Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 00-07-13

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

CONTENTS

[01] Greece ready for euro circulation in 2002, Solbes says

[02] Greek, Luxembourg FMs express agreement over EU reforms, Cyprus issue

[03] Gov't assistance for Samos pending, forest fire abating

[04] Foreign Office advises Britons intending to visit Greece

[05] Government says excellent relations between Greece and Germany will not be upset despite demarches

[06] Simitis gives strict instructions to ministers on 2004 Athens Olympiad

[07] Joint statement issued after Greek-British seminar on terrorism held in Athens

[08] Papazoi satisfied with decision by Council of Europe's Ministerial Committee on Loizidou case

[09] Gov't seeks job creation, flexible job market

[10] Gov't: Bids for EAB privatization by early September

[11] Budget revenues up 12.3 percent in June

[12] Indicative petrol prices cut

[13] Talks begin to strengthen Greek flag's competitiveness

[14] Seminar on boosting Greek-Armenia business relations

[15] Greek former central banker warns of capital flight from ASE

[16] Athens bourse to hold IPO on July 25-28

[17] Greek stocks resume downtrend on ASE

[18] Fuji Bank Ltd wins GNTO real estate consultant tender

[19] Specialists say foot and mouth disease was transmitted from Turkey

[20] Statistics on drowning released

[21] De Soto gives "preliminary thoughts" to two sides at proximity talks

[01] Greece ready for euro circulation in 2002, Solbes says

BRUSSELS, 13/07/2000 (ANA-B. Demiris)

Solbes was replying to a reporter's question at a news conference held in the Belgium capital on the EU's readiness for introduction of the single currency, which has not so far circulated although it is traded and used in paper transactions.

"Preparations begun in Greece on transfer to the euro are adequate and I am absolutely certain that on January 1, 2002 Greece will be suitably prepared," Solbes said.

He added that the government had briefed the EU's executive Commission and European Central Bank of the extent of its preparations before a summit of EU leaders in June approved the country's entry into the euro-zone on January 1, 2001, ahead of the euro's circulation.

Greece's belated entry as the twelfth member of the euro zone had not led to problems of readiness. Conversely, the country was at an advantage for the euro's introduction, as it would avoid certain practical difficulties faced by the zone's older members, Solbes added.

[02] Greek, Luxembourg FMs express agreement over EU reforms, Cyprus issue

Athens, 13/07/2000 (ANA)

The comments came following a meeting in Athens between Greek Foreign Minister George Papandreou and his visiting Luxembourg counterpart Lydie Polfer.

On his part, Papandreou said similar views were expressed in regards to the all-important Intergovernmental Conference as well as the Cyprus issue, which ranks as a pre-eminent concern for Greek foreign policy.

Along those lines, the Luxembourg foreign minister said her country considers that "all EU member-states should have equal standing in European institutions."

Polfer, meanwhile, conveyed Luxembourg's appreciation over recent efforts by the Greek side for rapprochement with neighboring Turkey. She added that the Helsinki EU summit decisions and the Copenhagen criteria should serve as a basis for Turkey to proceed with the necessary steps towards reform and good-neighborly relations with the countries on its borders.

Polfer also called the recent Strovilia incident within the cease-fire line on Cyprus an "unexpected" development, saying it was a "wrong move at the wrong time".

In terms of EU-Turkish relations, Papandreou reiterated that Greece desires a more European vocation for Turkey, adding however, that it was for the neighboring country's leadership to proceed with necessary reforms.

He further added that "all the steps (taken) and issues regarding Turkey's European course" would be evaluated by the end of the year, when Turkey's association ties with the Union will be discussed. Regarding the third round of proximity talks currently under in Geneva between the leaders of the two communities on Cyprus, Papandreou simply noted that any progress will "definitely assist in Turkey's European course within the framework of the Helsinki decisions."

Finally, both foreign ministers in their comments praised what they called the excellent bilateral relations that exist between the two countries.

The situation in the Balkans was the focus of a working lunch at press time between the Greek side and the Luxembourg delegation, whereas Polfer earlier told reporters that the EU should promote democracy in Balkan countries as well as help improve their market economies.

[03] Gov't assistance for Samos pending, forest fire abating

Athens, 13/07/2000 (ANA)

Development Minister Nikos Christodoulakis, speaking in Parliament, said government initiatives would center on the agriculture, tourism and business sectors.

Meanwhile, authorities on Samos said on Wednesday that the massive blaze that ravaged much of the island of the past six days appears to have been contained. High temperatures and brisk winds, however, have caused flames to rekindle in certain spots, reports state.

Finally, the government spokesman told reporters earlier that Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis was satisfied with the way fire-fighting efforts were coordinated during the past week's rash of forest fires throughout Greece.

Spokesman Dimitris Reppas also denied that the premier was displeased with the interior and public order ministries' leadership. He also reiterated that Simitis would probably visit several fire-gutted regions in the next few days.

Dutch embassy says it has issued no directive to Dutch tourists to leave the island of Samos: A spokesman for the Dutch embassy in Athens said on Wednesday it has issued no directive whatsoever to Dutch tourists to leave or speed up their departure from the island of Samos, where forest fires have been raging over the past week.

He was replying to a question by the Athens News Agency (ANA) on reports that "a certain directive to tourists exists."

He also said that, "as is always the case, travel agencies and travel agents responsible for undertaking their travel and stay tend to tourists from whatever country".

[04] Foreign Office advises Britons intending to visit Greece

LONDON, 13/07/2000 (ANA - L. Tsirigotakis)

According to an announcement by the London office, British travel agents are showing understanding on the issue and the Federation of British Travel Agents believed there was no reason for it to preoccupy itself with the issue of forest fires in Greece and has made no announcement.

In a related development, the Foreign Office on Wednesday added the following paragraph to the permanent travel advisory existing on Greece in the foreign ministry's website:

"Due to a very dry winter and current heat wave conditions in Greece, forest fires are breaking out sporadically in Greece and on the Greek islands. British nationals intending to visit Greece while the situation continues should check with their tour operators on conditions at their destinations."

[05] Government says excellent relations between Greece and Germany will not be upset despite demarches

Athens, 13/07/2000 (ANA)

One demarche was made in Berlin to the Greek ambassador by the German foreign ministry and the second was delivered to the foreign ministry in Athens by the German ambassador.

Reppas said the demarches would not upset excellent relations existing between the two countries, adding that consultations are underway between Greece and Germany.

He said the issue of German war reparations is serious and requires delicate handling and the government will do everything possible to protect the national interest and for claims not to be written off. He further clarified that the auctioning process requires permission by the justice minister.

A Supreme Court ruling in April said that Germany owes 9.4 billion drachmas ($ 30 million) in compensation to relatives of 214 civilians executed by the Nazis in the village of Distomo.

The Greek Supreme Court allowed relatives to seize and auction German government assets up to the sum upheld in its ruling.

German Ambassador Karl-Heinz Kuna conveyed the German government's displeasure over the confiscation process started at the Goethe Institute to the Greek foreign ministry. He protested over this action against the German cultural institute in Athens and, according to reports, he personally accused the lawyer of the victims' relatives Stamoulis who had started the process for the victims of the Nazis to be compensated

[06] Simitis gives strict instructions to ministers on 2004 Athens Olympiad

Athens, 13/07/2000 (ANA)

According to Deputy Press Minister Telemahos Hytiris, Simitis told participants that "we are in a state of emergency" until the 2004 Olympic Games and added that the Olympiad is an issue of top priority for the government since Greece's image will be judged worldwide by the 2004 Olympiad.

Simitis also called for better cooperation between ministries and the Organizing Committee and reminded that projects related to the Olympiad, and sports facilities in particular, should be ready much earlier than August 13, 2004, when the Olympiad is scheduled to start.

Referring to negative foreign press reports, Simitis said "many interests, both economic and others, were not too pleased with the awarding of the Olympiad to our country" and warned that such reports will appear again until 2004.

[07] Joint statement issued after Greek-British seminar on terrorism held in Athens

Athens, 13/07/2000 (ANA)

"Senior Greek and British Officials today agreed a series of important initiatives signposting the way forward on further close collaboration in the field of anti-terrorism. These joint initiatives were reached at the culmination of a high-level seminar in Athens on 11-12 July 2000, which was opened by Foreign Minister George Papandreou and Minister of Public Order Michalis Chrysohoidis. A team of British and Greek counter-terrorism experts were able to share their experiences over handling terrorist incidents and draw lessons from them. Participants at the seminar made a number of recommendations, including joint participation in counter-terrorism exercises, technological enhancement and closer cooperation on counter-terrorism issues within EU fora. The seminar also recognized the importance of respecting human rights when introducing any of the initiatives.

"Ministers of the Greek and British governments will be asked to examine and endorse the seminar's recommendations, with a view to building upon the close collaboration already achieved between the Police and other authorities of both countries.

"Holding this seminar was a direct result of contacts at the highest levels between the Greek and British governments, notably the meetings between Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis and British Premier Tony Blair at the EU Summit at Feira, Portugal last month."

Minute of silence observed in memory of victims of terrorism: Public and government services throughout Greece and parliament observed a minute of silence at noon on Wednesday in memory of the victims of terrorism in Greece.

At the same time, local television and radio channels broadcast a brief public awareness message condemning terrorism and called on the people to help wipe out such phenomena.

The message reads:

"Terrorism, with the disdain it shows for the sanctity of human life as well as the undermining of social cohesion and political stability that it pursues, constitutes an insult for Greeks. It is a threat to contemporary Greece. It is something foreign to the philosophy and logic of Greece. Something foreign to our traditions.

"The combatting of terrorism constitutes a priority. A priority not just for the state, but also for the Greek people; its political culture. It is a government commitment and a goal of society that these efforts to eradicate terrorism not cease -- by any means. We owe this to the victims of the terrorists.

"We owe it to democracy and the human values. We owe it to Greece".

[08] Papazoi satisfied with decision by Council of Europe's Ministerial Committee on Loizidou case

Athens, 13/07/2000 (ANA)

The court ordered Turkey to pay compensation to Titina Loizidou but the neighboring country has so far ignored the ruling.

Papazoi said the immediate and full implementation of decisions taken by the European Human Rights Court (EHRC) constitutes a fundamental legal obligation for all Council of Europe member-states. Otherwise, she added, a major problem arises concerning the undermining of principles of respect for human rights and the credibility of the Council of Europe as an institution for their protection.

According to the Committee, the failure of a Council of Europe member-state to comply with a decision by the EHRC constitutes an unprecedented event.

Moreover, with its refusal to comply with the EHRC's decision, Turkey is ignoring its international commitments, both as a signatory of the European Human Rights Convention and a Council of Europe member-state. Turkey is called on, due to the seriousness of the issue, to comply with the EHRC's decision fully and without any further delay.

[09] Gov't seeks job creation, flexible job market

Athens, 13/07/2000 (ANA)

Giannitsis told a radio station that he would propose measures to the inner cabinet, which is due to meet on Thursday, to implement the policy and create 100-150,000 new jobs.

Among the measures being discussed is an overhaul of working hours that would entail shifting away from a weekly gauge. This would allow employers to use staff for more than eight hours daily at peak times and reduce eight-hour shifts in quiet times.

Also under consideration are the introduction of part-time work into the public sector and extension of the limit on mass dismissals in companies with over 50 employees.

The inner cabinet is due to decide on a policy framework, which will then be put to workers and employers for consultations, Yiannitsis added.

Unions ready for protests: The General Confederation of Greek Workers (GSEE), an umbrella group that represents nearly a million workers in the private and public sectors, quickly expressed its disagreement with the government's proposals.

GSEE's leaders will meet on Thursday, the same day as the inner cabinet meeting, to decide on protest action. They are also to seek meetings with the labor and national economy ministers to air their disagreement.

[10] Gov't: Bids for EAB privatization by early September

Athens, 13/07/2000 (ANA)

Following a high-level government meeting in Athens, National Economy Minister Yiannos Papantoniou told reporters that a strategic investor with the ability to transfer know-how and hi-tech technology is sought for the Hellenic Aerospace Industry.

Issues related with the all-important restructuring at the country's two other major defense contractors - the Hellenic Vehicle Industry (EBO) and munitions manufacturer PYRCAL - were also examined at the meeting, with included Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos, among others. The Greek government has reiterated recently that it wants to find a formula for turning the two loss-making companies around.

In a related development, Tsohatzopoulos also commented on the resurgent interest by a French consortium headed by aviation giant Dassault to supply the Hellenic Air Force with the "Rafale", its digitally designed fourth generation fighter plane and the successor to the "Mirage" 2000-5 - despite a decision in January by Greece choosing the "Eurofighter"."... KYSEA (the Government Council on Foreign Affairs and Defense) decided over three meetings in a span of two years to purchase the Eurofighter... That's a fact. At the moment negotiations with the

Eurofighter's representatives are underway - based on KYSEA's last decision finalizing the number of aircraft (to be purchased) - so that by next fall the contract is concluded," the defense minister said.

Tsohatzopoulos called the recently submitted Rafale proposal "interesting", although he noted that it is unrelated to the procurement of a fourth generation warplane by the Greek armed forces, which he again identified as the Eurofighter.

"... the Eurofighter affair is closed. Rafale's offer, which is very interesting, came after the fact, but doesn't have any relation to the current tender," he added.

[11] Budget revenues up 12.3 percent in June

Athens, 13/07/2000 (ANA)

The regular budget's revenues rose 12.6 percent in the first half of the year, sharply up from an official target of a 3.5 percent increase, to show a surplus of 451 billion drachmas.

Income tax revenues increased 16.4 percent in June, VAT revenues were 13 percent higher and revenues from other sources rose 21.6 percent in the month.

Tax agencies' revenues rose 17.9 percent in June and 17.2 percent in the January-June period. Customs revenues rose 5 percent and 7.1 percent, respectively, while VAT revenues increased by 5.5 percent and 13 percent over the same period

[12] Indicative petrol prices cut

Athens, 13/07/2000 (ANA)

The new suggested retail sales prices come into effect at midnight on Thursday.

Specifically, in the greater Athens area and Thessaloniki prefecture, super gasoline will sell for 272.6 drachmas per liter, whereas unleaded is listed at 256.2 drachmas per liter.

Additionally, the indicative price for diesel was cut by 4.7 drachmas per liter, 1.3 for heating oil. Greece's development ministry, along with the state-run Hellenic Petroleum's board, is responsible for setting the above rates.

[13] Talks begin to strengthen Greek flag's competitiveness

Athens, 13/07/2000 (ANA)

"I will make it clear that competitiveness is not only the composition of a ship's crew. We have to offer solutions and move fast. Greek shipping needs solutions both in the international shipping and the domestic coastal shipping sectors to remain strong. We need to give equal opportunities to all. The dialogue will not last more than two months and it will be transparent and essential. The Greek flag will be more competitive and strong," Papoutsis said on Wednesday.

He announced that a Committee of Personalities, chaired by Vassilis Sarantitis, would meet for the first time on Friday.

"I expect the Committee to submit its proposals on the domestic coastal shipping sector in the next three months," Papoutsis said.

[14] Seminar on boosting Greek-Armenia business relations

Athens, 13/07/2000 (ANA)

The seminar focused on the prospects for business activities in Armenia, while Greek enterprises and public corporations already active in the neighboring country shared their experiences with potential investors.

Transport and communications deputy minister Alecos Voulgaris said the institutional framework on bilateral economic relations between the two countries contained a series of agreements in the sectors of telecommunications, energy, industry, tourism, transports, science and technology, and the credit sector.

In the sector of telecoms, Voulgaris noted that the Hellenic Telecommunications Organization (OTE), which was the chief shareholder in its Armenian counterpart Armetel, was forging ahead with a five-year 300 million dollar investment programmed despite problems that arose on occasion.

OTE subsidiary HellasCom, he added, was participating in the construction of Armenia's telecoms network, while a special underwater cable network linking Armenia with the surrounding areas was also in progress.

Voulgaris further outlined bilateral agreements on road transports and air links between the two countries.

National economy ministry secretary general for international economic relations Stephanos Avgouleas told the group that commercial transactions between the two countries were currently at a "very low level", and initiatives such as the SEB seminar helped in developing bilateral economic relations.

Armenian national economy and finance deputy minister G. Arzoumanyan said the Armenian economy was currently in a transitional stage and needed the cooperation of other countries and international organizations.

A similar seminar will take place next year in the Armenian capital Erevan.

[15] Greek former central banker warns of capital flight from ASE

Athens, 13/07/2000 (ANA)

Presenting his new book on "Greece in EMU - Challenges and necessary adjustments", Chalikias said that a gradual fall of the general index in the last few months could risk not only the inflow of foreign capital in the market but also the outflow of domestic capital to foreign markets.

"Greek banks don't even suspect the changes on the banking system following our participation in EMU," Chalikias said.

The former central banker said that economic benefits from the country's entry in the eurozone would not be automatic. "They will depend on the country's ability to exploit all advantages and minimize costs related to the fact that EMU participation means loss of basic policy tools," he said.

[16] Athens bourse to hold IPO on July 25-28

Athens, 13/07/2000 (ANA)

"The stock exchange will show a healthy picture, which will rest on the economy's healthy progress - falling inflation and interest rates, and the privatization programmed," Papantoniou said in a message to a presentation for the bourse's IPO.

The company hopes to tap 26,250 billion drachmas from the market, issuing five million shares of which 4,650,000 will be available to the public and 350,000 destined for private placement.

The sale price is 5,250 drachmas per share.

The bourse plans to use more than 13 billion drachmas of the IPO's proceeds to build a new stock exchange center.

In 2000, the bourse estimates turnover of 58 billion drachmas and profits of 19 billion drachmas.

[17] Greek stocks resume downtrend on ASE

Athens, 13/07/2000 (ANA)

The general index ended at 3,920.57 points, down 0.83 percent, off the day's highs of 3,979.73 and the day's lows of 3,910.41 points. Turnover was a low 60 billion drachmas.

The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks ended at 2,173.57 points, off 0.84 percent and FTSE/ASE 40 index fell 1.29 percent to 565.04 points.

The parallel market index for smaller capitalization stocks ended at 740.20 points, losing 3.09 percent of its value.

Broadly, decliners led advancers by 285 to 49 with another 12 issues unchanged.

Naoussa Spinning, Nakas, Doudos, Hellenic Telecoms and Microland were the most heavily traded stocks.

Equity futures down in line with Athens bourse: Equity futures traded on the Athens Derivatives Exchange finished lower on Wednesday, in line with the indices on which they are based.

The underlying FTSE/ASE 20 index closed 0.84 percent down, and the FTSE/ASE 40 ended 1.29 percent lower.

Turnover was 10.43 billion drachmas from 11.89 billion drachmas a day earlier.

A total of 1,152 contracts were traded on the FTSE/ASE 20 with turnover at 5.06 billion drachmas.

On the FTSE/ASE 40 index, 2,358 contracts changed hands on turnover of 5.37 billion drachmas.

Bond prices end mixed in brisk trade: Bond prices in the domestic secondary market finished mixed in brisk trade on Wednesday.

The Greek benchmark 10-year bond showed a yield of 6.093 percent from 6.08 percent in the previous session.

The Greek paper's yield spread over German bunds was 82 basis points from 84 basis points a day earlier.

Turnover through the central bank's electronic system totalled 162 billion drachmas from 84.1 billion drachmas in the previous trading session.

Buy orders accounted for 82 billion drachmas of turnover.

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

At the central bank's daily fixing, the euro was set at 336.730 drachmas from 336.810 drachmas in the previous session.

Also at the fixing, the US dollar was set at 354.830 drachmas from 352.660 drachmas a day earlier.

[18] Fuji Bank Ltd wins GNTO real estate consultant tender

Athens, 13/07/2000 (ANA)

GNTO announced on Wednesday that the tender's outcome will be sent to its real estate management arm for approval and then negotiations will begin with Fuji Bank.

A contract with the winner is expected in the first week of September.

[19] Specialists say foot and mouth disease was transmitted from Turkey

Athens, 13/07/2000 (ANA)

Checks carried out by veterinarians over the past 48 hours revealed that eight herds of bovines were found with clinical symptoms of foot and mouth disease. About one thousand bovines are expected to be killed as a precautionary measure and stockbreeders will be paid compensation.

Veterinarians believe that the foot and mouth disease was transmitted from Turkey, since outbreaks of the same virus (ASIA 1) have also occurred in the neighboring country. Intensive checks are being carried out with all herds to detect any more outbreaks, while great efforts are being made to restrict the disease to the Delta region.

Foot and mouth disease is very contagious and more than 150,000 animals were killed in Thrace over the 1994-1998 period when a similar outbreak had occurred.

[20] Statistics on drowning released

Athens, 13/07/2000 (ANA)

"It is regrettable that so many people drown each year in Greece. It's like an entire village being wiped out each year," Papoutsis said, and called on "each and every family" to be more cautious.

Releasing harbor corps statistics, Papoutsis said of the 129 people who had drowned in Greece since the beginning of the year, 27 percent, or 33 people, were under the age of 50, while the overwhelming majority of 73 percent, or 89 people, were aged over 50.

The harbor corps also released its annual list of recommendations to beach-goers for safe swimming.

[21] De Soto gives "preliminary thoughts" to two sides at proximity talks

GENEVA, 13/07/2000 (CNA/ANA)

Speaking at a press conference after the end of seven days of meetings in Geneva, de Soto said he has not asked the parties to give their approval of his ideas but hopes they will come back with more indication as to where they stand.

The UN official said his primary source of inspiration was what he has been hearing, he welcomed assistance from foreign governments and expressed hope that the talks would earnestly move into substantive negotiation.

Referring to his last meetings this morning with President Glafcos Clerides and Turkish Cypriot leader, Rauf Denktash, de Soto said: "I gave them orally some indication of how I see things unfolding".

"They are essentially in way of preliminary thoughts", he said, adding that "I have not submitted any proposals to the parties" and "I did not give them anything in writing".

He went on to say he has given the two parties ideas "asking them to reflect on them during the break and give me some reactions when they return".

Asked how helpful foreign mediators have been in this process, de Soto described as "the primary source of inspiration" what they have been hearing from the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot leaders but said the UN is in contact with a number of foreign governments, which follow the talks and "we welcome the assistance from all sides".

The UN official refrained from replying to a question whether the goal of his ideas is a comprehensive settlement or some interim agreements.

"I have not asked the two parties to give me their approval or to concur with the ideas", he said, noting that they are his ideas and expects their reaction.

He expressed the hope that in reacting to his ideas, the two parties "will also come forward with further and deeper indication of where they stand on the issues". However, he would not reveal whether his ideas touch on all four core issues, namely distribution of powers, security, territory and property.

Asked if he felt better or worse on Wednesday, he replied in the affirmative but said there are many "ups and downs" in the Cyprus talks so there is no purpose in answering further at the moment and assured that the UN is prepared to make any contributions called upon anticipating the needs.

To a question if he expects substantive negotiations to take place when the two sides return, in view of the fact that they will discuss his ideas, de Soto said he hopes "we will be able to move earnestly in that direction".

As to when direct negotiations will take place, he said this will be done "when the time is right" and appeared not to be concerned on the length and speed of the talks or the breaks as long as "they remain on track".

Invited to say why the meetings with Denktash were longer than those with President Clerides, he said this is not a matter that should be reflected as meaning anything in particular except that "matters require more time to pursue sometimes with one side and sometimes with the other".

Replying to questions, he clarified that the talks have not gone into confidence building measures, as "the Secretary-General very much wants the two sides to focus on the issues that need to be solved as part of a comprehensive settlement".

De Soto reiterated both his and the Secretary-General's view on the importance of adhering to a news blackout throughout the talks.

Written statement: Earlier Wednesday, Alvaro de Soto, said in a written statement that he has asked both sides on the island to reflect upon some points he has put to them and return to Geneva on July 24 with their reactions.

In his statement, de Soto notes that "the Cyprus proximity talks adjourned today (Wednesday) and will resume in Geneva on July 24", adding that "the talks will proceed until around August 4", when there will be further recess, "after which talks will resume in New York on September 12 and go into early October".

The UN envoy notes his satisfaction "that a calendar for the talks over the coming months is in place".

"I have asked the parties to reflect upon some points that I have put to them and to provide me with their reactions upon their return to Geneva on July 24", he adds.

Furthermore, de Soto says that UN Secretary-General, Kofi Annan, "has obtained from the parties an agreement to observe the strict press blackout regarding the proximity talks", noting that "the blackout also extends to periods of recess during the ongoing talks, including the recess that is now starting".

He says that Annan "sees the compliance of both sides with this requirement as a test of their cooperation with his discharge of the mandate of good offices entrusted to him".

Finally, de Soto notes that "the recess coincides with a period of heightened emotions on the island" and that he reiterated "the Secretary-General's appeal to the parties to play down the tone, the size, the content, and the official rhetoric accompanying any events that take place".

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