Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 04-04-20

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

CONTENTS

[01] Oswald to inspect Olympic preparations progress

[02] Athens Olympics security gets vote of confidence from US

[03] Athens Mayor on the Olympic Games

[04] Greece 'awaiting with interest' Annan briefing of UN on Cyprus issue

[05] PASOK leader on Cyprus issue

[06] Papariga addresses KKE rally in solidarity with Cypriots; slams Annan plan

[07] Federation of Cypriot Organizations of Greece calls for rejection of Annan plan

[08] Athens Municipality passes resolutions on Cyprus, Middle East

[09] New terrorism bill ahead of Olympic Games, justice minister Papaligouras says

[10] PM Karamanlis to attend Southeast Europe summit in Sarajevo on Wednesday

[11] PM Karamanlis receives Turkish Ambassador Alpogan

[12] Greek president to pay two-day state visit to Romania

[13] U.S. Ambassador Miller pays courtesy call on Parliament President

[14] PASOK leader meets Archbishop of Albania Anastasios

[15] PM sets priority on Thessaloniki's bid to host Expo 2008

[16] PM Karamanlis discusses course of Greek economy with ministers

[17] State corporations to seek gov't permission for tariff rises

[18] Gov�t seeks to support small enterprises

[19] PM Karamanlis meets farm minister

[20] Greek alcohol drink market stable

[21] Greece, SE European countries to work together on tourism

[22] Hellenic Telecoms announces new board member

[23] Stocks drop, tracking markets abroad

[24] Karamanlis meets with ATHOC president and NBC top executive

[25] FINA president expresses satisfaction with aquatic events

[26] Transport ministry and EETT discuss Games-related issues

[27] EWF commends Athens on Olympic preparations

[28] Petralia meets with Greek Paralympic Committee

[29] Cultural Olympiad-Family Support Centre organizes concert

[30] Six PAO fans arrested in Sunday's clashes to appear before public prosecutor

[31] Noam Chomsky on the Olympic Games

[32] UN chief calls Council to consider Cyprus report before referenda

[33] AKEL and BDH stress need for guarantees

[01] Oswald to inspect Olympic preparations progress

Athens, 20/04/2004 (ANA)

IOC experts already met with executives of the Athens 2004 Organizing Committee for the Olympic Games and during their morning meeting at Athens 2004 headquarters expressed great satisfaction for the entire range of Olympic preparations, especially on issues regarding progress at Olympic venues, transport, sports, health care, communications, and press services. According to sources, the IOC experts said that construction works have progressed at an especially fast pace recently.

After attending the working session at the Ministry of Culture on Tuesday, Oswald will go to the Olympic Stadium, where he will visit the work sites, including the site where the Calatrava roof is being built.

Rousopoulos on insuring the Olympic Games: Government spokesman Theodoros Rousopoulos on Monday said that IOC President Jacques Rogge had already raised the issue of Olympic Games insurance several months before and that this issue does not directly concern Athens, but rather the insurance coverage of future Games. Rousopoulos' comments were made in response to questions regarding rumors that the IOC will request insurance coverage for the Games.

[02] Athens Olympics security gets vote of confidence from US

Athens, 20/04/2004 (ANA)

Famous NBA players also gave their vote of confidence through various statements.

In a letter addressed to Athens 2004 President Gianna Angelopoulos-Daskalaki, Bush wrote: ''Barbara and I cannot wait for the Olympic Games and I am very excited that I will be there. I am 100 per cent certain that your great country, you personally and the Organizing Committee are doing an impressive job. The Olympic Games belong to Greece and Greece will do everything for the Olympic Games,'' Bush stressed in his letter.

Stern and six NBA players expressed their confidence that the Athens 2004 Olympic Games will be safe and technically flawless, in an interview for the Organizing Committee's official magazine, ATHENS .04. They are also sure that the Basketball Tournament will be the most exciting in Olympic history.

Speaking of security measures in Athens ahead of the Olympic Games, Stern said he was entirely satisfied. ''We have no qualms about coming to Athens. We know that great efforts are being made and we are confident that everything will go well,'' he stated.

Sacramento Kings players Predrag Stojacovic, Vlade Divac, Darius Songalia, Mike Bibby, and Chris Webbers, as well as Yao Ming of the Houston Rockets spoke enthusiastically about the Athens Olympics, emphasizing that they do not believe the negative reports regarding Olympic Games security, and said they are ready to enjoy the ''excellent'' Games and the country's sites.

[03] Athens Mayor on the Olympic Games

''We must not forget that the Olympic Games are not only the greatest sports event in the world, but also a major cultural and tourist event. It is a huge celebration,'' Athens Mayor Dora Bakoyianni said on Monday speaking to the Bulgarian newspaper ''24 Hours.''

In response to a question regarding security measures in Athens, Bakoyianni mentioned the measures already taken and said, ''People must see enough protection around them that they feel safe, but not so much that they feel 'trapped.' We will not allow the fear of terrorism to ruin our big plans.''

[04] Greece 'awaiting with interest' Annan briefing of UN on Cyprus issue

Athens, 20/04/2004 (ANA)

Rousopoulos said that if a report with such a content was forthcoming from Annan, the Greek government would ''assess it in a positive light'', adding, however, that he was not aware precisely of the content of the report, nor when it would be discussed.

Questioned on the prospect of a meeting between prime minister Costas Karamanlis and his Turkish counterpart Tayyip Erdogan in Sarajevo, Rousopoulos said that such a meeting "is quite likely" to take place, but added that there would be no agenda for the talks.

Greece, he added, "desires that, in the event the Greek Cypriots vote 'no' (on the Annan plan), to have good relations with Turkey, and this is also desired by the Cypriot leadership".

Asked what initiatives the Greek government would undertake in the event the Greek Cypriots rejected the Annan plan in the April 24 referenda on the island, Rousopoulos said the government would assume initiatives "always in cooperation with the Cypriot government".

[05] PASOK leader on Cyprus issue

Athens, 20/04/2004 (ANA)

Papandreou further said that the issue of second referenda was highly unlikely to be presented and that a favorable political environment such as the present one could not exist in the near future.

He also said that he spoke with Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis on the issue of guarantees for a Cyprus solution within the European Union.

[06] Papariga addresses KKE rally in solidarity with Cypriots; slams Annan plan

Athens, 20/04/2004 (ANA)

Addressing the rally, KKE Secretary Aleka Papariga rejected the prospect of the offering of guarantees for the implementation of the Annan plan by the international community and commented on the stance of other Greek parties towards its promotion.

''The imperialists, even when they are obliged to reach fair or relatively fair decisions, obstruct them so as to overturn them. In the case of Cyprus, they have used for so many years the intransigence of (Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf) Denktash and the leaderships of Turkey given that they did not respect the fair and relatively good decisions which had been taken, how can anyone take seriously their verbal guarantees?''

''Why for so many years were the UN decisions on Cyprus and the Palestinian issue not implemented? What promises can those give who have filled the earth with centers of wars?,'' she said.

Papariga added: ''The imperialists can give no guarantee. Nobody can take them seriously. Even if they guarantee the operation and viability of the Annan plan, who can feel at ease with workability of an imperialist plan?''

The Greek and Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities are called on in separate and simultaneous referenda on April 24 to accept or not UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan's fifth and final plan for a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem.

[07] Federation of Cypriot Organizations of Greece calls for rejection of Annan plan

Athens, 20/04/2004 (ANA)

An OKOE announcement said that the federation's Central Council met in Athens on Saturday, following the completion of the Lucerne negotiations and the submission of the final Annan plan to separate referenda in Cyprus on April 24.

Assessing the sentiments of the overseas Cypriots living and working in Greece, the Council reached the following conclusions, in a majority ruling:

a) The Council decided to call for rejection of the Annan plan ''with a clear 'no' because it does not serve the interests of the Greek Cypriots and the Turkish Cypriots''.

b) The Council ''believes that contacts must be maintained with the forces of the Turkish Cypriots and, together, the effort must be continued within the framework of the principles of the European Union so that a genuine reunited Republic of Cyprus will be created that respects and protects, without discrimination, the interests of all its residents''.

c) The Council ''notes that these historic moments require that unity be preserved, tensions and clashes among all the political forces of Greece and Cyprus be avoided, so that all together, as Hellenism, will tackle the repercussions that will prospectively follow''.

[08] Athens Municipality passes resolutions on Cyprus, Middle East

Athens, 20/04/2004 (ANA)

The first resolution, issued ahead of the referenda in Cyprus on April 24, said that the UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan's plan for a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem ''is naturally a painful compromise'' but also ''a positive rapprochement for the bizonal and bicommunal federation of the Republic of Cyprus.'' Taking into account positive and negative elements of the plan, the resolution said ''the positive consequences exceed the negative'' ones.

The second resolution concerned the latest developments in Israeli-Palestinian relations. The Athens Municipality expressed its ''deep concern over the continuing cycle of violence and blood between Palestinian groups and of Israel'' and appealed to an immediate halt to the violence.

[09] New terrorism bill ahead of Olympic Games, justice minister Papaligouras says

Athens, 20/04/2004 (ANA)

According to Papaligouras, the fight against terrorism was of additional importance to the Greek government due to the staging of the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, particularly following the bomb attack in Madrid and the climate that has been created internationally.

He explained that the legislation was based on the bill prepared by the previous leadership at the justice ministry (under the preceding PASOK government), adding that Supreme Court prosecutor Mr. Linos has been retained in the post of chairman of the committee preparing the bill.

[10] PM Karamanlis to attend Southeast Europe summit in Sarajevo on Wednesday

Athens, 20/04/2004 (ANA)

Prior to his departure from Athens, the prime minister at 10:45 a.m. will preside over a meeting of the Government Council on Foreign and Defense Policy (KYSEA) and at 11 a.m. of the cabinet which will deal with the economy, the draft law for the combatting of bureaucracy and the Cyprus issue.

[11] PM Karamanlis receives Turkish Ambassador Alpogan

Athens, 20/04/2004 (ANA)

There were no statements after the meeting. Sources close to the premier's office said the Turkish ambassador paid a courtesy call to Karamanlis.

[12] Greek president to pay two-day state visit to Romania

Athens, 20/04/2004 (ANA)

Stephanopoulos will be accompanied by Deputy Foreign Minister Panagiotis Skandalakis.

[13] U.S. Ambassador Miller pays courtesy call on Parliament President

Athens, 20/04/2004 (ANA)

On his departure from her office, Miller told reporters that he visited her to congratulate her on her new post.

Asked to comment on the upcoming referenda in Cyprus on April 24, Miller stated: ''What I wish to say is that the plan which is on the table is what will be put to the vote. Mr. (Cyprus left-wing AKEL party leader Demetris) Christofias and the others can express their views. It is up to the Cypriot people to take their decision.''

Miller noted that according to the U.S. government, UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan's plan for a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem ''is a good plan'', stressing that U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell in recent statements to the Greek mass media made clear the U.S. positions on the matter.

[14] PASOK leader meets Archbishop of Albania Anastasios

Athens, 20/04/2004 (ANA)

The two men discussed the Archbishop's work in Albania but also in general on the dialogue between different cultures, an issue which they have also discussed many times in the past when Papandreou was foreign minister.

Papandreou said PASOK promotes the dialogue between cultures and praised Archbishop Anastasios, who, he noted, ''has genuinely devoted all his life to inter-cultural dialogue,'' adding that ''Orthodoxy needs voices such as his.''

The Archbishop also met with Education Minister Marietta Yiannakou and Deputy Education Minister George Kalos. The deputy minister said they discussed issues of mutual interest, namely on educational and religious matters.

[15] PM sets priority on Thessaloniki's bid to host Expo 2008

Athens, 20/04/2004 (ANA)

Hosting the world trade fair would benefit the city itself, Greece, southeastern Europe and the European Union, Karamanlis said during a meeting with visiting officials of the trade fair's permanent international organizer.

The prime minister expressed certainty that the northern port city possessed the necessary facilities and experience to host the event successfully.

Finance Minister George Alogoskoufis also met the officials from the Bureau International de Expositions (BIE), along with Macedonia-Thrace Minister Nikolaos Tsiartsonis.

The delegation will remain in Greece to discuss Thessaloniki's bid until April 23.

Also seeking to host Expo 2008 are Saragossa, Spain and Trieste, Italy.

FM Molyviatis briefs BIE official on Thessaloniki bid for EXPO 2008: Foreign minister Petros Molyviatis and deputy minister for international economic relations and developmental cooperation Evripides Stylianidis on Monday briefed International Exhibitions Bureau (BIE) vice-president and chairman of the BIE's Executive Committee Carmen Sylvain on actions being taken by the Greek government for preparations concerning and the country's bid to host the EXPO 2008 in Thessaloniki.

Sylvain, whose committee assesses the bids for hosting the EXPOs, told reporters that her committee had been authorized to evaluate the viability of the Greek bid and the quality of the Greek program for the EXPO 2008.

''Our purpose is to see to what degree of support there will be from the government...but naturally it is not only the government, it is also the industrial sector, the social forces, and the producer classes,'' she said.

She said (hosting an EXPO) was of great importance for Greece and projection of the country abroad, and was a very significant and good opportunity which Greece could take advantage of, she said.

Sylvain, heading an 8-member Committee delegation, later met with prime minister Costas Karamanlis, who presented the arguments in favor of Thessaloniki's candidacy and pledged to meet all the obligations arising in the event that Thessaloniki was awarded the EXPO 2008.

Further, a government spokesman told reporters that the government and all the political forces backed Thessaloniki's candidacy.

[16] PM Karamanlis discusses course of Greek economy with ministers

Athens, 20/04/2004 (ANA)

The meeting took place in light of Tuesday's Cabinet meeting on the course of the economy and ahead of the debate in Parliament scheduled in the near future on the same issue. According to sources, the parliamentary debate will take place within the first ten days of May.

According to sources, during Monday's meeting the size of the 2004 budget and particularly the course of revenues and expenditures were discussed.

Also discussed was the expenditures for the hosting of the Athens 2004 Olympic Games which according to Economy Ministry estimates are in excess of the initial estimates.

[17] State corporations to seek gov't permission for tariff rises

Athens, 20/04/2004 (ANA)

The statement said that the move was to curb unwarranted increases by companies that held a monopoly influence in the market, having an adverse impact on the economy's competitiveness and eroding workers' income.

''That is why the state is obliged to play a regulatory role concerning these enterprises,'' the ministry added.

The companies that fall under the decision include the Public Power Corporation, the EYDAP water board, State Radio and Television, and Piraeus Port Authority.

All are quoted on the Athens bourse except for the broadcast network.

[18] Gov�t seeks to support small enterprises

Athens, 20/04/2004 (ANA)

Speaking to reporters, Mr Sioufas said that the operation of the fund was one of the top priorities of the Development ministry as a tool to facilitate small enterprises' access to capital markets.

The Greek minister announced that the ministry was currently working to promote initiatives aimed to support the full operation of the fund.

[19] PM Karamanlis meets farm minister

Athens, 20/04/2004 (ANA)

[20] Greek alcohol drink market stable

Athens, 20/04/2004 (ANA)

The report said that a negative tourist season in 2003 resulted to a decline in sales in the domestic market with per capita consumption of alcohol drinks remaining at 8 litres, placing Greece in the 19th position in Europe, according to data by World Drink Trends.

The report also said that the problem of illegal alcohol drink grew bigger last year, while importers were fighting against a policy adopted by large super markets to independently import alcohol drinks in the country.

Nightclubs and cafeterias accounted for around 75 percent of total alcohol drink sales in the period 2002-2003, with the remaining 25 percent of sales controlled by super markets.

A Market Analysis survey said that domestic consumption was unchanged last year at 2002 levels, with consumption of whiskey accounting for 28.3 percent of total consumption, followed by imported beers (18.7 percent), Ready to drink products (17.5 percent), vodka (13.3 percent), liquors (9.2 percent).

Gin, tequila and rum recorded the lowest consumption percentage rates (4.4 pct, 4.3 pct and 4.2 pct, respectively).

Whiskey consumption totalled 4,592 thousand litres in the first eight months of 2003 from 4,662 thousand litres in the same period in 2002, a decline of 1.5 percent. Consumption of imported beers fell 0.3 percent over the same period, while consumption of RTD dropped 2.7 percent. Vodka consumption rose 3.3 percent, while consumption of liquors dropped 6.9 percent.

The sector's turnover totalled 685 million euros in 2002, an increase of 10 percent from the previous year, while gross profits rose 8.4 percent to 176.2 million euros.

[21] Greece, SE European countries to work together on tourism

Athens, 20/04/2004 (ANA)

Representing Greece was Deputy Tourism Minister Anastassios Liaskos, who told the meeting that the country's newly created tourism ministry would create a better framework for international and regional cooperation.

[22] Hellenic Telecoms announces new board member

Athens, 20/04/2004 (ANA)

OTE's regular board meeting approved the appointment of Panagis Vourloumis as a new member of the board replacing Spyros Floudas who resigned recently.

Vourloumis was born in 1937 and graduated from the London School of Economics. He has worked for International Finance Corporation in 1966-1973, he headed Emporiki Bank in 1979-1981, he chaired Alpha Finance in 1988-2000 and was currently chairman at Frigoglass and Aegean Baltic Bank.

Hellenic Telecom's next board meeting, scheduled for May 5, will appoint a new board and chief executive.

[23] Stocks drop, tracking markets abroad

Athens, 20/04/2004 (ANA)

The general share index shed 0.74 per cent to end at 2,448.91 points. Turnover was 95.6 million euros.

The FTSE/ASE-20 index for blue chip and heavily traded stocks ended 0.87 per cent down; the FTSE/ASE-40 for medium capitalization paper 1.34 per cent lower; and the FTSE/ASE-80 for small cap equities lost 1.33 per cent.

Of stocks traded, declines led advances at 230 to 71 with 52 issues remaining unchanged.

FOREIGN EXCHANGE

Closing rates of April 18 2004

Parities in euro

For. Exchange Buying Selling

US Dollar 1,214 1,186

[24] Karamanlis meets with ATHOC president and NBC top executive

Athens, 20/04/2004 (ANA)

After the meeting, Ebersol stated that he feels very safe in Greece and emphasized that he has visited the country numerous times over the past four years. The NBC Vice President also expressed his satisfaction with the progress made in recent months at various venues, especially at the Athens Olympic Sports Complex, and was pleased to have met with the prime minister for the first time.

Speaking of the letter she received from former US President George Bush, Angelopoulos-Daskalaki said, ''he will be here with his wife with great pleasure and is 100% certain of the success of the Athens Games.''

Asked whether Bush's letter was an answer to all those raising an issue of security, Angelopoulos-Daskalaki replied that, ''Both the letter and the work we do are an answer and we believe that during the Games we will provide clear answers to everyone.''

[25] FINA president expresses satisfaction with aquatic events

Athens, 20/04/2004 (ANA)

''I am very pleased with the facility where the synchronized swimming event was held, as well as with the main swimming pool where the diving event was held recently and where the water polo event was held last week. I am truly impressed; some minor details need to be corrected, but that's why we have test events so that whatever needs to be modified or corrected will be. We know very well that the people of the Hellenic Swimming Federation possess both the experience and the appropriate associates to ensure that all goes well. We found that the same is true of the Organizing Committee for the Olympic Games. I would like to congratulate all those people who worked these past few days so that we could follow two very good events,'' Larfaoui told the ANA on Monday.

[26] Transport ministry and EETT discuss Games-related issues

Athens, 20/04/2004 (ANA)

Liapis and Nerantzis were briefed on EETT issues currently in progress, as well as the radio frequency range of electronic mass media, the security of telecommunications and broadcasting of electronic media, and protection of the airwaves.

[27] EWF commends Athens on Olympic preparations

Athens received high praise from leading figures of the European Weightlifting Federation (EWF) on Monday on Olympic Games preparations in general, and on preparations regarding the weightlifting event specifically. Yiannis Sgouros, President of the Hellenic Weightlifting Federation informed the EWF Executive Committee that four months ahead of the Athens Olympics, the Nikaia Olympic Weightlifting Hall is ready to host the weightlifting events.

Spectator turn-out for weightlifting is expected to be high, since tickets for the 85 kg. category have already been sold out, while those for the 94 kg. category are quickly running out as well.

Working session to be held at the Culture Ministry Tuesday

The Calatrava roof over the Athens Olympic Sports Complex (OAKA), the Olympic swimming pool, the suburban railway, and the tram will be the main topics of discussion on Tuesday at the Ministry of Culture where Alternate Culture Minister Fani-Palli Petralia will meet with IOC representatives, headed by President of the IOC Coordinating Committee Denis Oswald. The following ministers will also be present:

Health and Social Solidarity Minister Nikitas Kaklamanis, Transport and Communications Minister Michalis Liapis, Deputy Sports Minister George Orfanos, Deputy Public Order Minister Christos Markoyiannakis, Secretary General for the Olympic Games Spyros Kapralos, as well as representatives from the Ministry of the Environment, Town Planning and Public Works.

After the session ends Oswald and Kapralos will visit the work sites at OAKA.

[28] Petralia meets with Greek Paralympic Committee

Athens, 20/04/2004 (ANA)

Petralia emphasized that in terms of the Paralympic Games, the main issue will be making all sports facilities in all Olympic cities accessible.

Furthermore, Petralia said she was "certain that the 117 Greek athletes participating in the 17 or perhaps 19 sports events will win a significant number of medals as they did at the Sydney Games."

[29] Cultural Olympiad-Family Support Centre organizes concert

Athens, 20/04/2004 (ANA)

The concert aims to raise public awareness of domestic abuse - primarily that of women and children - as well as sexual exploitation and the illegal trafficking of women and children. As its name implies, KESO helps victims of abuse by providing psychological and medical care as well as legal assistance.

Proceeds from the concert will be used to build a new shelter for abused children.

Archbishop of Athens and All Greece Christodoulos is President of KESO.

[30] Six PAO fans arrested in Sunday's clashes to appear before public prosecutor

Athens, 20/04/2004 (ANA)

Hundreds of hooligans without tickets for the match attacked riot police gathered outside the stadium, throwing stones and flares and injuring 12 policemen, in an attempt to enter the stadium. Police responded with teargas.

An Athens Police announcement said that the fans "attacked the policemen, unprovoked, resulting in the injury of 12 police officers, who were taken to various hospitals, where they were given first aid treatment before being released".

[31] Noam Chomsky on the Olympic Games

Athens, 20/04/2004 (ANA)

According to Chomsky, no country can stage safe Games. ''Terrorist acts can almost never be prevented,'' he said, pointing out that in Thessaloniki, for example, ships bring in containers that cannot be checked. The same thing happens in the States. If someone wants to send something in a container, this cannot be controlled, Chomsky emphasized.

[32] UN chief calls Council to consider Cyprus report before referenda

UNITED NATIONS 20/04/2004 (CNA/ANA)

In his report, circulated on Monday, Annan says that the plan is the only available and foreseeable route to the reunification of Cyprus and must be judged as a whole, bearing in mind the available alternatives and weighing the consequences of deciding for or against.

He adds that the consequences of the decision the people of Cyprus make, whatever that decision is, will be very significant and notes that the outcome of the referenda is far from certain.

''In the 24 April 2004 referenda, to which the two sides committed themselves in the agreement of 13 February, the people of Cyprus would be pronouncing themselves on a plan that emerged from four years of intensive negotiations and consultations,'' Annan notes.

He adds that ''the consequences of the decision they make, whatever that decision is, will be very significant'' and notes that ''the outcome is far from certain.''

''The plan is complex and delicately balanced. Inevitably, as in any negotiation, it is a compromise,'' Annan says, adding that ''the presentation of the contents of the plan to the public has not always been equally balanced.''

The UN Secretary General points out that ''even though finalized by me at the invitation of the parties, the plan's core concepts and key trade-offs, as well as the bulk of the many text included, are largely the work of Cypriots.''

He adds that ''the plan is the only available and foreseeable route to the reunification of Cyprus'' and notes that ''it must be judged as a whole, bearing in mind the available alternatives and weighing the consequences of deciding for or against.''

''The decision before the people is theirs alone to make,'' the UN Secretary General points out.

Annan says ''timely action by the Council would go a long way to reassuring the people, as they vote on the future of their country, that the settlement will have the strong support of the United Nations and that its security provisions will be fully implemented.''

He adds that the Council is therefore requested to take decisions on matters, as defined in the settlement plan, to enter into force simultaneously with the Foundation Agreement on a contingency basis, subject to the outcome of the referenda.

The UN chief asks the Security Council, in view of the referenda in Cyprus on April 24, to endorse the Foundation Agreement outlining the basic provisions of the settlement he has proposed to the parties, to prohibit the supply of arms to Cyprus and to decide on the operation of a new UN peacekeeping force on the island.

With regard to endorsing the Foundation Agreement, Annan asks the Security Council to:

''(a) Take formal note that any unilateral change of affairs established by the Foundation Agreement, in particular union of Cyprus in whole or in part with any other country or any form of partition or secession, is prohibited; and ''(b) Acknowledge the political equality and distinct identity of Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots and the equal status of their constituent states in the United Cyprus Republic;'' Annan further requests the Security Council to ''prohibit the supply of arms to Cyprus in a manner that is legally binding on both importers and exporters.''

He also calls on the Security Council to ''decide to maintain a United Nations peacekeeping operation in Cyprus, which shall remain so long as the federal government, with the concurrence of the constituent states, does not decide otherwise, and shall be authorized to deploy and operate freely throughout Cyprus.''

After giving the political background on UN efforts to solve the Cyprus problem, which led to the talks in Burgenstock, Switzerland, Annan says in his report that ''the settlement is an attempt to resolve a dispute that has been on the agenda of the Security Council for 40 years, the oldest item continuously on the Secretary General's peacemaking agenda.''

Annan notes that while the adoption of his settlement plan ''is a matter for the people of Cyprus to decide upon, its implementation would clearly be in the interest of international peace and security in the region, and would thus fall within the primary responsibility of the Security Council.''

''The scrupulous observance by all parties of the provisions and timetables contained in the comprehensive settlement, in particular those relating to security, is of vital importance. In this context, the decisions requested by the Security Council are a crucial part of the overall framework of the settlement,'' he notes.

The UN chief adds that the Security Council decisions ''would provide additional assurance that the settlement will be implemented in the framework of the principles of the UN, as set out in Article 2 of the Charter, including the resolution of disputes by peaceful means and refraining from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state.''

Annan points out that ''should the plan not be approved by both sides at referenda, or should any guarantor not have completed the procedures and thus not be able to sign the Treaty (of Matters Related to the New State of Affairs in Cyprus) into force by 29 April, the Foundation Agreement would be null and void and of no legal effect.''

''Bearing in mind the understanding of the parties as reflected in the plan, and the mode of entry into force, I would request the Security Council to consider this submission in advance of the referenda on 24 April, and I would hope that the Council could reassure Cypriots, as they proceed to referenda, that the UN is prepared to act to meet the responsibilities foreseen for it under the plan,'' Annan adds.

Annan then proceeds to give a brief explanation of his settlement plan, saying that it ''provides for a new state of affairs that is in full accordance with the Council's vision of a settlement.''

He notes that under the plan the United Cyprus Republic is an ''independent state with a single international legal personality, sovereignty and citizenship, with union in whole or in part with any other country and any form of partition or secession expressly prohibited.''

''Its federal government is designed to ensure that Cyprus speaks with one voice and can protect its integrity and borders,'' he adds.

Referring to the constituent states, Annan says ''neither side may claim authority or jurisdiction over the other.''

He adds that the provisions of the plan are ''designed to address the worst fears of each side.''

[33] AKEL and BDH stress need for guarantees

NICOSIA 20/04/2004 (CNA/ANA)

Speaking on Monday after a meeting of the two parties, AKEL's General Secretary Demetris Christofias expressed the hope that the international community will provide the necessary guarantees so that AKEL will unreservedly say 'yes' to the Annan Plan.

He also said a postponement of the April 24 referenda does not seem possible since the ''official interested parties'' have not responded.

Christofias explained that AKEL adopted a proposal for the postponement of referenda to allow Cypriots more time to analyze its provisions and secure assurances that the plan, presented by UN Secretary General Kofi Annan on March 31, will be implemented.

In statements, Peace and Democracy Movement leader Mustafa Akinci said he wants the referenda outcome to be 'yes' from both communities noting that ''we need two 'yes' for the future of our island.''

''We want to see a united Cyprus to the EU and of course for that we need to understand each other so we can help each other,'' said Akinci noting that ''there cannot be an ideal plan for one side only; it is a compromise.''

As regards to AKEL's concerns, Akinci agreed that ''the international community should give all the guarantees necessary that this plan is going to be implemented.''

He reminded, however, that the best kind of a guarantee will be the determination of the two communities to say 'yes' to the plan, making it viable and sustainable.

Akinci said his message to Greek Cypriots is that the Turkish Cypriots want to work with them together for a better future for the future generations.

''Now it's the time to unite, to unite all our forces for a united Cyprus for a better future for all of us.'' he concluded.

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