Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 00-07-07

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

CONTENTS

[01] Temperatures hit 45C as heat-wave grips Greece

[02] Russia, Greece hold talks on key issues

[03] Papandreou and Dobbins discuss Cyprus and Greek-Turkish relations

[04] U.S. "working to prevent tension in the Aegean"

[05] Reppas denies that Strovilia checkpoint changes status quo on Cyprus

[06] EU French presidency hails start of third round of Cyprus talks

[07] Parliament rejects ND proposal on IDs

[08] Greek President expresses satisfaction with recent contacts in Ireland

[09] Kaklamanis briefs US legislators on Cyprus, Turkey

[10] US Senator tables amendment calling for return of Parthenon Marbles to Greece

[11] Karamanou tables question on security of Greeks in Albania

[12] Albanian parliamentarian calls for lifting of state of war between two countries

[13] Greece to give first fixed-line phone licenses in January

[14] Public investments in the first half of 2000

[15] George Drys briefs IMF members on Greece's economic prospects

[16] EU, Grece and Turkey jointly promote energy network connections

[17] Greek stocks ignore positive news, resume fall

[18] Onassis Foundation grant headed for renovation work at Venice's Orthodox Cathedral

[19] Two cultural exhibitions inaugurated on Rhodes

[20] Air pollution causes as many deaths as road accidents, says Greenpeace report

[21] Road accident deaths in Greece rising, Eurostat report says

[22] European Commission President announces creation of European task force apparatus

[23] Geneva Cyprus proximity talks enter new phase

[24] Minister says occupation forces attempt to consolidate new positions

[01] Temperatures hit 45C as heat-wave grips Greece

Athens, 07/07/2000 (ANA)

On Thursday the country sweltered under a baking 45C in the shade, while particularly hard-hit was the capital Athens and surrounding Attica. The high temperatures and the lack of wind also encouraged a dangerous build-up of the notorious Athens smog, with nitrogen dioxide levels reaching 533 micrograms per cubic meter of air at midday, surpassing the government-set level of 400 micrograms for the taking of emergency measures.

The National Emergency Services (EKAB) transferred two people to hospital on Thursday suffering from thermal exhaustion, while one 87-year-old man with cardiac and respiratory problems died in hospital because of the heat. One more death that of a 56-year-old construction worker found dead in an Athens park is being investigated to establish whether it might be linked to the high temperatures.

The Public Power Corporation (DEH), meanwhile, said that power cuts had occurred in many areas around the capital, caused by an over consumption of electricity by air-conditioning units. It advised the public to limit their use of air-conditioning and be economical in their use of electricity.

For the relief of beleaguered citizens, public beaches, swimming baths and stadiums were ordered to remain open on a 24-hour basis on Thursday by the secretariat for civilian protection.

The other Balkan nations are also in the grip of the heat wave, with temperatures in southeastern Europe topping 43C.

Temperatures throughout Greece are expected to ease on Friday, ranging from 20C to 36C in the north and 24C to 38C in the rest of the country, with moderate to strong northerly winds.

[02] Russia, Greece hold talks on key issues

MOSCOW, 07/07/2000(ANA- V. Mourtis)

The talks took place in the framework of a series of meetings with which Tsohatzopoulos kicked off a three-day visit to Russia, and which included contacts with Russian Deputy Prime Minister Ilia Khlebanov and the Patriarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Alexiy.

Reports said that the two ministers agreed on the need for additional initiatives to promote peace and stability in the Balkans, particularly the Kosovo area, where military units of the two countries will remain as part of the peacekeeping force.

The sources said that the two men agreed that there delays on the part of the European Union in promoting the Balkan Stability Pact, and that Tsohatzopoulos expressed the view that Greece should undertake political initiatives in the European Union regarding developments in each Balkan country.

A second important point reportedly agreed on concerned the role of Turkey in the eastern Mediterranean and the Caucasus region. Turkey was found to be playing a destabilizing role and has not changed its well-known tactics, despite efforts to change its image after the Helsinki summit which endorsed its EU candidacy.

The two ministers were also reported to have confirmed common positions and interests regarding navigation in the Aegean and the Black Sea, being opposed to the restrictions, which Turkey wishes to impose in the Black Sea, believing that this would create huge problems.

Greece proposed trilateral cooperation with Russia and Bulgaria to promote construction of the Burgas-Alexandroupolis pipeline, with a view to securing the uninterrupted flow of oil from the Caspian Sea, through Russia and Georgia to the Mediterranean. Before the start of the official talks, Tsohatzopoulos indicated Greek support to Russia over Chechnya, saying that the two countries were against international terrorism.

In response to questions made after the meeting, referring to recent events on the island republic of Cyprus, Sergeyev said that Greece and Russia have almost identical positions as regards respecting and implementing the rules of international law.

He was asked about the recent actions by Turkish forces on Cyprus, specifically their relocation of a border checkpoint 300m further into the no-man's zone that divides the Greek and Turkish Cypriot communities on the island.

Talks with Russian Patriarch Alexiy focused on the situation in Kosovo. The Patriarch praised Greece for being the only NATO country, which expressed a negative view of the bombing and the intervention. He awarded Tsohatzopoulos the medal of St. David of Moscow, after whom the monastery in which the meeting took place has been named.

[03] Papandreou and Dobbins discuss Cyprus and Greek-Turkish relations

Athens, 07/07/2000 (ANA)

Papandreou later termed his meeting with Dobbins "very constructive." Dobbins was due to meet Public Order Minister Mihalis Chrysohoidis later in the day, who will be visiting the US soon to sign the police cooperation memorandum with the Americans, as Papandreou said.

On his part, Dobbins expressed satisfaction over his talks with Papandreou, which he included in informative contacts he is currently carrying out in the framework of the assumption of his new duties.

He also said his talks in Ankara with Turkish officials, prior to visiting Athens, were part of the same framework.

Dobbins said Greece has a particularly important role in the region, adding that its geographical position, combined with the fact it is the sole Balkan European Union member-state, can be useful as a model and a pole of attraction for all the countries in the region which desire to join European structures at some time.

He reminded that Greece has played a very important role in the restoration of peace in Kosovo and the dispatch of humanitarian aid to the region, while it also contributes to stability in the Balkans through the Stability Pact. He further underlined that the US is cooperating very closely with Greece in the Balkans.

Urged to comment on the advancement of Turkish forces in Strovilia, Cyprus, and on statements by Turkish Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit on the recognition of the Turkish Cypriot pseudo-state's entity, Dobbins said that with talks he had in Athens with the Greek Foreign Minister, as well as with those he had in Ankara in recent days, he had the opportunity of being better informed on issues concerning Cyprus and reminded that the US has a group of senior officials dealing extensively on the issue. He also said he is aware of the latest developments in Cyprus and that the UN is handling the issue.

On the question of Ecevit's statements, Dobbins said it is logical for different approaches and views to exist between the parties involved, adding that the desire of the US is to see a process materializing on the convergence of views.

[04] U.S. "working to prevent tension in the Aegean"

WASHINGTON, 07/07/2000 (ANA- T. Ellis)

"The situation in the Aegean has been something of concern to us. It is something we have discussed with the governments there and are working closely with them on it," said State Department spokesman Richard Boucher. The spokesman said he did not have details of any Turkish proposal for the commencement of bilateral dialogue with Greece on differences over the Aegean.

[05] Reppas denies that Strovilia checkpoint changes status quo on Cyprus

Athens, 07/07/2000 (ANA)

According to the spokesman, the movements of the Turkish occupation forces occurred within the occupied territories and are not an encroachment on free territories.

Reppas said that the Cypriot National Guard had not become involved in the affair at all, and that the commander of the British base policing the area, who had appealed to the United Nations for the withdrawal of the occupation troops, was handling it.

Commenting, however, the spokesman described Turkey's stance on the issue as "unacceptable" and said that Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash was "serving ulterior ends." He also said that the development was "absolutely negative" for the process of achieving a Cyprus settlement.

Asked to comment on the progress of the third round of Cyprus proximity talks, that began in Geneva on Wednesday, Reppas said that it was too soon to say anything other than that it was a good effort toward a settlement of the Cyprus problem. The least we can achieve, he added, is to once more make it clear to the international community that Turkey and Denktash are not ready to comply with UN decisions on Cyprus.

To other questions, asking how Athens could reconcile its efforts to normalize relations with Turkey on the one hand, on the basis of the Helsinki agreement, while at the same time accusing the neighboring country of intransigency, the spokesman replied that Athens is seeking normalization to improve bilateral relations between the two countries, which will assist finding a solution to the Cyprus problem.

The Cyprus problem, Reppas added, was the cornerstone of Greek and Turkish relations, which would prove Turkey's credibility.

Reppas was also asked about the expressions of optimism by Foreign Minister George Papandreou during his meetings with the leaders of the opposition parties, regarding a solution to the dispute with the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) over the republic's adopted name. The spokesman said he could neither confirm nor deny this because he was not present at the meetings.

Greece, he added, wishes to significantly improve relations with FYROM and that the problem of the name will be resolved through this improvement. "We hope that efforts over the republic's name will achieve results, but the other side does not want this," he added.

[06] EU French presidency hails start of third round of Cyprus talks

BRUSSELS, 07/07/2000 (ANA - V. Demiris)

The statement said that the presidency backed the continuing efforts by UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan to find a solution. It also said that the UN provided a framework for a comprehensive, just and lasting settlement.

The statement ends by asking both parties to engage in "substantive negotiations and to contribute to such a settlement."

[07] Parliament rejects ND proposal on IDs

Athens, 07/07/2000 (ANA)

Towards the end of the debate, which lasted ten hours, and before deputies voted on the issue, Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis lashed out against Archbishop of Athens Christodoulos, saying it would be wrong for the government to give in to his blackmailing tactics and threats that the law would not be applied because he represented, as he claimed, "97 percent of the people".

The government has proposed to abolish the reference to one's religious faith on IDs, saying it falls in the domain of personal data.

The Greek Church, led by outspoken Archbishop of Athens and All Greece Christodoulos, has strenuously opposed the measure, highlighted by two major rallies last month.

During the debate, ND leader Costas Karamanlis brought his party's proposal for the voluntary listing to the legislature's floor, whereas the government's speakers defended the measure and, in turn, focused criticism on the main opposition.

The ND leader charged that Prime Minister Costas Simitis was personally responsible for the extent of which the "ID card" furor has soured relations between the Church's hierarchy and the government. He also cited what he called a "division amidst society" over the controversial issue.

"Regime-like practices lead to dead-ends, and arrogance is a very poor counsel," Karamanlis said during his address in Parliament, calling on ruling PASOK deputies to vote for ND's proposal, in order "to build bridges over the chasm opened within society."

V. Papandreou: In response, Interior Minister Vasso Papandreou sharply criticized Karamanlis' proposal and ND's policy over the issue, charging that the main opposition has allied itself with certain "extreme elements" amongst the Greek Church's hierarchy.

"You've allied yourselves with those prelates that divide Greeks into faithful and unfaithful; Orthodox and not," she said.

In directly commenting on the voluntary listing, Papandreou said religious affiliation belongs in the category of "sensitive personal data, and isn't useful for identification cards.

"Anyway, an ID card states who we are and not what we are," Papandreou shot back.

In earlier statements, Karamanlis listed what he said were the government's past unfilled promised over the issue, lack of dialogue and other facets Church-state relations.

"In democracies, governments do exactly what they pledge to do and not the opposite," Karamanlis said, emphasizing that the government's argument that its decision over IDs falls in line with European Union directives dealing with human rights is "totally false".

Party rapporteurs: In other comments, ND rapporteur Vyron Polydoras reminded deputies of what he called the ruling party's position on the matter, saying it transforms on a regular basis. He said a 1986 law under a then PASOK government foresaw the voluntary listing of religious affiliation, whereas in 1991 PASOK's deputies - then in the main opposition camp - also supported the voluntary listing.

He also mentioned that the mandatory listing of religious affiliation still stands in Germany and that the European Court allows the ability to list religious affiliation on ID cards through Directives 9546 and 9766.

Ruling PASOK's Stavros Benos, a former minister, called the voluntary listing the worst possible compromise, stressing that the final decision on the matter must lie with the state. "With the voluntary listing the Church assumes a factional role."

In commenting on the latest polls gauging public opinion over the issue, Benos said a large segment of the populace is confusing the police-issued ID card with a "national identity."

"The only threat of the Church losing its identity lies in it losing its spirituality," Benos stressed.

KKE, Synaspismos: In his address, Communist Party of Greece (KKE) deputy Antonis Skylakos said public opinion is being distracted from the major problems facing the country, such as social security reform and privatizations.

Skylakos nevertheless stated that his party has from the beginning taken a position against the listing of religious affiliation on ID cards and is in favor of a complete separation of Church and state.

He also said ND's proposal of a voluntary listing is "dangerous, as it leads to an unfavorable treatment of those who choose not to list religious affiliation on their ID cards."

Conversely, Skylakos said the Schengen Pact foresees the collection of citizens' personal data, saying European leader-ships' interest in civil liberties was, therefore, "hypocritical".

Finally, Coalition of the Left (Synaspismos) deputy Maria Damanaki unleashed probably the harshest attack on ND's proposal, saying the main opposition "hopes to play the role of a political arm for a majority of the (Church) hierarchy."

In regards to the substance of the proposal, Damanaki said a majority of the population couldn't overturn decisions involving human rights. "It is also not allowed for police to ask what God you believe in. That's the essence of the matter," she closed.

Gov't: In a related matter, the government on Thursday called the motion filed by a group of citizens at the Council of State, Greece's highest administrative court, over the ID card issue a "positive development."

"It's a positive development because it outlines the margins with which each side can maneuver," government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said.

[08] Greek President expresses satisfaction with recent contacts in Ireland

Athens, 07/07/2000 (ANA)

Referring to the Cyprus issue, Stephanopoulos said he hoped there would be a "sincere change in Turkish policy", which if sincerely implemented will allow the neighboring country to proceed with its European vocation.

[09] Kaklamanis briefs US legislators on Cyprus, Turkey

Athens, 07/07/2000 (ANA)

Describing the on-going Cyprus problem as "a stain on the map of peace," Kaklamanis particularly described a recent advance by Turkish occupation forces further into the UN-controlled buffer zone that separates the island republic's Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities as "a direct provocation to the international community."

He also stressed that, despite the positive climate that had recently developed between ordinary people in Greece and Turkey, and the efforts of the Greek government and parliament, the Turkish side had not responded.

Regarding relations between Greece and the US, Kaklamanis described these as "very satisfactory." He said Greece hoped for a more active role by the US, especially over Cyprus.

Lastly, he spoke to the visiting US legislators about the Olympic Games to be hosted by Athens in 2004.

[10] US Senator tables amendment calling for return of Parthenon Marbles to Greece

Athens, 07/07/2000 (ANA)

The marble sculptures, originally part of a frieze that decorated the ancient temple of the Parthenon on the Athens Acropolis, were removed in the 19th century by Lord Elgin and are now on display at the British Museum in London. Greece has campaigned for their return for the last two decades but the British Museum refuses, claiming that the marbles were legally obtained and are better protected in Britain.

The amendment also notes that the Parthenon, the celebrated ancient temple regarded as a masterpiece of architectural design, was adopted as a symbol of democracy by America's founding fathers and represents the principles that they would like to incorporate in the operation of the state. For this reason, it says, Americans have a particular debt to Greece and should assist in any way it could in securing the return of the Marbles.

[11] Karamanou tables question on security of Greeks in Albania

STRASBOURG, 07/07/2000 (ANA - Y. Zitouniati)

The tabling of the question was prompted by a rocket attack on the night of July 3 against the ethnic Greek inhabitants of the southern Albanian village of Dervitsani from the nearby Lazarati village, which is considered as a refuge for many Albanian criminals.

Karamanou points out that the attack was not the first against members of the Greek minority in the country, and Albanian police seems unable to apprehend the culprits. She asks the Council and the Commission to inform her of the political moves and the measures they intend to promote to increase security in the area.

[12] Albanian parliamentarian calls for lifting of state of war between two countries

GJIROKASTER, 07/07/2000 (ANA - P. Barkas)

Foreign Minister Paskal Milo made an extensive proposal at the meeting of the Permanent Foreign Affairs Committee on relations between the two countries.

"The law on the state of war between Greece and Albania is still valid and it has been officially confirmed. This constitutes a big irrationality for the reason that improved relations exist between the two countries in the economic sector but, above all, in the military one," Godo said.

[13] Greece to give first fixed-line phone licenses in January

Athens, 07/07/2000 (ANA)

According to a bill, which contains six chapters and 13 articles on the deregulation of telecommunications, the committee will also obtain increased responsibilities.

In parallel, the way is also paved for public utilities (such as the Public Power Corporation and the Hellenic Railway Organization) having the suitable infrastructure to enter the telecommunications sector and develop alliances with Greek and foreign telecommunications companies, as well as with the Hellenic Telecommunications Organization (OTE) itself.

The most important factor for users is that they will now have the opportunity to choose a fixed line telephony company on the basis of the quality and quantity of services provided, as well as tariffs.

[14] Public investments in the first half of 2000

Athens, 07/07/2000 (ANA)

Projects for 2000 executed in the first half totalled 43.5 percent of the programmed, up from a 38.5 percent rise in the same period of 1999, the ministry said in a statement.

[15] George Drys briefs IMF members on Greece's economic prospects

Athens, 07/07/2000 (ANA)

An announcement by the ministry said the meeting was held in an excellent climate and on the occasion the deputy finance minister briefed the members of the IMF on current developments in fiscal indicators and on prospects for 2001.

[16] EU, Grece and Turkey jointly promote energy network connections

BRUSSELS, 07/07/2000 (ANA - V. Demiris)

European Commission sources said it is an initiative by the External Relations Commissioner Christopher Patten, Greek Foreign Minister George Papandreou and his Turkish counterpart Ismail Cem, which is part of the European Union's technical assistance programmed Interstate Oil Gas Transport to Europe (INOGATE).

The INOGATE programmed concerns the interstate cooperation of countries from central and Eastern Europe, the Caucasus and central Asia for the piping of natural gas to Europe.

EU officials expressed satisfaction over the two countries' decision to cooperate with the European Commission in the framework of the INOGATE programmed.

The European Commission considers the creation of the working group as being an important and specific step in the rapprochement process between Greece and Turkey, while it is expected that the strategic connection of natural gas pipelines in countries in southeastern Europe, and in Balkan countries in particular, will be promoted.

The working group's first meeting on Friday is the result of three-month negotiations coordinated by the European Commission in the framework of the INOGATE programmed.

Prospects of cooperation in the energy sector are expected to be examined during the meeting with the preparation of plans and investments as of 2002.

[17] Greek stocks ignore positive news, resume fall

Athens, 07/07/2000 (ANA)

Traders said the market had quickly left behind Wednesday's technical rebound and noted that investors largely ignored positive developments in the inflation and privatization fronts.

Analysts said the market would find support at the 3,900 level in the short-term.

The general index ended 1.42 percent lower at 3,968.83 points, in low turnover of 84 billion drachmas. The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks ended at 2,189.92 points, off 1.24 percent and the FTSE/ASE 40 index dropped 2.49 percent to 571.54 points.

Sector indices ended as follows: Banks: 7,360.24

-1.23% Leasing: 756.13 -1.29% Insurance: 2,650.12

-1.31% Investment: 1,612.64 -1.45% Construction: 2,196.56 -1.99% Industrials: 2,455.92 -1.65% Miscellaneous: 4,020.11 -2.20% Holding: 4,549.53

-1.92%

The parallel market index for smaller capitalization stocks ended at 773.54 points, off 1.27 percent.

Broadly, decliners led advancers by 284 to 48 with another 10 issues unchanged.

Fanco, Naoussa Spinning, Efclides, Athenian Holdings and Klonatex were the most heavily traded stocks.

Leading shares' closing prices (in Drs): National Bank: 13,305 Alpha Bank: 13,475 Commercial Bank: 15,830 Eurobank: 9,200 Lambrakis Press: 10,100 Heracles Cement: 7,555 Hellenic Telecoms: 8,450 Panafon: 3,900 Hellenic Petroleum: 3,860 Attica Enterprises: 3,680 Intracom: 12,550 Minoan Lines: 3,580 Hellenic Bottling: 5,515

Derivatives down in line with stock exchange: Equity futures traded on the Athens Derivatives Exchange finished lower on Thursday, roughly in line with the two indices on which they are based.

The FTSE/ASE 20 closed 1.24 percent down, and the FTSE/ASE 40 ended 2.49 percent lower.

Turnover was 13.18 billion drachmas from 13.4 billion drachmas a day earlier.

A total of 1,435 contracts were traded on the FTSE/ASE 20 index with turnover at 6.3 billion drachmas.

Changing hands on the FTSE/ASE 40 were 3,038 futures on turnover of 6.8 billion drachmas.

Bond prices drop in sell-oriented trade: Bond prices in the domestic secondary market fell in moderate trade on Thursday.

The Greek benchmark 10-year bond showed a yield of 6.10 percent from 6.13 percent for three days.

The Greek paper's yield spread over German bunds was 82 basis points from 86 basis points for two trading days.

Turnover through the central bank's electronic system totalled 86 billion drachmas from 156 billion drachmas in the previous session.

Sell orders accounted for 50 billion drachmas of turnover.

Drachma up vs. euro, dollar: The drachma on Thursday rose against the euro and the US dollar in the domestic foreign exchange market.

At the central bank's daily fixing, the euro was set at 336.650 drachmas from 336.700 drachmas in the previous session.

Also at the fixing, the US dollar was set at 351.570 drachmas from 352.370 drachmas a day earlier.

[18] Onassis Foundation grant headed for renovation work at Venice's Orthodox Cathedral

Athens, 07/07/2000 (ANA)

The grant will be channeled through Greece's foreign ministry for renovation works at the cathedral, long associated with the medieval and Renaissance-era ethnic Greek communities in the "Lagoon City", as well as the peak of Hellenic arts and letters in the northern Italian states.

[19] Two cultural exhibitions inaugurated on Rhodes

Athens, 07/07/2000 (ANA)

The first is entitled "Tendency practices and traditions of the Mediterranean from 1100 BC to 400 AD", set at the archaeological site at the Tomb of Saint John of Rhodes.

The second exhibition is entitled "Ritual and Faith: Byzantine Art and Divine Service." It includes 48 exhibits and it will take place at the Temple of the Virgin Mary at the Castle of Rhodes in the island capital's old quarter.

[20] Air pollution causes as many deaths as road accidents, says Greenpeace report

Athens, 07/07/2000 (ANA)

At a press conference to present its findings, the environmental organization said that the death toll through air pollution was comparable to that for road accidents, while it estimated the social costs at 548 million drachmas in the short-term and 2,096 billion drachmas in the long-term.

Report compiler Philippos Kirkitsos, a specialist on air pollution, assured reporters that these estimates were similar to those carried out in recent years in many European countries.

Greenpeace expressed hope that the report would help start public dialogue regarding this issue in Greece, while describing the current situation as not tolerable.

"By accepting current levels of pollution as normal, tolerable or unavoidable, we are condemning thousands of our fellow humans to lower levels of health and possible premature death," said the director of Greenpeace's Greek bureau, Stelios Psomas.

Epidemiological studies have shown that even very low levels of air pollution can have a detrimental effect on health and increase mortality, while the short-term rise in mortality is linked to the deaths of vulnerable individuals exposed to high levels of pollution.

Greenpeace pinpointed cars as the main culprits for air pollution, especially during the summer, and called for measures that would reduce the mileage covered by cars and better public transport services, particularly non-polluting trams and railways. It also called for higher energy efficiency in other sectors, increased use of renewable energy sources and protection and development of forests surrounding cities.

[21] Road accident deaths in Greece rising, Eurostat report says

BRUSSELS, 07/07/2000 (ANA - V. Demiris)

The report focused on road safety in each of the 15 member-states.

Specifically, between 1990-1998, the number of road accident victims in Greece increased by 5 per cent. In 1998, road accident deaths accounted for 212 of every million residents, up from 202 in 1990.

Among the rest of the 15, there is a 26 per cent reduction in deaths from road accidents in the same period, with 114 deaths per million residents in 1998, down from 155 in 1990. The largest reductions took place in Austria (41 per cent) and Finland (40 per cent).

Overall, 42,600 people in the European Union lost their lives in road accidents in 1998, with the highest death rates being in Greece, with 212 deaths per million residents, and Portugal, with 243 deaths per million residents.

Whereas, however, the death rate in Portugal appears to be dropping (from 305 deaths per million residents in 1990), the number of deaths in Greece is rising.

The smallest number of road accident deaths occurs in Sweden, with 60 dead per million residents and in Britain, with 61 dead per million residents.

[22] European Commission President announces creation of European task force apparatus

STRASBOURG, 07/07/2000 (ANA - Y. Zitouniati)

Souladakis and his Portuguese colleague Paolo Kasaka had addressed a letter to Prodi, calling on him to undertake a relevant initiative to enable the funding of EU regions, which have suffered from natural disasters, such as the killer earthquake, which had struck Athens last September.

In his reply, Prodi recognized the importance of the EU's ability to express solidarity to its citizens and assured the two Eurodeputies that the Commission is seeking solutions facilitating funding for natural disasters.

The new force will be aimed at coordinating the protection services of member-states and will operate on the principle of the mutual assistance and timely mobilization of rescue services already existing in them.

Prodi said the operation of this apparatus would contribute effectively towards saving thousands of animals and restricting environmental destruction.

[23] Geneva Cyprus proximity talks enter new phase

GENEVA, 07/07/2000 (CNA/ANA)

The talks are continuing in the format used last December and February, that is separate meetings between the UN chief's Special Adviser for Cyprus Alvaro de Soto with the President of the Republic Glafcos Clerides and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash, and under a strict news blackout.

The UN have warned both sides on the importance of confidentiality and as a result neither President Clerides nor Denktash made any statements to the press after their 90-minute meetings with the Peruvian diplomat.

According to diplomats at this phase the two sides will be replying to questions put to them by the UN on the work they were asked to prepare on the issues on the table, namely security, territory, distribution of powers and the questions of property, to be followed by substantive discussions. However, it has been made clear that in this round of talks the UN do not intend to inform one side on the other's positions.

At a later stage in the on-going process, it is expected that the UN officials will put forward their views and ideas, formulated after hearing the two sides views.

It is difficult for one to predict how far this round of talks in Geneva will reach, but it is expected that each side's intentions will be made clear by October.

The discussion as to whether Denktash was going to attend the talks or not, something he announced only a few days before their commencement, and his insistence that they aim at establishing a confederation of two states, contrary to UN resolutions stipulating for a bizonal-bicommunal federation, do not leave much room for hope that a breakthrough can be achieved for the time being, but the talks have to continue, the diplomats said.

One issue that remains unclear is the duration of the talks. Initially, the UN had asked both sides to be prepared to stay in Geneva until the end of July, but later the Turkish Cypriot leader announced he would stay on only until July 17 at the latest as he wants to return to the island to be present at the commemorations of the July 20, 1974 Turkish invasion and occupation of 37% of Cyprus territory.

It appears that Denktash insists on leaving the talks, despite statements made on Wednesday by the UN Chief's Advisor that breaks are unavoidable for "reflection and consultation" and the hope he expressed that they "would be consistent with the flow of the talks rather than any other considerations".

On its part, the Greek Cypriot side believes that if Denktash breaks the talks to return to the Turkish occupied areas for commemorations he should not be given the UN blessing.

Diplomatic sources said this issue is still under discussion and remains open.

At the same time, it has not yet been clarified whether talks will resume again late July or early August, if there is to be a break soon, or whether the two sides will be sent home to do more homework and reflection until September, when diplomats believe a fourth round of talks will be held, possibly in New York.

UN will have a 'sustained effort' in bid to find solution, Annan says: UN Secretary General Kofi Annan said on Wednesday the UN is going to have a "sustained effort" in a bid to find a solution to the Cyprus question over the next couple of months.

Annan also said he discussed with Turkish Premier Bulent Ecevit the problems caused in Cyprus by the recent movement of Turkish occupation troops, which essentially violated the current status quo on the island.

Speaking to the press, the UN chief said Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash wishes to go back to Cyprus to commemorate what he (Annan) described as "the 1974 events" and called for "low key" commemorations and controlled rhetoric.

"We have just had our first meeting with the two parties and we discussed the approach and the fact that we are going to have a sustained effort to try and find a solution to this crisis over the next couple of months," Annan said after separate meetings with

President Glafcos Clerides and Denktash on Wednesday, marking the resumption of the UN-led peace talks.

Annan said he appealed to the leaders "to respect a strict blackout on the substance under discussion, issues on the discussion as well as procedures."

Asked if he discussed the measures the illegal Turkish Cypriot regime in occupied Cyprus has taken against UNFICYP (peace-keeping force in Cyprus), he said this was mentioned, "en passant because that is not really part of the negotiations that we have undertaken here."

This, he pointed out, was a separate issue and added "we are dealing with it separately, not only are we dealing with it separately in New York, but I have also had the chance to talk to Prime Minister Ecevit briefly about it today."

Asked to comment on Denktash's demand to return to Cyprus to attend "celebrations" marking the 1974 Turkish invasion, Annan replied "yes, it is correct that Mr. Denktash would want to go back to Cyprus for the commemoration of the 1974 events."

And he went on to add "of course this is an event which also leads to some commemoration or some demonstrations in the south (the government-controlled areas of the Republic)".

"I have appealed to both leaders to make sure that these commemorations are low key and that the rhetoric is brought under control and no-one should say or do anything that can inflate tensions at a time when we are at the negotiating table," Annan said.

Asked if there would be face-to-face talks, he replied "only time will tell."

State Department: The US on Wednesday urged the Greek and Turkish Cypriot sides, engaged in UN-sponsored peace talks, to intensify their efforts in their bid to find a comprehensive settlement.

US State Department Spokesman Richard Boucher said he had nothing further to add on the Cyprus peace process, adhering to a news blackout, and avoided any comment on Turkish provocative moves in Cyprus.

"We are urging the parties to intensify their efforts during this session. The UN and the parties have agreed not to engage in public discussion about the substance of the talks and we support that understanding, so I don't really have any further comments," Boucher told his briefing.

The US spokesman refused to comment on the violation of the current status quo by the Turkish occupation troops and instead referred the press to the UN. "The UN will have to deal with that issue on the ground," he said.

Asked what the US expects from the UN talks, Boucher said he did not have much to say.

He noted UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan opened the third session with meetings with both sides and added that US Ambassador in Nicosia Donald Bandler and Special Cyprus Coordinator Thomas Weston are in Geneva to provide "diplomatic support for these talks."

US Presidential Emissary Alfred Moses will be joining them in a few days, Boucher, who has served as US Ambassador to Cyprus, added.

[24] Minister says occupation forces attempt to consolidate new positions

NICOSIA, 07/07/2000 (CNA/ANA)

The minister also said the Turkish moves humiliate the UN and are in fact "an extension of the Turkish occupation", noting that the government is taking the matter seriously and takes all the necessary action to revert the situation to its prior state.

"It looks as if we are going to see a permanent situation, created in the area of Strovilia, especially after the hoisting of the Turkish flag and that of the self-styled Turkish Cypriot regime in occupied Cyprus," the minister told the House Defense Committee.

On their part, the UN are continuing their efforts to ensure that the Turks remove the new check point they constructed near the Greek Cypriot village of Strovilia, with a view to restrict the movement of UN peace-keepers on the island.

The minister said the National Guard, the Republic's armed forces, has taken all necessary measures and noted the area is of particular concern in that it has on one side the occupied part of Cyprus and on the other it borders one of the two British military bases the UK has retained after Cyprus' independence in 1960.

"This action by the Turkish Cypriot leader is certain to have the full backing of Ankara," he said, noting that so far there is no result from contact between the UN and Turkey's Premier on this matter.

"This is surely a move forward by the Turks, irrespective of how much forward their troops have actually moved and irrespective of the number of people affected in the area," Hasikos said.

This, he stressed, is a "clear extension of the occupation".

He told the House Committee that the government is acting in a serious manner to restore the status quo and is in touch with Athens.

"This matter does not affect a small place like Cyprus alone but it humiliates the UN too," he said.

A spokesman for the British Bases, which are in very close proximity to the checkpoint and the village, said as far as the Bases are concerned there has been no change in the situation.

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