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Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 04-04-28Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Athens News Agency at <http://www.ana.gr/>April 28, 2004CONTENTS
[01] Gov't prepares for Erdogan visit in early MayAthens, 28/04/2004 (ANA)Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis conferred with the foreign ministry�s leadership on Tuesday regarding the upcoming visit to Athens of Turkish Premier Recep Tayyip Erdogan, as well as the former�s state visit to Washington next month.Foreign Minister Petros Molyviatis and Deputy FM Yiannis Valinakis briefed Karamanlis following a Cabinet meeting focusing on health ministry-related issues. According to reports, Molyviatis expressed his satisfaction with the results of Monday's EU Foreign Ministers' council meeting in Brussels, while citing displeasure by London and Berlin with the April 24 decision by the Greek Cypriot community. The same sources said the veteran diplomat told Cabinet members that EU member-states, nevertheless, have a positive view of Athens' position on the recent Cyprus developments. Meanwhile, in reference to Wednesday�s meeting between Karamanlis and visiting Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos, the government spokesman underlined the coordinated actions by both governments in Brussels and at all EU fora. Asked about Greek-Turkish relations in the wake of the �no� vote by Greek Cypriots to the Annan peace plan, spokesman Theodoris Roussopoulos reiterated that Athens has disengaged the referendum result from the policy of improving bilateral relations and Turkey�s burgeoning European orientation. Finally, in answer to press questions about the Annan peace plan itself, Roussopoulos said it �may return, no one can say that it is finished�. He said this issue will be discussed on Wednesday. [02] De Soto to brief Security Council upon return to NY from CyprusNEW YORK 28/04/2004 (ANA/P. Panagiotou)UN secretary general Kofi Annan's special advisor for Cyprus, Alvaro de Soto, will brief the UN Security Council on the results of the referenda on the Annan plan in the two Cypriot communities when he returns to New York from the island, Annan's spokesman Fred Eckhard told a regular press briefing on Monday.Questioned on the future of the UN peacekeeping force on Cyprus, whose present term expires in June, and whether there are ''any (Security Council) members who would support protecting the Greek Cypriots from the Turks'', Eckhard replied: ''I don�t think I am prepared to answer those questions. I don�t think that we have answered them for ourselves. I think we want to let the dust settle and think through what the options are for the UN force on Cyprus and then discuss them with the Security Council. But today I have no guidance (on those matters).'' The spokesman said that Annan ''did his level best to get the two sides of the island to agree on a formula for reunification (but) one of those two sides rejected his proposal in the referendum on Saturday. To another question on whether the border crossing between the two Cypriot communities would continue, the spokesman said that ''that will be for the two parties to decide and the peacekeeping force that�s there will continue to monitor''. ''When they opened that border the peacekeepers facilitated the crossings from both sides. That can continue if the two sides wish to do so. But the larger question for the UN now is what is the mandate for UN peacekeepers in Cyprus? Neither the Security Council nor the Secretariat has yet addressed that question in detail,'' Eckhard added. [03] EU partly to blame for Greek-Cypriot 'no' to Annan plan, EU's Brok saysBRUSSELS 28/04/2004 (ANA - G. Zitouniati)German President of the European Parliament Committee of Foreign Relations Elmar Brok on Tuesday said the European Union was in some measure responsible for the Greek-Cypriots' rejection of the Annan plan, since it had failed to convince Greek-Cypriots that it could itself guarantee security of a settlement within its borders.He said a ''way out'' on this issue in the future should be sought within the EU and not through the United Nations. ''We might conclude that it was our own mistake that we were unable to make it clear that the EU is in itself a guarantee of security. There was a lack of trust. In the future we must convey this message through the EU and not depend on the UN,'' Brok said. He was summing up a discussion regarding the results of Saturday's dual referendum on the island and Cyprus' accession that took place before the Euro-Parliament's Foreign Relations Committee on Tuesday, with the participation of European Enlargement Commissioner Guenter Verheugen, the so-called ''prime minister'' of the Turkish-Cypriots Mehmet Ali Talat, former Cyprus president George Vassiliou and the vice-president of Cyprus' DHKO party Nikos Kleanthous. During the course of the discussion, Verheugen said that the outcome would have been different if Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos had backed a campaign in favor of a 'yes' vote. He also rejected Greek-Cypriot fears that the agreement would not be upheld by the Turkish and Turkish-Cypriot sides as ''groundless'', noting that both were members and candidate-members of the EU and subject to EU support and control. [04] Verheugen: Any EU office in occupied Cyprus in no way a recognitionBRUSSELS 28/04/2004 (ANA � V. Demiris)EU Commission for enlargement Guenter Verheugen on Tuesday cited the Union�s intention to open an office in the occupied part of Nicosia in order control future financial assistance to the Turkish Cypriot community.Speaking here during joint session of the European Parliament�s foreign affairs committee with the EU-Cyprus parliamentary committee, Verheugen referred to the need for direct cooperation with the Turkish Cypriots, while reiterating that this absolutely does not constitute any recognition of the breakaway Turkish-occupied portion of the island republic. The EU Commission also emphasized that efforts to solve the long-standing Cyprus issue and reunify the island must not be abandoned. Conversely, he hinted at a �Taiwan� option for the Turkish-occupied north, namely, no recognition but commercial relations with the EU. Verheugen, moreover, was also critical of the stance of the Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Cyprus� ecclesiastical leadership as well as of the positions taken by Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos in the run-up to the referenda on the Annan peace plan, which the Greek Cypriot side flatly rejected. Conversely, he praised the stance by former Cyprus presidents Glafcos Clerides and George Vassiliou. Finally, he appeared pessimistic over the prospect of another UN initiative in the near future for a solution to the Cyprus problem. [05] President Stephanopoulos meets Romanian counterpartBUCHAREST 28/04/2004 (ANA)President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos was received by his Romanian counterpart Ion Iliescu on Tuesday, during an official visit to Romania.They noted the positive development of bilateral relations and cooperation on a regional level in the Balkans, as well as joint efforts by Greece and Romania for stability in the region. The two leaders reaffirmed the harmonious bilateral relations of their two countries, while Stephanopoulos expressed satisfaction at Romania's European orientation, as well as that of other Balkan countries. He said Greece will assist Romania's efforts to join the EU as soon as possible. Iliescu expressed satisfaction with Greece's steadfast support of his country's accession to NATO and the EU and said that relations between the two countries were a factor for stability in the region. [06] Parliament speaker receives SAE president Andrew AthensAthens, 28/04/2004 (ANA)Parliament speaker Anna Psarouda-Benaki on Tuesday received Council of Hellenes Abroad (SAE) President Andrew Athens, who congratulated her on assuming her new position and briefed her on SAE activities around the world, particularly regarding the provision of health care services to ethnic Greeks in former Soviet countries through a chain of Medical Centres.Psarouda-Benaki congratulated the SAE on its work and promised Parliament's unstinting support in efforts to promote and implement its plans. She also underlined the potential benefits of deeper cooperation with Parliament's new cross-party committee for overseas Hellenes and developing closer ties between the Greek Parliament and the U.S. Congress. [07] Deputy defense minister meets chairman of Lockheed MartinAthens, 28/04/2004 (ANA)Deputy National Defense Minister Vassilis Michaloliakos and Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Lockheed Martin, Dr Vance D. Coffman, met at the defense ministry in Athens on Tuesday and agreed on the continuation of the good cooperation based on mutual trust and transparency.As stated in an announcement, Michaloliakos ''reiterated the steadfast government position for full transparency in defense expenditures, clarifying that - without this leaving insinuations about the past - it determines the future with clarity.'' The deputy defense minister made particular mention to the importance of modern technology for the further strengthening of the country's security and that of Greek society in the combatting of international terrorism but also for the modernization of the Greek defense industry. [08] Greece risks losing 1.0 bln euros in EU fundsAthens, 28/04/2004 (ANA)Greek Economy and Finance Deputy Minister Christos Folias on Tuesday warned over the "real and visible risk of losing funds from a Third Community Support Framework, worth one billion euros this year".Mr Folias attributed this risk to a series of delays and mismanagement by the previous government. Speaking to reporters, during a regular briefing over progress of a Third CSF program, the Greek minister said that the government's public investment program was showing a deficit of more than 2.0 billion euros, a result of lower EU funds' inflows and overspending in Olympic projects. Folias said that the state budget for 2004 envisaged EU funds' inflows worth 4.020 billion euros, although forecasts of actual inflows were worth 2.947 billion euros. The minister, however, said it was doubtful if the country was able to absorb this money because of delays in submitting integrated programs with the European Commission. Folias said that budget provisions for Olympic projects were reviewed upwards to 2.4 billion euros from an initial forecast of 1.4 billion euros, reflecting higher spending needs by Environment, Town Planning and Public Works ministry (up 250 million euros) and Culture ministry (up 412 million euros). The Greek minister announced that according to finance ministry figures, Greece has absorbed 25.4 percent of Community participation so far this year (January-March) and has spent 21.7 percent of total public spending. Folias said that Greece should triple its average implementation rates in the period 2004-2008, compared with the previous four-year period (2000-2004). Folias said that weaknesses by state-run agencies, such as lack of know-how, inadequate human and financial resources, were also factors undermining a rapid absorption of EU funds by the country. He announced measures to simplify procedures, promote closer cooperation with government ministries and reform a central management system for the Community Support Framework and the Cohesion Fund. Folias also announced that the ministry planned to hire an independent auditing firm to strengthen its managerial effectiveness. [09] Commerce union urges for closer cooperation with gov'tAthens, 28/04/2004 (ANA)The president of the Thessaloniki commercial club, Charalambos Charalambidis, on Tuesday urged for a closer cooperation between the government and trade agencies in an effort to draft a national strategy on commerce.Addressing a general assembly of the club, Mr Charalambidis said that small- and medium-sized commerce firms were facing both institutional and financial problems and urged for a creating of a Commerce Register, establishing healthier competition rules and restructuring a commerce code. Charalambidis said that the country urgently needed imported purchasing power, since the domestic purchasing power was not adequate to support competitive firms. He recommended measures to boost the volume of cargo transported through the city's port, creating wholesale commerce centers to attract businesses from neighboring Balkan states and establishing a tax-free zone in the area. Charalambidis said these measures could also offer a satisfactory solution to the country's unemployment problem. [10] SEB says gap still exists in talks over a new pay riseAthens, 28/04/2004 (ANA)Greek employers' union head on Tuesday said a gap remained in talks with trade unions to reach a new collective labor agreement.Speaking to reporters, Greek Industries Union (SEB) chairman, Odysseas Kyriakopoulos, acknowledged the need to further improve lower incomes in the country, although he stressed that this effort should push total labor costs higher because the country has no other competitiveness margins. Mr Kyriakopoulos said that a difference between workers' demands and employers offer over a new pay rise deal was currently around 1.0 percent and said that the two sides have not yet agreed whether the new agreement would have one or two year duration. Kyriakopoulos also hinted that the government was slow in appointing new heads in state-run agencies and organizations and said that Greece's civil administration need not be preoccupied with the Olympic Games and the Cyprus issue, only. "The market must begin moving again, economy cannot wait," Kyriakopoulos said. Commenting on a SEB's general assembly, scheduled for May 26, Kyriakopoulos said that Greece's business world was waiting for specific actions and no more promises from the government. [11] Greek parliament approves heads for Agricultural Bank, DEPAAthens, 28/04/2004 (ANA)A parliamentary commission on Tuesday approved the appointment of Dimitris Miliakos as governor of Agricultural Bank of Greece.Addressing the commission, ahead of a voting, Miliakos pledged to freeze all auctions made by the bank until the government passed a new law on the status of penalty interest rates on outstanding debt to banks. He also pledged that the state would maintain its controlling stake in the bank and noted that he would annul all actions taken by the previous government to find a strategic investor for Agricultural Bank. Miliakos said that the bank was responsible towards its shareholders, many of which are farmers, and stressed that the quality of loans offered by the bank was poor, blaming bank's executives for this development. He committed to follow a policy of "reduced interest rates", to rationalize agricultural credit and to gradually disengage from non-financial companies. The parliamentary commission also approved the appointment of Rafael Moysis as head of Greece's Public Gas Enterprise (DEPA). Addressing the commission, Moysis sounded reluctant to a plan envisaging the sale of DEPA's shares to Public Power Corp.(a plan drafted by the previous government). [12] New NatBank governor aims to focus on retail businessAthens, 28/04/2004 (ANA)The new governor of Athens-quoted National Bank of Greece, Takis Arapoglou, said on Tuesday that he planned to focus on retail business while retaining the bank's leading presence in the market.Arapoglou told a news conference that he planned to tighten administration structures in the bank, the country's largest, a move aimed at increasing revenue and reducing operational costs. ''We are re-planning the bank's manner of operation, the existence of divisions that are in competition with each other, which makes no sense...The next objective will be to restructure subsidiaries,'' he added. Asked if he planned to make any acquisitions, Arapoglou said that no opportunities had appeared in the market to meet criteria of economies of scale and returns. Finally, redundancies or other types of reduction in staff were not being planned, Arapoglou said. The bank's new deputy governor, Yiannis Pehlivanidis told the news conference that he planned to increase cross selling, boosting the bank's stake in the market. [13] EU sees Greek 2003 fiscal deficit topping 3.0 pct, sources sayAthens, 28/04/2004 (ANA)Eurostat, the European Union's statistics service, has set Greece's fiscal deficit in 2003 at slightly above 3.0 per cent of gross domestic product following checks that ended on Tuesday, finance ministry officials said.A report is to be written by Eurostat about Greece's fiscal indicators and submitted to the EU's executive Commission, the officials said. [14] Greece has high rate of business software piracy, report showsAthens, 28/04/2004 (ANA)Greece has one of the highest rates of business software piracy in the European Union at 63 per cent, the global Business Software Alliance (BSA) said in a report released on Tuesday.At the same time, the country had taken noteworthy steps towards the protection of intellectual property, the report said. The reduction in the high level of software piracy in Greece could bring growth of 60 per cent to the domestic information technology industry, in turn boosting job creation and raising state revenue in the form of tax, according to IDA statistics. If business software piracy fell to 53 per cent by 2006, it would contribute to a rise in state revenue of 129 million euros and the creation of 1,900 jobs, the IDA said. [15] Development minister unveils market regulatory measuresAthens, 28/04/2004 (ANA)Development Deputy Minister Yiannis Papathanasiou on Tuesday said he planned to publish two presidential decrees and three ministerial decisions in the next few days, aimed to better regulate outdoor commerce in the country.The presidential decrees will provide licensing system and the ministerial decisions will provide the necessary inspection and penalty systems for the market. Speaking to reporters, Mr Papathanasiou said that the measures were aimed to combat informal trade in the country. Commenting on recent information over a decision by the State Council to annul a regulatory framework of medicine billing, Mr Papathanasiou said that the government was planning to reform the current status in the market. [16] Gov't reaffirms commitment to reform state health sectorAthens, 28/04/2004 (ANA)The Greek government on Tuesday reaffirmed that improving the state health system was a top priority, underlining that the existing system was hugely expensive and ineffective.Government spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos said this was proved by the fact that Greece came top in spending on private healthcare in the EU. He said there was a common view that the situation in the public health sector did not meet the expectations of the general public nor the standards expected of an EU member-state. He also noted the inner Cabinet's approval on Tuesday of a plan to seek restructuring of state hospitals' debt to third parties, presented by Health and Social Solidarity Minister Nikitas Kaklamanis. [17] Food Inspection Agency head unveils policy prioritiesAthens, 28/04/2004 (ANA)Greece's Food Inspection Agency's new chairman, Nikolaos Katsaros, on Tuesday said that his top policy priorities would be to develop an effective inspection mechanism for genetically modified foods and intensifying the agency's activities during the summer Olympic Games.Speaking before a parliamentary commission on production and commerce, Mr Katsaros also announced the establishment of a four-digit information telephone number to help citizens during the Olympic Games. Mr Katsaros is head of research in "Demokritos" and a member of Greece's consumer movement. He said he would seek to better protect the health and finances of Greek consumers and urged for an increase in the agency's budget. The parliamentary commission voted to approve his appointment. [18] Athens Bourse Close: Stocks nose down in consolidationAthens, 28/04/2004 (ANA)The Athens bourse finished slightly lower in a bid to consolidate, traders said.The general share index shed 0.29 per cent to end at 2,523.00 points. Turnover was 167.8 million euros. The FTSE/ASE-20 index for blue chip and heavily traded stocks ended 0.30 per cent down; the FTSE/ASE-40 for medium capitalization paper 0.48 per cent lower; and the FTSE/ASE-80 for small cap equities dropped 0.70 per cent. Of stocks traded, declines led advances at 229 to 80 with 55 issues remaining unchanged. [19] IOC insures Olympics for 170 mln US dollars over next decadeAthens, 28/04/2004 (ANA)The International Olympic Committee has insured the games over the next decade, including the Athens event, for 170 million US dollars to cover total or partial cancellation.The insurance cover due to global turbulence will end with the winter Olympics in Vancouver in 2010, and includes compensation for facilities that are not ready in time for events. The move, which will cover financial losses incurred by the IOC if any events are called off, is the first in the history of the games. [20] Alternate culture minister inspects Olympic Games projects in ThessalonikiAthens, 28/04/2004 (ANA)Alternate Culture Minister Fani Palli-Petralia inspected Olympic Games projects in Thessaloniki, northern Greece, on Tuesday at the head of a group of government officials and accompanied by Deputy Sports Minister George Orfanos and Athens 2004 Olympic Games Organizing Committee Secretary General Spyros Kapralos.Petralia also visited the Sports Museum and inspected its facilities in the area close to the Kaftantzoglion Stadium. She expressed confidence that the Olympic Games will be a success in the country and foreign guests and Greek spectators who will watch them will be satisfied, saying "the Olympic Games need vision, inspiration, soul and heart." [21] ATHOC chief meets with Synaspismos leaderAthens, 28/04/2004 (ANA)Athens 2004 Olympic Games organizing committee (ATHOC) President Gianna Angelopoulos-Daskalaki on Tuesday received Coalition of the Left (Synaspismos) party leader Nikos Constantopoulos, as part of her on-going contacts with the country�s Parliament-represented parties.Expectedly, the focus of talks centered on under-construction projects and Olympic costs. On his part, Constantopoulos also touched on the issue of the city�s operation during the Games, as well as protection of citizens� civil rights from emergency measures and regulations during that period. [22] Greek embassy in Cyprus organizes competition on Athens Olympic GamesNICOSIA 28/04/2004 (ANA)A drawing and art competition was organized in Cyprus by the Greek embassy between February 24 and April 20 this year at elementary and secondary education schools with the cooperation of the education and culture ministry of the Republic of Cyprus.The theme of the competition was ''Olympic Games Athens 2004-I am inspired and I create for the meeting between the modern Olympic Games and the ancient Greek spirit.'' Over 1,200 pupils from all over Cyprus participated in the competition. Prizes will be given at the ambassador's residence on May 5 and will include tickets for Olympic Games events, amounts of money, commemorative gifts and books. [23] Events on Olympic Games in ancient times begin at European ParliamentBRUSSELS 28/04/2004 (ANA - M. Spinthourakis)The Olympic Games in ancient times is the title of events beginning at the European Parliament on Tuesday.The events are organized by European Parliament vice President George Dimitrakopoulos and are being held under the auspices of European Parliament President Pat Cox with backing by the culture ministry. A photo exhibition concerning the Athens Olympic Games in 1896 is one of the events, together with a documentary on the Olympic Games in ancient times and a round-table televised discussion on the Olympic Games. [24] Deputy FM to meet Egyptian, Spanish FMs on issue of imprisoned seamenAthens, 28/04/2004 (ANA)Deputy Foreign Minister Yiannis Valinakis will have separate meetings in the coming days with the foreign ministers of Egypt and Spain to examine the issue of Greek seamen K. Kastanias and G. Mangouras, who are being held respectively in Egyptian and Spanish prisoners.Valinakis made the announcement in reply to a question by Coalition of the Radical Left deputy Alekos Alavanos. Alavanos raised in particular the case of Kastanias who has been held in Egyptian prisons since 1989 and is in poor health. [25] Gov't announces new corporate appointmentsAthens, 28/04/2004 (ANA)Government spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos said on Tuesday that new appointments in the state sector had been decided, as follows:[26] Five EU countries utilize European Ombudsman institution the mostBRUSSELS 28/04/2004 (ANA - Y. Zitouniati)Greece, Finland, Belgium, Portugal and Luxembourg are the countries which utilized the institution of European Ombudsman the most over the past two years, according to the origin of the biggest number of reports together with the population of the member-state.The annual report by the European Ombudsman, professor Nikiforos Diamantouros assumed the position as of April 1, 2003, presented at the European Parliament's Reports Committee revealed that reports increased 10 percent and enquiries by 13 percent compared to 2002. The European Ombudsman received 2,436 reports in 2003 and 248 enquiries were based on them, while five ex officio investigations were also launched. A total of 67 percent of enquiries carried out last year concerned the European Commission, 11 the administrative services of the European Parliament, 7 the European Staff Selection Bureau and 6 the Council. [27] Church crisis deepens after surprise elections of 'New lands' metropolitansANKARA 28/04/2004 (ANA - A. Kourkoulas)The crisis in relations between the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the Church of Greece has deepened following the unexpected elections of metropolitans for vacant 'New Lands' dioceses in northern Greece by an emergency meeting of the Hierarchy of the Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Greece.Phanar mobilized its response on Tuesday, calling a major Holy Synod meeting of independent Orthodox Churches to examine the situation created by what it sees as unilateral actions on the part of Archbishop of Athens and All Greece Christodoulos. The Synod is expected to include church leaders attached to the Ecumenical throne in countries ranging from faraway Korea to the Dodecanese islands, Crete, Europe and America. The Ecumenical Patriarchate claimed that it had not yet been officially informed about any of the actions and decisions initiated on Monday by Christodoulos. The way that the elections were arranged has deepened conviction in Phanar that the Greek Archbishop's aim was not to defuse the ecclesiastical crisis and find a solution but to make a ''show of strength''. Patriarchate officials are also incensed and embittered over what they see as a ''misinformation campaign'' begun by Athens. They point out that Christodoulos' actions are now based on a slim majority that is foreign to the traditions of the Church, where decisions on such issues are almost always unanimous. Church of Greece prelates met for an emergency meeting on Monday that first voted in favor of an agreement with the Patriarchate that declared respect and acceptance of a 1928 act governing ecclesiastical administration of the 'New Lands'. In a much more closely contested vote immediately afterward, however, the meeting decided to immediately proceed with episcopal elections for the vacant sees of Thessaloniki, Eleftheroupoli, Mesogaia and Kozani. After fierce and sometimes acrimonious debate in which some metropolitans and bishops walked out, this motion was eventually passed by 35 votes for, 23 against, eight blank votes and five abstentions. After a marathon session lasting nine hours, in which those who walked out in protest were considered as 'absent', the Church Hierarchy approved the transfer of Metropolitan Anthimos to Thessaloniki, the election of Archimandrite Chrysostomos Avagianos in Eleftheroupoli, Archimandrite Pavlos Papalexiou in Kozani and Archimandrite Nikolaos Hatzinikolaou, head of the Bioethics Committee, for Mesogaia. Patriarch Vartholomeos has already warned that Phanar will not recognize the elections of the new metropolitans arranged by Christodoulos, while threatening to break ''communion'' with the Archbishop if he went ahead with this course of action. A proposal for a common session of the Patriarchate's Major Synod and the Synod of the Church of Greece was made on Tuesday by main opposition PASOK's parliamentary spokesman Haris Kastanidis, who warned that the crisis could have "dire consequences on both a Canonical and a national level, with serious geopolitical repercussions". Kastanidis said that a clash should be avoided and said his party was ready to undertake initiatives as soon as possible, stressing that this stance should be mirrored by other political parties. [28] Criminal charges filed over two defense ministry contractsAthens, 28/04/2004 (ANA)The head of the First-Instance Public Prosecutors department Dimitris Papaggelopoulos on Tuesday filed criminal charges against ''all responsible'' for two defense ministry contracts that allegedly compromised the interests of the state.The first case concerns a charge of embezzlement for an advance payment order issued in 2003 on behalf of the ministry support unit EPYESA, which were never used for the reasons that they were issued. The other is also an embezzlement charge, with complicity, forgery, adulteration of documents and false testimony, regarding a defense ministry contract with state-run munitions manufacturer PYRKAL for the purchase of technical expertise that allegedly never took place. Payment order worth 2.5 billion drachmas were issued on the basis of the last contract. The two cases have now been assigned to a regular examining magistrate. [29] US embassy on new passport requirementAthens, 28/04/2004 (ANA)The US embassy in Athens on Tuesday issued a press release stating that as of April 26, US citizens under the age of 14 will be required to make a personal appearance when applying for a US passport.According to the embassy, eligibility for the mission�s mail-in application program will be limited to those individuals who are able to present a full validity passport issued within the last 15 years, when the applicant was over the age of 16. Additional information on passport applications and required citizenship documentation, including parental permission information needed for children under age 14, can be obtained at www.usembassy.gr [30] Cypriot president condemns State Department spokesman's statementsLARNACA 28/04/2004 (CNA/ANA)Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos on Tuesday strongly condemned statements by the State Department's spokesman about alleged manipulation by the Cyprus government in the run-up to last week's referendum.Speaking to reporters before his departure to Athens where he will hold talks with the Greek political leadership and political parties, Papadopoulos noted ''with great regret'' that what he is now facing is how to dispel the unfavorable impressions overseas for Cyprus which, unfortunately began on the island, that during the run-up to the referendum there was blackmail, threats, oppression, vilification and ''misleading''. In his briefing on Monday, State Department spokesman Richard Boucher had talked about ''lot of manipulation by the Greek Cypriot leaders in the run-up to the referendum on Saturday, that the outcome was regrettable but not surprising, given those actions.'' ''I condemn with all the strength that I have, the insulting statements by the representative of the US State Department for allegedly horrible things that took place in the run-up to the referendum,'' including threats, and that supporters of a ''yes'' vote were allegedly deprived of access to the media, President Papadopoulos said. He called on journalists to say whether they are ''subject to intimidation,'' adding that ''if you do not feel insulted by these accusation then certainly Cyprus and the government is.'' The president of Cyprus said ''the result of the referenda is such that does not allow to say that it was the result of such means and it is really a shame for Cyprus' reputation to be tarnished as far as democracy and human rights on the island.'' He said he hoped that over the time ''we will be able to alleviate the impressions that unfortunately were created'' by these statements. The Cypriot president said there are no ''winners or losers'' following the referenda, which resulted with an overwhelming ''no'' by the Greek Cypriots to the Annan Plan. He said it was well known that the US, the EU and almost all countries greatly wanted a solution, ''and we wanted a solution even more'' but a solution, Papadopoulos said, that would secure the real reunification of the island and not the ''closing up of the Cyprus problem.'' It is natural that they are disappointed, he said, but noted that the issue of referenda was in all versions of the Annan Plan and nothing new. ''So when the sovereign people decide 'no' with such a percentage, I don't think it can be questioned, neither the people punished for exercising their sovereign right,'' the president added. Invited to comment on statements made by Enlargement Commissioner Gunter Verheugen who asked for the opening of a Commission's office in the occupied north of Cyprus to monitor the EU funds that will be given to the Turkish Cypriot side, the president said he was not aware of such statements. However he reminded that the EU is operating with ''rules and regulations and procedures and is not characterized by vindictiveness or a desire to punish Cyprus. I think it is the correct policy to help our Turkish Cypriot compatriots according to the desire and policy of the Greek Cypriot side,'' President Papadopoulos said. Asked if he anticipates a more active involvement of the EU in efforts to solve the Cyprus problem, since the island becomes a formal member of the EU on Saturday, the Cypriot president reminded that government's firm policy is that ''talks for a Cyprus settlement should be held under UN auspices.'' However, he said that since Cyprus will be an EU member and Greece already is and Turkey anticipates to be given a date to start accession negotiations, ''the EU will undoubtedly have a role to play.'' To a question if after accession Cyprus will seek to establish diplomatic ties with Turkey, President Papadopoulos said ''it will be our right and Turkey's obligation to do so. However, it is too early to say at this stage when we will do that and how.'' In Athens, he said, there will be an evaluation and review of today's situation regarding the Cyprus problem, following the results of the referenda as well as an initial exchange of views. In this way, President Papadopoulos added, he will be able to inform National Council members during their meeting on Friday about the Greek government's positions and map out a common course. Papadopoulos thanked the Greek government for its support during the recent developments, noting that communication was constant and excellent. [31] Security Council informal consultations on CyprusUNITED NATIONS 28/04/2004 (CNA/ANA)The five permanent members of the UN Security Council are expected to hold informal consultations on a statement anticipated to be issued by the Council president on the question of Cyprus.Britain, one of the five permanent members, asked the 15 Council members to convene as scheduled on Wednesday and discuss the situation following the rejection by the Greek Cypriots of a UN plan for a comprehensive settlement. London also suggested that the Council president issues a statement on the matter. During Monday's informal consultations the British ambassador to the UN raised the question of Cyprus under agenda item ''other matters'' and expressed regret for the rejection of the plan, pointing out that the Council should examine its next steps. Greek Cypriots in their overwhelming majority (nearly 76 per cent) rejected the Annan plan in a referendum on Saturday. Turkish Cypriots in a separate but simultaneous referendum approved it by 64 per cent of the vote. Secretary General Kofi Annan or his representative will brief the Council on Wednesday and the members will state their position. A full report on Cyprus will be submitted by May 15, once Annan's special adviser on Cyprus Alvaro de Soto returns to New York. De Soto who conducted negotiations between the two sides on the island is bidding farewell to party leaders and is expected to leave soon. His office here will also pack up and members of his team will also depart in the coming days. 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