Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 01-06-20

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

CONTENTS

[01] Greek foreign policy has produced results, PM says after briefing President on EU, NATO summits

[02] Belgian monarch visits Greece for first time

[03] EU's future tops agenda of Greek FM and his visiting Belgian counterpart

[04] Gov't adamant over Cyprus' excellent EU accession prospects

[05] Reppas comments on EU Summit recommendations for economy

[06] Draft report by Eurodeputy Jacques Poos on Cyprus's EU accession course discussed

[07] 'Omonia' president calls on ethnic Greeks to vote in Albanian election

[08] Ministers present program for cutting through state bureaucracy

[09] US ambassador, Greek deputy FM discuss bilateral issues

[10] Greek Navy chief concludes eight-day visit to U.S.

[11] MRB opinion poll gives ND clear lead on all counts

[12] Orthodox prelate in Austria calls attention to Orthodoxy as part of EU culture

[13] Annual Orthodoxy Assembly to take place in Patmos June 28-July 2

[14] Greece improves ranking in world competitiveness survey

[15] Greek banking has major room for growth, survey says

[16] Working conditions worsening in EU in certain sectors

[17] Agriculture minister says CFP target is rational management of resources

[18] Social security reform talks not scheduled for September, gov’t says

[19] Delay in Thessaloniki Metro due to continuation of negotiations

[20] International conference on Sustainable Development

[21] Hellenic Telecoms to present new management structure in September

[22] Greek stocks remain under pressure

[23] 2004 Olympics budget raised 7.5% to 1.5 trillion drachmas

[24] EU officials in Cyprus for talks

[01] Greek foreign policy has produced results, PM says after briefing President on EU, NATO summits

Athens, 20/06/2001 (ANA)

Simitis briefed the President on the outcome of the EU summit on Gothenburg, Sweden, over the weekend and his contacts with his NATO counterparts in Brussels on the sidelines of an emergency Alliance summit.

He told reporters after the meeting with the President that Greek foreign policy had played a protagonist role in confronting the situation in FYROM, adding that Greece would have "a presence and participation in the end solution to the problem".

The premier said the same government policy--comprising stability in the economy, acceleration of growth rates, expansion of social policy and a foreign policy of peace and cooperation--would be continued.

"During our contacts in both Brussels and Gothenburg, we ascertained that the country must continue the policy we have been following in recent years," Simitis said.

Before going into the half-hour meeting, Simitis said in reply to a question by the President that the Gothenburg summit had shown the dynamic of the European Union, and how much EU enlargement could change the situation.

Stephanopoulos, in turn, said that there was concern in the world over the future, which was apparent in the extensive incidents in Gothenburg.

Simitis called the violence "unacceptable", noting that the European governments were democratically elected.

[02] Belgian monarch visits Greece for first time

Athens, 20/06/2001 (ANA)

The royal Belgian couple three-day official visit to Greece is the first ever visit to the country by a Belgian monarch in the history of Greek-Belgian relations.

Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis, Alternate Foreign Minister Elizabeth Papazoi, Athens Mayor Dimitris Avramopoulos and other officials, were present at the reception of the Belgian monarch.

Welcoming the royal couple, President Stephanopoulos presented Queen Paola the Cross of the Order of Honor.

On his part, the monarch gave President Stephanopoulos the Cross of the Order of Leopold.

Besides a series of meetings with Greek leadership and opposition politicians, the Belgian royal couple will also tour a handful of well-known Greek archaeological sites, including the all-marble Panathenian Stadium in downtown Athens - the site for the first modern Olympics in 1896 - and the Macedonian Royal Tombs at the Vergina tumulus in northern Greece.

Finally, a conference in Athens will focus on trade relations between the two EU and NATO allies.

President focuses on FYROM, Cyprus and EU in speech at dinner for Belgian King: Conditions in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), the Cyprus problem, Greek-Turkish relations and the European Union enlargement process dominated Greek President Kostis Stephanopoulos' address during an official dinner he hosted in honor of visiting King of Belgium Albert II and his wife Queen Paola, on Tuesday in Athens.

He stressed that Greece wishes the speedy return to normalcy in FYROM through actions based on the principles of international law and thus the country undertook specific initiatives.

"Developments (in FYROM) cause grave concern, which we hope is shared, to the same degree, by other countries of the European Union, so as they may steadfastly take the necessary measures, which will secure peace in the region".

He also spoke in support of a just an viable solution for the Cyprus problem in line with the United Nations resolutions on the issue, meanwhile reiterating Greece's position in favor of the Union's enlargement with Cyprus included in the first wave of candidate member-states to gain full accession rights.

Greek-Turkish affairs were also part of the Greek president's speech as he noted that Ankara's candidacy to the EU would have a positive impact in promoting democratic institutions in that country and would normalize Greek-Turkish relations.

[03] EU's future tops agenda of Greek FM and his visiting Belgian counterpart

Athens, 20/06/2001 (ANA)

Following the meeting Papandreou said that he and Michel discussed the future of Europe in light of the Belgian presidency of the EU, which will begin on July 1st, saying Greece and Belgium have similar views and both place special emphasis on the participation of citizens in this discussion.

He added that the relations of the Union with Balkan countries and conditions in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) topped the agenda of their talks along with the recent discussions within NATO for the European Union security and defense identity.

Papandreou said that the Cyprus issue was also prominent on the agenda.

On his part, Michel, who will preside over the European Union foreign ministers' council as of July 1st, called Papandreou "one of the most able and resourceful foreign ministers of the Union, who always is seeking for mutual consent, while at the same time remaining steadfast on his opinions. For this reason he is a balancing element in the council of ministers".

Speaking on the future of the Union, Michel said "it would be better to avoid linguistic conflicts over the federation of nation-states and attempt to promote the European idea and the consolidation of the European Union."

"A single thought is not good. Politicians should allow for the necessary space for a wide public dialogue to develop," Michel said.

Regarding FYROM, Michel expressed the hope for a real dialogue and said that the Belgian presidency would work on the problem.

[04] Gov't adamant over Cyprus' excellent EU accession prospects

Athens, 20/06/2001 (ANA)

Government spokesman Dimitris Reppas on Tuesday made the comment in response to a press question over results of the recent Goteborg EU summit.

In specifically citing Cyprus, the spokesman said the island's government has recorded the most progress towards meeting accession criteria, more than any other candidate-country in fact.

Finally, he said that "at the right time it (Cyprus) will be the first to enter the European Union."

[05] Reppas comments on EU Summit recommendations for economy

Athens, 20/06/2001 (ANA)

He also disputed a claim that the summit text had contained 12 instructions/recommendations to Greece regarding the economy.

Reppas noted that the text actually concerned all European Union countries and contained one reference to investment in Greece. The only recommendation made to Greece alone, he added, was to adhere to the stability and development program-me it had submitted last November.

And this, the spokesman concluded, is already being done.

Spokesman comments on violent protests during EU summit in Sweden: Government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said on Tuesday that violence was not an acceptable method for promoting views and should not replace dialogue and juxtaposition of programs.

"Everyone can democratically state his views and these views are respected," the spokesman noted.

He was responding to questions on the violent clashes between police and protestors that marred the EU Summit in Gothenburg, Sweden over the weekend.

[06] Draft report by Eurodeputy Jacques Poos on Cyprus's EU accession course discussed

BRUSSELS, 20/06/2001 (ANA - B. Demiris)

Presenting his report, Poos expressed support for the UN secretary general's efforts to resolve the Cyprus issue, saying that they constitute the basis for a political solution enabling the reunification of Cyprus.

Poos said these proposals urge the creation in Cyprus of a state having one international identity and called on the Turkish Cypriot side to accept them.

He also blamed Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash for the deadlock created in proximity talks adding that the common target should be the seeking of a just and viable solution to the Cyprus issue.

[07] 'Omonia' president calls on ethnic Greeks to vote in Albanian election

Athens, 20/06/2001 (ANA)

"Sunday's elections are very significant for the ethnic Greek minority," Omonia president Vangelis Doules said during a press conference in Ioannina, NW Greece. He also stressed that Omonia's goal is to elect five deputies to the Albanian legislature in order to form an independent parliamentary grouping.

"There are Omonia and Union for Human Rights candidates in every election district, as well as representation on the state deputies' ballot," he noted, adding that some 400 buses have been chartered to take ethnic Greeks working and residing in Greece back to southern Albania over the weekend.

Regarding the pre-election climate in the neighboring country, Doules said calm has so far reigned, while "everyone hopes that incidents that marred past elections will be avoided."

[08] Ministers present program for cutting through state bureaucracy

Athens, 20/06/2001 (ANA)

According to the new Constitution, the Greek civil service is now required to respond to requests for documents within 60 days.

For this reason, the interior ministry's 'Politia' program plans to simplify 31 processes carried out by government services and does away with 61 individual certificates and five big groups of certificates.

The ministry has also begun to record 800 procedures that require the submission of 1,400 different documents, of which it plans to scrap 600.

In addition, legislation is being prepared that will replace sundry documents with a signed statement by the applicant, promote cooperation between different services to replace time-consuming shuttling from one government agency to the other and also 'silent approval' whereby applications or requests that are not answered in good time are considered granted.

Christodoulakis said that his ministry had contributed to the effort to simplify civil service red tape by making information available on the Internet and establishing unified services to citizens by all government departments responsible.

He also referred to the Investor Reception Centers (KYE) set up by his ministry in each Greek prefecture, to give small businesses easier access to information on acquiring a license for their business.

Christodoulakis said that a pilot program for electronic procurements would be in place by the end of the year, which would further facilitate access for small and medium-sized businesses and save public funds. In addition, there will be electronic waiting lists, where applicants will be able to monitor the progress of their application.

[09] US ambassador, Greek deputy FM discuss bilateral issues

Athens, 20/06/2001 (ANA)

The two men also discussed the lifting of a visa requirement for Greek visitors to the United States, the possibility of an agreement for the return of illegally exported cultural treasures and issues concerning the cooperation of the US and Greek civil aviation authorities.

[10] Greek Navy chief concludes eight-day visit to U.S.

WASHINGTON, 20/06/2001 (ANA - T. Ellis)

Theodoroulakis visited U.S. Navy installations at Newport, Rhode Island, Virginia, Texas and California. He also met in Washington with Clark and senior U.S. Navy officers and laid a wreath at the Arlington national cemetery.

During his stay in the American capital, Theodoroulakis gave an interview to the defense magazine "Defense News", saying that Greece and the Greek Navy desire closer cooperation with the U.S. and the American armed forces.

[11] MRB opinion poll gives ND clear lead on all counts

Athens, 20/06/2001 (ANA)

Specifically, 34.9 per cent of those responding said they would vote for ND in the next elections, 26 per cent for PASOK, 8.9 per cent for the Movement of Free Citizens (KEP), 5.6 per cent for the Communist Party of Greece (KKE), 3.4 per cent for the Coalition of the Left and Progress and 1.9 per cent for the Democratic Socialist Movement (DHKKI).

In the question on who is most suitable for prime minister, Karamanlis came first with 39.3 per cent and Simitis second with 37.1 per cent.

ND also won hands down on which party was most likely to win an election - regardless of what respondents would themselves vote for - with 51.3 per cent predicting an ND victory against 26.9 per cent expecting victory for PASOK.

Apart from most suitable for prime minister, respondents also chose Karamanlis over Simitis as the more popular political leader, with 41.7 per cent. Most popular was KEP leader Dimitris Avramopoulos, whose popularity as political leader was assessed for the first time, with 45.6 per cent, while Coalition leader Nikos Constantopoulos got 36.3 per cent, Simitis 32.8 per cent, DHKKI leader Dimitris Tsovolas 30.1 per cent, Liberals Party leader Stephanos Manos 22.1 per cent, KKE leader Aleka Papariga 14.7 per cent and Political Spring leader Antonis Samaras 10.9 per cent.

President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos had a steady popularity rating of 77.8 per cent, while the popularity of Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos rose to 74.8 per cent and that of Archbishop of Athens and All Greece Christodoulos to 71.7 per cent.

The popularity of ATHOC chairwoman Gianna Angelopoulos-Daskalaki was seen wane for the first time, dropping to 51.4 per cent.

Also a first in the MRB poll, ND cadres appeared to have overtaken their PASOK counterparts in general popularity, with George Souflias (55.3 per cent) and Dora Bakoyianni (51.4 per cent) occupying the two top slots, followed by Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos (47.6 per cent) and Foreign Minister George Papandreou (47.2 per cent). Next in line were Parliament Speaker Apostolos Kaklamanis (40.8 per cent), Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos (40.1 per cent), ND spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos (39 per cent), ND MP Prokopis Pavlopoulos (37.7 per cent), Interior Minister Vasso Papandreou (37.3 per cent) and ND MP Vyron Polydoras (37 per cent).

The government's image was described as positive by 20.8 per cent of respondents, compared to 28.5 per cent last December, while it was seen as negative by 65.3 per cent compared with 56.5 percent in December.

ND's image was described as positive by 29.3 per cent, compared with 25.9 per cent last December, and negative by 53.4 per cent compared with 55.1 per cent in December 2000.

Karamanlis also took the lead over Simitis on confidence in handling economic issues and foreign policy (37.5 per cent) and social issues (36.9 per cent).

Simitis got 31.2 per cent for the handling of economic and foreign policy issues and 23.9 per cent for social issues.

On which party would be best to handle the social security issue, PASOK got 20.5 per cent and ND gets 30.6 per cent.

Gov't spokesman: The government's policies in recent years have brought results and these policies must be carried through to the end because they have created the conditions for economic growth and the current healthy state of the economy, government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said on Tuesday.

Reppas was replying to questions concerning the government's poor ratings in recent opinion polls.

The spokesman said that he did not know the results of an opinion poll due to be published on Tuesday evening, adding that the government did not comment on the results of opinion polls.

"Opinion polls come and go but that which remains is the electoral outcome," he said, while stressing that opinion polls did not make governments.

Asked whether a negative climate against the government had consolidated itself, Reppas responded by saying that the government remained true to positions of principle, while he described opinion polls as "scientific tools that do not trap us."

He pointed out that past opinion polls, even before the year 2000, had shown certain victory for main opposition New Democracy and had been proved false.

FM says 'it would be bad for us not to take into consideration public opinion messages': Foreign Minister George Papandreou said on Tuesday opinion polls are an important tool for one to evaluate public opinion and that "it would be bad for us not to take into consideration public opinion messages."

Papandreou added that "what we should see is what actions we shall do as a government and as a party to reverse this image" which is presented in opinion polls for PASOK.

Speaking to a private television channel, Papandreou commented on an opinion poll conducted by the MRB company saying that the image shown is not necessarily negative.

"If we heed this bell and utilize it positively it can be a substantive opportunity for our renewal," he said.

Replying to a question on succession in PASOK, Papandreou said talk of succession would not be helpful in seeing the substantive problems of the people.

[12] Orthodox prelate in Austria calls attention to Orthodoxy as part of EU culture

VIENNA, 20/06/2001 (ANA - D. Dimitrakoudis)

Michail, Exarch of the Ecumenical Orthodox Patriarchate in central Europe, stressed that the role of Orthodoxy in Western Europe has been underrated as Orthodox Christians represent a minority of the population.

He added Orthodoxy is systematically ignored by those "attempting to present a fake and forged form to Orthodoxy, by presenting it either as a nationalist Church or as a non-progressive or extremely conservative Church."

[13] Annual Orthodoxy Assembly to take place in Patmos June 28-July 2

Athens, 20/06/2001 (ANA)

The Orthodoxy Assembly is an Interparliamentary body created at the initiative of Greece's Parliament and is headquartered in Athens.

The idea for its creation appeared in 1993 at a conference organized in the Halkidiki area in northern Greece by the Greek Parliament's Orthodoxy and Religions Committee and was based on the issue of "Orthodoxy in the New European Reality."

The founding assembly was held in Athens in November 1994 with the participation of parliamentary representatives from European countries having Orthodox populations.

The Orthodoxy Assembly, among others, aims at registering and assessing changes taking place in Europe and the promotion of Orthodoxy's role in the framework of the European Union.

[14] Greece improves ranking in world competitiveness survey

Athens, 20/06/2001 (ANA)

On the basis of a survey of macroeconomic performance, Greece fell to 39th place from 38th in 1998 and 37th in 1997, the survey said.

In terms of business ability, Greece ranked 26th in 2001, rising from 30th place in 1997, just overtaking Italy and Portugal.

Greece was ranked 33rd in terms of government ability in 1997-2001, up from 44th place in 1997, according to the survey.

A weak point to emerge about the Greek economy was its exports sector, both as a percentage of gross domestic product and in absolute terms. Employment was also a problem area, the IMD said.

The findings of the survey were released in the northern port city of Thessaloniki on Tuesday by the Association of Northern Greek Industrialists, which extracted the data on Greece.

[15] Greek banking has major room for growth, survey says

Athens, 20/06/2001 (ANA)

It said that six new credit institutions were expected to launch operations within the year, focusing on particular market segments.

Growth was seen as most likely in loans, treasury operations and bancassurance, with lending expected to double in the next five years.

In addition, asset management is expected to contribute up to 5.0 percent of banking profits, the survey added.

[16] Working conditions worsening in EU in certain sectors

Athens, 20/06/2001 (ANA)

The report said over 15 million workers reported incidents of physical and psychological force, as well as sexual harassment at workplace.

"Deteriorating is being caused by increasing health problems due to workplace conditions, the intensification of production and the implementation of the flexible working timetable," said the Greek Health and Social Security Labor Institute on the issue in its recent periodical edition.

Regarding Greece, the report said that 48 percent of working people believe that their health and safety is in danger due to their work, while 53 percent say that working duties are a cause for stress. Moreover, 67 percent believe that they are working under tight time margins and 60 percent under marginal time limits.

[17] Agriculture minister says CFP target is rational management of resources

BRUSSELS, 20/06/2001 (ANA - Y. Zitouniati)

Anomeritis was speaking at the Council of Agriculture Ministers, taking place in Luxembourg on Monday and Tuesday, on the European Union's new fisheries policy as determined by the "Green Papers on Fisheries."

"It is not possible for others to take measures for the rational management of certain fishery resources and others to enjoy these same resources without even taking measures," he said.

Anomeritis said that, parallel to the principle of relative stability which should be maintained, what should also be jointly considered are the traditional fishery activities of member-states and the particularities and needs indirectly depending on fishery regions, as well as transformation needs.

He further said that the existing access status should be maintained, including six and 12-mile zones, to avoid further pressures and the disturbing of deposits, which are in a better condition.

Anomeritis also focused on the need to safeguard a competitive EU fishing fleet, underlining the increasing presence in the Mediterranean of fishing fleets of non-EU countries, such as Japan or Korea.

[18] Social security reform talks not scheduled for September, gov’t says

Athens, 20/06/2001 (ANA)

Speaking to reporters in Thessaloniki, Giannitsis said "no dialogue will begin in September. Procedures are progressing as planned. We shall have technical meetings with our social partners and by the end of August or early September we will have completed this stage."

Giannitsis also said that a National Action Plan aimed to achieve social integration in the period 2000-2003 would cost around 900 billion drachmas.

[19] Delay in Thessaloniki Metro due to continuation of negotiations

BRUSSELS, 20/06/2001 (ANA - M. Spinthourakis)

This was stated, according to a press release by the main opposition New Democracy party's Eurodeputies from Brussels, by Commissioner F. Bolkenstein, who was addressing the European Parliament's Reports Committee on a report on the issue by ND Eurodeputy Antonis Trakatellis.

Trakatellis' report concerned the unjustified, according to ND's announcement, delay in the project being carried out.

[20] International conference on Sustainable Development

Athens, 20/06/2001 (ANA)

According to the Mediterranean Cooperation Foundation, the organizers of the event, the strengthening of relations and creation of a climate of cooperation among the countries of the Mediterranean, SE Europe and the Black Sea is the target of the Foundation's 4th international congress, which this year is devoted to the theme "sustainable development" and will be held in Aghios Nikolaos.

[21] Hellenic Telecoms to present new management structure in September

Athens, 20/06/2001 (ANA)

Presenting a new series of products by OTEnet, the organization’s subsidiary Internet service provider, Manassis said OTE would issue a convertible bond issue in July. The organization is also expected to announce next month a new way of selecting its chairman and CEO from its board.

Manassis said these developments were expected to lead to changes in OTE's board structure.

He also said that the new structure would ensure scale economies and opportunities for better management.

G. Skarpelis, OTE's vice-chairman and OTEnet's chairman, announced a conference in September, with the participation of all foreign companies in which OTE has an equity holding, to decide their strategy plans.

In a letter to the Athens Stock Exchange, Hellenic Telecoms said it would participate in a tender to supply voice and vision broadcast services to the country's Social Security Fund, in a contract worth 4.95 billion drachmas.

OTEnet presented its new VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) service. The internet protocol telephone call service, named Smile, will offer international and local telephone calls at rates up to 50 percent lower (for international calls) using any telephone device or card-phone.

G. Ioannidis, OTEnet's chief executive, said the new service was based on the Internet voice transfer technology (VoIP). The company expects 2001 revenues from telephone cards sales to reach 300 million drachmas.

OTEnet also announced the immediate operation of four GIGAPOPs to replace GigaBit Routers, in Athens, Thessaloniki and Patras, with the aim to operate eight such hubs.

[22] Greek stocks remain under pressure

Athens, 20/06/2001 (ANA)

Traders said that selective buying in smaller capitalization stocks lifted the day's turnover slightly and offered support to the market.

The general index ended 0.37 percent lower at 2,832.97 points, off the day's lows of 2,825.17 points. Turnover was a low 99.79 million euros, or 34 billion drachmas.

The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks ended at 1,644.96 points, off 0.48 percent, the FTSE/ASE 40 index fell 0.89 percent to 324.94 points, and the FTSE/ASE SMALLCAP 80 index eased 0.26 percent to 908.11 points.

The parallel market index for smaller capitalization stocks ended at 271.84 points, unchanged from Monday.

Broadly, decliners led advancers by 168 to 144 with another 48 issues unchanged.

Parnassos, Fitco, Intersat, Korfil, Daring, Barba Stathis, Mosholios, Unibrain, Varvaressos and Zampa scored the biggest percentage gains, while Iaso, AS Company, Dromeas, Boutaris, Alysida, Spider, GEK, Delta Holdings, Lampsa and Olympic Catering suffered the heaviest losses.

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

Bond prices mixed in light to moderate trade: Bond prices in the domestic secondary market on Tuesday finished mixed in light to moderate trade with players focusing on 15-year paper.

The Greek benchmark 10-year bond showed a yield of 5.48 percent.

The yield spread over German bunds was 45 basis points.

Turnover through the central bank's electronic system totalled 642 million euros (218 billion drachmas).

Buy orders accounted for around half of turnover.

Equity futures show intra-day drop in premium: Equity futures traded on the Athens Derivatives Exchange posted an intra-day drop in premium on Tuesday after the main market was unable to hold onto early gains stemming from pressure on banking stocks.

The underlying FTSE/ASE 20 index closed 0.48 percent down, and the FTSE/ASE 40 ended 0.89 percent lower.

Traded were 6,721 contracts on turnover of 46.0 million euros.

[23] 2004 Olympics budget raised 7.5% to 1.5 trillion drachmas

Athens, 20/06/2001 (ANA)

The budget was unveiled on Tuesday after an inter-ministerial meeting chaired by Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis, who cautioned relevant ministers to strictly monitor spending, "now we have a precise idea over the cost ... so, we must adhere to these numbers."

Specifically, the new budget stands at 1.493 trillion drachmas.

Conversely, a handful of major infrastructure projects set for the greater Athens area prior to the Games have not been included in the 2004 Games' budget, including a new tram network and a widely expected a suburban rail-line - both of which are expecting funding from the EU's Third Community Support Framework.

Before the inter-ministerial meeting, Simitis met privately with Athens 2004 organizing committee president Gianna Angelopoulos-Daskalaki.

[24] EU officials in Cyprus for talks

NICOSIA, 20/06/2001 (CNA/ANA)

According to a press release issued by the Delegation of the European Commission to Cyprus, the aim of the talks is the discussion of various issues relating to the chapters under negotiation during the Swedish Presidency and those to be negotiated during the forthcoming Belgian Presidency.

Chapters to be addressed include Taxation, Environment, Free Movement of Goods, Telecommunications and Information Society, Customs Union and Agriculture.

The Commission's team will hold general meetings with the Cyprus Negotiating Team for accession into the EU and will meet the relevant officials in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Planning Bureau, the Ministry of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Communications and Works and the Ministry of Labor and Social Insurance.

The members of the EU Commission will also meet the Chairman of the House of Representatives' Committee for European Affairs. On Wednesday Maurer will address a conference on "Tax aspects of Cyprus' accession to the EU" in Nicosia and on Thursday he will hold a joint press conference with the Cyprus Chief Negotiator George Vassiliou.

Cyprus has provisionally closed 22 of the 29 chapters open for negotiation.

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