Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 02-05-17

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

CONTENTS

[01] PM heads all important inner cabinet meeting on foreign policy

[02] Athens rejects EU presidency's proposal for Euro-army impasse

[03] Foreign ministry: Athens still unclear on results of Annan-Clerides meeting

[04] Turkey's Yilmaz repeats call for breakthrough on Cyprus

[05] EU summit with Latin American countries in Madrid

[06] Parliament Speaker addresses Washington audience

[07] Merchant marine minister to visit Britain, Belgium

[08] Tsohatzopoulos received by Clerides in Nicosia

[09] Foreign ministry comments on fate of 13 Palestinians from Bethlehem

[10] Archbishop Christodoulos receives Poland's Metropolitan Savvas

[11] Latest Euro-Med conference on Mykonos next week

[12] PASOK seminar on future of Europe ends on Thursday

[13] Journalists discuss Middle East crisis

[14] Greek inflation falls to 4.1 pct in April, Eurostat says

[15] Black Sea countries examining media organization cooperation

[16] Verelis announces works to upgrade Alexandroupoli airport

[17] Greece, France lag in adopting EU single market rules

[18] Minister says social security reform entering final phase

[19] Greek Investments Center to hold conference in May

[20] Building materials' prices up 2.7 pct in April, yr/yr

[21] Car registrations up 14.6 pct in April

[22] Small-caps lead ASE higher on Thursday

[23] Culture minister addresses foreign diplomats on importance of Olympic Games

[24] 354 Greek beaches earn 'Blue Flag' for 2002

[25] Palestinian and Israeli children to be hosted at camping sites in Greece

[26] Gov't examining prospect of decreasing drug use sentences

[27] Annan assures of continued UN assistance to peace effort

[28] Government does not intend to shift from its positions

[29] EU Commissioner: enlargement timetable for Cyprus in place

[01] PM heads all important inner cabinet meeting on foreign policy

Athens, 17/05/2002 (ANA)

Speaking after the meeting, which lasted five hours, Simitis said the two issues are at a point just before decisions will be taken, stressing that there is a necessity for national unanimity and a responsible stance by everyone.

Simitis noted that he had a telephone conversation with Foreign Minister George Papandreou, who was not present at the meeting.

He underlined that the foreign policy of the country and the confrontation of international issues cannot be ''an issue of cries or to be presented with simplifications'', adding that ''we should move on with caution, conviction and decisiveness, as well as cohesion within the country''.

Speaking of developments concerning the Cyprus problem, Simitis said that the accession course of Cyprus is at its final and most delicate phase and for this reason great care is needed, adding that Greece will use all means provided by the treaty for Cyprus' accession to the European Union and that this accession should be done in accordance with the Helsinki decision.

According to government spokesman Christos Protopapas, who spoke to the press after the premier, Simitis also said that Turkish--Cypriot community leader Rauf Denktash and the Turkish side continued on their intransigent positions on the Cyprus issue, which is anything but helpful to the accession process of Turkey to the European Union.

Concerning Greek-Turkish relations, Simitis said that Greece on this issue follows an aggressive policy of peace and cooperation and that Greek-Turkish relations are at the same time Euro-Turkish relations and are regulated by the Helsinki decisions.

In light of reactions in Turkey regarding that country's European course, the premier stressed that during the next period there should be alertness, attention, decisiveness and cool headedness and wished that Turkey would understand that it is in its interest to adjust to International Law and the European Union acquis communautaire.

On the Euroforce issue, Simitis reiterated the refusal of the Greek government to accept the Ankara text.

Simitis said that Greece's position on this issue was determined by three elements, which are the autonomy of decision making of the European Union, the equality between NATO and the Union and the issue of non-preferential treatment.

He added that the regulations, which will be made concerning this issue, should satisfy the aims and should secure the interests of Greece.

In describing international conditions, the premier said that during this period the Union has to confront important issues both on the international level and domestically as well and provided the example of the Middle East, the issue of terrorism and the increase of power of the extreme right wing parties in the Union. He also described as insecure the environment of Southeastern Europe where underlying tension created an environment of international fluidity, within which Greece should continue to move with the stability, which the government's policy secured for the country.

On the domestic front, Simitis said the political programming of the government until the end of its term would be determinative for the next term of PASOK's rule of the country, following its victory in the 2004 elections.

The prime minister listed almost a dozen top government priorities to members of the inner Cabinet, including all-important social security reform, the government spokesman later told reporters.

Other priorities Simitis mentioned include tax reforms, the tabling of a new development law, measures to protect the environment in line with Kyoto Protocol guidelines, stepped up efforts to privatize several major state-run enterprises (Hellenic Petroleum, Olympic Airways etc.), acceleration of procedures to dispense with 3rd Community Support Framework funds, as well as preparation for the 2004 Olympic Games, which the prime minister termed as particularly satisfactory.

Finally, the government spokesman said Simitis also referred to efforts at easing citizens' daily difficulties, namely, completing the Social Security Foundation's (IKA) data processing system by the end of the year, lessening the time farmers need to file for pension, as well as the establishment of citizens' service centers in prefectural capitals.

In an unrelated development, Protopapas reiterated that national elections will be held in 2004, the end of the current government's tenure, and not sooner.

In response to press questions, he added that the situation vis-a-vis national issues is neither bright, nor easy, "we should be, and we are, ready and determined for everything," he said.

ND responds to premiers' statements on foreign affairs: Main opposition New Democracy (ND) spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos on Thursday responded to statements by Prime Minister Costas Simitis regarding foreign policy issues, after the inner cabinet meeting, accusing him of ''uttering lies''.

''Now that he realizes where the wrong handling of national issues led, he discovered the necessity for national unanimity and understanding,'' Roussopoulos said.

''A responsible prime minister, who really wants understanding, regularly briefs the parties and the Parliament, agrees on institutions of national consensus, accepts the meetings of the political leaders, under the chairmanship of the President of the Republic, for national issues,'' Roussopoulos said.

Roussopoulos stressed that ND leader Costas Karamanlis supported Simitis during the latter's visit to the United States, ''which proved unprepared and finally a failure''.

Government spokesman Christos Protopapas, in his response to Roussopoulos said that ''At last let ND think that populism, pettiness and misery should have limits, especially when they concern national issues.''

[02] Athens rejects EU presidency's proposal for Euro-army impasse

Athens, 17/05/2002 (ANA)

Turkey blocked the agreement last year, citing concern that the EU force could be used against its interests in Cyprus or the Aegean Sea, while the Ankara document negotiated by British and United States diplomats as a way out of the crisis has been rejected by Athens.

Beglitis said the Spanish presidency's proposal had been outlined in a letter sent to Prime Minister Costas Simitis on Friday by his Spanish counterpart Jose Maria Aznar. According to the spokesman, the proposal had been examined and rejected by the prime minister and Foreign Minister George Papandreou, primarily because it left the Ankara document intact.

Athens had informed EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana and Spanish Foreign Minister Josep Pique of Greece's position the previous Monday, he added.

Pointing to statements made by the prime minister on Wednesday at a PASOK event on the future of Europe, Beglitis underlined that Greece stood fast in refusing to accept any solution that did not include modifications to the US-British formula.

The initiative now lay with the Solana and the Spanish presidency and an important stage in the negotiations would be the EU Summit in Seville, the spokesman said.

Asked to comment on the statement issued by the US State Department on Wednesday, which urged the 'interested countries' to adopt the Nice implementation text as quickly as possible, Beglitis said that Athens did not view this as pressure since it also desired a solution as quickly as possible, provided that solution protected Greek interests.

''We do not perceive the views expressed by various sides as pressure. There are no pressures but difficulties in the negotiations,'' he stressed.

[03] Foreign ministry: Athens still unclear on results of Annan-Clerides meeting

Athens, 17/05/2002 (ANA)

The dinner took place on Wednesday night and all three sides left the table saying it had been a 'good meal and a good meeting'.

According to Beglitis, Foreign Minister George Papandreou had been in touch with Clerides and his Cypriot counterpart Ioannis Kasoulides on the phone from Iceland and had been briefed on the meeting's results.

While Papandreou had been unable to attend Thursday's cabinet meeting due to ill health, the spokesman added, he had spoken with Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis at length over the phone and fully briefed him on developments relating to the dispute over the use of NATO assets by a planned European military force and Annan's visit to Cyprus.

The Greek spokesman noted that Clerides had been very positive about his meeting with the UN Secretary General, during which the latter had reaffirmed the organization�s desire to speed up talks on the Cyprus issue and achieve notable progress by June, while it had also served to highlight the problems created in the process by the Turkish-Cypriot side.

He also announced a visit by the Cyprus president to Athens next Wednesday for talks with Simitis and Papandreou.

As he left Nicosia earlier on Thursday, meanwhile, Annan told reporters he was convinced the leaders of divided Cyprus could resolve the main issues of their 28-year-old dispute by June if they tried hard enough.

Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash said earlier he had told Annan that a June deadline for resolving the conflict was unrealistic but added he believed a deal was possible by the end of the year.

"Despite their difference on substance and on the time frame, I am still convinced that between now and the end of June they can resolve all core issues," Annan said at Larnaca airport, listing the core issues as governance, security, territory and property.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkish troops invaded the northern third of the island-republic and established the Turkish-Cypriot regime recognized only by Turkey.

Efforts to resolve the decades-long dispute have been intensified in view of Cyprus' bid to join the European Union, in order to avoid the prospect of the island republic entering the Community divided.

Clerides in Athens next week: Cyprus President Glafcos Clerides will arrive in Athens on Wednesday for talks with Greek leadership, including Prime Minister Costas Simitis.

According to a government spokesman in Nicosia, coordination between Athens and the Cyprus government will be discussed in detail, as the ongoing talks on the island republic between the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot sides have reached a critical stage.

[04] Turkey's Yilmaz repeats call for breakthrough on Cyprus

ISTANBUL, 17/05/2002 (ANA - A. Kourkoulas)

The former Turkish premier also called on long-time Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash to table specific proposals for a solution.

"Mr. Rauf Denktash could present certain proposals on issues that deal with the structure of a common state (on the island republic) as well as on the territorial issue," he said, adding that such a development would overturn "the scenario dealing with (only) the Greek Cypriot side's accession to the European Union, and would lessen tension in relations between Europe and Turkey."

Moreover, he stressed that the Turkish Cypriots would lose if they were excluded from EU accession.

"The Turkish Cypriots will be upset if they are excluded from the EU and only the Greek Cypriot side joins," the veteran Turkish politician told the local TGRT television network.

Referring to EU-Turkey relations, Yilmaz said: "It is hard for us in Turkey to understand that the EU applies the same criteria for accession to all candidate-states ... We live as if isolated from the rest of the world."

[05] EU summit with Latin American countries in Madrid

MADRID, 17/05/2002 (ANA - E. Bouka-ouri)

Latin America was not on the list of the EU's priorities for many years. However, after the accession of Spain and Portugal to the EU, matters changed and relations were upgraded and widened.

The cooperation sector primarily developed between the EU and Latin America is the economic sector since much remains to be done in the social and political field.

According to data by Eurostat, Latin American and Caribbean countries represent 6 percent of the EU's external trade and 12 percent of direct investments. Europe is Latin America's second most important trade partner after the United States.

Greece's interest in relations with Latin American and Caribbean countries in the economic sector is limited, if not competitive, since their agricultural products compete with Greek ones. Consequently, interest focuses primarily on a political and social level.

Greece is represented by Alternate Foreign Minister Tassos Giannitsis, who will be making an address on Friday, while other European leaders will be speaking about terrorism (Britain's Tony Blair) and cultural variety (Italy's Silvio Berlusconi), while French President Jacques Chirac and German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder will focus on economic matters.

According to reports, Cuban President Fidel Castro will not attend the summit since former U.S. President Jimmy Carter has extended his stay in Cuba.

A possibility remaining open is an extraordinary summit being convened at EU foreign ministers level in Madrid on the issue of sending the 13 Palestinians, currently staying in Cyprus, to other countries which will receive them under the legal status which remains to be decided, since permanent representatives have not yet reached a decision on the issue in Brussels.

[06] Parliament Speaker addresses Washington audience

WASHINGTON, 17/05/2002 (ANA - P. Dimitropoulos)

Speaking to distinguished members of the Greek-American community in the US capital, Kaklamanis said his meetings with US officials over the past three days - especially his talks with US Under Secretary of State for political affairs Mark Grossman - had revealed a softer stance on the US side, which had toned down its previous insistence that Athens accept the so-called 'Ankara document' whether it liked it or not.

The 'Ankara document' was negotiated by British and US officials last year to overcome Turkey's objections to the sharing of military assets between NATO and a planned European rapid intervention force. Ankara had expressed concerns that the EU force might be used against its interests in Cyprus and the Aegean Sea and had blocked the relevant EU-NATO agreements.

During his speech, Kaklamanis also referred to the Cyprus issue and underlined that no Greek Parliament would be prepared to ratify any agreement for EU enlargement that did not include Cyprus.

The Greek Parliament speaker also had further contacts in Washington, meeting US House of Representatives Speaker Dennis Hastert and Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle.

Another issue raised during talks between Kaklamanis and US officials was that of terrorism and cooperation between Greek and US authorities in combatting international terrorism and the 'limited levels' of domestic terrorism in Greece.

Emerging from a meeting with Hastert, Kaklamanis said the two sides believed that cooperation between their security services would bring results. ''So that we can finally close this chapter,'' as Kaklamanis stressed.

Also present at the meeting with Hastert were House members Henry Hyde and Ben Gilman, chairman and honorary chairman respectively of the House International Relations Committee, and Greek-American Congressman from Florida Michael Bilirakis.

[07] Merchant marine minister to visit Britain, Belgium

Athens, 17/05/2002 (ANA)

In Edinburgh, Anomeritis, who will be accompanied by his ministry's secretary general L. Lambropoulos, will attend the inauguration of the new shipping route of shipowner Pericles Panagopoulos from Scotland to Belgium.

The ship, which will hoist the Greek flag and its crew will be composed of Greek seamen, obtained the international route following a tender in which 42 European coastal shipping companies participated.

Anomeritis said ''it is a great honor for Greek coastal shipping to be obtaining international coastal shipping lines, and indeed through difficult processes, contributing in this way to the development of Greek shipping and the implementation of EU policies for transportation over short distances with ships.''

He further said that international lines, such as the new Scotland-Belgium line, constitute advanced policies for transportation, trade and tourism.

''The exclusive participation of a Greek ship on this line constitutes one more pioneering and extrovert move by the country's enterprising spirit.

[08] Tsohatzopoulos received by Clerides in Nicosia

NICOSIA, 17/05/2002 (ANA)

Afterwards, Tsohatzopoulos, the former defense minister, expressed his confidence that a "national strategy", as he called it, will bear results in the end towards solving the long-standing Cyprus problem.

[09] Foreign ministry comments on fate of 13 Palestinians from Bethlehem

Athens, 17/05/2002 (ANA)

Wednesday's meeting by the EU Council of Permanent Representatives (COREPER) had been ''tough and difficult in the absence of common European rules for these kind of issues,'' he added.

He said the council had failed to settle thorny legal and security aspects related to the stay in the Community of the 13 Palestinians - whom Israel regards as suspects for terrorist crimes - and would have another go on Thursday.

If they failed again, an emergency meeting of EU foreign ministers would be held on the sidelines of a EU-Latin America Summit that began in Madrid, the spokesman said.

He also left open the prospect of individual host countries passing their own laws, each based on their national framework for law and order, while the EU would determined a common political framework regarding the stay of the Palestinians that would be binding for all.

[10] Archbishop Christodoulos receives Poland's Metropolitan Savvas

Athens, 17/05/2002 (ANA)

Christodoulos, in his address, spoke of the position of the Orthodox Christians in the modern world and more so of the Greek Orthodox Church, saying that ''our church has the heavy burden of the responsibility of being the only Autocephalus Orthodox Church, the country of which is a member of the European Union.''

The Archbishop spoke of the talks between the Roman Catholic Church and the problems between the two churches, specifically stressing the activities of the Catholic Church in Eastern Europe and the conflict that is creating with the Orthodox churches.

He also spoke of the intra-religious dialogue of Athens, due in September.

On his part, Savvas thanked the Archbishop and the Church of Greece for the Grand Cross as it marks as he said the city ''where people learned the truth from Apostle Paul''.

Later, President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos received Savvas.

[11] Latest Euro-Med conference on Mykonos next week

Athens, 17/05/2002 (ANA)

According to a foreign ministry spokesman on Thursday, other matters up for discussion include the establishment of a free trade zone amongst Euro-Mediterranean countries by 2010, along with talks focusing on the repercussions from the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks in the United States.

Finally, the third major theme on the agenda of talks covers the so-called "dialogue amongst civilizations", as well as the restoration of cultural heritage monuments and the "Cultural Olympiad", one of Athens' top international initiatives.

Foreign ministry spokesman Panos Beglitis added that a handful of international dignitaries, including former UN chief Boutros Boutros-Ghali and outspoken Portuguese novelist Jose Saramago -- the winner of the 1998 Nobel Literature Prize -- will be on hand for discussions regarding the last issue.

Foreign ministers representing Algeria, Egypt, France, Italy, Malta, Morocco, Portugal, Spain, Tunisia, Turkey and Greece are expected to attend the sessions.

[12] PASOK seminar on future of Europe ends on Thursday

Athens, 17/05/2002 (ANA)

Other speakers included party representatives and PASOK MPs.

The event was originally to be closed by Foreign Minister George Papandreou, who has fallen ill since his return from a NATO foreign ministers' meeting in Reykjavik, Iceland and was unable to attend.

In his speech, Katiforis warned of the dangers of a trend toward renationalizing policy in Europe, saying that the Community was still very far from being a federal entity and pointing to the bloody wars between European countries in the middle of the 20th century.

Avgerinos spoke about the benefits of a federal structure in Europe for the smaller member-states.

[13] Journalists discuss Middle East crisis

Athens, 17/05/2002 (ANA)

[14] Greek inflation falls to 4.1 pct in April, Eurostat says

Athens, 17/05/2002 (ANA)

In its monthly report on inflation, the EU's statistics agency said that Greek inflation was the third highest rate in the EU-15 after Ireland (5.0 percent) and the Netherlands (4.3 percent). The lowest rates were recorded in Germany and Austria (1.6 percent) and Belgium (1.7 percent).

The inflation rate eased to 2.4 percent in April in the eurozone from 2.5 percent in March, and down from a 2.9 percent in April 2001.

The annual inflation rate eased in nine EU member states, it rose in Spain, Luxembourg and Portugal and was unchanged in Italy and Finland. Ireland, Greece, Spain and France recorded the highest percentage increases in April, while Germany, Belgium and Austria recorded the biggest declines.

The inflation rate rose from 0.5 percent to 1.1 percent in Switzerland and from 1.5 percent to 1.6 percent in the US.

Eurostat said that the introduction of the new euro currency pushed prices up 0.16 percent in the first quarter in the eurozone, reflecting price increases in restaurant and services.

[15] Black Sea countries examining media organization cooperation

Athens, 17/05/2002 (ANA)

The conference is being attended by representatives from the public radio and television foundations of Greece, Turkey, Romania, Georgia, Ukraine, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Moldova, Bulgaria, Albania and Russia.

Representatives of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia's (FYROM) public radio and television are participating as observers. The first conference took place in Bucharest a year ago.

[16] Verelis announces works to upgrade Alexandroupoli airport

Athens, 17/05/2002 (ANA)

The project envisages works to renovate the terminal building and its expansion by 2,400 square meters, expanding and shaping the landscape and other airport facilities.

Mr. Verelis said authorities were also planning to expand the airport's runway.

The Alexandroupoli airport is recording a steady increase in air transport since 1978 when it was launched. It is positioned seven km outside the city of Alexandroupoli, five km from the harbor and will be connected with the Egnatia Road.

[17] Greece, France lag in adopting EU single market rules

BRUSSELS, 17/05/2002 (ANA - B. Demiris)

Greece has a 2.7 percent shortfall on adaptation to single market directives as a proportion of the whole and France 3.1 percent, against a EU average of 1.8 percent in April 2002, down from 6.3 percent in 1997, the report said.

[18] Minister says social security reform entering final phase

Athens, 17/05/2002 (ANA)

After meeting professors of the Athens University's legal department, who will undertake to prepare the social security bill, he said planned changes are being promoted with the consent of the majority of persons insured.

Commenting on reactions by the Civil Servants' Supreme Administrative Council (ADEDY), which has called a strike on May 29, Reppas said measures proposed safeguard the interests of civil servants.

A delegation of the General Confederation of Workers of Greece (GSEE) will meet Finance Minister Nikos Christodoulakis on Friday to discuss the model of funding the social security system, while opposition trade unionists will not attend the meeting.

[19] Greek Investments Center to hold conference in May

Athens, 17/05/2002 (ANA)

The center�s president, Constantine Bakouris, told a news conference on Thursday that the conference would allow a presentation of new policies and targets on boosting investments and providing incentives to competitiveness.

Bakouris also outlined proposals on Greece as an investment venue that the center has made to the finance ministry.

The center pointed out that the use of advanced technology was lacking, and investment levels low in research and development.

The tax regime often acted as a disincentive to investment, and red tape in the investments sector was high.

Although productivity was improving, the level still remained low, and the labor market lacked flexibility.

Finally, investment incentive legislation was complex, and difficult to comprehend by potential investors, Bakouris said.

[20] Building materials' prices up 2.7 pct in April, yr/yr

Athens, 17/05/2002 (ANA)

[21] Car registrations up 14.6 pct in April

Athens, 17/05/2002 (ANA)

NSS said that a total of 40,521 vehicles were registered in April, of which 4,573 were used cars, 30,360 were passenger cars, 4,809 were trucks and 180 buses.

Also, a total of 5,172 motorcycles were registered in April.

[22] Small-caps lead ASE higher on Thursday

Athens, 17/05/2002 (ANA)

The general index rose 0.20 percent to 2,351.36 points, with turnover a moderate 112.9 million euros.

The Textile, Metals and Retail sectors scored the biggest percentage gains of the day (1.62 percent, 1.55 percent and 1.42 percent, respectively), while the IT Solutions, Insurance and Construction sectors suffered the heaviest losses (0.63 percent, 0.60 percent and 0.37 percent).

The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks eased 0.04 percent, the FTSE/ASE MID 40 index rose 0.55 percent and the FTSE/ASE SmallCap 80 index ended 0.35 percent higher.

Broadly, advancers led decliners by 166 to 132 with another 63 issues unchanged.

Among the most heavily traded shares in value were Axon, Allatini, Public Power Corporation, National Bank of Greece, and Hellenic Telecoms.

Equity index futures at discount: Equity index futures on the Athens Derivatives Exchange on Thursday ended mixed in moderate to heavy turnover, traders said.

Turnover was 100.9 million euros.

The underlying FTSE/ASE-20 index for heavily traded stocks and blue chips shed 0.04 percent; and the underlying FTSE/ASE-40 for medium capitalization stocks rose 0.55 percent.

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

The Greek benchmark 10-year bond showed a yield of 5.55 percent, and the spread over the corresponding German bund was 30 basis points.

Turnover through the central bank's electronic system was 3.1 billion euros.

Sell orders accounted for the bulk of trade.

[23] Culture minister addresses foreign diplomats on importance of Olympic Games

Athens, 17/05/2002 (ANA)

Venizelos referred to the preparations for the Athens 2004 Olympic Games and to the works being conducted in the capital and in the rest of the country.

He also said that the government attributed equal importance to the Paralympic Games and to the Cultural Olympiad which has already started and will climax during the Olympic Games.

[24] 354 Greek beaches earn 'Blue Flag' for 2002

Athens, 17/05/2002 (ANA)

The 2002 figure includes three more "Blue Flags" given to Greek beaches from last year, with Crete (76) again earning top honors among Greece's numerous tourist attractions from the independent non-profit organization Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE).

Eight Attica prefecture beaches - Vouliagmeni, Asteras, Alimos, the Mavro Lithari site at Anavissos, Edem beach, Varkiza, the Brexiza beach at Nea Makri and both beaches at Lagonissi - earned "Blue Flags".

The 'Blue Flag' is an exclusive 'eco-label' awarded to more than 2,800 beaches and marinas in 23 countries across Europe and South Africa for the coming year.

The Blue Flag Campaign includes environmental education and information for the public, decision makers and tourism operators.

[25] Palestinian and Israeli children to be hosted at camping sites in Greece

Athens, 17/05/2002 (ANA)

Taking part in the initiative are the Archbishopric of Greece, the Greek Cooperation Committee of UNICEF, the Greek section of ''Doctors without Frontiers'', the General Confederation of Workers of Greece (GSEE) and the Civil Servants' Supreme Administrative Council (ADEDY).

[26] Gov't examining prospect of decreasing drug use sentences

Athens, 17/05/2002 (ANA)

Changes proposed by the five deputies on decreasing harm caused by the ever-increasing dissemination of heroin were not accepted by a Parliamentary plenum, although they admittedly caused a stir.

[27] Annan assures of continued UN assistance to peace effort

LARNACA, 17/05/2002 (CNA/ ANA)

Speaking on departure on Thursday for Indonesia and East Timor, after talks with both sides, Annan said he leaves satisfied with his talks here and pointed out that the two sides need to move away from their entrenched positions and show will and inspiration to achieve substantial progress by the end of June.

The UN chief said he has asked Greece and Turkey to contribute to this effort and said the people in Cyprus have expressed to him their desire for peace and encouraged him to work towards this goal.

''In the discussions I had, my sense is that the two men can do it if they find the will, and the timetable of June in my judgment can be met if they focus on the core issues now in a spirit of give and take,'' Annan said replying to questions from the press.

He said having spoken to both sides, he believed it could be done and called on Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash, who has indicated that June might be too soon, to find the will and the inspiration to work for peace.

Asked whether his Special Adviser Alvaro de Soto would play a more energetic role in the talks, Annan said he would stay on the island as long as it takes, until the end of June when there will be assessment of the situation to see how far the core issues have been cracked and then look ahead.

He assured, however, that he himself, in the spirit of his good offices, will be helping the process along, and both de Soto and himself will assist the parties as they move forward.

Invited to clarify the ways the UN would apply to assist the parties, he replied ''we will do whatever it takes to help the parties get to a successful conclusion'', noting that at times one does a lot and at other times less in a negotiating process.

Asked if the UN intend to put concrete ideas on the negotiating table, he said ''I am prepared to help them, assist them and facilitate the talks, my representative here, de Soto, who is on the ground, will help them in the coming months and I myself will stay close to the process from New York.''

Replying to questions, he said wherever he went people encouraged him to convince the two leaders to work for peace and referred once again to an ''historic opportunity'' for a solution.

''I think both sides need to move away from their entrenched positions, then proceed on a genuine, determined basis, and on a give and take basis we will make progress,'' he said.

He assured the people of Cyprus that ''I and the organization are going to work with the two leaders to bring peace as soon as we can.''

''I still believe we can make substantial progress by the end of June and I would urge everyone concerned to really focus on the core issue so that we can move forward,'' he said, and urged personally Denktash to focus on the core issues, despite his doubts about meeting the June target date for progress, which Denktash first mentioned when talks began.

''I genuinely believe that if they focus on the core issues and put the interest of the people first and are determined to make peace, it can be done, and it can be done this year,'' he added.

He promised to return to Cyprus to lift a glass of champagne and celebrate if the leaders succeed.

Asked if European Union accession can help the peace effort, he said if a reunited Cyprus were to join the EU, it would be in the interest of the island and the region.

''I have also urged the neighboring countries to sustain and support this effort,'' he said, referring to Greece and Turkey.

Invited to say whether he was leaving empty-handed, he said he was going away ''satisfied.''

Asked if he leaves the island more confident that a solution can be reached by June, he replied ''if you resolve the core issues by June and begin to put them in writing, you are beginning to see the end of the tunnel'' but explained that he did not mean that by June they should have a signed and sealed agreement but at least they should be able to have resolved the core issues.

The Secretary General refused to comment on Turkish Cypriot demands for separate sovereignty, saying it would be inappropriate to say what he thinks the two leaders should do, noting also that the two men are discussing all issues.

[28] Government does not intend to shift from its positions

NICOSIA, 17/05/2002 (CNA/ANA)

Papapetrou announced that Cyprus President Glafcos Clerides would be flying to Athens on May 22 for deliberations with Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis. He will return to the island on May 23.

''We deemed that this is the appropriate time to jointly analyze things in detail and exchange views because Cyprus talks are at a crucial point, given the fact that it has been quite a time since the talks started and no progress has been achieved,'' he added.

President Clerides and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash have been engaged in UN-led direct talks since mid-January this year, with a view to negotiate until a settlement is reached. Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third.

The president will fly to Athens, accompanied by Attorney General Alecos Markides, Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides, Papapetrou and Undersecretary to the President Pantelis Kouros.

Papapetrou also said the National Council, top advisory body to the President for the handling of the Cyprus problem, will convene on Friday afternoon. The next meeting between the leaders of the two communities, within the framework of UN-led direct talks, will take place on Friday morning.

Invited to name ways by which the process could be accelerated, the government spokesman noted that ''there is a magic formula to accelerate the process in an outstanding way and that is the change of the Turkish political approach, the change of their (the Turkish side's) political intention in a manner that would pave the way for a solution, as provided for in UN resolutions.''

Asked whether the Greek Cypriot side was satisfied with Annan's visit and approach, Papapetrou reiterated that President Clerides' meeting with the UN Chief on Wednesday was very good.

''The Secretary General tried during his stay here to create mechanisms and ways to accelerate the process and make it more substantive, but what will come out or what will be considered to have been achieved from this visit we can not judge now, so let us be patient and see how things work out,'' the government spokesman added.

He said the government did not intend to change its policy, which has been shaped in cooperation with Athens, as ''it is a proper policy that safeguards in the best way the Cyprus people's benefits and our political pursuits.''

Invited to say whether the UN Secretary General had exerted any pressure on the Turkish Cypriot side to alter its stance,

Papapetrou said Annan's concern was to see the current situation changing and the building up of a momentum for the settlement of the Cyprus problem.

Annan visited Cyprus to give a boost to the UN-led talks.

[29] EU Commissioner: enlargement timetable for Cyprus in place

NICOSIA, 17/05/2002 (CNA/ANA)

The Commissioner also said the EU does not oppose trade with the Turkish Cypriots but obstacles to trade are put forward by the illegal Turkish Cypriot regime in the Turkish-occupied northern part of the island.

''The current situation in Cyprus does not change the timetable for enlargement and this is what I stressed in Cyprus, Greece and Turkey.

This means that decisions on enlargement will be taken at the end of this year,'' Verheugen said on Thursday at the European Parliament, replying to questions.

He said he was convinced that membership talks with Cyprus, which are progressing extremely well, would be concluded by December, when the EU will decide on the country's accession.

Expressing full support for the ongoing UN-led direct talks to end the division of the country, Verheugen said the Turkish Cypriots have yet to accept an invitation to participate in the Cyprus team negotiating accession.

''What we have agreed on at Helsinki still stands, a political settlement would facilitate accession but it is not a precondition,'' he said.

Questioned on trade between the Turkish Cypriots and the EU, Verheugen stressed that the EU cannot act in contravention of Court decisions that require certificates from the authorities of the Republic of Cyprus, for health purposes, in order to accept their products into the EU.

The Turkish Cypriots have long claimed that Nicosia imposes a so-called trade embargo and deprives them of the economic benefits of commercial transactions.

The Court of Justice of the European Communities ruled in July 1994 that citrus fruit and potatoes originating from the Turkish-occupied part of Cyprus have to have a health certificate, issued by the legal authorities in Cyprus, namely the government, to be imported into EU countries.

''We are not refusing trade with the Turkish Cypriots and the Commission wishes to include the northern part of Cyprus in its trade transactions'' because it is sad to see the occupied part of the island steeped in poverty and the free areas developing fast, Verheugen said.

The problem, he pointed out, is that ''the Turkish Cypriots are prevented by their own 'authorities' which refuse to adhere to the appropriate preconditions.''

He explained that certificates of origin cannot be issued by these ''authorities'' but by the recognized Republic of Cyprus, in accordance with international law.

''The Commission cannot change anything in this crystal clear legal framework. If we were to do so, we would be violating the law,'' he said.

The UN have declared ''illegally invalid'' the Turkish Cypriot regime in occupied Cyprus and called on all states not to recognize it. Only Turkey does. The European Court of Human Rights, in a separate ruling, said that the self-styled Turkish Cypriot regime is a local subordinate administration to Turkey.

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