Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 01-09-11

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

CONTENTS

[01] Simitis - Jospin talks also focus on FYROM situation

[02] Greece pushes for EU pressure over FYROM 'name issue'

[03] Papandreou - Vedrine talks touch on Mideast, Balkans

[04] Greek, Turkish FM delegations resume talks in Athens

[05] Greece calls on Turkey to use Helsinki EU summit decisions to enter Union

[06] EU's Verheugen, Turkey's Cem discuss Cyprus issue

[07] Greece to stand by Albania's side on its road to Europe, FM spokesman says

[08] Archbishop Christodoulos meets Yugoslav president

[09] Greek stocks plunge 4.17 pct on Monday

[10] Schroder sees end-year Greek inflation at 3.2 pct

[11] Greece needs measures to improve labor market, EU says

[12] Commissioners satisfied with Greece's commitment on quality of foodstuffs

[13] Greek tourism to get Dr 602 bln under EU funding package

[14] Greek investments in Hungary at $80 mln

[15] Cyprus Airways denies rift with Greek gov't over OA sale

[16] Passenger shippers to challenge deregulation in court

[17] Black Sea Bank expands activities

[18] Shipping conference on technology and environment

[19] ITAR-TASS general director meets with press deputy minister & ATHOC president

[20] Athens Olympics products to be sold in US

[21] Patriarch sends message of friendship to the Balkan peoples

[22] Greece bids for 2009 Mediterranean Games

[23] Cyprus' EU Chief negotiator address Washington audience on Cyprus' EU accession prospects

[01] Simitis - Jospin talks also focus on FYROM situation

Athens, 11/09/2001 (ANA)

Jospin is on a working visit to the Greek capital at the head of a high-ranking French delegation that also includes Foreign Minister Hubert Vedrine.

Speaking to reporters afterwards, both men emphasized that Greek-French relations are excellent. The two prime ministers also responded to questions regarding the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), telling reporters that both sides’ views on the issue coincided.

The Simitis - Jospin talks followed an informal EU foreign ministers meeting in Brussels over the weekend, convened to focus on the situation in FYROM.

Among others, Simitis and Jospin said they favored the continued presence of a NATO-led international “weapons-collection” force in the land-locked republic to the north of Greece in order to assist normalization in that country.

On his part, the Greek premier added that he agreed with Jospin that a new United Nations mandate might be necessary to extend the force’s presence in FYROM.

Asked if military production matters were discussed, particularly the sale of French-made main battle tanks to Greece, Jospin replied in the affirmative.

During the press conference, Simitis noted that he and Jospin agreed that the international economy is undergoing a period of recession, while at the same time there are "positive signs", mostly coming from the United States, as well as from other places.

He did, however, noted his the belief that there will be improvement next year and development rates will increase.

Simitis also stressed that he and Jospin agreed that there should be greater coordination on economic policy within the European Union, noting that Greece will undertake the rotating presidency of ECOFIN during the second half of 2002.

On his part, Jospin stressed the very positive role Europe's new currency, the euro, will play as a tool of "stability and development in Europe".

He noted the important role of the European Central Bank and agreed with Simitis on the need for a better and greater coordination of the economic policies among Eurozone member - states.

French PM Jospin, on working visit, meets with President, parliament leader: French prime minister Lionel Jospin, on a working visit to Athens at the invitation of his Greek counterpart, discussed the Cyprus issue, the situation in the Balkans, the future of Europe and globalization with Greece's parliament president Apostolos Kaklamanis.

Jospin, who arrived Sunday, met earlier with President Costis Stephanopoulos.

After his meeting with the French premier, Kaklamanis thanked Jospin for his stance "against the continuing partition of Cyprus by the (Turkish) occupation troops" and his position that "outside factors must not influence Cyprus' course to EU accession".

Kaklamanis described as "particularly important" Jospin's thoughts on the future of Europe, a future, which the parliament president said, was not a cause of only the governments but "a cause of the parliaments, the peoples and all the citizens of Europe".

Equally "significant, correct and positive" were Jospin's views on the problems in the region, the need for respect of the borders and the restoration of normality and peace in the region of SE Europe, Kaklamanis said.

He said they had further discussed "not only the positive but also the negative aspects of the major phenomenon of globalization", adding that it was necessary for the "peoples to be more informed and for all the social and productive forces, and the governments and parliaments primarily, to be more responsible in front of this phenomenon".

Jospin noted that "the principles of the United Nations must be in force in all these issues...The search for peace, the respect of democracy, the settlement of differences through dialogue rather than conflict", adding that "we must at the same time try to serve our peoples".

The EU was "not only institutions", he said. "It is policies, content of policies that should serve the peoples, and procedures in which the European people must participate".

On globalization, Jospin said "it is something created by the progress of technologies, the revolution we had in transports, telecommunications, communications".

"We must simply try to frame this course, this development, in such a way that it is guided by the people for the service and the interests of the people themselves," the French premier added.

[02] Greece pushes for EU pressure over FYROM 'name issue'

Athens, 11/09/2001 (ANA)

A foreign ministry spokesman confirmed that Greek Foreign Minister George Papandreou made the request over the weekend at an informal meeting of EU foreign ministers in Brussels.

Papandreou, the spokesman added, also called on the 15-nation bloc to convey its desire for stepped up negotiations leading to a mutually acceptable solution for the "name issue" based on UN Security Council resolutions.

Finally, spokesman Panos Beglitis said the Greek FM asked the EU's security and defense High Representative, Javier Solana, to closely follow those specific negotiations.

Athens has been at odds with FYROM for years over the issue of the land-locked Balkan state's name, insisting that the word "Macedonia" should not be included in the name of the former Yugoslav republic, as it implies expansionist designs against Greece's own large northern province, Macedonia, as well as being a historical misrepresentation.

However, relations between Greece and FYROM have dramatically improved since the two countries signed an interim agreement in New York under the UN's auspices, six years ago this month. Under the terms of that agreement, Athens and Skopje are to proceed with negotiations to find a mutually acceptable solution for the "name issue".

Gov't: On his part, government spokesman Dimitris Reppas reiterated that Athens believes that resolution of the name issue will contribute to the region's overall stability, while adding that the Skopje government "must assume its responsibilities".

Additionally, Reppas said the name issue did not come up in earlier talks here between Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis and his visiting French counterpart Lionel Jospin.

[03] Papandreou - Vedrine talks touch on Mideast, Balkans

Athens, 11/09/2001 (ANA)

No comments were made following the meeting due to protocol, although Papandreou later told reporters that recent developments in the Balkans, the Cyprus issue and the Mideast situation were discussed.

The Greek FM also said he would attempt to schedule meetings with Israeli Foreign Minister Shimon Peres and Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat - if a new round of peace talks hasn't resumed in the meantime -- when he visits Jerusalem for a ceremony to install the new Patriarch of Jerusalem, Irineos.

Papandreou also noted that Paris and Athens appear to agree on the need to extend the presence of a NATO weapons-collection force in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) following the issuance of a new mandate by the UN Security Council.

Any such mandate, Papandreou stressed, must include measures for the protection of foreign observers, a return of displaced refugees to their homes, international supervision of upcoming elections in FYROM as well as a population census in the recently strife-ridden country.

Finally, the Greek foreign minister briefed his French counter-part over Athens' standing positions regarding the "name issue" - the sole remaining difference between Greece and the Skopje government. Papandreou emphasized that Greece would welcome a more "positive intervention" by the European Union in the process of finding a mutually acceptable solution.

FM delegation to brief Moscow on Balkan developments: A Greek foreign ministry delegation is currently in Moscow to brief Russian officials on the latest developments in the Balkans, a foreign ministry spokesman said on Monday.

According to foreign ministry spokesman Panos Beglitis, "Russia can play a very positive role in Balkan developments, with a view towards stability and peace in the region".

Beglitis added that Greece is in favor of an entirely European force and is ready to support such a prospect, "although we must be realists ... We need to see that at this stage it is not possible to establish such a force."

The spokesman said the concept of a European defense and security structure is proceeding more on an institutional basis instead on an operational and organizational basis.

"Therefore, Athens supports the presence of an international peacekeeping force in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) with the participation of non-NATO countries as well, such as Scandinavian countries and, of course, Russia," Beglitis said.

The foreign ministry's general director of international develop-mental cooperation, Alexandros Rondos, as well as Balkan affairs ambassador Alexandros Mallias are in the Russian capital for talks with that country's foreign ministry leadership, including Deputy FM Alexander Avdeyev.

[04] Greek, Turkish FM delegations resume talks in Athens

Athens, 11/09/2001 (ANA)

Additionally, the two delegations are expected to discuss non-military Confidence-Building Measures (CBMs).

Ambassador Alexandros Skopelitis leads Greece’s delegation, whereas ambassador Yigit Alpogan heads the visiting Turkish delegation.

[05] Greece calls on Turkey to use Helsinki EU summit decisions to enter Union

Athens, 11/09/2001 (ANA)

Reppas also said that Turkey's Foreign Minister Ismail Cem told his counterparts at Sunday's meeting that his country did not make threatening comments in connection with the accession of Cyprus to the European Union.

Discussing the participation of the Turkish-Cypriots in Cyprus' accession negotiations, Reppas said that it is to their detriment that they are not participating.

Cem claimed that there were no threats by Turkey but that Cyprus' EU accession before a settlement of the Cyprus issue created domestic problems in his country.

Meanwhile, however, in Ankara, in an interview to Hurriyet daily newspaper, Cem said that Turkey and the pseudo-state in northern occupied Cyprus would do all they can to secure their safety and rights in the event that the Republic of Cyprus enters the European Union.

According to an ANA dispatch, Cem added that the reactions would be "without limits".

Cem noted that the economic crisis Turkey faces does not influence its foreign policy, stressing that he personally and his ministry "have not compromised on any issue regarding foreign policy".

Speaking on Turkey's European course, Cem said that his country's candidacy to the EU minimized the gap between Athens and Ankara and moved the borders of Europe from the Aegean and the Balkans to the eastern reaches of Turkey.

He warned that if Ankara does not move on with the pre-accession negotiations until 2002, Turkey's accession would be delayed significantly, stressing, however, that it is not fitting to treat Turkey like a "colony".

[06] EU's Verheugen, Turkey's Cem discuss Cyprus issue

BRUSSELS, 11/09/2001 (ANA/M. Spinthourakis)

According to European Commission sources, this was underlined on Monday after a meeting EU Commissioner for Enlargement Gunter Verheugen held here Monday with Turkish Foreign Minister Ismail Cem, during which the two men also discussed the Cyprus problem.

During the meeting Verheugen asked the Turkish government to use its influence on Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash, so that he would participate to the talks on Cyprus. According to the same sources Cem's answer was not considered by the European Commissioner to be encouraging.

Last week UN Secretary General's Special Adviser for Cyprus Alvaro de Soto conveyed an invitation to both Cyprus President Glafcos Clerides and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash to resume the UN-led talks for a settlement of the Cyprus problem.

President Clerides has accepted the invitation and left Monday for New York for talks on 12 September. Denktash has not accepted the invitation.

Apart from the Cyprus issue, Verheugen pointed out the need for Turkey to speed up its institutional reforms.

[07] Greece to stand by Albania's side on its road to Europe, FM spokesman says

Athens, 11/09/2001 (ANA)

Foreign ministry spokesman Panos Beglitis stressed that the Greek government and Papandreou "have the political will to further strengthen the very good climate in Greek-Albanian relations, as well as the cooperation of the two countries on regional matters".

Athens also considered the establishment of an Albanian ministry for minority affairs and the appointment of an ethnic Greek in that post a very positive institutional and political development, Beglitis said.

He expressed the belief that the Albanian government and Albanian Prime Minister Ilir Meta have the political will to move forward the process of Albania's democratization in meeting with the European Union model.

"In this process Albania will find Greece at its side", Beglitis said.

Dade, in statements during an interview on Sunday, underlined that "indisputably, Greece constitutes one of our most important partners in all sectors." Furthermore, she said, these relations become more substantial "given that both countries are governed by left-wing forces with the same programs".

"Greece has really supported Albania in all its democratic developments and Greece is also a member of international organizations to which we aspire to join," Dade added, noting that "our relations with this country constitute a priority."

The new Albanian foreign minister said that there were also other bonds between the two countries, such as the Greek minority in Albania and the large number of Albanian migrants in Greece who have started to become incorporated in Greek social life through their legalization these past few years by the Greek authorities.

[08] Archbishop Christodoulos meets Yugoslav president

Athens, 11/09/2001 (ANA)

Christodoulos, who is accompanied by clerics on his official visit to the Church of Serbia, praised President Vojislav Kostunica whom he described as "a man with spiritual interests." The Archbishop noted that Kostunica would strive for his country to join the family of European countries so as to give the message that Orthodox peoples are progressive.

Christodoulos referred to Greece's aid to Serbia, noting that Greece was the first and only country to condemn the bombardment of non-combatants. He also insinuated that "if we do away with religion and tradition we will end up last, capable only of serving the Europeans."

President Kostunica, having said that the Archbishop's visit was "a major event," noted that his first visit abroad in his capacity as president was to Greece and Mt Athos.

Kostunica also referred to the suffering of the Serbian people these past years. At the same time he stressed the harmony existing between the Greeks and Serbs. The Yugoslav president bestowed on the Archbishop the medal of the Serbian Star.

Earlier, the Archbishop met with Serbian Prime Minister Zoran Djindjic. Christodoulos offered his congratulations over Yugoslavia's win in the men's European Basketball Championship, which was held in Turkey. He stressed that "The Serbs once again became winners and we hope that this will always occur on all levels."

On his part, Djindjic said that Greece set an example because it has democratic institutions, a stable economy and a harmonious cooperation between the State and the Church.

[09] Greek stocks plunge 4.17 pct on Monday

Athens, 11/09/2001 (ANA)

Traders said lack of buying interest, combined with very low turnover exacerbated price fluctuations in the market and pushed the general index below the 2,620, 2,580 and 2,550 technical support levels.

The index remained under pressure for the ninth consecutive session - a record for the last six years - for a net loss of 9.58 percent over that period. Analysts expect the market to find support at the 2,525 level in the short-term although they believe that the market would soon test new record lows for the year.

ASE chairman, Panagiotis Alexakis, said that a negative climate in international markets was affecting the Greek bourse as well. "It is necessary that all market participants should contribute in stabilizing sentiment and not transfer their insecurities to investors," Alexakis said.

He urged investors to remain calm and ignore talk of negative scenarios.

The general index ended 4.17 percent lower at 2,536.97 points, off the day's lows of 2,510.24 points, with turnover a low 121.261 million euros, or 41.315 billion drachmas.

The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks ended at 1,427.18 points, off 4.10 percent, the FTSE/ASE 40 index fell 4.55 percent to 275.78 points, and the Small Cap index ended at 806.41 points, off 5.09 percent.

The parallel market index for smaller capitalization stocks ended at 245.81 points, off 4.64 percent.

Broadly, decliners led advancers by 351 to five with another five issues unchanged.

Prices drop in heavy trade: Bond prices in the domestic secondary market on Monday finished lower in heavy trade with players again focusing on 10-year paper.

The Greek benchmark 10-year bond showed a yield of 5.27 percent, and the yield spread over German bunds was 46 basis points.

Turnover through the central bank's electronic system totalled 1.2 billion euros.

Sell orders accounted for the bulk of turnover.

Blue chip futures rally in brisk trade: Equity futures on the Athens Derivatives Exchange slumped on Monday but deals on blue chips recovered to end at a premium of up to 0.6 percent, raising hopes of a rise on the main market, traders said.

Changing hands were 8,535 contracts on turnover of 56.1 million euros, the traders said.

[10] Schroder sees end-year Greek inflation at 3.2 pct

Athens, 11/09/2001 (ANA)

In a market report for customers, SSSB analyst Miranda Xafa forecast that the drop would stem chiefly from falling fuel prices.

The analyst had forecast before the release of August's figure that inflation would slip to 3.7-3.8 percent from 3.9 percent in July.

Also on Monday, Xafa repeated an earlier forecast that the Athens Stock Exchange was unlikely to show an upward trend, partly due to turmoil on markets abroad.

[11] Greece needs measures to improve labor market, EU says

BRUSSELS, 11/09/2001 (ANA / M. Spinthourakis)

Greece has the lowest rate of employment in the 15-nation bloc at 55.6 percent against an EU average of 63.3 percent, also posting the highest jobless rate at 11.1 percent, the Commission said.

The state was unable to tackle unemployment effectively; taxes on labor were too high; and the country's social insurance problems had yet to be resolved, it added.

The points are contained in two Commission reports on the Community's labor market in 2001 and 2002 that EU Commissioner Anna Diamantopoulou is to detail on Wednesday.

EU directive for development of renewable sources of energy BRUSSELS, 11/09/2001 (M. Spinthourakis)

The European Union's Council of Ministers on Monday adopted a community directive in favor of the development of renewable sources of energy in the EU.

The directive aims at strengthening efforts made by the member-states to commit themselves to the environmental character of the Kyoto Protocol.

The directive also aims in principle to double over the next ten years the consumption of energy derived from renewable sources of energy in the EU-member states.

In general terms, the European Commission notes that by 2010, 12 per cent of energy must come from renewable sources. With regard to electricity, the percentage must be 22 per cent. For Greece, the corresponding percentage aimed for is 8.6 per cent and 20.1 per cent respectively.

[12] Commissioners satisfied with Greece's commitment on quality of foodstuffs

Athens, 11/09/2001 (ANA)

The press conference was preceded by a round table discussion on "agriculture and foodstuffs" with the participation of representatives of consumer organizations and representatives from the sector of foodstuffs and commerce.

Fischler said consumers have greater demands as to the quality of foodstuffs, but at the same time they have to accept the prices, which correspond to the upgraded produce and hygiene. "Low prices, overproduction and quality are not compatible," he said.

Byrne said consumers demand greater transparency on the quality of foodstuffs and of their origin. As from January, he added, animal fodder will bear a notice indicating the origin of the animal as well as other important information.

Similar discussions have also taken place in six other countries and will continue in all the European Union countries.

[13] Greek tourism to get Dr 602 bln under EU funding package

Athens, 11/09/2001 (ANA)

The development ministry, which is responsible for tourism, aimed to improve quality in tourism services, enrich the tourism product, reduce the sector's seasonal focus, increase publicity and overhaul education and training, said Elizabeth Hatzinikolaou of GNTO's research division.

She was speaking at a meeting on the sidelines of the Thessaloniki International Trade Fair.

[14] Greek investments in Hungary at $80 mln

Athens, 11/09/2001 (ANA)

Hungary's commercial attache in Athens, Akos Nemeth, was addressing a news conference on the sidelines of the Thessaloniki International Trade Fair held in the northern port city.

[15] Cyprus Airways denies rift with Greek gov't over OA sale

Athens, 11/09/2001 (ANA)

The frontrunner in the tender, Axon Airlines of Greece, has made the government a binding offer for acquisition of a majority holding in ailing OA.

The government's consultant in the sale, Credit Suisse First Boston, had recommended Axon as the leader among the tender's four bidders, including Cyprus Airways.

"Concerning a newspaper report in Athens claiming that Cyprus Airways believed it had suffered unfair treatment at the hands of Credit Suisse First Boston, the company would like to make clear that the assertion is groundless," the Cypriot airline said in a statement.

"Our cooperation with the Greek state and its representatives was entirely harmonious and frank," the statement added.

Cyprus Airlines also said it believed that the tender procedure used was the right one, despite delays and postponements.

The government has said that if Axon's offer was deemed un-satisfactory, then the government would begin talks with two of the other bidders - Cyprus Airways and Integrated Airline Solutions of Australia.

[16] Passenger shippers to challenge deregulation in court

Athens, 11/09/2001 (ANA)

The Union of Passenger Ship Owners said in a statement that the provisions ran contrary to European Union directives, failed to serve travelers' needs, and would hurt the sector.

The union is to challenge a ruling that lowers the maximum age of ships to 30 from 35 years in October 2002; the right of the government to intervene in the allocation of shipping routes; the compulsory operation of vessels for 10 months of the year; the shipping register; and a ruling on the number of seamen required to staff vessels.

[17] Black Sea Bank expands activities

Athens, 11/09/2001 (ANA)

The protocol also envisages promotion of mutual actions, such as meetings, conference, etc.

The protocol was signed by Black Sea Bank's chairman, Ersoy Volkan and DIPEK's chairman Dimitris Bakatselos.

Black Sea seminar debates closer ties with EU: The Black Sea Trade and Development Bank, which is owned by 11 countries, on Monday held a seminar in the northern port city of Thessaloniki that debated achieving closer business ties between the region and the European Union.

The seminar was timed to coincide with the Thessaloniki International Trade Fair, which is traditionally visited by leading regional politicians, corporate executives and representatives of European organizations.

According to the findings of an EU study on the Black Sea region's economic outlook that was released at the seminar, Greece was the country likely to show the greatest increase in trade ties with the region, followed by Germany and Italy.

The survey says that an optimistic forecast would give the region an annual growth rate of 4.0 percent by 2010. In the same period, trade between the 15-member trade bloc and the region should double.

In addition, the report proposed that a European-Black Sea zone could be created based in the Danube basin that would evolve into a transport and trade corridor between the EU and Black Sea.

It said that Greece's northwest-northeast highway under construction could be eligible for Community funding in its final stretch towards Turkey. The project and others in the region could aid the transport corridor scheme.

Of capital flowing into the Black Sea region, 75 percent comes from the EU, and 42 percent of trade transactions are with the EU, according to the report.

Finally, it said that Greece could act as a provider of high-quality services in the region with Istanbul, Turkey becoming its financial hub.

Greece's commissioner to the EU, Anna Diamantopoulou, opened the seminar, whose speakers included politicians from the region and EU officials.

The Black Sea Trade and Development Bank launched operations in June 1999 in order to aid growth in the Balkans and Black Sea region and boost economic ties among shareholding countries.

The bank's share capital of 1.2 billion US dollars is distributed among Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Georgia, Greece, Moldova, Romania, Russia, Turkey and Ukraine.

Officials of the bank say that Greek firms have so far shown little interest in the bank's financing program.

[18] Shipping conference on technology and environment

Athens, 11/09/2001 (ANA)

The conference, bringing together Greek and foreign scientists, is organized by the Piraeus University and under the auspices of Merchant Marine, Environment, Town Planning and Public Works and Development ministries.

Addressing the conference, Papoutsis, said that Greek "being a shipping superpower" should lead the way in research and stressed that a rapid development in the shipping sector affected directly its competitiveness.

"The Greek government has taken measures with long-term targets and increased quality standards to improve the sector's competitiveness," Papoutsis said.

He noted the need for the creation of a global security framework to guarantee human life, environment protection and shipping safety.

[19] ITAR-TASS general director meets with press deputy minister & ATHOC president

Athens, 11/09/2001 (ANA)

Ignatenko expressed to Hytiris the interest of ITAR-TASS to further strengthen the channels of information exchange, especially before and during the Athens 2004 Olympic Games.

He stressed that the Russian agency was preparing the means to cover the Olympic Games, as well as the cultural and other events taking place in Greece, since there is increased interest for such information among Russians.

Ignatenko also spoke of the good relations between ITAR-TASS and the ANA, as well as their cooperation, which is continually developing.

Hytiris, on his part, thanked Ignatenko for his interest and said that Greece would do everything possible to aid the Russian agency in covering the Games, as well as to further increase the volume of news and information flow from Greece to Russia, underling the good relations between the two counties and the importance of the cooperation between ITAR-TASS and ANA.

Following his meeting with Hytiris, Ignatenko met with Angelopoulos-Daskalaki and was briefed on the progress of ATHOC's projects, while he stressed the special interest of Russia and the Russian media for the 2004 Games.

Ignatenko is a member of the executive committee of the Russian Olympic Committee, he was the director of the press office of the Olympic Games of Moscow in 1980 and was an advisor for the Seoul Olympic Games press office.

Ignatenko is also the president of the Asian association of news agencies and in the past he held the post of vice-president of the Russian government.

ANA General Director Andreas Christodoulides accompanied Ignatenko during his meetings.

[20] Athens Olympics products to be sold in US

Athens, 11/09/2001 (ANA)

Sale of the products is estimated to bring revenue of over five million US dollars, the 2004 organizing committee said in a statement.

Gianna Angelopoulos-Daskalaki, president of the Athens organizers of the 2004 Games; and the US national Olympics committee, will sign the pact in November.

[21] Patriarch sends message of friendship to the Balkan peoples

SOFIA, 11/09/2001 (ANA - B. Bortisov)

The forum is organized within the context of efforts for the creation of a climate of good neighborliness and stability in the broader region.

[22] Greece bids for 2009 Mediterranean Games

Athens, 11/09/2001 (ANA)

Greece's bid was made to the International Committee of the Mediterranean Games.

Greece's candidacy file will officially be submitted in 2002 and a final decision will be reached in 2003.

Interest to host the Games has also been shown by Egypt, Italy, Croatia, Morocco and Yugoslavia.

[23] Cyprus' EU Chief negotiator address Washington audience on Cyprus' EU accession prospects

NICOSIA, 11/09/2001 (CNA/ANA)

Addressing a policy forum at the Western Policy Center in Washington, on "EU enlargement: implications for Europe, Cyprus and the Eastern Mediterranean" Vassiliou referred to the efforts to find a settlement of the Cyprus problem, adding that no solution has been reached so far, "because we have been facing an intransigent Turkey, supporting the even more intransigent Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash."

Vassiliou also referred to Denktash's refusal to accept UN Secretary General's Kofi Annan invitation conveyed by his Special Adviser on Cyprus Alvaro de Soto to Cyprus President Glafcos Clerides and Denktash last week, as he concluded an eight-day visit here.

The president has accepted the invitation and left Monday for New York for the talks on 12 September.

Last year Denktash abandoned the negotiating table demanding recognition for his self-styled regime in Turkish occupied Cyprus before he returns to the UN-led peace talks.

Vassiliou pointed out that "the answer as to whether a divided Cyprus can join the EU or not has already been given by the EU itself in its decision at the Helsinki Summit in December 1999" that "if no settlement has been reached by the completion of accession negotiations, the Council's decision on accession will be made without the above being a precondition."

Vassiliou expressed the hope that the Turkish Cypriot side will abandon its confederal claims and cooperate for a solution to the Cyprus problem, adding however that "if they insist on their present position" then "Cyprus will join the Union divided and shortly afterwards it will be reunited."

He pointed out that "we have always wanted to have the Turkish Cypriots with us in our negotiations for accession into the EU."

President Glafcos Clerides has repeatedly invited the Turkish Cypriots to nominate their own representatives to the Cypriot team negotiating accession but so far the invitation has not been taken up.

Cyprus opened accession talks with the EU in 1998 and is the front-runner among the pre-accession countries, since it provisionally closed 23 out of 29 chapters.

Vassiliou, is in Washington for a series of meetings with a view to brief US administration officials and others on current developments in the Cyprus question and inform them about the Republic's accession negotiations with Brussels.

On Monday, Vassiliou was to dine with State Department Coordinator for Cyprus Tom Weston, and meet Senate Minority Leader Trent Lott, Senator Edward Kennedy, Assistant Secretary for European and Eurasian Affairs Elizabeth Jones and former National Security Adviser General Brent Scowcroft.

Over the next three days, Vassiliou is to meet Under-Secretary for Political Affairs Mark Grossman, Deputy Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs Stephen Hadley, members of Congress, Representatives Carolyn Maloney, David Bonior and Tom Lantos, Senators Paul Sarbanes and Gordon Smith, meet Ben Gilman, Chairman Middle East Sub-Committee of the International Relations Committee.

He is also scheduled to participate in discussions at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, the Heritage Foundation and the European Institute and meet members of the press.

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