Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 00-07-25

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

CONTENTS

[01] IOC, Greek foreign ministry inaugurate Int'l Olympic Truce Center in Athens

[02] IOC's Samaranch in Athens, talks with 2004 Games leadership

[03] PM Simitis stresses need for promotion of politics on the 26th anniversary of the restoration of democracy

[04] Gov't calls G-8 reference to Cyprus 'positive'

[05] Turkish warplanes infringe Athens FIR near the islands of Chios, Lesvos and Rhodes

[06] Defense minister Tsohatzopoulos begins visit to Slovenia

[07] V. Papandreou meets British officials

[08] Greece prepared to study enhanced EU cooperation

[09] PM Simitis and PASOK secretary Skandalidis discuss ruling party's organizing effort

[10] Greeks and Danes most enthusiastic supporters of EU enlargement

[11] Court upholds injunction against seizure of German state property

[12] Gov't to issue formal invitation for employment talks

[13] Greece to grant credits to Russian region

[14] Transport minister to promote cooperation between Greece and Cyprus in satellite telecommunications sector

[15] Helexpo privatization to be completed by end 2001

[16] Former ND president files complaint against Public Securities Company

[17] Intrasoft enters risk management market

[18] Greek trade mission to Chinese trade fair

[19] Greek stocks tread water on ASE

[20] Government announces flood prevention measures

[21] Experts to meet on Wednesday to tackle foot-and-mouth disease

[22] Cyprus defense minister meets EU high representative Solana

[23] Government expresses satisfaction over G-8 reference to Cyprus problem

[24] Turkish Cypriots riot over banking scandal

[25] Report shows Turkish-occupied areas of Cyprus regarded as favorite route for art smugglers

[26] CoE accuses Turkey of 'manifest disregard for its international obligations' in Loizidou case

[01] IOC, Greek foreign ministry inaugurate Int'l Olympic Truce Center in Athens

Athens, 25/07/2000 (ANA)

IOC President Juan Antonio Samaranch and Greek Foreign Minister George Papandreou, the chairman and co-chairman, respectively, of the International Truce Foundation inaugurated the center. The International Olympic Truce Center, a non-governmental organization, will operate under the auspices of the latter.

I trust that this new center, whose symbolic headquarters are in Olympia at the International Olympic Academy, and which will be part of the Olympic movement, will succeed in coordinating and further developing programmers of sport-based activities to promote peace and human understanding in the world, the powerful IOC chief told an audience of international dignitaries and Greek officials at a ceremony inaugurating the center, located only a stones throw from the Greek parliament.

The establishment of the International Olympic Truce Center is motivated by our strong belief that sport and the Olympic ideals can contribute to building a peaceful and better world through initiatives which favor dialogue, reconciliation, mutual understanding, solidarity and peace, Samaranch said in his address, before thanking Papandreou and praising what he called the fruitful cooperation between the IOC and the Greek government via the foreign affairs ministry.

"We are also firmly convinced that the observance of the Olympic Truce during the Olympic Games and beyond, can be used for diplomatic initiatives, as was the case in 1998 on the occasion of the XVIII Olympic Winter Games in Nagano, Japan, when the secretary general of the United Nations, Mr. Kofi Annan, was able to successfully prevent human tragedy in the Iraqi crisis," Samaranch added.

On his part, Papandreou noted that the center aims to build bridges of communication, humanitarian support and education amid crisis situations worldwide.

The IOC and the Greek foreign ministry created the center as part of a joint initiative with the view to help promote Olympic ideals, peace, friendship and international understanding through sport and the Olympic idea. The centers main objective will be to work for the prevention and resolution of conflict and tension through sports-based activities, among others.

Greek President Kostis Stephanopoulos, UN general assembly president Theodore Ben Gurirab, the foreign minister of Namibia, as well as former UN chief Javier Perez de Cuellar, also attended the ceremony.

Meanwhile, the International Truce Foundation also adjourned in Athens on the occasion of its affiliated Olympic Truce centers inauguration at Athens' Zappeion Hall.

The foundation's board approved its statutes, based on Swiss law, and the establishment of the centers administration, with Fekrou Kidane as its secretary, Thierry Sprunger as treasurer and Stavros Lambrinidis as the centers director.

[02] IOC's Samaranch in Athens, talks with 2004 Games leadership

Athens, 25/07/2000 (ANA)

Earlier in the day, Samaranch attended a closed-door conference of the recently established International Foundation for the Olympic Truce and its affiliated centers inauguration.

The center, located adjacent to the Zappeion Hall near Greece's Parliament and presidential mansion, was opened during a ceremony attended by Greek Kostis Stephanopoulos, Foreign Minister George Papandreou and the new president of the 2004 organizing committee's board, Gianna Angelopoulou-Daskalaki, among others.

Proposal on permanent holding of Olympic Youth Festival at Ancient Olympia presented to IOC president

Deputy Culture Minister, responsible for sports, George Floridis presented a proposal on the permanent holding of the Olympic Youth Festival at Ancient Olympia to International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Juan Antonio Samaranch and IOC general director Francois Carar on Monday.

"We had the opportunity to present to Mr. Samaranch and Mr. Carar the draft plan for the file on the Olympic Youth Festival, the creation of an institution concerning the arrival in the region of Ancient Olympia every four years of 4,000 young people from all over the world. In an effort, in principle, to upgrade the ceremony of the Lighting of the Olympic Flame, which will be combined with the participation of young people in a small number of sports which are more related to the ancient Olympic sports," Floridis told a press conference later.

On his part, Carar said "both Mr. Samaranch and I were enthusiastic with the proposal. I believe the Olympic Youth Festival will give, in principle, a new dimension to the Lighting ceremony and a new dynamism to the whole event with the participation of young athletes. What certainly remains is the presentation to the IOC's coordinating committee which will visit Greece soon."

[03] PM Simitis stresses need for promotion of politics on the 26th anniversary of the restoration of democracy

Athens, 25/07/2000 (ANA)

"Twenty-six years have been completed since the changeover (the restoration of democracy) and the promotion of politics to the forefront in the new international competitive environment dominated by the laws of the market economy is an imperative need more than ever. So that politicians and politics itself will not become obsolete but, on the contrary, to show the moral superiority of politics through the resuscitation of our democratic institutions," the message said.

It added that this is the greatest challenge for progressive forces, which are being called on to mobilize society forward with boldness and renewal.

Moreover, achieving the target of Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) undoubtedly constitutes a great step in the continuous effort to modernize society and its dynamic presence in the new millennium.

The country's course in the 21st century, the message said, "will primarily be judged by the quality of our democracy, by the quality of parties and of our political system in general, as well as by the impeccable functioning of institutions and their distinct roles."

The message said a powerful Greece in new Europe being created should be based on a powerful, modern and dynamic society and a society of open horizons.

"A society which is being constantly renewed seeks novelty, pursues innovation, finds new ideas fascinating, develops new initiatives and shows admirable flexibility in adaptability," it said.

Reppas: The government on Monday called the anniversary of the restoration of democracy in Greece a "special day for the country's political history."

Spokesman Dimitris Reppas noted that 26 years after democratic rule was reinstated in Greece that the "most substantial significance of this day rests in the intensification of efforts to safe-guard national interests and the country's sovereign rights, as well as to further strengthen economic development and citizens' prosperity..."

Simitis exchanges handshake with Christodoulos: Prime Minister Costas Simitis and Archbishop of Athens Christodoulos on Monday exchanged a formal handshake in their first meeting after a period of about three months of high tension in State-Church relations over the government's decision to abolish reference to religion on identity cards.

The exchange took place at the reception of the President of the Republic, Kostis Stephanopoulos, on the 26th anniversary of the restoration of democracy in Greece after a seven-year dictatorship.

Stephanopoulos said in a statement on the anniversary that the country was now converging with the other European peoples and required buttressing against any threat, strict observance of the Constitution, development of know-how and the protection of the unity among the people.

He added that the thoughts of all Greeks were with Cyprus, which was fighting to end the Turkish occupation of its northern half.

"Cyprus is a test of Turkey's political will, but also of the sincerity of the big powers," he said.

[04] Gov't calls G-8 reference to Cyprus 'positive'

Athens, 25/07/2000 (ANA)

Additionally, the government called a reference to the Cyprus issue in a joint communique issued by the G-8 leaders during their recent meeting in Japan "positive and encouraging."

Finally, in answer to a relevant question, government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said speculation over recognition of the Turkish Cypriot pseudo-state by four countries leads directly back to Turkey, something he called part of "repeated attempts" by Ankara, which until now have "yielded no results".

The illegal pseudo-state in the Turkish-occupied parts of northern Cyprus is recognized only by Ankara.

[05] Turkish warplanes infringe Athens FIR near the islands of Chios, Lesvos and Rhodes

Athens, 25/07/2000 (ANA)

A total of 10 Turkish F-16 jets made four air traffic regulation infringements of the Athens FIR in the areas of Chios and Lesvos and south of the island of Rhodes. A formation of Turkish warplanes also made two national airspace violations in the region of the northern Aegean.

The Turkish warplanes were recognized and intercepted by a corresponding number of Greek warplanes. The Turkish F-16s, which flew in twos and fours, were unarmed and no engagements occurred during the interception.

[06] Defense minister Tsohatzopoulos begins visit to Slovenia

Athens, 25/07/2000 (ANA)

Following the two ministers' talks on Tuesday, a memorandum of mutual understanding will be signed for cooperation between the two ministries on military equipment issues and defense technology.

On Wednesday, Slovenian President Milan Kucan and Prime Minister Andrej Bajuk will receive Tsohatzopoulos

[07] V. Papandreou meets British officials

LONDON, 25/07/2000 (ANA- L. Tsirigotakis)

"Public administration in Britain is one of the best in Europe. They have arrangements and reforms designed to secure better services for the citizen and measuring performance with indices which we also wish to apply in Greece," she said.

Papandreou and her team of accompanying officials visited the National Audit Office, and she later met with Defense Under-secretary Geoffrey Hoon with whom she also discussed the issue of terrorism.

She said afterwards the British minister expressed satisfaction with the cooperation between Scotland Yard officials and Greek police in the search for the terrorist killers of Britain's military attache to Athens in early June.

"I assured him that the Greek government will do all it can and that we are asking for their help in order to obtain positive results this time," she said.

[08] Greece prepared to study enhanced EU cooperation

BRUSSELS, 25/07/2000 (ANA- M. Spinthourakis)

Speaking at a meeting in preparation of the Intergovernmental Conference for the revision of EU treaties, Papazoi said Greece was prepared to study in a positive spirit the possible abolition of the right of member-states opposing enhanced forms of cooperation to seek recourse at the six-monthly summit conferences, but believed that it would be more reasonable to have the majority of member-states participating in such schemes, involving the use of Community institutions.

"In any case, enhanced cooperation must remain open for participation and used only as a last resort," she said.

Papazoi also said Greece supported the extension of the practice to the foreign policy and defense areas, but believed that member-states should also retain the right of invoking vital national interests.

[09] PM Simitis and PASOK secretary Skandalidis discuss ruling party's organizing effort

Athens, 25/07/2000 (ANA)

Skandalidis said PASOK is ready to start all its planning as of mid-August and implement it completely.

On the occasion of the anniversary of the restoration of democracy in the country, Skandalidis said that, despite whatever grievances, the Greeks should feel certain that they have entered the new era auspiciously and that they have entered with good omens, adding that the development is positive for the country, while the greatest role in this development is played by the state's flourishing, progressive and democratic structure which makes all feel proud.

[10] Greeks and Danes most enthusiastic supporters of EU enlargement

BRUSSELS, 25/07/2000 (ANA - V. Demiris)

According to the survey, 57 percent of Danes and 53 percent of Greeks believe EU enlargement should be a priority, compared to an EU average of only 27 percent. The countries with the lowest percentages of support for enlargement are France and Finland each with 21 percent and Austria with 23 percent.

An average of 49 percent of EU member-state citizens believe their country's participation in the EU is positive. The highest percentages come from Ireland and Luxembourg each with 75 percent and the Netherlands with 73 percent. The lowest are in Sweden with 34 percent, Austria 33 percent and Britain 25 percent. In Greece, 61 percent consider participation to be a "positive event."

On the question of support for the euro, an average of 58 percent of EU citizens support the single currency. The greatest support for the euro comes from Italy with 81 percent and Belgium and Luxembourg each with 76 percent. The lowest levels of support come from Sweden with 38 percent and Britain with 22 percent. A total of 69 percent of Greeks support the euro.

Common foreign and security policy is another issue included in the poll, which shows that 64 percent of EU citizens favor such a development. Italy heads the list of common foreign and security policy supporters with 77 percent, followed by the Netherlands with 74 percent and Greece with 73 percent. The lowest percentages come from Sweden with 50 percent and Britain with 40 percent.

In addition, 70 percent of EU citizens consider the creation of a European constitution to be necessary. The greatest support in this sector is provided by the Netherlands with 88 percent, Italy 84 percent and Greece 82 percent, while in Britain only 47 percent support such an initiative.

[11] Court upholds injunction against seizure of German state property

Athens, 25/07/2000 (ANA)

The court rejected an application, submitted by 296 relatives of victims of a German wartime massacre, for the suspension of an injunction, granted last week, against the seizure of three prime Athens properties housing the Goethe Institut in Athens, the German Archaeological School and a German high school.

A process of appraisal of the properties was initiated earlier this month, on the basis of a 1997 Livadia lower court ruling ordering Germany to pay 9.4 billion drachmas in compensation to 296 descendants of 214 civilians murdered by German occupation forces in the village of Distomo during World War II.

The court ruled the application as legally groundless. The applicants' lawyer, Ioannis Stamoulis, said he would fight the rejection of the application in the Supreme Court.

Government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said last week the matter was very delicate and required responsible handling.

"We have to deal with it in political terms," he said.

[12] Gov't to issue formal invitation for employment talks

Athens, 25/07/2000 (ANA)

Speaking to reporters on Monday after a meeting with the representatives of commerce, Giannitsis said the document would lay out the basis for talks in the form of the governments nine-point plan, in turn based on an earlier five-point plan that was amended after consultations with unions.

The talks are due to begin around August 20, and the government hopes to have legal changes ready at the end of October.

[13] Greece to grant credits to Russian region

Athens, 25/07/2000 (ANA)

A meeting on the issue was held between National Economy Deputy Minister Yiannis Zafeiropoulos and the governor of the Russian region, A. Tuleev.

The National Economy Ministry, the Organization for Insuring Exports Credits (OAEP) and representatives of the Russian Embassy in Athens will work together to finalize the type and form of the guarantees, which the Kemerovo region will offer.

[14] Transport minister to promote cooperation between Greece and Cyprus in satellite telecommunications sector

Athens, 25/07/2000 (ANA)

The Greek satellite's operation, expected to start on March 25, 2002, will pave the way for the development of joint satellite programmers by both countries. Tendering has already been announced for the satellite system, which, among others, will link Greece and Cyprus and will provide services such as satellite TV, telephone communications and an open university.

Greece has also secured positions for a second satellite in cooperation with Cyprus and the Vatican.

[15] Helexpo privatization to be completed by end 2001

Athens, 25/07/2000 (ANA)

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Papantoniou said that the state would hold a 40-45 percent equity stake in Helexpo under the form of the Thessaloniki International Trade Fair company, while a 10 percent stake would be offered to Thessaloniki's municipal agencies.

He said the government would offer a 20-25 percent stake to private investors and that a similar stake would be floated on the Athens Stock Exchange, probably in the second half of 2001.

Papantoniou stressed that following its partial privatization Helexpo would acquire a strong management, a strong growth potential and would help in promoting Thessaloniki as a financial center in the Balkans and the Black Sea region.

[16] Former ND president files complaint against Public Securities Company

Athens, 25/07/2000 (ANA)

Evert argues that instead of pursuing its goals (public portfolio management, repayment of public debt with the proceeds of privatizations) DEKA's actions on the Athens Stock Exchange were "morally and politically liable and probably legally punishable".

In his complaint, Evert argues that DEKA had bought massive amounts of companies' shares in the wider public sector (Hellenic Telecommunications, Duty Free Shops, Hellenic Petroleum, National Bank of Greece, etc.) during the pre-election campaign period, holding the general index at the 4,935-point level until the election date (April 9).

However, following ruling PASOKs election victory DEKA stopped its regular intervention on the bourse, thereby leaving it on its own, Evert said.

He estimated that these actions have cost DEKA and the Greek people 700 billion drachmas.

Evert said there were obvious liabilities on the part of DEKA and other state agencies, like Agricultural Bank of Greece, for actions that needed to be prosecuted in order to set an example. He also called for an inquiry over securities firms' role on the issue.

[17] Intrasoft enters risk management market

Athens, 25/07/2000 (ANA)

The company signed, in late 1999, an exclusive partnership deal with IRIS Integrated Risk Management AG, one of the world's biggest risk management companies and a major supplier of enterprise wide risk management and profitability analysis services.

IRIS, a company based in Zurich, was founded in 1992 and is part of an information group of companies.

Under the deal, Intrasoft will fully undertake the implementation, interconnection and completion of a risk management system, along with offering of maintenance and support services.

The company is also developing computer software solutions on treasury management, data warehouse, decision support, phone/internet/WAP banking, interactive voice response systems, call centers, customer relationship management, etc.

[18] Greek trade mission to Chinese trade fair

Athens, 25/07/2000 (ANA)

The visit to the trade fair, which covers a range of sectors and is the largest of its kind in China, will take place on October 15-26.

[19] Greek stocks tread water on ASE

Athens, 25/07/2000 (ANA)

Monday's turnover was a low 50 billion drachmas - excluding a 12 billion drachmas block trade in Intralot shares - the lowest level since December 17, 1998.

The general index ended at 4,041.82 points, off 0.31 percent. The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks ended 0.30 percent lower at 2,258.73 points and the FTSE/ASE 40 index fell 0.78 percent to 572.88 points.

The parallel market index for smaller capitalization stocks ended at 743.16 points, off 1.01 percent.

Broadly, decliners led advancers by 250 to 80 with another 10 issues unchanged.

Intralot, Astir Palace, Hellenic Telecoms, Teletypos, Fanco and Naoussa Spinning were the most heavily traded stocks.

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

The FTSE/ASE 20 index closed 0.30 percent down, and the FTSE/ASE 40 ended 0.78 percent lower.

Turnover was 3.58 billion drachmas from 10.08 billion drachmas a day earlier.

A total of 458 contracts were traded on the FTSE/ASE 20 with turnover at 2.06 billion drachmas.

On the FTSE/ASE 40 index, 669 contracts changed hands on turnover of 1.52 billion drachmas.

Bond prices end mixed in light trade: Bond prices in the domestic secondary market on Monday finished mixed in light trade.

The Greek benchmark 10-year bond showed a yield of 6.065 percent for the second session from 6.107 percent for two sessions before that.

The Greek paper's yield spread over German bunds was 80 basis points from 82 basis points in the previous trading day.

Turnover through the central bank's electronic system totalled 48 billion drachmas from 122 billion drachmas a day earlier.

Sell orders accounted for about half of turnover.

Drachma down vs. euro, dollar: The drachma on Monday fell 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 337.140 drachmas from 336.990 drachmas in the previous session.

Also at the fixing, the US dollar was set at 360.830 drachmas from 360.400 drachmas a day earlier.

[20] Government announces flood prevention measures

Athens, 25/07/2000 (ANA)

Deputy Agriculture Minister Fotis Hatzimichalis said the Environment and Public Works ministries would construct dams from tree trunks and other naturally present materials to prevent soil erosion and floods in winter.

The Army's Geographical Service is also taking aerial photographs of the stricken areas in Corinth and Fthiotis to help in the planning of the projects.

Meanwhile, Agriculture Minister Giorgos Anomeritis proposed at the Food and Agriculture Organization's (FAO) European conference in Oporto, Portugal, the formation of a "four-seasons" fire-fighting international body, which will intervene in forest fires in any participating country throughout the year.

Experts said forest fires constituted the main cause of the destruction of natural habitats and the phenomenon of desertification.

[21] Experts to meet on Wednesday to tackle foot-and-mouth disease

Athens, 25/07/2000 (ANA)

Meanwhile, a meeting including experts from the European Union's Permanent Veterinary Committee will be held at the Evros Prefecture on Wednesday in the framework of measures aimed at cracking down on the disease.

The meeting will be chaired by Evros Prefect George Dolios and will be attended by representatives of the Agriculture Ministry's general veterinary department and veterinarians from the Evros area, as well as by representatives of the police and the military, which are participating in the implementation of restrictive measures.

[22] Cyprus defense minister meets EU high representative Solana

BRUSSELS, 25/07/2000 (CNA/ANA)

During their meeting, Hasikos discussed with Solana Cyprus' role in the EU's common defense and security policy, and ex-pressed the willingness of the Republic of Cyprus to contribute in the infrastructure, with its ports and airports, and with military staff, according to the ratio to be determined at Community level.

Solana expressed his satisfaction with the offer of Cyprus, which is the first candidate for EU accession country to officially express its willingness to contribute in this field.

Hasikos said that Cyprus, in the context of its accession course, has progressed in its process for harmonization with the acquis communautaire and therefore it is natural for the island to be interested in defense and security issues.

The Cypriot minister also briefed Solana on developments in the Cyprus problem and the situation in Strovilia, and handed the EU official all necessary documents regarding the new Turkish provocations.

In Strovilia, the Turkish Cypriot side has taken measures to restrict the movement of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP), including violating the current status quo by setting up a new checkpoint.

[23] Government expresses satisfaction over G-8 reference to Cyprus problem

GENEVA, 25/07/2000 (CNA/ANA)

"The government expresses satisfaction with the G8 reference to the Cyprus issue, something which in itself places the Cyprus question as one of the top problems the international community and the world's most powerful countries are concerned with", Papapetrou says.

He notes that "this positive reference" is a result of a coordinated diplomatic effort by the Foreign Ministers of Cyprus and Greece.

The G8, in a statement on regional issues issued during its annual meeting in Japan, calls upon the parties in Cyprus "to take the historic opportunity that now exists to intensify the negotiations in an effort to strike the compromises needed to reach a just and lasting settlement that protects the fundamental interests of both parties in an undivided Cyprus giving full consideration to relevant Security Council resolutions."

The Group also recalls the declaration issued at its last meeting in Cologne calling for resumption of comprehensive negotiations under the UN auspices on a Cyprus settlement and commends the UN Secretary General for convening proximity talks between the parties "to prepare the ground for meaningful negotiations leading to a comprehensive settlement."

It was made only two days before another round of UN-led proximity talks opened in Geneva.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied the northern third of the island.

The UN Secretary General's Special Adviser on Cyprus, Alvaro de Soto, opened the talks on Monday with separate hour-long meetings with President Glafcos Clerides and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash.

In these meetings, the two sides were to give their response to some thoughts de Soto had given them before another round of talks had adjourned here earlier this month.

The new UN effort opened last December. Proximity talks were also held in February and earlier July, while another round is scheduled for September in New York.

The current round of meetings will end on August 4, according to a UN schedule.

[24] Turkish Cypriots riot over banking scandal

NICOSIA, 25/07/2000 (CNA/ANA)

The demonstrators hurled eggs, plastic bottles and wooden sticks at the "parliament" building, calling for the resignation of the illegal "government" and demanding compensation for their losses.

According to AFP, the crowd then forced its way into the building, where the illegal "parliament" was in session.

Security guards failed to stop the overwhelming number of protesters, who took hostage some so-called "deputies" and Eroglu, and caused havoc by breaking windows and throwing books and brochures on the floor.

So-called "riot police" intervened and moved the demonstrators out to the courtyard of the building, arresting seven of them for disrupting public order.

In the scuffles, a number of "police officers" were lightly injured, while the protesters overturned a "police" vehicle and damaged the cars of some of the so-called "MPs".

The demonstrators were demanding that the illegal "government" pay them their monthly compensation -- which has been failing to come for the past few months -- to cover losses incurred after six troubled banks were put under "public administration" in the past six months.

Some 30,000 people were affected by the banking scandal, in which they lost about 200 million dollars.

Last month, Turkey recommended a series of austerity measures calling for the illegal "government" to cut its spending, which was greeted with discontent by Turkish Cypriots.

The illegal regime was branded legally invalid by the United Nations. Recognized only by Ankara, the breakaway state was declared in 1983, nine years after Turkish troops invaded and occupied 37 per cent of this east Mediterranean island's territory.

[25] Report shows Turkish-occupied areas of Cyprus regarded as favorite route for art smugglers

LONDON, 25/07/2000 (CNA/ANA)

The report says that the gold-embroidered manuscript was stolen last year from the Topkapi Palace Museum in Istanbul, Turkey, and was taken to the areas in Cyprus under Turkish occupation, from where a contact was made with Christies of London to inquire whether they could buy the item.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied the northern third of the island.

Christies, having informed Scotland Yard, gave a positive answer and two months ago an attempt was made to transport the item by plane to London, during which three persons were arrested and the Koran was recovered.

Experts say the Koran could fetch hundreds of thousands of pounds.

[26] CoE accuses Turkey of 'manifest disregard for its international obligations' in Loizidou case

Athens, 25/07/2000 (ANA)

In a decision issued on July 28, 1998, the ECHR ordered Turkey to pay pecuniary damages of 300,000 CYP pounds to Titina Loizidou from the Turkish-occupied town of Kyrenia, a further 20,000 in non-pecuniary damages, and 137,084 for her costs and expenses, in the case of "Loizidou vs. Turkey".

The CoE's Committee of Ministers, in a Resolution adopted Monday, stressed the following:

"The Committee of Ministers, acting under the terms of Article 54 of the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms (hereinafter referred to as 'the Convention'),

"Deeply deploring the fact that, to date, Turkey has still not complied with its obligations under the judgment delivered by the European Court of Human Rights on July 28, 1998 in the case of Loizidou against Turkey;

"Recalling its Interim Resolution DH (99) 680 of October 6, 1999 in which, inter alia, the Committee of Ministers strongly urged Turkey to pay the just satisfaction awarded in this case so as to ensure that Turkey, as a High Contracting Party, meets its obligations under the Convention;

"Recalling that, subsequently, the Chairman of the Committee of Ministers wrote to his Turkish counterpart recalling that, as for all Contracting Parties, Turkey's obligation to abide by judgments of the Court is unconditional;

"Stressing that Turkey has had ample time to fulfill in good faith in the present case its obligations,

"Emphasis that the failure on the part of a High Contracting Party to comply with a judgment of the Court is unprecedented;

"Declares that the refusal of Turkey to execute the judgment of the Court demonstrates a manifest disregard for its international obligations, both as a High Contracting Party to the Convention and as a member State of the Council of Europe;

"In view of the gravity of the matter, strongly insists that Turkey comply fully and without any further delay with the European Court of Human Rights' judgment of July 28, 1998."

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