Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 04-02-06

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

CONTENTS

[01] UN chief Annan invites Greek Cypriots, Turkish Cypriots to NY talks on Feb. 10

[02] US hails UN Secretary-General's decision to call new round of Cyprus talks

[03] EU High Commissioner Solana and Turkish FM discuss Cyprus issue

[04] ND leader Karamanlis meets with Turkish FM Gul on sidelines of PPE conference

[05] ND leader calls for more democratic Europe in address to EPP conference

[06] Parliament to be dissolved on Feb. 11

[07] PASOK Congress begins on Friday with election of new party leader on Sunday

[08] Personal Data Authority says recording of personal data in PASOK 'friend' vote 'forbidden'

[09] FM Papandreou addresses domestic issues in televised interview

[10] VPRC opinion poll: electoral barometer

[11] Poll shows ND leading PASOK by 4.5 pc, but FM Papandreou still preferred as PM

[12] Parliament speaker receives former UN chief in Athens

[13] Parliament to debate accession agreement for 10 new EU member-states

[14] New Greek ambassador to Austria delivers credentials to Austrian president

[15] GSEE chief attacks ND econ program, announces strike on Mar. 31

[16] Deputy ministers sign decision for pension increases in 2004

[17] Greek mutual funds' assets stable at 30.36 bln euros in Jan

[18] Merchant marine minister holds talks with shipping company union representatives

[19] Taxi owners call for fare increases, threaten strikes

[20] Greek stocks jump 1.41 pct on Thursday

[21] Organizers look to ... Apollo, Bacchus for inspiration during Olympic ceremonies

[22] Marked decrease in fatal traffic accidents in 2003

[23] EU officials lobbied to press for release of Greek seamen held in Pakistan

[24] Ecumenical Patriarch sends letter to FYROM president over Church dispute

[25] U.S. aircraft carrier 'George Washington' arrives in Crete on Friday

[26] 15 yr-old Albanian boy arrested near border with 11 kilos hashish

[27] Film by Theodoros Angelopoulos to be screened at Berlin Festival

[28] Exhibition on Ionian island union with Greece in Parliament

[29] Cyprus National Council to meet Saturday

[30] UEN President: Cyprus settlement at all costs would be wrong

[31] Straw: Cyprus reunification prior EU accession still within reach

[32] Kinnock says Commission would be happy to facilitate Cyprus peace talks

[01] UN chief Annan invites Greek Cypriots, Turkish Cypriots to NY talks on Feb. 10

NEW YORK 06/02/2004 (ANA-P. Panagiotou/CNA)

According to a statement by Annan made public on Wednesday, the objective of the negotiations would be to put a completed text to referenda in April 2004, in time for a reunited Cyprus to accede to the European Union on 1 May 2004.

In his letters, the Secretary-General appeals to the leaders to summon the political will needed to bring about a result in the short time available.

The statement is as follows:

"The Secretary General wrote today to the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot leaders inviting them to come to New York on 10 February 2004 to resume negotiations on the basis of his plan.

"The objective of the negotiations would be to put a completed text to referenda in April 2004, in time for a reunited Cyprus to accede to the European Union on 1 May 2004.

"The Secretary-General has also written to the Prime Ministers of Greece, Turkey and the United Kingdom asking them to have representatives on hand in New York on that occasion.

"The Secretary-General was moved to take this initiative by his recent, encouraging contacts on the Cyprus question during his trip to Europe and afterwards. In his letters, the Secretary-General has appealed to the leaders to summon the political will needed to bring about this result in the short time available. He has also set out what needs to be done for this to happen."

Athens welcomes resumption of talks for Cyprus solution: The Greek foreign ministry on Thursday expressed Athens' satisfaction at a call to resume talks for a solution of the political problem on Cyprus, announced by the United Nations.

In statements to the ANA, foreign ministry spokesman Panos Beglitis confirmed ''Greece's steady support of the good offices of the United Nations secretary-general for the resumption of negotiations on the basis of the Annan plan, with the goal of finding a functional and viable solution that will be in accordance with the resolutions of the UN Security Council and Community laws and regulations.''

Greece will be represented by an official at the negotiations as one of the guarantor powers.

UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan on Wednesday revealed that he had invited the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot leaders to resume talks on 10 February in New York on the basis of his plan.

The objective of the negotiations will be to put a completed text to referenda in April 2004, in time for a reunited Cyprus to accede to the European Union on 1 May 2004.

Commenting on the developments, government spokesman Christos Protopapas confirmed that Athens had received a letter from Annan and said that Athens and Nicosia were steadfast in their position and ready for talks.

"It remains to be seen how sincere the Turkish side is," he added.

[02] US hails UN Secretary-General's decision to call new round of Cyprus talks

WASHINGTON 06/02/2004 (ANA/T. Ellis)

''We welcome this step (the sending of letters). We encourage the sides to do the same to ensure that a solution can be achieved and a united Cyprus to join the EU on May 1. Our special coordinator for Cyprus is expected to be in New York during the talks,'' Boucher said, adding that Weston will be accompanied by associates of his and all will do what they can to help the work of the secretary general but they will not be participating in the talks because, as he said, the negotiations will be carried out by the UN and not the United States.

The State Department spokesman denied that Deputy Secretary of State Mark Grossman intends to be present at the New York talks and, replying to a relevant question, mentioned that Secretary of State Colin Powell has not discussed the Cyprus issue again with UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, after the discussion they had two days ago.

Lastly, Boucher noted that the commitment for holding referenda on April 21 is part of the total package presented by the Secretary- General to the two sides and is aimed at achieving the timely completion of the entire process before May 1.

He explained that the United States has requested from the two sides to use this package to reach a solution.

[03] EU High Commissioner Solana and Turkish FM discuss Cyprus issue

BRUSSELS 06/02/2004 (ANA/V. Demiris)

Speaking after the meeting, Gul said the UN secretary general's decision to call a resumption of talks on the issue of Cyprus did not come as a surprise for the Turkish side which was expecting this development.

Gul expressed the hope that negotiations on the Cyprus issue will begin as soon as possible and a solution will be reached before May 1 (the date of which Cyprus officially becomes an EU member-state).

He added that the completion of talks depends on the will the two sides will be displaying for the finding of a mutually acceptable compromise solution.

Solana also expressed hope the UN secretary general's new initiative will meet with response from the two sides for the immediate beginning of substantive talks and reiterated the EU's readiness to provide every possible assistance to have the deadlock lifted, if this is requested.

Turkish diplomatic sources in Brussels did not rule out the possibility of EU Enlargement Commissioner Guenter Verheugen undertaking some role with observer capacity in the talks due to begin next week.

[04] ND leader Karamanlis meets with Turkish FM Gul on sidelines of PPE conference

BRUSSELS 06/02/2004 (ANA-V. Demiri)

Speaking to reporters after the half-hour meeting, Karamanlis said he had stressed to Gul ND's firm position for support of Turkey's European orientation.

On the Cyprus issue, Karamanlis said he had impressed upon Gul the fact that the Greek side endorsed negotiations on the basis of the Annan plan and seeking a viable and functional solution that would be in agreement with the relevant UN resolutions and the EU's 'acquis communautaire'.

Karamanlis expressed hope that UN secretary general Kofi Annan's initiative for resumption of Cyprus negotiations would result this time in a solution.

[05] ND leader calls for more democratic Europe in address to EPP conference

BRUSSELS 06/02/2004 (ANA - G. Zitouniati)

Karamanlis pointed out that Europe was approaching a crucial juncture, during which EU enlargement would formally become a fact, the prospect of agreement on a new European Constitution seemed apparent and Euro-elections were around the corner.

He predicted that the center-right would continue to hold a large majority in the European Parliament, even increase it. He also appeared confident that his party will win the national elections in Greece on March 7 and join the ranks of European governments represented in the EPP.

Karamanlis stressed the importance of achieving a just, viable and functional solution for Cyprus, based on the plan presented by United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan and the rights and obligations of an EU member-state.

''We will work for a speedy resumption of talks that will lead to a solution that will topple the last wall of shame on European territory and will allow the two communities on the island to live peacefully and prosper within the EU,'' he said.

Karamanlis also appealed for changes in attitudes in southeast Europe, calling for ''the historic achievement of non-reversible peace'' to become "a choice and a fact of life" for all the states in the broader Balkan region.

According to the ND leader, making the Balkans a European neighborhood was a strategic priority.

''In the framework of our own initiative for democracy in the western Balkans, we became witnesses of how the process of change prepared these countries for this new era and how people's lives changed for the better along the way,'' he noted, stressing the need to make ''war and the use of force between these countries and their neighbors inconceivable''.

[06] Parliament to be dissolved on Feb. 11

Athens, 06/02/2004 (ANA)

Sources said that during Thursday's final meeting of the Cabinet ahead of the elections, prime minister Costas Simitis presented an account of the government's work during the past four-year term in office, and told his ministers that ''all together, we achieved much for the country's progress'', focusing particularly on Greece's economic performance, Greek-Turkish relations, and other foreign policy issues.

Government spokesman Christos Protopapas told reporters later that the Cabinet had decided the procedural aspect, which entailed sending a letter to President of the Republic Costis Stephanopoulos formally asking him to dissolve parliament on February 11, call general elections on March 7, and convene the new parliament to emerge from the elections on March 18. The March 18 date will enable the new government to have the required vote of confidence from the new 300-member parliament in time to represent Greece at the EU summit in late March and ahead of the Olympic Torch-Lighting Ceremony for the Athens 2004 Games.

Protopapas said that the premier presented an account of the government's work during the Cabinet meeting, focusing particularly on 10 points: Greece's accession to the euro-zone, the upgrading of the country's standing and Cyprus' EU accession, the advancement of true convergence, the increase of resources of the social state, the creation of new infrastructures and major works, the modernization of the institutions of the new administration for facilitating citizens, the clampdown on terrorism, the creation of an open school in society, the increase in farmers' incomes, and conclusion of the procedures concerning the formal royal properties.

The time-table of procedures in the run-up to elections and immediately afterwards decided on by the Cabinet on Thursday is as follows: - Feb. 10: Parliament will ratify the EU enlargement treaty, coinciding with the resumption of Cyprus talks in New York under UN secretary general Kofi Annan's auspices. - Feb. 11: Parliament is dissolved, while possibly on the same day, foreign minister George Papandreou will resign from the post, which will be assumed by alternate foreign minister Tasos Yiannitsis. - Feb. 12: Interior minister Costas Skandalidis and press and media minister/government spokesman Christos Protopapas will resign. Caretaker ministers will be sworn in on Feb. 13 to replace them. - March 7: General elections will be held throughout the country. - March 18: The new parliament emerging from the elections will be convened.

[07] PASOK Congress begins on Friday with election of new party leader on Sunday

Athens, 06/02/2004 (ANA)

Friday's four-hour meeting will center on speeches by Simitis and Papandreou.

Simitis will make a review of his eight-year term as prime minister and PASOK president and Papandreou will outline the party's program ahead of the March 7 elections, giving particular emphasis to the efforts he is undertaking to reform PASOK.

In his speeches to date, Papandreou has stated that he will make decisive reforms in the party where ''no permanent chairs will exist'' and ''major changes will take place.''

Papandreou's main idea, according to press sources, is for the participation of the members in the party's operations, the decentralization of party power and the creation of a new, different relationship between the state and the citizen, returning in essence to PASOK's principle on ''popular participation'' which is included in the party's founding declaration.

Papandreou aims for this principle to characterize not only the functioning of the party but also that of the operation of the political system in its entirety, the same sources said.

[08] Personal Data Authority says recording of personal data in PASOK 'friend' vote 'forbidden'

Athens, 06/02/2004 (ANA)

Commenting on the decision on behalf of the Coalition of the Radical Left-United Ticket's press office, Nikos Voutsis said the Coalition had ''timely and repeatedly and in the most official way raised the issue of the undemocratic nature of the procedure of ''friends'' of PASOK voting as a procedure of possible new client relations and as a hostage procedure and one in which thousands of people are registered who wish to solve their problems before or after the elections with the favor of the party ruling today.''

Voutsis added that ''the Personal Data Protection Authority with its decision is removing every legal and moral base, it is removing every political pretext for this so-called 'opening to society' which wants to manage people and ideas.''

Referring to the same decision, Democratic Social Movement (DHKKI) party leader Dimitris Tsovolas said ''tonight's decision constitutes a slap for Mr. Papandreou and for the 'New PASOK''', adding that ''after this a huge moral and political issue is being raised for George Papandreou and PASOK.''

[09] FM Papandreou addresses domestic issues in televised interview

Athens, 06/02/2004 (ANA)

He also severely criticized the main opposition New Democracy party's economic platform unveiled earlier in the week, and charged that ND, ''after so many years as opposition, proposes measures of the 1990-93 government of Constantine Mitsotakis which brought about clashes, the stagnation of pensions, and raised the retirement age''.

Papandreou said that ND's proposals brought nothing new to the social insurance issue, whereas the PASOK policy had resulted in resolving the retirement/pension issue up until 2020-25, thus consolidating the pensions of the present and next generation. He said that revenues to result from a clamp-down on contribution-evasion would be used to increase pensions, while revenues from the clam-down on tax-evasion would be funneled the health sector, and revenues from the limitation of defense expenditures would be channeled to the education sector.

Asked whether general elections would be held again next year given the election of a new President of the Republic upcoming in 2005, Papandreou replied that, as prime minister, he would seek the assistance of the main opposition party so as to reach an agreement (on jointly supporting a Presidential candidate) in order to avert new general elections. He added that even if PASOK lost the elections and emerged as the main opposition party, again ''we will do all we can for a consensus process''.

Papandreou further intimated that, as prime minister, he would not rule out the prospect of agreeing to set up a parliamentary fact-finding commission to investigate stock market scandals, provided there were grounded charges and not obscure insinuations.

KKE leader accuses G. Papandreou of having 'reactionary and dangerous ideas': Communist Party of Greece (KKE) General Secretary Aleka Papariga on Thursday accused Foreign Minister and PASOK leadership candidate George Papandreou of having ''reactionary and dangerous ideas.''

She was commenting on statements Papandreou made during a television interview on Wednesday night.

On education, the KKE chief said Papandreou ''is projecting an extremely reactionary and dangerous idea which is based on the Bologna and Berlin decisions. That is, that university graduates must pass through a procedure to certify their ability for a profession.''

Papariga also termed as a ''monarchic idea'' Papandreou's positions on globalization. ''Mr. Papandreou said that globalization creates many problems and finally he separated the Greek citizen, the Greek people to those who have the ability to adapt and those who cannot,'' Papariga said.

Referring to the same interview, Coalition of the Left, Movements and Ecology Eurodeputy Alekos Alavanos said ''there are many beautiful expressions which one could find in a school composition, however, they come in full contradiction with the policies which the forthcoming PASOK leader covers.''

Alavanos said that Papandreou spoke of ''respect to the institutions,'' at the same time stating that he had decided ''to strike off nine deputies from the PASOK tickets, without him having any institutional authority to do so.''

Concluding, Alavanos accused Papandreou of ''covering up the plans of the Americans in Iraq.''

[10] VPRC opinion poll: electoral barometer

Athens, 06/02/2004 (ANA)

VPRC's latest 'electoral barometer', conducted by telephone among 1,187 respondents over the age of 18 from all over Greece on February 2-3, showed ND leading with 32.7 percent over 29.2 percent for PASOK with respect to ''voters' intent'' (intended vote). A similar VPRC poll last week had put the voter intent at 32.6 percentage points for ND against 28.1 percentage points for PASOK.

Regarding the remaining parties, voter intent was 3.5 percentage points for the Communist Party of Greece (KKE, up from 2.8 percentage points last week), 2.1 percentage points for the Coalition of the Left and Progress (SYN, down from 2.3 percentage points last week), 0.5 percentage points for DHKKI (up from 0.4 percentage points last week), and 0.9 percentage points for LAOS (up from 0.7 percentage points last week).

The overall voter intent estimation -- meaning without undecided and blank votes -- is 46.5 percentage points for ND (down from 47 percentage points last week), 42 percentage votes for PASOK (up from 41 last week), 5 percentage points for the KKE (up from 4 last week), 3 percentage points for SYN (no change from 3 last week), 0.5 percentage points for DHKKI (no change from 0.5 last week), and 1.5 percentage points for LAOS (up from 1.0 last week).

On the question of to what degree the election of a new PASOK president interested the, the respondents replied: 22 percent 'very much', 23 percent 'much', 17 percent 'a little', 36 percent 'very little', and 2 percent 'no reply'.

To the question on the impression created by the proposal for election of the new president by the citizens, the respondents replied: 55 percent 'rather positive', 13 percent 'rather negative', 18 percent 'neither positive nor negative', 9 percent 'no impression', and 5 percent 'no reply'.

[11] Poll shows ND leading PASOK by 4.5 pc, but FM Papandreou still preferred as PM

Athens, 06/02/2004 (ANA)

The poll concerned 2,000 respondents and was carried out between January 24 and February 2 with a questionnaire and a ballot box, before ND had presented its economic program.

The MRB's poll gives PASOK 34.7 percent, ND 39.2, Communist Party of Greece (KKE) 5.6, Coalition of the Left, Movements and Ecology 2.9, Popular Orthodox Rally (LAOS) 2 and Democratic Social Movement (DHKKI) 1.2.

ND is ahead of PASOK on the question of which party is expected to win the election, with 55.9 percent compared to 30.7 for PASOK.

Regarding the question of ''which of the two (Papandreou or Karamanlis) do you choose for prime minister'', Papandreou receives 44.3 percent and Karamanlis 41.6.

As regards the issue of which party has a greater ''governance ability'', ND receives 41.5 percent and PASOK 37.2.

Papandreou also heads the popularity list for party leaders, which contains both positive and negative opinions for each of them as follows:George Papandreou 50.5 percent/28.4 percent, Costas Karamanlis 49.1/33, Aleka Papariga (KKE) 18/59.3, Nikos Constantopoulos (Coalition) 34.2/38.1, Dimitris Tsovolas (DHKKI) 27.1/39.1 and George Karatzaferis (LAOS) 16.9/59.6.

[12] Parliament speaker receives former UN chief in Athens

Athens, 06/02/2004 (ANA)

Kaklamanis was generous in his praise of Ghali's achievements as UN secretary-general and said his efforts at the head of Egypt's national committee for human rights would further cement the excellent ties between Greece and Egypt.

He also asked Ghali to intervene on behalf of a Greek man serving a sentence of forced labor in Egyptian jails, noting that this was a type of sentence unknown in European law and asking that Ghali promote Greek requests that the man serve the remainder of his sentence in Greek prisons.

They also discussed international current affairs, such as relations between the North in Europe and the South, particularly in relation to a demographic explosion in northern Africa and Europe's ageing populations.

[13] Parliament to debate accession agreement for 10 new EU member-states

Athens, 06/02/2004 (ANA)

The debate will be the last for the current Parliamentary period, since the dissolution of Parliament in light of elections on March 7 will be announced on the same day.

Meanwhile, the last meeting of the Conference of Presidents took place on Thursday, during which the process for the accession agreement's debate was determined.

[14] New Greek ambassador to Austria delivers credentials to Austrian president

VIENNA 06/02/2004 (ANA/D. Dimitrakoudis)

The Austrian president underlined the common positions of Austria and Greece on a series of issues, their common targets and their common interests in their wider regions.

He also praised the very good bilateral relations existing between the two countries in all sectors - political, economic and cultural - and noted their common positions on issues concerning the European Union and the Cyprus issue, saying that partition must be ended and a solution should be found in the framework of the UN, as well as on Turkey.

President Klestil also underlined the importance of this year's Olympic Games in Greece and hailed the initiative of Foreign Minister George Papandreou regarding the Olympic Truce, while expressing satisfaction over the holding of the Cultural Olympiad.

The Austrian president expressed regret over the postponement of his Greek counterpart's visit to Austria in early March, due to Parliamentary elections to be held in Greece, and expressed the wish that the visit will take place before the end of his presidential term in early July.

[15] GSEE chief attacks ND econ program, announces strike on Mar. 31

Athens, 06/02/2004 (ANA)

He said the strike was in support of demands for a fair collective agreement on a national level, with greater pay rises than those currently being discussed by employers. He also called on the parties to adopt a clear stand regarding union demands for higher pay and reducing the working week to 39 hours.

At the same time, Polyzogopoulos launched a stinging attack on the economic program unveiled this week by main opposition New Democracy in his speech to the union management plenum.

Urging the public to carefully scrutinize ND's economic platform, he also called on ND leader Costas Karamanlis to commit himself in writing regarding pledges he made on Wednesday and include these in the program.

At another point, he said trade unions will face difficult challenges in the main opposition came to power and implemented the program it had announced.

GSEE General Secretary Yiannis Manolis, a candidate with ND, responded by saying that the ND-affiliated faction within the trade union DAKE did not anticipate problems if ND came to power, given that Karamanlis had given written commitments on certain issues.

[16] Deputy ministers sign decision for pension increases in 2004

Athens, 06/02/2004 (ANA)

This outlined increases in accordance with proposals made by Labor and Social Insurance Minister Dimitris Reppas.

Specifically, from January 1, 2004 there will be a 5 per cent increase for the first 500 euros of all pensions and a 3 per cent increase for the portions of pensions from 500.01 euros to 1,000 euros. There will be no increase for the portions of pensions above 1,000 euros.

The increases will be calculated on the basis of the size of pensions on December 31, 2003.

[17] Greek mutual funds' assets stable at 30.36 bln euros in Jan

Athens, 06/02/2004 (ANA)

The Union of Institutional Investors in its monthly report on the mutual funds market attributed the 0.1 percent decline in assets to a decline in assets in the categories of domestic money management, bonds and combined funds in January. On the other hand, domestic equity funds reported a 8.9 percent increase in assets over the month.

The domestic equity funds' assets jumped 41.8 percent in January compared with the same month in 2003, while returns of the category ranged between 3.45 percent and 9.37 percent compared with negative returns of 8.02 percent and 1.04 percent in the same month last year. Average return was 6.70 percent in January from -27.24 percent in January 2003. Domestic bond and money management funds also reported positive returns in January (10.4 percent and 26.5 percent, respectively).

Domestic equity funds also reported inflows totalling 95 million euros in January, while bond, money management and combined funds reported outflows (106.7 million, 271.9 million and 117.4 million euros, respectively).

Foreign equity funds' assets rose 29.2 percent in January with the category recording inflows of 151 million euros in the month to a total of 790.8 million euros.

International bond funds reported a 4.9 percent increase in assets to 715.4 million euros in January.

[18] Merchant marine minister holds talks with shipping company union representatives

Athens, 06/02/2004 (ANA)

Paschalidis told the representatives that he had a meeting with Economy and Finance Minister Nikos Christodoulakis in the morning in the framework of finding a solution to problems facing the company's employees.

The merchant marine ministry, from the moment the crisis broke out with cruise ships, also due to international conditions as well (11th September terrorist attacks, Iraq War, SARS disease and Middle East) is closely watching the issue.

[19] Taxi owners call for fare increases, threaten strikes

Athens, 06/02/2004 (ANA)

In an announcement on Thursday, the Hellenic Federation of Taxi Owners said that they want an increase of 2-3 cents per kilometer, stating that taxi fares have been frozen for two years.

At the same time, the statement said that a plan has been set up for the operation of taxis during the period of the Olympic Games, a plan which will be discussed with the Transport and Communication Ministry's new political leadership.

[20] Greek stocks jump 1.41 pct on Thursday

Athens, 06/02/2004 (ANA)

The general index rose 1.41 percent to end at 2,452.98 points, with turnover a moderate 168.5 million euros.

All sector indices ended higher with the Bank, Investment and Insurance sectors scoring the biggest percentage gains of the day (2.10 percent, 1.89 percent and 1.87 percent, respectively).

The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks rose 1.64 percent, the FTSE/ASE MID 40 index ended 1.0 percent higher and the FTSE/ASE SmallCap 80 index rose 0.76 percent.

Broadly, advancers led decliners by 213 to 88 with another 53 issues unchanged.

FOREIGN EXCHANGE

Closing rates of February 5 2004

Parities in euro

For. Exchange Buying Selling

US Dollar 1,268 1,239

[21] Organizers look to ... Apollo, Bacchus for inspiration during Olympic ceremonies

Athens, 06/02/2004 (ANA)

�You were all magnificent,� Athens 2004 Organizing Committee President Gianna Angelopoulos-Daskalaki told the youthful volunteers after the audition.

Some 70,000 spectators and literally billions of television viewers around the world are expected to view the Aug. 13 Opening Ceremony at Athens' main Olympic Stadium (OAKA), where the Closing Ceremony and most of the athletic events will be hosted as well.

According to ATHOC, some 6,000 volunteers have already been chosen for the two ceremonies, with another 2,000 expected to be selected by the end of February.

Meanwhile, the artistic director for the two events, noted Greek choreographer Dimitris Papaioannou, on Thursday offered �hints� of what the ceremonies will feature, saying the Opening Ceremony will revolve around Apollo, the mythical Olympian god of intellect, the arts, prophecy, healing and, above all, light.

Conversely, Papaioannou said the Closing Ceremony will include a �bacchic� theme � a reference to Bacchus, the mythical god of wine and revelry of ancient Greece.

�We will be at the Olympic Stadium for rehearsals a month and 10 days before the Games (begin). We need to focus on what Greece has accomplished through its historical course. We are adapting every day to the needs of the ceremonies. We�re not just looking for dancers, but we�ll be very happy if people involved with sports are also interested,� he said during Thursday�s audition.

[22] Marked decrease in fatal traffic accidents in 2003

Athens, 06/02/2004 (ANA)

Presenting ministry data, he said that the number of people killed in traffic accidents in 2003, compared to 2002, was down 2.9 percent.

The number of deaths in 2003 was 23.6 percent less than in 2000.

The number of fatal traffic accidents in 2003 compared to the previous year was down 3.8 percent.

The number of fatal traffic accidents in 2003 was down 24.9 percent compared to 2000.

[23] EU officials lobbied to press for release of Greek seamen held in Pakistan

Athens, 06/02/2004 (ANA)

In meetings with the head of the European People's Party (EPP) Hans Poetering, the head of the Party of European Socialists Baron Crespo and Ribera d'Alcala, head of the office of European Parliament President Pat Cox, they asked for political pressure to be placed on Pakistan to release and repatriate the Greek seamen, who are being held in connection with the environmental damage caused by a tanker on which they were the crew, which accidentally ran aground.

After the meetings, an urgent resolution was tabled asking Pakistan to immediately repatriate the Greek sailors. This will be discussed by the full body of the European Parliament in Strasbourg next week.

[24] Ecumenical Patriarch sends letter to FYROM president over Church dispute

SKOPJE 06/02/2004 (ANA N. Fragopoulos)

Both Vartholomeos' letter and Trajkovski's reply were released by the FYROM president's office on Thursday.

In the letter, Vartholomeos calls for "constructive initiatives" to overcome the tensions between the religious communities in the country.

He also criticizes the involvement of political power in religious disputes, saying that this made dialogue more difficult and sparked religious fanaticism.

A high-ranking cleric was arrested three weeks ago in a FYROM city and is to stand trial for inciting nationalist and religious hatred.

Metropolitan Ioannis was kicked out of the ranks of the local Church and proceeded to set up a second Church within the country that belongs to the Serb Patriarchate.

The problem dates back to 1967 and the original secession of FYROM's orthodox church from that of Serbia in order to set up the self-proclaimed "Macedonian Orthodox Church" that has yet to be recognized by any other Orthodox Church in the world.

[25] U.S. aircraft carrier 'George Washington' arrives in Crete on Friday

Athens, 06/02/2004 (ANA)

The aircraft carrier, which will arrive from Sicily, will stay at the naval base until Monday and then continue its tour of the Mediterranean.

[26] 15 yr-old Albanian boy arrested near border with 11 kilos hashish

Athens, 06/02/2004 (ANA)

The boy was arrested by border guards after a chase, and was carrying a satchel containing 7 packets of semi-processed cannabis weighing a total 11.35 kilos.

According to initial reports, the boy was scheduled to turn over the hashish to accomplices waiting for him near the border, on the Greek side. The accomplices were not found.

[27] Film by Theodoros Angelopoulos to be screened at Berlin Festival

Athens, 06/02/2004 (ANA)

The Greek Cinema Center has been preparing the presentation of Angelopoulos' film at the 54th Berlinale for some time.

All the special printed material, as well as the models of advertisements in major cinema magazines and the Festival's publications have already been sent to Berlin.

The film's presentation to the press will take place on Thursday February 12 at 12.30 p.m. and the film director will be accompanied by the film's protagonists Alexandra Aydini, Nikos Poursanidis and Vassilis Kolovos.

The film director will also be giving a press conference for Greek and foreign journalists at 16.00.

[28] Exhibition on Ionian island union with Greece in Parliament

Athens, 06/02/2004 (ANA)

The exhibition presents information on the Ionian islands society, economy, culture and history and includes a number of exhibits from the Parliament library and art collection, such as maps, engravings, books and paintings.

The Greek Parliament is also organizing a conference in association with the Athens Academy on the union of the Ionian islands with Greece on February 24-27.

[29] Cyprus National Council to meet Saturday

NICOSIA 06/02/2004 (CNA/ANA)

''The Council will meet Saturday morning at 1000 to assess the letter the UN Secretary-General has sent me,'' the president told the press.

The Council was due to meet Monday but the president decided to bring the meeting forward as he is due to be in New York on Tuesday, February 10.

Annan sent letters to President Papadopoulos and to Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash inviting them to ''come to New York on February 10, 2004 to resume negotiations on the basis of his plan,'' a UN statement read on Wednesday.

Papadopoulos has described ''crucial'' the current period with regard to the question of Cyprus and efforts to resume the UN-led stalled peace talks.

''It is a crucial period. I have received a letter from the Secretary-General,'' he told a delegation from the Union for Europe of the Nations group at the European Parliament.

The President's remarks come after a flurry of activity in and around the Presidential Palace, with consecutive meetings Papadopoulos has had throughout the day with the House President and political party leaders.

[30] UEN President: Cyprus settlement at all costs would be wrong

NICOSIA 06/02/2004 (CNA/ANA)

''We expressed to our interlocutors our view that a bad agreement would be the worst thing that could happen. If time is necessary,

there should be time for the problem to be solved properly with the agreement of both sides,'' Pasqua said, speaking through an interpreter.

The UEN held here on Thursday its regular meeting on ''Cyprus' accession to the EU and the prospect of a solution of the Cyprus question'', at the invitation of Fighting Democratic Movement (ADIK).

Speaking at a press conference after the meeting, Pasqua said that UEN supports the UN Secretary-General's initiative for a settlement, pointing out however that ''a solution imposed from the outside would in no case be viable.''

ADIK President Dinos Michaelides described the resumption of the UN-led talks on February 10 a big step and expressed hope that a reunited Cyprus would join the EU on May 1st.

The UEN delegation had a chance on Thursday to be briefed by Cypriot party representatives on the Greek Cypriot side's concerns and views regarding a settlement.

Noting that the question of Cyprus is obviously linked to Turkey's EU bid, the French politician called on Ankara to contribute to a settlement or face obstacles in its accession course.

Replying to questions about the compatibility of a solution with the acquis communautaire, Pasqua said he did not think the UN would push for a bad solution but noted that if there is a bad resolution in Cyprus, the European Council might consider submitting some suggestions to rectify things.

Asked whether it would be best for Cyprus to negotiate a deal after accession, Pasqua said a solution should not be considered an absolute necessity before May 1.

''As far as I am concerned, this would be a mistake. Cyprus is not obliged to accept an agreement at all costs,'' the UEN president said, adding that there would be a chance for more discussions after accession.

He said the EU would rather have a reunited Cyprus join on May 1st, but it would not be the end of the world if no solution is found by this date as Cyprus will join the Union on May 1 irrespective of a settlement.

[31] Straw: Cyprus reunification prior EU accession still within reach

LONDON 06/02/2004 (CNA/ANA)

Referring to the invitation by UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan to the parties concerned, for the resumption of Cyprus talks, Straw reassured in a written statement that Britain, as a guarantor power ''and strong supporter of the UN Secretary-General's good offices mission in Cyprus, will play its part fully."

''I strongly support the UN Secretary-General's judgment that the time has come for a final, wholehearted effort to find a Cyprus settlement. The prize of accession to the EU by a reunited island this May is still within reach," Straw stressed.

He added that he is encouraged by the signals Annan has received that the necessary commitment exists among the parties to this process.

''I applaud the way he is trying to ensure that this commitment translates into focused, genuine negotiations on the basis of his earlier proposals'', British Foreign Secretary said.

[32] Kinnock says Commission would be happy to facilitate Cyprus peace talks

NICOSIA 06/02/2004 (CNA/ANA)

Kinnock, who arrived on Wednesday on an official visit, also underlined he is looking forward to Cyprus' accession to the European Union on the 1st of May, noting that a lot of effort is underway to solve the outstanding issues regarding harmonization and these are not such as to become an impediment to the island's accession.

Asked after a meeting with House President Demetris Christofias, whether Cyprus is in a position to join the EU without any problems, Kinnock replied ''there are a couple of outstanding areas for refinement and completion, for instance in the Payments Agency and the Common Agricultural Policy, some aspects of maritime security and safety, but a lot of effort is going into resolving those and these issues are certainly not big enough to be any form of impediment.''

He said he looks ''forward to celebrating the enlargement, to include ten new member states, including Cyprus on May 1st, and I also look forward to welcoming Cypriot nationals to become civil servants in the European Commission and the European Commissioner'' of Cyprus.

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