Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 06-07-18

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

CONTENTS

[01] FM Bakoyannis says 'relatively satisfied' from EU's position on Middle East developments

[02] US asks Greece's assistance for evacuation of US citizens from Lebanon

[03] Valinakis promotes Mediterranean EU countries cooperation

[04] Defense Council approves 2006-2010 program for upgrading Armed Forces

[05] Pension policy discussed by PM, employment minister

[06] Papandreou visits Ikaria, calls for peace in Middle East

[07] KKE's Papariga contacts Lebanese counterpart, expresses support for Lebanese people

[08] Anti-war demonstration in Athens on Tuesday

[09] FM to meet Indian UNSG candidate on Tuesday

[10] SYN leader Alavanos meets TEDKNA board

[11] Greek FinMin reiterates goal to bring fiscal deficit to 2.6 pct this year

[12] Deputy �inister says absorption of capital from 3rd CSF has reached 45%

[13] Greek FinMin, Bank of Greece governor discuss economic developments

[14] Greek annual inflation rose to 3.4 pct in June, Eurostat

[15] Development ministry urges for self-restraint in fuel price increases

[16] Hospitals will be adequately staffed in a year

[17] Transport minister inaugurates new suburban railway stations

[18] Employment minister meets PASOK's Damanaki

[19] Eurobank EFG withdraws from Romanian bank bid

[20] Greek stocks plunge 3.10 pct on Monday

[21] Thessalonica film festival highlights German director Wim Wenders this year

[22] Exhibition at Austrian National Library entitled 'With the Greeks at the table in Egypt'

[23] The 1st Balkan Byzantine Conference promotes the message of the Prespa Lakes unity

[24] Thraki Ethnic Festival on July 21-23 in northern Greece

[25] Two major fires in Thessalonica reported to be under control

[26] Thessalonica Police Emergency Service presents biannual crime drive account

[27] Austrian boy drowns in swimming pool in Chania, Crete

[28] Police arrest two carrying 91 kilos cannabis

[29] Illegal immigrants intercepted near Samos

[30] US official holds contacts in Cyprus

[31] French Premier stops over in Cyprus, on his way to Lebanon

[32] Cyprus prepares as foreigners arrive from Lebanon

[01] FM Bakoyannis says 'relatively satisfied' from EU's position on Middle East developments

BRUSSELS, 18/7/2006 (ANA-MPA/ M. Spinthourakis)

The Greek foreign minister termed as "positive" that the European Union on Monday called on all the involved parties in the Middle East crisis to show self-restraint so that the necessary prerequisites for the de-escalation of the crisis in the region to be fulfilled.

Bakoyannis noted that Greece would desire "clearer wording." She underlined, nevertheless, the importance which Greek diplomacy attributes to the maintenance of political cohesion of united Europe.

"Greece and many other EU member-states would have wished a more clear European message in the direction of an immediate ceasefire," Bakoyannis said.

Regarding the matter of the withdrawal of European citizens from the Middle East, the foreign minister noted that up to now, no EU member-state has officially recommended to their citizens to leave Lebanon. However, at the same time she said that many member-states, among them Greece, have already undertaken initiatives so as to facilitate all those who wish to immediately leave the region.

Bakoyannis said that a frigate and two carriers of the Greek Navy are on alert, while three merchant marine ships are also ready to sail to Lebanon, if it is deemed necessary.

Concerning the other issues of Monday's Council, the foreign minister referred to the discussion which was held at the Council on the future of Kosovo but also on the meeting she had with UN special envoy in Kosovo, Martti Ahtisaari, at the latter's request.

The minister noted that Greece encourages every effort which could lead to the rapprochement of all the involved parties in Kosovo. In this way, the consultations for the final status of Kosovo would be made easier, said Bakoyannis, who at the same time underlined that positive messages should be sent of European prospects in the direction of Belgrade.

Finally, regarding Iran, Bakoyannis said that for the time being, it is not showing any willingness to capitalize on "the generous European proposals" and that now it is up to the United Nations, stressing however that the door for finding a peaceful settlement is open and that Tehran should act accordingly.

Greek Navy ships sail to Cyprus in operation to withdraw non-combatants from Lebanon:

The Armed Forces General Staff announced on Monday night that the Navy frigate "Themistoklis" and two carriers of the fleet are sailing to Cyprus in the context of the operation being organized by Greece for the safe withdrawal of non-combatants from Lebanon.

The ships, as well as the frigate "Psara", which is already in Cyprus, are awaiting new instructions from the foreign ministry so as to plan their next moves for the carrying out of their humanitarian mission.

[02] US asks Greece's assistance for evacuation of US citizens from Lebanon

ATHENS, 18/7/2006 (ANA)

The two men discussed the present situation in the Middle East.

Kassimis stressed that the Greek government was making major efforts to assist not only Greeks but also citizens of other countries desiring to leave Lebanon.

Regarding the endurance of vessels to meet all the requests that have been submitted, Kassimis said that all the margins will be exhausted, despite the increased needs in Greek coastal shipping due to the summer season.

[03] Valinakis promotes Mediterranean EU countries cooperation

BRUSSELS, 18/7/2006 (ANA-MPA/M.Aroni)

Valinakis met on the sidelines of an EU Council of Foreign Ministers with counterparts from France, Spain, Italy, Cyprus, Malta and Portugal, at his own initiative. The meetings took place within the framework of Greece's initiative for the cooperation of Mediterranean countries following "last year's successful experience from the cooperation of these countries during the long discussions on the EU 2007-2013 budget," as Valinakis told reporters.

Illegal immigration, the new EU policy on the sea, fishery policies and coordination in confronting crises and natural disasters are the main issues of dialogue and closer cooperation between the EU's seven Mediterranean countries, Valinakis noted.

The Greek minister also informed his EU counterparts of Greek Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis intention to convene a meeting of her counterparts from these countries in Greece next autumn.

[04] Defense Council approves 2006-2010 program for upgrading Armed Forces

ATHENS, 18/7/2006 (ANA)

The National Defense Ministry announced that the objective of the new EMPAE is the further upgrading of the Armed Forces, the maintenance of the balance of power in the region and the gradual strengthening of the defense industry.

In the coming days, Meimarakis will brief Parliament's Foreign and Defense Committee on the new EMPAE.

[05] Pension policy discussed by PM, employment minister

ATHENS, 18/7/2006 (ANA)

Afterwards, the minister announced that auxiliary pension funds will be grouped by the end of the year on the basis of the Reppas law and other laws passed by PASOK that are currently in force.

A "mini-bill" on social insurance will also be tabled in Parliament for discussion over the summer, he added.

Tsitouridis referred extensively to what he called "active policies to boost employment before retirement" and said that a draft bill was on the way to help vulnerable groups, such as women, young people and those aged over 55 - to enter the workforce.

The minister also spoke about plans to create a social solidarity fund to assist those 55-plus, as well as vulnerable groups and areas.

Stressing the need to stamp out contribution-evasion, Tsitouridis said the government planned to set up a single coordinating body to monitor payment of social insurance contributions and stop the loss of funds.

[06] Papandreou visits Ikaria, calls for peace in Middle East

ATHENS, 18/7/2006 (ANA)

He said that Greeks should continue to have faith that they can achieve major targets and realize great visions, especially in the face of the challenges of the age and the escalation of the conflict in the Middle East.

Papandreou stressed that the international community should bring the warring sides to the negotiating table, with the goal of establishing a free and independent Palestine that will co-exist side-by-side with Israel, in conditions of peace and cooperation.

Lebanon must also be able to live independently and peacefully, he added.

PASOK's president also reiterated that the Socialist International will undertake every feasible initiative in this direction, condemning violence and unilateral actions.

Papandreou arrived on the island in a Greek Navy vessel from Samos, where he returns on Monday afternoon. He took part in a meeting of party officials on Ikaria and then attended a service at Aghios Kirikos Church, laid a wreath at the Monument to the Fallen and watched a show of traditional island dances organized by young people on Ikaria.

During the meeting with PASOK party members, he stressed that PASOK can win not only the local government elections but also the national elections and gain a victory that will be more beneficial for the Greek people.

He accused the present government of having created a sense of defeatism and a sense that problems will not be solved and listed ferry boat services, health and education as areas where it had "made a mess of things".

Papandreou also leveled criticism against the government over foreign policy, pointing to rising tension with neighboring Turkey and alleging that Greece was losing out on EU funds.

[07] KKE's Papariga contacts Lebanese counterpart, expresses support for Lebanese people

ATHENS, 18/7/2006 (ANA)

She stressed that KKE was ready to stand by the Lebanese people in every possible way through a visit by a KKE delegation to the Middle East.

A KKE press release said that Papariga was briefed on the situation now prevailing in Lebanon and told that 110 children and 150 civilians were among the victims of Monday's attacks.

The Lebanese party also appealed for medicine and other humanitarian aid.

A joint delegation by KKE and the party's youth group KNE will depart for Palestine on July 20 to express their solidarity with the Palestinian and other peoples of the region.

The party's announcement stressed that the gesture was important at a time when "Israel, with the support of the imperialists of the United States and the European Union, was dangerously escalating its aggressiveness, striking the people of Palestine and Lebanon and setting its sights on other countries."

Another announcement by the party calls on the Greek people to "demand an immediate end of the Israeli invasion into the Gaza Strip, the immediate withdrawal of Israeli forces from Palestinian territory, the immediate end of the attack against Lebanon," while urging Greeks to condemn the "equal distances" policy adopted by the Greek government and main opposition PASOK party.

[08] Anti-war demonstration in Athens on Tuesday

ATHENS, 18/7/2006 (ANA)

Demonstrators will hold a protest rally at Eleftheria Park followed by a march to the American and Israeli embassies, where they will proceed to a symbolic picket.

The anti-war Internationalist Movement, the Intifadah Association, the Greek Social Forum, the communist party KKE-ML and other civil movements and organizations together with the Association of Palestinian Workers and the Lebanese Community in Greece call for an end to the Israeli attacks on Lebanon and settlement of the Palestinian refugee issue, while they demand from Greece and the EU to stop keeping a neutral stance regarding Israel's armed intervention.

In a press conference on Monday, the organizers of the demonstration stated that it will be an expression of solidarity to the peoples that are victims of Israeli violence as well as a condemnation of the invasion. An appeal will be made to the global anti-war movement to hold an on the spot intervention in the immediate future in order to stop the war in Lebanon.

[09] FM to meet Indian UNSG candidate on Tuesday

ATHENS, 18/7/2006 (ANA)

[10] SYN leader Alavanos meets TEDKNA board

ATHENS, 18/7/2006 (ANA)

Alavanos said "the beach is a public place and requires free access." He called on citizens to proceed en mass to the beaches, either of big hotels or of organized beaches "without paying an entrance fee." He added: "We call on them to proceed and as Synaspismos, we will take the necessary initiatives on this issue."

Regarding the Olympic Real Estate, Alavanos stressed that "they are projects which have been paid by all of us, to be utilized to the benefit of the Greek people and not to be given to private citizens for exploitation."

[11] Greek FinMin reiterates goal to bring fiscal deficit to 2.6 pct this year

ATHENS, 18/7/2006 (ANA)

PASOK criticizes government's economic policy: In response to statements by Economy and Finance Minister George Alogoskoufis, the main opposition Pan-Hellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK) criticized the government's economic policy on Monday.

The criticism was directed during a press conference given by Vasso Papandreou, responsible for the party's Political Council on the Economy, the Coordinator of the Parliamentary Group on the Economy, Petros Efthymiou and Representative on Economy and Finance, Andeas Makrypidis.

The PASOK officials criticized the New Democracy (ND) government that with the policy it was implementing, "it increases the unequal distribution of income, burdening the salary earners and pensioners, while widening even further the taxation relief for the few."

The heads of PASOK's Economy sector said that the convergence of incomes with the average of that of the European Union, "is being distanced," noting that in the two-year period 2004-2005, the per capita income in units of purchasing power increased only by one percentage unit, when the increase in the two-year period 2002-2003 was 7.7 units.

[12] Deputy �inister says absorption of capital from 3rd CSF has reached 45%

ATHENS, 18/7/2006 (ANA)

Folias further said that the 45 per cent which concerns the absorption should have been much higher but what must be taken into account is that in the first four years of the implementation of the 3rd CSF, the absorption was 21 per cent.

[13] Greek FinMin, Bank of Greece governor discuss economic developments

ATHENS, 18/7/2006 (ANA)

Alogoskoufis briefed the central banker over the course of the economy, in general, emphasizing on a privatization plan and forecasts on macro-economic figures, while Garganas referred to the monetary policy. Greece's economy ministry acknowledges a prevailing uncertainty over developments in oil prices although it expects there will be no significant impact on economic growth. Rising oil prices cut 0.3 pct of the Greek economic growth last year. The meeting also discussed progress in a privatization plan, due to be examined by an inner cabinet meeting on Tuesday.

[14] Greek annual inflation rose to 3.4 pct in June, Eurostat

ATHENS, 18/7/2006 (ANA)

The EU executive's statistics agency in a report said Eurozone inflation was unchanged at 2.5 pct in June, but up from 2.1 pct in June 2005, while inflation in the EU-25 was also unchanged at 2.4 pct but up from 2.0 pct in June last year.

Poland and Finland (1.5 pct each) recorded the lowest inflation rates in the month, followed by Holland and Austria (1.8 pct each), while Latvia (6.3 pct), Slovakia (4.5 pct), Estonia (4.4 pct) and Spain (4.0 pct) recorded the highest inflation rates in the EU-25.

The inflation rate rose in five member-states in June, from May, it fell in 14 and was unchanged in five states. There were no figures for UK.

[15] Development ministry urges for self-restraint in fuel price increases

ATHENS, 18/7/2006 (ANA)

Speaking to reporters, after a meeting of a Commission on European Business Awards, the Greek minister urged consumers to use their powerful weapon and to isolate speculators by opting for petrol stations with the cheapest prices.

Sioufas reiterated that fuel prices in Greece were the lowest in Europe and stressed that international oil prices and petrol prices have risen by 145 pct and 168 pct respectively, since 2004, while petrol prices in the domestic market have risen by 48 percent over the same period. The Greek minister noted that ministry agencies continued inspections in the domestic fuel market and stressed that the situation in the market was rather fluid.

[16] Hospitals will be adequately staffed in a year

ATHENS, 18/7/2006 (ANA)

Alogoskoufis told reporters after the one-and-a-half-hour meeting that a total of 250 hospital personnel will be hired immediately on specific time contracts and another 4,500 will follow based on the budget. Next year, an additional 5,000 hospital personnel will be hired.

They also decided to establish a ministerial committee with the participation of the ministries of employment and development to formulate a hospital management system. According to Avramopoulos, the ministerial committee will have complete drafting its proposals by October.

Both the finance minister and the health minister referred to the progress made in the absorption rate of the Third Community Support Framework (CSF) funds in the sector of health that has reached 44.4 percent compared to 12 percent two years ago.

[17] Transport minister inaugurates new suburban railway stations

ATHENS, 18/7/2006 (ANA)

The 10-million-euro stations of Ano Liosia, Aspropyrgos and Magoula are capable of serving an estimated 5,000 people living in the region of western Attica as well as those working in the emerging industrial region.

Liapis characterized the Proastiakos as a very important project offering quick and safe transportation. Referring to the three new stations he said that they will facilitate commuting in the regions of western Attica and contribute to their economic growth.

He also said that the new Proastiakos stations under construction at Penteli and Piraeus will be ready by the end of the year, while construction works at the stations of Chalkida, Kiato and Metamorphosis will be completed by early 2007.

[18] Employment minister meets PASOK's Damanaki

ATHENS, 18/7/2006 (ANA)

Tsitouridis told reporters after the meeting that the government was promoting policies which would reinforce employment and the labor market, especially among young people, women and people over fifty.

The minister noted that at present talks between the government, political parties and social partners was being carried on, adding that at the end of the process the government would introduce relevant legislation.

On her part, Damanaki said that she informed Tsitouridis on her party's planned initiative regarding an increase in unemployment benefits, noting that the "situation is worsening" as regards social security matters.

[19] Eurobank EFG withdraws from Romanian bank bid

ATHENS, 18/7/2006 (ANA)

As noted in the announcement, Romania remains a country of major interest for Eurobank EFG's strategic development in central and southeastern Europe. Due to the rapid growth and increased competitiveness of the banking market in Romania, Eurobank EFG chose the strategy of rapid organizational growth through its subsidiary Bancpost for the widening of its work and its presence in the Romanian market. By the end of 2006, Bancpost is expected to number 200 branches with 3,700 personnel.

[20] Greek stocks plunge 3.10 pct on Monday

ATHENS, 18/7/2006 (ANA)

The composite index ended at 3,506.72 points with turnover a low 96.7 million euros.

Sector indices ended lower with the Media (4.67 pct), Technology (4.58 pct), Raw Materials (4.32 pct), Industrial Products (4.27 pct) and Food-Beverage (3.79 pct) suffering the heaviest percentage losses of the day.

The Big Cap index dropped 3.18 pct, the Mid Cap index ended 3.01 pct lower and the Small Cap index plunged 3.93 pct.

Broadly, decliners led advancers by 245 to 27 with another 28 issues unchanged.

Foreign Exchange Rates:

Reference buying rates per euro released by the European Central Bank:

U.S. dollar 1.254

[21] Thessalonica film festival highlights German director Wim Wenders this year

ATHENS, 18/7/2006 (ANA)

Twenty-seven films, including documentaries, by Wenders will be projected during the festival, while the German director will give a lecture open to the public. An exhibition of photos taken by Wenders and his wife Donata, will also be held within the framework of events dedicated to his work.

Fourteen films from all over the world will compete in the official program, the festival's director Despina Mouzakis said. "Our objective is to reinforce Thessalonica as a cultural crossroads of South-Eastern Mediterranean and to consolidate the festival as an important annual rendezvous in the agenda of film professionals," she noted.

[22] Exhibition at Austrian National Library entitled 'With the Greeks at the table in Egypt'

VIENNA, 18/7/2006 (ANA-MPA/D. Dimitrakoudis)

With the coming of Alexander the Great, the country of the Nile was overwhelmed by Greek influences in all sectors of life, changing to a great deal the daily life of the Egyptians and bringing many innovations also to their nutrition, as ascertained by the numerous Greek documents, on the basis of which the exhibition at the Austrian National Library gives a live image from the daily "menu" of traditional Egyptian cuisine with the Greek Gastronomic influences.

[23] The 1st Balkan Byzantine Conference promotes the message of the Prespa Lakes unity

ATHENS, 18/7/2006 (ANA)

Addressing the conference organized by the Holy Metropolis of Prespes and Eordea and the municipality of Prespes, the Archbishop stressed that the Christian Orthodox faith is the common characteristic of the peoples in the region. The conference's message is that links exist between different peoples based on which, peace, peaceful coexistence, cultural and state development can be consolidated, stressed the Archbishop.

The conference was held with the participation of clergymen and scientists from Greece, Albania and Serbia.

Among the presentations made was that of former Albanian prime minister and known Byzantine scholar Aleksander Meksi providing a historical and cultural approach of the countries in the region of Prespa lakes, namely, Greece, Albania and FYROM.

[24] Thraki Ethnic Festival on July 21-23 in northern Greece

ATHENS, 18/7/2006 (ANA)

The festival is organized jointly by the Rodopi-Evros super-prefecture, the Traianoupolis municipality, Evros prefecture and Rodopi cultural association "Kydon".

The program includes performances and workshops by the juggling act Lazy Dayz, percussion workshops and theatre. There will also be daytrips on bicycles and kayaking at the Evros Delta wetlands and the Dadia Forest, archery, climbing and an opportunity to use thermal spas at Traianoupolis.

[25] Two major fires in Thessalonica reported to be under control

ATHENS, 18/7/2006 (ANA)

Strong explosions were heard from the site of the factory, as automobile paints and other industrial paints were engulfed by the flames, while blazing materials were being propelled by the explosions onto the surrounding fields.

The public power corporation DEH had to cut off electricity to the area, as the flames burned wooden pylons through which were running the electricity cables that supply power to industrial units in the wider region.

An investigation is underway to determine the causes of the fire.

Meanwhile, the fire that broke out five days ago at the landfill in Tagarades, Thessalonica has been placed under control but plastic and other flammable materials are still burning.

Firefighting teams were working non-stop to cover the blaze with soil, but continue to face difficulties due to ground instability.

[26] Thessalonica Police Emergency Service presents biannual crime drive account

ATHENS, 18/7/2006 (ANA)

In the first six months of 2006, a total of 1,972 misdemeanors were confirmed compared to 1,546 in 2005. Police conducted identity checks on a total of 14,855 suspects and 698 of them were detained (2,636 and 961 respectively in 2005). Also, a total of 8,477 suspect vehicles were checked compared to 6,868 in the corresponding period in 2005.

A total of 3,682 violations involving noise pollution and other disturbances were confirmed after 2,343 on the spot checks.

In addition, a total of 221 "black market" violations were confirmed after 2,309 inspections.

An increase was recorded in tourism legislation violations (1,376 violations confirmed in 6,456 inspections).

Over half a million calls were made to the police emergency intervention phone number "100", while the response time has been reduced from 12 to 8 seconds.

[27] Austrian boy drowns in swimming pool in Chania, Crete

ATHENS, 18/7/2006 (ANA)

The accident occurred on Saturday evening, shortly after the boy's family had arrived on a package tour with a group of other tourists at Parigoria, Chania.

The boy apparently dived into the water unsupervised, without his parents becoming aware of it and was found at the bottom of the pool sometime afterwards.

He was immediately brought up and given first aid, and an ambulance was called that took him to Hania hospital.

He was still breathing on arrival but in critical condition and was immediately intubated in order to be sent to Heraklion. He did not survive the journey, however, dying on the way.

According to Chania coroner Stamatis Belivanis, who examined the child's body, the child had entered the swimming pool shortly after consuming food.

Following the tragedy, the Chania coroner stressed that small children should not be left unattended when swimming in the sea or swimming pools.

[28] Police arrest two carrying 91 kilos cannabis

ATHENS, 18/7/2006 (ANA)

They said the pair were apprehended last Sunday in Kalambaka by police that had put together information concerning the operation of an organized drug-smuggling ring and staged a careful surveillance operation along the Trikala-Ioannina national highway.

They said the two men arrested were both of Albanian nationality, aged 23 and 31, while the vehicle they were driving had been stolen some time before in Athens.

[29] Illegal immigrants intercepted near Samos

ATHENS, 18/7/2006 (ANA)

The group was made up of Afghans and Somalis who arrived on a boat that they scuppered shortly before they came ashore.

[30] US official holds contacts in Cyprus

NICOSIA, 18/7/2006 (CNA/ANA-MPA)

Bryza, who arrived in Cyprus after visiting Ankara and Athens, met with Foreign Ministry's Permanent Secretary Sotos Zakheos and Director of the Cyprus problem division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Erato Kozakou Markoulli. Later he had separate meetings with House President Demetris Christofias and main opposition party, DISI President Nicos Anastasiades. Bryza will have Tuesday meetings with the Turkish Cypriot leadership and will hold a press conference.

In statements after meeting Bryza, Christofias said that the US official told him that US President George Bush has given him strict instructions that the Greek Cypriots will, as expressed at the April 2004 referendum on the Annan plan, must be respected and that a solution to the Cyprus question on the basis of a bi-communal bi-zonal federation should be promoted and not a solution on the basis of a confederation.

Christofias also said that Bryza assured him that there is no issue of imposing the Annan plan or punishing the Greek Cypriots for rejecting the plan, as far as the US is concerned.

''I wish that from now on the policy of the USA will be the one outlined by Bryza,'' Christofias said, adding that Bryza pointed out that ''some elements of the Annan plan may be used during the talks but there is no issue of imposing the Annan plan as it is.''

In statements after his meeting with Bryza, Anastasiades said the Americans are concerned to find ways ''how to overcome the problems we are facing in Cyprus and the problems Turkey is facing with its European course.''

Anastasiades said that the US administration is concerned with finding a solution which would satisfy all sides and a solution to the problems regarding Turkey's obligations towards the EU, as well as for the so-called ''isolation'' of the Turkish Cypriots.

''I am satisfied from Bryza's positions and let us hope that they (the Americans) will do, as they promise, everything possible, so that there will be some positive steps in the near future,'' Anastasiades said.

The Cypriot opposition party leader added that Bryza ''categorically said that the US will never promote a solution other than the reunification of Cyprus, under a federal status.''

[31] French Premier stops over in Cyprus, on his way to Lebanon

NICOSIA, 18/7/2006 (CNA/ANA-MPA)

Ministry Permanent Secretary Sotos Zakheos said.

''The French Prime Minister arrived today (Monday) at the military air base 'Andreas Papandreou' at the western coastal town of Paphos and afterwards left for Beirut aboard a British helicopter,'' Zakheos said.

He added that Villepin was expected to return to Cyprus and depart later Monday evening.

[32] Cyprus prepares as foreigners arrive from Lebanon

NICOSIA, 18/7/2006 (CNA/ANA)

Cypriot Foreign Ministry's Consular Affairs Division Director Omiros Mavrommatis said that the meeting dealt with the basic concern of how to facilitate European citizens expected to arrive to Cyprus from Lebanon on ships.

European and other countries plan to evacuate their citizens from Lebanon through Cyprus, either by air or by sea. France already chartered the Greek cruise ship ''Ierapetra'' to evacuate French and other European citizens from Lebanon to Cyprus. The US State Department announced that it works on plans to carry US citizens from Lebanon to Cyprus, while Britain already began to transfer British and other citizens from Lebanon to its Sovereign Base Areas in Cyprus.

''At this moment there are tenths of thousands of Europeans and other nationals in Lebanon and some countries use Cyprus for repatriating their citizens,'' Mavrommatis said.

He said an Italian ship was expected to arrive to Cyprus Monday afternoon carrying 400 Italians from Lebanon, while Ierapetra is expected to arrive to Cyprus by Tuesday, carrying passengers including 300 children - 200 of whom unescorted - as well as 10 Cypriots, adding that another 4 or 5 vessels are expected to arrive to Cyprus within the week, carrying more than 5,000 persons.

Mavrommatis said that Cyprus satisfied the French government's request and provided 10 Cypriots volunteers who are on board the Ierapetra to take care of the 200 unescorted children.

He also said that the Cypriot authorities discussed the possibility of Lebanese nationals fleeing to Cyprus, expressing hope that the crisis in the neighboring country would cease and therefore the Lebanese would not be forced to leave their homeland. Furthermore, British High Commission Spokesman George Stylianou told CNA that Britain is in full coordination and cooperation with Cypriot authorities for the transferring of British and other nationals from Lebanon.

Stylianou noted that a British military helicopter carried approximately 40 persons, mainly British citizens and other nationals from Lebanon, while a second helicopter will carry out another flight from Lebanon to Cyprus.

He also said that there are 4,000 British families in Lebanon - the largest group of EU nationals there. According to Stylianou France and the US have requested and secured permission to use the British Sovereign Bases in Cyprus to transfer their nationals there.

1,200 more foreigners to arrive in Cyprus from Lebanon: Greek vessel Ierapetra, chartered by the French government, is expected to dock Tuesday morning at Larnaca port, carrying approximately 1,200 evacuees from Lebanon, Cypriot Foreign Ministry Permanent Secretary Sotos Zakheos said here Monday.

Speaking at a press conference, Zakheos said 10 Cypriots are among the passengers, while three Cypriot children who were on vacation at

Nabadiye and were carried to Beirut by car on Monday are also on this ship.

He also said that he spoke with Greek Deputy Foreign Minister Theodoros Kassimis, who promised that a total of 100 Cypriots will be carried from Lebanon to Cyprus aboard a Greek frigate evacuating Greek nationals from Lebanon.

''In this way we will resolve almost definitely the problem regarding the evacuation of Cypriot citizens from Lebanon,'' he added.

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