Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 04-12-22

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

CONTENTS

[01] Athens again reiterates Ankara's obligation to sign customs union protocol before accession talks begin

[02] Kaloyiannis attends EU Council of Environment Ministers meeting

[03] Statements by Turkish PM Erdogan on the Cyprus issue

[04] Turkish industrialists on EU summit decision to grant Turkey commencement date for EU accession negotiations

[05] Inner cabinet considers religious education matters

[06] Justice minister presents draft bill for faster justice system

[07] Karamanlis meets with outgoing US ambassador

[08] New British ambassador presents credentials

[09] Turkish patrol boat entered Greek territorial waters near Imia islets, Greek armed forces confirm

[10] Development ministry offers 6.1 mln euros to companies for IT programs

[11] Tourism minister presents international promotional campaign for Greek tourism

[12] Hellenic Telecoms ready for full privatization, CEO says

[13] European Commission pursues infringement proceedings against Greece over VAT

[14] Unemployment in 2nd quarter of 2004 reaches 10.2 per cent, according to data

[15] Greek stocks end lower on profit taking

[16] Liapis discusses Transport and Communications Ministry's plans for 2005

[17] Weekend restrictions on trucks on national highways extended throughout year

[18] Athens prefecture to spend 11-million-plus euros on anti-flooding works

[19] Defense ministry to announce safety and hygiene measures for army camps

[20] President of the republic inaugurates exhibition on 30 years since 1975 Hellenic Constitution

[21] PSAT awards Greek national soccer team

[22] EU President says Turkey must sign customs union protocol

[23] Annan Plan cannot be brought to a referendum as it is, Cyprus says

[24] Cyprus spokesman says Turkey must meet its obligations to EU

[25] Blair says Ankara Agreement not formal recognition of Cyprus

[01] Athens again reiterates Ankara's obligation to sign customs union protocol before accession talks begin

Athens, 22/12/2004 (ANA)

Turkish leadership last week promised to sign the protocol ahead of an October 2005 date for such talks to commence -- a long-coveted goal of Turkish foreign policy for some four decades.

On his part, government spokesman Thodoris Roussopoulos emphasized that the issue does not only concern Greece, but all of the 25 EU member-states.

Furthermore, he said both the Cypriot and Greek governments are ready to discuss a solution for the long-standing Cyprus problem as long as it is a fair and just solution -- including a condition that the invader (Turkey) not be rewarded for his transgression.

In a related development, Roussopoulos said the Greek government achieved better conditions in the recent Brussels summit than the milestone Helsinki summit of 1999.

Among others, he reiterated that Greece recognizes only the delineation of the Aegean's continental shelf as an outstanding difference with Turkey, a steadfast Greek position that, therefore, considers all other "differences" as unilateral Turkish claims.

Roussopoulos noted that ongoing talks refer only to the Aegean continental shelf, whereas a previous reference in the Helsinki text to "related issues" was deleted in the Brussels text so as not to generate erroneous impressions of "grey zones" in the Aegean.

Finally, asked if the European Council will be briefed on the latest violations of Greek airspace by Turkish warplanes, Roussopoulos said the Union will only be briefed over the course of bilateral contacts (Greece and Turkey) regarding the continental shelf issue.

[02] Kaloyiannis attends EU Council of Environment Ministers meeting

BRUSSELS 22/12/2004 (ANA/M. Spinthourakis)

Specifically, the first legislative proposal concerns access to information, the participation of the public in decision-taking and to access to justice on environmental issues. The Greek deputy environment minister backed the regulation proposal, stressing that access to environmental information and the participation of the public in decision-taking contributes to the implementation of the above objectives, improving the quality of decisions.

The second legislative proposal concerns a directive proposal for electrical polls and batteries and their refuse.

The political agreement which was achieved at the Environment Ministers Council was based in the special majority voting. Greece declared abstention from the vote and submitted a statement in which is noted that the objectives adopted are finally not realistic.

[03] Statements by Turkish PM Erdogan on the Cyprus issue

ANKARA 22/12/2004 (ANA/A. Abatzis)

In statements broadcast on Monday night by the Turkish television network CNN Turk, the Turkish prime minister replied to the question "are you starting a new procedure for a solution?" Erdogan said:"It can start. This procedure will concern either two separate states, or as the Annan plan foresees, the United Republic of Cyprus."

In reply to a question if the plan by UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan for a political solution of the Cyprus issue is still valid, the Turkish prime minister said: "At this moment it is not valid. Already, there is the opposite opinion of Southern Cyprus. But this is not due to the fact that we, Greece, Northern Cyprus or England say that the plan is finished. This is referred in the plan itself. In other words, it refers that if the plan is not voted in the two sides in the referendum of April 24, then it will be dropped from the agenda."

[04] Turkish industrialists on EU summit decision to grant Turkey commencement date for EU accession negotiations

Istanbul 22/12/2004 (ANA/A. Kourkoulas)

TUSIAD, in an announcement on Tuesday, said that the Brussels EU summit decision deplored the Republic of Cyprus' attempt to "coerce recognition" by Turkey, and contributed to the restoration of the balances that had been disrupted in Turkey's course to the EU.

TUSIAD further called on the international community, and primarily the EU, to exercise "effective pressure on the government of southern Cyprus", as it called the internationally-recognized government of the Republic of Cyprus.

It also said it considered the with the EU summit's December 17 decision -- to grant Turkey a commencement date for its EU accession negotiations in mid-October 2005 -- "a new historic period is commencing for Turkey".

The decision to commence accession negotiations was the result of "the successful reforms introduced by our (the Turkish) government and the effective diplomacy it exercised," TUSIAD said in the announcement, which was issued in Istanbul.

[05] Inner cabinet considers religious education matters

Athens, 22/12/2004 (ANA)

According to Education Minister Marietta Yiannakou, a relevant bill upgrading the sector will be tabled in Parliament next month, and following talks with other parties.

[06] Justice minister presents draft bill for faster justice system

Athens, 22/12/2004 (ANA)

The minister stressed that the present, long-drawn-out justice system kept thousands of Greeks hostages of the judicial system and also established, through delays that often bordered on a denial of justice, a regime of quasi-immunity from punishment with multiple negative repercussions.

He said the draft bill prepared by the ministry was the 'foundation stone' for changing the speed at which justice was administered. Its aim was to reduce the court workload by decriminalizing certain minor offences, speeding up court procedure and simplifying criminal procedure prior to trial, as well as harmonizing Greek legislation with that in Europe and adapting Greek law to the terminology of the European Court of Human Rights.

Under the new draft bill, roughly 1,800 prisoners jailed for misdemeanors could be released. It abolishes criminal proceedings for minor debts less than 1,000 euros to the state and social insurance funds, lesser violations of the traffic code, and stops prosecution of all minor offences for which the maximum penalty is up to one year in prison or a fine.

It also causes all prison sentences up to six months that have not yet been carried out to lapse, on condition that those convicted have not committed another deliberate offence within the space of 18 months, converts prison sentences for misdemeanors that have not yet been carried out to fines and provides for the release of all prisoners serving prison sentences for misdemeanors if their sentence is for up to two years and they have served at least one quarter.

The draft bill also simplifies the process of issuing a divorce, stops automatic prosecution of bankruptcy, refers stock market fraud cases directly to three-member courts and increases the maximum penalty for those considered responsible for accidents with multiple fatalities from five years to 10 years.

Finally, court sessions are extended by one hour, while other articles determine what kind of case is heard by which court and set time limits for civil court proceedings.

[07] Karamanlis meets with outgoing US ambassador

Athens, 22/12/2004 (ANA)

Asked whether he sees a new initiative being taken on the Cyprus issue, Miller replied that the US is greatly interested in the Cyprus issue. However, with the new US administration waiting to be sworn in, he said it would be best to wait.

The US ambassador also stressed that "we all aim to find a solution to the problem that has been going on for 30 years," but pointed out that the challenge is not agreeing on what the goal is, but on agreeing on a 'road map' that will lead to achieving the goal.

Asked whether a solution could be found before October 3, 2005 when Turkey is due to begin EU accession talks, Miller said that it is dangerous to talk about dates, but said that "we would all like to see a solution, as soon as is practically possible."

[08] New British ambassador presents credentials

Athens, 22/12/2004 (ANA)

According to a press release by the British embassy in the Greek capital, Gass was until recently director of resources at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. He succeeds Sir David Madden in the post. Gass has served in Athens previously, as second secretary and later first secretary, from 1984 -1987.

According to a press release, he was born in 1956 and joined the diplomatic service in 1977 after studying law at the University of Reading.

During his career Gass served at the High Commission in Lagos and at the High Commission in Pretoria, South Africa as deputy High Commissioner. He also served at the British embassy in Rome.

Gass speaks and writes Greek. He is married to Marianne Gass, and the couple has three children.

[09] Turkish patrol boat entered Greek territorial waters near Imia islets, Greek armed forces confirm

Athens, 22/12/2004 (ANA)

The spokesman said that the patrol boat came within 200m of the eastern Imia islets and was immediately flanked by a Greek coastguard vessel, which ordered it to leave the area. The Turkish vessel exited Greek territorial waters at 13:50 bound northward, while its course was being monitored at a distance by a Greek Navy gunboat, he added.

The tiny group of rocky islets in January 1996 was the focus of the most serious rift in relations between Greece and Turkey in recent history, with the two sides on the brink of armed conflict, when the Turkish government of that time disputed Greek sovereignty of the islands and the surrounding sea.

Meanwhile, violations of Greek airspace and infringements of the Athens Flight Information Region by Turkish planes continued on Tuesday, with four formations of Turkish fighter jets flying above the Aegean Sea without submitting flight plans to the Athens control tower, while on three occasions they entered Greek airspace above the north Aegean.

The Turkish aircraft, which included two aerial reconnaissance planes and one fully-armed jet, were in each case intercepted by Greek Airforce jets.

[10] Development ministry offers 6.1 mln euros to companies for IT programs

Athens, 22/12/2004 (ANA)

A total of 1,689 applications were submitted with the program during the last two years and the ministry hopes to complete approval of business plans by the end of the first quarter 2005.

The business plans aim to upgrade companies' information systems or to install new computer systems.

The ministry aims to complete a second round of the program "Electronic Business", which includes 2,012 applications and 1,844 projects budgeted at 177.5 million euros.

[11] Tourism minister presents international promotional campaign for Greek tourism

Athens, 22/12/2004 (ANA)

He stressed that the campaign, which cost 31.9 million euros for the central advertising campaign and an additional 28 billion euros for subsidiary actions, was beginning in good time and that tourism was being upgraded to a key developmental lever for Greece.

The minister said the campaign sought to cash in on the 'added value' arising from Greece's successful organization of the Athens Olympics, highlighting the quality of the services on offer in an environment of absolute safety.

The campaign includes a 15-second television advertisement targeting international audiences and a poster whose central slogan are "Live your myth in Greece" and a TV ad for the domestic market with the slogan "Staying in Greece".

[12] Hellenic Telecoms ready for full privatization, CEO says

Athens, 22/12/2004 (ANA)

Speaking to reporters, during a news conference, Vourloumis said that an early retirement program launched by the organization's board was facing some problems but a dialogue with workers was continuing. He stressed that broadband services was a top priority for Hellenic Telecoms and noted that a procedure to transfer the shares of Bulgarian and FYROM mobile telephony operator subsidiaries to Cosmote was currently under way.

Vourloumis added there were no plans for Hellenic Telecoms to absorb Cosmote.

[13] European Commission pursues infringement proceedings against Greece over VAT

BRUSSELS 22/12/2004 (ANA/B.Demiris)

Specifically in Greece, members of ELPA - the roadside assistance body - pay an annual flat-rate subscription which ensures supply of the breakdown service in the event of problems. The Commission considers that the conditions laid down by the Court of Justice for part of the fee to be considered the provision of insurance services are fulfilled. The provision of insurance services is exempt under the 6th VAT Directive (77/388/EEC), but Greece charges VAT on the full membership subscription.

As for the issue of a tax representative, Greek legislation imposes on non-established taxable persons who are established within the Community the obligation of appointing a fiscal advisor, accountant or advisor to fulfill the tax obligations of the non-established taxable person. Moreover, the legislation imposes the obligation of maintaining accounts in Greece and within the territory of the competent tax office.

Greece also makes it imperative for tax declarations to be signed by an economics graduate with a license to act as an accountant or tax consultant who must certify that the transposition of the declared operations is accurate. This latter obligation applies to all businesses keeping accounts, as well as to businesses that apply a single entry system (revenue and expenditure accounts), where the amounts exceed � 300,000 for the supply of goods and � 150,000 for the provision of services.

With regard to the appointment of a tax representative, the 6th VAT Directive, following its amendment by Directive 2000/65/EC, establishes that member states may allow non-established taxable persons who are established within another member state to appoint a tax representative. The appointment is always optional for the trader and never an obligation imposed by the member state.

As for the obligation of keeping accounts in Greece, this means that the non-established trader has only two options: he/she must either appoint a tax representative (which, imposed as an obligation, would be contrary to the 6th Directive) or he/she must establish a fixed place of establishment in Greece (which could be contrary to the freedom of movement of goods and the freedom to provide services established under the EC Treaty).

Finally, the obligation of having the tax declarations signed by an economics graduate with a license to act as an accountant or tax consultant goes beyond the options allowed to member states under the 6th VAT Directive.

If Greece fails to bring its legislation in line within two months of receipt of the reasoned opinion, the Commission could take the matter to the Court of Justice.

[14] Unemployment in 2nd quarter of 2004 reaches 10.2 per cent, according to data

Athens, 22/12/2004 (ANA)

Unemployment affects mostly the youth (aged between 15-29), while the long-term unemployed (more than 12 months) constitute 56.1 per cent of the total unemployed.

In the first quarter of 2004 the percentage of unemployment was 11.3 per cent and the drop in unemployment to 10.2 per cent in the second quarter of 2004 is attributed to an increase in employment due to preparations of the Olympic Games projects.

According to the data, the groups most affected from unemployment are youth aged between 15-29 and young women. Specifically, the percentage of unemployed in youth aged between 15-29 reaches 20.2 per cent, while for women of the same age unemployment comes to 27.5 per cent.

Unemployed higher education graduates amounts to 12.4 per cent, those with secondary school education 11.9 per cent, while the same percentage (11.9 per cent) concerns the unemployed who have no education.

[15] Greek stocks end lower on profit taking

Athens, 22/12/2004 (ANA)

The general index fell 0.84 percent to close at 2,708.33 points, while turnover was a moderate 163 million euros, of which 45 million euros were block trades.

The FTSE/ASE 20 index dropped 1.0 percent to end at 1,498.36 points, the FTSE/ASE MID 40 index rose 0.05 percent to close at 2,267.36 points and the FTSE/ASE 80 index eased 0.64 percent to 461.06 points.

Hellenic Telecoms, OPAP, Piraeus Leasing, Eurobank and Cosmote were the most heavily traded stocks of the day, while Emporiki Bank, Eurobank, National Bank, Piraeus Bank, Alpha Bank and OTE suffered losses.

Broadly, decliners led advancers by 161 to 109 with another 111 issues unchanged.

The Insurance, Textile, Publications and Bank sectors suffered the heaviest percentage losses of the day, while Intralot, Germanos and Folli Follie scored price gains.

[16] Liapis discusses Transport and Communications Ministry's plans for 2005

Athens, 22/12/2004 (ANA)

Specifically, Liapis said that he would hold two major meetings with relevant authorities in order to promote and implement the measures necessary for improving road safety and reducing traffic accidents. Liapis said that discussions should be over by the end of February.

As for legislation concerning the ministry, Liapis said that a telecommunications bill and for establishing five transit centers throughout the country initially, are on the agenda. The latter bill will be based on the bill proposed by former Transport and Communications Minister Christos Verelis, but with changes. Additionally, Liapis said that the bill for the creation of a single transport organization is also in the pipeline.

The minister also announced that in early 2005, he will be meeting with the EU Transport Commissioner Jacques Barrot regarding Olympic Airlines, estimating that the issue of its privatization should be finalized within the first quarter of 2005.

Finally, Liapis said that the first test run of the Suburban Railway from Larissa Station to Corinth will be conducted in January, while the railway will begin operating in the spring of 2005.

[17] Weekend restrictions on trucks on national highways extended throughout year

Athens, 22/12/2004 (ANA)

Liapis said that the restrictions will be extended in the summer months by one hour, both during the weekend exodus and return.

More specifically, trucks weighing more than 1.5 tons will be prohibited from circulating on the national highways from 3:00 in the afternoon to 9:00 p.m. on Fridays, and from 3:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. on Sundays.

During the winter months, the ban will be in effect from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Fridays and from 3:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on Sundays.

Also, the ban will be in effect on all holidays, meaning on the eve of the holiday and on the day of the holiday, respectively.

Voulgarakis announces increased policing to ensure road safety during holidays: Public Order Minister George Voulgarakis asked for drivers' cooperation during the holidays to ensure avoidance of traffic accidents on Tuesday when he presented a 'patrol program' throughout the country's road network.

According to the minister, the program includes 24-hour policing, particularly at dangerous sections of the national highway, such as Patras - Athens - Thessaloniki - Evzoni. Nineteen traffic police departments will police these sections, with officers on foot, 126 police cars and 33 motorcycles. Police helicopters will also be flying over these areas in order to ensure better cooperation between coordination centers.

Special police crews will be checking roads for drivers who are speeding or otherwise violating the traffic code.

Special measures will also be taken in areas that have frequently been accident sites, such as Maliakos, Tempi, Kakia Skala, Egio, Xylokastro, Asprovalta, Agrinio, and others.

The program will be in force from December 22 through January 9.

[18] Athens prefecture to spend 11-million-plus euros on anti-flooding works

Athens, 22/12/2004 (ANA)

The projects selected include the construction of storm drains and extension of existing networks in a number of Athens suburbs.

According to Sgouros, more than nine billion euros would be needed to ensure full protection from flooding for Athens. Given the gravity of the situation, however, he said the prefecture had for the first time decided to allocate its own funds for anti-flooding measures in order to protect peoples' lives and property.

He said the prefecture had pinpointed 250 locations in various areas of Athens where rainwater tended to collect and create local flooding and that the prefecture had commissioned surveys to record the present state of affairs in the Athens drains network, create a complete record of water courses and problems linked to insufficient drainage for these.

[19] Defense ministry to announce safety and hygiene measures for army camps

Athens, 22/12/2004 (ANA)

He said mixed working groups set up in cooperation with the employment ministry had been sent to carry out inspections and make recommendations, and that all that remained now was to announce the measures they proposed.

The minister said that follow-up inspections will be held at regular intervals to check whether the measures were being implemented.

[20] President of the republic inaugurates exhibition on 30 years since 1975 Hellenic Constitution

Athens, 22/12/2004 (ANA)

The exhibition, which will last until the end of 2005 and was addressed by Parliament President Anna Psarouda-Benaki, is housed at the Greek Parliament.

[21] PSAT awards Greek national soccer team

Athens, 22/12/2004 (ANA)

"We were far away from Greece and we didn't realize what was going on here. When we returned it was unbelievable; we didn't expect such a welcome. I believe we did the best we could," soccer player Angelos Bassinas said, speaking on behalf of the team's players.

"I thank the team for this historic success. We felt that Greeks all over the world embraced the team. The national team was good not only on the field, but the athletes were good ambassadors outside the field as well," Rehhagel said, thanking Hellenic Football Federation (EPO) President Vassilis Gagatsis and Secretary General Yiannis Economidis for their support throughout the 2004 European Championship.

Upon receiving his award, Zagorakis thanked PSAT and said that it was a great honor for him. "This team made, and will make in the future, Greeks proud," he said, thanking his teammates, coaches, EPO and everyone who attended the games in Portugal.

[22] EU President says Turkey must sign customs union protocol

BRUSSELS 22/12/2004 (CNA/ANA)

Speaking at a meeting with the political groups in the European Parliament, during which they assessed the results of last week's EU summit in Brussels, Balkenende said the signing of the protocol was not an official recognition of the Republic of Cyprus but a necessary first step in that direction.

Balkenende added that on December 16 there was an intense dialogue with the Turkish side, which was asking for things other than those in paragraph 19 of the conclusions (which referred to the recognition of Cyprus).

The European Council President said he told Ankara that the protocol must be signed by October 3rd.

He also said ''it would be good if the parties involved would make use of the good offices of the United Nations which Secretary General Kofi Annan last Friday once again put on offer.''

''I would like to express my wholehearted hope that we would be able to make a contribution to resolving the complex so-called Cyprus issue. We need to make sure that the opportunity is available and is made use of to the best possible extent,'' Balkenende added.

[23] Annan Plan cannot be brought to a referendum as it is, Cyprus says

NICOSIA 22/12/2004 (CNA/ANA)

Asked to comment on a US State Department statement that the solution plan for Cyprus is the Annan plan, Chrysostomides said ''it is not possible to put the Annan plan, as it is, before the people of Cyprus in a referendum."

On remarks by Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan that a new process will start for Cyprus in 2005, the spokesman said that Turkey's premier ''has not given any evidence of a shift in his attitude as far as the promotion of a settlement is concerned."

Responding to a remark that Tayyip Erdogan also said that Turkey would recognize the Greek Cypriots if they accept the Annan Plan, the spokesman reiterated: ''the Annan Plan cannot be returned before the Cyprus people."

''What is expected to come back is an agreed solution. A prerequisite for a referendum would be an agreement between the parties on a specific plan," the spokesman added.

Responding to questions about Greek Cypriot expectations with regard to the resumption of talks, the spokesman said this will be decided by President Tassos Papadopoulos and the National Council, which convenes on Wednesday.

State Department: The Annan Plan is the plan for a Cyprus settlement: The solution plan for Cyprus is the Annan Plan, US State Department spokesman Richard Boucher has said.

Replying to questions at his briefing on Monday Boucher said: ''as far as having a plan to solve the Cyprus problem, there is a plan.

There has been a plan, the Annan Plan. We supported it. The Turkish Cypriots voted in favor. The Greek Cypriots voted against."

He reiterated the US wish ''to see the parties resolve their differences on that basis," but noted that ''at this point, that's kind of where we stand."

[24] Cyprus spokesman says Turkey must meet its obligations to EU

NICOSIA 22/12/2004 (CNA/ANA)

He also said that Nicosia would insist on Turkey complying with its obligations towards the EU, including Cyprus.

On the question of Cyprus, the spokesman pointed out that the start of accession negotiations between the EU and Turkey is a different thing from the effort to settle the island's political problem.

''The EU, its member states, including the Republic of Cyprus, are the masters of timeframes (set by the Union). We shall not facilitate Turkey in any attempt to avoid the concrete commitments it has undertaken towards the EU and Cyprus,'' Chrysostomides said.

Responding to questions, he said Nicosia wants the protocol to adapt the Ankara Agreement (customs union agreement) to be signed as soon as possible and long before October 3, a date set by the EU to begin membership talks with Turkey provided the protocol is signed by that date.

He said the Greek Cypriot side is acting in a way that would create those necessary conditions that would allow negotiations to start for a final settlement whereas Ankara is trying to connect this will its European obligations, as these were decided at last week's summit in Brussels.

The spokesman said Turkey has ''many obligations'' to meet emanating from the Brussels summit conclusions and explained that signing the customs union agreement would mean full development of trade and economic relations with EU members, something he said would lead to normalizing ties between Nicosia and Ankara.

Turkey, whose troops occupy Cyprus' northern areas for the past 30 years, does not recognize the Republic and said it would not before a political settlement is achieved.

On the political front, the spokesman said that attempts for a settlement through the UN are expected to be facilitated by developments within the EU and to act as a catalyst in that they will create new decisive conditions based on European principles, which Turkey can no longer deny.

[25] Blair says Ankara Agreement not formal recognition of Cyprus

LONDON 22/12/2004 (CNA/ANA)

He furthermore supports efforts to create the preconditions that would lead to fresh talks towards a Cyprus settlement and direct flights to the Turkish occupied areas of the island, although he admits this would be difficult. He also believes the issue of property in the occupied areas can be solved only in the framework of a comprehensive settlement.

Speaking before the House of Commons on Monday regarding last week's European Council conclusions, Blair said ''the Turkish Prime Minister, Mr. Erdogan, confirmed during the European Council that he was ready to sign before October 3 the protocol to the Ankara agreement extending the EU and Turkey customs union to the 10 new EU member states,'' noting that this ''does not constitute formal legal recognition of the Republic of Cyprus.''

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