Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 04-12-10

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

CONTENTS

[01] PM Karamanlis and Russian President conclude official talks, sign bilateral agreement, joint declarations

[02] Greek and Russian delegations discuss TOR anti-missile systems

[03] NATO ministerial conference concludes in Brussels

[04] Foreign Minister meets with FYROM counterpart

[05] FM spokesman comments on draft EU conclusions

[06] Greek MEP presents EU's SOLVIT system at European Parliament offices in Athens

[07] Alexandria Patriarch stresses Turkey's poor treatment of Ecumenical Patriarchate in ANA interview

[08] Education minister meets with Albanian counterpart

[09] Interior Minister Pavlopoulos says gov't will back local authorities

[10] Deputy DM Michaloliakos meets Israeli ambassador Aviram

[11] Outgoing US ambassador meets with DM

[12] Constantopoulos addresses 4th SYN congress

[13] Analyst revises 2005 growth to 3.3% from 3.6%

[14] General Consumer Price Index up 3.1 per cent in November, NSS reports

[15] Greek firms wary of corporate social responsibility, study shows

[16] Industry chief wants simpler corporate law

[17] PAME members and construction workers hold rally in central Athens

[18] Stocks slip in profit-taking

[19] Palli-Petralia speaks about post-Olympic Greece at Columbia University

[20] Chinese media praise Greek handling of non-accredited journalists during Athens Games

[21] Orfanos comments on MINEPS IV conference

[22] Patriarch of Alexandria receives warm welcome in Iraklio

[23] Education minister meets with students; discusses human rights

[24] Prestige captain thanks Justice Minister for enabling him to return home

[25] Macedonia-Thrace Hunting Assn alarmed over Lake Koroneia environmental disaster

[26] Cyprus President: No moves on the question of Cyprus

[27] UN: SG's report for 5th Committee a technical document

[28] Cyprus Spokesman hopes issue of recognition will be settled

[01] PM Karamanlis and Russian President conclude official talks, sign bilateral agreement, joint declarations

MOSCOW 10/12/2004 (ANA - A. Panagopoulos)

In statements afterward, Karamanlis and Putin both emphasized the potential for greater economic cooperation between their two countries.

Putin noted that the three documents signed with Greece would help enhance economic and cultural relations and "allow us to have more effective action in the international arena", while stressing that cooperation in the energy sector would be a key area of action.

He said Russia was ready to provide natural gas and participate in the development of Greece's energy infrastructure but did not refer directly to the Burgas-Alexandroupoli oil pipeline.

The Russian president noted the need to intensify cooperation in trade, education and culture and said that the positions of Athens and Moscow on international problems either coincided or were very similar.

With regard to the statement on dealing with terrorism, in particular, Putin stressed that implementing the agreement would help boost security in both countries, as well as promoting stability and peaceful coexistence in Europe.

He said the talks with Karamanlis and the Greek delegation had covered relations between Russia and the European Union and the situation in Kosovo.

The Russian leader also made a statement on the Cyprus issue seen as particularly positive for Greek positions, saying that Russia insisted on a steady resolution of the Cyprus problem based on the decisions of the United Nations Security Council that took into account the peace plan presented by UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan and the views of the two communities on Cyprus.

The Greek premier said his talks with the Russian side had been "friendly and constructive" and that they highlighted the excellent relations between Greece and Russia.

He said great progress had been ascertained in political cooperation, the energy sector, security and culture and he again underlined the ample margins for developing economic ties, particularly in tourism.

"Greece must mobilize and make use of the economic possibilities that exist with Russia," Karamanlis said, while stressing that economic cooperation and activity were a primary target on a bilateral level.

Referring to the Cyprus problem, Karamanlis reiterated Greek positions and said that Athens "appreciates Russia's steady stance on the Cyprus issue, which displays consistency and respect for the decisions of the United Nations and international law." These elements were pivotal for Greek foreign policy, he added.

The Greek premier noted that there would be cooperation in this spirit with Russia within the Security Council, when Greece becomes a non-permanent member for two years in January.

Regarding the western Balkans, Karamanlis said that Moscow and Athens agreed that the situation had not yet fully stabilized and that dangers still existed. The active presence and contribution of all parties in efforts to resolve the problems there was exceptionally useful and worthwhile, he added.

The Greek premier also referred to the Burgas-Alexandroupoli oil pipeline, saying there was a "joint decision to support the plan" and stressing that the final signature of a memorandum that has been initialed must take place as soon as possible so that the technical and financial sides of the plan might go ahead.

Regarding EU-Russia relations, Karamanlis said Greece had worked to deepen these ties and stressed that European integration could not be completed if the relationship of complementarily between the two sides of the European continent was not activated in all areas.

The Greek premier once again condemned international terrorism and expressed his support for the Russian Federation and its efforts to defend human lives and its citizens. He also noted that there were now far more dangers on an international scale and of uncertain origins, such as terrorism, weapons of mass destruction and organized crime.

He said the two countries had confirmed their decision to intensify cooperation, both on a bilateral but also on an international level.

On Thursday afternoon, President Putin hosted a working dinner for the Greek delegation.

PM gets warm reception from President Putin at Kremlin: Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis was warmly received on his arrival at the Kremlin on Thursday by Russian President Vladimir Putin, shortly before the start of official talks between the Greek and Russian governments.

"We consider Greece our closest partner in Europe and I wish to stress that our relations will always be good," Putin said as he welcomed Karamanlis in the Kremlin's 'Green Hall'.

The Russian president hinted that relations may not have been as good with the previous Greek government, noting that he expected relations to improve now that Karamanlis was premier and New Democracy was in government.

"There now appears to be activity on a number of issues that we were unable to make progress on for several years," he added.

Putin expressed hope that his talks with the Greek side on Wednesday and Thursday would be an opportunity to discuss both current affairs but also ways to further enhance bilateral relations.

Karamanlis stressed the "very strong historic ties between Greece and Russia", which he said were further cemented by a common approach on a number of issues and the two countries' common Orthodox faith. He also emphasized his view that there were "great margins" for close and very useful economic cooperation between Greece and Russia.

The delegations from Greece and Russia then retired to begin official talks that are due to culminate in the signature of two bilateral agreements shortly after 13:00 Greek time, after which Karamanlis and Putin are due to hold a press conference.

Karamanlis, Putin stress high level of Greek-Russian relations after talks: Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis and Russian President Vladimir Putin stressed that relations between Greece and Russia were following a steady upward course after they emerged from a private, face-to-face discussion in the Kremlin on Thursday, shortly before the start of talks between delegations from the two governments.

In a meeting that lasted a full half-hour longer than originally scheduled, the Greek and Russian leader focused primarily on boosting bilateral economic ties, where the Russian president stressed the significant potential for joint action.

Putin noted that bilateral relations were at a high level, and stressed that this was in the interests of Greece and Russia, as well as promoting stability and peace in Europe and the rest of the world.

On his part, Karamanlis referred to cooperation in the framework of bilateral treaties and agreements between the two countries, which he said had created an environment that facilitated the further improvement of bilateral ties.

With respect to foreign policy, Karamanlis underlined that the views of Athens and Moscow were either very close or virtually identical on international issues.

"Greece and Russia are called upon to play an essential role in efforts to preserve peace and stability in the Balkans and the eastern Mediterranean. It is in our countries' mutual interest for there to be respect for international legality and respect for international treaties," he said.

He said Putin's description of Greece as a "strategic partner" was one that "reflects the level of our relations and is, I believe, a steady parameter in our entire foreign policy".

Karamanlis also noted that the signature of a joint declaration of friendship and cooperation and of an action plan and statement against terrorism would further promote political dialogue on all levels, which could also be translated into tangible benefits for the economic sector.

Earlier, the Greek premier had a warm reception from President Putin in the Kremlin's 'Green Hall', who stressed that Greece was Russia's "closest partner" in Europe and affirmed that Greek-Russian relations "will always be good."

The Russian president had also hinted that relations may not have been as good with the previous Greek government, noting that he expected relations to improve now that Karamanlis was premier and New Democracy was in government.

"There now appears to be activity on a number of issues that we were unable to make progress on for several years," he added.

Karamanlis stressed the "very strong historic ties between Greece and Russia", which he said were further cemented by a common approach on a number of issues and the two countries' common Orthodox faith. He also emphasized his view that there were "great margins" for close and very useful economic cooperation between Greece and Russia.

[02] Greek and Russian delegations discuss TOR anti-missile systems

MOSCOW 10/12/2004 (ANA/A.Panagopoulos)

Both sides reiterated their positions, but it seems the Russian delegation proposed a compromise of combining a state guarantee with a bank guarantee. The Greek delegation explained that the investigative committee is an internal affair, dealing with issues of transparency and legality. According to Greek legislation, either a state or bank guarantee is required, the Greek delegation explained.

The Russian delegation, on its part, explained that Russian legislation requires the signing of an inter-state agreement, but that Moscow no longer follows this procedure, but rather provides political guarantee via a ministerial letter. According to Greek diplomatic sources, the Russian delegation said that a bank guarantee is subject to high taxation, which is why it is not used. However, the Russian side seemed willing to compromise on a solution combining a state and bank guarantee.

[03] NATO ministerial conference concludes in Brussels

BRUSSELS 10/12/2004 (ANA/B.Demiris)

Foreign Minister Petros Molyviatis said that on the sidelines of the meeting he met briefly with US Secretary of State Colin Powell, Turkey's Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul, German FM Joska Fischer, French FM Michel Barnier and Spanish FM Angel Moratinos.

Regarding the US request for NATO members to participate in sending troops to Iraq, diplomatic sources said that Greece reiterated it will not send troops.

[04] Foreign Minister meets with FYROM counterpart

SKOPJE 10/12/2004 (ANA/N.Fragopoulos)

According to Greek diplomatic sources, Mitreva met briefly with Molyviatis on Thursday afternoon.

The FYROM minister thanked Powell for the US action of recognizing FYROM by its constitutional name (Republic of Macedonia) and also thanked him for his personal contribution to this decision. Additionally, Mitreva thanked him for the United States' continuous support of FYROM's efforts to join NATO.

During her meeting with Molyviatis, focus was placed on further developing good neighborly relations between the two countries, and mutual willingness to continue UN talks regarding the issue of FYROM's name.

[05] FM spokesman comments on draft EU conclusions

Athens 10/12/2004 (ANA)

[06] Greek MEP presents EU's SOLVIT system at European Parliament offices in Athens

Athens 10/12/2004 (ANA)

He said SOLVIT had been devised in order to assist EU citizens with the kind of day-to-day problems that arose when they went to another country within the Community to live, work or study and came up against obstacles with that country's authorities concerning pension rights, social insurance, residence permits, student rights, taxation or driving licenses.

The MEP stressed that the system had proved very effective, with 73 per cent of cases successfully resolved. He said that SOLVIT centers existed in most EU member-states as part of their national administration and were linked together by a data base. The centers are primarily designed to solve problems arising from faulty implementation of EU regulations, rather than problems arising between the citizens of a country and their domestic authorities.

Those seeking a SOLVIT center's assistance should first contact the SOLVIT centre in their own country, which will then pass on the case to the centre in the country involved. This will then seek to solve the problem in the space of 10 weeks. The Greek SOLVIT centre is based in the Economy and Finance Ministry at Nikis Street in Athens (Tel: 210 3332462, Fax: 210 3332710, e-mail: [email protected]).

[07] Alexandria Patriarch stresses Turkey's poor treatment of Ecumenical Patriarchate in ANA interview

ISTANBUL 10/12/2004 (ANA - A. Kourkoulas)

"The situation in general presents a sad picture in comparison with us in Egypt, where we enjoy so many privileges even though Egypt is a Moslem country; we can build our churches freely, we have a legal entity, we have our property, our buildings, I can move freely everywhere and I am treated by Egyptian authorities with great respect," Patriarch Theodoros said shortly before his departure from Istanbul.

"It makes me sad that the Turkish State does not do the same", Theodoros added and called on all states and governments to protest over the situation.

[08] Education minister meets with Albanian counterpart

Athens 10/12/2004 (ANA)

Furthermore, the two ministers agreed for Greek to be given more emphasis in Albanian schools. Also, the Albanian ministerial council is to decide whether a private elementary and junior high school will be founded, while there is also a possibility that an Arsakio school branch will open in Korytsa.

Yiannakou announced that the possibility of introducing Albanian into the curriculum of certain schools is under review. If realized, one-hour, optional language lessons after the end of the school day will be given by volunteer staff.

[09] Interior Minister Pavlopoulos says gov't will back local authorities

Athens 10/12/2004 (ANA)

Internal Affairs, Public Administration and Decentralization Minister Prokopis Pavlopoulos said that during the meeting with the Administrative Council of TETHKNA, under discussion was the misappropriation of funds of local government and the major matter of contract workers.

He noted that the government allocates this year in the 2005 state budget all those funds provided by the law.

On the issue of contract workers, he said that the government will support local government organizations "so that they will not be loaded with a cost which is due to the irresponsibility of past political leaderships in the Interior Ministry but also in general to the political irresponsibility of the previous governments."

He added that "we will stand by local government, exhausting every limit of the budget and there will be the corresponding commitments for the implementation of the budget also on the part of the Economy and Finance Ministry."

[10] Deputy DM Michaloliakos meets Israeli ambassador Aviram

Athens 10/12/2004 (ANA)

Michaloliakos said that Greece, following the conclusion of the registration of its real armaments needs for the next decade, will give particular emphasis with regards defense procurements in the development of the domestic defense industry and to the co-production of weapons systems while the main suppliers will be those countries which offer offset benefits to Greece and their policy is compatible with the rules of international law.

At the same time, the deputy defense minister reiterated that all the procurements of Greece's armed forces will be made with complete transparency and providing they fulfill the standards of quality and cost set by the National Defense Ministry.

[11] Outgoing US ambassador meets with DM

Athens 10/12/2004 (ANA)

According to sources, Miller and Spiliotopoulos discussed current international affairs, such as EU-NATO relations and the upcoming EU Summit.

[12] Constantopoulos addresses 4th SYN congress

Athens 10/12/2004 (ANA)

"The 11 years that have passed since you entrusted me with the party's presidency, have been exciting. They have been difficult but real, years of constant trials but also of sincere camaraderie," Constantopoulos said.

During his speech, the outgoing SYN president referred to the party's achievements during his tenure, criticized the New Democracy government and the main opposition, the Panhellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK) party, and outlined what he thinks should be the future of the Left in Greece.

Among SYN's achievements of the past 11 years, Constantopoulos cited the party's ''presence in Parliament and in trade unions; initiatives in coming into contact with contemporary movements against neoliberal globalization and international activity.''

Furthermore, he referred to the failed attempts at cooperation between SYN and PASOK, implying that future cooperation was unlikely.

"After the experiences we had all these years and after realizing the great damage we suffered as a result of this phenomenon, I think we are now mature enough so as not to allow the issue of our relations with PASOK to become a matter of internal conflict," he said.

As for his criticism of ND and PASOK, Constantopoulos said that the two parties are too much alike. "Thus prevalent during these past nine months is the awkwardness of New Democracy, which wants to govern without it appearing too much like PASOK, and PASOK's awkwardness in trying to be the opposition without looking too much like New Democracy," he said.

Looking ahead, Constantopoulos said: "SYN must have a clear strategy for the political Left. It needs to present a proposal as to how it wishes to see the political Left develop. And this proposal can be no other than the call for a restructuring of the political Left; a restructuring so that at some point there will be a contemporary left party in Greece, which will be able to effectively express an alternative to neoliberal. Is this feasible? Obviously, the policy of KKE's (Communist Party of Greece) leadership is a great obstacle."

Also speaking at the congress was Secretary of ruling New Democracy's Central Committee, Evangelos Meimarakis, who referred to SYN's contribution to Greece's stability and emphasized that today, more than ever, the country needs healthy and contemporary parties that are able to tune into citizens' concerns, to express their expectations and to serve real social and national needs.

"We recognize the contribution of all parties to the country's political stability and of course, the contribution of the political Left and of SYN in particular," he said.

Finally, Meimarakis praised SYN's proposal for the creation of a National Foreign Policy Council, which was approved by Greece's political parties, emphasizing that this is proof that "the Left is not an outsider."

Main opposition Panhellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK) leader George Papandreou in his address called for a ''forum of dialogue which will function, on a permanent basis, as a tribune of common concentration between PASOK and SYN and which will be opened to other forces and personalities.''

Papandreou also made a critical review of the relations between the two parties, clarifying that he was not proposing an electoral cooperation a dialogue on all problems.

[13] Analyst revises 2005 growth to 3.3% from 3.6%

Athens 10/12/2004 (ANA)

The bank's analysis department said in a market report that the downward adjustments to real GDP growth projections are mainly a result of higher-than-previously-expected oil prices and a more restrictive policy mix as fiscal policy looks set to be tightened by more than two percentage points of GDP relative to this year, in line with government promises to bring its budget deficit back below the Maastricht Treaty's 3.0%-of-GDP threshold as early as end-2005.

"Our new estimates and forecasts assume a significant deceleration in the real growth of gross fixed capital formation this year and the next before a gradual recovery commences from 2006 on the back of rising absorption rates of EU structural funds and recovering business investment as the new government's business-friendly initiatives, including corporate tax cuts, measures to encourage private-public partnerships and the new development law, start to bear fruit," the report said.

According to Eurobank, the period following the 2004 Olympic Games has brought major geopolitical and economic challenges for Greek policy-makers at a time when the economy is showing signs of climbing down from the high growth rates of recent years.

After rising by an average annual rate of around 4.0% over the last four years, real GDP growth is likely to decelerate towards 3.0-3.3% over the 2005-06 forecast periods, a pace which is closer to the economy's longer-term potential.

"This slowdown is expected to come amid a gradual winding-down of the special factors that boosted economic growth in the recent past, including Olympics- and other public sector-related investments, the abrupt fall in short-term interest-rate differentials upon EMU entry and accompanying credit boom, and especially lax fiscal policies, now set to be replaced by a stricter regimen of fiscal consolidation," the bank said.

"After rising strongly this year, public consumption growth is expected to slow down significantly in 2005-2006, yet remain a positive contributor to GDP growth, as the new government embarks upon a ''soft adjustment'' effort to bring its finances under control," it noted.

Private consumption is expected to remain the key driver of GDP growth over the forecast horizon; with a relative deceleration taking place from 2006 as rapid wage growth eases and consumers gradually embarks upon a de-leveraging effort to improve their finances.

Net exports are expected to continue exerting a negative, if diminishing, drag on GDP growth over the forecast horizon, the report said.

On wider domestic issues, such as pension reform and labor-market reform, the government has said it will refrain from making any changes any time soon, presumably in a bid to appease the labor movement and other social groups, it added.

[14] General Consumer Price Index up 3.1 per cent in November, NSS reports

Athens 10/12/2004 (ANA)

According to the NSS, the rise was chiefly fuelled by the rising cost of rents, house repair and maintenance, alcoholic beverages and tobacco, foods and beverages, health service costs, vehicles, vehicle maintenance and fuel, restaurant and hotel services, among others.

[15] Greek firms wary of corporate social responsibility, study shows

Athens 10/12/2004 (ANA)

Conducted with the Economic University of Athens, the study shows that most domestic firms limit social responsibility to acts of philanthropy, the main reason for which is to improve the company's image.

At the same time, the majority of firms said they beloved the importance of corporate social responsibility would increase over the next five years.

A desire to improve a company's image was seen as the main pressure for adoption of corporate social responsibility in the future, according to the study.

[16] Industry chief wants simpler corporate law

Greece needs simpler, more effective corporate legislation as current legal complexities and red tape act as a disincentive to business, the head of the Federation of Greek Industry, Odysseas Kyriakopoulos, said on Thursday.

"There are overlapping provisions in national and European Union law in many areas that have an immediate impact on companies," Kyriakopoulos told a meeting in the Belgian capital held by the European UNICE employers' association.

"Discussion (on competitiveness) in Greece focuses on the internal angle. We should be looking at what's happening around us, making comparisons and assessing the repercussions of our decisions and our laws on the economy," said Kyriakopoulos, who is also the deputy president of UNICE.

Taking part in the event on competitiveness were more than 800 business leaders from around Europe.

[17] PAME members and construction workers hold rally in central Athens

Athens 10/12/2004 (ANA)

The assembled directed a warning to the government that they will oppose any measures which harm their labor, social insurance and financial rights.

After the rally, a march was held to the Labor and Social Protection Ministry where a PAME delegation met with the ministry's secretary general to whom they handed a resolution calling on the government to implement its pre-election promises for the protection of working people, the small and medium-size enterprises, the immigrants and Greek businesses.

[18] Stocks slip in profit-taking

Athens 10/12/2004 (ANA)

The Athens general share index closed at 2,692.93 points, posting a drop of 0.24%. Turnover was 170.5 million euros.

The FTSE/ASE-20 index for high capitalization shares ended 0.01% down; the FTSE/ASE-40 for medium cap stocks closed 1.17% down; and the FTSE/ASE-80 for small cap shares finished 0.54% percent lower.

Of stocks traded, declines led advances at 187 to 89 with 79 remaining unchanged.

[19] Palli-Petralia speaks about post-Olympic Greece at Columbia University

NEW YORK 10/12/2004 (ANA/P.Panayiotou)

Palli-Petralia talked about Olympic preparations and the governmental plan for Games security. "The Games must serve as a starting point for new development," she emphasized.

The minister referred to all aspects of the Games, including infrastructure projects, volunteerism and the actual staging, emphasizing IOC President Jacques Rogge's opinion that they were "unforgettable dream Games."

She also presented information regarding the first plan for utilizing Olympic projects post-Games, providing specific facts and figures that prove the benefits Greece has reaped as a result.

The event was co-organized by Columbia's Hellenic Studies Program and the Group of Greek Students.

[20] Chinese media praise Greek handling of non-accredited journalists during Athens Games

Athens 10/12/2004 (ANA)

Articles in Chinese newspapers and television programs dedicated to the Beijing Olympics stressed on Thursday that Livadas, who was in charge of the Zappion Press Centre during the Athens Games, presented the Greek experience and know how during his official visit to Beijing's Olympic Press Centre at the invitation of the vice-president of the Beijing Olympics Organizing Committee.

[21] Orfanos comments on MINEPS IV conference

Athens 10/12/2004 (ANA)

"The conference's most important achievement was the agreement to place under the 'UNESCO umbrella' both government and non-government organizations, as well as the effort for better quality of life throughout the world, through physical education, education and sports. It is evident that all countries want a world of sports which will promote morals and sports ideals; which will lead to 'clean' victory and will, at the same time, guide younger generations to a different way of life through sports," Orfanos said.

[22] Patriarch of Alexandria receives warm welcome in Iraklio

Athens 10/12/2004 (ANA)

Theodoros expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome he received and said that his visit marked one of the happiest moments in his life.

"I came not only to visit you, but on a pilgrimage. To say a big 'thank you' to you, to the blessed people of Crete and to shortly return to the great African continent," Theodoros said.

"I will return to Africa with more strength, with more joy and hope because I look at the sky, I have God by my side, I see your faces, all of Crete is with me. Thank you; Jesus bless you," he added.

Afterwards, Theodoros went to the church of St. Minas where he was greeted by Mayor of Iraklio Yiannis Kourakis. The mayor emphasized that on occasion of Theodoros' visit, the people of Crete have the opportunity to express their love to the patriarch.

Theodoros spoke about his life in the Church, the difficult work he's been called upon to carry out and about his childhood years. He also referred to the difficulties facing the Ecumenical Patriarchate and Phanar.

Additionally, Theodoros conveyed the message of love Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos sent to the people of Crete.

[23] Education minister meets with students; discusses human rights

Athens 10/12/2004 (ANA)

Yiannakou emphasized that "it is through education that one learns that all people are equal regardless of sex, race, religion, nationality, political or sexual preferences." She added that the ministry will not allow any room for doubt that things are otherwise.

"It will be as is stated in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights," she concluded.

[24] Prestige captain thanks Justice Minister for enabling him to return home

Athens 10/12/2004 (ANA)

For the past two years, Magouras has been detained in Spain and subsequently placed under house arrest, charged for the pollution of Spanish shores following the sinking of the oil carrier Prestige.

[25] Macedonia-Thrace Hunting Assn alarmed over Lake Koroneia environmental disaster

Athens 10/12/2004 (ANA)

In September, more than 30,000 birds of 39 different species and an unknown number of fish, died at the lake. The cause of the ecological disaster has been confirmed as being the bacteria Clostridium Botulinum (type C) and the toxin it produces. The hunting association members warned that unless polluting of the lake ceases, its future appears bleak.

In order to raise public awareness, the association will organize an exhibit at the Port of Thessaloniki in March 2005, with photos of the ecological disaster that occurred at the lake in September.

[26] Cyprus President: No moves on the question of Cyprus

NICOSIA 10/12/2004 (CNA/ANA)

''I wish there were some movement in the Cyprus issue,'' he told journalists who had suggested there was, following Wednesday's request by the UN Secretary General for funds to subsidise his special adviser and his team for 2005, should some movement towards a political settlement resume.

President Papadopoulos said Kofi Annan's request for such funding was a matter of routine, which happens on an annual basis.

Echoing the president's remarks, his Spokesman Kypros Chrysostomides said Annan's request to the fifth Committee of the UN General Assembly is a ''standard procedure'' to tackle any eventuality.

[27] UN: SG's report for 5th Committee a technical document

UNITED NATIONS 10/12/2004 (CNA/ANA)

The UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan has asked the 5th Committee of the UN General Assembly to allocate an estimated 532,700 net or 576,500 dollars gross funds for a Special Adviser to the Secretary-General on Cyprus and his staff.

In his report to the committee, the Secretary General says he does not see any basis for resuming his good offices, noting however that it is imperative that the SG's good offices mission retains readiness during 2005 to re-engage in Cyprus when needed.

Asked to comment on the UN SG's reference as regards the need for a governmental coalition, towards the objective to achieve a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem the spokesperson said:

''This is a technical document produced for the 5th committee of the General Assembly for funding purposes. It is not a policy document''.

The Secretary General's views on the way forward in the Cyprus issue are well known, the spokesperson concluded.

[28] Cyprus Spokesman hopes issue of recognition will be settled

NICOSIA 10/12/2004 (CNA/ANA)

''Cyprus anticipates to have its own expectations met as far as Turkey's accession course is concerned,'' he said, adding that the European Union operates on the basis of the best possible consensus and compromises.

He reiterated that Nicosia has no wish to exercise its right of veto to block the start of membership talks with Ankara as a Europe-orientated Turkey would serve everybody's interests.

''However, we do seek to satisfy certain conditions. Turkey should help us so that we can help in this direction as well,'' he added.

Responding to questions, he said the revised draft of the European Council conclusions does not satisfy Nicosia because there is no concrete commitment on the part of Turkey and no specific timeframe for the signing of the protocol to extend the Ankara Agreement to include Cyprus as well as.

Turkey has so far refused to extend the Agreement to Cyprus, as an EU member, in spite of calls by Brussels that this needs to be done. The Republic of Cyprus is seeking to have Ankara recognize it, as the latter is looking for a positive vote from the former.

Invited to comment on statements from the EU Dutch presidency that a formula would be found to satisfy everybody, Chrysostomides noted the current EU president is in touch with all member states and must have some indication that there would be an agreement on the matter.

The EU is set to decide at next week's summit, December 16-17, whether Turkey will start membership talks. The Commission has recommended that it does.

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