Public debt:

The reasons why the figures differ are as follows:

It is also important to underline that in the case of Greece, most capital injections in state-owned enterprises were mainly financed by EU grants earmarked for specific purposes, and that as a consequence, even in the context of ESA 79 rules, they should be treated as capital transfers (impacting the deficit and not as share capital increases (financial transaction without impact on the deficit). The transition from ESA 79 to ESA 95 had therefore only a limited impact on figures for the years 1997 to 1999.

For the deficit: 1.Military expenditures: data are as provided by the Greek authorities - on a cash basis in the absence of data on deliveries (Eurostat had demanded that Greek authorities provide figures according to the method of deliveries, and the Greek authorities answered that such data was not available)-. The data have been revised as figures in previous notifications were incomplete.

2. Debt assumptions: Figures previously notified on debt assumptions were incomplete. Data available at the IMF were higher than the amounts communicated to Eurostat. The Greek authorities explained that differences are partly due to different coverage of the notion of public sector.

3. Capitalised interest: Figures previously notified were incomplete. For a correct assessment of the profile of the evolution of data on capitalized interest, Eurostat has requested to the representative of the General Accounting Office to provide the information (sources of data, common methodology) which are the basis of the series of capitalized interest for the years 1995 to 2000. This information has not been provided due to lack of information from the General Accounting office of Greece. The impact should nevertheless be minor.

4. Capital injections: Data previously notified were incomplete. Data are as provided by the Greek authorities on 10.11.04.

5. Interest on convertible bonds: data are as provided by the Greek authorities. Data previously notified were incomplete.

6. DEKA: Eurostat considers that the reclassification of DEKA increases government deficit, at least by the amounts of current transfers within general government undertaken by DEKA. In addition, the Greek authorities have made new enquiries about the nature of share capital increases received by some companies in 1999. Data previously notified were incomplete, but are now complete.

7. EU grants: data are as provided by the Greek authorities during the meeting on 10.11.04. The amounts correspond to projects co-financed by the European Union. Data previously notified were incomplete.

8. Interest: The Greek authorities confirmed on 19.11.04 that interest due to debt increase should not be added to government expenditures as it was already previously incorporated in the Social Security Funds survey.

For the debt: 1.It is recalled that between 2000 and 2003, amounts for approximately 5 bio � per year were not included in government debt due to a wrong consolidation done at general government level of government debt. Eurostat asked the Greek authorities to communicate the amounts to be added for this reason to government debt between 1997 and 1998. The Greek authorities confirmed on 19.11.04 that the amount of debt that should be added to general government debt for this issue is equal to 949 mil � in 1997 and 1972 mil � in 1998.

2. The debt of share exchangeable bonds which had been wrongly classified outside government by the Greek authorities has been added to government debt, in 1999. In order to correct the figure Eurostat has used information which had already received in previous occasions by the Greek authorities.

[02] EU presidency draft text on Summit Conclusions is 'starting point for substantive negotiations', foreign ministry says

Athens 1/12/2004 (ANA)

"I will not judge the text, as it comprises the starting point of the final and very substantive phase of the negotiations, which for Greece has a conclusion date of December 17", the date of the EU summit, Koumoutsakos added.

Referring to the two "campas" that have evolved among the EU member states in favor of a "brief" or "detailed" -- respectively -- reference in the Conclusions on the EU candidate countries, he said that although the text contained a separate chapter for each candidate country, the draft text nevertheless remained "basically generalized".

Asked to comment on the draft text provision for extension of Turkey's EU Customs Union Protocol to all the EU member states, and consequently also to Cyprus, Koumoutsakos said the move was aimed at expanding and normalizing Ankara's relations with all the EU member states and "as such, it cannot but be considered as a step in the direction of recognition" of the Republic of Cyprus, although he clarified that this could not be considered a "de facto recognition".

Turkey hopes to be granted a date for commencement of its EU accession negotiations at the December 17 summit: Meanwhile, Turkish foreign ministry sources, according to a Turkish news agency report, described as "positive" the fact that the introduction to the draft contains references to the EU's Copenhagen and Helsinki summit decisions, but added that "there are points in the text that we want to have clarified", and consequently there would be intense contacts and deliberations with the EU presidency in Ankara, the Hague, and Brussels.

Papandreou critical of draft EU Council Conclusions: "The draft EU Council conclusions, reviewed by the EU Dutch Presidency, are beneath expectations and beneath the country's capabilities regarding Turkey's EU accession," Panhellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK) President George Papandreou said after the meeting of his party's Coordinating Committee on Tuesday.

Aside from foreign policy, the economy and specifically the development law, as well as social policy were discussed during the meeting. PASOK will address social policy during its pre-Congress conference on Sunday in Ioannina.

Referring to the draft, Papandreou claimed that the government lost valuable time on foreign policy issues. He said that the New Democracy government is ''shifting towards positions initially held by PASOK,'' mainly on issues related to Helsinki, but refrained from evaluating the government's performance.

Papandreou also briefed PASOK members on discussions he had in Madrid during the European Socialist Group's (ESG) conference and emphasized that ESG agreed with PASOK's views on Turkey's EU course and particularly with the need for Turkey to recognize Cyprus, to solve the Cyprus issue, to withdraw Turkish occupying forces from Cyprus and on matters related to Greek-Turkish relations.

[03] Gov't spokesman on December summit, map of FYROM,

Athens 1/12/2004 (ANA)

Antonaros noted that the present government had succeeded in changing in just a few weeks matters that the previous government had failed to solve for five years. "Unless [the previous government] had not noticed, which is equally reprehensible," he added.

With regard to the draft conclusion of the December 17 European Union leaders' summit, Antonaros underlined that Greece was a very active participant in the negotiations and supported Turkey's European prospects.

"We expect - as do our 24 partners - that it will fulfill the criteria and respond to the principles of the EU," he added but refused to elaborate further, saying that the negotiations were not a "subject for discussion in the press room".

Foreign ministry immediately took 'all steps' after being informed of US defense department's inaccurate FYROM map: When the Greek foreign ministry was informed in September 2004 regarding the map of FYROM as it appeared in a US Department of Defense manual and the historical inaccuracies it contained, it immediately took all the required diplomatic steps, foreign ministry spokesman George Koumoutsakos said Tuesday in response to questions during a regular press briefing.

Koumoutsakos added that, consequently, on November 15, the ministry received a reply from the US side according to which the map has already been corrected in its electronic form, and would also be corrected in its printed version at the beginning of 2005.

Regarding the process of UN-sponsored talks between Greece and FYROM on finding a mutually acceptable solution to the FYROM name issue, Koumoutsakos said the process was on-going, and did not rule out resumption (the next round) of the talks in the near future.

[04] US is not supporting claims of a "broader Macedonia", state department spokesman Boucher tells press briefing after reactions to 'country background note' on FYROM

Washington 1/12/2004 (ANA/T. Ellis)

Boucher strongly disagreed with the interpretation given by some quarters on the "country background note" on FYROM that was recently updated on the State Department's website, following the US' unilateral decision to recognize FYROM with its disputed constitutional name of "Republic of Macedonia" last month, despite the fact that FYROM has been tentatively recognized internationally as the "Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia", pending the outcome of UN-brokered talks between Athens and Skopje for agreement on a mutually acceptable name.

Earlier, the State Department also announced the closure of the US embassy and all US government offices in FYROM until further notice following "locally acquired information" of "a potential threat to US government facilities" in FYROM.

Asked by a reporter whether the State Department was aware "of the implication arising from its practices of attributing 'national identity' via geography by way of its Country Background Note on FYROM uploaded earlier in November, thus "legitimizing the arrogant claims of FYROM" and implying that FYROM's "mission is the liberation of the rest of Macedonia", Boucher disagreed with that interpretation of the Background Note and the idea that the US was supporting "wider claims of a broader Macedonia".

"That is not the policy of the US Government, nor is it the policy of the 'Macedonian' government, and I don't think it (the Background Note) leaves that impression or implies that, frankly".

To persistent questions on the issue, Boucher reiterated: "First of all, I don't think we imply or leave the impression or want to intimate, in any way, that we support 'Macedonia' beyond 'Macedonia's' borders. We think that the 'Republic of Macedonia' deserves to be called by that name. We've explained that already. But that is not implying something about expansionism or a 'greater Macedonia' or any of those terms that you keep throwing around. Nor do we view the 'Republic of Macedonia' as the 'liberated portion of Macedonia'. We see it as an entity that deserves recognition and respect from the United States and the international community because of the way it's handled its own affairs, and that it's not itself committed, nor are we pushing it or encouraging it, to take any expansionist ideas in mind."

After the briefing, to a written question on "Does the United States support the claims of a broader Macedonia as it appears to by a description in the State Department Country Background Note?", the State Department issued the following written reply:

"The United States supports Macedonia's current borders. The portion of the Country Background Note referred to during today's briefing is the history section, which describes the situation in Macedonia thousands of years ago."

Replying to questions on the temporary closure of the US embassy in Skopje, Boucher said that the embassy was open only for "essential services" on Monday, adding that "all non-immigrant visa, immigrant visa, non-emergency American citizen services are suspended".

"I really can't go into the reasons, other than to say its information that we acquired locally that relates to U.S. Government facilities. The Embassy is looking at its security posture, and they will reopen at the appropriate time once they decide it is okay," Boucher explained, following repeated questions.

Asked whether the "information" suggested a potential threat, Boucher replied: "Yes, a potential threat to U.S. Government facilities. I'd leave it at that, though."

In Skopje, the FYROM authorities confirmed on Tuesday that the US embassy had closed for security reasons, adding that the US had requested an increase in security measures outside the embassy, "which was ensured, on our part".

[05] Permanent representatives of Greece and FYROM to meet with UN special envoy

Athens 1/12/2004 (ANA)

In light of the upcoming meeting, the Greek Foreign Ministry reiterated Greece's position for "a substantial - not a superficial - dialogue in order to resolve the only pending issue in what otherwise are good bilateral relations between Greece and FYROM."

[06] US reiterates position on need for Turkey to be "put on path" to EU membership

Washington 1/12/2004 (ANA/T. Ellis)

"We're not a member of the European Union, but we certainly do believe that Turkey needs to be put on a path to membership. We've made that very clear. As to what specifically needs to be decided within the European Union to do that, we do think it's important that they set a date (for the commencement of EU-Turkey accession negotiations). We do think it's important that they move forward on this. But some of these decisions they have to work out within the European Union; we recognize that," Boucher said.

Asked to comment on reports in Turkey, Greece and Cyprus that the US was ready to push for a new initiative on Cyprus, Boucher said that "I don't have anything new for you, no".

To a question on whether the US intended to inaugurate flights to the occupied sector of Cyprus, Boucher stated that US policy on non-recognition of the Turkish-occupied northern part of Cyprus has not changed, but noted, however, officials of the Transportation Security Agency had visited the airports in the occupied sector to see whether they fulfilled security requirements. Boucher hastened to note that the move in itself did not constitute a change in recognition policy, adding that this would not occur even of such flights did take place. He further added that even notations that could have been put on maps for pilots informing them of possible landing locations in the event of an emergency and the necessity of an emergency landing, this again would not constitute an act of recognition.

"We have not changed our policy on recognition. We have not -- we are not intending to change it, nor have we been asked to change it by the Turkish Cypriots. We have been looking, as you know, at the airports in the north, where the Transportation Security Agency has been up there and looked around to see whether they can qualify for travel. But that in itself, should that decision be made, does not imply a change in the recognition policy," Boucher said.

[07] European Commission critical of Turkey on human rights issues

BRUSSELS 1/12/2004 (ANA/M.Spinthourakis)

According to a statement issued by Varvitsiotis, his concerns had to do with the new amendments made to law 305 which call for prison terms in case of actions that are contradictory to "basic national interests" and which include, among others, "propaganda regarding the withdrawal of Turkish forces from Cyprus; the acceptance of a solution against Turkey; and propaganda regarding the Armenian genocide."

Verheugen said that the European Commission finds it alarming that the examples of activities considered to be contradictory to national interests, go way beyond that which would have been acceptable within the European framework of the protection of human rights.

Verheugen added that the Commission has already expressed its concerns to the Turkish authorities, emphasizing that European law must prevail, as it was integrated in the amended version of Turkey's constitution. Furthermore, Verheugen said that the Commission has promised to closely monitor Turkey's progress in terms of fulfilling the Copenhagen criteria, and to address difficulties together with Turkish authorities.

Varvitsiotis said that he considered the European Commission's response positive adding that he too would continue to monitor this matter.

[08] Russian defense minister's reply on guarantee's issue read to Parliamentary investigation

Athens 1/12/2004 (ANA)

In the letter dated September 14, Ivanov states that "The guarantees of the government of the Russian Federation that concern the fulfillment by the Russian side of obligations under the basic and offsets agreement for the delivery of the anti-aircraft missile systems TOR-M1 remain in force. The practice of providing such guarantees by the government of the Russian Federation exists and is implemented during cooperation in the technical-military sector with foreign states, including the Hellenic Republic".

According to Venizelos, the letter contradicted claims by Spiliotopoulos that PASOK governments had failed to secure state guarantees for the sale.

In the same letter, Ivanov says that the responsibility of completing the agreement for the TOR-M1 missiles and offsets was assigned to the company Rosoboronexport at the insistence of the Greek side, since the manufacturer Concern PBO Almaz-Antey was unable to fully complete the offsets programs.

Ivanov was replying to a letter from Spiliotopoulos that asked for a guarantee "that was legal under the requirements of Greek law" and that the manufacturer 'Almaz-Antey' be made responsible for carrying out its contractual obligations.

[09] PM has successive meetings with government ministers on Tuesday

Athens 1/12/2004 (ANA)

The premier's meeting with Liapis was chiefly concerned with road safety and the new public transport map for Athens, while the talks with Alogoskoufis focused on Hochtief's plans to sell off part of its stake in Athens' 'Eleftherios Venizelos' airport.

[10] FM holds talks with representatives of ethnic Greek organization in Albania

Athens 1/12/2004 (ANA)

According to a foreign ministry announcement, issues concerning the members of the Greek minority living in Albania, as well as of those now living in Greece, were discussed.

It was stressed during the talks that the Greek ethnic minority in Albania must be handled by both countries as a factor for strengthening bilateral relations between Greece and Albania, while protection and respect for its rights constitutes a focal point in Albania's course towards Euroatlantic institutions.

[11] Patras mayor hosts official luncheon; honors Stephanopoulos

Athens 1/12/2004 (ANA)

Stephanopoulos wondered how much better off Greece would be if everyone did what was right. This line of thinking, he explained, was triggered by similar questions, students visiting him at the presidential mansion and seeking his advice posed. "I tell them to do whatever they think is right. Every person perceives right and wrong with the help of God. The criterion is easy in the conscience of each person," Stephanopoulos said.

Bishop of Patras Nikodimos congratulated Stephanopoulos on his presidential tenure, which he carried out with knowledge and wisdom. Nikodimos gave Stephanopoulos an icon of St. Andrew as a gift.

Karavolas described Stephanopoulos' presidency as unique and offered him a book containing the opinions of various organizations and citizens regarding the president.

[12] Euromediterranean Cooperation conference ends after discussions on Middle East and EU economic cooperation

Athens 1/12/2004 (ANA)

Issues discussed were the peace process in the Middle East in the post-Arafat era, Mediterranean security and economic cooperation between the EU and Mediterranean countries.

An evaluation was also made of the Barcelona process and the prospect of its 10th anniversary being celebrated in Barcelona next year.

The ministers confirmed the main role of the Barcelona process, which is expected to be strengthened with the implementation of the European Neighborhood Policy with the purpose of achieving better cooperation and necessary reforms in the economies and societies of Mediterranean partners.

Deputy Foreign Minister for European issues Yiannis Valinakis said the Barcelona process must remain in the nucleus of EU policy in the region since it secures the presence of Mediterranean partners on the one hand and strengthens the presence of Greece in the region and prospects for greater cross border cooperation on the other.

Valinakis also held talks with his counterparts on the sidelines of the conference on issues of European concern (such as the EU's fiscal prospects) and the promotion of the candidacy of Thessaloniki, northern Greece, to host the EXPO 2008 exhibition.

[13] Parliament president meets ambassadors of Armenia, Pakistan

Athens 1/12/2004 (ANA)

In her meeting with Kahzoyan, Psarouda-Benaki noted the excellent relations between Greece and Armenia and stressed that the two countries were linked by common historical experiences and close ties of friendship. She stressed the importance of cooperation between Greece and Armenia within international organizations on both the Cyprus issue and other major issues, while referring to initiatives being undertaken in the framework of Black Sea cooperation.

Kahzoyan thanked the Parliament president for her own and the Greek Parliament's active support of the Armenian community in Greece and the Armenian people, and handed her an invitation from the head of the Armenian Parliament president to visit Erevan.

In her talks with Kahn, the head of the Greek Parliament discussed the development of closer ties between Pakistan and Greece and the possibility of setting up a friendship group between the parliaments of the two countries and further developing cooperation on a parliamentary level.

They also discussed the historic ties between Greece and Pakistan, which date back to the time of Alexander the Great, and are still evident in the existence of six towns in Pakistan bearing the name Alexandria.

[14] Discussion on draft development bill begins in Parliament

Athens 1/12/2004 (ANA)

He said the new law would be a "groundbreaking and robust tool to encourage new investments, attract foreign capital and support developmental and economic activity in the country".

According to Finance Minister George Alogoskoufis, who co-signed the bill, the government is determined to include all companies that present investment plans in the measures introduced by the bill.

The bill was opposed by the opposition parties, with main opposition PASOK objecting on the grounds that there were insufficient funds to back it up, while the Communist Party of Greece and the Coalition of the Left, Movements and Ecology slammed it as a "prop for the profits of big capital" and "social security for businesses", respectively.

PASOK party leader criticizes government over development bill: Main opposition PASOK party leader George Papandreou on Tuesday criticized the government over its handling of the development bill, saying that the government is ''selling false expectations since there will be two more lost years in the development sector.''

Papandreou said one year has already been lost as the government delayed in tabling a development bill, which will not have time to be implemented as a law, since in 2006 the European Union will go ahead with a series of reforms in this sector following its enlargement with 10 new countries.

The PASOK leader also criticized the government that as a result of the policy it is applying a major problem exists regarding revenues and expenditures.

Papandreou also visited the first Athens cemetery and left some flowers on the grave of his late father Andreas Papandreou since November 30 is Saint Andreas day.

[15] Greek industrial exports rose sharply in 2003

Athens 1/12/2004 (ANA)

In its annual report on Greek exports, the Union stressed, however, that the value of exports in euros showed a completely different picture in 2003, with exports of farm and fuel products falling, while exports of other categories of products rising strongly. The report noted that a recovery in exports value in 2003 reflected mainly exports of industrial products, accounting for two-thirds of total value.

Exports of high-technology products jumped 82.5 percent in value in the period 1999-2003, raising their share in total exports to 16.2 percent in 2003 from 10.6 percent in 1999. The sector recorded an annual average increase of 12.8 percent in value, outpacing a 2.4 percent annual average growth of total Greek exports.

Imports jumped 43.9 percent in US dollars (20.3 percent in euros) in 2003, resulting to a widening trade deficit by 10.689 billion dollars (5.853 billion euros). The report said the imports rose mainly due to extraordinary imports for the Olympic Games.

[16] Former PM Costas Simitis makes proposals on Greek economy, education and technology

Athens 1/12/2004 (ANA)

Simitis noted that the positive points of the Greek economy are "investment activity in Greece, which has almost reached the peak of the European Union" and the productivity of labor which has exceeded 90 percent of the European indicator and is at the same level as Austria, Germany and the Netherlands.

Also pointing at the negative points of the economy, however, Simitis insisted on the failure of the private sector to participate in the production and utilization of technology and criticized the mentality of "protection from competition" prevailing in businesses.

Concentrating in particular on the technology sector, the former prime minister said "all stress its importance" but "in the new development law I did not see special significance being placed on the introduction of new technologies" and stressed the need for a "technology policy."

[17] Greek business sees Turkey's EU bid as a challenge, trade group says

Athens 1/12/2004 (ANA)

"Turkey's entry into the EU will be a challenge for Turkey and for the bloc. The benefit will be mutual," Kassimatis said speaking in Istanbul.

"Even more effort is required by both sides for the desired result. There are still quite a few open issues," he told a meeting on business cooperation between Greece and Turkey.

[18] Employment minister discusses labor issues with PM

Athens 1/12/2004 (ANA)

Speaking to reporters afterwards and commenting on the congress of the New Democracy party affiliated DAKE labor group, Panagiotopoulos said "there is grumbling even in the best of families, not to speak of a democratic party such as New Democracy."

The employment minister said "we are looking ahead, we are listening to the people, the party supports the government and the government appeals to all the people, without distinguishing between our and their children."

Also referring to the social security issue, Panagiotopoulos said the general framework will not be changed by the New Democracy government.

Cabinet approves interior ministry bill for contract workers point system: The cabinet meeting on Tuesday approved a draft bill prepared by the interior ministry regarding the point system for temporary contract workers, whose work does not cover standing and long-term needs.

The system gives temporary staff points for 50 per cent of their total prior employment with the state sector, regardless of which public sector body they were employed by, which will count toward their total in the public-sector appointments system.

[19] Security screeners at Eleftherios Venizelos airport suspend strike

Athens 1/12/2004 (ANA)

Passengers at the airport have faced flight delays of several hours and long queues since Friday, when the strike was launched for an initial 24 hours on Friday, but ran into Tuesday through repeated extensions.

The airport's contract with the current security firms expires at the end of the year, and a European-wide tender is currently underway to select the firms that will take over as of January 1. Although there are no plans to reduce the number of security personnel, and an airport announcement earlier in the week had said that all the firms that submitted bid in the tender have supplied written guarantees that they will re-employ 75-80 percent of the specialist workforce that is already working at the airport, sources said that the striking screeners are demanding guarantees that they will retain their jobs from January as well as back pay from their employers.

The First Instance Court was due Tuesday to hear a petition by the airport administration and its international advisors on airport security seeking that the strike called by the Panhellenic Association of Air Transports Security Screeners be declared illegal and abusive, with the Greek state interceding on behalf of the petitioners and the General Confederation of Workers of Greece (GSEE) interceding on behalf of the strikers.

The airport authorities gave their commitment to the court president that even in the instance that there was a change in the firm responsible for screening, the screeners would not lose their jobs.

The strikers then gave a deadline of December 10 for the materialization of the commitment, and GSEE president Christos Polyzogopoulos said that, provided the agreements were adhered to, the Screeners' association would not proceed with new strike activity.

[20] Athens-quoted firms show rise in 9M earnings

Athens 1/12/2004 (ANA)

Consolidated sales of the 345 companies listed on the bourse increased by 14.6%, the report said.

Athens-quoted parent firms posted a 6.2% rise in earnings before tax in the same period, with turnover up 9.1%, it added.

[21] Stocks drop in short-term profit taking

Athens 1/12/2004 (ANA)

The Athens general share index closed at 2,654.81 points, showing a decline of 0.65 percent. Turnover was 271.2 million euros.

The FTSE/ASE-20 index for high capitalization shares ended 0.73 percent down; the FTSE/ASE-40 for medium cap stocks closed 1.16 percent down; and the FTSE/ASE-80 for small cap shares finished 0.71 percent lower.

Of stocks traded, declines led advances at 195 to 97 with 68 remaining unchanged.

[22] Athens mayor presents municipality's Christmas, New Year events program

Athens 1/12/2004 (ANA)

Bakoyannis said the 2004 Christmas program was a continuation and further development of the highly successful Christmas program organized the previous year and the equally festive atmosphere created by events in Athens during the Olympic Games.

"Post-Olympic Athens is a city with a contemporary image, a city of contrasts and many colors, with a unique identity and an international character. It has a host of refurbished squares and other areas that are extremely attractive for organizing special events that are capable of bringing visitors from Greece but also from abroad," Bakoyannis noted, stressing that the city's image had changed drastically and that it was now an attractive tourist destination offering a variety of scenes and options in the area of entertainment.

This year's Christmas events will span a period of 22 days and will include 260 performances involving 421 artists.

Events on Syntagma Square will begin on December 16, when last year's 'Candy Town' will once again make its appearance in the heart of the city. In nearby Kotzia Square outside the Athens Town Hall there will be a series of concerts ranging from traditional Greek music to modern dance, as well as street theatre troupes from Greece and abroad.

Among this year's novelties are an ice-rink to be set up at Zappeion, with shows by professional ice skaters every afternoon, and a New Year fireworks display that will for the first time take place at Kotzia Square, followed by the cutting of a record-size New Year Cake covering 14 square meters.

[23] Lawyers withdraw suit targeting Oliver Stone's 'Alexander', agree to first see film

Athens 1/12/2004 (ANA)

The suit, which was due to be heard at an Athens First-Instance Court on Tuesday, asked that projection of the film be either banned or that the offending scenes be removed. According to the two lawyers, the film misrepresented the historic texts and distorted historical truth about Alexander the Great, making him an object of derision and ridicule.

The hearing was postponed after the plaintiffs accepted the offer from Spentzos Film and withdrew their suit.

[24] President says Cyprus to pursue best wording at EU summit

LARNACA 1/12/2004 (CNA/ANA)

Speaking to reporters after returning from a three-day state visit to Slovakia, President Papadopoulos also said the draft resolution on a report on Turkey by Dutch rapporteur of the European Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee, Camiel Eurlings, is satisfactory for Cyprus but stressed that the decision to begin accession negotiations with Turkey is taken by EU governments.

Invited to comment on the first draft of the conclusions of the European Council, submitted Monday by the Dutch presidency to the Committee of Permanent Representatives, the Cypriot President said ''it is a first draft'' to be debated on a number of occasions and ''we hope that a document which will satisfy the demands of all EU Council states will emerge.''

''Every country has its own views on the first draft just as we do. The effort is to coordinate all efforts, so if possible the 17th December Council will end successfully and not at a deadlock,'' the president added.

Invited to comment on the issue of recognition by Turkey, President Papadopoulos said Cyprus' permanent representative in Brussels was examining the issue on Tuesday with Dutch presidency representatives. ''We will pursue the best possible wording,'' the president stressed.

He repeated that the Council's resolution on Turkey would be decided on bearing in mind the views of all member states.

Commenting on the draft resolution on a report on Turkey prepared by Dutch rapporteur Camiel Eurlings, President Papadopoulos said the

report is before the European Parliament for some weeks now.

''The final document satisfies us,'' he said, noting however that the decision to start accession negotiations with Turkey ''is taken by the (EU) governments'' and will not determine the positions of the governments.

To a remark that a spokesman of Turkey's National Security Council said that the so-called isolation of the Turkish Cypriots must be lifted in order for Turkey to recognize Cyprus, President Papadopoulos replied, ''The 'isolation' depends on a great, great extent to the self-isolation imposed by the occupation forces and Turkey, not for purely economic reasons but to achieve political benefits.''

In his statements, President Papadopoulos thanked the government, President, Prime Minister and President of the Slovak Parliament for the invitation to visit the country as well as ''the atmosphere of understanding and accord'' in which the negotiations between the two countries were conducted.

President Papadopoulos also referred to talks with Austrian Minister of Foreign Affairs Ursula Plassnik, whom he met in private on Sunday evening as he stopped over in Vienna, on his way to Bratislava.

He said that during their meeting they examined Austria's position on issues concerning the 17 December European Council as well as the views of the government of Cyprus.

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