Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 04-07-19

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

CONTENTS

[01] Greece welcomes package of CBMs announced by Cyprus government

[02] PM Karamanlis kicks off ruling party's pre-congress conferences in Thessaloniki, Patra

[03] FM Molyviatis in London for talks with British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw

[04] Voulgarakis rebukes foreign press reports on Olympic Games security

[05] Memorial service held for victims of Turkish invasion in '74

[06] Further development of Greece-Bulgaria transport cooperation

[07] Greece to sign ESA accession treaty

[08] Olympic Torch Relay in Thrace

[09] New tram network begins operation on Monday

[10] Man held in Thessaloniki in relation to Djindjic assassination

[11] Cyprus Government satisfied with UN and EU reactions for CBM

[12] Iacovou: No positive reaction yet by Turkish side on CBM

[13] Boucher: US welcomes any mutually agreed steps that can reduce military tensions

[01] Greece welcomes package of CBMs announced by Cyprus government

ATHENS, 7/19/04 (ANA)

The Cyprus government proposed on Friday the opening of eight additional crossing points along the ceasefire line, disengagement of military forces from the walled part of the capital Nicosia and from the wider Dherinia-Famagusta and Strovilia areas, in eastern Cyprus, de-mining of landmines by both sides, return of the fenced area of Famagusta to its lawful owners, common operation of the Famagusta port and restriction of military exercises.

At the same time, Koumoutsakos, having observed that the announcement of the measures has already received the first positive reactions by the United Nations and by members of the international community, noted that it confirms the will and determination of the Cypriot government to undertake specific initiatives with substantial content so as to create the necessary climate which will help in the effort for a solution to the Cyprus issue and the reunification of the island.

[02] PM Karamanlis kicks off ruling party's pre-congress conferences in Thessaloniki, Patra

ATHENS, 7/19/04 (ANA)

The prime minister spoke at two New Democracy pre-congress conferences, in Thessaloniki and Patra on Friday and Saturday, respectively.

Karamanlis, the youngest ever politician to assume the premiership in Greece, said the "new governance" - a term repeatedly used by him and other top ND cadres - is not merely an abstract notion but a wide-ranging social demand for new views, ideas and a new outlook.

Moreover, in referring to the role of the party in government, he emphasized that "the party (ND) is not being nationalized, and the state is not becoming party dominated", a charge ND had repeatedly leveled at main opposition PASOK when the latter was in power.

"ND will not compromise with phenomena of arrogance and conceit; it does not plan to remove itself from society and simply limit itself to the role of a conventional manager of power; whereas it will not be isolated, it will also not relax its vigilance or become entrenched," Karamanlis said during his addresses.

In one crucial sector for the east Mediterranean country, namely, zoning and land use, Karamanlis said the town planning and environment ministry is already preparing a national zoning plan, as well as implementing residential zones controls as well as the better town planning for urban areas.

In continuing his emphasis on environmental issues, the premier also touched on forest preservation and conservation and even on ways of better managing solid waste and water resources - two other sectors that have attracted growing attention over the past few years.

In referring to the upcoming Olympic Games- just weeks before the Aug. 13 Opening Ceremony at the main Athens Olympic Stadium (OAKA) - Karamanlis said they represent a historic opportunity for all Greeks to take advantage of; "they are a national affair that marks the passage of our country into a new age of increased capabilities. The success of the Games will be a victory for Greece�" he said.

He added that all preparations for the Olympics are aimed at absolute success and holding Games within conditions of maximum security.

Touching on cultural issues, as Karamanlis holds the culture ministry portfolio for himself, he stressed that these were not an abstract concept or simply part of static research, as culture does not end with the past's inheritance but is "enriched, developed and constantly changing." He added that culture is a bridge of international cooperation and a force for peace, and "that is why we dare to take significant steps towards Turkey, as well as other Balkan states, with the self-assurance that we can advance further and come closer," he said.

"Our vision for a Greece of the future is a vision of a strong Greece with vibrant citizens; a society of cohesion, solidarity and humanity; a homeland with self-confidence and a Greece that invests in culture, education and the new generations," he concluded.

[03] FM Molyviatis in London for talks with British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw

ATHENS, 7/19/04 (ANA)

Molyviatis travels to London at the invitation of the British foreign secretary, according to a Greek foreign ministry announcement on Sunday.

[04] Voulgarakis rebukes foreign press reports on Olympic Games security

ATHENS, 7/19/04 (ANA)

At the same time, Voulgarakis reiterated that the implementation of the Olympic Security measures are in full progress and all the objectives which have been placed are developing according to plan.

"All know and all agree that we have done everything humanly possible for the Games to be held in an environment of security and peace," the minister said.

The Greek public order minister will brief his European Union counterparts on Monday on Olympic Games security issues within the framework of the meeting of the EU Internal Affairs Ministers Council which will convene in Brussels.

[05] Memorial service held for victims of Turkish invasion in '74

ATHENS, 7/19/04 (ANA)

The memorial service was held at the Athens Metropolitan Cathedral, with government ministers, MPs, top military officers, municipal officials and representatives of Cypriot groups in Greece in attendance.

Wreaths were later laid at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

On his part, National Defense Minister Spilios Spiliotopoulos said afterwards that "it was a debt not only of Hellenism, but primarily of the international community, to apply and implement decisions regarding the reunification of Cyprus and the removal of occupation forces, so that the sacrifices of Greeks and Greek Cypriots will be vindicated."

[06] Further development of Greece-Bulgaria transport cooperation

SOFIA 7/19/04 (ANA/M. Borisov)

The meeting concerned the completion of the new road and in general transport infrastructure and of the new tolls on the common borders which link, among others, the Bulgarian city of Gotse Delchev and Drama.

This is the common priority, the implementation of which, the two governments view as an important step in the rising course of trade transactions and of the economic cooperation of the two neighboring countries and partners in the coming future within the framework of the European Union.

Liapis termed as "excellent" Greek-Turkish relations and underlined that Greece will continue supporting in every way Bulgaria's accession course towards the European Union.

[07] Greece to sign ESA accession treaty

ATHENS, 7/19/04 (ANA)

On the occasion, Sioufas in a statement on Sunday said: �Greece's accession to the European Space Agency (ESA) is an important event for our country. ESA's aim is the promotion of scientific research and technological cooperation between the member-states of the European Union in the sector of Space and its implementation exclusively for peaceful purposes."

[08] Olympic Torch Relay in Thrace

ATHENS, 7/19/04 (ANA)

The Torch Relay will visit all three prefectures of Thrace -- Xanthi, Rhodopi and Evros, with stops in the latter in several townships along the Greek-Turkish border.

[09] New tram network begins operation on Monday

A long-awaited and much-anticipated new tram line begins service on Monday in Athens, with this latest Olympics-inspired light rail system connecting central Athens (Syntagma Square/Parliament) with its southern coastal districts along a "Y-shaped" network.

A host of Olympic venues -- at the Helliniko complex and at the Faliro seafront -- will be served by the new 26-kilometer tram network. The fare has been set at 60 cents, with initial forecasts pointing to 80,000 passengers per day.

According to Transport Minister Mihalis Liapis, all of the mass transit systems being hurriedly built or improved in the greater Athens area ahead of the Aug. 13 Olympic Games Opening Ceremony -- the tram network, new metro extensions, the new suburban rail line linking the airport as well as an upgraded fleet of buses -- will be ready by the end of this month.

The clunky but picturesque streetcars of Athens' previous tram network disappeared from the streets in the 1950s, whereas the new air-conditioned and sleek-looking light rail cars are expected to alleviate much of the traffic congestion in southern Athens.

[10] Man held in Thessaloniki in relation to Djindjic assassination

ATHENS, 7/19/04 (ANA)

Authorities identified the man as Dejan Milenkovic. He was arrested in downtown Thessaloniki on Friday.

Procedures for his extradition to Serbia are pending.

[11] Cyprus Government satisfied with UN and EU reactions for CBM

NICOSIA 7/19/01 (CNA/ANA)

Chrysostomides said the measures were announced ''with the sincere intention and will by the Government to promote cooperation and trust between the two communities in Cyprus and to ease tensions, so as to serve the common goal of reunifying the country.''

Chrysostomides said ''it seems that there is a positive reaction by the UN and the European Commission for the measures and the efforts made towards the right direction.''

A UN spokesperson said, according to Reuters, that ''the UN welcomes the announcement and remains as ever committed to facilitating all confidence building measures.''

Jean Christophe Filori, spokesman for EU Enlargement Commissioner Gunter Verheugen, has said the Commission welcomes any measure that could establish a climate of confidence among Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots.

[12] Iacovou: No positive reaction yet by Turkish side on CBM

LARNACA 7/19/04 (CNA/ANA)

''There does not seem to be so far any positive sign by the Turkish Cypriots or by Turkey regarding the measures, despite the fact that the measures would be clearly for the benefit of the Turkish Cypriots'', Iacovou said.

The government proposed the opening of eight additional crossing points along the ceasefire line, disengagement of military forces from the walled part of the capital Nicosia and from the wider

Dherinia-Famagusta and Strovilia areas, in eastern Cyprus, de-mining of landmines by both sides, return of the fenced area of Famagusta to its lawful owners, common operation of the Famagusta port and restriction of military exercises.

Speaking upon departure for London, where he will participate at the Greek Cypriot community's events to denounce the military coup and the Turkish invasion, he said that the reaction of the Turkish side would show if there is good faith or not.

Cyprus FM said that the CBM ''are measures to normalize the situation, especially in some areas'', adding that ''the measures have been proposed to the United Nations four weeks ago and the UN have presented them to the Turkish Cypriots''.

He added that so called prime minister of the illegal regime in Turkish occupied Cyprus Mehmet Ali Talat has been negative regarding the measures for the crossing points.

Iacovou added that regarding the other measures proposed, neither Turkey nor the Turkish army have made any comments yet.

He underlined that the Cyprus government is making an effort to better the situation on the island, to boost conditions of security for both communities.

Iacovou was also invited to comment on the Cyprus government's proposal regarding the return of the closed town of Famagusta, to its lawful owners, in connection with the efforts for reopening the Famagusta port in a legitimate manner to be operated for the benefit of both communities.

He said that this is a proposal that has been submitted by the Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos to EU Commissioner for Enlargement Gunter Verheugen at their meeting in Brussels on June 30, 2004''.

''Verheugen seems to have reversed this proposal in a way and presented it as a proposal for Famagusta, that can be connected with the operation of the port of Famagusta under an independent body, that would be created in the future under the supervision of the EU Commission'' he said.

Iacovou departs on Monday to Rome where he will meet with his Italian counterpart, Minister for European Affairs and Chairman of the Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee.

Cyprus FM will also have a series of meetings in Vatican, including a meeting with Prime Minister of Vatican.

[13] Boucher: US welcomes any mutually agreed steps that can reduce military tensions

WASHINGTON 7/19/04 (CNA/ANA)

Invited to comment a series of Confidence Building Measures (CBM) announced Friday by the Cyprus Government and aimed at developing a sense of security among Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots, within its policy for the Turkish Cypriots, Boucher said ''military confidence building is no substitute for a comprehensive settlement in the form of the Secretary-General's peace plan.''

''Military confidence-building measures don't fully address the general security concerns the Greek Cypriots have expressed, nor do they address the economic aspirations that are so central for the Turkish Cypriots,'' he added.

''We would welcome any and all mutually agreed steps that can reduce military tensions in Cyprus. We're always looking for ways to provide both communities on the island with a greater sense of security,'' Boucher said, adding that ''we have been urging, as we have before, that all parties refrain from military exercises this fall -- they cancel the exercises that are usually held twice a year, as they have now done for several years in a row.''

Boucher furthermore noted that ''in his recent report of the Good Offices Mission, Secretary-General Annan outlined a way ahead to a settlement that does address all these issues for Greek Cypriots to articulate with clarity and finality their concerns regarding security and implementation of a settlement so that the members of the Security Council can address them.''

Replying to other questions Boucher said ''Turkish troop presence on the island is one of the things dealt with in the agreement that we support and we think all the parties should support. We'd certainly welcome any and all mutually agreed steps to reduce tensions.''

Asked if the US would object if the Cypriot government were to decide to pull back unilaterally, the US State Department Spokesman said: ''I suppose not. I'm not sure if we think it would happen without mutual agreement, but we think it is useful for the sides to agree on steps to reduce tensions.''

Invited to comment information that a US diplomat will be visiting Nicosia, Ankara and Athens next week regarding the Cyprus issue, Boucher said he was not aware of any travel like that.

CNA has learned US Deputy Assistant Secretary for European Affairs Laura Kennedy arrives in Cyprus on July 21 to hold consultations on the Cyprus problem with Cypriot officials. She will be also visiting Ankara and Athens.

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