Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 01-07-20

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

CONTENTS

[01] Greece expresses intense annoyance after entry refusal and mistreatment of Greek activists in Ancona, Italy

[02] Greece remains steadfast at Cyprus' side, President says on invasion anniversary

[03] New US envoy Miller testifies before Senate

[04] Greece reiterates support for dialogue in FYROM

[05] Greek activists mistreated by Italian authorities, refused entry into Italy

[06] GSEE president and PM confer on internal Greek issues

[07] Trade unionists have role in PASOK dialogue, Papantoniou says

[08] Town Planning minister announces bill establishing real estate insurance agency

[09] Karamanlis addresses first meeting of new party coordinators

[10] ND's Bakoyianni hosts dinner for EU ambassadors in Athens

[11] New EU fund package already in use, minister says

[12] Greece tops EU league in gains from state aid to industry

[13] Lowest unemployment recorded in Ionian Islands, Eurostat says

[14] Hellenic Tourism Real Estate to seek bourse entry next year

[15] Gov't condemns, call Social Security Foundation doctors strike illegal

[16] EU okays funds for Greek nature programs

[17] Opportunities for Greek engineering contractors in Serbia

[18] Industrialists call on gov't to take action in economy

[19] Stocks surge again

[20] Culture ministry employees to strike over subsidy

[21] Gov't clarifies reports on new archeological finds at Schinias

[22] EU to stop daily fine on Greece for Kouroupitos dump

[23] 6th Youth Parliament to be held on September 15-19

[24] Parliament to put out bulletin in Braille for sight-impaired

[25] Boston Marathon organizers' delegation visits Athens to aid Athens counterparts

[26] President Clerides reiterates his readiness for a Cyprus settlement

[27] AHEPA urges Bush to take active interest in Cyprus problem

[01] Greece expresses intense annoyance after entry refusal and mistreatment of Greek activists in Ancona, Italy

Athens, 20/07/2001 (ANA)

"The foreign ministry confronted in time and with responsibility the problem that was created, today, with the action to forbid the entry on Italian soil of Greek citizens, who would have participated in protests in Genoa," Beglitis said in a statement. "Foreign Minister George Papandreou communicated by telephone with his Italian counterpart R. Ruggiero, so as to arrive at a solution, while our embassy in Rome was in constant contact and made all the necessary representations to the competent Italian authorities," he added.

"Regarding the incidents that were created at the port of Ancona, we would like to express our strong annoyance with the brutal behavior of the Italian police forces against Greek citizens, aboard a Greek ship.

Clarifications will be requested immediately by the competent Italian authorities for these events," Beglitis concluded.

[02] Greece remains steadfast at Cyprus' side, President says on invasion anniversary

Athens, 20/07/2001 (ANA)

In a message marking Friday's anniversary of the July 20, 1974 invasion of Cyprus by Turkish troops and the continuing occupation of the northern part of the island, Stephanopoulos said:

"In every instance, Greece remains steadfast at the side of Cyprus for the restoration and cementing of its integrity, sovereignty and independence."

He said the invasion and continuing occupation of the northern sector of Cyprus comprised a "blatant violation of all principles of international law".

Despite the UN Resolutions and the various initiatives undertaken, he added, it had not been possible to resolve the Cyprus issue "due to Turkey's refusal to comply with the Resolutions of the United Nations, but also due to the international community's inability to impose them".

Stephanopoulos said that Cyprus' imminent membership in the European Union would "perhaps lead the Turkish side to abide by its international obligations and approach in a different way this perpetuating issue, which has developed into a shame for humanity".

'We are with Cyprus' Reppas says: In a message for the 27th anniversary on Friday of the 1974 invasion of Cyprus by Turkey, government spokesman Dimitris Reppas stressed that the Greek government stood united with Cyprus.

In comments during the press briefing on Thursday, Reppas said that intense efforts were being made for a solution to the Cyprus problem and to further the island republic's EU accession negotiations and that these efforts would be continued.

He stressed that all diplomatic and political initiatives for a solution to the Cyprus problem - which he described as major - would be taken, and that this would be the best and most effective way of remembering and honoring the fallen.

Greek parties call for an end to occupation: Greece's main opposition New Democracy (ND) leader Costas Karamanlis on Thursday reiterated his party's commitment to remain a steadfast supporter of the just struggle of the Greek Cypriots to end the Turkish occupation of northern Cyprus, in light of the 27th anniversary since the invasion of Turkish forces in Cyprus, which became a continuing illegal occupation since then.

Karamanlis, in a message, blamed Turkish intransigence for the lack of progress in resolving the quarter century problem of the island republic. "It is this intransigence and the continuing presence of Turkish troops in Cyprus that cannot but obstruct the normalization of Greek Turkish relations," Karamanlis added.

The Coalition of the Left and Progress (Synaspismos) also issued a press release calling for a resolution to the problem that was created with the invasion, saying that it should be based on a bizonal, bicommunal federation with a single sovereignty, one international identity, without foreign troops and without foreign military bases.

On its part, Democratic Social Movement (DHKKI) leader Dimitris Tsovolas said " let today's black anniversary be a day of collective historical memory, as well as the beginning of a new cycle of resistance against the Turkish expansionism and the nullifying of plans to shrink Hellenism".

Athens Mayor Dimitris Avramopoulos, the leader of newly establish Movement of Free Citizens party, said that the course of the Cyprus problem over the past 27 years "has brought to the surface the responsibilities and the inability of the international community to provide an end to a dramatic situation that offends the culture of man and every sense of justice".

[03] New US envoy Miller testifies before Senate

WASHINGTON, 20/07/2001 (ANA - T. Ellis)

Testifying before the Senate's Foreign Affairs, Miller spoke of his "authentic love for Greece" where he had served twice in the past, referred to what he said "significant steps" made in the economic field by Prime Minister Costas Simitis and his economic team and expressed his personal sorrow for the loss of late alternate foreign minister Yiannos Kranidiotis.

On the Cyprus issue, Miller said that Turkey's European Union accession course "stops at the non-settlement of the Cyprus issue".

He also expressed optimism over the finding of a solution on the island republic, underlining his satisfaction for Greek-Turkish rapprochement in recent years.

Turning to the issue of terrorism, Miller said it was a problem for Greece, adding that Athens has made steps to combat it.

Referring to the Athens 2004 Olympics, he said there was a security problem but noted that Greece is working with the US and other nations to confront the issue.

Miller's appointment is expected to be ratified by the Senate by the end of July or early August.

[04] Greece reiterates support for dialogue in FYROM

Athens, 20/07/2001 (ANA)

Greece "stands in solidarity with the government and the political forces of FYROM and continues to steadfastly support the principles of defending the country's territorial integrity, its sovereignty, the single identity of the state and its course toward Euro-Atlantic institutions," Foreign ministry spokesman Panayiotis Beglitis said in a statement.

[05] Greek activists mistreated by Italian authorities, refused entry into Italy

GENOA, 20/07/2001 (ANA - A. Davanelos)

The entourage of buses, which had departed from the port city of Patras, arrived at the Ancona port earlier in the day and authorities here only allowed the entrance of 15 transit vehicles.

According to sources, authorities then barricaded the entrance of the vessel in an effort to disallow the remaining three buses to disembark the ship, which were transporting nearly 150 activists to the protest march in Genoa.

Among those obstructed from getting off the ship were none other than the members of the organizing committee, or the leaders of the activist march.

Following a lengthy negotiation period, and since the group refused to sail back to Greece, police officials entered the vessel and according to sources brutally battered the protestors and expelled them from Italy.

This line of action by Italian authorities is condemned by the Social Forum of Genoa and all the Italian political and social groups that are taking part in the protest march while it is also criticized by the other similar international groups participating in the same event.

The news was not received well in Athens, and prompted the Greek Committee for the 'International Protests in Genoa' to stage a rally, early Thursday evening, in front of the Italian Embassy in the Greek capital, while the political community also phrased its displeasure.

Communist Party of Greece (KKE) leader Aleka Papariga called on Minister of Public Order Michalis Chrysohoidis to intervene with Italian authorities and allow the 150 activists to take part in the protest march.

At the same time a representative body of the Coalition of the Left and Progress (Synaspismos), headed by Stergios Pitsiorlas and Nikos Houndis voiced their annoyance to Minister of Foreign Affairs George Papandreou and asked that the Greek government intervene as well.

According to a Synaspismos announcement, Papandreou expressed "his astonishment and disagreement" with the Italian authorities' action and stressed that Greece did not supply data on protesters to Italian authorities.

He also said that necessary demarches have already been made by his ministry with the Italian government, and reassured of the prime minister's personal interest on further developments, the announcement added.

The Democratic Social Movement (DIKKI) also condemned the Italian authorities actions.

ND spokesman: Main opposition New Democracy spokesman Theodore Roussopoulos, commenting on the denied entrance to Greek activists into Italy by authorities on Thursday, described as "unthinkable" the mistreatment of Greek citizens that wanted to peacefully protest as well as enter a European city.

The spokesman was referring to the group of activists that were blocked from disembarking their ship by Italian authorities at the Ancona port earlier in the day in order to participate at the protest march against the G8 Summit talks in Genoa.

"In a Europe of citizens, such authoritarian methods are condemnable," said Roussopoulos in a statement.

"We must all cooperate and work together for a Europe of social coherence and solidarity and a Europe of culture and participation of the many in the centers of decision making".

Reppas comments: The Greek government is in constant contact with Italian authorities and diplomatic services, government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said on Thursday when asked if Greek anti-globalization protestors headed for Genoa had been denied entry into Italy.

He also emphasized that the Greek government had not sent lists of Greek citizens to Italian authorities.

[06] GSEE president and PM confer on internal Greek issues

Athens, 20/07/2001 (ANA)

Speaking to reporters afterwards, he said discussions focused on "problems facing Greek society".

Polyzogopoulos underlined that unionists and the prime minister were on a "course of a creative convergence regarding the issues that concern the nation".

Speaking, as he said, not as president of GSEE, but as a member of the ruling PASOK party, he noted that "the aim of all is to restore confidence, which is necessary so that a general consensus by all citizens can be reached and the nation can advance".

[07] Trade unionists have role in PASOK dialogue, Papantoniou says

Athens, 20/07/2001 (ANA)

In a press conference on Wednesday, GSEE leader Christos Polyzogopoulos and other trade unionists belonging to the ruling party put forward a series of policy proposals to be discussed at the congress, and called for a "change of faces" in government to bring it "closer to the people".

Papantoniou noted that the congress would decide the party's political platform and that unity over policy was the aim, while adding that the views of the trade unionists would also play a part in the dialogue.

He avoided commenting on the stock exchange.

[08] Town Planning minister announces bill establishing real estate insurance agency

Athens, 20/07/2001 (ANA)

The bill was the result of studies carried out after the destructive earthquake that hit Athens on September 1999, killing over one hundred people.

Speaking to the press during the presentation of the bill, Laliotis said that the agency will cover all private real estate holdings for up to 130 square meters, while in the event that a building is larger than that, the remainder will be covered by private insurance agencies at the initiative of the owner.

The amount of reimbursement was set at an average of 180.000 drachmas per square meter, while the amount of payment into the fund was set between 2,000 to 2,500 drachmas.

[09] Karamanlis addresses first meeting of new party coordinators

Athens, 20/07/2001 (ANA)

Karamanlis reiterated that there was "extreme fluidity" on the political scene, which he blamed on the government, and called on the party officials to "be prepared and on alert".

[10] ND's Bakoyianni hosts dinner for EU ambassadors in Athens

Athens, 20/07/2001 (ANA)

Commenting on the Group of Eight (G8) summit in Genoa, Karamanlis urged that politicians should keep their minds open to the voices of dissent and people's concerns "if we want to build a Europe with a future."

He also spoke in support of a common foreign and defense policy for Europe.

[11] New EU fund package already in use, minister says

Athens, 20/07/2001 (ANA)

Speaking after a cabinet meeting, Papantoniou told reporters that the cash from the Third Community Support Framework (CSF) had been ploughed into projects that bridged the 2nd CSF, including a motorway linking Patras, Athens and Thessaloniki; the Egnatia roadway linking the northeast and northwest; and expansion and modernization of the railway network.

Twenty four regional and sector programs under the 3rd CSF had been approved and administrative and monitoring organizations set up, the minister added.

In 2001, inflows from the package would total 1.5 trillion drachmas with 500 billion drachmas of the sum in advances, 850 billion drachmas in initial payments, and 150 billion drachmas from other sources, he said.

[12] Greece tops EU league in gains from state aid to industry

BRUSSELS, 20/07/2001 (ANA / M. Spinthourakis)

The report also noted a falling trend in Greece and the EU overall for government subsidies to manufacturing, both in absolute terms and as a proportion of value added.

In 1997-1999, Greek state subsidies to industry totalled 537 million euros, with the subsidy per worker in the same period at 876 euros, the EU said.

[13] Lowest unemployment recorded in Ionian Islands, Eurostat says

BRUSSELS, 20/07/2001 (ANA - B. Demiris)

The report, entitled "Unemployment in the Areas of the Member States of the European Union in 2000", features analytical statistics on the unemployment status of the entire EU.

The study also summarizes the jobless rate of youths under the age of 25 and the working female population.

Following the Ionian Islands, the lowest unemployment rate was recorded on the Island of Crete, or 6.7 percent of the working population, while the Northern Aegean holds a jobless rate of 7.4 percent.

Other areas such as Eastern Macedonia and Thrace hold a jobless rate of 8.6 percent, the Peloponnese 9.3 percent, Western Greece 10.2 percent, the Southern Aegean 10.5 percent, Epirus 10.6 percent, Central Macedonia 10.7 percent, Attica 12.2 percent, Thessaly 12.4 percent and Central Greece 13.6 percent.

The level of unemployment in Greece in 2000 reached 11.1 percent, while the European Union reported a rate of 8.4 percent.

The lowest jobless rate among youths under 25 was once again recorded in the Ionian Islands or 11.9 while the highest rate, or 45 percent was spotted in Western Macedonia.

The Ionian Islands also hold the lowest unemployment rate of working women or 5.5 percent while the highest rate in this case was recorded in Thessaly, or 22.8 percent.

[14] Hellenic Tourism Real Estate to seek bourse entry next year

Athens, 20/07/2001 (ANA)

The company, which is a subsidiary of the Greek National Tourism Organization, has chosen Telesis as adviser in its initial public offer (IPO), managing director Anastasios Homenidis said.

The IPO prospectus is expected to be submitted to bourse authorities late this year, he added.

Hellenic Tourism Real Estate this week successfully sold three-year convertible privatization bonds worth 800 million euros, representing 20-25 percent of its capital.

The paper is convertible into shares of the company or its subsidiaries, the Casino Resort Mon Parnes SA, which is also slated for Athens bourse listing.

Homenidis said that talks were being held with casino operators abroad to sound out any interest in the casino's privatization.

Talks were continuing with a casino in Las Vegas, and another in France, he added.

[15] Gov't condemns, call Social Security Foundation doctors strike illegal

Athens, 20/07/2001 (ANA)

The strike, which began on Thursday and will run through Friday, was called one day before the beginning of talks between the two ministries and the doctors federation.

"Under these circumstances - with the illegal strike in progress - the meeting planned for Friday with the leadership of the national federation can not take place," the ministers said.

"The government cannot - under any circumstances - tolerate blatant blackmail with the insured and the pensioners of IKA being the hostages. The government will take all necessary measures to safeguard the interests of citizens," they added.

According to the announcement issued to the press, however, a planned meeting will take place, on Friday as scheduled, with only the representatives of the Athens and Pireaus doctors - who did not agree with the strike, called by the national federation.

[16] EU okays funds for Greek nature programs

BRUSSELS, 20/07/2001 (ANA / B. Demiris)

Endorsed were projects to improve a wildlife habitat at Drana, a dried lake in the Evros Delta; to protect seven wildlife habitats and five bird species in Lake Himaditida and Lake Zazari near Florina; and to protect the monk seal.

The three programs have an overall budget of five million euros, with the EU paying three million euros of the total.

[17] Opportunities for Greek engineering contractors in Serbia

Athens, 20/07/2001 (ANA)

In addition, the government's privatization plan could also attract Greek firms, the Serbian public works minister told a meeting of contractors and developers in the northern port city.

[18] Industrialists call on gov't to take action in economy

Athens, 20/07/2001 (ANA)

The president of the Association of Greek Industry, Lefteris Andonakopoulos said that inflation was higher than forecast and growth lower than expected, even though Greece had the highest growth rate in Europe.

Finally, early elections would damage the country, Andonakopoulos said.

[19] Stocks surge again

Athens, 20/07/2001 (ANA)

Buyers again scooped up high capitalization paper, including blue chip banks, after fighting shy of quality stocks on Monday and Tuesday, driving up prices across the board, the analysts said.

The Athens general index closed at 2,588.12 points to gain 5.53 percent. Turnover was higher at 165.1 million euros (56.2 billion drachmas).

The FTSE/ASE-20 index for blue chip and heavily traded stocks ended 6.26 percent higher; the FTSE/ASE-40 for medium capitalization paper 5.28 percent up; and the FTSE/ASE-80 for small cap equities gained 4.30 percent.

Advancers led decliners at 342 to 11 with seven issues remaining unchanged.

On Monday the bourse had shed nearly five percent as part of a lasting slump after buyers resolutely stayed out of the market with small capitalization shares the worst hit.

The most heavily traded stocks were Hellenic Telecommunications Organization, National Bank of Greece, Alpha Bank, Coca Cola and Klonatex.

Equity futures end higher in heavy trade: Equity futures traded on the Athens Derivatives Exchange ended higher on Thursday for the third straight session after the stock exchange jumped again, fuelled by blue chips.

Traded were 18,035 contracts on turnover of 120.3 million euros, traders said.

Bond prices drop in heavy trade: Bond prices in the domestic secondary market on Thursday finished lower in heavy trade.

The Greek benchmark 10-year bond showed a yield of 5.48 percent, and the yield spread over German bunds was 48 basis points.

Turnover through the central bank's electronic system totalled 1.0 billion euros (340.75 billion drachmas).

Sell orders accounted for the bulk of turnover.

[20] Culture ministry employees to strike over subsidy

Athens, 20/07/2001 (ANA)

The Nationwide Federation of Culture Ministry Employees' Associations (POS-YPPO) said that the ministry's political leadership had backed down on the issue of the subsidy, claiming inability to dispose the necessary sums of money.

It noted that the funds for the increase in the subsidy would come from a special account that has been established to manage funds emanating from the OPAP football pool.

[21] Gov't clarifies reports on new archeological finds at Schinias

Athens, 20/07/2001 (ANA)

The ministry said in an announcement that the ruins referred to by Greek dailies, on Thursday, concern the archeological findings of June 21st, when officials uncovered the finds while the area was being fenced off.

It said that the area was examined and a order was issued to enclose the northern section of the rowing center so that it can shift southwards and at a distance of around 70 meters from the point where the asphalt begins that leads to Kato Souli and to Ramounda.

The decision, according to the announcement, to enclose the area was taken in the framework of not inflicting damage to the ancient road there by the expected construction project.

[22] EU to stop daily fine on Greece for Kouroupitos dump

Athens, 20/07/2001 (ANA)

The unprecedented ruling, which concerned the Kouroupitos landfill site in Hania, was the first time that the European Court had fined a member of the community for failing to comply with one of its previous decisions. The original ruling ordering the closure of the Kouroupitos dump dated back to 1992, while the rolling fine has been in effect since July 4 last year.

According to the European Commission, Greece had taken all necessary steps and built facilities that could meet the court's requirements on the handling of waste, while simultaneously allowing the closure of the Kouroupitos site.

A waste-handling program for the Hania prefecture initiated by the environment ministry last June, including a center for 'bundling' wastes, has gone into operation after a slow start and initial difficulties that were mainly the result of opposition by local inhabitants and authorities.

[23] 6th Youth Parliament to be held on September 15-19

Athens, 20/07/2001 (ANA)

This year, 17,847 teenagers from 1,589 schools in Greece, Cyprus and elsewhere participated in the program.

[24] Parliament to put out bulletin in Braille for sight-impaired

Athens, 20/07/2001 (ANA)

[25] Boston Marathon organizers' delegation visits Athens to aid Athens counterparts

Athens, 20/07/2001 (ANA)

Amateur Athletic Association (SEGAS) to examine ways in improving the administration of the annual Athens Marathon, a press release issued by the United States embassy in Athens on Thursday said.

The US delegation arrived in Greece, following a visit by Athens Marathon officials to Boston last spring, when race organizers gave them a behind-the-scenes look at the planning that goes into the event.

"In 1897 a group of Boston runners - who participated in the first modern Olympic Games the year before - decided to establish the first marathon based in the United States. Since then the race has taken place every year except during the World Wars and the victors are crowned with wreaths made from laurel picked in Olympia," US Ambassador to Greece Nicholas Burns said during a dinner held in visitors' honor.

"I am delighted that the current organizers of the Boston Marathon can start to return the favor, by sharing the organizational expertise they have gleaned from planning a huge annual sporting event," Burns added.

[26] President Clerides reiterates his readiness for a Cyprus settlement

NICOSIA, 20/07/2001 (CNA/ANA)

In a message, Thursday, to the people of Cyprus, to mark 27 years since the military coup and the Turkish invasion that followed, the president reiterated his readiness for a settlement of the Cyprus question but stressed that there will not be any "unacceptable compromises for the sake of the Republic's accession to the European Union."

He warned Turkey that its threats against Cyprus' entry into the EU would backfire and renewed his call to the Turkish Cypriots to work together with the Greek Cypriots towards the country's integration into the European family.

The president said he would continue to boost the country's defenses as long as there is no political settlement.

He expressed deep appreciation to Greece for its invaluable support and thanked all overseas Cypriots and Greeks for their contribution to the struggle of the people of Cyprus for justice.

President Clerides pledged his government's continuous support to all those who are still enduring the effects of the 1974 Turkish invasion, and referred in particular to the enclaved who live in the northern Turkish occupied areas and the relatives of missing persons.

The president said the Greek Cypriot side is ready for such an agreement that would benefit both communities and which will be in line with UN Security Council resolutions, human rights conventions, decisions by the European Court of Human Rights and international law and European Union laws and regulations.

The president made it abundantly clear that he would not concede to talks that offer the Turkish side a way out of the difficult position it has led itself into as a result of its negative policies.

Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash, backed by Ankara, abandoned the UN proximity talks last November, declaring them dead and a waste of time. He now demands recognition of his self-styled regime in Turkish occupied Cyprus before returning to the talks.

Referring to Cyprus' accession course, he welcomed the progress made so far in the harmonization effort and said he knows that the position of the Greek Cypriot side will be decisive in the final outcome of the accession negotiations.

Clerides appealed to the Turkish Cypriots to reconsider his invitation to participate in the Cypriot negotiating team with the EU and added "we would like the Turkish Cypriots to enjoy with us all the economic and other benefits EU accession will offer the citizens of the Republic."

In response to Ankara's threats for moves to halt Cyprus' accession course, the president said "we are taking precautionary measures in all fields and we are preparing to meet any eventuality."

Ankara has warned against Cyprus' EU entry prior to a political settlement, saying its response would be unrestraint.

Clerides said joining the EU would be the "most important achievement since the establishment of the Republic of Cyprus" and it would give a "new dimension to the country's security" as a result of its participation in European defense and security institutions.

The president expressed his appreciation to Greece for its invaluable help in efforts to join the EU and in defense matters and stressed that he would not allow any tension, misunderstandings, lack of coordination and contradiction between the two countries.

Addressing himself to "irresponsible" elements in Cyprus, the president was equally firm "I will not allow any extreme and irresponsible elements in Cyprus to disturb our relations with other countries, whose support we need to find a solution of the Cyprus question and to join the EU."

Concluding, the president said his government would continue to help out all those who are suffering the consequences of the Turkish invasion

[27] AHEPA urges Bush to take active interest in Cyprus problem

NICOSIA, 20/07/2001 (CNA/ANA)

According to an AHEPA press release, on the occasion of the 27th anniversary of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus the Association has sent letters to US President Bush, UN Secretary General Kofi Annan and Ambassador of the Republic of Cyprus to the US Erato Kozakou Markoulli reaffirming its position on a solution to the Cyprus problem based on a bizonal, bicommunal federation with a single international personality and a single sovereignty.

"As American citizens, AHEPA's position for the last 27 years of Turkey's illegal occupation of Northern Cyprus is based on the rule of law and several UN resolutions," the letter conveyed to US president reads urging him "to take an active interest in the Cyprus problem based on American values and ideals."

In its letter to UN Secretary General the association expressed its appreciation regarding the efforts of five rounds of UN-led proximity talks that have been stalled due to Turkish Cypriot leader's Rauf Denktash intransigence.

"We respectfully request the UN to continue its tireless endeavors to restart the talks that will help facilitate a solution to the Cyprus issue", AHEPA states in its letter to Annan.

In its letter to Markoulli, AHEPA pledged its ongoing commitment to contribute to the efforts aiming at a settlement of the Cyprus problem and outlined its past initiatives in working towards a solution.

In its press release AHEPA adds that at its annual convention to be held next week, "Cyprus and Hellenic Affairs Committee will meet to discuss and improve upon further strategies that will heighten attention and create awareness of this and other issues of importance to the Hellenic community."

In July 20, 1974 Turkish troops invaded Cyprus and occupied one third of its territory.

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