Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 01-04-21

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

CONTENTS

[01] Simitis briefs President on proposed social security reforms

[02] Discussions on the social security system reform to conclude by year's end

[03] Trade unions call for 24-hour strike on Thursday

[04] Northern journalists anxious over social insurance reform

[05] Premier, defence minister discuss postponement of weapons purchases

[06] Cem statement on Cyprus' EU accession undermines the interests of the Turkish Cypriots, gov't spokesman says

[07] Foreign ministry condemns bomb against Serbs in Pristina

[08] FM underlines role by non-governmental organisations in foreign policy

[09] Envoys for Ecumenical, Moscow Orthodox Patriarchs conclude agreement

[10] Parties issue messages on 34th anniversary of military coup in Greece

[11] Gov't promises Internet in all secondary schools by end of year

[12] Turkish jurists arrive in Greece for EU training seminars

[13] Theodoros Angelopoulos donates modern boat to Underwater Demolition Unit

[14] EU finance ministers hold talks with counterparts from candidate countries

[15] The Greek economy is growing faster than the EU average, Commission report says

[16] Greece holds 38th place in world economic freedom

[17] Budget implementation satisfactory, govt says

[18] Investment firms' assets continue falling

[19] Almost 9,500 flights at new airport since late March opening

[20] Olympic Airways domestic flight fares to increase 8 percent as of Saturday

[21] Thessaloniki light industries mull strike over pensions

[22] Agricultural Bank announces share buyback programme

[23] Cyprus Leasing shows profit jump in 2000

[24] Doudos announces share buyback programme

[25] Vioter SA announces 4.98 billion share capital increase plan

[26] Greek stocks continue moving lower in thin trade

[27] Bond prices rise in brisk trade

[28] Gov't grants manor's use to Goulandris Foundation for 50 years

[29] Conference on work of Constantine Karamanlis in northern Greece

[30] 2001 International Greek Paleography Symposium to take place in Drama

[31] Government spokesman says soccer federation should meet its obligations regarding international soccer championships

[32] Clerides comments on Cem's statements

[33] Israeli foreign minister to visit Cyprus

[34] Parliamentary elections officially announced

[01] Simitis briefs President on proposed social security reforms

Athens, 21/04/2001 (ANA)

The one-hour briefing followed a marathon joint session Thursday of the Inner Cabinet and the ruling PASOK party's executive bureau, during which the government's proposed reforms were finalised before being put to labour unions for dialogue.

Simitis said after the briefing that the reform of the social insurance/pension system was necessary "in order that there will be social justice and cohesion, as well as stability, growth and continuation of the efforts for the country's prosperity".

The premier said that the proposed reform, together with plans for social solidarity and employment, were part of the government's efforts to establish a social state that would function efficiently and ensure social cohesion.

He said that the reform of the social security system was "as important as reducing inflation and the public sector deficits and state borrowing had been in the past".

Simitis said there must be an open dialogue on the social security reforms and each side should contribute to that dialogue by facing the problem with a sense of responsibility and submitting proposals.

"Society must ensure a policy of security and prosperity for everyone, and that is our target," Simitis said, declining to comment on the protests to the planned reforms.

Stephanopoulos said it was very important that dialogue on the reforms would follow, and expressed hope that the dialogue would be "very sincere, and therefore effective".

[02] Discussions on the social security system reform to conclude by year's end

The government will allow until the end of the year for discussions surrounding the social security issue to conclude, Labour Minister Tassos Yiannitsis said on Friday, in an interview to an Athens radio station.

Responding to criticism, Yiannitsis said that the government is open to all proposals that would contribute to the solution of the social security issue, adding that criticisms claiming that the initiation of procedures to resolve the issue were baseless.

Also responding to criticism, he said that unemployment did not contribute substantially to the worsening conditions of the social security system.

"There are alternative proposals, provided by researchers, and theoretically one can realise that, while the government would also be able to table alternative proposals," the minister said.

"There is, however, a scenario that was favoured by the government, the character of which you know. From that point on the government is open to proposals, alternative ideas and anything that could contribute to achieving the most workable solution," he said.

"The only non-negotiable issue, I believe, is our stance that the system should not worsen, that it should not reach a point of crisis from a certain point on. This is non-negotiable," the minister said.

He added that the basic problem of the insurance funds is the demographic problem and not inept management, stressing that unemployment did not substantially contribute to the problem.

[03] Trade unions call for 24-hour strike on Thursday

The General Confederation of Workers of Greece (GSEE) and the Civil Servants Supreme Administrative Council (ADEDY) on Friday called a 24-hour nationwide general strike and the holding of mass rallies in Athens and other cities on April 26 in response to the government's positions on the social security system.

The strike will concern employees in both the private and public sectors, while the rally to be held in Athens will take place at the Pedion tou Areos Square at 11 a.m.

GSEE said it rejects the measures in their entirety and believes that the unions' participation in any dialogue based on the proposals made by Labour Minister Tassos Yiannitsis is meaningless.

ADEDY considers the measures a "provocation" for working people and calls for a "united, overall and determined struggle" in the private and public sectors to have them reversed.

Meanwhile, the Federation of Greek Bank Employee Unions (OTOE) expressed strong opposition to the government's positions on the social security system and calls on bank employees to participate en masse in both the strike and rally to be held on April 26.

OTOE said it rejects Yiannitsis' proposals and considers the decrease in pensions and the increase in pensioning age limits unfair and unacceptable.

In another development, the Coordinating Committee of all mass media staff unions expresses great concern in changes being proposed in the social security system, in an announcement issued on Friday after a joint meeting with the board of the Panhellenic Federation of Journalists Unions (POESY).

The announcement said that "for the press sector in particular, the government's proposals are arbitrary and disastrous. Their possible imposition and implementation will blow apart the existing system of auxiliary and medical care."

The Coordinating Committee decided to participate in the 24-hour strike called on April 26 by GSEE and ADEDY and calls on all employees to take part.

Meanwhile, the Athens Journalists Union (ESHEA) has established a committee on the social security issue in which journalists responsible for economic and labour ministry issues and scientist associates will be participating.

[04] Northern journalists anxious over social insurance reform

Athens, 21/04/2001 (ANA)

"These changes are accompanied by a deterioration in conditions for retirement and a reduction in pay for workers. The state itself has refused to meet its financial commitments and make payments to social insurance funds that are outstanding since 1993," the union said in a statement in Thessaloniki. The union called on journalists to support growth for social insurance in order to ensure the viability of health and pension funds.

[05] Premier, defence minister discuss postponement of weapons purchases

Athens, 21/04/2001 (ANA)

In leaving Prime Minister Costas Simitis' office, Defence Mi-nister Akis Tsohatzopoulos reiterated that there is no "opposi-tion" between social policy and defence, while adding that the decision to defer acquisition of the high-profile "Eurofighter" contract will be discussed, among others, at a Government Council for Foreign and Defence Affairs (KYSEA) meeting.

The KYSEA meeting, set for May 17, is expected to also focus on the armed forces leadership's proposals vis-a-vis the projected decision for postponements, as well as a revamping of the military's structure.

Tsohatzopoulos had distanced himself from the government decision late last month to cut Greece's defence expenditures between the 2001-2004 period in favour of heightened social spending.

In one newspaper interview, he said the defence cuts are not definite and they must be approved by KYSEA, while noting that "the security and defence policies were not affairs to be judged lightly ... therefore, they may not change from one moment to the next".

The decision to re-allocate funds to boost social policy from the defence sector was decided on during an inner cabinet meeting, chaired by Simitis, in late March.

Procurement of the Eurofighter consortium's "Typhoon" warpla-nes to replace second- and third-general aircraft in Greece's air force was the first victim of defence spending cuts, projected to free up more than ?3 billion. However, the government at the time said the procurement of the warplane was not cancelled, rather postponed for after 2004.

[06] Cem statement on Cyprus' EU accession undermines the interests of the Turkish Cypriots, gov't spokesman says

Athens, 21/04/2001 (ANA)

"Greece, with respect to Cyprus' accession to the EU, firmly bides by the EU policy," Reppas said, noting recent statements by the French government and European Commission officials that Cyprus would join the EU regardless of a solution to the island republic's political problem.

"There is no issue of that accession being obstructed," Reppas told a press briefing when asked by reporters to comment on statements made Wednesday by Turkish foreign minister Ismail Cem during a visit to the Turkish-occupied sector of Cyprus that Turkey would react unconditionally in the event that Cyprus was admitted to the EU without prior solution of the Cyprus issue.

Reppas said that Cem's statement undermined the interests of the Turkish Cypriots and had no practical content since the Turkish Cypriots themselves desired Cyprus' EU membership.

[07] Foreign ministry condemns bomb against Serbs in Pristina

Athens, 21/04/2001 (ANA)

"We condemn in the strongest manner the terrorist attack against a Serb target in Pristina, that resulted in the death of a Serb citizen," foreign ministry spokesman Panos Beglitis said of Wed-nesday's car bomb attack.

Beglitis noted that Greece had asked KFOR and its commander to take "the necessary steps for the protetion of all ethnic groups".

He said Greece at the same time called on the "Albanian majority and the political parties to respect the UN resolutions, isolate the extremist elements and work for the creation of a democratic and multi-ethnic Kosovo, with respect for human rights and the rights of the minorities".

[08] FM underlines role by non-governmental organisations in foreign policy

Athens, 21/04/2001 (ANA)

Greek European Union Commissioner Anna Diamantopoulou and the Committee's chief in Athens Marios Kamhis were pre-sent at the conference.

Papandreou once again said that foreign policy requires new implements which will be suitable for new conditions, adding that Greece has become lately a considerable force in the sector of non-governmental organisations and reminding of their acti-vities during the earthquakes in Turkey and the Kosovo crisis.

He further said the kind of political problem faced at present "alters the citizen-politician and citizen-state relation and obliges the political system to call for the more substantive involvement and participation of citizens if it wishes to develop democrati-cally."

[09] Envoys for Ecumenical, Moscow Orthodox Patriarchs conclude agreement

ISTANBUL, 21/04/2001 (ANA - A. Kourkoulas)

Delegations from the two patriarchates have decided to send laymen representatives to the Ukraine in order to assess conditions in the country's religious community, concerns over the Uniate's influence, as well as jurisdictional issues within the Orthodox Church of the Ukraine. The Uniate church with flock of approximately one million people uses the rites of the Orthodox church but owes allegiance to the Vatican.

The two delegations also decided to resolve their differences regarding disputed real estate in Estonia. In the recent past, Russian Orthodox Archbishop of Estonia Cornilius attempted to force Estonian Orthodox Church Archbishop Stephanos to hand over property, according to reports. Moscow initially supported Cornelius, but later withdrew its support, the same sources said, especially in light of an agreement between the two church authorities to cooperate in resolving the Ukrainian issue.

[10] Parties issue messages on 34th anniversary of military coup in Greece

Athens, 21/04/2001 (ANA)

The ruling PASOK party, the main opposition New Democracy party, the Coalition of the Left and Progress and the Democratic Social Movement (DHKKI) condemned the actions taken against democracy at that time.

The message by PASOK's president and Executive Bureau says 34 years later the Greek people have achieved democracy and there is no way of turning back.

Only national unity can make the country respected by friends and foes, the message said, and only national understanding can lead to a new era without defeats and losses, but with victories in a better future for citizens and their children.

The message further says that the government and PASOK are planning the country's future with vision, boldness, hard work and effectiveness, adding that "our main concern is to create a stable social state providing security and confidence for citizens for the present and the future."

ND spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos said "in our days dangers faced by democracy in the past have gone. However, new ones are looming on the horizon and are threatening the substance and quality of democracy. They are corruption, non-transparency, partisanship and the functioning of centres lying outside the realm of democratically elected institutions which are attempting to impose policies, replacing institutional and elected bodies of the state."

He also said "two and a half million Greeks are living under the poverty level, 600,000 of our fellow countrymen are unemplo-yed, social inequalities are growing bigger and groups of citizens are being marginalised. This Greece does not suit us."

The Coalition of the Left and Progress said that today "the distance between expectations and reality fuels the demand for progressive reforms strengthening social progress and cohesion, democracy and the quality of life, decentralisation and the stren-gthening of transparency and control."

DHKKI President Dimitris Tsovolas said in his message that "today, the same forces which planned and supported the junta and sent Attila (the Turkish invasion operation in Cyprus in 1974) to Cyprus are guiding and preserving Turkish aggression against the country, they are attempting to dissolve the Balkans and they are trying to impose the neo-liberal model of the jungle of neo-capitalism."

[11] Gov't promises Internet in all secondary schools by end of year

Athens, 21/04/2001 (ANA)

[12] Turkish jurists arrive in Greece for EU training seminars

The first delegation of Turkish jurists and public administra-tion officials arrived in Thessaloniki, northern Greece, on Friday for a series of training seminars at the Centre for International and European Economic Law.

Macedonia-Thrace Minister George Paschalides welcomed the Turkish delegates, adding that the Greek government supports creation and operation of a Greece-Turkey task force to cooperate on Community issues.

[13] Theodoros Angelopoulos donates modern boat to Underwater Demolition Unit

Athens, 21/04/2001 (ANA)

A relevant ceremony held on Friday was attended by National Defence Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos, the couple of donors and their children, National Defence General Staff Chief Manousos Paragioudakis and Navy General Staff Chief Vice Admiral George Theodoroulakis.

[14] EU finance ministers hold talks with counterparts from candidate countries

MALMO, 21/04/2001 (ANA - Y. Zitouniati)

They also discussed the creation of a "communication corridor" between the EU's finance ministers and central bank governors with their "future colleagues."

The purpose of the dialogue started in Malmo is to achieve the candidate countries' familiarisation with the way economic cooperation functions in the EU, as well as the invitation exten-ded by the 15 to candidate countries to join "the Lisbon strategy" for the creation of a more competitive and more dynamic Europe over the next decade.

The ministers also discussed the priorities of the EU's future tax policy.

Replying to questions by the press on economic developments in the US and on whether "the euro zone will resist American pressure", European Commission President Romano Prodi said, on the one hand, "there is no pressure" and, on the other, "there is absolute symmetry in economic relations between the two con-tinents."

"Just as the US had previously helped Europe, now it is the EU which is helping America," Prodi said.

The ECOFIN meeting will be continued on Saturday with a review of the EU's economic situation, based on assessments to be presented by Commissioner Pedro Solbes.

[15] The Greek economy is growing faster than the EU average, Commission report says

BRUSSELS, 21/04/2001 (ANA - V. Demiris)

The report, which includes the economic performance of all Union member-states, also noted for Greece that the reform of the social security system and the reform of the labour market are two problems that should be resolved.

The Commission agency that compiled the report noted that the Greek GDP will grow by 4.4 per cent in 2001, while the Union average growth is expected to range between 2.5 and 3 per cent. The projection of growth for the Greek GDP in 2002 was set at 4.8 per cent.

The Commission revised the November projections of the Union's average economic growth down from 3.2 per cent, which, according to the report, stems from the downturn of the U.S. economy.

The reasons behind the continued higher than average growth of the Greek economy are the large infrastructure projects, the Athens 2004 Olympic Games infrastructure preparations and the fact that Greece does not export a great deal of its products to the U.S.

The Commission's report also stated that Greece's 2001 budget will be balanced, while the 2002 budget will present a 0.6 per cent surplus.

In regards to the Greek public debt, the report noted that it is estimated to drop to 99.5 per cent of GDP within 2001 and to 97.5 per cent in 2002.

The report also included good news regarding the unemployment as it predicted its levels dropping to 10.5 per cent within 2001 and 9.9 per cent within 2002.

Finally, inflation is expected to be 3.2 per cent by the end of 2001 and 3 per cent by the end of 2002.

[16] Greece holds 38th place in world economic freedom

The Washington-based CATO research foundation ranks Greece in 38th place in its annual report publicised on Thursday regarding world economic freedom.

The report includes 123 countries and classification is based on 21 criteria, as they were assessed in 1999.

Hong Kong holds first place with 9.4 points (out of a possible 10), followed by Singapore with 9.3, New Zealand 8.9, Britain 8.8 and the US 8.7

[17] Budget implementation satisfactory, govt says

The process of implementing this year's budget is satisfa-ctory, Finance Deputy Minister George Drys said on Friday.

Speaking to reporters, Drys said that the government did not envisage imposing a new tax on tobacco in this year's budget and that a decision to pay a family allowance to civil servants would be discussed with trade unions in May, in the framework of a negotiation round on the 2002 incomes policy.

Drys said that the finance and health ministries were jointly examining ways to solve a debt problem facing public hospitals, exceeding 250 billion drachmas.

The minister said that budget implementation would be carried out as planned by the end of the year.

The budget's net primary spending increased by 7.2 percent, down from an annual target of 7.4 percent, while total primary spending rose by 3.9 percent, sharply off the annual target of 7.9 percent, in the first three months of the year. Drys said that the regular budget's revenues grew 9.6 percent in the first quarter, up from a target of 8.2 percent.

[18] Investment firms' assets continue falling

Greek investment firms' assets fell to 861.2 billion drachmas on March 31, from 897.7 billion a fortnight ago, data by the Union of Institutional Investors showed on Friday.

The investment index fell 7.4 percent over the same period, compared with a 2.9 percent drop in the general index, to stand 11.5 percent lower from the start of the year.

[19] Almost 9,500 flights at new airport since late March opening

Athens, 21/04/2001 (ANA)

"The first days of the new airport's operation were undoubtedly difficult, but after coordinated efforts by airport management, Olympic Airways and the Civil Aviation Authority, as well as all the other airlines ... we have achieved good results and I believe that this state of improvement will get better day by day," Public Works Minister Costas Laliotis said earlier in the month, while at the same apologising to some 15,000 passengers inconvenienced by the "teething problems" at airport.

[20] Olympic Airways domestic flight fares to increase 8 percent as of Saturday

Athens, 21/04/2001 (ANA)

After the opening of the new Athens "Eleftherios Venizelos" airport, Olympic had announced that fare increases will take place after the Easter holidays, while foreign airlines had increased fares by 15 percent from the time the airport went into operation. Meanwhile, all of Olympic's flight programmes, which had been curtailed due to the new airport's operational weaknesses are being normalised.

[21] Thessaloniki light industries mull strike over pensions

The Thessaloniki Federation of Light Industry Unions said on Friday that its members were considering strike action to oppose the government's reform of the social insurance system.

The federation said in statement issued in the northern port city that the planned reform would lead to collapse of the social insurance system and of any notion of a welfare state.

[22] Agricultural Bank announces share buyback programme

Athens, 21/04/2001 (ANA)

Petros Lambrou, the bank's governor, addressing the meeting unveiled the board's intention to forge a strategic alliance with a major foreign bank, and that it had hired Morgan Stanley for this job. Lambrou said the bank would pay a 50 drachmas per share dividend to shareholders and predicted that ATE's share price had very good prospects in the medium- and long-term. "Our aim is to participate in profitable activities," Lambrou said.

Agricultural Bank has launched procedures to set up First Business Bank, its investment banking arm, with an initial capital of 30 billion drachmas in which ATE will have a 44 percent equity stake, Bank of Nova Scotia a 5.0 percent stake and nine Greek businessmen a total of 51 percent.

The bank also seeks to create an investment fund company, with an equity capital of 15 billion drachmas, a venture capital company with a capital of 10 billion drachmas, and to expand into the real estate management market.

Lambrou said the adoption of the euro was creating a very favourable environment for Greek banks, which should try to benefit from opportunities arising from hosting the Athens 2004 Olympic Games and efforts for the restructuring of the Balkans.

[23] Cyprus Leasing shows profit jump in 2000

Cyprus Leasing, a subsidiary of Bank of Cyprus, posted earnings before tax and provisions of 901 million drachmas in 2000, up 187 percent on 314 million drachmas a year earlier.

The company said in a statement on Friday that pre-tax profits totalled 501 million drachmas from 314 million drachmas in 1999, up 60 percent.

The improvement in results for 2000 was due mainly to a sharp rise in leasing contracts for real estate, medical equipment and transport, the statement added.

[24] Doudos announces share buyback programme

Doudos' shareholders on Friday approved a share buyback programme up to 10 percent of its total equity capital, in a moved aimed to help in the immediate lift of a decision by Athens Stock Exchange authorities to place the company's shares under surveillance.

An extraordinary shareholders' meeting said the move would support its share price in the market and protect small minority shareholders' interests.

Doudos has set a price of 8.8 euros per share, with a minimum price of 3.0 euros per share, for the buyback programme, to be completed in the next 12 months.

The company said its merger plan with Naoussa Spinning, OTTO Evros SA and Profin SA, would be completed following an evaluation procedure by an independent party and approval by all companies' boards.

[25] Vioter SA announces 4.98 billion share capital increase plan

Athens, 21/04/2001 (ANA)

The plan was approved by a repeated extraordinary general shareholders' meeting.

[26] Greek stocks continue moving lower in thin trade

Equity prices remained under mild pressure for the second consecutive session on the Athens Stock Exchange on Friday, ending the week above the technical support level of 3,250 points.

Traders said a wave of buying activity for blue chip and smaller capitalisation stocks helped the market end off its lows, although turnover fell to 150.83 million euros, or 51.4 billion drachmas.

The general index ended ata 3,271.44 points, down 0.44 percent but off the day's lows of 3,240.72 points.

The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks ended 0.59 percent lower at 1,918.66 points, and the FTSE/ASE 40 index fell 0.04 percent to 380.25 points.

The parallel market index for smaller capitalisation stocks ended at 328.01 points, off 0.09 percent.

Broadly, advancers led decliners by 161 to 157 with another 39 issues unchanged.

Stabilton, Korfil, Naftemporiki, Connection, Intersat, Athina and Halyps Cement scored the biggest percentage gains, while Despec Hellas, Faliro Medical, Lanacam, Mohlos, Imaco, Grigo-ris, Alte, Active, Aeoliki and Sea Farm suffered the heaviest losses.

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

[27] Bond prices rise in brisk trade

Bond prices in the domestic secondary market on Friday finished higher in heavy trade after three falling sessions.

The Greek benchmark 10-year bond showed a yield of 5.16 percent from 5.47 percent a day earlier.

The yield spread over German bunds was 51 basis points from 52 basis points in the session before.

Turnover through the central bank's electronic system totalled 1.37 billion euros (467 billion drachmas) from 890 million euros (303 billion drachmas) a trading day earlier.

Buy orders accounted for the bulk of turnover.

[28] Gov't grants manor's use to Goulandris Foundation for 50 years

Athens, 21/04/2001 (ANA)

The museum long-term survival was the focus on a meeting on Friday between Prime Minister Costas Simitis and the foundation's president, noted philanthropist Dolly Goulandri. Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos also attended the meeting. Afterwards, it was announced that Goulandri, who also doubles as the museum's curator, has donated $2 million and two buildings in downtown Athens to the foundation she heads.

[29] Conference on work of Constantine Karamanlis in northern Greece

Athens, 21/04/2001 (ANA)

An exhibition of photographs and audiovisual material on the life and work of the late president of the republic will also take place as part of the event.

The conference is being held on the occasion of the 3rd an-niversary of the death (April 23, 1998) of the former prime mi-nister and president of the republic and founder of the main opposition New Democracy party.

The conference will open with addresses by the foundation's President Petros Molyviatis, New Democracy leader Costas Karamanlis, Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos and Thes-saloniki Mayor Vassilis Papageorgopoulos.

[30] 2001 International Greek Paleography Symposium to take place in Drama

Athens, 21/04/2001 (ANA)

This international symposium was held in the past in Paris, Berlin, Oxford and Cremona, Italy.

[31] Government spokesman says soccer federation should meet its obligations regarding international soccer championships

Athens, 21/04/2001 (ANA)

The International Soccer Federation (FIFA) had criticised government interference in the Greek soccer league in March and requested the enactment of legislation safeguarding EPO's independence before April 25.

The request included a warning that in the event this was not done Greece would be barred from international competitions regarding both clubs and the national team.

On Thursday, however, Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos said "FIFA cannot present the Greek government with ultima-tums", adding that "EPO might be a member of the international organisation but the government is not."

[32] Clerides comments on Cem's statements

CAIRO 21/04/2001 (CNA/ANA)

Speaking to CNA in Cairo on Friday, before his meeting here with Prime Minister Ates Ebeid, President Clerides said Egypt will do whatever is in its means for a peaceful settlement in Cyprus based on UN resolutions and said there has been a convergence of views with the leaders he met. Invited to comment on statements made earlier this week by Turkish Foreign Minister Ismail Cem, during an illegal visit to the areas of Cyprus occupied by Turkey since 1974, the president said "Turkey's negative stance opens the road for Cyprus' accession to the EU even without a settlement." He added that a reply has already been given to Cem that "Turkey is to blame for the lack of progress in the search for a settlement to the Cyprus problem."

Cem had said Cyprus' accession to the EU would be a "Pyrrhic victory" and claimed it would bring new suffering to the Greek and Turkish Cypriot communities.

Ankara has been fully backing Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash in his refusal to participate in a sixth round of UN-led proximity talks unless the illegal regime in the Turkish occupied areas of the island is recognized and there is a change in the format followed.

Replying to a question on his meeting with his Egyptian counter-part Hosni Mubarak in Sarm-el-Sheikh on Thursday, President Clerides described it as "very friendly" and said that even though they did not go into detail they agreed on the issues discussed.

"We assessed the situation in Cyprus and the Middle East and discussed issues of interest to this region and internationally," he said. President Clerides is on a six-day private visit to Egypt and is scheduled to leave on Saturday on his boat to return to the island.

[33] Israeli foreign minister to visit Cyprus

NICOSIA 21/04/2001 (CNA/ANA)

It was officially announced here on Friday that Peres will meet and have official talks with Minister Kasoulides on Monday. He will also be received by President Glafcos Clerides.

The Israeli minister will attend the inauguration of the Larnaca Desalination Plant, which will be officially opened by President Clerides.

Prior to his departure, Minister Peres will give a lecture at the invitation of the Institute of Eurodemocracy.

[34] Parliamentary elections officially announced

NICOSIA 21/04/2001 (CNA/ANA)

He also ordered separate elections for the three religious groups, Armenians, Maronites and Latins, on the same day, but these candidacies will be submitted on May 4. The three elected representatives of the religious groups have only a consultative role in the 56-member House.

Christodoulou said the interior ministry is ready to carry out the elections and expressed certainty they will take place "without any serious problem".

He announced that he has appointed Interior Ministry Permanent Secretary Kyriacos Triantaffylides as Chief Returning Officer and director of the Central Electoral Service George Theodorou as Assistant Chief Returning Officer.

Theodorou told CNA that some 469.000 people have the right to vote for the new House, that dissolved in the early hours of Friday.

A total of 30,686 new voters, who will be over 18 years on the day, have registered for the compulsory elections, while it is estimated that some 1200 polling stations will operate on election day as opposed to 880 in the 1996 parliamentary elections.

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