Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 01-09-06

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

CONTENTS

[01] President Clerides accepts invitation by UN chief resume of peace talks on Cyprus

[02] Optimistic dynamic in Cyprus issue for first time, FM says during Nicosia visit

[03] Ankara supports Denktash's refusal to participate in UN talks for Cyprus

[04] Europarliament approves Poos proposed resolution on Cyprus' entry to the Union

[05] Greek FM lauds Europarliament's approval of Poos resolution on Cyprus

[06] PM, health minister discuss reforms in the health sector

[07] Commissioners Byrne & Fischler to visit Greece

[08] Memorial service for Kranidiotis this weekend on Cyprus

[09] Bank of Greece unveils plan for switch to euro from drachma

[10] Axon seen committing to buyout of Olympic Airways Thursday

[11] Greek economy's dynamism based on SMEs, Simitis says

[12] GSEE president refers to government's package of measures

[13] Main opposition leader meets SEB president

[14] Cost to restore damage from 1999 quake to exceed 600 bln Dr

[15] Opposition wants action over feared energy shortage

[16] Greek stocks fall below 2,700 level

[17] Hundreds of migrants abandoned on Evia

[18] Symposium to be held in Athens and Ancient Olympia

[19] Patriarch to open Plovdiv event, meet with Bulgarian leaders

[20] New ELIAMEP edition on Kosovo crisis

[01] President Clerides accepts invitation by UN chief resume of peace talks on Cyprus

NICOSIA 06/09/2001 (CNA/ANA)

The Peruvian diplomat announced at a press conference on Wednesday afternoon at the end of his eight-day trip to Cyprus that on behalf of the Secretary General he had conveyed invitations to Clerides and Denktash for separate meetings with Anan on September 12, in New York, "to resume the search for a comprehensive settlement to the Cyprus problem, under the Secretary General's auspices.

"Alvaro de Soto also said he had given the Greek and Turkish Cypriot sides "some ideas to accelerate and intensify" the peace process, and referred to a "new and reinvigorated phase" of the Secretary General's good offices mission.

The high ranking UN official said that Annan is and will continue to be guided by the four principles set out in Security Council resolution 1250 (no preconditions, all issues on the table, continuous negotiations leading to a comprehensive settlement and taking into consideration all relevant resolutions and treaties) adding that discussion of preconditions is not on the cards.

He said the UN seeks to draft binding detailed legal texts within the comprehensive settlement that would leave nothing to be negotiated, and said either side to the talks can bring "reasonable proposals and suggestions" to the negotiating table. Replying to questions, De Soto said Anna's statement to the two sides on 12 September 2000 and his oral remarks to them of 8 November" still stand", and explained that the statement of the 12th marked" the end of the stage of preparing the ground, and we would hope to see meaningful negotiations in New York and beyond.

"Invited to say if there had been any change in position of the two sides, he replied "if the SG had not taken the steps that he has recently taken, if he did not have hoped for the future of talks and for getting them back on track, he would not have taken the steps that he has done, including his meeting in Salzburg (with Denktash) and my coming here."

"As far as the SG is concerned, he has been and will continue to be guided by the principles laid out by resolution 1250," he told the press. Asked if the two sides have already replied to Annan's invitation for talks, he said President Clerides has signified "his readiness to come to New York" but Mr. Denktash has yet to respond, adding that he had not pressed either leader for an immediate response but one would be needed very soon.

Invited to say if he has managed to accommodate Denktash's preconditions and allay the concerns of the Greek Cypriot side that there should not be any substantive changes to the process, he said that taking into account the principles laid down by Security Council,

"I do not think it would be appropriate to discuss preconditions and whether any have been accepted at all."

"We expect both sides to be committed to the overall goal of a comprehensive settlement but it is clear there is considerable distance between the publicly stated positions of the two sides," he said and called for "flexibility, real work, spirit of compromise and political will in order to achieve a mutually acceptable outcome, which must be fair and viable.

"Our task, he stressed, is "to draft binding detailed legal texts within the comprehensive settlement, addressing all the real issues and leaving nothing to be negotiated subsequently", repeating his long standing position that" nothing is agreed until everything is agreed.

"Replying to questions on the time constraints of next week's talks, he said a lot can be achieved in a short time if there is "concentrated work and willingness to push ahead."

"We have in fact put to the two sides some ideas as to how to accelerate and intensify the process in order to translate into reality the idea that it should be a new and reinvigorated phase and would like to continue discussing that with them," he said, but would not disclose the response of either side to these ideas.

Replying to questions, he said common ground will be developed in the process of negotiating specific legally binding texts, noting that the UN has to be open to fresh ideas as well as borrow from work already done in the past. Invited to say if talks aimed at a new partnership, he said Annan's statement of 12 September said that talks would bring "a new partnership, a laudable goal and we hope the two sides will join in an effort to give it legal form.

"On the question of respect of human rights in Cyprus and within the terms of a settlement, de Soto said the UN does not want to foreclose, nor does it have much power to do so, the right of either side to bring forward "reasonable proposals and suggestions in the course of negotiations."

"We earnestly hope what we will see discussed in the negotiations is not so much their publicly stated positions as their underlying interests, concerns and fears," he concluded.

[02] Optimistic dynamic in Cyprus issue for first time, FM says during Nicosia visit

NICOSIA 06/09/2001 (ANA - G. Leonidas)

"For the first time, and given the prospect of Cyprus' accession to the European Union, a new optimistic dynamic has been created for the first time on the Cyprus issue," Papandreou told a special late-night program on state television RIK titled "The hour of truth for Cyprus' future".

Papandreou, who Wednesday concludes a two-day visit to Cyprus for talks with the government and political party leaders, explained that in all his contacts with Turkish political officials he notes that Cyprus must be rendered "an example of cooperation and friendship" because "it is unacceptable that Athens and Ankara proceed to any cooperation while a part of Cyprus remains under (Turkish) occupation".

"Turkey is fully aware that its way to Europe passes through Cyprus," the Greek FM added.

He said that the prospect of Cyprus' EU accession "weakens every argument by Turkey that the Cyprus problem was solved in 1974 (with the Turkish invasion and occupation of the northern part of the island republic), and also creates a framework of security for the Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots alike".

"With its EU accession, the entire European Union and international community will be behind Cyprus, while at the same time the three fundamental freedoms -- which are the basis of the EU's rationale -- are also consolidated," Papandreou said.

He said it was his belief that it had been made clear to Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash and Turkish officials by numerous EU commissioners they have met with that the European Union could not sit around awaiting his decisions when millions of citizens from many countries that were slated to join the EU in 2002-2003 were expecting Cyprus' accession.

"We would be very pleased if there is a frank effort, on Denktash's part, to try to ensure certain matters, but within the framework of the United Nations resolutions and the framework of the EU rationale. We would consider that a great historic moment and it would help the Turkish Cypriots themselves as well as the relationship between Greece and Turkey" he added.

Turning to Greece's policy on Turkey, Papandreou described it as "the most aggressive policy followed by the country in recent years".

"I would be very easy for us to just sit around and accuse the other side, but such a policy would give the international community the impression that it was very difficult for Greeks and Turks to come to terms with each other and even more difficult for it to deal with a Cyprus solution," he explained.

Papandreou discussed the legal aspect of Cyprus' EU accession on Tuesday with Cyprus General Prosecutor Alecos Markides.

He told reporters after the meeting it was very important to keep constantly abreast of the legal aspects of both the Cyprus issue and Cyprus' accession course, as the course to EU membership also influenced the efforts for a Cyprus solution and the "acquis communautaire" must not be violated in resolving the Cyprus issue, while for the EU to accept the solution reached, that solution must be in line with the acquis communautaire.

Markides noted that while the Cyprus issue was a political problem, it was nevertheless linked with immense legal issues of international law and human rights.

UN mediator works to resume proximity talks despite Denktash intransigence: Visiting Greek Foreign Minister George Papandreou was briefed by the island republic’s leadership on Wednesday over the latest efforts made by UN mediator Alvaro de Soto regarding the long-standing Cyprus problem, reiterating Athens’ determination as far as the island’s future is concerned.

The reference to de Soto was significant, as the UN general secretary’s special mediator initially announced on Wednesday that stalled proximity talks between the two sides on the east Mediterranean island would resume on Sept. 12 in New York, following his contacts and invitations to Clerides and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash.

While Clerides has accepted the invitation, de Soto said, Denktash later noted at a press conference in occupied Nicosia a few hours later that there is “no common ground” for resumption of proximity talks.

“… on our part, we say that there is no common ground, despite the statements by Alvaro de Soto,” he added.

Papandreou: In his earlier comments, Papandreou emphasized that Cyprus’ European Union accession course was proceeding smoothly, with the island republic comfortably among the frontrunners for entry into the 15-nation bloc.

“Our concerns because of the Turkish side’s intransigence are justified,” he added.

On his part, Kasoulides cautioned against lending weight to hypothetical scenarios vis-a-vis statements by Denktash.

Papandreou also spoke with a delegation of protesting students, who rallied outside the presidential mansion in Nicosia at the same time Clerides was meeting with the Greek foreign minister. The protesters focused on what they called the oxymoron of promoting Greek-Turkish friendship while a third of Cyprus remained under Turkish military occupation.

“Greece’s policy aims at the solution of the Cyprus problem with the most effective manner,” Papandreou was quoted as telling the Cypriot students. He also clarified that he refers to and promotes “friendship among peoples” and not friendship with the occupation forces, adding that he believes this policy will bear fruit.

[03] Ankara supports Denktash's refusal to participate in UN talks for Cyprus

ANKARA 06/09/2001 (ANA - A. Kourkoulas)

A press release issued by the Turkish foreign ministry stated that "it has become understood that the continued contacts did not succeed in formulating, until now, the necessary preconditions ... We find Mr. Denktash's request just.

The press release also expressed the hope that the UN efforts on the problem continue.

[04] Europarliament approves Poos proposed resolution on Cyprus' entry to the Union

STRASBOURG 06/09/2001 (ANA - O. Tsipira)

The resolution, drafted by Eurodeputy Jacques Poos, passed with 505 votes in favor, while 31 Eurodeputies voted against it and 29 abstained.

Poos, who vigorously defended the resolution, was especially satisfied as the vote defused the negative climate that the Turkish foreign ministry attempted to create by accusing him of inaccuracies and lack of objectivity.

The resolution stressed that if Turkey were to carry out its threat of annexing northern Cyprus to mainland Turkey in response to Cypriot accession to the EU it would put an end to its own ambitions of European Union membership.

Specifically, the Eurodeputies warned that "if Turkey were to carry out its threat of annexing the north of Cyprus in response to Cypriot accession to the EU and to proclaim the northern part as its 82nd province in clear breach of international law, it would put an end to its own ambitions of European Union member-ship."

The resolution reiterated "the wholehearted support of the European Parliament for the efforts of the UN Secretary General to find a comprehensive and rapid solution and for his longstanding view that any acceptable solution must be based on international law, asset out in the resolutions adopted by the United Nations Security Council.

Eurodeputies also expressed their support for the conclusions of the Helsinki European Council "whereby resolution of the Cyprus question is not a prerequisite for accession" and endorsed unreservedly the position that there is no possibility of separate negotiations with the two parts of the island, and no question either of accession for two Cypriot states or of accession of the northern part of the island upon Turkish accession.

"It expresses the Parliament's satisfaction with the progress made by Cyprus in the accession negotiations, notes that to date, 23 out of 29 chapters have been provisionally closed and stresses that Cyprus" may therefore expect to accede to the European Union rapidly," the resolution stated.

The resolution added that Cyprus is at the vanguard of the 12 candidate member -states to the Union, clarifying that "the Republic of Cyprus is the only state that represents all of the island, it satisfies fully the political and economic criteria of Copenhagen, it has made significant progress in the sector of having received approvals for the acquis communautaire and thus it may hope for the speedy accession to the Union".

The Christian Democrats proposed an amendment to the previous paragraph adding "to the measure of its abilities, (given the division of the island)", which was placed right after the word "Copenhagen".

The resolution also stated that "the responsible political leaders of the Cypriots should use conciliatory tones when referring to the other community, while they actions should be taken immediately to end the economic isolation of the northern part (of the island republic), which is in dire condition".

[05] Greek FM lauds Europarliament's approval of Poos resolution on Cyprus

NICOSIA 06/09/2001 (ANA - G. Leonidas)

He added that he considered this development a positive one, despite the fact that he has not yet reviewed it in detail.

Papandreou noted that the approval of the resolution shows that the Cyprus problem has become part of the European engrossment and an issue to resolve for Europe itself.

This was an aim of the Greek government policy, he added.

He stressed that the Europarliament has a tradition of objectivity and adherence to international law.

[06] PM, health minister discuss reforms in the health sector

Athens 06/09/2001 (ANA)

Papadopoulos said that following the meeting he had on Monday with directors of regional health councils, the councils will be supervised from September 18 in the Attica region, Thessaloniki, Crete and Epirus. He added that by October 15 nearly all the regional health councils in the country will start operating.

The health minister told journalists that there were still reactions concerning reforms in the National Health System (ESY) but that the government was determined to proceed dynamically as it was its priority to serve the citizens on health issues.

[07] Commissioners Byrne & Fischler to visit Greece

Athens 06/09/2001 (ANA)

Byrne will meet with Agriculture Minister George Anomeritis, Health and Welfare Alekos Papadopoulos and will participate in a round table discussion, organized by Byrne himself and Commissioner on Agriculture and Fisheries Franz Fischler.

Fischler will arrive in Athens on Saturday at the invitation of Anomeritis to participate at the inauguration of the Thessaloniki International Trade Fair.

[08] Memorial service for Kranidiotis this weekend on Cyprus

NICOSIA 06/09/2001 (ANA)

The service will be held at the Aghios Prokopios Cathedral within the Kykkou monastery dependency.

Greece’s ambassador to Nicosia, among others, will attend the event.

[09] Bank of Greece unveils plan for switch to euro from drachma

Athens 06/09/2001 (ANA)

Euro coins will be released to commercial banks on October 1 and to companies in November. Distribution of the country's total 617 million banknotes in the new currency begins in December, Bank of Greece governor Lucas Papademos told a presentation.

The drachma, which is to circulate in parallel with the euro until February 28, 2002, when it ceases to be legal tender, will be redeemable into euro banknotes for the next ten years and coins for the next two years, Papademos said.

As part of a publicity campaign for the eurozone's single currency, the central bank will hold a seminar on October 17 with the governor of the European Central Bank (ECB), Wim Duisenberg, as the keynote speaker.

The Greek action plan is part of a campaign devised by the ECB for use in the euro zone's other member countries, which are also to phase out their national currencies.

Beyond providing information about the euro's introduction and conversion into the drachma, the publicity drive also aims to aid the public, police force and cashiers in banks and companies to recognize counterfeit notes using a five-point checklist

The central bank will also distribute free games and leaflets to schools through the education ministry to help teachers familiarize their pupils with the new cash.

In addition, the Bank of Greece has produced a leaflet on the euro that will be distributed to all households. The leaflet is available in 23 languages for use by non-Greek nationals residing in the country.

Also on Wednesday, the national economy ministry sent a bill to parliament setting out the terms of the euro's introduction.

[10] Axon seen committing to buyout of Olympic Airways Thursday

Athens 06/09/2001 (ANA)

The two government officials handling the privatization - Transport and Communications Minister Christos Verelis and National Economy Minister Yiannos Papantoniou - on Wednesday briefed leaders of the Federation of Civil Aviation Unions on the acquisition talks.

The ministers reportedly told the trade unionists that every effort would be made to retain jobs in the sale. They did not rule out a voluntary retirement program for the airline, financed by the state.

The government's consultant in the sale, Credit Suisse First Boston, had recommended Axon as the leading candidate among the tender's four bidders.

Negotiations, which have so far lasted about two months, are being conducted by a committee comprising representatives of the state's Council of Law, the tender's consultants, and the ministries of national economy and transport.

Negotiations may continue after the government has studied the binding letter if it feels that the terms of the offer can be improved, the sources said.

If the offer is deemed unsatisfactory, then the government will begin talks with two of the other bidders - Cyprus Airways and Integrated Airline Solutions of Australia - that will include a check on whether the consortiums' finances are sound and that their members are still committed.

The acquisition carries two main conditions - that no jobs will be lost and that the airline's financial viability will be assured.

The extended deadline for bids was June 18, and four groups submitted separate offers - Axon Airlines SA, Golden Aviation Services (the Restis shipping group), Integrated Airline Solutions of Australia, and Cyprus Airways.

Integrated Airline Solutions, which had pulled out of the tender, as it could not meet the original deadline, returned to the bidding due to the extension.

Credit Suisse First Boston has said that the bids should meet the following criteria set by the government: