Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 04-03-13

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

CONTENTS

[01] Greek government formally seeks NATO help for Olympics security

[02] Heightened anti-terrorism measures at ports throughout Greece

[03] President Stephanopoulos sends condolences to King of Spain over train attack

[04] Spanish nationals gather in front of Embassy of Spain to express solidarity

[05] Cyprus president speaks to ANA ahead of Athens visit on Saturday

[06] New Greek Commissioner to attend Brussels meeting next week

[07] Aegean ministry handed over to new minister

[08] PM Karamanlis receives National Defense Minister Spiliotopoulos

[09] PM holds talks with public works, health and education ministers

[10] PM meets future tourism minister Avramopoulos

[11] PM Karamanlis meets ND deputies Tzannetakis and Paleokrassas

[12] PM Karamanlis sends telegram of condolences to Albanian president

[13] PASOK party's Executive Bureau discusses election results

[14] FM receives courtesy calls from ambassadors of Ireland, Russia and the US

[15] Karamanlis congratulates Latvia's prime minister-elect

[16] Deputy Foreign Minister to meet British counterpart Monday

[17] Alogoskoufis, Bank of Greece governor discuss economy

[18] EIB lends 1.2 bln euros for projects in Greece in 2003

[19] Stocks nose up

[20] New public works minister pledges to complete Marathon route on time

[21] New Olympic Games general secretary appointed

[22] Transport Minister chairs meeting on Olympic Games' projects

[23] Progress of Calatrava roof and other Olympic projects discussed

[24] Health minister visits Olympic Village Medical Centre

[25] Two Greek fencers advance to second stage of Acropolis Cup

[26] Athens airport to carry out accident drill next week

[27] Justice minister pays courtesy calls on Council of State, Supreme Court

[28] Explosives on train believed to be the work of the Bulgarian mafia

[29] Man slain in shootout with police an Albanian national

[30] Date of March 25 bank holiday not to shift, ministry decides

[31] President Papadopoulos stresses need for progress

[32] Top UN envoy to begin separate intensive consultations with sides

[33] Irish EU Presidency calls Cyprus sides to redouble efforts for solution

[34] US Congress members express Cyprus concerns to Powell, Annan

[01] Greek government formally seeks NATO help for Olympics security

Athens, 13/3/2004 (ANA)

''Completing a process that was already underway, the government on Friday asked the Atlantic Alliance to assist in the security for the Olympic Games, chiefly in the areas of air surveillance, joint patrolling of the sea and protection from chemical, biological and nuclear incidents,'' he said.

G. Papandreou on NATO assistance for Olympics security: Main opposition Panhellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK) party leader George Papandreou told Foreign Affairs Minister Petros Molyviatis that PASOK did not have any objection to the government requesting NATO's assistance in Olympic Games security issues, in a telephone conversation on Friday. Papandreou said that the previous PASOK government had taken the necessary initial steps and added that ''we welcome any substantial assistance from wherever we can get it, but it will have to be applied within the framework of our principles and rules.''

Greek Communists oppose NATO involvement in Olympics security: Reacting to the Greek government's formal request on Friday for NATO's aid in security arrangements for the Olympic Games this summer, the Communist Party of Greece (KKE) issued an announcement saying that it was totally opposed to NATO's involvement in the safety of the Games.

It accused the government of taking advantage of the sense of insecurity following the devastating terrorist attacks in Madrid in order to make its invitation to NATO.

Condemning the attack in Madrid, the announcement said that it formed part of a series of terrorist acts that began on September 11 that were being used to justify pre-emptive wars, such as those against Afghanistan and Iraq, and to restrict civil rights and liberties.

The Coalition of the Left Movements and Ecology: SYN party also joined the ranks of those opposed to NATO's involvement with Olympic Games security, through a statement SYN party leader Nikos Constantopoulos issued on Friday after being briefed by Foreign Affairs Minister Petros Molyviatis on the government's decision.

In his statement, Constantopoulos underlines that his party ''had already expressed to the previous government and expresses to the present government once again its strong objection to Olympic Games security being essentially assigned to NATO''.

[02] Heightened anti-terrorism measures at ports throughout Greece

Athens, 13/3/2004 (ANA)

The emergency security measures were judged necessary following the bomb attacks in Madrid, in which at least 193 people lost their lives and a further 1,400 were injured.

They were decided on during a lengthy meeting between Delimihalis and the new Merchant Marine Minister Manolis Kefaloyiannis, who asked to be fully briefed on the security measures in ports and areas in the jurisdiction of the coast guard during the Olympic Games.

[03] President Stephanopoulos sends condolences to King of Spain over train attack

Athens, 13/3/2004 (ANA)

''With genuine grief, indignation and abhorrence over the abominable terrorist action that caused so many victims in your country, I extend you the heartfelt condolences of the Greek people and myself, personally,'' the President said in his telegram.

Greek defense minister sends telegram of condolences to Spanish counterpart: Greek Defense Minister Spilios Spiliotopoulos on Friday sent a telegram to his Spanish counterpart Frederico Trillo, offering his condolences for the devastating terrorist attack in Madrid and stressing the determination of all ''citizens of United Europe and their governments to jointly fight to wipe out the phenomenon of terrorism''.

Athens mayor sends condolences to Madrid mayor, Spanish envoy: In a telegram to Madrid Mayor Alberto Ruiz-Gallardon and Spain's Ambassador to Greece Eduardo Junco Bonet, sent as soon as she was informed of the terrorist strike on the city, Athens Mayor Dora Bakoyianni conveyed her condolences for the devastating bomb attacks against Madrid.

The bomb blasts occurred early on Thursday morning, ripping through Madrid's train system and causing scores of deaths and injuries. According to the latest tally, 193 were killed and 1,400 injured.

''Expressing the sentiments of all Athens residents but also the entire Greek nation, I beg you to accept our sincere and heartfelt condolences for the tragic loss of innocent people in the recent abominable attacks against citizens in the heart of the city of Madrid.

''I would also ask you to convey our condolences to the Spanish people, particularly the families of the victims,'' she said.

SYN leader pays condolence call on Spanish Embassy:

Coalition of the Left and Progress (SYN) leader Nikos Constantopoulos, heading a three-member party delegation, on Friday paid a visit to the Spanish Embassy in Athens to express condolences on behalf of SYN over Thursday's multiple-bomb attack in Madrid that killed at least 190 people and injured more than 1,400.

"We expressed our solidarity with the Spanish people and government over this terrifying and painful attack, which cost the lives of hundreds of unarmed, innocent victims," Constantopoulos said after the visit.

"Such strikes create generalized destabilization, harm democracy and have no justification, no alibi. It is blind violence against innocent people, working people, over which we express our abhorrence and grief," the SYN leader continued.

"The peoples must fight with solidarity for a Europe of democracy, stability and solidarity," Constantopoulos said, so that such will not shed the blood of more peoples, disrupt our era and be used to amputate democracy and stability.

[04] Spanish nationals gather in front of Embassy of Spain to express solidarity

Athens, 13/3/2004 (ANA)

The crowd of sympathizers arrived at the embassy at 7.30 p.m. where Spanish Ambassador Eduardo Junco Bonet told them:� We are here today to express our support to the families of the victims, to the wounded and to all the Spanish people. We want democracy, we want the Spanish Constitution, we say no to terrorism, no to another similar strike.''

All who gathered on Friday at the Embassy of Spain left at its entrance flowers, messages of support and solidarity as well as texts against terrorism and in support of peace.

[05] Cyprus president speaks to ANA ahead of Athens visit on Saturday

Nicosia, 13/3/2004 (ANA- G. Leonidas)

In an exclusive statement Friday to the Athens News Agency (ANA) on the occasion of his visit to Athens, President Papadopoulos said he will have talks with President Kostis Stephanopoulos, Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis and the country's political leadership on latest developments on the Cyprus issue. The talks will take place on Sunday.

''I am going to Greece to have meetings and talks with Hellenic Republic President Mr. Constantine Stephanopoulos, the Prime Minister Mr. Costas Karamanlis and the political leadership on latest developments on the issue of Cyprus. During my meeting with Mr. Karamanlis, the first after his election to the office of prime minister, I will brief him analytically on the course of negotiations under the auspices of the United Nations so far, we shall exchange views on developments being shaped and we shall jointly assess the prospects of the joint effort to achieve a workable and viable solution to the issue of Cyprus,'' President Papadopoulos said.

[06] New Greek Commissioner to attend Brussels meeting next week

Brussels, 13/3/2004 (ANA-V.Demiris)

In addition to Dimas, who takes over from former Greek Commissioner Anna Diamantopoulou for the remainder of the mandate of the present Commission, the weekly meeting will be joined for the first time by the commissioners of the 10 new member-states.

The meeting will focus on the working program from May 1, when the new countries officially join the Union, until the end of the Commission's term on October 31.

The spokesman said that Dimas will be taking over the employment and welfare portfolio previously held by Diamantopoulou.

[07] Aegean ministry handed over to new minister

Athens, 13/3/2004 (ANA)

Taking over from outgoing minister Nikos Sifounakis, Pavlidis said he intended to implement a comprehensive policy for islands, which would be his priority as a minister, and also stressed the need for immediate measures with regard to health care for the islands.

[08] PM Karamanlis receives National Defense Minister Spiliotopoulos

Athens, 13/3/2004 (ANA)

The two men discussed issues regarding the government's priorities in the sphere of the Armed Forces and ahead of the Parliamentary debate on policy statements. They also discussed security measures for the summer Olympic Games.

Replying to reporters' questions, Spiliotopoulos stated that it was not necessary for extraordinary measures to be taken in Greece in the shadow of the terrorist attack on Madrid's rail network during Thursday morning's rush-hour which killed at least 198 people in its wake.

The minister clarified that this assessment was made during Thursday's meeting of the Armed Forces General Staff's strategic crisis management centre.

On the safety of the 2004 Olympic Games, Spiliotopoulos stressed that the existing planning will be intensified.

[09] PM holds talks with public works, health and education ministers

Athens, 13/3/2004 (ANA)

Souflias later said he and Karamanlis discussed problems existing in the sector of preparations for the Olympic Games, as well as people who will staff organizations falling under the jurisdiction of his ministry.

Kaklamanis said on his part priority is being placed on shielding the country's healthcare and public health during the Olympic Games and absorbing funds from the 3rd Community Support Framework.

He added that his ministry is participating in the exercise taking place these days on security issues so as to be able to handle ''unusual cases.''

Kaklamanis further said that camp beds are a priority in the health sector, but there are no timetables on this issue, while what will be achieved will become apparent when a patient visits a hospital and will be not required to stay in camp beds in corridors.

Yiannakou said the government will implement its program in the education sector, adding that she is prepared for dialogue on innovative ideas and conceptions and intends to meet with main opposition PASOK party leader George Papandreou in the future.

[10] PM meets future tourism minister Avramopoulos

Athens, 13/3/2004 (ANA)

As he left the meeting, Avramopoulos referred to the terrorist attacks in Madrid on Thursday, expressing rage and deep sorrow, and said that he had sent a telegraph of sympathy and support to Spain's tourism minister, even though he had not yet been sworn in.

He said that the Greek government was approaching the issue with great care and that a meeting had been held at the prime minister's office with the ministers involved on Thursday night to discuss ways to ensure the safety of the Olympics.

Avramopoulos stressed that Greece was doing "excellent work" in this area and expressed certainty that it would organize the safest Olympics yet.

[11] PM Karamanlis meets ND deputies Tzannetakis and Paleokrassas

Athens, 13/3/2004 (ANA)

According to Karamanlis associates, the meetings were of a ''routine nature'' as former Prime Minister Tzannetakis requested to see the prime minister, as did Cyclades Islands deputy Paleokrassas.

Prime Minister Karamanlis, following the formation of the new government, is seeking to find the most suitable person for the post of Parliamentary Group Secretary, due to the fact that most of the old and experienced parliamentary members are either out of Parliament or flank the government.

Karamanlis must also appoint three Parliament deputy presidents, but also the presidents of the Parliamentary Committees.

[12] PM Karamanlis sends telegram of condolences to Albanian president

Athens, 13/3/2004 (ANA)

''I am devastated by the tragic news of the loss of your son and wish to express to you, on behalf of the Greek government, my deepest sympathy and sincere condolences,'' Karamanlis said in his telegram.

[13] PASOK party's Executive Bureau discusses election results

Athens, 13/3/2004 (ANA)

Speaking after the meeting, PASOK leader George Papandreou indicated the opposition tactic the party will follow and will visit Crete over the weekend and tour all four prefectures on the island.

Papandreou said the opposition tactic will have two aspects. The first will regard national issues and national interest will be the main concern.

He mentioned as an example, the issue of Cyprus and the Athens Olympic Games and stressed that the precondition for his party's assistance is its agreement on the policy implemented.

The second aspect of PASOK's opposition tactic concerns domestic issues. Papandreou said that wherever disagreement exists on such issues it will be followed by specific positions and political proposals and with the activation of all forces.

''For every political act of the government, the opposition will have the reply. For all issues there will be our position, proposal and policy,'' Papandreou said.

The PASOK leader also thanked the 40 percent of the Greek people who expressed confidence in PASOK again, saying that this shows that the party remains the great and potential majority party.

Papandreou further said the new government is receiving a strong and modern Greece, Greece of development and prosperity and Greece that put Cyprus into the European Union, achieved the hosting of the Olympic Games and is ready to hold safe Olympic Games and which combated terrorism.

Papandreou will begin his tour of Crete from the city of Hania on Saturday morning and will complete it in the town of Agios Nikolaos on Sunday morning.

He will be accompanied by Mihalis Chrysohoidis, Costas Skandalidis and Antonis Kotsakas.

[14] FM receives courtesy calls from ambassadors of Ireland, Russia and the US

Athens, 13/3/2004 (ANA)

Speaking after his meeting with Molyviatis, Miller said the issue of Cyprus and the security of the Athens Olympic Games were discussed and expressed the confidence of his government in Greece's handling of the issues.

''Mr. Molyviatis and I have known each other for some time and we shall have excellent cooperation, as we also had with the previous government. We shall work to minimize the possibilities of unsafe Games,'' Miller said, adding that ''the security of the Games is Greece's affair and we shall help with whatever is asked of us.''

Commenting on the Madrid train massacre, Miller recommended patience until it is confirmed who are really responsible.

[15] Karamanlis congratulates Latvia's prime minister-elect

Athens, 13/3/2004 (ANA)

''I am looking forward to a beneficial cooperation in terms of bilateral relations and within the context of the European Union,'' Karamanlis wrote.

[16] Deputy Foreign Minister to meet British counterpart Monday

Athens, 13/3/2004 (ANA)

Financial News

[17] Alogoskoufis, Bank of Greece governor discuss economy

Athens, 13/3/2004 (ANA)

Mr Alogoskoufis has started a series of meetings with representatives of financial institutions and employers' unions to be briefed over current economic conditions in the country, ahead of the presentation of the new government's policy platform in Parliament next Thursday.

Mr Garganas is scheduled to submit the central bank's annual report on the condition and outlook of the Greek economy a few days later.

Speaking to reporters, after the meeting with Mr Garganas, Economy and Finance Minister George Alogoskoufis said: "We had a first meeting with Bank of Greece's governor, in the framework of regular contacts between the ministry and the central bank, contacts that will continue. We discussed the course of the economy and issues covering the relations between the Bank of Greece and the state."

[18] EIB lends 1.2 bln euros for projects in Greece in 2003

Athens, 13/3/2004 (ANA)

Lending for a wide range of sectors in Greece covered transport (32 per cent), energy (19 per cent), SMEs (eight per cent) and urban renewal and development (29 per cent), Genuardi said in the northern port city of Thessaloniki on Friday.

Lending covered the traditional sectors of its activity - transport and energy (including renewable energy), in addition to human capital, urban renewal and development as well as support of SMEs for a total of 100 million euros with its local partners, Athens-quoted Alpha Bank and Emporiki Bank.

Lending for investments in Greece in 2004 was expected to hold 2003 levels, and focus on tourism, infrastructure, SMEs, and probably two major works for Thessaloniki, Genuardi said.

[19] Stocks nose up

Athens, 13/3/2004 (ANA)

The general share index gained 0.44 per cent to end at 2,419.93 points. Turnover was 132.4 million euros.

The FTSE/ASE-20 index for blue chip and heavily traded stocks ended 0.32 per cent up; the FTSE/ASE-40 for medium capitalization paper 0.44 per cent higher; and the FTSE/ASE-80 for small cap equities rose lost 0.63 per cent.

Of stocks traded, advances led declines at 169 to 101 with 85 issues remaining unchanged.

FOREIGN EXCHANGE

Closing rates of March 12 2004

Parities in euro

Banknotes

For. Exchange Buying Selling

US Dollar 1,233 1,205

[20] New public works minister pledges to complete Marathon route on time

Athens, 13/3/2004 (ANA)

In fact, he described the status of the project, only five months before the Olympic Games, as ''totally unacceptable''.

Mr Souflias visited the area to inspect the worksite along Marathon Boulevard, plagued by serious problems and delays for more than a year. Speaking to reporters, however, he stressed he was determined to finish the project on time. ''There is no talk about it,'' he noted.

The Greek minister said he has scheduled a meeting, next Monday, between the main contractor, ministry officials and the mayor of Marathon to review the situation and to discuss any changes necessary to complete the project on time.

He also urged the new contractor to begin works in the Nea Makri-Pallini section of the road (with a length of 17 km) as of Tuesday, although contracts have not been signed yet. He also urged other contractors that participated in a tender not to raise any legal objections to the procedure.

The minister also pledged to find a way to pay four-month wages to workers of European Technical, the previous contractor of the project that declared bankruptcy.

Besides serving as the all-important Marathon route, the boulevard is the main roadway connecting north and northwest Athens with the Olympic Rowing Centre at Schinias (NW Attica prefecture, near the township of Marathon) as well as other related facilities, such as a �media village� at the coastal Aghios Andreas site.

[21] New Olympic Games general secretary appointed

Athens, 13/3/2004 (ANA)

Kapralos, who until today was Executive Director of the Athens 2004 Organizing Committee for the Olympic Games (ATHOC) was Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis' personal choice.

''It's a special honor for me that Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis chose me at this critical stage of Olympic preparations. I will continue to give my best efforts from my new position for the success of this enormous national cause,'' Kapralos said. He also thanked ATHOC President Gianna Angelopoulos-Daskalaki for her confidence and excellent cooperation, as well as the management and employees of the Organizing Committee.

[22] Transport Minister chairs meeting on Olympic Games' projects

Athens, 13/3/2004 (ANA)

Mr Liapis chaired a meeting with deputy minister Tasos Nerantzis and the heads of Hellenic Railways (OSE), ERGOSE, the Athens tram, the Athens Suburban Rail Line and the ministry's management authority. The Greek minister was briefed over the progress of Olympic projects and asked for the speed-up of works to be completed and delivered safely and on time.

The meeting focused on progress of works included with the country's contracting obligations in the framework of the Athens Olympic Games, such as the Athens tram - scheduled to be delivered in around two months - and the Suburban Rail Line, linking Athens with the international airport at Spata.

All organizations' heads reassured Mr Liapis that the projects would be delivered on time.

[23] Progress of Calatrava roof and other Olympic projects discussed

Athens, 13/3/2004 (ANA)

The Calatrava roof was not the only item on the meeting agenda, but rather all projects in progress at the OAKA.

''We will do whatever is humanly possible to complete the projects on time. There is no time to lose. We are putting up a tough fight,'' Petralia said.

She explained that progress will be closely monitored: �We will be coordinating everything. I will monitor the progress of the works on a daily basis, and every Saturday I will receive a status report of everything that happened during the week.''

Calatrava is optimistic that the roof will be completed on time.

[24] Health minister visits Olympic Village Medical Centre

Athens, 13/3/2004 (ANA)

Immediate power supply is necessary, ''for volunteer training to begin and an additional 300 Medical Emergency Unit staff, at least, to be hired in order to meet the medical center�s needs, but especially the needs of the Olympic Games,'' Kaklamanis said.

The health minister also emphasized that problems related to volunteer training must be resolved immediately because, ''despite assurances that the number of volunteers for the medical centre in particular, and for the 2004 Health Program in general, are sufficient, I am reserved in my optimism since at all previous Olympic Games a large number of volunteers fail to show up after the second day.''

In light of this risk, Kaklamanis said that the Greek military is prepared to help if required.

In addition, he explained the significance of his visit: ''We began with the Medical Centre because we want to send the message that the government's priority as far as the Ministry of Health and Social Solidarity is concerned is the provision of healthcare services for the Olympic and Paralympic Games.''

Asked to comment on his general impression of the Medical Centre, Kaklamanis said: ''I, as well as Mr. Yiannopoulos are satisfied and wish to dwell on the positive. We don't want to comment on whether there is a delay or whether costs have exceeded the budget. We have the Olympic Games ahead of us; the government wishes to pick up where the previous government left off, so that the Olympic Games will be successful and safe - and they will be.''

[25] Two Greek fencers advance to second stage of Acropolis Cup

Athens, 13/3/2004 (ANA)

The Acropolis Cup (Men's Sabre) and the Athens Cup (Women's Foil), jointly hosted by the Athens 2004 Organizing Committee for the Olympic Games and the Hellenic Fencing Association, form part of the International Fencing Federation's Grand Prix Series as part of the preparatory program for the Olympics.

Kostakos and Basmajian were among the 132 participants in the event competing for the 48 open slots and on Saturday will compete in the ''last 64'' round against the first 16 fencers of the World Ranking.

''Organization of the tournament was excellent and the facility superb,'' Basmajian said.

Asked to comment on his success to go to the next round, he said: ''I am very pleased with my performance although I managed to save some strength for the difficult day that lies ahead tomorrow.''

General News

[26] Athens airport to carry out accident drill next week

Athens, 13/3/2004 (ANA)

The drill is included in the regular exercises that the airport carries out on the basis of International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) regulations.

The scenario for this year's drill is an emergency where an aircraft crashes into the bay off Porto Rafti during its approach to land at the airport. It will also involve state agencies and emergency services.

[27] Justice minister pays courtesy calls on Council of State, Supreme Court

Athens, 13/3/2004 (ANA)

After the visits, Papaligouras said that his calls on the leaderships of the country's three highest courts immediately after the assumption of his post symbolized the particular importance placed by the New Democracy government to having an independent and respected justice system.

Papaligouras said they marked the beginning of a series of contacts of substance aimed at the qualitative upgrading of the justice system.

[28] Explosives on train believed to be the work of the Bulgarian mafia

Athens, 13/3/2004 (ANA)

A ministry source told ANA that the Greek police were informed of the case on Monday through information provided to the Thessaloniki police by a Bulgarian informant, who said that a booby-trapped train comprising four empty tanker-wagons was due to arrive from Bulgaria to load propane in Thessaloniki and then return to Bulgaria.

The Greek authorities stopped the train at the Strymonas station, and a search revealed a small quantity of explosives, an electronic detonator and other parts hidden beneath one of the wagons, the source said, adding that the explosives, detonator and other parts were not connected to each other, and therefore could not explode.

Following the extensive search, the train was allowed to head to continue on its destination, while the Bulgarian informant was taken into police custody and would be deported.

Police believe the case is a ''ruse'' by the Bulgarian mafia - a member of which the 'informant' is believed to be - aimed at either attracting the authorities' attention away from some other illegal activity, or at 'selling' information on supposed terrorists, taking advantage of the international concern following blind terrorist activity world-wide in recent years.

The latter theory is reinforced by the activities of the Bulgarian informant, who has on several occasions given similar information to European police forces and Interpol.

However, according to the police, the train incident in northern Greece was in no way connected to terrorism.

[29] Man slain in shootout with police an Albanian national

Athens, 13/3/2004 (ANA)

He was shot down by police after he opened fire and hit an officer that was in pursuit.

Police had been called in to aid a 50-year-old Albanian woman that Nakos was seen threatening in Sepolia on Thursday - the dispute possibly concerned the woman's son, whom Nakos had met in prison.

The injured officer Andreas Kotsikoyiannis, 28, is still being treated at the 401 Military Hospital's Intensive Care Unit, where doctors say the bullet has damaged his spleen, stomach and pancreas.

He received a visit on Friday from Deputy Public Order Minister Mihalis Markoyiannakis, who asked to be briefed on his condition.

[30] Date of March 25 bank holiday not to shift, ministry decides

Athens, 13/3/2004 (ANA)

The ministry said that some of the events, such as the military parade, will start later so that President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos will have time to return from the torch-lighting ceremony.

[31] President Papadopoulos stresses need for progress

Nicosia, 13/3/2004 (CNA-ANA)

Speaking to the press, he said at Friday's meeting with Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash they discussed issues relating to property, settlers in Turkish occupied Cyprus, the return of Greek Cypriot refugees, the distribution of financial resources by the federal state to the two constituent states.

''We are trying to achieve progress, bridge the differences, at least on issues we consider important, so that the next phases of the negotiations will have as little involvement as possible in finalizing the plan,'' Papadopoulos said.

According to an agreement reached in New York last month, the leaders of the two communities in Cyprus will negotiate directly, under UN auspices, with a view at bridging their differences by March 22. If they fail, Turkey and Greece will be invited to sit at extended negotiations and if that does not produce any results, then UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan would step in to finalize a proposal on the basis of which talks take place.

President Papadopoulos refrained from making any prediction about the course of the negotiations.

''As far as we are concerned, this phase should have been the most important one of all three phases. Perhaps Mr. Denktash is looking forward to the second phase of the talks,'' he noted.

Papadopoulos said Denktash talked about increasing the police force in the Turkish Cypriot constituent state and about payment of debts incurred by his self-styled regime in occupied Cyprus, which nobody recognizes except Turkey, by the federal state that would emerge from the ongoing negotiations.

''We handed in our suggestions, documents on the institutions that would operate under the supervision of the federal government, such as various authorities the European Union has requested, we have also replied to Denktash's demand regarding the payment of debts,'' he said.

Property issues which are linked to the return of refugees, something Denktash described as strengthened bizonality, were part of the discussions that followed, Papadopoulos added.

''We had a general discussion about the Turkish settlers but Denktash refuses to discuss this issue claiming it simply does not arise,'' he said.

It is estimated that in the past three decades over 100,000 Turks have settled in Cyprus' Turkish-occupied north, all of whom have been granted Turkish Cypriot ''citizenship''.

Responding to questions, Papadopoulos said Denktash did not present any paper on the property issues nor did he produce any document about the constitution.

On the work of the technical committees, Papadopoulos said they are working very hard, cover a lot of ground but this did not mean that there was agreement.

''They simply note down their differences in brackets, which is not satisfactory at all,'' he said, and explained that disagreements of the Greek Cypriot side which were noted down in brackets on certain aspects of the Annan plan did not appear in brackets in the document the UN presented the two sides at the talks in The Hague, last year.

He said that legislation could not be left in parenthesis since, according to the plan, Annan will complete gaps and finalize it because ''we do not know whether this time the parenthesis will be removed and we will be left with the other views only.''

The technical committees that meet regularly deal with the legislation that will be in place in the state that would emerge from the talks, the international treaties that would apply and financial concerns.

[32] Top UN envoy to begin separate intensive consultations with sides

Nicosia, 13/3/2004 (CNA-ANA)

''At today's meeting with the two leaders, Mr. de Soto indicated he intended to begin a series of intensive consultations with each side separately,'' Brian Kelly, UNFICYP Spokesman, told CNA on Friday.

He also said that de Soto ''informed the leaders that he believed this was the best way to facilitate forward movement on the core issues given the difficulties of formulating in the direct format a package of trade offs to improve the plan.''

Kelly explained that ''while this process is underway, there will not necessarily be daily meetings between the leaders, they will meet as necessary.''

Alvaro de Soto has been conducting direct talks between Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash since mid February, with a view to reach an agreement that would be put to referenda, thus allowing a reunited Cyprus to join the EU in May this year.

[33] Irish EU Presidency calls Cyprus sides to redouble efforts for solution

Nicosia, 13/3/2004 (CNA-ANA)

According to an EU presidency press release, Taoiseach and President of the European Council Bertie Ahern met with Cypriot government spokesman Kypros Chrysostomides, who briefed him on the current state of the UN-led negotiations, which may lead to a united Cyprus joining the EU on May 1.

The Taoiseach told Chrysostomides ''the Irish Presidency is remaining in contact with (UN Secretary-General) Kofi Annan and his team and is ready to assist him in any way he thinks would usefully encourage an agreement.''

He also expressed the Presidency's ''firm hope that the parties will redouble their efforts in the negotiating process now underway, on the basis of a commitment to reaching a settlement based on the Secretary-General's proposals.''

''I know that you face a difficult task and that you must also convince public opinion. I urge you to persevere. The objective remains the agreement on a settlement, which will enable the accession of a united Cyprus on May 1. This is clearly in the interests of all the people of Cyprus and the European Union,'' Ahern said, assuring Chrysostomides that the Irish Presidency and the EU would do everything possible to assist in this direction.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. The two sides on the island are currently engaged in negotiations, under UN auspices, with a view to reach an agreement that would be put to referenda, the positive outcome of which would enable a reunited Cyprus to join the EU in May.

[34] US Congress members express Cyprus concerns to Powell, Annan

Washington, 13/3/2004 (CNA-ANA)

In their letters dated March 12, Congressman Michael Bilirakis and Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney express great satisfaction over the resumption of the direct UN-sponsored Cyprus talks but also their concerns on certain key issues, which are currently being discussed as part of the Annan plan.

Noting their sincere wish for a reunited Cyprus to join the European Union the members of the Congress in their letter to Powell stress that ''the United States must help the UN reach a fair and viable agreement that will lead to a strong endorsement by the people of Cyprus."

''We must secure for the people of Cyprus a democratic system of governance based on the rule of law and the ideals that guide our own democracy'', they note in their letters, expressing the firm belief that in order to achieve this goal the US and the UN must promote certain proposals. �It is absolutely necessary that all legal obligations of the guarantor powers (Turkey, Greece, UK), including the security aspects, be in place prior to the two simultaneous referenda that will be held on April 20 by the two communities in Cyprus," the members note in their letters.

In addition, they believe that ''all federal laws and international agreements have to be completed and agreed before the referenda. The people of Cyprus must have a completed accord to consider so they fully understand what they are voting to approve or disapprove.

"Furthermore, the federal government of the United Cyprus Republic will have to be able to function immediately and effectively after the new state of affairs is established. It is, therefore, essential that the final accord be readily implemented and self-executing."

They describe as ''highly complicated'' Annan's proposed system for resolving property issues, they express the concern that it could lead to violation of the European Convention on Human Rights and international law and underline that ''any viable solution must protect the rights of real property owners."

Referring to the settlers illegally brought from Turkey since 1974 they stress the need for their agreed number that will remain in Cyprus to be clearly defined and be as low as possible. In addition Cyprus must be protected from a continuous flow of these settlers in the future, they note.

As regards to the transitional period, they believe that ''the land that will be returned to the Greek Cypriot side must come under the control of the United Nations so that the process of returning this land and the resettlement of the refugees will be irreversible."

Concluding they note that ''with Cyprus fully demilitarized, it makes no reason for troops from Greece and Turkey to remain in Cyprus'' calling the US to insist that security arrangements in Cyprus be enhanced through an enlarged UN force mandated by the UN Security Council.

''This historic opportunity for solving the Cyprus issue must be energetically pursued. We believe that a lasting peace will benefit the people of Cyprus, Greece, and Turkey. The division of Cyprus and its people must come to an end once and for all. A comprehensive settlement appears possible and Cyprus deserves a bright future as a reunited country in the European Union," they conclude in their letter to the UN Secretary-General.

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