Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 05-05-24

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

CONTENTS

[01] Gov't expresses satisfaction with PM's visit to Washington last week

[02] European component a constant in Greek foreign policy, FM Spokesman asserts

[03] Gov't considers issue revolving around interior minister's former aide as over

[04] The Communist Party of Greece mourns the loss of its former leader

[05] Main opposition PASOK leader attends Socialist International Council meeting in Tel Aviv

[06] Greece supports Spanish initiative to boost navy's role in EU defense

[07] FM Molyviatis to meet Cypriot counterpart Iacovou on Tuesday

[08] Public Order Secretary General to visit Austria

[09] Main opposition party accuses gov't of partisanship

[10] Ecumenical Patriarch and Patriarch Irineos have private meeting in Fanar

[11] FinMin Alogoskoufis briefs PM Karamanlis on Japan visit

[12] Japanese tourism to Greece projected to rise 10 per cent in 2005, Greek minister told

[13] Outstanding issues concerning Greek deficit to be settled before September, Commission says

[14] Tug-of-war in EU cash allocation talks, minister says

[15] Tourism minister to Egypt for talks on forging sector alliance

[16] 'THRAKI 2005' exhibition comes to a successful close

[17] Gov't to encourage use of bio-fuel

[18] Stocks drop in lackluster trade

[19] Eurovision winner receives warm welcome upon arrival

[20] Alternate gov't spokesman Antonaros attends event in Frankfurt on Athens 2004 Olympic Games

[21] Greek Cypriot consultations with UN considered positive

[01] Gov't expresses satisfaction with PM's visit to Washington last week

Athens, 24/5/2005 (ANA)

Government spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos noted that the premier will first brief the president of the republic over results of his talks with US leadership, following by briefings of the country's political leaders. Roussopoulos accompanied Karamanlis on his US visit.

During his regular press briefing, the spokesman highlighted Bush's comment of a "strategic partnership" with Greece, as well as the latter's praise for the two countries' bilateral cooperation.

"We hadn't been accustomed (in the past) to seeing such gestures, quite the opposite, I would say," Roussopoulos said.

Queried about closer ties with Washington vis-a-vis the fight against international terrorism by Islamist groups, Roussopoulos said:

"An international effort has existed since the end of the 1980s to expand democracy. Our country, which gave birth to democracy, has played a significant role in the this effort, both in the Balkans and in the wider Middle East region ... Greece considers that this effort should not be restricted only to the greater Middle East, but should be of a longer duration and involve a greater geo-political area," he said, adding:

"This initiative is developing in numerous ways, and it's a happy coincidence that Greece has just concluded its successful chairmanship of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation Organization (BSEC) while at the same time assuming the (rotating) presidency of the South East Europe Co-operation Process (SEECP)," Roussopoulos reminded, while stressing Athens' continuous efforts at ending the Balkan peninsula's unfavorable portrayal as "Europe's powder keg".

Finally, Roussopoulos again emphasized Athens' disagreement with Washington's abrupt recognition last November of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) as simply "Macedonia", a name sternly opposed by Athens and the only remaining thorn in otherwise excellent Greek-FYROM relations.

"We trust that the United States will buttress the United Nations' effort at finding a solution (to the name issue)," he added.

PASOK calls on government to explain term "strategic partner of the U.S.': Main opposition Panhellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK) Spokesman Nikos Athanassakis and PASOK deputy Christos Papoutsis who is responsible for the party's foreign affairs, called on the government on Monday to explain what the term "strategic partner of the United States" means.

Referring to the Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis' talks with U.S. President George Bush at the White House last Friday and in reply to questions, Athanassakis said that the government gives particular weight to the term regarding "a strategic partner", adding that "these words must be explained" and called on the government "to declare if there is a change in relations with the United States, in what this change consists of and what is the role which the government expects for Greece."

Papoutsis spoke on the same lines, declaring: "They must tell us exactly what the strategic importance partner means. Greece has traditional good cooperation with the United States, but what we do not comprehend is what the strategic importance partner means when a few months ago the United States ignored the objectives of the Greek government on the matter of the name of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) and recognized it as 'Macedonia'."

[02] European component a constant in Greek foreign policy, FM Spokesman asserts

BRUSSELS 24/5/2005 (ANA/M.Spinthourakis)

Koumoutsakos' assertion came as a response to a journalist's question regarding Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis' recent US visit and whether it signifies a shift in Greek diplomacy from Europe to the US.

He also noted Greece's active role in efforts for European integration - including Greek Parliament's overwhelming support of the EU Constitution in a recent voting - saying that it is a source of strength for Greek diplomacy on the international political stage.

Mitsotakis says PM Karamanlis' visit to the U.S. was a 'complete success': Ruling New Democracy (ND) party Honorary President Costas Mitsotakis on Monday described Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis' visit to the United States where he held talks with U.S. President George Bush last week as a "complete success".

He told reporters: "Because in Greece we usually doubt everything, it would be well for us to be reasonable. It was undoubtedly a success."

[03] Gov't considers issue revolving around interior minister's former aide as over

Athens, 24/5/2005 (ANA)

Government spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos answered repeated questions on the matter during his regular press briefing, again reminding that the important thing is that the issue was resolved immediately when it arose.

Houpis was forced to resign after it was revealed that he served as an outside consultant to the Post Office bank regarding employment issues.

Roussopoulos, moreover, noted that it was the current government that rescinded a law (3154/03) passed by the previous government allowing for the "leasing" of employees to local government entities. Additionally, he charged that it was this law that allowed PASOK governments to hire individuals into the public sector outside the prescribed process.

In an unrelated development, Roussopoulos said the inner Cabinet will convene on Tuesday morning to focus on farm policy.

He added that Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis will receive the Greek delegation that won first place at Saturday's Eurovision song contest in the early afternoon, while successive meetings are planned later in the afternoon with the president of the Federation of Greek Industries, Odysseus Kyriakopoulos, and 3E (the Coca Cola bottler in Greece, among others) chairman George David.

[04] The Communist Party of Greece mourns the loss of its former leader

Athens, 24/5/2005 (ANA)

"It is with great emotion and sadness that the KKE Central Committee announces the death of KKE's honorary president Comrade Harilaos Florakis; the communist whose action has marked the Party's heroic struggle, the uphill road it has traveled for 87 years," the announcement read.

The Central Committee highlighted the life and work of Florakis in its statement, from his early role in KKE's youth organization at the age of 15 to his leadership role of KKE many years later.

"Comrade Harilaos Florakis' international activity was recognized and honored by many Communist Parties," the statement continued, referring to awards he received from the Soviet Union, East Germany and Bulgaria.

In 1954, Florakis was arrested and imprisoned until 1966 for his participation in KKE, which was then illegal. Florakis was also exiled in 1967 during the Greek dictatorship.

He fought in the Resistance and in the Greek civil war.

"One of the most characteristic periods which highlight Comrade Harilaos Florakis' contribution is the legalization of KKE in 1974, after 27 years of illegal existence," the Central Committee stated.

He died from heart failure at the age of 91 on Sunday.

Florakis 'farewell letter', in lieu of will, made public: The late veteran politician and former long-time leader of the Communist Party of Greece (KKE) Harilaos Florakis, who died Sunday aged 91 from cardiac arrest, had left a "farewell letter" dated September 1994, in lieu of a will, with KKE secretary general Aleka Papariga, which was made public on Monday.

"I will not call this piece of paper a will, because I have nothing to dispose of. Everything I had, I have given to the Party, the KKE, with its well-known symbols, its Marxist-Leninist ideology, its program and its principles," Florakis, who was honorary leader of the party since December 1991, when Aleka Papariga was elected to succeed him at the KKE helm, said in the letter.

"Politically, I also have nothing to leave. Everything I had, I gave with my specific action. I do not consider it serious to leave political recommendations. I wish to return to and be buried at my birthplace, (the village of) Paliozoglopi, and specifically at Aghis Elias...The tomb should be a simple one, with only a fencing to keep away the wild animals. I do not desire speeches and wreaths. These should be expressed in assistance to the Party. September 1994. Farewell, Harilaos Florakis," the letter read.

A KKE announcement said that Florakis' coffin would be lying in state at the KKE headquarters in Perissos on Tuesday from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., and on Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., while the farewell ceremony (civil funeral) would be held Wednesday evening at 6:00 at the KKE Central Committee building. Florakis will be laid to rest on Thursday afternoon at the village of Paliozoglopi, Itamos municipality, in the Thessaly region of Agrafa.

Parliament pays tribute to Florakis: Parliament on Monday evening honored the memory of Harilaos Florakis, a veteran politician and the Communist Party of Greece's (KKE) honorary president, with a one minute of silence.

The presidium of Parliament and the representatives of all the parties bid farewell with warm words to the ''great leader of the Left'' at the civil memorial service which preceded the minute of silence.

"Harilaos Florakis was faithful to the fundamental principles of Marxism, however this did not obstruct him to be open in his approaches with the other parties, not only with the relative parties of his political field but also with those which belonged to the rival camp," Parliament First Vice-President Sotiris Hatzidakis stressed.

Speaking on the behalf of the government was Merchant Marine Minister Manolis Kefaloyiannis who said that "one of the most important figures of the post-dictatorship which he marked with clarity of speech, has left."

Gov't issues condolences over the death of Florakis: The government on Monday expressed its condolences over the death of veteran politician and long-time Communist Party of Greece (KKE) leader Harilaos Florakis.

Government spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos added that Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis will also attend the funeral of Florakis, who died at his home over the weekend at the age of 91.

A state funeral service will take place on Wednesday at the KKE's headquarters in the Perissos district of Athens.

PASOK expresses condolences over death of former Communist leader: Main opposition PASOK Spokesman Nikos Athanassakis expressed his party's condolences over the death of the former leader of the Communist Party of Greece (KKE) Harilaos Florakis, in comments he made on Monday.

Athanassakis characterized Florakis as "an indefatigable fighter" who remained committed to his principles and ideals and earned the respect of political friends and rivals alike.

PASOK's spokesman also said that the party's President George Papandreou will try to change his schedule on Wednesday in order to attend Florakis' funeral. Papandreou is scheduled to speak at the EU's Regional Committee meeting in Brussels on Wednesday.

GSEE trade union expresses "deep sorrow" at death of Harilaos Florakis: The General Confederation of Employees of Greece (GSEE) on Monday expressed "deep sorrow" at the death of Harilaos Florakis, a veteran politician of the Greek Left and for many years the head of the Communist Party of Greece (KKE).

"Through his life and action, Harilaos Florakis left his mark on political developments and made the utmost contribution to the struggles of the working class and the trade union movement," a GSEE announcement said.

Archbishop Christodoulos expresses condolences over death of Florakis: Archbishop of Athens and All Greece Christodoulos in a statement on Monday expressed his condolences over the death on Sunday of Harilaos Florakis, a veteran politician and the Communist Party of Greece's (KKE) honorary president, at the age of 91.

The Archbishop described Florakis as a "modest" politician and said "I express my human sympathy, wishing that God rests his soul in heaven."

[05] Main opposition PASOK leader attends Socialist International Council meeting in Tel Aviv

TEL AVIV 24/5/2005 (ANA/P.Haritos)

"The fact that we are standing here among Palestinians and Israelis is a sign of a new beginning and new hope," Papandreou said.

"From time to time, I have participated in the region's peace-making process. I remember that when there was the slightest hint of dialogue or of the two sides wishing to meet, we would try and hang onto that, hoping that that small hope would open a window of opportunity. I therefore think that it is very important that we are here today," he added.

Papandreou referred to the Balkans and to Greek-Turkish relations as an example of countries which managed to improve relations with their neighbors through dialogue.

"Greece and Turkey could easily be characterized as historic enemies and that is something we wished to change. We had to confront those who did not want us to change things. We chose dialogue and good will," Papandreou said.

"We mustn't allow our peoples to be led by extremism. Our tradition and our civilization will be better protected not by building walls, but by actively participating in developments unfolding around us and cooperating with other civilizations. That, in my opinion, is the difference between conservative and progressive forces," he added.

Papandreou then referred to the improvement in Greek-Turkish ties, following the help and support they offered each other after the deadly earthquakes that hit both countries in 1999.

"The important thing was for the two peoples to come close together, even if it was under difficult circumstances," he noted.

"Socialist International must promote democracy. Democracy cannot be imposed. We can, however, create the conditions or rather the framework in which it [democracy] can be more effective," Papandreou said.

In order to create the conditions conducive to democracy, Papandreou cited the following as priorities: fighting corruption, ensuring equality among all citizens, ensuring freedom of the press, and disarmament.

Regarding disarmament, Papandreou again referred to the Balkans. "The Balkans faced this problem many times after crises. And the conclusion is simple: Democracy cannot function surrounded by armed groups and violent situations. This is a strong message for the issue which the Palestinian Authority is currently focusing on," he explained.

"Society and education are key factors in establishing Democracy," Papandreou said.

Concluding, Papandreou emphasized the importance of the EU's presence in the region.

Addressing SI President and former Portuguese PM Antonio Guterres, Papandreou said that Greece would be happy to host a meeting between Palestine's Fattah and Israel's Labor Party. The purpose of the meeting would be to examine in detail the issues on which the two sides differ and to possibly reach conclusions that could serve as the foundation for future negotiations among the two governments.

On the sidelines of the meeting, Papandreou met with various officials including Israeli Labor Party President Simon Peres, former Romanian PM Adrian Nastase and the leader of Turkey's Republican People's Party Deniz Baykal.

After the meeting, Papandreou left for Ramallah to attend a dinner hosted by Mahmoud Abbas, President of the Palestinian National Authority.

The SI Council meeting will conclude on Tuesday.

[06] Greece supports Spanish initiative to boost navy's role in EU defense

BRUSSELS 24/5/2005 (ANA/V.Demiris)

Spiliotopoulos made his comments at the EU General and External Affairs Council meeting, held in Brussels on Monday.

Regarding immediate reaction forces, the defense minister said that Greece is participating with Portugal in a Spanish-Italian formation, which will be ready to operate in the first half of 2006. He also noted that Greece heads another formation which is in the final stages of preparation.

Aside from developing the EU's autonomous military potential, the council also examined the issue of coordinating strategic transports, focusing on the creation of a coordination centre in Brussels. The centre would be responsible for coordinating the EU's strategic sea, air and ground transport.

The Greek defense minister noted that regarding sea transport, Greece has already made Athens' International Sea Transport Coordination Centre available to EU member states.

The council also discussed Europe's contribution to the African Union's efforts to address the situation in Sudan.

According to Spiliotopoulos, the council agreed that the EU must respond to the African Union's request in a comprehensive manner.

EU High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy Javier Solana will be announcing the EU's contribution on May 26, during the meeting with the African Union on Darfur, which will be held in Adis Ababa.

Spiliotopoulos said that regarding Darfur, Greece, in cooperation with other member states, is examining the possibility of providing logistics support.

[07] FM Molyviatis to meet Cypriot counterpart Iacovou on Tuesday

Athens, 24/5/2005 (ANA)

[08] Public Order Secretary General to visit Austria

Athens, 24/5/2005 (ANA)

[09] Main opposition party accuses gov't of partisanship

Athens, 24/5/2005 (ANA)

He said that PASOK President George Papandreou will request that issues of transparency, public administration and improving quality of services for citizens be discussed in Parliament in an off the agenda debate, as soon as he returns from abroad.

[10] Ecumenical Patriarch and Patriarch Irineos have private meeting in Fanar

ISTANBUL 24/5/2005 (ANA - A. Kourkoulas)

Also present during the meeting was Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa Theodorus.

Meanwhile, Orthodox patriarchs, archbishops and their representatives continued to arrive in Istanbul, including Archbishop Christodoulos of Athens and All Greece, Albania Archbishop Anastasios, and Smolensk Metropolitan Cyrillus for the Moscow Patriarchate.

The meeting will focus on the events that have led a majority of the Jerusalem Patriarchate's synod to renounce Irineos and demand that he step down as head of the Jerusalem Church. Members of the Jerusalem synod have taken over the Patriarchate and locked out Irineos, electing a three-member committee to run the Church in his place.

The ecclesiastical "coup" followed a highly damaging scandal about a series of lucrative land deals apparently backed by Irineos, in which real estate owned by the Patriarchate in Jerusalem's Old City may have passed into Jewish or Israeli hands, which has incensed and alienated Jerusalem's predominately Arab Christian community.

[11] FinMin Alogoskoufis briefs PM Karamanlis on Japan visit

Athens, 24/5/2005 (ANA)

Alogoskoufis told reporters after the meeting that he briefed the prime minister on his contacts in Japan with the Japanese finance minister, the chairman of the Japanese parliament, and the president of Japan's central bank.

He said Japan was a major market, four times larger than that of China, and a market that Greece has neglected, noting that neither Greece's exports to that country, nor the tourism flow, were at the level they should be.

Alogoskoufis further said that the events held to mark Greece Day at the EXPO 2005, held in Japan, had been a success, adding that Greece had put on a very good presentation.

Questioned on the course of the budget, the minister said he would speak on that when there was something new to say.

[12] Japanese tourism to Greece projected to rise 10 per cent in 2005, Greek minister told

Athens, 24/5/2005 (ANA)

Liaskos was in Japan last week as part of the Greek delegation led by Finance Minister George Alogoskoufis that went to the EXPO 2005 trade fair.

The deputy minister visited the Japanese travel agents' association and met its president Koji Shinmachi, with whom he discussed cooperation between tourist bodies in Greece and Japan and the creation of tourism products. Liaskos also presented a Greek proposal for a Greek-Japanese forum in Tokyo that Greece is willing to support significantly.

The minister also held a press conference analyzing the prospects of cooperation in tourism between Greece and Japan, such as a direct flight, exploitation of tourism real estate in Greece and Greece's promotional campaign in Japan.

Resuming direct flights from Athens to Tokyo was also one of the issues raised by Alogoskoufis in talks with his Japanese counterpart Sadakazu Tanigaki.

[13] Outstanding issues concerning Greek deficit to be settled before September, Commission says

Athens, 24/5/2005 (ANA)

The Commission was responding to a question by Greek MEP Dimitris Papadimoulis of the Coalition (Synaspismos) party, concerning the prospect of a further upward revision of Greece's deficit.

According to an announcement put out by the Coalition, the Commission was unable to ratify the figures for the Greek deficit released on March 18, 2005 because the figures for state spending on the Olympic Games and on the payment of overdue hospital debts had not yet been finalized.

[14] Tug-of-war in EU cash allocation talks, minister says

BRUSSELS 24/5/2005 (ANA/M Spinthourakis)

"The size of the cake is almost the same but another 10 or more countries are seeking a slice," Valinakis, whose portfolio includes European affairs, told reporters after a special ministers' meeting on Sunday in the Belgian capital.

Ministers from the EU's six net contributors to the bloc's budget said they wanted a freeze on EU spending, sparking disagreement from most other member countries.

"Negotiations are continuing and are very tough due to the divergence of views among member-states. "This is a tough tug-of-war," Valinakis said.

An EU summit on June 16-17 is expected to take up the issue.

[15] Tourism minister to Egypt for talks on forging sector alliance

CAIRO 24/5/2005 (ANA/Nikos Katsikas)

Avramopoulos will meet his Egyptian counterpart, Mohamed Al Magrabi, that are expected to focus on aligning tourism programs of the two countries and Cyprus to attract visitors from India and China, the island republic's tourism minister, George Lillikas, told the Athens News Agency in a recent visit to Cairo.

On May 31, Avramopoulos will visit Alexandria to meet Patriarch Theodoros of Africa.

[16] 'THRAKI 2005' exhibition comes to a successful close

Athens, 24/5/2005 (ANA)

The co-organizers of the exhibition noted on Monday that the exhibition, which has come to a close, "surpassed all expectations," with the presence of group business missions from abroad but also with the participation of the general public during the event.

Taking part were 115 exhibitors, among which were two from Cyprus and one from Sweden, while indicative of this year's increased participation is the fact that the entire exhibition area of 1,859 square meters was covered.

Trade visitors came from various parts of Greece and from abroad, while of particular significance is considered the group business missions from Romania, Bulgaria and Turkey.

[17] Gov't to encourage use of bio-fuel

Athens, 24/5/2005 (ANA)

Chairing a meeting on Monday to debate a plan of action was Development Minister Dimitris Sioufas, who invited senior officials from his own ministry and that of agricultural development.

The officials said that politicians, market players and farmers agreed that domestic plants should handle output, also employing domestic raw materials.

[18] Stocks drop in lackluster trade

Athens, 24/5/2005 (ANA)

The Athens general share index closed at 2,891.29 points, marking a decline of 0.40%. Turnover was 110.3 million euros.

The FTSE/ASE-20 index for high capitalization shares ended 0.25% down; the FTSE/ASE-40 for medium cap stocks closed 0.19% up; and the FTSE/ASE-80 for small cap shares finished 0.27% down.

Of stocks traded, declines led advances at 146 to 98 with 86 remaining unchanged.

[19] Eurovision winner receives warm welcome upon arrival

Athens, 24/5/2005 (ANA)

Paparizou, along with all the members of the Greek delegation, was greeted by the airport's president and executive board members, and later by State Minister Theodoros Roussopoulos.

Roussopoulos congratulated the Greek delegation as well the Hellenic Broadcasting Corporation (ERT), for contributing to Greece's success, the first since the country began participating in Eurovision 31 years ago.

"We believed in what you did and you did it with modesty and professionalism. You promoted our country and proved that if one desires something enough, one can accomplish it," Roussopoulos said.

Paparizou thanked everyone present for their warm reception, while ERT President Christos Panagopoulos referred to the impeccable professionalism of everyone involved in this effort. "We won the distinction; we hand it over to the state to make the most of it," he added.

Members of the Greek delegation are: Christos Dantis, composer; Natalia Germanou, lyrics; and Fokas Evangelinos, choreographer.

Party held at ERT headquarters in honor of Eurovision winner: Hundreds of fans filled the courtyard of the Hellenic Broadcasting Corp. (ERT) headquarters in Agia Paraskevi on Monday evening to attend the party held in honor of Elena Paparizou, winner of the 2005 Eurovision song contest.

Paparizou's pop song "My Number One" was voted best song from a total of 24 on Saturday evening in the Ukraine where the event was hosted. It is the first time Greece has won the distinction in the 31 years it has been participating in the contest.

Paparizou performed the song, written by Christos Dantis (composer) and Natalia Germanou (lyrics).

ERT President Christos Panagopoulos thanked State Minister Theodoros Roussopoulos, Tourism Minister Dimitris Avramopoulos and Deputy Government Spokesman Evangelos Antonaros who were present at the event.

As winner of the Eurovision contest, Greece will get to host the event in 2006.

Greece's Eurovision victory a plus for Greek tourism, minister says

Elena Paparizou's victory in Kiev with the song "My Number One", which will bring the Eurovision song contest to Greece in the year 2006, will make her the "ambassador" of Greek tourism in the coming year and created great promise for the industry, Tourism Minister Dimitris Avramopoulos said on Monday.

Speaking to the state television channel ERT, which was responsible for organizing and promoting the Greek entry to the Eurovision competition, Avramopoulos stressed that the tourism ministry and the Greek tourism organization EOT will continue to invest in the winning song, using the victory to promote Greece and make it a "number one" tourist destination worldwide.

The minister pointed out that EOT had made a significant contribution toward the European-wide campaign to promote the Greek song in the run up to the competition and had funded a special video clip featuring Paparizou that was sent to major European channels like MTV, MCM and others. He said EOT would continue to innovate and invest in original ideas and new faces in order to promote the country's tourist industry, such as a planned European tour for Paparizou and the winning song, along with a new video clip that will also feature magical scenery from Greek tourist resorts.

EOT also intends to organize a Greek tour for the Eurovision victor in a bid to persuade Greeks to "stay home" for their holidays and boost revenue from domestic tourism.

Abroad, meanwhile, Greece's Eurovision victory made the headlines in the foreign press, who hailed Paparizou's success at the 50th anniversary of the contest and ran pictures of the singer with the Greek flag.

According to the Netherlands "Telegraaf", Greeks seemed to have hit upon the recipe for success, since their first-ever victory at the Eurovision song contest followed successful Olympic Games in Athens and Greece's victory in the European Championship in 2004. It also stressed that the song had been greatly helped by wonderful choreography and a well-organized promotional campaign, for which thousands of euros had been spent.

[20] Alternate gov't spokesman Antonaros attends event in Frankfurt on Athens 2004 Olympic Games

BERLIN 24/5/2005 (ANA/P. Stangos)

Taking part in the event was also Greek Alternate Government Spokesman Evangelos Antonaros.

According to a briefing by the head of the Press Office of the Embassy, Stavros Stathoulopoulos, ascertained at the event was the excellent hosting of the 2004 Games, its discipline, security, socio-political consensus and the creative climate which brought to the surface the modern image of Greece, with new infrastructures and an improved quality of life.

Antonaros, in his speech on the theme "The Olympic added value: The new face of Greece", underlined: "The Greeks, and particularly the Greek government, feel proud that the Olympic Games were organized with success and safety. Despite the initial qualm of certain people on whether Greece should host the Games, our country took the opportunity to present to humanity its contemporary face. Furthermore, the Greeks proved that with discipline, mass participation and politeness, they can effectively bring to pass major programs."

[21] Greek Cypriot consultations with UN considered positive

NICOSIA 24/5/2005 (CNA/ANA)

In a written statement issued on Monday, the spokesman says that President Tassos Papadopoulos had a meeting on Sunday with his Special Envoy to the UN Secretariat General, Ambassador Tasos Tzionis, during which the president ''was thoroughly informed'' as to the consultations that took place in New York.

President Papadopoulos considers that, following the conclusion of the consultations, ''it can no longer be asserted that those who should be informed of our positions continue to be unaware of them,'' the spokesman notes.

''We have presented to the UN Secretariat our concerns, views, ideas and positions in a detailed and clear manner dealing both with procedure and substance, taking into account the outcome of last year's referenda. Our side explained and elaborated on the elements, which must be discussed and agreed upon in order for a comprehensive settlement to be reached,'' he adds.

Chrysostomides points out that ''we remain at the Secretary-General's disposal for the provision of more information and clarifications'' and that ''it is understood that the negotiating positions are deposited and discussed only at the negotiating table.''

The spokesman notes that President Papadopoulos expresses his satisfaction over the announcement of the upcoming visit of Sir Kieran to the area ''for an assessment of the situation.''

''It is hoped that the movement triggered by the New York consultations will continue and that the Secretary General, in the context of his good offices mission, in accordance with the UN Security Council Resolutions, will assist so that the ground may be prepared for effective negotiations which will lead to an honorable compromise, which can only be a functional, viable and lasting solution of the Cyprus problem, a solution respecting the dignity, serving the interests and satisfying the expectations of the people of Cyprus as a whole,'' he adds.

With this objective in mind, the results of the New York consultations ''are assessed as being positive,'' the spokesman concludes.

House President hopes new UN initiative to be a success: Cyprus House of Representatives President Demetris Christofias has expressed hope that a fresh UN initiative for a political settlement would be successful, stressing that it must be well prepared and take place without tight deadlines and arbitration.

In his address to a meeting of the Legal Affairs and Human Rights Committee of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, he called on the Turkish Cypriot leadership to avoid any moves that consolidate division and to cooperate in good faith for a solution.

He pointed to the need for Turkey to comply with decisions of the European Court of Human Rights, in particular with regard to the humanitarian issue of missing persons that concerns both Cypriot communities.

''Unfortunately Cyprus has been and continues to be part of discussions at the Committee because of the continuing Turkish occupation of part of its territory, the violation of fundamental human rights and disrespect of international law,'' he said.

He explained why Greek Cypriots rejected in April last year a UN-proposed plan, saying that this did not mean the end of the road towards a settlement and that the government continued to work for the resumption of negotiations to reach an agreed, final and viable solution of a bizonal bicommunal federation.

''We hope that soon the UN Secretary General will undertake a new initiative towards this goal and that, with the right preconditions and without strict deadlines and no arbitration, this initiative will be a success as soon as possible,'' Christofias said.

He blamed the Turkish occupation and Ankara's secessionist tactics for the difficulties the Turkish Cypriot community is faced with, adding that the Cypriot government had announced measures in support of the Turkish Cypriots, for which 271 million euro has already been spent.

The House President said the government wanted the Turkish Cypriot community to receive the 259 m. euro earmarked by the European Commission and said that Nicosia was willing to discuss direct trade between the occupied north and the EU to find a solution without undermining the legality of the Republic of Cyprus.

''Those who argue that the Greek Cypriots should be punished for their rejection of the UN solution plan are not leading us anywhere; on the contrary such logic is hampering efforts towards a solution,'' he said.

He expressed hope that Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat will cooperate sincerely and in good faith with the Greek Cypriot side to

reunite the country and appealed to him to avoid anti-reunification moves, such as the recent exploitation of Greek Cypriot property in the occupied areas.

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