Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 00-08-14

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

CONTENTS

[01] Chrysohoidis says battling terrorism requires quiet, methodical work

[02] Christodoulos renews fighting call

[03] Government prepares tax-breaks for wage earners and pensioners

[04] Urban centers deserted ahead of August 15 religious holiday

[05] Preliminary investigation into genetically modified cottonseeds

[06] Hasikos stresses need for boosting defense

[07] Britain in favor of "substantial" negotiations on Cyprus issue

[01] Chrysohoidis says battling terrorism requires quiet, methodical work

Athens, 14/08/2000 (ANA)

"I believe that we must work quietly and methodically to tackle the problem. The occasional irresponsible public statements and ludicrous claims of various supposed experts on terrorism anything but contribute to the attainment of our goal," he said in an interview to the Athens newspaper Sunday Eleftherotypia.

His comment was in response to a question whether repeated the allegation of a collusion between unnamed senior cadres of the ruling PASOK party and members of the elusive November 17 terrorist organization were deliberately propagated by U.S. circles.

Former CIA director James Woolsey made the allegation after November 17 claimed responsibility for the killing of British defense attache in Athens, Stephen Saunders, on June 8 this year.

Chrysohoidis said that Greek security forces were fully competent to shoulder the exclusive responsibility for security in the Athens Olympic Games of 2004, and that the initial draft security plan submitted to the International Olympic Committee had received very positive comments.

Further, he said that existing legislation regarding terrorism and organized crime was on the whole adequate, although it did require certain improvements.

"The government is planning these changes with full respect and adherence to the democratic and constitutional legality and the protection of individual rights," he said.

According to recent reports, the government was preparing stricter legislation regarding terrorism, including trial without jury and mandatory life sentences.

[02] Christodoulos renews fighting call

Athens, 14/08/2000 (ANA)

"In this eternal struggle between light and darkness, Orthodox Christians are the sons of light. They are God's chosen and fighting is a structural feature of their character," he said in a sermon at the church of Panagia Marmariotisa at Halandri in Athens.

Christodoulos criticized contemporary society saying that it was Christian only by name, since, as he said, it contained a large number of people who do not believe in God, antagonize Christians and want to push the Church on the sidelines.

The Archbishop is expected to fly to the Aegean island of Paros on Monday morning to participate in events marking the feast of the Assumption of the Virgin.

[03] Government prepares tax-breaks for wage earners and pensioners

Athens, 14/08/2000 (ANA)

In an interview published on Sunday by the Athens daily "Vima", Fotiadis said that the new package, which is scheduled to be announced later this month, would raise tax ceilings and includes changes in the computation of living expenses, a reduction of the maximum tax rates from 45% to 40% and other measures.

The package is expected to be set out in greater detail in the address of the Prime Minister at the Thessaloniki Trade Fair early September.

[04] Urban centers deserted ahead of August 15 religious holiday

Athens, 14/08/2000 (ANA)

This year's exodus was again marred with numerous fatal traffic accidents. From Friday until Sunday noon, 12 people were killed and 220 injured in 166 traffic accidents throughout the country.

It is estimated that during these past three days, more than 120,000 holiday makers left for the islands from the ports of Piraeus and Rafina.

Traffic was also heavy on the two national highways and it is estimated that more that 130,000 cars passed through the tollgates.

[05] Preliminary investigation into genetically modified cottonseeds

Athens, 14/08/2000 (ANA)

A relative question was also addressed in Parliament by Coalition of the Left Deputy Maria Damanaki.

The prosecutor will launch an investigation to establish the quantity of the infected seeds, which have been imported into Greece and in which regions of the country they have been distributed to.

He will also determine if any penal offences have been committed and what responsibility the relevant state agencies may have in the case.

[06] Hasikos stresses need for boosting defense

NICOSIA, 14/08/2000 (ANA/CNA)

Speaking during the 36th annual memorial service of those killed during the battles with Turkish fighters in north-west Tylliria in August 1964, Hasikos said that the government's ambition was to strengthen the National Guard, so that it can "protect the free areas of the Republic" from Turkey and "give the legal government of the Republic of Cyprus the opportunity to negotiate for a just solution to the Cyprus problem with sureness".

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied the northern third of the island. A UN-sponsored peace process is underway to solve the problem.

Hasikos, who was representing the government at the memorial, said that "by securing a strong defense, we are securing peace and we consolidate the sense of security among our people, which is necessary for the survival of the island".

Referring to the European Union Common Foreign and Security Policy, Hasikos said that Cyprus' prospects in this context "make us believe that the divisionary plans of Ankara, which are promoted by Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash in the form of confederation solutions, will not pass", as they conflict with the acquis communautaire.

Hasikos said that international efforts for a settlement in Cyprus must focus on shifting the Turkish intransigent stance, adding that "Turkey's European prospect gives a first class opportunity to Europe and the international community to prove that they really honor and respect the principles and values on which they are based".

Meanwhile, the annual memorial service for Solomos Solomou was held in Paralimni, with the attendance of political party officers. Turks murdered Solomou in August 1996, during an anti-occupation demonstration. He was shot while climbing a flag post to take down the Turkish flag.

[07] Britain in favor of "substantial" negotiations on Cyprus issue

LONDON, 14/08/2000 (ANA-CNA)

Replying to questions, the spokesperson told CNA that "the need for such a development has been stated a number of times by Britain's Special Representative on Cyprus, Sir David Hannay", adding that Britain will do what it can towards that direction.

Proximity talks to reach a settlement in Cyprus which has been divided since Turkish troops invaded and occupied 37 percent of its territory in 1974, have already been held in December last year as well as in February and July this year. A fourth round is to begin on September 12 in New York.

Referring to the situation in the south-eastern village of Strovilia, the Foreign Office spokesperson reiterated that the measures taken were unjustified and must be reversed, noting that Britain supports whatever steps the UN decides to take.

An illegal check point was set up by the Turkish occupation forces at Strovilia in June, as part of measures announced by Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash in retaliation for the non-inclusion of an addendum to the UN Secretary-General's latest report for the renewal of the UN peace-keeping force (UNFICYP) mandate.

The Bulletin will not be sent to subscribers on Tuesday, August 15, due to the religious holiday of the Assumption of the Virgin. It will again be available on Wednesday.

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