quoted Teletypos forges syndicated loan

Athens, 1/12/01 (ANA)

The floating rate on the unsecured loan is based on six-month Euribor plus 1.3 percent, Teletypos said in a statement.

Repayment is in six-monthly installments beginning on September 30, 2003.

Taking part in the loan are Commercial Bank of Greece, Alpha Bank, National Bank of Greece, General Bank, ABN Amro Bank, and Attica Bank, the statement said.

[24] Greek stocks slightly off in ASE

Athens, 1/12/01 (ANA)

The general index ended 0.17 percent off to 2,694.02 points, with turnover a moderate Dr 65.1 billion or 191.1 million euros. The index ended the week with a net gain of 0.71 percent.

The Retail and Textiles sectors suffered the heaviest percentage losses (1.35 percent and 1.07 percent, respectively), while the Food and Cement sectors scored the biggest percentage gains (0.26 percent and 0.24 percent, respectively).

The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks was unchanged from Thursday's close, the FTSE/ASE MID 40 index fell 0.46 percent and the FTSE/ASE SmallCap 80 index eased 0.28 percent.

Intracom Constructions saw its share price jump 68.48 percent on its debut in the market.

Broadly, decliners led advancers by 185 to 134 with another 35 issues unchanged.

The most heavily traded shares were Intracom Construction on its first day of trade, Hellenic Telecommunications Organization, Alpha Bank, Titan, Spider, and National Bank of Greece.

Bond Market Close: Prices rise in brisk trade: Bond prices in the domestic secondary market on Friday finished higher in moderate to heavy trade again focusing on ten-year paper. The Greek benchmark 10-year bond showed a yield of 4.99 percent, and the yield spread over German bunds was 44 basis points. Turnover through the central bank's electronic system totalled 2.2 billion euros. Buy orders accounted for the bulk of turnover.

Derivatives Market Close: Equity futures consolidate in flaccid trade: Equity futures on the Athens Derivatives Exchange on Friday consolidated in lackluster trade with investors taking a wait-and-see attitude and blue chip contracts retaining a premium.

Changing hands were 4,075 contracts on turnover of 25.3 million euros.

The underlying FTSE/ASE-20 index for heavily traded stocks and blue chips finished flat; and the underlying FTSE/ASE-40 for medium capitalization stocks shed 0.46 percent.

[25] U.S. -Greece cooperation on 2004 Olympic Games security

WASHINGTON 1/12/01 (ANA - T. Ellis)

The spokesman, who was replying to reporters' questions, described as "very serious" the issue of the security of the Olympic Games in Athens. Asked whether the security issue was discussed during a meeting President George W. Bush had with International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Jacques Rogge earlier in the week, the White House spokesman said that he was not present at the meeting and did not know the exact content of their talks.

[26] ATHOC hosts int'l conference for print media, news agencies

Athens, 1/12/01 (ANA)

On his part, ATHOC executive manager Spyros Kapralos told delegates, including representatives from Beijing�s Olympic organizing committee, that the final list of �media hotels� will be released in early 2002, along with accompanying rates.

2004 press sector director Costas Vernikos said the emphasis was to provide the best possible services to journalists, broadcasters and photographers during the Games.

Delegates were briefed on the seven separate sites set aside for media representatives� accommodations, transportation plans as well as on-going work at the media and broadcast press centers � both being built next to the main Olympic stadium complex (OAKA).

[27] Documentary on statesman George Papandreou

Athens, 1/12/01 (ANA)

The documentary on Papandreou, who died in 1968, was made by journalist and historian Vassos P. Mathiopoulos.

The event is being organized by the Institute of Strategic and Development Studies (ISTAME).

The documentary was shown on November 3, 1969 on the German ZDF TV channel, part of the series "People and Forces" and entitled "George Papandreou - One year after his death".

[28] Latest Annan report on UN operation in Cyprus

WASHINGTON 1/12/01 (ANA - M. Georgiadou)

The present report on the United Nations operation in Cyprus covers developments from May 30 to November 27, 2001 and brings up to date the record of activities of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) pursuant to Security Council resolution 186 (1964) of March 4, 1964 and subsequent Council resolutions, most recently resolution 1354 (2001) of June 15, 2001.

Annan noted in his report, which was released on Friday, that the situation along the ceasefire lines remained calm. There were fewer incidents, particularly in the area of Nicosia, where the opposing forces are in close proximity. Restrictions imposed on UNFICYP by the Turkish forces and the Turkish Cypriot security forces continued, including the violation of the military status quo in the village of Strovilia.

In connection with restrictions on UNFICYP by the Turkish forces and the Turkish Cypriot security forces, patrols by UNFICYP to the fenced-off areas of Varosha were prohibited. Annan said the UN holds the government of Turkey responsible for the maintenance of the status quo in Varosha.

UNFICYP continued to carry out its mandated humanitarian tasks in support of the 427 Greek Cypriots and 165 Maronites living in the northern part of the island, and those Turkish Cypriots in the southern part who have made themselves known to the Force. UNFICYP continued to support civilian activities in the buffer zone.

Annan said that in June he reported to the Council that it had not proved possible to resume the talks that had been interrupted since November 2000. Efforts to this end continued in the second half of 2001. He said he met Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash at Salzburg, Austria, on August 28 and that his Special Advisor to Cyprus, Alvaro de Soto, was in Cyprus during the period from August 29 to September 5. On September 4 de Soto conveyed to Cyprus President Glafcos Clerides and to Denktash his invitation to resume the search for a comprehensive settlement by engaging in a new and reinvigorating phase of his good services, beginning with separate meetings with the two leaders in New York on September 12. It was accepted by Clerides but declined by Denktash.

Denktash wrote directly to Clerides on November 8, proposing a face-to-face meeting on the island without preconditions. After an exchange of letters, the leaders agreed to meet in the United Nations Protected Area on December 4, in the presence of de Soto.

Concluding, Annan observed in his report which he submitted to the Security council on November 28, that during the past six months, the situation along the ceasefire lines has been calm. Regrettably, no progress was made in removing the restrictions imposed by the Turkish Cypriot authorities and Turkish forces on UNFICYP or in restoring the status quo ante at Strovilia.

Under the present circumstances, Annan said he considered the peacekeeping operation in Cyprus essential for the maintenance of the ceasefire on the island. He therefore recommended that the Security Council extend the mandate of UNFICYP for a further period of six months, until June 15, 2002.

[29] EU seeks Cypriot entrepreneurs' contribution to peace effort

NICOSIA 1/12/01 (CNA/ANA)

Verheugen on Friday briefed in Brussels members of the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry and of the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Commerce on the island's accession course, and called on the Turkish Cypriot members to intervene towards Turkish Cypriot entrepreneurs with a view to influencing their politicians so that Tuesday's meeting will bear fruit.

Speaking from Brussels, Vassilis Rologis, president of the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry, told CNA that Friday's meeting with Verheugen had a "political taste to it."

He said the meetings the two delegations had on Thursday in Brussels with EU officials focused on the allocation of 1.5 million euros in aid of small and middle size enterprises in Cyprus.

The funds will be allocated to infrastructure projects through the two chambers, should their suggestions for projects be approved by UN and EU experts.

Rologis said that the two chambers also discussed issues of mutual concern.

Clerides and Denktash will meet in Nicosia, December 4. The meeting comes after Denktash extended an invitation to Clerides for a face-to-face encounter.

This is the first time since August 1997 that Clerides and Denktash will meet face to face. They were both engaged in UN proximity talks from December 1999 to November last year, when Denktash, backed by Ankara, withdrew from them. He has since rejected an invitation by the UN Secretary General to return to the negotiating table.

[30] Powell to seek greater momentum on Cyprus

WASHINGTON 1/12/01 (CNA/ANA)

"I would like to see greater momentum with respect to moving forward on Cyprus and I will explore with my Turkish interlocutors what might be done," Powell told a small group of journalists at a State Department briefing.

Powell said he was not going to Ankara with "any suggestion or plan."

He also said he would be discussing Turkey's participation in European Union plans to set up a rapid deployment force which would be using NATO assets.

"I would encourage my Turkish colleagues to do everything they can to bring this matter to a resolution," he said.

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