Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 01-01-20

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

CONTENTS

[01] Greece praised for euro-zone entry

[02] Papandreou meets Belgium deputy foreign minister in Athens for talks on Balkans, EU enlargement and Cyprus

[03] Foreign ministry spokesman says no measurement registers above normal depleted uranium levels

[04] Deputy Defense minister says army firing range radiation counts will be posted next week

[05] NATO will cooperate on DU issue, US envoy says

[06] FM Papandreou says rapprochement with Turkey has tripled tourism on Greek islands

[07] President Stephanopoulos to pay official visit to Italy on January 23-26

[08] US Sec. of State-designate Powell responds to FM's letter

[09] Commission refers Greece to Eurocourt over pollution Directive

[10] Greek Parliamentary delegation at CoE assembly

[11] Jordan's military chief to arrive for official visit

[12] Russian-made hovercraft arrives for Greek navy

[13] 17 communist youth organizations demand dissolution of NATO

[14] Greek stocks end week lower on ASE

[15] Burns says 2001 is 'moment of triumph' for Greek economy

[16] Commercial Bank expects 25 percent increase in pre-tax profits

[17] Commercial Bank to buy 20% of ICAP, merge brokerages

[18] Nearly 300 firms on waiting list for bourse entry

[19] Commercial Bank uses World Bank risk insurer

[20] Sofia officially hands OTE license to set up mobile phone network

[21] Conference on "Greece and New Money Market" in New York on January 27

[22] Reppas comments on rising figure on unemployment

[23] Deputy agriculture minister says radiation counts on imported Balkan foods are normal

[24] Hospital doctors in Athens and Piraeus call three-day strike next week

[25] Head of UN's speechwriting unit focuses here on 21st century challenges

[26] Antiquities stolen from Corinth museum in 1990 and found in US to be returned

[27] President receives Cuban foreign minister

[28] Senator says Cyprus may hope for France's support for EU entry

[29] Cyprus Foreign minister to visit Spain

[01] Greece praised for euro-zone entry

BRUSSELS, 20/01/2001(ANA - Y. Zitouniati)

He was speaking at an event held here to welcome Greece's membership of the euro zone, which came into effect on January 1.

Apart from euro-zone ministers, the event was attended by European Central Bank President Bim Duisenberg, European Commission President Romano Prodi and economic affairs commissioner, Pedro Solbes.

Greek National Economy and Finance Minister Yiannos Papantoniou responded by offering assurances of Greece's positive and constructive role in the euro zone "for both its own benefit and that of its partners."

During the preceding euro-zone meeting, Papantoniou referred to Greece's targets for real and social convergence to enable the country to reach the prosperity levels of developed countries. He said Greece would be in a position to increase growth rates to 5.0 percent in 2001.

The euro group, assessing economic developments, mentioned the decrease in interest rates, which will favor development, the strengthening of the role of the euro, the drop in oil prices and the decline in US economic activity.

Taking all these factors into consideration, the group predicted strong development in the euro zone in 2001 in the region of 3.0 percent.

Meanwhile, in an interview in Saturday's edition of the French newspaper "Le Monde", the president of the euro group said that "Europe is an open house and so is the euro. We should encourage our partners, who are hesitant, to meet us."

Reiders also said that when the first euro coins reach people's wallets, the European currency would acquire a great attraction even for those who are not in the euro zone.

The European Union's Council of Finance Ministers (ECOFIN) convened here after the euro group and discussed the priorities of the Swedish presidency.

Papantoniou said the presidency's program is realistic and useful, having strong growth and an increase in employment as priorities.

The finance ministers also referred to EU enlargement, saying that it should not upset economic equilibrium, as well as the crucial nature of aid for the western Balkans.

[02] Papandreou meets Belgium deputy foreign minister in Athens for talks on Balkans, EU enlargement and Cyprus

Athens, 20/01/2001 (ANA)

The Belgian minister is in Athens after a long Balkan tour with stops at Sofia, Nicosia and Skopje.

According to Neyts-Uyttebroeck, the purpose of the tour was to get acquainted with the region and its problems and prepare for Belgium's upcoming EU presidency, when it takes over from the current Swedish presidency in the second half of 2001.

Talking to reporters, the Belgian minister said she had been pleased to find that the countries in the region were seriously interested in establishing peace and stability and were taking important steps for their future accession to the EU.

This was especially true of Bulgaria and Cyprus, she added, whose efforts to join the EU would be supported by Belgium based on the decisions of the Helsinki Summit.

Papandreou and Neyts-Uyttebroeck were questioned on the depleted uranium (DU) scare, and both underlined the calls for transparency on this issue made by their respective countries.

Papandreou was also challenged regarding the FOCUS group's report on the repercussions of such materials on health, and asked to comment on reports that his ministry had known about this.

The foreign minister replied that Greece had pointed out the ecological problems arising from the bombings early on, particularly the hits on industrial plants.

"The FOCUS group had noted that there might be problems from radiation, without however investigating the issue in depth," Papandreou added, and said that all the results and findings had been passed on to international organizations and put in the hands of the United Nations.

Belgian foreign minister stresses Belgian government's respect for Helsinki summit decisions: Annemie Neyts Uytterbroeck, in a statement to the Athens News Agency (ANA) on Friday, stressed the Belgian government's "absolute respect" for decisions taken at the European Union's Helsinki summit and gave assurances that the accession of the Republic of Cyprus to the EU will be decided exclusively by the criterion of incorporation into European established practice.

"I visited Cyprus and explained the Belgian government's position both to the government of the Republic of Cyprus and Mr. Denktash. I said the Belgian position is absolute respect for the Helsinki conclusions. What does this mean? It means the accession of the Republic of Cyprus to the European Union will be decided exclusively on the criterion of the incorporation of European established practice in Cyprus and without other preconditions."

Neyts denied there was any question of Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash's regime in the Turkish occupied parts of Cyprus being recognized.

According to diplomatic sources at the foreign ministry, during her meeting with Foreign Minister George Papandreou on Friday, Neyts clarified that her statements in Nicosia on Thursday had been misinterpreted and that she never raised the issue of Denktash's recognition.

Meeting with Papazoi: Alternate Foreign Minister Elizabeth Papazoi on Friday discussed Cyprus' European Union accession course, developments in the western Balkans and the course of discussions following the EU Nice summit with visiting Belgian Deputy foreign Minister Annemie Neyts Uyttebroeck.

The meeting was held in light of Belgium assuming the rotating EU presidency in the second half of 2001.

Papazoi had the opportunity to outline the Greek proposal for EU action for protection of the environment and health in the Balkans, underlining the EU's commitments for the region's reconstruction, which has to include environmental restoration.

[03] Foreign ministry spokesman says no measurement registers above normal depleted uranium levels

Athens, 20/01/2001 (ANA)

Beglitis referred to the actions of "some who are on a hunt of missing pages from the FOCUS group's reports", saying that on page 20 of the group's first report in June 1999 mention is made of the Vranje region and that "depleted uranium shells are found in the area of the transmitter station" without, as he said, the report making a data analysis.

He added that no page has been lost from the second report, made during the July-August 1999 period, and that page 23 again refers to the Vranje region and says "the measurements of radioactivity were completed and samples were taken from the Borovac and Reljan villages in Vranje. No environmental problem was detected."

Beglitis called for speculation to stop on the issue, which should be handled "with sensitivity and responsibility by all, including relevant scientists."

[04] Deputy Defense minister says army firing range radiation counts will be posted next week

Athens, 20/01/2001 (ANA)

The minister was responding to questions by PASOK MP Dimitris Georgakopoulos connected to press reports on the use of depleted uranium missiles at army firing ranges.

Apostolakis said that the results obtained so far did not show above-normal levels of background radiation.

[05] NATO will cooperate on DU issue, US envoy says

Athens, 20/01/2001 (ANA)

He told a SE Europe business conference on Balkan reconstruction in Thessaloniki that there would be full transparency, at the same time defending the Alliance's position that the use of depleted uranium (DU) in bombs dropped on Yugoslavia during its 1999 campaign and on Bosnia in 1995 was not linked to the recent incidents of leukemia among peacekeepers in the region.

According to Burns, the furor over depleted uranium in Europe and the US was the result of emotional reactions and unconfirmed reports and he warned against "drawing conclusions that are not based on scientific analysis."

The US envoy further claimed that prestigious studies had shown that there was no link between DU weapons and cancer.

"That is not biologically feasible," he added.

He gave assurances that NATO was handling the issue with total transparency in cooperation with the interested states, which the Alliance had a commitment to both inform and consult. He also mentioned that many countries had DU weapons.

Burns further said that the NATO intervention in Yugoslavia had helped "put an end to the ethnic cleansing" and consolidate peace in the region.

The US ambassador's comments regarding the DU bombs were in response to concerns expressed earlier by Macedonia-Thrace Minister George Paschalidis that the DU syndrome could slow down Balkan reconstruction.

Tanks considered by Greece contain no DU, General Dynamics says: US-based General Dynamics said Friday that the M1A1 tank it manufactures and which the Greek Army under its procurements program is considering did not contain depleted uranium (DU).

General Dynamics said in an announcement that the material from which the M1A1 tanks are manufactured does not contain DU.

The company said that it has not offered the Greek Armed Forces any waiting containing DU, nor had it used such weapons in any of the displays carried out for the Greek defense ministry officials.

In addition, none of the tanks and armaments sold by the company to the US allies, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait contained DU, General Dynamics continued, adding that although the US army used missiles and materials containing DU, it had never sold such items abroad together with tanks.

[06] FM Papandreou says rapprochement with Turkey has tripled tourism on Greek islands

Athens, 20/01/2001 (ANA)

Papandreou was speaking in Patras, western Greece, during the official presentation of the exhibition on "The quality of life for the citizen." The Department of Western Greece, the Press and Information Ministry and the Athens News Agency (ANA) are organizing it.

Papandreou referred to agreements reached with Turkey and, giving an example, spoke of the recent arrest of drug traffickers in Xanthi with half a ton of heroin.

He also said that in agreement with Turkey the tackling of animal diseases in the region of the Aegean islands will be achieved and will result to a benefit amounting to 10 billion drachmas.

Papandreou, commenting on the repercussions of the war in former Yugoslavia in day-to-day life, said if the war in Kosovo had lasted double the time it did there would have been repercussions in Greece from the depleted uranium bombs, which is not the case now.

He further outlined efforts made by the Greek government for peace in the Balkan region.

[07] President Stephanopoulos to pay official visit to Italy on January 23-26

Athens, 20/01/2001 (ANA)

Stephanopoulos will also meet Italian Prime Minister Giuliano Amato for talks on bilateral and international issues, as well as the situation in the Balkans, and visit Pope John Paul at the Vatican on Wednesday afternoon. It will be the first visit ever to be made to the Vatican by a Greek president.

During his stay in Italy, Stephanopoulos will be visiting Brindisi, Sternatia, Catania, Syracuse and Taormina.

[08] US Sec. of State-designate Powell responds to FM's letter

Athens, 20/01/2001 (ANA)

In his letter, Powell noted that he looks forward to a close and constant cooperation with his Greek counterpart for the further development of the always-strong US-Greek relationship.

[09] Commission refers Greece to Eurocourt over pollution Directive

BRUSSELS, 20/01/2001 (ANA - V. Demiris)

The Commission also referred Britain, Spain and Finland to the Eurocourt over the same issue.

The IPPC Directive calls for implementation for a significant number of pollution-generating industrial activities, and covers the energy sector, metalworks, mining, the chemical manufacturing sector and waste management, among others. The Directive aims to prevent and reduce air, water and ground pollution through a comprehensive system of issuing permits for the entire gamut of environmental concerns. The deadline for drawing up national laws to include the Directive's provisions and at the same time notifying the Commission in order to implement such legislation was Oct. 30, 1999.

In its announcement, the Commission notes that Greece has not notified Brussels of even one measure it has implemented to date.

[10] Greek Parliamentary delegation at CoE assembly

Athens, 20/01/2001 (ANA)

The delegation, members of which represent all four of the parties in the Greek Parliament, will participate in the CoE's sessions.

Among others, issues on the agenda include freedom of the press in Russia and other countries; the observance of commitments on the part of Latvia; the conflict and humanitarian situation in Chechnya; the Stability Pact for SE Europe, as well as the recent developments in Yugoslavia along with the repercussions to the environment in the region.

A photo exhibit focusing on the Parthenon Marbles will be organizing on the sidelines of the assembly.

[11] Jordan's military chief to arrive for official visit

Athens, 20/01/2001 (ANA)

Lt.-Gen. Mohamed Yussef Al-Maqawi is scheduled to hold talks with Greek armed forces chief Lt.-Gen. Manoussos Paragioudakis on issues related to joint military interests, and be received by President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos.

Lt.-Gen. Al-Maqawi will tour military installations, training facilities and archaeological sites before departing Greece on Jan. 24.

[12] Russian-made hovercraft arrives for Greek navy

Athens, 20/01/2001 (ANA)

The renovated "Zurb"-class hovercraft, which sailed to Greece this week, will be re-christened the "Cephallonia".

It was built in 1993 at the Almaz shipyards in St. Petersburg, while a complete modernization of the vessel was completed prior to its transfer.

The large hovercraft can rapidly transport 500 troops or 150 tones of materiel, as well as serve as a minelayer. It is fitted with two 30mm canons and two 140.3mm multiple rocket launchers.

By August, the Hellenic Navy is also scheduled to acquire and deploy another four new hovercraft, two from Russia and two from the Ukraine.

[13] 17 communist youth organizations demand dissolution of NATO

Athens, 20/01/2001 (ANA)

An announcement signed by 17 communist youth organizations condemns the use of depleted uranium bombs by NATO and European countries participating in bombings in Yugoslavia.

Youth was also called on to express solidarity for the people of Yugoslavia and to struggle "against the new armaments programs in Europe and North America, strengthening the struggle for the dissolution of NATO and the prevention of the creation of a European mercenary army."

[14] Greek stocks end week lower on ASE

Athens, 20/01/2001 (ANA)

Traders said the Greek market awaited the announcement by the government of new measures to restructure the economy and to boost the market.

Agricultural Bank of Greece saw its share price drop to 3,135 drachmas (9.20 euros) from its listing price of 3,200 drachmas (9.39 euros) on its debut in the market. Traders said investors-holders of "prometoha" shares preferred to take profits.

The general index ended 0.96 percent lower at 3,183.73 points, for a net loss of 4.86 percent in the week. Turnover was a low 114.78 million euros, or 39.112 billion drachmas.

The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks ended 0.83 percent lower at 1,856.88 points, and the FTSE/ASE 40 index dropped 2.64 percent to 323.95 points.

Sector indices ended as follows: Banks: 7,003.99 -0.69% Leasing: 493.64 -1.80% Insurance: 1,176.29 -1.77% Investment: 1,245.17 -2.43% Construction: 1,129.91 -2.74% Industrials: 1,875.39 -1.61% Miscellaneous: 2,188.56 -2.24% Holding: 3,156.90 -1.91%

The parallel market index for smaller capitalization stocks ended 1.12 percent lower at 251.47 points.

Broadly, decliners led advancers by 299 to 45 with another 13 issues unchanged.

Hellenic Telecoms, Agricultural Bank, National Bank, Eurobank and Alpha Bank were the most heavily traded stocks.

Leading shares' closing prices (in euros): National Bank: 39.30 Alpha Bank: 34.82 Commercial Bank: 50.50 Eurobank: 20.44 Piraeus Bank: 15.04 Lambrakis Press: 9.74 Altec: 5.98 Titan Cement (c): 41.02 Hellenic Telecoms: 16.80 Panafon: 7.54 Hellenic Petroleum: 9.28 Attica Enterprises: 6.36 Intracom: 19.28 Minoan Lines: 4.64 Viohalco: 9.98 Hellenic Bottling: 18.60

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

The FTSE/ASE 20 index closed 0.83 percent down, and the FTSE/ASE 40 ended 2.64 percent lower.

Turnover was 44.3 million euros on 6,499 contracts traded, the dealers said.

Bond prices drop in sell-off: Bond prices in the domestic secondary market on Friday finished lower in heavy trade for the second straight session.

The Greek benchmark 10-year bond showed a yield of 5.36 percent from 5.38 percent a day earlier.

The yield spread over German bunds was 54 basis points from 53 basis points in the session before.

Turnover through the central bank's electronic system totalled 1.11 billion euros (about 379 billion drachmas) from 1.15 billion euros (around 393.6 billion drachmas) the trading day before.

Official euro/dollar rate ease slightly: The euro/dollar rate eased slightly to 94 cents on Friday, from 94.12 the previous day, according to the European Central Bank's reference rate, pushing the drachma/dollar rate to 362.5 drachmas.

The ECB also announced that the euro/yen rate was 110.66 yen (3.07 drachmas), the euro/sterling at 0.6380 (534.09 drachmas), the euro/Swiss franc rate at 1.5268 (223.17 drachmas) and the euro/Cyprus pound rate at 0.5776 (589.94 drachmas).

Greece announces syndicated bond loan issue: Greece's Public Debt Management Organization on Friday announced the issue of a new 10-year syndicated benchmark bond loan, with a maturity date of May 18, 2011.

International banks Salomon Schroder Smith Barney, Goldman Sachs, UBS Warburg, Alpha Bank and National Bank of Greece will act as lead-managers to the syndicated loan, while another 10 Greek and foreign banks, acting as primary market dealers will participate as co-lead managers to the deal.

The initial value of the issue will be around 2.5-3.0 billion euros, to finally reach 6.0 billion euros.

[15] Burns says 2001 is 'moment of triumph' for Greek economy

Athens, 20/01/2001 (ANA)

The conference was organized by the US Embassy and was attended by southeast European business people and diplomats.

According to Burns, the year 2001 was a moment of triumph for the Greek government.

"We hail the development made under the government of (Prime Minister Costas) Simitis the past five years," Burns said.

He continued to say that Greece was now on a path of economic growth, had entered the European Union and was preparing to host the Olympic Games in 2004.

Finally, he said that Greece was an example for all its friends and neighbors to the north that hoped to join the EU.

US investors eyeing N. Greece, ambassador says: Nicholas Burns on Friday said US investments in Greece amount to 2.2 billion dollars, while strong interest exists on the part of American businessmen for new investments primarily in regions of northern Greece.

Burns was speaking at a seminar organized in Thessaloniki, northern Greece, by the Ministry of Macedonia and Thrace in cooperation with the US Embassy and the DIPEK company on "Reconstruction: From Theory to Practice-Investment Initiatives in Southeastern Europe."

He said the interest of American businessmen is primarily focused on regions in Serres, Komotini and Kavala, as well as Thessaloniki.

Burns also referred to developing Greek-US economic relations and stressed that bilateral trade is showing an increase in the region of 20 percent.

He placed particular emphasis on Thessaloniki's role in the Balkans, saying "it can become the springboard for American businesses interested in investments in the region of southeastern Europe, which is a market of 85 million people."

[16] Commercial Bank expects 25 percent increase in pre-tax profits

Athens, 20/01/2001 (ANA)

Stournaras said these figures were considered particularly significant due to negative developments in the stock market, a higher cost of voluntary retirement (around 3.0 billion drachmas), higher provisions (9.0 billion drachmas) and a full restructuring of the bank's portfolio.

He said that in the six month under his presidency, Commercial Bank implemented an agreement to set up a bank in Cyprus, it created a real estate company and has started merger procedures among the group's insurance companies, Metrolife and Phoenix.

Stournaras and Jean Luc Perron, Credit Agricole's representative to Commercial Bank's board, told a news conference on Friday that a strategic deal between the two banks has already began bearing fruit.

Commercial Bank, in cooperation with Credit Agricole, is expected to present the first joint banking products to the Greek market.

"Our deal is important, long-term and has a pan-European range," the two men said.

The two banks are expected to launch their joint venture in the bank assurance market in April, offering its first products by October.

[17] Commercial Bank to buy 20% of ICAP, merge brokerages

Athens, 20/01/2001 (ANA)

The shares will be purchased from private Alpha Bank, the country's second largest bank and a blue chip on the bourse. Alpha will remain the main shareholder of ICAP with a 25 percent stake, Stournaras added.

He also announced that state-owned Commercial's two brokerages - Commercial Securities and Metrolife - would be merged and then form part of the Investments Bank, a subsidiary of the Commercial Group.

The move was part of a plan by the bank to undertake more investment services, working with its strategic partner, Credit Agricole of France, Stournaras said.

[18] Nearly 300 firms on waiting list for bourse entry

Athens, 20/01/2001 (ANA)

The stock exchange said in a statement that the applicants had been classed as follows: credit sector 22; new economy, 34; privatization sector, 1; investment law zone, 15; exporters 25; large capitalization, 1; other main market applicants, 33; other parallel market applicants, 158; and new stock exchange applicants, 8.

[19] Commercial Bank uses World Bank risk insurer

Athens, 20/01/2001 (ANA)

Commercial has a contract worth 28 million US dollars with Miga to cover risk for branches of the state-owned bank in five countries, including Armenia and Romania, Nonay added.

She was addressing a seminar in the northern port city of Thessaloniki held by the Macedonia-Thrace Ministry, the US embassy in Athens, and the Balkan and Black Sea Business Center.

[20] Sofia officially hands OTE license to set up mobile phone network

SOFIA, 20/01/2001 (ANA - B. Borisov)

Greece's telephone utility paid US$ 135 million for a 15-year concession to develop, maintain and operate a second mobile phone network in the neighboring country using the GSM band.

OTE set up Greece's third mobile phone network, its successful subsidiary Cosmote, three years ago.

OTE, a heavily traded share on the Athens Stock Exchange as well as a listed company on the New York Stock Exchange, late last summer had failed in its joint bid with the Netherlands' KPN to purchase a majority share of Bulgaria's state-owned telecoms company (BTC)

In a brief statement on Friday, OTE board member Panayiotis Karyados said the Greek utility plans to invest $300 million in its new mobile phone network in Bulgaria.

"Procedures for the tender were immaculate... and the price was very good. Besides, OTE has demonstrated its capabilities as manager of mobile telephony networks, therefore, we're expecting very good results and services in our country as well," Bulgarian transport and communications minister Antoni Slavinski told the ANA.

[21] Conference on "Greece and New Money Market" in New York on January 27

NEW YORK, 20/01/2001 (ANA - M. Georgiadou)

Among others, major banking organizations from the US and Europe, the Greek Tourist Organization, Olympic Airways and Cyprus Airways will be participating.

[22] Reppas comments on rising figure on unemployment

Athens, 20/01/2001 (ANA)

He said that an apparent rise in unemployment rates was caused by a change in the way they were calculated during the last two quarters.

The spokesman said that the government had submitted legislation to limit unemployment in Greece.

[23] Deputy agriculture minister says radiation counts on imported Balkan foods are normal

Athens, 20/01/2001 (ANA)

Argyris made the statement in Parliament, in response to questions by Coalition of the Left MP Asimina Xyrotyri-Ekaterinari.

The minister said that radiation had been found to be within normal levels and that this had been certified by the Greek atomic research institute "Demokritos".

When Ekaterinari said that the government had to present these certificates to Parliament, Argyris responded by saying:

"It is not possible when such problems arise, such as earlier with dioxins, for the Greek market to pay the price for the way we handle the issue."

[24] Hospital doctors in Athens and Piraeus call three-day strike next week

Athens, 20/01/2001 (ANA)

The hospital doctors' union (EINAP) also protested against the latest developments concerning the EKAB emergency services, saying that it was inconceivable that the sensitive area of air-lifting patients should be entrusted to a private company, particularly when this was an Italian airline and not Olympic Airways. They asked for the intervention of the public prosecutor in this matter.

The problems with EKAB arose after the fall of a medical helicopter on Sunday while it was transporting a heart patient from an island to the mainland. The accident, in which both patient and crew were lost, sparked a wave of protest among EKAB staff, which feels their lives are often needlessly put in jeopardy for cases that are not particularly serious.

Regarding complaints made by EKAB staff about interference from ministers, MPs and prefects, EINAP said that none of these incidents had been reported to it at the time.

The union underlined the dangers facing patients on the islands, where they said there was a grave shortage of medical staff, in particular. At least two of the larger hospitals in the Aegean, they said, should have been fully equipped so that patients suffering from heart attacks and head injuries did not need to be transferred to Athens.

[25] Head of UN's speechwriting unit focuses here on 21st century challenges

Athens, 20/01/2001 (ANA)

Edward Mortimer, a well-known "Financial Times" editor and commentator before leaving for the United Nations in 1998, pointed squarely at the advent of "globalization" as the premier challenge-facing mankind in the new century.

Mortimer, who arrived in Greece from Turkey, said the UN is attempting to promote, among others, three significant initiatives in the developing and Third World: 'debt relief'; a transfusion of environmentally friendly information technology and desperately needed funds for health care.

Regarding the UN's controversial humanitarian missions over the past years, the noted international affairs analyst called the organizations efforts in Rwanda in 1994 -- "the only incontrovertible genocide since 1945" -- an utter "failure". He also said the UN failed to prevent a massacre of captured men and boys in the aftermath of Srebrenica's fall to Bosnian Serb troops in 1995.

Regarding the UN's mandate for NATO-led air strikes against Yugoslavia in 1999 as a result of the Kosovo situation, the Bulford, England native simply noted that the term "humanitarian action" is a misnomer, whereas "one man's humanitarian intervention is another man's invasion ... even to dismember a country."

As far as globalization is concerned, which he described as the direct and unfiltered contact between groups and individuals around the world, Mortimer noted that a massive portion of the world is still unaffected.

"Two and a half billion people have never made or received a telephone call, while there are more Internet users in Manhattan than there are in all of sub-Saharan Africa ... Not that technology is necessarily linked to happiness or prosperity," he told a standing room-only audience.

Mortimer's address was organized by the Athens-based think tank Hellenic Foundation for European and Foreign Policy (ELIAMEP) and the UN's information center in the Greek capital.

[26] Antiquities stolen from Corinth museum in 1990 and found in US to be returned

NEW YORK, 20/01/2001 (ANA - M. Georgiadou)

FBI deputy director Barry Mawn expressed his satisfaction at a relevant ceremony at FBI's head office in New York over the return of the antiquities to Greece following cooperation with the Greek police.

Police director George Tzallas, head of the antiquities smuggling department, said the theft of 288 artifacts from the Archaeological Museum in Corinth in April 1990 was the biggest antiquities theft ever to take place in Greece.

[27] President receives Cuban foreign minister

NICOSIA, 20/01/2001 (CNA/ANA)

Roque, who arrived here on Friday for a three-day official visit at the invitation of his Cypriot counterpart Ioannis Kasoulides to discuss bilateral relations and cooperation, called on President Clerides and House President Spyros Kyprianou.

Speaking to the press through an interpreter after his meeting with President Clerides, Roque described it as "fruitful and useful", noting that he conveyed to the President of the Republic personal regards from Cuban President Fidel Castro.

He said he expressed appreciation for Cyprus' "vote at the UN General Assembly against the blockade of the US on Cuba", adding he briefed President Clerides on the country's efforts "to overcome the major difficulties" it faces as a result.

Roque said he also exchanged views with President Clerides on issues of international interest, pointing out "I have also reiterated our desire to further enhance our relations, to deepen these relations".

Cuba's Foreign Minister noted that during the meeting he had the opportunity to "get an update on the situation in Cyprus and in the region".

Speaking earlier to the press after his meeting with the Cuban minister, President of the House of Representatives said he briefed him on the Cyprus question and pointed out that his position on the Greek Cypriot views is "very positive and with full support".

Kyprianou said Cuba remains steadily at Cyprus' side and has always supported the Republic in all international foras, particularly in the UN.

He said he thanked the country's foreign minister for this stance and noted that Roque reiterated his country's interest in Cyprus' political problem.

[28] Senator says Cyprus may hope for France's support for EU entry

NICOSIA, 20/01/2001 (CNA/ANA)

Speaking to the press after calling on President of the Republic Glafcos Clerides, Le Pensec also said France and Europe back the UN Secretary-General's efforts to solve the political problem in Cyprus.

Le Pensec is here for a number of meetings in his capacity as Senate Rapporteur for the EU and is expected to submit a report on Cyprus' EU accession course next month.

The French Senator said the island has many capabilities which could lead to a fast harmonization process with European laws and regulations and pointed out that "among the candidate countries, Cyprus has a very good place and will soon be a member of the EU".

He said that during his stay on the island he had meetings with Turkish Cypriot party leaders in order to have "the full picture of the situation" and also because he believes accession to the EU should benefit both the Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots.

Asked whether France supports Cyprus' accession to the EU without a prior solution to the political problem, he said his country's position is that enlargement should take place when candidate countries will have concluded their harmonization process.

"Then the way to accession is open and when this condition is met Cyprus should know it can hope for France's support", Le Pensec assured.

Earlier on Friday the French Senator met with Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides. In a number of decisions the EU has said a settlement in Cyprus is not a precondition for accession.

[29] Cyprus Foreign minister to visit Spain

NICOSIA, 20/01/2001 (CNA/ANA)

Kasoulides will visit Spain at the invitation of the country's Foreign Minister Josep Pique, with whom he will have talks.

He will also meet with the President of the Senate and the Presidents of the committees for Foreign and European affairs.

Kasoulides, who will give a lecture on Cyprus' EU accession course at the Diplomatic Academy of Spain, returns to Cyprus on January 25.

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