Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 02-05-15

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

CONTENTS

[01] Finance Minister sees higher growth, adherence to stability pact

[02] Russia's association with NATO a historic change, Greek FM says

[03] Gov't spokesman praises Kofi Annan's presence in Cyprus

[04] EU's defense ministers meet with candidate member-states' counterparts

[05] Cyprus to submit application to join EU-NATO's ''PFP''

[06] Gov't: Hosting of 13 Palestinians to be decided by Union, not third countries

[07] Deputy DM meets with Bulgarian counterpart in Sofia

[08] Culture minister and U.S. reporter discuss democracy

[09] CINCSOUTH commander in Greece this week

[10] Turkish admiral: Greek planes harassed chopper during exercise

[11] Interior minister briefs PM over anti-corruption bill

[12] ND, Synaspismos at odds over former Parliament deputy Loule

[13] Opposition reacts to press ministry's draft bill

[14] Archbishop of Athens receives Metropolitan of Poland

[15] EU's national parliamentarians wish active participation in EU's changes

[16] Former PM Mitsotakis meets with Israeli envoy Sasson

[17] Suspicious package discovered in mailroom of NATO HQ in Greece

[18] Greece needs faster social insurance overhaul, EU says

[19] Greek industries see sales decelerate, earnings drop in 2001

[20] Europarliament okays appointment of Papademos to

[21] Mutual funds' value drops 1.0 pct in first 10 days of May

[22] Greek industrial production index drop 2.0 pct in February, yr/yr

[23] Retail sales price index rises in February

[24] Greek bond interest rates jump at Tuesday's auction

[25] Regular budget revenues up 5.3 pct in Jan-April

[26] Greek stocks rally for fifth consecutive session

[27] Gov't assures Athens 2004 organizers that delays will be overcome

[28] Athens Olympics organizers to call accommodation tender Weds

[29] Message by President Stephanopoulos to be read out at Olympiad conference

[30] NBC members visit Olympic Games installations, ATHOC headquarters

[31] UN Secretary General arrives in Cyprus, says June target for agreement appropriate

[32] Clerides, Denktash meet in context of UN-led direct talks

[33] Spanish EU presidency congratulates Cyprus on peace effort

[01] Finance Minister sees higher growth, adherence to stability pact

Athens, 15/05/2002 (ANA)

Mr. Christodoulakis also said that Greek economic growth could exceed 3.8 percent in 2002 and reiterated that Greece would adhere to a Stability and Development Program.

He said that the economy and finance ministry was currently at the last stages of completing draft legislation on the taxation of offshore enterprises, co-funding of major projects, and a new regulatory framework over accounting supervision of listed companies.

Mr. Christodoulakis said he expected developments in a tender to find a strategic partner for Hellenic Petroleum (ELPE), in a tender to sell Mont Parnes Hotel and Casino and a tender to sell a number of marinas in the Attica region. He also said that there was increased interest in a tender to sell Duty Free Shops.

Christodoulakis said that a forecast for a 3.8 percent growth rate in Greece this year could be reviewed upwards after a prediction made in the latest ECOFIN over a growth rate of 2.6 percent in the last quarter of 2002 in the European Union. "This prediction could have a positive impact on Greek economic growth," he said.

He reiterated that Greece would adhere to a Stability and Development Program in the eurozone. "Stability and growth do not split," he noted.

Christodoulakis also reiterated that the government was completed its proposals over funding of a Social Security Institution (IKA) and noted that a commission's proposals on the reform of the tax system would be presented early June.

[02] Russia's association with NATO a historic change, Greek FM says

REYKJAVIK, 22/05/2002 (ANA - Ch. Poulidou)

The enlargement of the alliance, which continues to cause differences of opinions, and the internal restructuring of NATO, so as to be freed of bureaucratic weights and to respond better to ''asymmetrical threats'', were the major issues on the ministers' agenda.

Papandreou said that NATO's Secretary Lord Robertson stressed that the alliance is a heavy and malfunctioning organization, which should be restructured and should gain better knowledge of the new threats, but Papandreou added that in his address he said that the alliance should not distance itself from the democratic principles of the West in that process.

He said the ministers discussed the problem of mass destruction means in connection with organized crime, since it touches on the security of citizens, saying that in his analysis he noted that actions of provocation take place causing tension, thus NATO should weaken those elements that aim at dismantling cohesion.

Papandreou noted that the Euroforce issue was not discussed and added that he was willing to meet with his Turkish Counterpart Ismail Cem on the sidelines of the conference to examine conditions in Cyprus.

Greece � Turkey � Romania - Bulgaria cooperation meeting to begin in Reykjavik: A quadric cooperation meeting between Greece, Turkey, Romania and Bulgaria was due to begin here on late Tuesday night (Greek time), on the sidelines of the NATO foreign ministers meeting.

The meeting will have as its main subject the efforts of Romania and Bulgaria to join NATO.

Tuesday night's meeting was due to be held in light of a conference which will be held in Rome on May 28 of 19 NATO leaders and Russian President Vladimir Putin and the Prague conference in December when final decisions will be taken on NATO enlargement.

Greek Foreign Minister George Papandreou on Tuesday reiterated Greece's firm position in support of the entry to NATO of Romania and Bulgaria.

Papandreou underlined in his address that enlargement towards Southeastern Europe was necessary for NATO's balanced development and for peace in the region.

Greek Parliament president meets with Grossman, Sarbanes in Washington

WASHINGTON, 15/05/2002 (ANA - P. Dimitro-poulos)

Undersecretary of State Marc Grossman's opinions on issues of common interest satisfied totally Kaklamanis, who stressed that Grossman's opinions are ''realistic, based on principles and are not taking into consideration expediencies that do not fit in the framework of the cooperation between two allied countries''.

Grossman expressed his satisfaction over his meeting with Kaklamanis and for the fact that he got to know the opinions of the Greek Parliament's president on all issues that Greece and U.S. are working on jointly, including the Cyprus issue.

According to sources, the two men also discussed the Euroforce issue and Grossman expressed the interest of his government to encourage the EU High Representative Javier Solana to try to find a solution that would be acceptable by both Greece and Turkey.

On the Cyprus issue Grossman reiterated the standing U.S. position that the island republic's accession to the European Union is not necessarily connected with the resolution of the problem.

Kaklamanis also met with Senator Paul Sarbanes, chairman of Congress' banking committee, and briefed him on the develop-ments on the Cyprus issue and on the problem the ''Ankara Text'' was creating to Greece in relation to the Euroforce, a text which Greece does not accept.

[03] Gov't spokesman praises Kofi Annan's presence in Cyprus

Athens, 15/05/2002 (ANA)

Referring to intransigent statements made by the Turkish side, he said reactions are even taking place within Turkey since the country's position on the Cyprus issue unavoidably creates a problem in its (Turkey's) European course.

Protopapas did not rule out the possibility of proposals and initiatives on the part of Annan and said he is cautiously optimistic over the outcome of the visit.

[04] EU's defense ministers meet with candidate member-states' counterparts

BRUSSELS, 15/05/2002 (ANA - M. Spinthourakis)

Greek Defense Minister Yiannos Papantoniou welcomed the positive stance of candidate member-states and their willingness to participate actively and substantially in the development processes of the European Defense Policy.

Also, the Greek minister stressed that the 15 member-states of the Union need to clarify until the end of the year their military capabilities in relation to the development of the European Rapid Response Force and then to negotiate with the candidate member-states the way in which they would participate in the so called Euroforce.

He added that one of the focal points of the Greek presidency's agenda will be the incorporation of the candidate member-states in the European Defense Policy processes.

Papantoniou also mentioned the issue of candidate member-states' participation in the police force to be sent to Bosnia, as well as their participation in the European force expected to undertake the maintenance of order in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), which is expected to take place in the coming fall.

He noted that as far a Bosnia is concerned matters are simple, but in the case of FYROM conditions are not so simple as priority in that matter takes the finalization of the memorandum of cooperation between the European Rapid Response Force and NATO, reiterating that Greece can not accept all that is contained in the ''Ankara text''.

Concluding, Papantoniou underlined that Greece approaches all these issues in a constructing way, adding that Greece's aim is for the force to be operational as soon as possible.

[05] Cyprus to submit application to join EU-NATO's ''PFP''

BRUSSELS, 15/05/2002 (ANA - M. Spinthourakis)

Hasikos participated in the meeting of the Union's 15 defense ministers with their counterparts of the candidate member-states.

Speaking on the issue that came up concerning Cyprus' and Malta's non-participation in the discussions process on military affairs regarding the cooperation between NATO and the Union, he said that the problem arose when Britain presented a report to the council of ministers, which argued that since Cyprus and Malta are not members of NATO they will not be able to have access to military information stemming from the alliance.

To the contrary, other candidate member-states, whether they are members of NATO (the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland), or whether they participate in the cooperation program with the alliance ''Partnership for Peace'' will have access to this military information.

''The objective will be to overcome any legal difficulties and make possible the participation of Cyprus to this process,'' Hasikos said.

Greek Defense Minister Yiannos Papantoniou, during his meeting with Hasikos, appeared optimistic that a formula will be found that will allow Cyprus to participate in this process.

[06] Gov't: Hosting of 13 Palestinians to be decided by Union, not third countries

Athens, 15/05/2002 (ANA)

The 13 Palestinians are currently being temporarily hosted on Cyprus.

During his regular press briefing, government spokesman Christos Protopapas added that Athens would not extradite any of the 13 Palestinians should they be given asylum in the country, whereas all actions are being taken based on EU decisions.

In an unrelated issue, Protopapas reiterated that Athens will not accept the so-called "Ankara text" in its current form. The "Ankara text" is a compromise worked out earlier in the year by Washington and London with NATO member Turkey to overcome the latter's objections to the alliance's future cooperation with the fledgling "Euro-Army".

Protopapas said the Greek government will exhaust all the means at its disposal in order to make relevant changes to the text if necessary.

Moreover, he stressed that Greece's standing position on the issue of Europe's defense and security is concise, whereas the entire issue is tied to EU-NATO relations and not a bilateral difference.

Finally, asked about ruling PASOK party's upcoming conference, Protopapas said discussions should not revolve around issues highlighting introversion amongst the party's cadres or various scenarios of leadership succession, "which do not help".

[07] Deputy DM meets with Bulgarian counterpart in Sofia

SOFIA, 15/05/2002 (ANA - B. Borisov)

They also discussed the possibilities of manufacturing special equipment and armaments as well as making plans for the joint production of various defense materials.

Apostolidis, who is in Sofia for a two-day visit, reiterated Greece's support for Bulgaria's candidacy to NATO and the European Union, underlining Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis' statements after his meeting with U.S. President George W. Bush in January, in support of Bulgaria's and Romania's accession to NATO as a contribution to security and stability in the Balkans.

On her part, the Bulgarian deputy defense minister underlined the importance of Greco-Bulgarian cooperation in speeding up the country's accession process to NATO.

The Greek deputy minister also met the Bulgarian Parliament's foreign and defense affairs committee and on Wednesday he will visit the multinational brigade's staff in Plovdiv.

[08] Culture minister and U.S. reporter discuss democracy

Athens, 15/05/2002 (ANA)

It is a very important plan for the purposes of the Cultural Olympiad, which will be promoted as of now and until 2004, Venizelos said pointing out that the creation of such a center, in the heart of New York and at a very distinguished university, can promote the aims of ecumenical culture.

[09] CINCSOUTH commander in Greece this week

Athens, 15/05/2002 (ANA)

The visit, between Wednesday and Friday, marks the first time Adm. Johnson arrives in the country for an official tour.

[10] Turkish admiral: Greek planes harassed chopper during exercise

ISTANBUL, 15/05/2002 (ANA - A. Kourkoulas)

According to a dispatch by the semi-official "Anadolu" news agency, Turkish admiral Yener Karahanoglu claimed that Athens was briefed over the holding of the "Sealion 2002" aero-nautical exercise and that Greek officers were also invited to observe the exercise.

"We expected such a harassment, but the Greek aircraft should not engage in such actions during an exercise aimed at saving lives," the Turkish admiral said, while repeating that the maneuver's purpose centered only on search and rescue training.

Finally, Anadolu reported that the exercise is being held in international waters and air space over the Aegean.

Athens has strenuously and repeatedly stated in both direct talks and at various international fora over the years that International Law and a handful of treaties cover and clarify every claim brought up by Turkey over the past three decades.

Greece has also repeatedly stated that the only outstanding issue remaining to be settled in the Aegean involves delineation of the sea's continental shelf, while pointing to the International Court of Justice at The Hague as the proper venue to adjudicate the matter. Greece maintains a six-nautical-mile limit for territorial waters and eight miles for its national airspace. Additionally, the Athens FIR is responsible for air traffic over much of the Aegean, including international airspace, another point that Ankara dislikes.

[11] Interior minister briefs PM over anti-corruption bill

Athens, 15/05/2002 (ANA)

After the morning meeting, Skandalidis - who served as PASOK's secretary before assuming the interior and public administration portfolio - called the ruling party's upcoming conference a particularly significant political event in the country, especially after the recent developments on the European political scene.

Finally, the minister said he briefed the premier over a draft bill to combat corruption in the public sector. The bill will be unveiled on Thursday.

[12] ND, Synaspismos at odds over former Parliament deputy Loule

Athens, 15/05/2002 (ANA)

Loule submitted her resignation from the Synaspismos party Central Committee, following a meeting she had with the party's leader Nikos Constantopoulos, who said that her candidacy with another party in the elections would mean her expulsion from the party.

In a related development, however, ND cadre and Athens mayoral candidate Dora Bakoyianni confirmed on Tuesday that she asked of Loule to participate in her ticket, stressing that Loule has not responded to her call yet.

[13] Opposition reacts to press ministry's draft bill

Athens, 15/05/2002 (ANA)

Main opposition New Democracy party rapporteur Dimitris Kostopoulos accused the government of ''deceit'' and ''quicksand'', regarding the meaning of the main shareholder enacted by the bill.

He added that the government does not wish to clarify matters so that the media will continue to be controlled by big contractors. He further said that shares should be named and announced that ND will vote against the bill.

Press and Media Minister Christos Protopapas said the bill is coming to serve the triptych legality, transparency and quality and will soon be supplemented with a code of ethics for the media and clauses on the control of opinion polls.

Protopapas also said interventions have limits in a globalized economy and termed the law a big and decisive step, adding that its implementation will be difficult but results will be had.

Communist Party of Greece (KKE) representative Spyros Striftaris termed the meaning of the basic shareholder the ''culmination of hypocrisy'' and said that what is being attempted is the legalization of the philosophy that ''the government holds owners as hostages and they in turn hold the government as hostage, as was the case until now.''

[14] Archbishop of Athens receives Metropolitan of Poland

Athens, 15/05/2002 (ANA)

The two men met for about one hour and discussed the present and future of the 600.000 strong church of Orthodox in a nation where the vast majority of the population is Roman Catholic.

They also discussed the separation of church and state in Greece, where Christodoulos noted that the church would fight against the total disassociation of the two institutions.

[15] EU's national parliamentarians wish active participation in EU's changes

MADRID, 15/05/2002 (ANA - A. Makridis)

Discussions also focused on terrorism and the arrangements for the final declaration.

The majority of the participants ascertained that major issues concerning the future of Europe were dealt with in absentia of the European public opinion and the national parliaments, and they decided to examine from close up the processes in the framework of the Conference for the Future of Europe and to draft their own report in light of the next intra-governmental conference which will amend the Amsterdam Treaty in 2004.

Greek Parliament Vice-President Dinos Vrettos proposed the establishment of corresponding conferences with the participation of deputies from European parliaments, which will examine issues concerning the creation of the Union's common foreign and defense policy.

[16] Former PM Mitsotakis meets with Israeli envoy Sasson

Athens, 15/05/2002 (ANA)

An announcement from Mitsotakis' office said that the two men discussed the issue of the Israeli government's recognition of the new Orthodox Patriarch Eirinaios of Jerusalem.

[17] Suspicious package discovered in mailroom of NATO HQ in Greece

Athens, 15/05/2002 (ANA)

The package was to be sent for full scientific analysis, a press release issued by the press office of the JCSC SOUTHCENT said.

''The event remains no more than a routine reaction to a suspicious object and this headquarters will keep the public aware of any further developments,'' the press release noted.

''Commander JCSC SOUTHCENT Lt. Gen. Nikolaos Katagas noted the disciplined reaction to the situation on the part of local fire, medical and security services, who moved quickly and professionally to act in support of the headquarters,'' the press release concluded.

[18] Greece needs faster social insurance overhaul, EU says

BRUSSELS, 15/05/2002 (ANA - B. Demiris)

In a country report on Greece, the Commission also underlined the need for economic stability, a tight fiscal policy to bring down the public debt, and the implementation of structural changes to the economy.

The report was contained in an EU overview of the fiscal situation in each member of the 15-nation bloc.

The Commission said that a hazard the country faced was fiscal deficits stemming from a rise in public spending due to an ageing population that was heading for retirement.

This rendered imperative the need for a more rapid overhaul of the social insurance and pension system.

''A detailed proposal on reform of the pension system, which is the main source of the problem, has yet to be released,'' the report noted.

The Commission welcomed fiscal stability attained over the last decade, but added that reduction of the public debt had to be swifter and primary budget surpluses maintained in order to continue a revitalization of public finances.

Finally, more controls were required on public spending, coupled with a reduction in size of the public sector.

Wages and pensions accounted for 80 percent of budgetary spending due to the government's social policy, which also required a high level of spending as a proportion of gross domestic product in sectors including health, education and defense.

''Beyond very low levels of unemployment benefit, special attention should be paid to investments in research and technology, as well as policies to boost employment,'' the report added.

[19] Greek industries see sales decelerate, earnings drop in 2001

Athens, 15/05/2002 (ANA)

At the same time sales were anticipated to rise by 12 percent in 2002, according to the survey, which was carried out in February to March this year among 300 enterprises.

Among factors to cause the drop in sales was a decline in world oil prices, as oil refiners make up a major chunk of the total manufacturing sector.

In addition, terrorist attacks in the US on September 11, 2001 increased uncertainty and temporarily shook business confidence, the survey said.

Furthermore, a slowdown in the rate of growth in developed countries, especially eurozone members, had a negative impact on Greek industry.

Another factor was a major deceleration in the rate of growth of wholesale prices, due mainly to a drop in oil prices.

The survey also noted that accompanying the slowdown in sales were relatively stagnant gross profits.

[20] Europarliament okays appointment of Papademos to

ECB BRUSSELS, 15/05/2002 (ANA)

On April 22, Papademos attended a routine endorsement hearing before the Europarliament's economic and monetary affairs committee, which voted its approval.

Papademos had outlined his view of the ECB as a vehicle for price stability in the euro zone, and as a body independent of member-state governments although accountable in terms of communicating policy and practice.

The attainment of monetary stability, high growth rates and lower unemployment were complementary objectives, Papademos said.

[21] Mutual funds' value drops 1.0 pct in first 10 days of May

Athens, 15/05/2002 (ANA)

A report by the Union of Institutional Investors, however, revealed inflows to equity and combined mutual funds over the same period.

A 4.62 percent increase in the Athens Stock Exchange's general index in the fist 10 days of May led to an increase in domestic equity mutual funds' value by 3.96 percent over the same period.

Inflows were higher in the domestic combined mutual funds category.

The foreign and international equity mutual funds' category recorded a 3.24 percent and a 3.81 percent decline in their value, respectively, in the first 10 days of May, reflecting outflows of 1.43 million and 1.90 million euros, respectively.

Stock market analysts and mutual funds managers say they are cautiously optimistic over a continuation of a recent rally in ASE and its impact on domestic equity and combined mutual funds' returns, which are showing a negative return of 20 percent so far this year.

[22] Greek industrial production index drop 2.0 pct in February, yr/yr

Athens, 15/05/2002 (ANA)

The NSS said that the mining production index soared 17.9 percent in February, reflecting increased production in lignite, coal and metal minerals, the manufacturing index fell 2.7 percent due to lower production in textiles, clothing, electric appliances, and the electricity-natural gas-water production index fell 3.4 percent in February.

The composite industrial production index was down 1.3 percent in the January-February period compared with the same period in 2001. The mining index was up 15 percent, the manufacturing index was down 3.6 percent and electricity-natural gas-water index was up 2.3 percent over the same period.

[23] Retail sales price index rises in February

Athens, 15/05/2002 (ANA)

NSS said in a statement that the sharpest increase was noted in the footwear and apparel index, which rose by 14 percent.

The retail sales price index, which was revised this year to exclude Value Added Tax, rose most sharply in and around Athens, the statement added.

[24] Greek bond interest rates jump at Tuesday's auction

Athens, 15/05/2002 (ANA)

The five-year bond, paying an annual coupon of 4.65 percent, saw its average weighed interest rates soaring to 5.03 percent, at current market levels, from 4.69 percent in the previous auction of five-year bonds in February 7, 2002.

Bids submitted totalled 4.905 billion euros, almost four times the asked sum. The state finally accepted bids totalling 1.44 billion euros.

[25] Regular budget revenues up 5.3 pct in Jan-April

Athens, 15/05/2002 (ANA)

A report by economy and finance ministry said that value added tax revenues rose 13.4 percent in the January-April period, income tax revenues increased 7.8 percent, while securities' transactions tax revenues plunged 50.4 percent, compared with the same period last year.

The ministry attributed the slower rate of revenue growth to a 85.5 percent decline in car license fees' revenues compared with the same period in 2001.

Dividend revenues from public sector enterprises were down 100 percent in the January-April period compared with the same period last year, while the ministry reported additional revenues, totalling 159 billion drachmas, from the circulation of euro coins in the country.

Economy and Finance Minister Nikos Christodoulakis said he expected a gradual achievement of budget revenue targets this year.

[26] Greek stocks rally for fifth consecutive session

Athens, 15/05/2002 (ANA)

The general index jumped 1.55 percent to 2,361.09 points, with turnover an improved 136.8 million euros.

The Retail, Banks, Textile and IT sectors scored the biggest percentage gains of the day (4.03 percent, 2.55 percent, 2.04 percent and 2.02 percent, respectively).

The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks ended 1.80 percent higher, the FTSE/ASE MID 40 index jumped 2.0 percent and the FTSE/ASE SmallCap 80 index ended 1.30 percent up.

Broadly, advancers led decliners by 244 to 70 with another 45 issues unchanged.

Among the most heavily traded shares in value were Vodafone, Commercial Bank of Greece, National Bank of Greece, Alpha Bank, and Hellenic Telecoms.

Index futures under perform main market: Equity index futures on the Athens Derivatives Exchange on Tuesday under performed the rising main market with players still reacting cautiously to the increase.

Turnover was heavy at 127.6 million euros.

The underlying FTSE/ASE-20 index for heavily traded stocks and blue chips gained 1.79 percent; and the underlying FTSE/ASE-40 for medium capitalization stocks rose 2.00 percent.

Bond prices slump in heavy trade: Bond prices in the domestic secondary market on Tuesday finished lower in heavy trade focusing on five-year paper.

The Greek benchmark 10-year bond showed a yield of 5.59 percent, and the spread over the corresponding German bund was 30 basis points.

Turnover through the central bank's electronic system was 4.1 billion euros.

Sell orders accounted for the bulk of trade.

[27] Gov't assures Athens 2004 organizers that delays will be overcome

Athens, 15/05/2002 (ANA)

Efforts to renovate the all-marble U-shaped Panathenian stadium in downtown Athens - the site of the first modern Olympic Games, Athens 1896 - as well as the necessary upgrading of the main Olympic sports venue (OAKA) were also outlined by ATHOC chairwoman Gianna Angelopoulos-Daskalaki.

According to reports, several participating ministers reassured Angelopoulos-Daskalaki that delays would be overcome and will not interfere with preparations for the Games.

On his part, Prime Minister Costas Simitis warned that promotion of Olympic preparations was insufficient, something that the ATHOC chief agreed with.

In terms of a whopping 610-million-euro beautification drive for the Greek capital and four other "Olympic cities", namely, Thessaloniki, Patra, Volos and Irakleio, Crete, members of the inter-ministerial committee outlined a set of goals.

Among others, the unhindered movement of pedestrians to and from Olympic venues, as well as easy access to cultural and commercial districts was cited as one of the goals.

[28] Athens Olympics organizers to call accommodation tender Weds

Athens, 15/05/2002 (ANA)

The call for expressions of interest is open to banking, insurance real estate and travel companies.

Two winners are expected to be chosen in the tender with the guarantee likely to be around 600,000 euros each.

The project was ordered to ease an accommodation problem for the flood of visitors expected at the event.

[29] Message by President Stephanopoulos to be read out at Olympiad conference

Athens, 15/05/2002 (ANA)

Despite the fact that the presence of Stephanopoulos was initially announced by the organizers, it was finally made known that he will send a written greeting which will be read out at the opening ceremony.

The conference, dedicated to the International Olympic Committee's first president Dimitrios Vikelas, is part of the culture ministry's action program and is organized by the culture ministry's 2004 Olympic Games general secretariat in cooperation with the municipality of Veroia and the prefecture of Imathia.

Stephanopoulos will pay a two-day visit to the prefectures of Imathia and Pella from May 25-26.

[30] NBC members visit Olympic Games installations, ATHOC headquarters

Athens, 15/05/2002 (ANA)

During their stay, they visited the Olympic installations and were given a briefing at the headquarters of the Olympic Organizing Committee (ATHOC).

[31] UN Secretary General arrives in Cyprus, says June target for agreement appropriate

LARNACA, 15/05/2002 (CNA/ANA)

Annan arrived on Tuesday for a ''working visit'' in the framework of the good offices mission entrusted to him by the Security Council.

Speaking on his arrival at Larnaca Airport, Annan said decisive progress is needed in the coming period and pointed out that he came to the island to highlight the great responsibility the two leaders have undertaken, to urge them to forge ahead with a shared sense of urgency and a willingness to compromise in earnest.

The Secretary General noted that ''this is an historic opportunity, and I am convinced that these two particular leaders, uniquely steeped in the history of the island, can rise to the occasion''.

Annan said he was ''happy to set foot on Cyprus'' and conveyed his ''best wishes to all Cypriots''.

He added ''the direct talks between HE Mr. Glafcos Clerides, the Greek Cypriot leader, and HE Mr. Rauf Denktash, the Turkish Cypriot leader, have been going on for almost four months, at my invitation'', adding that his Special Adviser on Cyprus Alvaro de Soto ''is there to assist them, in the exercise of my mission of good offices''.

''The start of these talks raised hopes greatly, not only in Cyprus, but in the region and beyond'', he said, adding that ''the two leaders, without any prompting from outside, set their sights on June to achieve their goal''.

Annan said ''this target date, endorsed by the Security Council, is wholly appropriate if the chance which is now open is to be seized''.

The Secretary General noted that he follows the process ''closely'' and said ''the Security Council, despite its large agenda, has turned its attention to Cyprus every month since February''.

''I am concerned at the slow progress, as are the members of the Security Council'', he said, adding that ''decisive progress is needed in the coming period''.

''I want also to discuss with them how they can move forward more effectively so as to resolve the main issues by the end of June'', he added.

The Secretary General noted that ''this is an historic opportunity, and I am convinced that these two particular leaders, uniquely steeped in the history of the island, can rise to the occasion''.

Invited to say how optimistic he is Annan said ''we should see.''

He said he would be making a fresh statement to the press on his departure from the island.

Annan will be calling on Clerides on Wednesday morning after 1000 and in mid-afternoon the same day he will see Denktash.

Later on the same day, he will have a joint meeting with the two leaders at around seven o'clock, at the residence of the UNFICYP Chief of Mission and Acting Special Representative of the Secretary General Zbigniew Wlosowicz, in the UN-controlled buffer zone, in the Nicosia airport area.

Annan will then host a dinner for the two leaders at Wlosowicz's residence.

This is the first time in more than twenty years that a UN Secretary General in office is visiting Cyprus. The last Secretary General to do so was Kurt Waldheim, in the late 1970s.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. President Clerides and Denktash have been engaged in face-to-face talks since mid-January this year, with a view to negotiating until the problem is solved.

[32] Clerides, Denktash meet in context of UN-led direct talks

NICOSIA, 15/05/2004 (CNA/ANA)

The meeting, attended by their aides and UN Secretary General's Special Adviser on Cyprus Alvaro de Soto, took place in anticipation of Tuesday's arrival in Cyprus of UN chief Kofi Annan.

This was the third meeting between Clerides and Denktash since the resumption of the direct talks after the Easter break. Direct talks began in mid January 2002.

[33] Spanish EU presidency congratulates Cyprus on peace effort

NICOSIA, 15/05/2004 (CNA/ANA)

Thanking Clerides, Ramon de Miguel, Spain's deputy minister responsible for European Affairs, expressed hope that by October substantive progress towards a settlement is achieved to see a reunited Cyprus join the EU.

De Miguel was addressing the 26th meeting of parliamentary committees dealing with European affairs from EU and candidate countries in Madrid, where Cyprus is represented by a parliamentary delegation headed by the president of the House European Affairs Committee Tassos Papadopoulos.

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