Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 01-03-24

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

CONTENTS

[01] Greek leadership says situation in FYROM beginning to normalize

[02] Swedish PM stresses EU's absolute solidarity for FYROM

[03] Deputy foreign minister discusses bilateral cooperation between Greece and US

[04] National unity is Greece's weapon for tackling the problems, President says in Independence Day message

[05] Tsohatzopoulos calls on Turkey to clear up mines in Evros region

[06] First 'Typhoons' off production line this year, consortium cites Greek interest

[07] Australia's Cyprus emissary to visit

[08] PM Simitis says development, competitiveness and social cohesion in EU are three great challenges

[09] Greek trade deficit third largest in the EU-15

[10] Zaphiropoulos meets US diplomats to debate economic ties

[11] Zaphiropoulos meets Iranian envoy to Athens for economy talks

[12] OTEnet launches Yahoo! information service in Greek

[13] Hellenic Quality Foods receives quality award

[14] Greek stocks halt two-day decline

[15] Nana Mouschouri appeal for return of Parthenon Marbles

[16] Ecumenical Patriarch tours Greek-speaking villages in southern Italy

[17] University closes to protest TEI bill

[18] First wildfires of 2001 reported

[19] Spokesman says UN chief's clarification 'clear and full'

[20] Cyprus Federation of America urges Powell for positive US policy on Cyprus

[01] Greek leadership says situation in FYROM beginning to normalize

STOCKHOLM, 24/03/2001 (ANA - V. Mourtis)

Speaking from Stockholm, where a European Union summit focusing on bolstering the 15-nation blocs economy convened, Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis said priorities included the re-establishment of border controls on the porous FYROM-Kosovo frontier and beginning necessary discussions between Albanians parties and the (FYROM) government to find a common approach to the issue (of extremists violence).

Simitis made the statement in response to a question on whether Greece would consider participating in a military mission in the neighboring Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM).

Although focusing on the international economy and repercussions for the Union, the latest outbreak of violence in the Balkans, this time in until recently trouble-free FYROM, caused widespread concern among EU leaders.

On Thursday, before the summit began, Simitis emphasized that "its a common conviction that there must be no change of borders, and that the UN resolution on Kosovo must be implemented." He also had a telephone discussion with Bulgarian PM Ivan Kostov regarding the situation in FYROM, as both men reportedly agreed to support a political solution to the problem.

Meanwhile, in earlier statements, Greece's defense minister also expressed a conviction that the situation in FYROM was heading towards normalization.

Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos, who accompanied Simitis to Sweden, welcomed the Albanian government's stance vis-a-vis the ominous turn of affairs in the already strife-ridden Balkans.

FM Papandreou: On his part, Greek Foreign Minister George Papandreou said the European Union and the international community, in general, must "not remain idle" in the face of Albanian ultra-nationalism and the activities of extremists.

Papandreou made the statements after meeting with his Russian counterpart Ivan Ivanov in the Swedish capital.

In repeating a threat by EU leaders, the Greek FM said either an increase or a decrease - including an all-out suspension -- of Union funding for the Albanians of Kosovo and FYROM can be used as a lever of pressure.

Additionally, Papandreou said a common text expected to be drawn up by the EU's "15" will sternly condemn terrorist acts, cite increased support for FYROM's stability and the inviolability of the region's borders, as well as call for diplomatic initiatives to circumvent extreme nationalist circles.

He added that the Union wants a cease-fire that will commence with the simultaneous beginning of talks on implementing social changes in FYROM for the benefit of that country's Albanian minority, discussions he said the Union appears ready to guarantee.

Finally, the Greek FM said the international community has differentiated its position regarding the area's "Albanian problem", caused by terrorist acts and irredentism, as he noted.

Press report denied: Finally, according to an ANA dispatch from Tetovo, a German army press spokesman based in Kosovo denied earlier wire reports on Friday claiming that some 150 injured ethnic Albanians had been transported from neighboring FYROM into NATO-administered Kosovo.

In comments to the ANA, the German military official clarified that only 20 people crossed the frontier separating the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) with the German-controlled portion of Kosovo over the last 24 hours.

Nine children and 11 adults were reported, he said, including one individual that sustained shrapnel wounds.

FYROM interior ministry spokesman Stevo Bentarovski issued the same denial concerning the wire report.

[02] Swedish PM stresses EU's absolute solidarity for FYROM

STOCKHOLM, 24/03/2001 (ANA - M. Spinthourakis)

"Extremism has no place in Europe in the 21st century," Persson said, calling on the government of FYROM to continue to show a moderate stance towards the country's Albanian minority and on Albanian leaders to show a "constructive stance."

Trajkovski thanked the EU for its solidarity for his country and said his invitation to visit Stockholm constitutes a reward both for his government's policy and his country's political system, which he termed "the best multinational model between countries resulting from the breaking up of formerly unified Yugoslavia."

He said terrorism cannot be a basis for resolving whatever differences, adding that his government's policy aims at isolating extremists and terrorists militarily and politically.

ND leader accuses government of lacking Balkan policy: Main opposition New Democracy party leader Costas Karamanlis on Friday accused the government of lacking a Balkan policy at a "time when the crisis in the region is taking on dangerous dimensions".

Karamanlis was speaking in Thessaloniki, northern Greece, at a party conference, in light of ND's upcoming congress, on the "Balkans and the European Perspective-Greece's Role."

"Instead of conveying the messages of third parties we should have a strong presence and a decisive role, but we did not do this," he said.

Karamanlis further said "the government did not wish to or was unable to shape a specific and integrated Balkan policy, but the only thing it did and is still doing is to boast complacently, bidding farewell to opportunities being lost."

Referring to developments in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), which he visited recently, Karamanlis said the situation is dangerous and the country is literally a step away from sinking into the chaos of a domestic conflict.

Karamanlis said Albanian nationalism is the main factor of instability in the region and called on "those who have the responsibility for developments" to take effective political initiatives immediately.

The party's Foreign Policy and Defense rapporteur Dora Bakoyianni termed ND's upcoming congress a "splendid opportunity for the party to regain the upper hand in foreign policy", adding that the government is losing its orientation in the sector of foreign policy and defense, where her party has strong positions.

KKE reiterates opposition to any Greek contingent in FYROM: The head of the Communist Party of Greece (KKE) on Friday reiterated her party's opposition to any dispatch of Greek troops to the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), and even if Skopje's leadership directly asks for such assistance.

KKE secretary general Aleka Papariga made the statements while speaking to a conference organized by the recently established "Balkan Anti-NATO Center" in the northern Greek port city of Thessaloniki.

Papariga claimed that diplomacy is being preferred at present to defuse the crisis in FYROM "in order to gain time". She offered two scenarios for such a "delaying tactic": preparing the peoples of the region for a latest NATO intervention, or, for a new agreement in light of the de facto destabilization in both Serbia and FYROM.

The conference was organized as to coincide with the two-year anniversary of NATO bombing campaign against Yugoslavia, a decision KKE and its followers bitterly opposed. The party gained 5.52 percent of the general vote in the last general elections in Greece, April 2000.

[03] Deputy foreign minister discusses bilateral cooperation between Greece and US

WASHINGTON, 24/03/2001 (ANA - T. Ellis)

Niotis, who is responsible for overseas Hellenism affairs, referred to the outcome of his contacts at a press conference at the Greek embassy.

Talks between Niotis and Assistant Secretary of State for European Affairs Dobbins ascertained considerable mobility and positive developments in bilateral relations, while Niotis also referred to the recent signing of the agreement on the "Voice of America" and the bilateral cooperation agreement on natural disasters.

Niotis also said the level of trade and economic cooperation between Greece and the US is unsatisfactory and requires backing, mentioning an initiative by the Council of Overseas Hellenes, in cooperation with various Greek ministries, to organize a trade and cultural exhibition in Chicago in November with the participation of 120 business groups from Greece.

[04] National unity is Greece's weapon for tackling the problems, President says in Independence Day message

Athens, 24/03/2001 (ANA)

In a message marking the 180th anniversary Saturday of the March 25, 1821, commencement of the Greek revolution against Ottoman rule, said that "our freedom is ensured, and that is why our thoughts turn, once again, with respect and gratitude to the heroic 1821 freedom fighters".

"We are celebrating the 180th anniversary of the 1821 Revolution, which led to the nation's rebirth. The glorious message of the March 25 anniversary is that the spirit, soul and determination of an indomitable people thwarted the calculations of the powerful of that era, who were forced to recognize the rights of the uprising people," Stephanopoulos said.

"The Greek men and women, with the vision of liberty blazing in their hearts, did not hesitate in front of the sacrifices they knew they would have to suffer. This is the message that arises today for us, and which should guide our difficult course along the new paths of European co-existence, with simultaneous devotion to our great national traditions," the President said.

"Our freedom today is ensured, and for that our thoughts turn once again with respect and gratitude to the heroic freedom fighters of 1821. But we do face the problems created by international conjunctures, from the Cyprus issue and the Aegean to our full economic and productive development and the consolidation of genuine stability in the Balkans," Stephanopoulos continued.

"Our fundamental weapon for correctly tackling the problems is national unity. By jointly offering all our ability to the service of the country, will be able to achieve our goals as a nation, a State, and a society," the President concluded.

ND leader says Greek men and women seeking new renaissance: Main opposition New Democracy party leader Costas Karamanlis on Friday issued a message on the occasion of the March 25th national holiday, the anniversary of the Greek revolution against Ottoman rule in 1821, saying that at present, more than ever, all Greek men and women are seeking a new renaissance based on searching for and proposing great targets.

"We should build a modern state which will stand by the citizen's side. We should bring values back to the forefront and make man the focal point. We should release the nation's creative powers and consolidate an atmosphere of security, dignity and confidence," he said.

Shielding national integrity hinges on development and social progress, SYN says in Independence Day message: Greece's national confirmation and shielding of the national integrity hinges on development and social progress, the Coalition of the Left and Progress (SYN) said Friday in an Independence Day message.

"Greece, our people, have every ability to open up new paths of progress for the future. With a radical change of the present political scene and the system of governing, as well as through the formulation of a credible progressive alternative solution and a new political and social majority for the progressive modernization of the country," SYN said.

SYN also referred to the "rekindling of the nationalistic tensions and plans for destabilization of the region", stressing that it was Greece's duty to undertake initiatives aimed at ensuring stability, development and peace in the Balkans.

[05] Tsohatzopoulos calls on Turkey to clear up mines in Evros region

Athens, 24/03/2001 (ANA)

Tsohatzopoulos said in the interview that "the Turkish threat has been reduced", and proposed to the Turkish side that it clear up the mines in the Evros region.

The Greek minister also said that Greece "has decided to alter the structure of its armed forces, and we hope that our neighbors will follow suit".

He said that the Greek army, which currently numbers 140,000 men, would be reduced to 80-90,000.

Commenting on Tsohatzopoulos' interview, Turkish defense minister Sabahattin Cakmakoglu said that the "principle of mutuality, and the security of the country, are the two main principles with which there can be a clearing-up of mines in the Evros region".

Cakmakoglu said that the Turkish side was "in favor of turning neighborliness into friendship", adding that "what is important is not so much what the minister (Tsohatzopoulos) says but whether they will be materialized".

Asked by reporters, regarding Tsohatzopoulos' statement on the mines in Evros, whether the Turkish side intended to undertake such an initiative, Cakmakoglu replied that "I cannot say anything at this time. I don not know if that is so. But if it is, the main principles are mutuality and the security of the country".

[06] First 'Typhoons' off production line this year, consortium cites Greek interest

Athens, 24/03/2001 (ANA)

Greece has already selected the "Typhoon" to ultimately replace its fleet of US- and French-made third-generation fighters, repeatedly saying its wants to buy 60 planes with an option for another 30.

In late January -- following a high-level government committee meeting focusing directly on the armed forces' multi-million-dollar weapons procurement -- Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos had noted that the issue of a down payment for Greece's acquisition of the new fighter is being "approached within the framework of our fiscal abilities".

Athens also noted that while negotiations with the four-nation consortium - Germany, the UK, Italy and Spain -- are continuing, the first deliveries are envisioned for 2006, with completion by 2010.

Speaking in Parliament in late November 2000, Tsohatzopoulos announced that Greece would "participate on an equal footing in the consortium" with a 13-percent stake.

The wide-ranging "Eurofighter" contract, initially pegged at around the 1.7-trillion-drachma mark, had originally expected to be tabled in Parliament for approval in the early autumn and with its signing by October, although negotiations delayed the drafting of a final agreement. (1 E equals 340.75 drachmas)

The government has in the past been quoted as linking the exact number of aircraft it will purchase on the percentage that the state-run Hellenic Aerospace Industry (EAB) - a prime candidate for privatization -- will have in the project.

[07] Australia's Cyprus emissary to visit

Australia's special emissary on the Cyprus issue, Jim Short, will soon embark on a tour of Athens, Nicosia, Ankara, London, Brussels and Washington to advance an Australian initiative for finding a solution to the Cyprus problem, it was announced Friday.

Short informed Greece's visiting Secretary General for Greeks Abroad, Dimitris Dollis, of his impending tour during a meeting Friday.

Dollis arrived in Melbourne on Thursday to represent the Greek government at the March 25 Independence Day celebrations Sunday in Sydney, which will be attended by Australian Prime Minister John Howard and main opposition leader Kim Beasely.

[08] PM Simitis says development, competitiveness and social cohesion in EU are three great challenges

STOCKHOLM, 24/03/2001 (ANA - M. Spinthourakis)

Simitis said the EU's target is the creation of a model in social cohesion and social solidarity policies, adding that this prospect is feasible since data on the EU's economic prospects are positive and do not justify pessimistic views in future developments.

He said good economic prospects should not result in necessary economic reforms and structural changes not being carried out, such as the development of competition in markets, the creation of a unified fiscal services market in the EU, as well as policies facilitating the transition to the society of knowledge.

Referring in particular to the strengthening of employment and social solidarity in the EU, Simitis said the "15" have already agreed, since the Lisbon summit, on the creation of a "social agenda" including 70 specific activities over the next five years.

They include modernizing the labor market, safeguarding workers' rights, upgrading health and safety conditions in workplaces and handling problems faced by people with special needs.

On the question of Greece, Simitis underlined the special role of the plan of action on combatting poverty and social exclusion, which Greece, as well as other member-states on their own behalf, will be tabling until June.

Simitis went on to say that there would be special programs on various issues such as social justice, discriminations in the labor market and strengthening employment for women.

He further stressed the need to upgrade the quality of labor, not only meaning new jobs but also those creating better conditions, providing higher income and giving more possibilities to working people.

Commenting on the issue of energy market and postal services deregulation in the EU, Simitis said Greece has gone ahead with energy market deregulation, adding that "deregulation does not mean privatization."

He said that in the case of Greece energy market deregulation means that private businesses producing electric power can also exist and that "a progressive and controlled opening" is necessary for postal and rail services.

He said that in the government's view "the opening of the market should always be accompanied by efforts for better monitoring and regulatory intervention to safeguard both the consumer and a high quality of services."

[09] Greek trade deficit third largest in the EU-15

Athens, 24/03/2001 (ANA)

The EU executive's statistics agency said the Greek deficit was the third largest among the EU 15 member-states, with the largest deficit recorded in the UK (62.5 billion euros) followed by Spain (39 billion euros).

Germany recorded the biggest trade surplus (53.5 billion euros) last year, followed by Ireland with a surplus of 29.6 billion euros.

Greek exports increased by 15 percent last year to 11.3 billion euros (3.85 trillion drachmas), from 9.8 billion (3.33 trillion) in 1999, while imports rose 16 percent to 30.4 billion euros (10.3 trillion drachmas) from 26.3 billion (8.9 trillion) over the same period.

[10] Zaphiropoulos meets US diplomats to debate economic ties

Athens, 24/03/2001 (ANA)

His talks with political counselor Brady Kiesling and economic counselor Jack Felt also covered the opportunities for Greek and US firms to create joint business ventures in the Balkans.

Zaphiropoulos outlined to the two officials progress in the implementation of Greece's reconstruction plan for the Balkans.

In addition, the Greek side expressed interest in working with US financing houses for the provision of guarantees and credit facilities to small and medium sized firms wishing to do business in the Balkans.

[11] Zaphiropoulos meets Iranian envoy to Athens for economy talks

Athens, 24/03/2001 (ANA)

Greece could provide Iran with technical know-how and assistance in creating a modern economic institutional framework and laws to regulate the operation of companies, Zaphiropoulos said.

The ambassador told Zaphiropoulos that Iran saw Greece as a special partner in the framework of the development of its ties with the European Union.

[12] OTEnet launches Yahoo! information service in Greek

Athens, 24/03/2001 (ANA)

The project was carried out in collaboration with Yahoo! Europe, a member of the US-based Yahoo! Inc. Group, OTEnet said in a statement.

The package includes e-mail and messenger services.

[13] Hellenic Quality Foods receives quality award

Athens, 24/03/2001 (ANA)

Anomeritis, presenting the award, said the agriculture ministry's priority was to support all efforts aimed to improve quality and strengthen the country's products and competitiveness.

Agrocert is a Certification and Supervision of Agricultural Products Organization, operating under the auspices of the country's agriculture ministry.

Hellenic Quality Foods (HQF) has made 200,000 quality checks last year to improve its product quality and spent 2.0 billion drachmas to upgrade its distribution network.

HQF is currently implementing an investment plan, worth 4.0 billion drachmas, to build a technologically advanced hennery in Greece.

[14] Greek stocks halt two-day decline

Athens, 24/03/2001 (ANA)

Traders said sentiment was affected by an ASE board decision to place under surveillance shares in six listed companies (ATEMKE, Parnassos, Doudos, Fanco, Keranis and Mouriadis). This development shifted investors' interest away from smaller capitalization stocks towards blue chips. The news also sparked talk of a new wave of similar decisions by market authorities, which was officially denied.

ASE chairman, Panayiotis Alexakis, said "the Stock Market supports all listed companies, the driving force of the market's growth. We inform investors over their financial condition."

Alexakis said that market authorities would check listed companies' balance sheets twice a year (December and June) and announced that ASE has sent another 150 letters to listed companies asking for more detailed information over their financial figures.

Shares in the IT solution, Base metals, Food and Beverage sectors attracted heavy demand, while Investment and Textiles suffered losses.

The general index rose 0.68 percent to 3,047.75 points, off the day's lows of 3,024.03 points, with turnover a moderate 197.859 million euros, or 67.420 billion drachmas.

The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks ended 0.75 percent higher at 1,751.82 points, and the FTSE/ASE 40 index rose 0.50 percent to 370.36 points.

Sector indices ended as follows: Banks: 6,492.30 +0.33% Telecoms: 980.09 +0.71% Insurance: 1,423.75 +1.08% Investment: 1,187.77 -5.41% Construction: 1,448.91 -0.50% Industrials: 1,894.09 +1.12% Holding: 3,431.35 +0.23% Base metals: 979.53 +1.36% Minerals: 1,025.83 +0.45% Food and Beverage: 903.52 +1.24% Wholesale: 983.75 -0.65% Publishing: 976.13 +1.01% Textiles: 1,154.67 -4.77% Retailing: 1,106.39 +1.33% IT: 1,083.11 +2.11% IT solutions: 1,063.20 +4.78%

The parallel market index for smaller capitalization stocks ended at 332.41 points, up 1.67 percent.

Broadly, advancers led decliners by 188 to 144 with another 23 issues unchanged.

Esha, Informatics, Athina, Karelia, Crete Plastics, Altec, Orion, ETBA Leasing, Microland and LogicDIS were the biggest percentage gainers of the day, while Alco, Giannousis, Klonatex (p), Doudos, Allatini Ceramics, Daring, Maxim, Parnassos, Fanco and Hellatex suffered the heaviest losses (more than 11.80 percent).

Naoussa Spinning, Alpha Bank, Hellenic Telecoms, Athenian Holdings and Klonatex were the most heavily traded stocks.

Leading shares' closing prices (in euros): National Bank: 38.72 Alpha Bank: 29.30 Commercial Bank: 50.20 Eurobank: 18.38 Piraeus Bank: 12.82 Lambrakis Press: 12.64 Altec: 7.50 Intrasoft: 11.76 Titan Cement (c): 38.22 Hellenic Telecoms: 14.86 Panafon: 6.20 Hellenic Petroleum: 9.12 Attica Enterprises: 7.70 Intracom: 20.40 Mytilineos: 8.48 Minoan Lines: 4.92 Viohalco: 9.74 Coca Cola HBC: 16.24

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

The FTSE/ASE 20 index closed 0.75 percent up, and the FTSE/ASE 40 ended 0.50 percent higher.

Turnover was 32.4 million euros on 4,977 contracts traded, the dealers said.

Bond prices drop in moderate trade: Bond prices in the domestic secondary market on Friday finished lower in moderate trade after two straight sessions of record-breaking turnover with selling seen mainly in long-term paper.

The Greek benchmark 10-year bond showed a yield of 5.22 percent from 5.21 percent a day earlier.

The yield spread over German bunds was 60 basis points, the same as the session before.

Turnover through the central bank's electronic system totalled around 1.0 billion euros (350 billion drachmas) from a record 2.463 billion euros (840 billion drachmas) in the trading day before.

Sell orders accounted for the bulk of turnover.

[15] Nana Mouschouri appeal for return of Parthenon Marbles

MELBOURNE, 24/03/2001 (ANA - S. Hatzimanolis)

At a press conference for Australian and international media at the Sydney Opera House during a concert tour of Australia, the Greek-born Mouschouri said:

"The Parthenon is an international symbol of Democracy. It is our History, our Civilization, our Identity".

"No one can claim to be the owner of History, but we Greeks belong to the Parthenon and its sculptures, which symbolize our pride and heritage, which we share with the rest of the world," Mouschouri said.

The press conference was organized by the organization "Australians for the Return of the Parthenon Marbles", headed by Jennifer Bott.

"The issue of the return of the Parthenon sculptures does not concern only Greece and Britain, but every civilized human being. Australia, which has good relations with both Greece and Britain, is promoting their return. Former Prime ministers Gough Whitlam and Malcolm Fraser and State Prime ministers Jeff Kennet and Neville Wran, who come from the two biggest parties, back this campaign. We are optimistic that this Australian initiative will bring results," Bott said.

The 5th century B.C. friezes were removed from the Parthenon by the British diplomat Lord Elgin with the permission of the local Ottoman occupation authorities in the early 19th century. Elgin removed the priceless statues and other parts of the Parthenon temple and later sold them to the British Museum in 1816, where they have been housed since.

[16] Ecumenical Patriarch tours Greek-speaking villages in southern Italy

ISTANBUL, 24/03/2001 (ANA - A. Kourkoulas)

The Patriarch was due to arrive in Sicily later in the day to address the Regular Synod of the region's Catholic Hierarchy.

Patriarch Vartholomeos is visiting "Greater Greece" at the invitation of Calabria's regional government, the assembly of Roman Catholic bishops and the Orthodox Metropolis of Italy.

[17] University closes to protest TEI bill

Athens, 24/03/2001 (ANA)

The faculty senate took the decision and also said it supported nation-wide mobilizations by universities early next month against the bill, which among others, would upgrade TEI diplomas to the same level as university degrees. University academics have demanded that each institute to be evaluated on its academic merits beforehand in order to ensure that a minimum of standards is maintained.

According to the university's rector, the protests by the faculty and university students are not aimed at students enrolled at the TEIs, rather they desire a true "upgrade" of the institutes and the education sector in general.

Heated debate on the government's education bill began in Parliament on Thursday, even as university rectors proclaimed their continued opposition to the bill's provisions and more promised more protests.

Among other changes, the bill would On Thursday afternoon, a group of students from various Athens University schools took part in a march to the education ministry and then on to Parliament, demanding that the bill be withdrawn. The faculty at the prestigious Athens Polytechnic, meanwhile, requested a meeting with Prime Minister Costas Simitis to avoid a further escalation of demonstrations and a standstill in the higher educational system.

Discussion in Parliament, meanwhile, focused on sections of the bill concerning secondary schools and the methods for entering tertiary education.

[18] First wildfires of 2001 reported

Athens, 24/03/2001 (ANA)

The first fire was spotted in a forest near the village of Irakleia, in the ancient Nemea district of Corinth prefecture. Some five hectares were torched, according to reports.

In the second instance, a blaze was reported near Rovies, in Evia's verdant northern part.

A large contingent of fire fighters has been dispatched to both sites, authorities said.

Wildfires have increasingly menaced the Greek countryside over the past decades, reducing thousands of hectares of forestland into ashes. Dry summer weather conditions, negligence and deliberate acts of arson are mostly to blame.

[19] Spokesman says UN chief's clarification 'clear and full'

NICOSIA, 24/03/2001 (CNA/ANA)

Following strong representations from Cyprus, Annan replaced a reference to Cypriot authorities, both Greek and Turkish, with the phrase "Cypriot parties, both Greek and Turkish", to clarify that the only recognized authorities on the island are the internationally recognized government of the Republic and not the self-styled Turkish Cypriot regime in occupied Cyprus.

"The UN has repeatedly said it recognizes the Republic of Cyprus only as a state and I see no reason why anybody here should question this," Papapetrou said, adding that the UN issued a correction immediately after the original reference which said Annan's special representative is in touch with Cypriot parties, both Greek and Turkish, and also with the Turkish and the Greek authorities.

Annan made the reference in a reply to a question on Cyprus during the press conference he gave Thursday to express his interest in serving another term in office.

This is the second time this week that the government is forced to seek correction of UN statements with regard to Cyprus.

Nicosia had also protested a reference in a human rights UN report to Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot authorities and a wrong approach to the situation of human rights on the island, which did not take into account the continuing division and occupation of part of Cyprus by Turkey since 1974.

Asked if the government is concerned about such linguistic errors by the UN in the recent past, Papapetrou said "this is something that should be the focus of our attention."

Invited to say if the government considers such references innocent, he replied "if corrections are made and they are satisfactory, we rely on them and we have no reason to doubt what officials say, that it was a mistake."

The spokesman explained that the reference to two sides reflects the fact that it is the island's two communities, Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot, that participate in the UN-led talks.

"What is important is finding a solution to the Cyprus question which can only be achieved through substantive negotiations and if the UN submit comprehensive proposals in June, as originally thought," Papapetrou told his daily press briefing.

[20] Cyprus Federation of America urges Powell for positive US policy on Cyprus

NICOSIA, 24/03/2001 (CNA/ANA)

In a resolution sent to Powell adopted during the Federation's annual convention last week in New York and made public on Friday, delegates describe the present status quo in Cyprus as unacceptable and reiterate their strong commitment to work with the Secretary of State to bring stability and express support and appreciation for his good services.

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