Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 01-01-30

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

CONTENTS

[01] FM Papandreou discusses Cyprus and European Union Nice summit with Swedish counterpart

[02] Prime Minister to visit India on February 4-9, government spokesman announces

[03] Foreign ministry confirms plans for a visit by Greece's FM to Turkey

[04] Deputy Economy Minister discusses development, bilateral ties during Tirana visit

[05] Swedish EU presidency concerned over circulation of looted weapons in Albania

[06] Chrysohoidis briefs ND leader on efforts to combat terrorism

[07] ND leads V-PRC opinion poll

[08] Debate on forest protection Constitutional amendment shows shift in party stances

[09] European Commission at stage of completion of information evaluation regarding "Express Samina" shipwreck

[10] ND Deputy Vassilis Michaloliakos leaves hospital after surviving attempt on his life

[11] National economy minister says average income of Greeks amounts to 70 percent of European average

[12] Greek stocks resume their decline on ASE

[13] ND warns of 'scandal' bourse listings, capital rises

[14] Salomon sees Athens bourse Q1 drop, then likely rise

[15] State power corporation may be privatized in June

[16] Alpha Finance appointed to handle shipyard sale

[17] Salomon Smith Barney urges faster Greek structural reforms

[18] Papantoniou announces public sector hirings

[19] OA opts for loan from ABN Amro for airport shift

[20] Technical Olympic reallocates cash into US purchase

[21] Passenger vessel owners complain to shipping chamber

[22] Greece signs European Landscape Pact, environmental problems discussed

[23] Public works minister says a year after start of Metro's operation 85 million passengers have their own view of it

[24] Greek embassy expresses appreciation for man continuing to teach Greek and translate ancient and Modern Greek writers

[25] Unique exhibition on Minoan civilization opens in Karlsruhe

[26] UN envoy expresses hope it would be possible soon to resume efforts for Cyprus settlement

[27] Greek MPs say EU enlargement "impossible without Cyprus"

[01] FM Papandreou discusses Cyprus and European Union Nice summit with Swedish counterpart

STOCKHOLM, 30/01/2001 (ANA - G. Angelopoulos)

The two ministers also discussed Turkey's program for convergence with the EU, aiming at its accession to the EU.

Papandreou said Turkey should not be given the impression that it is being excluded selectively from processes in which other countries which have also started the accession process are participating.

The issue of southern Serbia and the action of Albanian rebels in that region was discussed in depth along with the EUs policies in the region and ways the EU presidency can help in easing tension there.

Developments in the Middle East were also examined, while Papandreou said that Europe should enter a more substantive and strategic discussion and processing of issues, particularly in light of the change of government in the US and the upcoming elections in Israel in February, which also presage a change in government and the assumption of the premiership by Ariel Sharon.

Papandreou also met with Swedish Trade Minister Leif Pagrotsky and Development Minister May Inger Klingval and said Greece will provide 140,000 euro for its cooperation with Sweden on development issues.

Papandreou arrived in Stockholm from Davos, Switzerland, where he attended the Worlds Economic Forum. He will be representing Greece at a two-day international forum against intolerance that began here on Monday, where he will join 450 other politicians and experts from 50 countries in a debate on how to combat rising racism and anti-democratic trends.

Papandreou is to address the forum on Tuesday on "Legislative Tools and Policies against Xenophobia and Racism in Greece."

Papandreou addresses forum on racism: During his stay here, Papandreou will be representing Greece at a two-day international forum against intolerance that began on Monday.

Along with another 450 politicians and experts from 50 countries in he will join a debate on how to combat rising racism and anti-democratic trends.

Apart from Papandreou, Greece is also being represented by a legal expert, the education ministry's special secretary for intercultural education and the president of the Greek section of the European Immigration Forum.

The international "Intolerance Forum" is being organized by host-country Sweden to call attention to a rising tide of hostility toward religious and ethnic minorities, immigrants, refugees and homosexuals. A forum announcement states that ultra-nationalist parties and xenophobic attitudes are gaining ground in many countries, while racist propaganda is being propagated with increasing effectiveness through media such as the Internet and "white power" music.

The conference began on Monday with a speech by Swedish Prime Minister Goeran Persson and UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Mary Robinson. Papandreou is to address the forum on Tuesday on "Legislative Tools and Policies against Xenophobia and Racism in Greece."

According to an Associated Press report, meanwhile, UN Secretary General Kofi Annan is to deliver the forum's keynote address later on Monday, while a series of seminars and speeches have been organized to discuss educational strategies against intolerance, the role of legislation, strategies by local communities and the role and influence of the media.

In his speech, Persson noted the rising numbers of racist crimes and increasing anti-Semitism, with attacks on synagogues and Jewish cemeteries. He also said that the denial of the Holocaust was the central point of Nazi and racist propaganda.

He attributed the growing anti-democratic trend to disillusionment caused by the governments' failure to combat large-scale unemployment and extend prosperity and growth to lower-income strata.

"A life of poverty, a sense of weakness and isolation cause people to seek scapegoats," he said, and noted that the democratic powers had to find a way to combat this sense of despair.

Robinson said that combatting intolerance was one of the main aims of the United Nations, describing it as a "destructive force that is capable of destroying lives and threatening all the progress made by humanity."

She referred extensively to a UN conference against racism taking place in Durban, South Africa at the end of August.

[02] Prime Minister to visit India on February 4-9, government spokesman announces

Athens, 30/01/2001 (ANA)

Reppas said the prime minister would head a delegation that included Greek business people.

According to the spokesman, Greece also planned to send two C-130 military transport planes laden medical supplies, blankets and food for the victims of an earthquake that struck India last Friday, as well as 100 million drachmas in economic aid taken from the foreign ministry's budget.

Simitis is to sign a series of economic agreements related to avoidance of double taxation, diplomatic passport usage, protection of investments and cooperation in the field of agriculture.

Foreign minister George Papandreou discussed the basic principles of the agreements -- which are being drafted by a joint economic relations committee -- during an official visit to India in December.

Greece to send financial aid, humanitarian assistance to quake-devastated India: Greece announced Monday it would send financial aid and humanitarian assistance to earthquake-devastated India.

Foreign ministry spokesman Panos Beglitis said that 100 million dr. in financial aid would be "dispatched immediately in the next few days", noting that the aid would come from the foreign ministry's budget via the ministry's international developmental cooperation department.

Also, two C-130 aircraft were due to leave Tuesday morning for India carrying humanitarian assistance, including medicines, tents and blankets, following agreement between the foreign, interior and national defense ministries.

It is noted that prime minister Costas Simitis is scheduled to begin an official visit to India on February 4, during which he is slated to sign a series of economic agreements related to avoidance of double taxation, diplomatic passport usage, protection of investments and cooperation in the field of agriculture.

Foreign minister George Papandreou discussed the basic principles of the agreements -- which are being drafted by a joint economic relations committee -- during an official visit to India in December.

[03] Foreign ministry confirms plans for a visit by Greece's FM to Turkey

Athens, 30/01/2001 (ANA)

According to ministry spokesman Panagiotis Beglitis, the visit and its agenda were discussed during a meeting between Papandreou and Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz in Davos, Switzerland on Sunday.

The spokesman also confirmed that the two men had discussed Turkey's relations with the European Union during that meeting, and that the Greek side had reiterated its readiness to assist Turkey in making real progress in its European course.

Regarding the Cyprus issue, the spokesman said only that it had been discussed, as it is discussed at every meeting between Greek and Turkish officials, and that the foreign minister had underlined the need to support the efforts of UN Secretary General Kofi Annan for a solution to the problem.

Beglitis announced that Papandreou would be visiting Cyprus within February.

Finally, Beglitis said that Greece and Turkey were seeking a political formula for an agreement to avoid double taxation.

[04] Deputy Economy Minister discusses development, bilateral ties during Tirana visit

TIRANA, 30/01/2001 (ANA - I. Patso)

Specifically, the two men discussed implementation of Athens' plans for reconstruction in the Balkans and Albania itself, faster absorption of a relevant Greek loan to the neighboring country as well as the best possible use of development aid Athens funnels to Tirana.

On his part, Meta underlined what he called the significant and varied support offered by Greece towards Tirana, while Zafeiropoulos said the Greek government aims at constant development and stabilization in the Balkans through cooperation by all countries in the region.

He also said Athens desires even greater growth in bilateral relations and the Albanian economy's continuing adaptation to market rules and conditions.

[05] Swedish EU presidency concerned over circulation of looted weapons in Albania

BRUSSELS, 30/01/2001 (ANA - G. Zitouniati)

Sweden's concerns were expressed on the basis of an Organization for the Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) report, which noted that the program for the reacquisition of the weapons was not implemented satisfactorily.

[06] Chrysohoidis briefs ND leader on efforts to combat terrorism

Athens, 30/01/2001 (ANA)

After the meeting at the ND headquarters, Chrysohoidis told reporters they had discussed the government's legislative initiatives, adding that the main opposition party had displayed a "responsible" stance and noting that ND had recently submitted "specific proposals" to the government.

Asked when the government would table in parliament a bill containing provisions on combatting terrorism, the minister said the justice ministry committee drafting the provisions was expected to complete its task around the end of February.

ND deputy responsible for public order issues described Monday's exchange of views as "fruitful", noting that there was cooperation between the government and the main opposition party on the issue and adding that "we are on a good path".

He also said ND agreed with the proposals being advanced by the government.

[07] ND leads V-PRC opinion poll

Athens, 30/01/2001 (ANA)

According to a nationwide poll by V-PRC, appearing in Monday's edition of TA NEA daily newspaper, New Democracy was leading with 32.3 percent, followed by PASOK with 27.7 percent and Avramopoulos' party, which has not yet been named, with 16.8 percent.

The same poll showed the Communist Party of Greece (KKE) trailing with 5.5 percent, followed by the Coalition of the Left and Progress with 2.8 percent, and the Democratic Social Movement with 1.2 percent, while undecided were just 1.8 percent.

V-PRC, which conducted the poll between January 8 and 25, noted that the most significant events during that period were the revelations on depleted uranium, the sharp decline on the Athens Stock Exchange, the assassination attempt against ND parliamentarian Vassilis Michaloliakos, and the crash of an EKAB emergency assistance helicopter with five people on board as it was transporting an elderly heart attack victim to Athens during a gale.

The poll showed that Avramopoulos' fledgling party was preferred by 16 percent of PASOK voters and 17.9 percent of ND voters, while 50 percent of young voters (up to age 44) said the creation of the new party as "positive".

Also, 15.1 percent of respondents felt the creation of the new party was "absolutely necessary", 28.9 percent "rather necessary", 20.4 percent "rather unnecessary", and 24.2 percent "totally unnecessary".

Asked if they would vote for the new party, 12.7 percent of respondents replied "definitely yes", 23 percent "probably", 11.6 percent "probably not", and 35.9 percent "definitely not".

V-PRC assessed that, based on the poll responses, the new party's "nucleus" reached 7.2 percent (those who declared themselves "absolutely certain") about their choice, while 35 percent appeared not to be "certain" about any particular party.

Commenting on the poll, ND press officer Theodoros Roussopoulos said that ND's "rival" in the general elections was ruling PASOK, and declined comment on the percentages attributed to the Avramopoulos party.

"Our rival is the government, which is fatigued, and this is crystal clear in the opinion polls," Roussopoulos said.

[08] Debate on forest protection Constitutional amendment shows shift in party stances

Athens, 30/01/2001 (ANA)

Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos, ruling PASOK's house sponsor for revising the Constitution, said that there were vague terms within the proposed amendment that gave rise to misunderstandings and suspicion and that these would have to be reduced.

"We have no reason to oppose necessary clarifications," he added.

Main opposition New Democracy's representative, Anna Psarouda-Benaki, once again stressed the need to put publicly owned and private forest on equal terms. She said that woodland and forest should be better protected than "forest land" and that her party was against PASOK's latest proposal.

Strongly pro-environmentalist positions were adopted by Coalition of the Left leader Nikos Constantopoulos and Communist Party of Greece (KKE) representative Antonis Skyllakos.

The original amendment agreed upon in September 2000 by the two major parties called for a definition of the terms 'forest' and 'forest land' by the legislature that distinguished between expanses of actual forest and woodland and land simply designated as forest by default - a distinction previously left up to the discretion of judicial authorities and the bureaucracy.

This followed a July ruling by the Council of State, Greece's top judicial authority; according to which all forests were fragile ecosystems protected under article 24 of the Constitution and were thus barred from all other uses. The ruling also stated that all public and private forestland could not be used for building.

The proposed amendment to article 24 was strongly opposed by environmental groups and the Athens Bar, which claimed that it lifted the protection given to forests under the Constitution and opened the way for their legal development.

Venizelos revised his position on the controversial third paragraph of the amendment, regarding the technical options, satisfying the demands of the environmental groups.

He also stressed that the government did not seek to undermine the role of the judges but to upgrade the quality of judicial authority. He claimed that this had triggered reactions by interest groups within the judicial sector, and was the reason why the amendment to article 24 had been linked to articles 94, 95 and 100.

Regarding the main opposition, Venizelos said that ND was trying to differentiate between forest and forestland, which could weaken the protection for the latter.

Both terms, he concluded, would have to be clarified within a constitutional framework to alleviate generalized suspicions.

Psarouda-Benaki said ND had always disagreed with paragraph 3 and also disagreed with PASOK's latest proposal, while noting that the parties had to agree on a constitutional definition. She reiterated that actual forests should be afforded greater protection than land simply designated as forest.

According to ND's representative, protection of the environment should be the responsibility of the government, which is accountable to the electorate, rather than judges or scientists.

Constantopoulos took a clear line against the amendment of article 24, saying that the two larger parties were taking an approach that focused on technicalities and had little meaning.

Skyllakos also attacked the new amendment as a maneuver that did not change the essence, which helped only to undermine the interests of the public, since the amendments to article 24 could be interpreted in two ways.

He said the government's central policy for forests was to bring them into the market economy and lift their designation as forests, in accordance with decisions made by the European Union.

Ecologists protest over constitutional amendments concerning forests: Ecological organizations, with the participation of well-known musicians, organized a concert in Athens' Syntagma Square on Monday in protest over amendments of articles (mainly of Article 24) of the Constitution, which concern forests and forest expanses.

[09] European Commission at stage of completion of information evaluation regarding "Express Samina" shipwreck

BRUSSELS, 30/01/2001 (ANA - M. Spinthourakis)

The "Express Samina" sank off the island of Paros last September after striking offshore rocks shortly before entering the harbor, resulting in the loss of 80 lives.

According to an announcement issued by ND Eurodeputies here, the Italian commissioner said in his reply "after the shipwreck of the 'Express Samina', the European Commission requested from the Greek government on September 28, 2000 to submit all relevant information to enable the ascertainment of the fleet of passenger ships' compliance with EU law on sea transport security", adding that "the Commission is at the stage of evaluating information submitted by the Greek government and as soon as reports are issued it will take suitable measures."

Monti also said in his reply "Greece is subject to temporary exclusion from EU legislation on freely providing passenger ship services until January 1, 2004. For this reason, the Commission considers that for the time being it is unable to intervene in relation to the existing Greek system for providing operating licenses.

[10] ND Deputy Vassilis Michaloliakos leaves hospital after surviving attempt on his life

Athens, 30/01/2001 (ANA)

Michaloliakos had been injured by the bomb at about 10 p.m. as he was preparing to enter the apartment building where he lives in Piraeus.

Visibly moved, Michaloliakos told reporters "I am standing upright and I am healthy. I wish to express my gratitude to God for choosing me to make his miracle," adding that the terrorists had prepared a proclamation taking for granted that he was dead. He thanked the staff of the Tzanneion hospital, where he had been treated, and said thoughts are with those who were not as fortunate as he was.

[11] National economy minister says average income of Greeks amounts to 70 percent of European average

Athens, 30/01/2001 (ANA)

Papantoniou, who was speaking in Ioannina, northern Greece, at an event organized by the Epirus Chamber of Finance, said the target of achieving 80 percent of the average European income in 2004 and 100 at the end of the decade necessitates a decrease in regional inequalities in Greece.

"We predict a rate of development of the Greek economy at the level of five percent on an annual basis over the next five years. High development rates together with policies applied for employment will lead to a decrease in unemployment. Achieving the target of speedy and balanced development between the center and the countryside necessitates the strengthening of our economy's competitive-ness," Papantoniou said.

[12] Greek stocks resume their decline on ASE

Athens, 30/01/2001 (ANA)

Traders said market prospects remained gloomy, as capital inflows have long stopped leaving share prices vulnerable to selling pressure.

The general index ended 0.89 percent lower at 3,071.83 points, off the day's lows of 3,040.83 points. Turnover was a record low 70.49 million euros, or 24.019 billion drachmas.

The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks ended 1.18 percent lower at 1,778.12 points, and the FTSE/ASE 40 index eased 0.54 percent to 317.74 points.

Sector indices ended as follows: Banks: 6,663.03 -0.85% Leasing: 475.20 -2.02% Insurance: 1,201.23 -0.84% Investment: 1,237.50 +0.45% Construction: 1,213.37 -1.87% Industrials: 1,811.17 -0.75% Miscellaneous: 2,026.66 +0.45% Holding: 3,145.36 -0.13%

The parallel market index for smaller capitalization stocks ended 1.10 percent lower at 248.23 points.

Broadly, decliners led advancers by 225 to 101 with another 30 issues unchanged.

Alpha Bank, National Bank, Panafon, Hellenic Telecoms and Commercial Bank were the most heavily traded stocks.

Leading shares' closing prices (in euros): National Bank: 36.78 Alpha Bank: 32.94 Commercial Bank: 47.36 Eurobank: 19.82 Piraeus Bank: 14.78 Lambrakis Press: 8.76 Altec: 5.84 Titan Cement (c): 37.36 Hellenic Telecoms: 16.52 Panafon: 7.22 Hellenic Petroleum: 9.30 Attica Enterprises: 5.78 Intracom: 18.12 Minoan Lines: 4.86 Viohalco: 10.24 Hellenic Bottling: 18.02

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

The FTSE/ASE 20 index closed 1.18 percent down, and the FTSE/ASE 40 ended 0.54 percent lower.

Turnover was 28.2 million euros on 4,416 contracts traded, the dealers said.

Euro/dollar reference rate falls below 92 cents: The European Central Bank set its reference euro/dollar rate to 91.93 cents on Monday, from 92.28 cents on Friday, pushing the US dollar/drachma rate to 370.66 drachmas.

The ECB also set the euro/yen rate at 107.15 yen (3.18 drachmas), the euro/sterling at 63.04 pence (540.52 drachmas), the euro/Swiss franc rate at 1.5228 (223.76 drachmas) and the euro/Cyprus pound rate at 0.5785 (589.02 drachmas).

[13] ND warns of 'scandal' bourse listings, capital rises

Athens, 30/01/2001 (ANA)

Evert told a news conference that the dubious share capital rises were held over the past two years and endorsed by the capital markets commission.

He cited a series of decisions by the commission that he claimed led to an unbridled corporate hunt for capital that was unwarranted by the companies' financial performance.

The ND deputy criticized the commission for abolishing restrictions on the amount of capital each firm could seek; easing conditions for bourse entry; and failing to check out companies that repeatedly made false public statements about their investment plans.

He also blasted market entry share prices that he said bore no relation to reality.

Evert presented a table of the prices of 34 companies that in 2000 showed losses ranging between 84 percent and 94 percent of their value, and called for a detailed auditing of the finances of each, and an account of how the capital they raised from the bourse was used.

[14] Salomon sees Athens bourse Q1 drop, then likely rise

Athens, 30/01/2001 (ANA)

In a market report for customers, the investment house said the market could well drop below the current 3,000 points due to a sell-off by fund managers investing in emerging markets before Greece's classification as a mature market in May; and to a lack of interest by retail investors.

However in the medium to long term, the outlook for the Athens bourse was healthier due to the economy's positive fundamentals, a drastic decline in interest rates, and macroeconomic equilibrium, the report said.

[15] State power corporation may be privatized in June

Athens, 30/01/2001 (ANA)

He said that the change in status of the state owned corporation to an SA firm was proceeding according to schedule.

[16] Alpha Finance appointed to handle shipyard sale

Athens, 30/01/2001 (ANA)

Signing the contract with Alpha on Monday were Development Minister Nikos Christodoulakis, for the state, and the owner, Hellenic Shipyards SA.

Among Alpha Finance's duties are to devise an international tender for the sale within four months.

[17] Salomon Smith Barney urges faster Greek structural reforms

Athens, 30/01/2001 (ANA)

In her report, Xafa noted once more that Greece's entry in the eurozone "makes it even more imperative to speed up structural reforms and to implement a stricter fiscal policy to counterbalance the impact of a monetary loosening because of EMU participation. Otherwise, the country could face problems with its competitiveness and with higher unemployment."

Xafa said she did not expect the Athens bourse to recover steadily unless the problem with investors' "red codes" was solved. She supported the implementation of margin account trading in the market.

Xafa expects that the US Federal Reserve would cut its interest rates by 50 basis points on Wednesday, but that the European Central Bank would leave its interest rates unchanged the next day.

[18] Papantoniou announces public sector hirings

Athens, 30/01/2001 (ANA)

Speaking with local authorities, during a visit to Epirus, northwestern Greece, Papantoniou said that a Third Community Support Framework was a big growth opportunity for the region and the country in general.

"Projects and programs for Epirus in the next six years total one trillion drachmas", he said.

[19] OA opts for loan from ABN Amro for airport shift

Athens, 30/01/2001 (ANA)

The new airport in Spata is due to open in March

ABN Amro's bid was a loan of 67.5 billion drachmas in two trenches with repayment over 12 years and a two-year grace period.

On Wednesday, the deadline for expressions of interest expires in an international privatization tender for the airline.

[20] Technical Olympic reallocates cash into US purchase

Athens, 30/01/2001 (ANA)

Of the total 110 billion-drachma share capital increase, 33 billion drachmas were earmarked for the acquisition of Engle Homes of the US, instead of 30 billion drachmas for the creation of a real estate investment company, management said in a statement.

Other shifts in the allocation of funds involving smaller amounts included a raise in operating capital by 13 billion drachmas instead of 10 billion drachmas as originally planned, the statement said.

[21] Passenger vessel owners complain to shipping chamber

Athens, 30/01/2001 (ANA)

"The problem (of facilities) is continually becoming more acute with introduction of the new, longer and faster vessels with which we are enriching our passenger fleets. It is necessary for the state to immediately begin planning the execution of the required infrastructure projects in island ports," the memo said.

The government's decision for fast ferries to use double crews was dictated by pressure from seamen's unions, and had no basis in national or European Union law, it added.

[22] Greece signs European Landscape Pact, environmental problems discussed

Athens, 30/01/2001 (ANA)

The Pact legislates the "European Landscape Prize, which will be awarded to local and regional authorities and to non-governmental organizations which implement in an exemplary manner a long-term policy for the protection of the landscape.

The Pact determines the need to enact the status for the protection of the landscape by the municipal authorities (on a local, regional, national and international level) as well as its management throughout Europe, while inter-state cooperation of countries in this sector is considered essential.

The agreement has been signed to date by Belgium, Bulgaria, France, Denmark, Switzerland, Spain, Croatia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Moldavia, Norway, Portugal, Romania, Turkey and Finland.

In another development, local administration and other agencies are henceforth assuming responsibility for the protection of the environment in northern Greece and in cooperation with the competent authorities will proceed in seeking solutions and planning.

Macedonia-Thrace Minister Giorgos Paschalidis and Environment Deputy Minister Ephthimiopoulos on Monday led a meeting and decided to set up a unified agencies for the for the handing of problems such as the pollution of the Thermaikos Golf, the promotion of the Olympus Mountain range and the decrease in the level of water in the lake of Vegoritida.

At the same meeting, the issue of the removal of dangerous pesticides from the NOBA factory was discussed and agreement was reached by the two ministries and the Thessaloniki municipality to establish a program, which will undertake the project.

The budget of the project is estimated at 700 million drachmas, of which the Development Ministry will submit 200 million drachmas, the Macedonia-Thrace Ministry 100 million drachmas and the remainder will be sought by the Agriculture Ministry.

[23] Public works minister says a year after start of Metro's operation 85 million passengers have their own view of it

Athens, 30/01/2001 (ANA)

Laliotis was speaking during the presentation of works by Greek artists decorating the capital's Metro stations at Fix, Omonoia and Metaxourgion as of Monday. Transport and Communications Minister Christos Verelis accompanied him.

"The Metro stations also promote our cultural heritage at present and host the works of great Greek artists who honored our country and we also have the duty to honor them," Laliotis said.

The works are by Takis, Nikos Kesanlis and Alekos Fasianos.

[24] Greek embassy expresses appreciation for man continuing to teach Greek and translate ancient and Modern Greek writers

LUXEMBOURG, 30/01/2001 (ANA)

On the occasion of the first lesson of the New Year, the Greek embassy's press office organized a pleasant surprise for the indefatigable philhellene.

When he finished his lesson and left the room, Miller was surprised to hear tunes played and sung by the group "The Doctors", while Ambassador Panayiotis Makris and press spokesman Iraklis Galanakis thanked him for his tireless efforts, spanning over half a century, for friendship between Greece and Luxembourg and the dissemination of Greek culture.

[25] Unique exhibition on Minoan civilization opens in Karlsruhe

KARLSRUHE, 30/01/2001 (ANA)

The exhibition is being funded by the Baden-Wuerttemberg state's research and art ministry and is organized under the auspices of the Greek presidency and the prime minister of the German state.

[26] UN envoy expresses hope it would be possible soon to resume efforts for Cyprus settlement

NICOSIA, 30/01/2001 (CNA/ANA)

Speaking at a press conference, after meetings in Nicosia with President Glafcos Clerides and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash, de Soto expressed hope that the reason we are in this difficult spot just now is that we are having to tread new ground and that that creates some discomfiture on the part of the participants.

The UN envoy said he did not have "any great expectations during this particular visit", and that he had "no breakthroughs to announce at this time".

In December 1999, the UN embarked on a new effort to reach a comprehensive settlement in Cyprus, divided since Turkish troops invaded and occupied its northern third in 1974, through what have been named as proximity talks.

Five rounds of proximity talks have taken place so far, but Denktash is refusing to participate in another round of separate meetings with the UN officials unless the illegal regime in the Turkish-occupied areas of Cyprus is recognized and there is a change in the procedure of the talks and their basis.

Noting that he had not concluded his round of consultations yet, de Soto said "the Secretary-General has asked me to consult with all concerned about the conduct of his good offices in the period to come".

"I will not hide from you that he was prompted to charge me with this mission due in part to the announced decision on the part of Mr. Denktash not to participate further in the proximity talks", de Soto added, noting that "this we consider to be a regrettable stance and we hope that it will be possible to find a way to continue in our efforts".

Referring to his consultations, de Soto said he has already visited Athens, has met in Cyprus with President Clerides and the Turkish Cypriot leader, and would be flying to Turkey on Tuesday morning, for talks with Turkish Foreign Minister Ismail Cem, before reporting back to the UN Secretary-General, who "will make an assessment and decide what moves to make".

"I hope that it will be possible subsequently to be in a position to resume our efforts", he added and noted that his mission was "hard work".

The Peruvian diplomat said he would not be going into any details, because "if ever confidentiality was necessary, it is now, when we are talking about difficult procedural issues that have a serious bearing on the substance".

He pointed out that "we are not discouraged, because we have always taken the long view, we knew from the beginning that this was bound to be a long process and that the strategy that was needed was that of a long-distance runner, who paces himself, who at some moments increases his pace, at other moments decreases it, according to developments and according to whether there are hills or flat terrain".

Replying to questions, de Soto said "the Secretary-General has a mandate of good offices from the Security Council, based on Resolution 1250", noting that "on the basis of this and having been assured of the concurrence of the parties, the Secretary-General invited them to proximity talks in November 1999".

"Within these parameters", he said, "the Secretary-General feels that it should be possible to accommodate all concerns, including those raised by Mr. Denktash".

He added that "we are not looking for a change of mandate or procedure".

Asked if the UN had given Denktash any ideas to convince him to return to the proximity talks, de Soto said: "No".

Invited to say whether he had pointed out to Denktash that the latter's perception of the direction of the talks was not in line with Resolution 1250, de Soto replied positively, noting that "we do not share his interpretation of the direction in which the talks are going".

He said that with Denktash he discusses "the impasse in which we find ourselves" and that "no-one is in disagreement with the general goal of a comprehensive settlement to the problem of Cyprus".

[27] Greek MPs say EU enlargement "impossible without Cyprus"

NICOSIA, 30/01/2001 (CNA/ANA)

Kasoulides said they discussed today's developments in Cyprus' course for EU accession and ways with which the Greek Parliament could offer its assistance.

The Greek MPs, who also called on House of Representatives President Spyros Kyprianou, are on a return visit to the island.

They were also scheduled to meet on Monday with former President of the Republic and leader of Cyprus' negotiating team for EU accession George Vassiliou.

Cyprus is among the first six countries that opened accession talks with the EU in 1998 and is considered to lead the other candidates in adopting European laws and regulations.

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