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Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 05-10-17Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Athens News Agency at <http://www.ana.gr/>October 17, 2005CONTENTS
[01] Greek and Cypriot Presidents: Turkey should meet its obligationsNICOSIA, 17/10/2005 (ANA/CNA)If Turkey does not meet its obligations that arise from the EU - Turkey negotiating framework, the country could be faced with suspension or cancellation of its European course, Greek President Karolos Papoulias and Cypriot President TassosPapadopoulos stressed here on Sunday. Speaking to the press after they held a private meeting and official talks with the participation of delegations of both countries, President Papoulias and President Papadopoulos also reiterated their common stance for the resumption of the negotiating process under the UN auspices, to reach a settlement of the Cyprus problem, without any foreign arbitration, or tight timetables. The Greek President, on the island for a four day official visit, was welcomed at the Larnaca airport during a red carpet official ceremony, by Cypriot President Tassos Papadopoulos. The Greek president said that the EU would monitor Turkey's European course, on the basis of the negotiating framework, that was adopted by all 25-member states, adding that if Turkey does not fulfill the commitments set by the negotiating framework, the consequences could lead even to the cancellation of the EU-Turkey relations. President Papadopoulos expressed hope that during the next round of talks for the solution of the Cyprus problem, the EU role would be more active, and its positions regarding the compliance with the acquis communautaire would be more respected. Responding to a remark that the EU ''shuts its eyes regarding the presence of a foreign occupation army in Cyprus'' and allows Turkey to enter the EU, President Papoulias described it as ''paradox'' adding that the presence of foreign army in a free democratic country, member of the EU is the most direct violation of human rights. ''I don't believe that the EU will for long shut its eyes towards a fact that insults and is contrary to the EU principles'', the Greek president noted. He added ''This is a very difficult time for Turkey, mainly because of the acceptance of the Turkish government of the commitments set by the negotiating framework. We will be able to watch these new developments after the start of the accession negotiations with Turkey''. Asked on the UN and EU role in the Cyprus issue, President Papadopoulos admitted there are risks, noting, however, that there are principles that both the UN and the EU agree upon. ''The Cyprus problem will remain under the UN auspices. We can not abandon the right basis we have, the UN resolutions regarding Cyprus, but for other reasons as well'', he said. The Cypriot president noted that there is a European dimension of the Cyprus problem, bearing in mind that from ''the four involved, three are already EU members, Cyprus, Greece and the UK'' whereas Turkey wishes to enter the Union. He added ''for some time now, we try to convince the EU Council and the Commission that the EU should become involved to any new negotiations, since many aspects of the Cyprus problem concern the acquis communautaire''. President Papadopoulos noted though that during the last round of talks for the solution of the Cyprus problem, the EU had send its experts on several issues, who participated under the auspices of the UN, in some technical committees, and said that ''in at least one case an EU representative had received orders not to submit any proposals that would align with the acquis, but were contrary to the provisions of the Annan plan''. ''I hope that at the next round the EU participation will be more active and its positions regarding the compliance with the acquis will be more respected'', President Papadopoulos underlined. He noted that nobody should have the impression that the EU wishes to have a leading role in the Cyprus issue. Asked why should Turkey abandon its intransigent stance on Cyprus during the accession negotiation process, when it did not do so, at a time when it needed Cyprus' and Greece's support for its EU course, President Papadopoulos noted that the EU has no mechanisms to enforce any sanctions to countries that are not member states, adding that ''the only therapy the EU has, is the suspension, or cancellation of the accession negotiations''. ''I can not tell you now whether this would happen, but I do not minimize the difficulties we will face, mainly due to Turkey's persistence and intransigent stance. Turkey's statements are unilateral interpretations for its own obligations. But the position of the EU 25, is that Turkey's statements are contrary to the negotiating framework'', he stressed. Earlier and before the statements to the press, President Papadopoulos decorated Greek President Papoulias with the Grand Collar of the Order of Makarios III, saying that ''the decoration is a signal of the feelings of appreciation towards President Papoulias, as well as Greece and the Greek people''. The Cypriot President hosted a working lunch for Papoulias at the Presidential Palace. Earlier both Presidents held a private meeting, followed by official talks held by delegations of both countries. Both Presidents described the official talks as ''very substantive''. Cypriot President said that during the talks they covered the Cyprus problem, EU matters, as well as the ''new opportunities, new challenges and difficulties that may arise, the perspectives and preconditions for a new resumption of talks''. ''We reiterated the common stance and strategy of our governments. Our common goal is to achieve a functional and viable solution to the Cyprus problem, through substantive and productive talks'', President Papadopoulos said. Greek President expressed his optimism, saying that Cyprus' EU membership would bring all wishful results. ''We all look forward to the resumption of talks for the Cyprus problem, without any tight timetables, without any arbitration and with a result that I wish it would be positive, so that it is approved by the Cypriot people'', Papoulias said. Upon his arrival at the Presidential Palace, President Papoulias laid a wreath at the statue of Cyprus' first President, Archbishop Makarios, at the Presidential Palace where he was officially welcomed by President Papadopoulos in the presence of governmental officials. [02] Church of Cyprus expresses gratitude to Greek PresidentNICOSIA, 17/10/2005 (ANA/CNA)Church of Cyprus expressed on Sunday its deep gratitude and appreciation towards President of the Hellenic Republic Karolos Papoulias, who is paying an official four-day visit to Cyprus.Paphos Metropolitan Bishop Chrysostomos, head of the Holy Synod and other members of the Church, welcomed the Greek president during an official ceremony in the Holy Archbishopric, expressing the conviction that through the support of Greece, the Greek Cypriots will be vindicated and soon the island will be reunited. ''The Church of Cyprus expresses its deepest gratitude and appreciation because especially as regards our national problem, you have taught us that an able leader is not the one who, faced with difficulties, accepts injustice as realism, but rather the one who despite the difficult circumstances, manages to turn justice into realism'', he stressed. In his address, the Greek president underlined that in the big European family, many chances and challenges arise for Greece and Cyprus and noted that Greece's support is guaranteed and it is expressed everyday in all areas and levels. ''Greece and Cyprus, together we will succeed to reach a just, viable and functional solution for all Cypriots'', he added. The Holy Synod offered Greek President a silver plate with the images of the founders of the Cypriot Church, Apostles Varnavas and Paul, ''as a symbolic gesture of our gratitude, and our feelings of love for all you have achieved and all you continue to do for the benefit of the Cypriot people'', Paphos Bishop said. Earlier the Greek president attended a church service at Saint Ioannis Cathedral in Nicosia. ''You bring with you a message, that we really need today, namely that in our struggle against the occupation power, we are not alone. Greece and the whole nation stands by us and supports us'', Paphos Bishop said. He added that for the Church of Cyprus ''just and realistic goals of our struggle are the withdrawal of the Turkish occupation army, of all settlers, the restoration of freedom and justice in all Cyprus and the return of all refugees to their homes, Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots''. Earlier Sunday afternoon, the Greek president visited the "Imprisoned Graves" of the heroes who fought for Cyprus' independence against British Colonial Rule between 1955-1959. "The Imprisoned Graves of the heroes of independence is a place of emotion and pain. Unwritten rules demand that the executioners ask for forgiveness", the President of the Hellenic Republic wrote. [03] Latest poll shows continued lead for rulingND ATHENS, 17/10/2005 (ANA)The latest opinion poll published by an Athens daily showed a continued lead for ruling New Democracy (ND) over main opposition PASOK, specifically, 33.3 percent to 31.1 percent.In terms of smaller parties, the Communist Party of Greece (KKE) garnered 6 percent of respondents' preference; 3.8 percent for the Coalition of the Left (Synaspismos) and a surprising 3.9 percent for the out-of-party LA.OS party. Undecided respondents accounted for 12.6 percent of the tally. In terms of respondents' general mood, 60.1 percent said they believed the situation in the country was worsening; 25.5 percent held a positive outlook. In terms of the all-important economy category, 59.6 percent took a negative view, with 19.5 expressing confidence in the economic outlook. Asked which party would win the next general elections if they were held today, 61 percent of respondents picked ND and 22.1 percent said PASOK. The poll was conducted by the Metron Analysis firm between Oct. 11-13 on a sample of 1,200 respondents and published in the Saturday edition of the "Imerissia" financial newspaper. [04] Papandreou criticism of gov't on all levels; sharp gov't reactionATHENS, 17/10/2005 (ANA)Main opposition PASOK president George Papandreou on Saturday again sharply criticized the government over its economic policy, the latest developments with the FYROM 'name issue' as well as on matters dealing with transparency in the public sector.He also told party cadres active in local and regional government that the Karamanlis government is attempting to "level" the political scene via a perception of "all politicians are bad". In terms of the economy, he charged that the government is borrowing heavily and at a high interest rate in order to claim that it is cutting the high budget deficit. In terms of the 'name issue', the former foreign minister in successive Simitis governments blamed the New Democracy government of 1990-93 as well as the current government, in power since March 2004, for the nagging problem with the neighboring Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM). He also said the government committed errors and did not exploit the possibilities it had. Conversely, he listed his father, late premier Andreas Papandreou, and the latter's successor, Costas Simitis, as PASOK leaders that managed the issue better, among others. In terms of local government elections for next year, the PASOK leader said 80 percent of the party's candidates for mayoral and prefectural races will be decided at the regional level. Gov't reaction: In a later reaction to Papandreou's comments, the government spokesman said that "every so often Mr. Papandreou portrays the messenger of morality. He is satisfied, however, only with words, as he 'forgets' to invite a long-time minister and high-ranking PASOK cadre and ask him what all of Greece is asking: 'Are the front-page allegations of bribery that appeared in major European newspapers true?" Spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos' reference relates to recent articles in a pair of Paris dailies featuring claims by a former executive with a French defense contractor (Thales), namely, that a Greek minister accepted a nine-million-euro bribe to award a frigate modernization contract to the company in 2003. [05] Latest activity, reactions continue to swirl around FYROM 'name issue'ATHENS, 17/10/2005 (ANA)A top US diplomat's high-profile comments to a Skopje daily last week regarding neighboring FYROM's Euro-Atlantic prospects and the possibility of a future Greek veto continued to spark sharp responses here days later, although a "lost in the translation" parameter of those same comments has more-or-less intensified reactions.Initial reactions in Athens on Friday centered on a statement given by US Under-Secretary for Political Affairs Nicholas Burns to the Skopje daily "Utrinski Vesnik", where the one-time US ambassador to Athens reportedly said that it would "be a shame" if the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia's (FYROM) NATO and EU accession prospects were blocked by a veto. Press reports in certain Athens dailies, however, printed the phrase with the Greek word for "shameful", while adding that "it would be shameful for Greece...", instead of the phrase, "it would be a shame". Burns purportedly stated that: "... Macedonia has the right and an interest to become a NATO and EU member-state, and it would be a shame to create obstacles in this direction". The report generated a flurry of criticism by Greek politicians of Washington's policy vis-a-vis the "name issue", while main opposition PASOK also criticized the government for its policy on the matter. Burns' interview comes amid the latest diplomatic activity to resolve the "name issue" by special UN mediator Matthew Nimetz, activity which caused the issue to resurface onto the national spotlight. Along those lines, Athens flatly rejected a latest compromise formula put forth by the UN mediator last weekend as "unacceptable", only months after the Skopje government did the same with a previous proposal by Nimetz. Although Athens and Skopje have achieved remarkable progress in bilateral relations, especially in trade and investments, since signing an UN-mediated "interim agreement" 10 years ago, the "name issue" continues to block the full normalization of ties. Athens strenuously opposes FYROM's use of the name "Macedonia", citing historical and political reasons. Moreover, Greece's largest province, which shares borders with FYROM, is called Macedonia, occupying the same geographical region that more-or-less corresponds with the ancient kingdom of Macedonia. Local reactions continue: Speaking from Thessaloniki on Sunday, Macedonia-Thrace Minister Nikos Tsiartsonis noted that "management of the political problem (name issue) is experiencing difficulties, but Greece declares, above all, that it will not accept any short-cuts in history and over the name Macedonia". The Greek minister spoke, in fact, during a memorial service held on the occasion of a Macedonian Struggle Day, an event commemorating Greece's liberation in 1912-13 of much of the province from Ottoman rule. On his part, Metropolitan of Thessaloniki Anthimos, a long-time advocate of Athens' position, noted: "We cannot hand down on to our children and descendants a glorious homeland with neighbors next to us that constantly demand everything and will continue demanding in the most ruthless manner when conditions are more favorable for them. We must look towards the future, that is why we desire a mutually acceptable solution to be found by Greece and Skopje, one that will be approved by the EU and the UN so that this issue is resolved," the high-ranking cleric said. State Dept. query: Meanwhile, a State Department spokesman during a Friday press briefing said he would seek out possible transcripts of Burns' exact statements to the Skopje daily, which were published on Thursday. On his part, deputy State Department spokesman Adam Ereli initially responded to a reporter's question on the matter, which included a reference to the word "shameful", with "I stand by Ambassador Burns' statements." He added that, "I'll see what transcripts we have available", when asked about the precise comments. [06] Pavlopoulos lashes out at past PASOK policies for local gov'tsATHENS, 17/10/2005 (ANA)Interior and Public Administration Minister Prokopis Pavlopoulos stepped up his attack on main opposition PASOK over the weekend regarding past local government policy, as municipal and prefectural elections loom ahead next year.Among others, Pavlopoulos charged that successive PASOK governments failed to prepare the country's regions for absorbing upcoming 4th Community Support Framework (CSF) funds, while withholding billions of euros in funding towards local government entities. Speaking from Thessaloniki, he also said the government's intention to set a 42-percent margin for the election of mayors and prefects in the first round of voting will lead to campaign alliances based on common political positions and not on expediencies. [07] ND sec't cites instances of 'disinformation' by certain mass mediaATHENS, 17/10/2005 (ANA)Ruling New Democracy party secretary Vangelis Meimarakis on Saturday evening referred to what he called an epidemic of "disinformation" over the last two weeks, a development he said aimed to deliberately hurt the government's image.Moreover, the outspoken ND secretary and top party cadre said some mass media outlets were trying to demonstrate that isolated incidents were, in fact, the norm. He was referring to a handful of allegations of corruption and cronyism aimed at ND officials in the local government level and the resignation of the deputy finance minister last week. "We will be unrelenting, we will exhibit a zero tolerance vis-a-vis instances of corruption," he said, charging that corruption in the country was not the product of "parthenogenesis" and that the issue will not be covered-up by the current government, "as opposed to the previous one". [08] Justice Minister tours N. Greece prison facilityATHENS, 17/10/2005 (ANA)Justice Minister Anastasis Papaligouras on Sunday toured the Diavata correctional facility, east of Thessaloniki in northern Greece, where he also attended a theatrical performance put on by inmates at the institution.[09] KKE calls for immediate measures aimed to prevent Bird Flu cases in GreeceATHENS, 17/10/2005 (ANA)The Communist Party of Greece (KKE) on Sunday referred to the massive repercussions that a Bird Flu epidemic may have for the country's poultry industry as well as for the general population should the virus causing the specific disease mutate with a human strain.KKE's press office also called on the public to demand immediate measures from the government in order to prevent any outbreak in Greece. Although instances of avian influenza have been detected in Turkey and Romania, no instance has been recorded in Greece. [10] Rally held in Athens against the Bolkestein DirectiveATHENS, 17/10/2005 (ANA)A rally was held on Saturday outside the offices of the European Union in central Athens demanding the withdrawal of the Bolkestein Directive plan for the liberalization of services on a European level. The rally was organized by the Greek Social Forum and other movements against globalization.Demonstrators said that the Bolkestein Directive was "the most extreme form of neo-liberalism" expressing their opposition to the "principle of the country of origin" introduced by the Directive. The Bolkestein Directive covers all the civil services with the exception of the police, judiciary and the army, resulting, according to trade unions, in the civil services henceforth becoming completely subjugated to the law of the market. [11] National Bank to table bid for Romania'sBCR ATHENS, 17/10/2005 (ANA)National Bank of Greece will reportedly table a binding offer on Monday for the purchase of a majority stake of Banca Comerciala Romana (BCR). Another 10 banking groups around the world are reportedly vying for the Romanian bank.BCR currently holds a more than 25-percent share of the Romanian banking market. National Bank's offer comes after its stated intention to expand in SE Europe and Russia, among others, using funds gained from the sell-off of its subsidiary in the United States, Atlantic Bank. [12] Cultural Capitals' Networks sign proclamation in AthensATHENS, 17/10/2005 (ANA)A proclamation of the Cultural Capitals' Networks was signed on Sunday atop Pnyx Hill, across from the Acropolis in central Athens, by cultural capitals' delegates in the Greek capital for symposium focusing on the institution, hosted by the Athens municipality and the Melina Mercouri Foundation.Representatives from cultural capitals' networks from around the world - Europe, central Europe, the Volga region of Russia, America, Canada, the Catalonia province as well as the Mediterranean Women Artists' group - spoke at the event, including Lithuanian Vice-Minister of Culture and composer Faustas Lat�nas and the head of the culture department at the municipality of Amsterdam, Hanna Beliot. [13] Defense minister attends events in KateriniATHENS, 17/10/2005 (ANA)Defense Minister Spilios Spiliotopoulos on Sunday attended celebrations in Katerini, northern Greece, marking the 93rd anniversary since the city's liberation from Ottoman rule."We honor those heroes who sacrificed their lives for us to live in a state of freedom and democracy, with our modern and strong armed forces being the guarantor and the shield of the Greek citizens' defense and security as well as a factor of stability and peace in our region," Spiliotopoulos reporters. [14] Olympiakos winning streak ends in loss to PAOK 1-2ATHENS, 17/10/2005 (ANA)League leader Olympiakos Pireaus suffered its first defeat of the season on Sunday, 2-1, to a tough PAOK Thessaloniki club in its empty home pitch, as fans were barred due to a suspension carried over from last season. Olympiakos, nevertheless, remained two points ahead of second-place Xanthi, although the ambitious provincial team has a chance to top the standings if it wins on Monday.AEK Athens, meanwhile, outlasted Ionikos Piraeus 1-0 for a valuable away win on Sunday. On Saturday, Panathinaikos Athens had an easier time than the final 1-0 score shows against weak Akratitos Athens. In other action: Atromitos Athens-Levadiakos 1-0 Apollon Kalamaria-Egaleo Athens 0-0 Panathinaikos-Akratitos Athens 1-0 OFI Crete-Larissa 3-2 Panionios Athens-Kallithea Athens 1-0 Xanthi-Iraklis Thessaloniki (Monday) The point standings after six weeks of play: Olympiakos 15 Xanthi 13 (five games) A�� 11 Atromitos 11 Panathinaikos 11 PAOK 9 Apollon Kalamaria 8 Ionikos 7 Egaleo 7 Levadiakos 6 Larissa 6 Akratitos 5 Panionios 5 OFI 5 Iraklis 4 (five games) Kallithea 1 [15] US stance promotes T/C side's secessionist tendencies, says PapadopoulosNICOSIA, 17/10/2005 (CNA/ANA)Cypriot President Tassos Papadopoulos said here Saturday that US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice's invitation to Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat is not helpful of efforts to reunify Cyprus but promotes Turkish Cypriot side's secessionist tendencies.Papadopoulos was commenting on US State Department deputy spokesman Adam Ereli that Rice's invitation to Talat is part of the efforts to support a settlement of the Cyprus issue. ''I do not think that such moves assist the reunification of Cyprus, on the contrary they foment and breed the Turkish Cypriot side's secessionist tendencies,'' Papadopoulos added. Commenting on press reports that Turkish fighter planes violated the Cypriot airspace, Papadopoulos noted that this has been going on for years now. Noting that Cyprus has made representation to the United Nations, Papadopoulos said that ''it is stunning that the minute that violations of our air space are taking place, some people disagree with the execution of Nikiforos military exercise.'' Nikiforos will take place on October 18-23 and will cover all the territory, sea and airspace of the government control areas of Cyprus. Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |
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