Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 04-04-14

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

CONTENTS

[01] PM Karamanlis confers with FM Molyviatis on Cyprus developments

[02] Annan says postponement of referenda in Cyprus remains to be seen

[03] US committed to Cyprus agreement

[04] Top PASOK cadres reportedly backing initiative against Annan plan

[05] Turkish warplanes infringe Athens FIR, violate national airspace

[06] Economy ministry's new council of experts unveiled

[07] Greek-Turkish trade exceeds US$1.3 billion

[08] Stocks rise, tracking Europe

[09] ATHOC: 75 percent of Olympic ticket sales target achieved

[10] Food agency calls for Olympic Games volunteers

[11] Cardinal conveys Catholic Church's remorse for 4th Crusade

[12] Papadopoulos regrets but accepts minister's resignation

[13] Security Council President: no influence on referenda from outside

[14] House unanimously approves bill on referendum

[15] Christofias and Talat discuss referenda date

[16] DISI and RTP say implementation of agreement is important

[17] Preparatory donors' conference for Cyprus on April 15

[18] US State Department: No suggestion about lifting sanctions

[01] PM Karamanlis confers with FM Molyviatis on Cyprus developments

Athens, 14/04/2004 (ANA)

The prime minister is due to meet Wednesday morning separately with the Cyprus ambassador in Athens, and with US ambassador Thomas Miller, ahead of a noon meeting of the Inner Cabinet, where Karamanlis is expected to indicate the position the Greek government will take vis-�-vis the Annan plan.

According to sources, the prime minister will take into consideration all the parameters, as well as the situation prevailing in Nicosia, before announcing his decision, which will be revealed on Thursday at the meeting of the council of political party leaders.

[02] Annan says postponement of referenda in Cyprus remains to be seen

NEW YORK 14/04/2004 (ANA/P. Panagiotou)

On arrival at UN headquarters here on Tuesday, asked by reporters to comment on reactions voiced against his plan by the leaderships of the island's two communities, Annan said: ''At this moment the plan is in the hands of the people. The position we had was that the plan will be brought before separate and simultaneous referenda. If one side votes against, only the Greek Cypriots join (the European Union) and then we will have to wait and see what will happen. Recommendations have been made from one of the sides for the postponement of the referenda in order for more time to be given for a (briefing) campaign. This was not embraced by the other sides involved in the agreement. If the Greek Cypriots and the Turkish Cypriots, with the support of the governments of Greece and Turkey, asked for a postponement, is something which we will have to examine.''

The Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities have been called on to accept or not the Annan plan for a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus issue.

Asked to comment on the report which the UN Security Council is expected to submit, the UN chief stressed: ''the Corps will be briefed on where we are and on what happened after the talks in Switzerland and then it will decide on what line it will follow. I do not intend to guide the members of the Security Council. They must take their decisions.''

Meanwhile, diplomatic circles at the UN headquarters claim that the possibility of the postponement of the referenda in Cyprus remains open, but that the Turkish government has already expressed its disagreement to this prospect.

Foreign ministry spokesman: if all sides agree on postponement, 'so would we': Foreign Ministry spokesman George Koumoutsakos, commenting on Tuesday on statements by UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan that he would consider a postponement of referenda in Cyprus if all sides involved requested this, said ''in the event all sides agreed, we would agree as well.''

The foreign ministry avoided making any further comment, believing that this would be premature since not even the government of Cyprus has stated its position on the issue.

[03] US committed to Cyprus agreement

WASHINGTON 14/04/2004 (ANA/T. Ellis/CNA)

Responding to questions on Tuesday, he said that ''there needs to be an opportunity for careful and full implementation'' of the plan.

''The international community and particularly the US is very committed to ensuring that this plan works, that all the parties to it fulfill their commitments, that we at the international community provide the assistance necessary to help people,'' he added.

Boucher referred to a pre-donor's conference in Brussels on Thursday to which the US would be represented by State Department special coordinator on Cyprus Tomas Weston.

''We will go and make a substantial commitment. We intend to make a significant pledge. We are in touch with other potential donors to encourage them to go and show the support of the international community for this historic agreement,'' he said.

Responding to questions, Boucher said Secretary of State Colin Powell had been actively in support of this conference and on Tuesday he talked to UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan about it.

''He has talked to leaders - one of the Turkish Cypriot leaders, Mr Talat, about securing approval. Again today he did that. He will be making other phone calls, in touch with other leaders,'' Boucher said of Colin Powell.

Boucher's remarks were made as the people of Cyprus prepare to go to referenda on the Annan plan on April 24.

[04] Top PASOK cadres reportedly backing initiative against Annan plan

Athens, 14/04/2004 (ANA)

The letter is an initiative by a group identified as the �Greek Socialists� movement, being spearheaded by former PASOK deputy Pantelis Economou.

Signatories reportedly include a bevy of one-time PASOK ministers, including Gerassimos Arsenis, Lefteris Verivakis, George Daskalakis, George Alexander Magakis and Stelios Papathemelis, who left the main opposition party before the March 7 elections and entered Parliament on the ruling New Democracy party's ticket.

The letter expresses support for Papadopoulos� stance to oppose the plan.

Main opposition PASOK leader and ex-foreign minister George Papandreou last week announced that his party backs the Annan peace plan.

[05] Turkish warplanes infringe Athens FIR, violate national airspace

Athens, 14/04/2004 (ANA)

In all cases the 12 Turkish aircraft were recognized and intercepted by Greek air force jets, while in three cases the interception process developed into an engagement.

Three of the Turkish warplanes were armed, the reports said.

[06] Economy ministry's new council of experts unveiled

Athens, 14/04/2004 (ANA)

The other members include professors Eleni Louri-Dendrinou, Apostolos Filippopoulos, Nikitas Pittis and Ioannis Mourmouras.

All of the council members are high-ranking academics at Greek universities.

[07] Greek-Turkish trade exceeds US$1.3 billion

Athens, 14/04/2004 (ANA)

Specifically, Turkish imports to Greece totaled 902.64 million in 2003, up from 590.38 million in the previous year, an increase of 52.8 percent.

Greek exports to Turkey also increased, up to 425.45 million dollars from 312.46, up 36.16 percent.

Greek-Turkish turnover for the previous year, therefore, exceeded the 1.3-billion-dollar mark, up 47.1 percent.

Greek exports to Turkey consist mainly of fuels, cotton, plastics, tobacco, leather and paper goods.

Conversely, Turkish exports to Greece consist mainly of lumber, textiles, marbles, furniture, leather goods and metals, among others.

[08] Stocks rise, tracking Europe

Athens, 14/04/2004 (ANA)

The general share index gained 0.97 per cent to end at 2,475.59 points. Turnover was 91.8 million euros.

The FTSE/ASE-20 index for blue chip and heavily traded stocks ended 1.05 per cent up; the FTSE/ASE-40 for medium capitalization paper 0.82 per cent higher; and the FTSE/ASE-80 for small cap equities gained 0.67 per cent.

Of stocks traded, advances led declines at 209 to 95 with 53 issues remaining unchanged.

FOREIGN EXCHANGE

Closing rates of April 13 2004

Parities in euro

For. Exchange Buying Selling

US Dollar 1,207 1,179

[09] ATHOC: 75 percent of Olympic ticket sales target achieved

Athens, 14/04/2004 (ANA)

�The second phase concludes on April 16, because until June 1 when sales recommence, we will have to distribute the purchased tickets for the numbered seats in the stadiums. Seventy-five percent of this goal has been covered, representing 136 million euros out of a budget of 183 million euros,� ATHOC Executive Director Marton Simitsek told reporters.

He added that the figure is a record for Olympic organizing committees, and roughly 22 percent higher than the figure for the Sydney 2000 Games during the same time period before the Games.

[10] Food agency calls for Olympic Games volunteers

Athens, 14/04/2004 (ANA)

EFET needs 100 volunteers who will help the agency during the Olympic and Paralympic Games by providing such services as monitoring and transmitting data, temperature control, etc.

The agency has already selected 80 volunteers through its first call of interest which targeted scientists, academicians, and technicians having the appropriate background (i.e., veterinarians, agronomists, chemists, chemical engineers, foodstuffs experts and health inspectors).

The agency emphasizes that inspections will be carried out solely by agency staff before and during the Olympic and Paralympic Games. The volunteers will only provide support services.

[11] Cardinal conveys Catholic Church's remorse for 4th Crusade

ISTANBUL 14/04/2004 (ANA � A. Kourkoulas)

�We remember this day after exactly 800 years with the presence of a new cardinal of the Catholic Church, Philippe Barbarin ... who with the approval of his ecclesiastical superiors (Vatican) arrived for the 800th anniversary of that abominable day to express with his presence and words the remorse that our brothers in the West feel; their sorrow for the things that occurred, and to request forgiveness, stressing that this evil example they gave should not be imitated or followed by anyone,� Vartholomeos said after receiving the Catholic delegation at the Ecumenical Patriarchate.

Earlier, at the cathedral of Aghios Georgios (St. George), Cardinal Barbarin said the Fourth Crusade was a �deep wound� that the Christians of the West inflicted upon their brothers in the City (Constantinople). �We must entrust this irrevocable insult to the mercy of God,� he added.

[12] Papadopoulos regrets but accepts minister's resignation

NICOSIA 14/04/2004 (CNA/ANA)

Papadopoulos said he did not share the assessment of his former minister and thanked him for the excellent cooperation they have had over the past year.

''I wish to express my sincere regret for the decision of my dear friend and collaborator Kikis Kazamias to insist on resigning from the office of Minister of Communications and Works. I had no option but to accept his resignation,'' a statement by Papadopoulos, issued here on Tuesday, said.

''It is obvious that I do not share his assessment and his approach towards my address to the people of Cyprus about the Annan plan and the referendum on April 24,'' the statement said.

Kazamias said he submitted his resignation because he was disappointed with Papadopoulos' analysis, conclusions and presentation of his points of view in his address to the people with regard to the Annan plan, scheduled to go to separate simultaneous referenda on April 24.

''The reason of my resignation does not have as much to do with my disagreement with Papadopoulos saying no to the Annan plan. It has to do with my disappointment with the analysis, the conclusions and the way these were presented by Papadopoulos in his address to the nation last Wednesday,'' Kazamias said.

Replying to questions, Kazamias said he was not leaving AKEL, the leftwing party he belongs to which participates in the government of Tassos Papadopoulos.

He also said he believed that the new minister should come from AKEL ranks.

AKEL meets on Wednesday to decide its final stance on the plan. The party Central Committee said on Saturday it would have to reject the plan unless the referenda are postponed for a few months to give time to explain to the people the complex solution plan.

[13] Security Council President: no influence on referenda from outside

UNITED NATIONS 14/04/2004 (CNA/ANA)

Gunter Pleuger, of Germany, said that the Council had already discussed Cyprus and he had made a statement on behalf of the Council saying that the Council thanked the Secretary-General for his mediation in this case and that now the people of Cyprus had to decide.

''The underlying idea of this was that you cannot try to prejudge or to influence from the outside the outcome of the referenda that are being planned for the 24th (April). I think the Council was well advised not to try this because the reaction of the people that are taken that decision by themselves might be counter productive,'' he added.

That, he continued, would be our policy also until the date of the referenda.

Responding to questions, he said that no-one had raised or discussed the issue of the presence of UN peace-keepers in Cyprus.

Asked if the UN should keep peace keeping troops there, if the Cypriots turn down the referenda, Pleuger replied ''we will cross that bridge when we arrive there.''

His remarks come in the wake of a debate in Cyprus on the possibility of having the April 24 referenda postponed. The Greek Cypriot party AKEL, the largest on the island, proposed on Saturday that the referenda be postponed to give more time to explain to the people the complexity of the proposed solution.

AKEL said that if the proposal is turned down, it would have to call the people to reject the Annan plan.

[14] House unanimously approves bill on referendum

NICOSIA 14/04/2004 (CNA/ANA)

The proposal was supported by seven out of the eight parliamentary parties. ADIK did not sign the proposal and its representative was not present during the vote at the extraordinary House session.

''The bill has only one objective: to facilitate the state to give the leader of the Greek Cypriot side, who is responsible to conduct the referendum, the necessary services that would enable him to carry out this task,'' Interior Minister Andreas Christou said after the session.

He said the ministries would hand over the electoral list, offer technical support, staff and any other information or facility needed.

Replying to questions, the minister said the leader of the Greek Cypriot community could apply to the Central Bank for a loan to cover the cost of the referendum.

Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos, who is also the leader of the Greek Cypriot community, has the responsibility to proclaim, organize and conduct the referendum.

House President Demetris Christofias said the House Interior Committee had decided not to hold a debate on the proposed bill but instead to put it to the vote straight away.

[15] Christofias and Talat discuss referenda date

NICOSIA 14/04/2004 (CNA/ANA)

Speaking after their meeting, Christofias said the separate but simultaneous referenda, scheduled for April 24, should be postponed so that both communities have time to be informed on the positive aspects of the Annan plan and both approve the settlement at the referenda.

Talat disagreed and said the referenda should take place as scheduled, so that a reunited Cyprus joins the European Union on May 1st.

The AKEL General Secretary appealed to all concerned to decide in favor of postponing the referenda while the CTP president noted that any postponement would cause serious problems as regards the timetable set by the UN for a Cyprus settlement.

They both agreed on the need to meet again and continue their dialogue and underlined that both communities should be ready for a historic compromise in order to solve the problem.

''The Annan plan has positive as well as negative aspects. I am sorry to note though that those who wish to say a plain no, they only emphasize the negative aspects of the plan,'' Christofias said, stressing the need for a postponement of the referenda so that the people have time to get informed on the positive aspects of the plan.

Christofias said Greek Cypriots still felt insecure about the implementation of the Annan plan.

''When you make a radical change, bearing in mind the painful experience of the past 30 years, people want to be reassured by Turkey and by the international community that this solution will be really implemented,'' he noted.

Christofias said his party had asked for a chance that both communities approve the Annan plan in order to solve the Cyprus issue.

Talat stressed the need that the referenda are conducted prior Cyprus' accession to the EU.

''If the date for the referenda is postponed, there will be serious problems regarding the timetable set by the UN,'' Talat noted.

''The solution should be a compromise and all should contribute to this. In order to have a compromise, the rights of each side should be respected,'' he said.

[16] DISI and RTP say implementation of agreement is important

NICOSIA 14/04/2004 (CNA/ANA)

Anastassiades met Talat on Tuesday at DISI offices in the government- controlled part of the capital to discuss latest developments in the Cyprus question, after talks in Burgenstock, Switzerland, which resulted to UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan's fifth plan to be put to separate simultaneous referenda on April 24.

In statements after the meeting, Anastassiades said that both parties decided to work to overcome the concerns and build trust between the two communities that all those agreed in the plan will be met so that Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots would work together within the framework of the European Union, in which the island will enter on May 1st.

Describing the meeting with Talat useful, Anastassiades said that he conveyed the concerns as expressed by Greek Cypriots regarding the implementation of the settlement. He expressed satisfaction that those concerns ''were received with understanding.''

Talat expressed his wish for a ''yes-yes'' vote in the simultaneous and separate referenda, adding that to his knowledge, the Turkish side is determined to fulfill the agreed terms of the plan submitted by the UN Secretary-General.

He noted that during the meeting there was a convergence of views adding that he understands the concerns raised by the Greek Cypriots.

''We want to assure that there will be no problems on the implementation of the agreed settlement on behalf of the Turkish side,'' Talat said, adding ''we demand the same assurances from the Greek Cypriot side.''

Invited to comment on reports that in case of a ''no'' vote from the Greek Cypriot side, he will embark on a campaign for the acknowledgement of the Turkish Cypriot regime, Talat reiterated his wish that both communities would say ''yes'' on the referenda.

[17] Preparatory donors' conference for Cyprus on April 15

BRUSSELS 14/04/2004 (CNA/ANA)

Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos, who has been invited to the conference, will be represented by the Republic's Ambassador in Brussels Theophilos Theophilou and Director of the Planning Bureau Panicos Pouros.

The Turkish Cypriot side will be represented by so-called prime minister and leader of the Republican Turkish Party Mehmet Ali Talat.

Around 100 to 150 high level representatives from current and future EU member states, the UN, all current members of the Security Council, OECD members, international financial institutions (IFIs), Gulf Cooperation Council members and other interested parties are expected to attend.

CNA has learned that the conference will also be attended by Special Coordinator for Cyprus at the US State Department Thomas Weston and the UN Secretary-General's Special Adviser on Cyprus Alvaro de Soto.

Sources said the US and Britain are expected to state an intention to contribute significant sums to ''tempt'' the Cypriots into accepting a solution plan proposed by UN Secretary General Kofi Annan on April 24 referenda.

[18] US State Department: No suggestion about lifting sanctions

WASHINGTON 14/04/2004 (CNA/ANA)

Spokesman Adam Ereli denied Turkish television reports that cited a ''US official in Washington'' as having said on Sunday that if Turkish Cypriots voted yes and Greek Cypriots voted no, the US would lift its trade embargo.

Ereli said he did not believe that the anonymous US official had said so.

''The point that he was making was that if the referendum fails and if Cyprus goes into the EU on May 1st as a divided Cyprus, then there will be, I think, a harsh economic impact on the North, and that would be unfortunate,'' he explained.

Ereli added that there had been ''no suggestion or commitment about lifting sanctions.''

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