Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 01-04-11

Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

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

CONTENTS

[01] EU Commissioner signs 11 Greek CFS funded business plans

[02] Prime Minister Simitis to hold talks with FM George Papandreou on Wednesday

[03] Bulgarian nationals to enter Schengen Treaty countries without visas

[04] Premier receives new regional healthcare chairmen

[05] Premier receives minister of education, discusses higher education bill

[06] Greek-British initiative after diplomat's terrorist killing results in EU Best Practice document for police forces

[07] Ecumenical Patriarch hopes Turkey's European rapprochement will proceed 'for the good of all'

[08] Turkish defense minister on CBMs, defense spending

[09] Turkish opinion poll shows Greece as Turkey's worst enemy

[10] Mission of Mediterranean minesweeping force outlined at press conference

[11] National Bank unveils expansion plan

[12] Premier meets with GSEE on combatting unemployment, labor relations

[13] Gov't ends consultations on new mobile phone permits

[14] Greek business delegation to Chile, Argentina

[15] Greek, Bulgarian stock markets sign cooperation agreement

[16] Greece warned by EU on failure to comply with directive on liquid fuel sulphur content

[17] Minimum capital to rise for award of bank operating license

[18] Gov't maintains number of radio licenses; transmitters to relocate

[19] Greek inflation drops to 3.0 percent in March, yr/yr

[20] Greek stocks end up on positive inflation news

[21] Black Sea Bank to hold third annual meeting in Tbilisi on May 20

[22] Press strike ended at dawn, no newspapers Tuesday

[23] Mount Athos monks oppose upcoming papal visit

[24] Ecumenical Patriarch calls for calm during Papal visit

[25] US senators appeal to Turkish authorities to reopen Halki Academy of Theology

[26] National Culture Foundation's events in US, Germany and Britain

[27] Greek Ambassador in Washington presents modern-day Greece

[28] No damage reported in Greece from southern Albania earthquake near border

[29] US Secretary of State expresses support for resumption of UN-led talks

[30] Austrian foreign minister arrives for official visit

[31] Spokesman says Turkey's proposal 'unacceptable'

[01] EU Commissioner signs 11 Greek CFS funded business plans

BRUSSELS, 11/04/2001 (ANA)

Greek Deputy National Economy Minister Christos Pachtas said the European Commission has already approved 95 percent of the country's 24 programs included in a Third Community Support Framework worth 13.6 trillion drachmas, with only two awaiting approval, the "Environment" and the "Attica region" programs.

Pachtas said the implementation of CSF programs was a unique development effort for Greece and urged all agencies to follow the right procedure in implementing projects

One of the business plans approved on Tuesday was for transport infrastructure, which will be funded in part by the third community support framework (CFS) fund.

The contribution of the CFS fund was budgeted at 1.46 billion euros, while the national funding was budgeted at 1.21 billion euros and private funds will total 250 million euros.

The basic projects of the "Railways, airports, public transport" business plan; include the completion of the Patras-Thessaloniki railway, improvement of airport infrastructures in Thessaloniki and Iraklion and improvements to the public transportation system of the greater Athens region.

Other programs include agricultural development, communications and transport investment in Crete's infrastructure of which 467 million euros will stem from CFS, with 155.9 million euros from the Greek state and 106.7 million euros from the private sector.

The business plan for the northern Aegean will be funded by the CFS to the tune of 362 million euros, the southern Aegean plan to the tune of 372.2 million euros and Epirus to the tune of 436 million euros. All these three business plans represent EU funding for the least developed regions of the country, with Epirus being the least developed region within the 15-member European Union.

Other business plans regard almost all other regions of the country.

[02] Prime Minister Simitis to hold talks with FM George Papandreou on Wednesday

Athens, 11/04/2001 (ANA)

Reppas said that Simitis would be having consecutive meetings, on Wednesday, with Capital Market Committee President Thomadakis, Public Order Minister Mihalis Chrysohoidis, PASOK's Central Committee secretary Costas Skandalidis, Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos and in the evening with Foreign Minister George Papandreou.

On Thursday morning, Simitis will also be meeting Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis, while on April 18 he will chair a large meeting on the insurance issue, with the participation of Labor Minister Tassos Giannitsis.

The meeting between Simitis and Papandreou will be taking place a day before Papandreou's visit to Skopje, in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), to attend an enlarged Inter-Balkan Cooperation meeting, which will examine the recent crisis in the region.

The foreign ministers of all Balkan countries, the foreign ministers of Hungary and Slovenia and US Secretary of State Colin Powell, will attend the Skopje meeting.

[03] Bulgarian nationals to enter Schengen Treaty countries without visas

Athens, 11/04/2001 (ANA)

In this context, Bulgarian Foreign Minister Nadezhda Mihaylova crossed into Greece at the Promahonas border checkpoint and met with Minister of Macedonia and Thrace George Paschalidis.

The two ministers then walked to the Greek customs office where Mihaylova showed her passport and crossed into Greece's territory, while saying Tuesday is a "great day" for her country and planting an olive tree on the borders as a token of Bulgaria's appreciation for Greece's continuous and permanent support for Bulgaria's European vocation.

Her fellow countrymen will be crossing the border in much the same way only that, apart from a passport, they will have to meet certain conditions, such as have an amount of money for every day of their stay in Greece, an amount reaching 10,000 drachmas, proof of their place of residence, etc. They will also be checked through an electronic computer if they are on the persona non grata list.

[04] Premier receives new regional healthcare chairmen

Athens, 11/04/2001 (ANA)

Papadopoulos briefed the premier on the responsibilities of the so-called "minor" health care ministers, who are called upon to decentralize the Greek public health system.

"I called on the new regional chairman to work responsibly on their new tasks ... so as to achieve this most important aim, which has to do with the feelings of citizens, that the state is taking care of them," Simitis said.

[05] Premier receives minister of education, discusses higher education bill

Athens, 11/04/2001 (ANA)

Following the meeting with the premier, the minister defended the changes introduced by the bill in his comments to the press, saying that the upgrade of the technical institutes to university status would be useful to all involved

[06] Greek-British initiative after diplomat's terrorist killing results in EU Best Practice document for police forces

Athens, 11/04/2001 (ANA)

British defense attache Brig. Stephen Saunders was killed on June 8, 2000 by two gunmen on a motorcycle as he was driving alone on central Kifissias Ave. from his home in the Nea Erythrea Athens suburb to the British embassy in downtown Athens. The notorious "November 17" terrorist organization claimed the attack in a proclamation sent to an Athens daily

The British embassy announcement said that the EU Political Committee approved the Best Practice document at its meeting in Brussels on April 3.

The Best Practice document for the first time sets EU standards for police response to terrorist shootings and bombings. The guidelines stress, inter alia, the need to preserve evidence in a professional manner, restricting access to the scene by establishing proper cordons, full documentation, and rapid deployment of specialist expertise.

Stress is also laid on the need to ensure proper handling of the international dimension through close liaison with other countries involved, and includes suggestions for dealing with victims and their families, and liaison with the media.

The new EU guidelines will now be disseminated widely both within the EU and to non-EU countries for use by police forces throughout the world, the announcement said.

[07] Ecumenical Patriarch hopes Turkey's European rapprochement will proceed 'for the good of all'

BRUSSELS, 11/04/2001 (ANA - Y. Zitouniati)

Speaking to Greek reporters from Brussels who visited the Phanar at his invitation, the Ecumenical Patriarch said that despite prolonged and pending issues with the Turkish government, including the reopening of the Halki Academy of Theology, the atmosphere has improved considerably lately, compared to past years.

He attributed the change in the position of the Turkish authorities to the need for them to show sensitivity in respect for human rights as a precondition for rapprochement with Europe, as well as to steps taken by the foreign ministers of Greece and Turkey, George Papandreou and Ismail Cem, resulting in the curbing of past disputes.

Giving an example, he said that a few years ago speaking the Greek language in public in Turkey was forbidden.

"We have already traveled a great distance," the Ecumenical Patriarch said, also referring to Papandreou's recent visit to Ankara, and expressed the hope that in time and with Turkey's course towards Europe, as well, its relations with the Patriarchate will also be normalized all the more.

[08] Turkish defense minister on CBMs, defense spending

ISTANBUL, 11/04/2001 (ANA - A. Kourkoulas)

"The press presented an erroneous picture, depicting Greece as having the initiative of action," Turkish Defense Minister Sabahattin Cakmakoglu said, adding:

"Turkey submitted 17 specific proposals for Confidence-Building Measures (CBMs) to Greece a year and a half ago, but we haven't as yet received Athens' answer ... We agreed on only one of those proposals, the one referring to joint notification of military exercises in the Aegean."

Asked to comment on Turkish Foreign Minister Ismail Cem's recent statements, namely, that Greece has made more progress than Turkey in clearing up minefields on the two countries' land borders along the Evros River, Cakmakoglu simply noted that Ankara made the proposal a year and a half ago.

Meanwhile, referring to recent press reports claiming that the Turkish government has assured the International Monetary Fund (IMF) that it will reduce defense expenditures from 4.6 to 3.5 percent for fiscal 2002, the Turkish minister said the IMF was not referring to the country's armed forces.

[09] Turkish opinion poll shows Greece as Turkey's worst enemy

ANKARA, 11/04/2001 (ANA - A. Ambatzis)

A total of 29 percent of respondents said Greece is Turkey's worst enemy, followed by the US with 12 percent, France 11 percent and Iran, Russia and Syria with 4 percent.

In addition, 48 percent said a policy without concessions should be followed with Greece, while 51 percent favor mutual concessions and rapprochement.

On the issue of the Turkish government's policy on Greek-Turkish issues, 64 percent are in favor and 35 percent against, while 69 percent also support the Turkish government's policy on Cyprus and 69 percent are opposed to Turkey pulling out its troops from Cyprus.

[10] Mission of Mediterranean minesweeping force outlined at press conference

Athens, 11/04/2001 (ANA)

The mission is to provide naval protection in the region of its jurisdiction and to contribute to NATO's increased anti-mine warfare capacity in the Mediterranean, pay visits to various ports and prepare for a possible operation, which may be required.

Countries participating in the force on a permanent basis are Germany, Greece, Italy, Turkey and Spain. Periodical participants are Britain, Belgium, the Netherlands and the United States.

[11] National Bank unveils expansion plan

Athens, 11/04/2001 (ANA)

Karatzas said the bank's future would be drafted with the aim to develop National Bank into a strong and international organization based in Athens.

Presenting the board's plan for the year 2001, Karatzas said it envisaged the installation of a new customer management system to promote its products more efficiently and to improve customer service.

Karatzas said a network refurbishment program was progressing rapidly, with 80 branches already operating under a new structure focusing on sales of products and services, with support operations carried out from the bank's central services.

Karatzas said the bank planned to play a leading role in the Balkan market.

National Bank's customer base expanded to 60 million people in the Balkan region, following completion of several takeover deals in the region.

Karatzas said the bank was a leading force in the domestic retail-banking sector with a market share exceeding 40 percent.

Karatzas also unveiled the bank's shareholders' structure. Hellenic Republic held a 4.4 percent equity stake in National Bank by December 31, 2000. Greece's public sector held a 33.1 percent stake, private domestic investors a 24.1 percent stake, institutional domestic investors 12.7 percent, private foreign investors 0.5 percent, institutional foreign investors 16.6 percent, National Bank 2.8 percent and the bank's subsidiaries 5.8 percent.

National Bank will pay 370 drachmas per share dividend to shareholders, up 34.8 percent from the previous year. Pre-tax profits totalled 298 billion drachmas in 2000, up 30.3 percent from 1999, while pre-tax profits after minority rights totalled 334.2 billion drachmas, up 3.7 percent.

Equity capital totalled 1.085 trillion drachmas last year, up 18 percent from 1999.

[12] Premier meets with GSEE on combatting unemployment, labor relations

Athens, 11/04/2001 (ANA)

The meeting, also attended by senior officials of the ministries of labor and social security, focused on combating unemployment and creating new jobs, the social dimension of government policy, labor relations, and social security reforms.

Simitis said the government was working out its positions on the social security problem with "sensitivity and increased social interest".

He stressed the importance of a substantive dialogue between the government and the working people for a solution to the problems faced by the social security system "without pre-determined aspirations".

GSEE deputy chairman Alekos Kalyvis warned in an announcement that a rift was imminent over the "crucial issue of the social security sector".

President receives labor union representatives: President Kostis Stephanopoulos on Tuesday received representatives of the General Confederation of Workers of Greece (GSEE) for an informatory meeting, while GSEE's President Christos Polyzogopoulos later said President Stephanopoulos agrees that pensions should not be decreased any further and retirement age should not be extended.

[13] Gov't ends consultations on new mobile phone permits

Athens, 11/04/2001 (ANA)

Taking part in the consultations, which were held from February 23 to March 26, were UMTS Forum, CosmOTE, Ericsson Hellas, Wind Telecomunicazioni SpA, Chaos Me SA, Panafon, Stet Hellas and DEI Telecommunications SA.

In the next stages of the process, the commission will provide the firms with an information package by the end of April; call a tender in May; and issue new permits, probably in early July.

[14] Greek business delegation to Chile, Argentina

Athens, 11/04/2001 (ANA)

The Association of Northern Greek Industry, working with the Chilean consul in the northern port city of Thessaloniki, arranged the delegation.

The visit ends on April 22.

[15] Greek, Bulgarian stock markets sign cooperation agreement

Athens, 11/04/2001 (ANA)

The agreement was signed in Sofia on Monday.

The memorandum will pave the way for a double listing and trading of Bulgarian and Greek stocks in the two markets, examining of the creation of a new joint index and its promotion to international markets, creating joint programs and projects to promote the use of new technologies and the Internet, and expanding their cooperation with other stock markets in southeastern Europe.

The two exchanges also decided to form working group to promote these aims.

[16] Greece warned by EU on failure to comply with directive on liquid fuel sulphur content

BRUSSELS, 11/04/2001 (ANA - V. Demiris)

The purpose of the directive is to decrease sulfuric dioxide emissions, which are considered an element contributing to atmospheric pollution and the phenomenon of "toxic rain" in particular.

The European Commission on Tuesday announced that it has decided to send a warning (a second written one) to Greece, Italy and Spain, since none of these countries has imposed a ceiling on the sulfur content of "heavy" fuel and oil, as anticipated by the specific directive.

European Union member-states were obliged to implement the necessary reforms on the adoption of the directive by July 1, 2000.

The European Commission had sent its first written warning to Greece, Italy and Spain in November 2000 to comply with the directive, while the only country to reply was Spain, which claimed that it has already drawn up a draft royal decree, which, however, has not yet been ratified by the Council of State.

According to the process anticipated by article 226 of the EU's Treaty, member-states have a two-month time limit to reply to the Commission's first letter.

[17] Minimum capital to rise for award of bank operating license

Athens, 11/04/2001 (ANA)

Under the ruling, commercial banks will need capital of 6.1 billion drachmas from 4.0 billion drachmas currently, the Bank of Greece said in a statement.

The move was taken to bring Greece into line with unified financial markets, especially that of the euro zone, in which competition was fierce, the statement said.

The climate meant that new banks needed adequate capital leeway to meet credit risk, especially in the early stages of operation, and to set up effective organizational and internal regulatory systems, it added.

[18] Gov't maintains number of radio licenses; transmitters to relocate

Athens, 11/04/2001 (ANA)

According to a decision by the Press and Media Minister Dimitris Reppas and Deputy Transport Minister Alekos Voulgaris, the new frequency list does not include more than the previously announced number of allowed frequencies, although it changes the location of a 'transmitter park', following the transfer of the Athens airport from the Hellenikon suburb to Spata, a township east of Athens proper.

The decision allows for the official granting of licenses to 28 private radio stations in Attica prefecture, while the state-run broadcasting network (ERA) also retains a significant number of frequencies.

[19] Greek inflation drops to 3.0 percent in March, yr/yr

Athens, 11/04/2001 (ANA)

The NSS said that annual inflation was 3.1 percent and 3.4 percent in March 2000 and March 1999, respectively.

The consumer price index rose by 2.0 percent in March from the previous month, a slower increase compared with rises of 2.2 percent and 2.4 percent in the same months of 1999 and 2000, respectively.

The NSS said the monthly CPI rise reflected a 0.3 percent decline in fuel prices, a 16.2 percent jump in clothing and footwear prices and a 3.8 percent increase in durable goods' prices.

The annual CPI figure reflected a 5.7 percent increase in tobacco and liquor prices and a 4.9 percent rise in hotel, coffee and restaurant prices.

[20] Greek stocks end up on positive inflation news

Athens, 11/04/2001 (ANA)

Traders said buying activity gradually expanded from blue chip stocks to almost all sectors in the market, although turnover remained low.

The general index ended 1.44 percent higher at 3,073.88 points, near its day's highs of 3,087.37 points, with turnover at 113.26 million euros, or 38.59 billion drachmas.

The FTSE/ASE 20 index ended 1.48 percent up at 1,775.08 points, and the FTSE/ASE 40 index rose 1.0 percent to end at 369.84 points.

Sector indices ended as follows: Banks: 6,571.75

+1.50% Telecoms: 1,003.83 +1.48% Insurance: 1,462.99 +2.68% Investment: 1,118.18 +0.88% Construction: 1,456.54 +1.19% Industrials: 1,877.14

+1.01% Holding: 3,542.54 +1.88% Base metals: 987.82 +0.65% Minerals: 1,004.06 +1.10% Publishing: 1,018.37 +0.33% Textiles: 1,151.83 +0.72% Retailing: 1,096.49 +2.63% IT: 1,074.36 +1.36% IT solutions: 1,015.81 +0.91% Food and Beverages: 879.27 +1.40% Wholesale: 945.59 +1.47%

The parallel market index for smaller capitalization stocks ended at 323.79 points, up 0.54 percent.

Broadly, advancers led decliners by 247 to 70 with another 39 issues unchanged.

Despec, Micromedia, Nafpaktos, Athenian Holdings, Boutaris, Duty Free, Maxim-Ridenco, Keranis and Stabilton scored the biggest percentage gains, while Hadzikraniotis, Evrofarma, Technodomi, Forthnet, Ideal, Crete Plastics, Atticat, Mesohorities, Haidemenos and Mosholios Chemicals suffered the heaviest losses.

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

Leading shares' closing prices (in euros): National Bank: 40.42 Alpha Bank: 29.62 Commercial Bank: 50.52 Eurobank: 17.72 Piraeus Bank: 13.04 Lambrakis Press: 13.90 Altec: 7.20 Intrasoft: 11.86 Titan Cement (c): 37.94 Hellenic Telecoms: 14.80 Panafon: 6.42 Hellenic Petroleum: 8.96 Intracom: 29.82 Mytilineos: 8.46 Minoan Lines: 5.02 Viohalco: 10.64 Coca Cola HBC: 15.44

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

The FTSE/ASE 20 index closed 1.48 percent up, and the FTSE/ASE 40 ended 1.00 percent higher.

Traded in total were 5,521 contracts.

Bond prices mixed in moderate trade: Bond prices in the domestic secondary market on Tuesday finished mixed in moderate trade.

The Greek benchmark 10-year bond showed a yield of 5.28 percent.

The yield spread over German bunds was 54 basis points.

Turnover through the central bank's electronic system totalled 830 million euros (282.8 billion drachmas).

Buy orders accounted for around half of turnover

[21] Black Sea Bank to hold third annual meeting in Tbilisi on May 20

Athens, 11/04/2001 (ANA)

The "Black Sea's Business Days" will also be organized in the framework of this international meeting.

The Georgian prime minister will inaugurate the event, while speakers will include Greek European Union Commissioner Anna Diamantopoulou.

[22] Press strike ended at dawn, no newspapers Tuesday

Athens, 11/04/2001 (ANA)

Journalists and media employees held a 24-hour strike on Monday, called by the Athens Union of Journalists and the Union of Media Employees (ESIEA and EPIEA respectively) to protest the refusal of employers to solve long-standing problems in the sector.

The ESIEA board, in an announcement Tuesday, hailed the across the board participation of journalists and media employees in the strike, which it said was a "complete success".

It also expressed appreciation to the public opinion and social agencies for their support to the ongoing struggle of the journalists.

No news or informational programs were broadcast Monday on radio and television stations or by news agencies, while there was also no flow of news on the Internet.

Journalists gathered Monday at the ESIEA offices Monday morning and marched to the press ministry, where journalists unions' officials met with deputy press minister Telemachos Hytiris and outlined the problems faced by the sector.

The ESIEA board further extended the strike until noon Tuesday for the newspaper METRORAMA, which is given out free of charge at the Athens Metro stations early in the mornings, as the paper's publishers broke the strike and proceeded with the issue of the newspaper, the announcement said.

[23] Mount Athos monks oppose upcoming papal visit

Athens, 11/04/2001 (ANA)

Opposition by the semi-autonomous community, which includes nearly two dozen Orthodox monasteries located on a jutting peninsula in northern Greece, comes after a decision by the Church of Greece's highest administrative and cannonical body, the Holy Synod, to acquiesce to the papal visit.

The pope was initially invited to Greece by the country's president, and after the Vatican had publicly aired the pontiff's long-standing desire to visit Athens as part of a retracing of the Apostle Paul's journeys in Europe.

"... the pope is arriving under the guise of a pilgrimage, but his real intention is to demonstrate that he is the true world leader and the universally accepted ecclesiastical head," the all-male Mount Athos community said in an announcement unexpectedly issued on Easter Monday.

The monks indirectly criticized the lifting of the Holy Synod's objections, while at another point stressing:

"Is it possible to so easily forget the Vatican's deceptions and heresies regarding the Christian Crusades, which destroyed the Orthodox East; the violent proselytization of the Orthodox faithful; the papists' propaganda against us; the damned Uniate ... and the slaughter of our Orthodox Serbian brethren?"

The announcement, signed by representatives of 20 monasteries, calls on the faithful to "pray" for the papal trip's cancellation, while pleading with the Athens-based Holy Synod to rescind its decision acquiescing to the visit.

John Paul II's two-day trip will be the first by a Roman Catholic leader to the Modern Greek state. The Orthodox and Catholic churches split in 1056 after centuries of often-contentious relations.

[24] Ecumenical Patriarch calls for calm during Papal visit

BRUSSELS, 11/04/2001 (ANA - B. Demiris)

"We should not be fundamentalists and colorful in our attitude," he said.

Referring to relations with the Greek Church, Vartholomeos said there is no substantive reason for a crisis and for problems between the two churches.

[25] US senators appeal to Turkish authorities to reopen Halki Academy of Theology

ISTANBUL, 11/04/2001 (ANA - A. Kourkoulas)

"We instructed the US ambassador in Turkey to make the reopening of the Academy of Theology an issue of top priority," said Republican Senator Jimmy Duncan after meeting the Patriarch.

Former US President Bill Clinton, during his entire presidency, had repeatedly called on the Turkish authorities to promote the issue of the Academy of Theology's reopening.

[26] National Culture Foundation's events in US, Germany and Britain

Athens, 11/04/2001 (ANA)

Events include the Thessaloniki-USA 2001 Cinema Festival, inauguration of the work "Agora" by sculptress Antonia Papatzanaki at Battery Park in New York, an exhibition with works by photographer Nelly in Berlin and a concert by Nena Venetsanou at the Barbican Center’s Pit Theatre in London, as part of events named 'Greece in Britain'.

An exhibition on the Parthenon will also be held at the Mimara Museum in Zagreb, Croatia, in light of an official visit by President Kostis Stephanopoulos.

[27] Greek Ambassador in Washington presents modern-day Greece

WASHINGTON, 11/04/2001 (ANA - T. Ellis)

Philon spoke of the huge social, political and economic leaps made by Greece following the destruction if suffered in World War II and the ensuing civil war.

He also stressed the strong economy that today enables Greece to be a protagonist in investment activities at bilateral and multilateral level in all its neighboring countries.

Philon further underscored the Greek-Turkish rapprochement, noting that the two countries were progressing gradually, beginning with the "easy" issues, and adding that Greece was helping Turkey to overcome its present difficulties and proceed towards EU accession.

The envoy paid tribute to the large number of young Greeks who after successfully completing studies abroad return and make careers in Greece, bringing with them immense and precious experience and knowledge, thus contributing to the country's development.

Philon also said that Athens would overcome all the difficulties and delays in preparations for the 2004 Olympic Games and would be ready to host a safe, qualitative and successful Olympiad.

[28] No damage reported in Greece from southern Albania earthquake near border

Athens, 11/04/2001 (ANA)

According to the Athens Observatory's Geodynamics Institute, the quake struck at 20:28 Monday at a distance of 370 kilometers northwest of Athens near the Greek-Albanian border with its epicenter in Albanian territory.

The trembler, which was strongly felt in southern Albania, caused no damage on the Albanian side either, according to late night reports.

[29] US Secretary of State expresses support for resumption of UN-led talks

WASHINGTON, 11/04/2001 (CNA/ANA)

According to US diplomatic sources, Powell expressed his support for the UN peace effort and the resumption of the talks, noting at the same time that the US understands the position of the Cyprus government that the island's accession to the EU offers a window of opportunity which could act as a catalyst on attempts to break the current deadlock.

"My meeting with Secretary of State was productive, very cordial and pleasant and I was able to explain to him how our government views the efforts for resolving the Cyprus problem and in particular the pending decision for the accession of Cyprus to the EU and the importance it has in connection with the efforts to solve the problem," Kasoulides told the press after the meeting.

The UN proximity talks, which started in December 1999, came to an end in late January this year because Turkish Cypriot leader, Rauf Denktash, backed by Ankara, refused to return to the negotiating table and instead demanded what he called "state-to-state" negotiations in a bid to gain recognition, his long-term objective, of his self-styled illegal regime in the Turkish-occupied part of Cyprus.

Kasoulides said he also discussed a number of other international issues of interest, including the situation in the Balkans and the Middle East and the issue of Yugoslav funds transferred illegally out of Yugoslavia by the Milosevic regime.

"I had the opportunity to discuss the peace effort in Cyprus and hear from the secretary of state the determination of the US to help the effort to continue the proximity talks," Kasoulides said, adding that he explained the need to resume the talks at the point where they stopped last November.

Kasoulides said he explained to Powell the importance attached to the pending EU decision on Cyprus' accession, expected in 2002, and the need to make the most out of this prospect.

"The US agrees that this decision is important and what remains to be seen is the way in which it will be put into better use," he added.

Invited to comment on Greco-Turkish rapprochement, the minister said the issue was part of his discussions with Powell during which it was pointed out that this rapprochement couldn’t be interrupted and has to move on.

"If there is something that can break it, this is Cyprus and therefore we should not allow Cyprus to come in the way and destroy what is built now between Greece and Turkey," he said, adding that a peaceful solution of the Cyprus question would help Turkey and remove any obstacles.

Asked if Greek Cypriots are any closer to Turkish Cypriots, Kasoulides pointed out that the whole of Cyprus belongs to both Greek and Turkish Cypriots.

"This is enough for us to have open hands in order that a solution about reunification and not partition and separation should be found," he stressed, noting that partition "means a permanent source of friction between Greece and Turkey."

Kasoulides said that Turkey has to face many problems and Cyprus should not prevent Ankara from following her path towards the EU and towards friendship in the Balkans and with Greece.

The Cypriot minister questioned the necessity for Turkey to pay 350 m. dollars to Turkish Cypriots and for the maintenance of its occupation troops in the Republic's northern areas.

"Why, what is the point?" he told Turkish journalists, adding that a peaceful settlement should be found to help Turkey in this respect.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkish troops invaded and occupied 37 per cent of its territory.

On Cyprus' prospect for EU accession, Kasoulides said "we have to do everything we can in the next 18 months in order that Cyprus joins the EU reunited, otherwise the EU decisions at Helsinki will apply."

The EU summit at Helsinki said a solution of the Cyprus question would facilitate accession but it is not a precondition.

US diplomatic sources have told CNA that Powell expressed support for the UN efforts to find a settlement in Cyprus and for the resumption of the proximity talks, a position Powell has also outlined at a meeting with Turkish Foreign Minister Ismail Cem.

The same sources have said the US has indicated that it understands the position of the government of Cyprus that the EU accession prospect offers a window of opportunity which could act as a catalyst on the peace effort. The US, they said, backs the Helsinki decision.

[30] Austrian foreign minister arrives for official visit

LARNACA, 11/04/2001 (CNA/ANA)

Speaking on her arrival in Cyprus for a weeklong official visit, Waldner said that Cyprus' accession to the EU is "a window of opportunity" that can be used by both sides (on the island) in the UN-led proximity talks.

Replying to a question, she said her country's priority is now to really promote the EU enlargement process, adding that her visit to Cyprus and earlier to Baltic countries is taking place within this framework.

Waldner said during her stay President Glafcos Clerides will receive her and hold official talks with her Cypriot counterpart Ioannis Kasoulides. She also said she will be meeting Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash, adding that "there will be a dialogue on the question of Cyprus", expressing the conviction that "he (Denktash) is informed of the position of the EU on the accession talks with Cyprus and there will be an interesting exchange of views".

Replying to a question she said "the position of the EU is also the position of Austria" and explained "we think it would be excellent if there were a solution for a unification of the island before the accession but if not, there will also be a possibility for Cyprus to enter the EU".

She added, "lets see whether this window of opportunity can be used by both sides in the proximity talks with the UN".

To a question she replied there should be a graduate disarmament process "but in some ways this is a matter that would proceed in parallel with the talks and also in parallel with the EU accession. It has to be taken into consideration also with the EU guidance". On Wednesday President Clerides and House of Representatives President Spyros Kyprianou will receive Waldner. She will also have official talks with her Cypriot counterpart.

On Thursday, she will visit the Austrian contingent serving with the UN peacekeeping force in Cyprus (UNFICYP).

Waldner leaves on April 17

[31] Spokesman says Turkey's proposal 'unacceptable'

NICOSIA, 11/04/2001 (CNA/ANA)

Government spokesman Michalis Papapetrou said Ankara's proposal with respect to Titina Loizidou's case is totally unacceptable and stressed that the government will not accept anything less than execution of the judgment of the Court.

"This is not a proposal, it amounts to Turkish maneuvers with a view to put aside all attempts to execute the Court decision," Papapetrou said, commenting on last Thursday's proposal which said Ankara would pay Loizidou once the Cyprus question is settled and demanded that the Loizidou case should not be regarded as a precedent for other similar cases pending before the Court against Turkey.

The execution of the judgment, pending for over two years, was on the agenda of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe at last week's meeting with a view to adopt a third, more stringent interim resolution on the issue. The Turkish proposal, submitted at the meeting, postponed the debate on the matter, which will now take place on 18 April.

"The government will ask members states of the Council to outline their positions on the essence of the issue, namely the execution of the court ruling," spokesman Papapetrou said.

He said the period between now and April 18 will give the government time to explain its views on the matter and clarify the reasons behind the Turkish move to others.

"Turkey's proposal is totally unacceptable for the government and does not move in the direction of compliance with Ankara's obligations," Papapetrou said, pointing out that the government will not, under any circumstances, accept any move, suggestion or proposal than execution of the judgment.

The European Court found Turkey guilty of continuously violating Loizidou's right to peacefully enjoy her property in the Turkish occupied areas of the Republic and said Ankara must pay some 900,000 US dollars in compensation to her and allow her access to her property.

Moreover the Court said Turkey is responsible for what happens in the occupied part of the Republic because of the control the large presence of its troops have on the area and said the Turkish Cypriot regime is a subordinate local administration to Turkey.

Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article