Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 01-09-12

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

CONTENTS

[01] Greece sternly condemns shocking terrorist attacks in US

[02] Greek defense minister meets with visiting Cyprus party leader

[03] Event focusing on Cyprus issue, EU on Wed. in Athens

[04] French Eurodeputy sets deadline for Cyprus settlement

[05] PM sees trouble-free launch of euro on January 1, 2002

[06] Three-fourths of Greeks fear euro fraud

[07] Negotiations for sale of OA extended a further 35 days

[08] Greek GDP up 4.9 percent in second quarter

[09] Gov't announces Dr 99 bln program for young farmers

[10] US trade fair pavilion reopens after security check

[11] Athens bourse may call off trade on Wednesday

[12] Wednesday will show if US mayhem to impact bourse, minister says

[13] Greek stocks end nine-day fall on Tuesday

[14] Parliament begins discussions on Athens 2004 Games bill

[15] Athens to become greener by 2004

[16] Vergina archaeological site pillaged, priceless artifacts removed

[17] Greek-Turkish joint rescue exercise in Rio on Tuesday

[18] Greece's new school year started on Tuesday

[19] Panathinaikos beats Schalke 2-0 in Champions League match

[20] Cyprus firmly condemns terrorist attacks in

[21] Washington reiterates support for Cyprus' EU accession course

[22] Defense minister says reinforcement of the republic's defense indispensable

[01] Greece sternly condemns shocking terrorist attacks in US

Athens, 12/09/2001 (ANA)

A foreign ministry spokesman emphasized that the Greek government was “deeply shocked” by the terrorist attacks in New York City and Washington.

Additionally, Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis sent a telegram to US President George W. Bush offering his government’s condolences, while Foreign Minister George Papandreou also sent his condolences to US Secretary of State Colin Powell.

Spokesman Panos Beglitis noted that the Greek foreign minister was in constant contact with other ministers as well as with his European Union counterparts in order to formulate the Community’s common stance vis-a-vis the unprecedented attacks on US territory.

The spokesman added that the Greek government believes that conditions “now exist that necessitate international coordination to combat terrorism.”

Finally, he said Greece’s consulates in the United States have been ordered to monitor developments in both cities and to investigate whether any Greek citizens are among the victims of the terrorist attacks.

President expresses "abhorrence" over terrorist attacks in US: President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos on Tuesday sent his condolences to US President George Bush, expressing his "abhorrence to the terrorist attack against the US which cost the lives of many innocent people and created extensive destruction, provoking the most intense and absolute condemnation by every logical person."

Stephanopoulos expressed the support of the Greek people to the US and to the families of the victims of the terrorist attacks.

PM expresses condolences to Bush over terrorist attack: Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis on Tuesday expressed his condolences to U. S. President George Bush, in light of the devastating multiple terrorist attacks in New York and Washington.

"I am deeply shocked by today's terrorist crime against your country, let me express to you my sincere condolences, as well as the condolences of the Greek government and those of the Greek people to the American people, and especially to the families of the victims," Simitis said in his telegram to the White House.

"Greece condemns, in the most stern way, these horrific actions. We hope that the culprits will be found and answer before the justice immediately," he concluded.

Foreign minister Papandreou: Greek Foreign Minister George Papandreou on Tuesday expressed his abhorrence over the murderous terrorist attacks in the United States, during an address in the Greek Parliament.

Papandreou noted that the attacks aimed at "open democratic society", adding that they will have "significant political consequences on the international stage".

"With a sense responsibility, we follow and check the situation," he added.

Papandreou said the prime minister, the government, all political parties and the entire Greek people "condemn in the most categorical manner these abhorrent acts of violence".

FM sends condolences to US counterpart: Greek Foreign Minister George Papandreou on Tuesday sent a telegram of condolences to his US counterpart Colin Powell over the terrorist attacks in the US.

"The abhorrent terrorist attack against the American people was in reality an attack against free society, democracy and the whole of humanity," Papandreou stressed.

"The people and the government of my country categorically condemn terrorism. We express our solidarity to the American people in these difficult moments and our determination to support world peace and security," he added.

Papandreou meets public order minister: Foreign Minister George Papandreou held a meeting on Tuesday night with Public Order Minister Michalis Chrysohoidis concerning the terrorist attacks in the US.

Earlier, Papandreou went to the US Embassy where he expressed the Greek government's condolences to the embassy staff.

Papandreou also briefed President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos on the attacks.

In statements both in Parliament and at the foreign ministry, Papandreou underlined that the terrorist attacks did not only aim at human victims "but also aim at undermining democratic institutions in the free and open societies in which we live."

Papandreou assured that all his fellow ministers were in constant contact and have taken all the necessary measures, without this meaning that there was any concern for Greece.

Papandreou announced that he would depart for Brussels Wednesday morning to attend the extraordinary meeting of the EU foreign ministers, which he said would condemn the attacks in the US and express its support to the US people and government.

Parliament, political parties condemn heinous terrorist attack in the U.S.: Greek Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis on Tuesday evening condemned the heinous terrorist attacks in the United States in the name of the legislative body.

He spoke of the events with "sorrow and concern" and expressing the feelings of all, he spoke to the American people, the legislative bodies of the United States and especially to the families of the victims of the "criminal terrorist attacks", while expressing the hope those responsible would soon be brought to justice.

Ruling PASOK party condemned "in the most categorical way" the nightmarish terrorist action, which made victims of innocent citizens.

"We express our solidarity to the government of the Untied State of America and to the American people and especially to the families of the victims," the press release said.

"We ask of the international community to coordinate its efforts and not to allow the human rights, the freedoms, the security and the democratic rights of citizens to be abolished by terrorism," it added.

In Parliament, PASOK's spokesman expressed his condolences to the American people over the "heinous crime".

Representing main opposition New Democracy (ND), deputy Prokopis Pavlopoulos expressed his abhorrence over the terrorist attack, which "aimed at the international community, the implementation of international law, international justice and the human rights of the people".

"I would like to express our solidarity to the American people and to the American government," he said.

He added that in these difficult times ND stands in solidarity to every action that would make Greece safe against any such action, noting that any and all political differences come second on the priority list.

On his part, Communist Party of Greece (KKE) spokesman Antonis Skyllakos said that "until the matter is cleared up", his party "expresses its condolences and sorrow toward the American people and especially toward the families of the victims over the tragic events".

"We want to hope that these events will not be used to further escalate tension and expand the new order to the detriment of the peoples," he said.

Coalition of the Left and Progress (Synaspismos) leader Nikos Constantopoulos said that the 21st Century is confronted with a nightmarish stage, an international tragedy.

"We outright condemn (the cause of) this tragedy of a people under attack at this time," he said.

Gov't spokesman, defense minister comment on terrorist attack in U.S.: Greece will undertake all necessary initiatives so as to be present in all developments, regarding discussions that will take place in the framework of International Organizations to arrive at decisions which will be critical and useful, in efforts to confront terrorism, government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said on Wednesday.

Upon his departure from the Parliament building, Reppas also said that Tuesday's terrorist attacks "are a very important event and can tremendously influence international developments".

He added that the government is in constant contact - through Foreign Minister George Papandreou - with the international community, being briefed in depth on all elements that make up this tragedy.

During this moment, however, Reppas said "our mind turns to victims of this criminal action and of course with great care, we should collect all those evidence and come up with secure conclusions".

Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos also expressed his abhorrence over the attack, stressing that the only solution to confronting similar phenomena lays with international cooperation.

He added that there is a series of new elements in the international terrorism problem, saying that the terrorist attacks in the US would have tremendous international economic fallout, which will be felt with in the immediate future.

Inner cabinet meeting on Wednesday to focus on terrorist attacks in the U.S.: The Inner cabinet of the government will meet at noon on Wednesday at Prime Minister Costas Simitis' office in the Maximos Mansion to discuss the horrific terrorist attacks in the United States.

Meanwhile, the foreign ministers of the European Union will meet on Wednesday to discuss the issue in Brussels.

All Union bodies condemned the attack and expressed their sorrow to the families of the victims.

US embassy issues press release thanking

Greece for its solidarity: The United States embassy in Athens issued a press release on Tuesday thanking the Greek people for their show of solidarity, in light of the horrific terrorist attacks in the US.

"We are shocked and horrified at the events unfolding in the United States. As President Bush said, this is a national tragedy. Prime Minister Simitis has expressed his sympathy and he sent a message to President Bush expressing the sympathy of the Greek people and of his government," the press release said.

"Private Greek citizens have been calling our Embassy to express their outrage against this heinous crime. The Greek authorities have also promised us their full support. We are grateful for their show of solidarity," it concluded.

Heightened security around US embassy in Athens: Stepped up security measures have been taken both inside and outside the US embassy in Athens following the unprecedented terrorist attacks hours earlier in Manhattan and Washington.

Police units have taken up position around the embassy in downtown Athens, checking vehicles in the vicinity and surrounding roads.

Inside, embassy security officers equipped with bulletproof vests were also fully mobilized, according to reports.

Additionally, increased security measures were taken for the large US pavilion at the 66th Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF).

ND leader expresses sorrow and outrage: Greece's main opposition New Democracy (ND) leader Costas Karamanlis on Tuesday expressed his deep sorrow and outrage over the multiple terrorist attack against the US.

Karamanlis, who was in Boston Massachusetts during the attack, stressed that these unprecedented actions elicit horror and outrage in the global public opinion, adding that they are condemnable by every soundly thinking citizen in the world.

He sent a telegram to U.S. President Bush expressing his condolences and his "disgust, the unreserved sympathy for the families of the victims and solidarity for the friendly American people, during this tragic trial".

Also, Democratic Social Movement (DHKKI) leader Dimitris Tsovolas and Liberal Party leader Stephanos Manos also sent telegrams expressing their condolences over the terrorist attacks.

Karamanlis remains in Boston following horrific WTC strikes: Main opposition New Democracy leader Costas Karamanlis remained in Boston on Tuesday morning following the devastating twin terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center towers in Manhattan.

Karamanlis, who arrived in New England to inaugurate a “Constantine Karamanlis” academic chair in honor of his namesake uncle and late Greek statesman at the renowned Fletcher School of Diplomacy, was originally scheduled to fly from Boston to New York City at around 9:15 a.m. local time – a half hour after the first plane crashed into a WTC tower.

The ND leader was heading to New York City for a scheduled meeting with Cypriot President Glafcos Clerides.

Following the unprecedented terrorist attacks, Karamanlis and a high-ranking ND delegation he was leading remained in Boston. No new itinerary has been announced for Karamanlis’ departure from the United States.

KKE leader says attacks in the US were not unexpected: Communist Party of Greece (KKE) Secretary Aleka Papariga on Tuesday night forecast that the terrorist attacks in the US will provoke an attack "by the imperialist forces aimed at smashing the popular awakening which is being manifested in many parts of the world and the popular movements."

Speaking at a party meeting in Thessaloniki, northern Greece, Papariga expressed her grief and support for the American people, which she differentiated from the US leadership. She added that for the KKE, such a development was not unexpected "particularly after the victory of the counter-revolution in eastern Europe."

Avramopoulos condemns abhorrent attacks

in the US: Athens Mayor Dimitris Avramopoulos on Tuesday night condemned the terrorist attacks in the US, stating that "the dramatic and tragic events have shocked us because beyond their human dimension, they open a chapter of dramatic developments for world peace and security."

He said that the escalation of the phenomenon of international terrorism must be combated in the root with the cooperation of all democratic countries.

Holy Synod expresses sympathy for the American people: The Holy Synod of the Church of Greece in a written statement on Tuesday condemned the terrorist attacks in the US and expressed its sympathy for the American people.

The statement added that society must be rid of "violence, revenge and catastrophic mania."

Archbishop Christodoulos of Athens and All Greece, who is on an official visit to Belgrade, said that he was grieved by "the terrible events in the US," describing the terrorist attacks as hideous.

OA airliner headed to NYC ordered back to Athens: An Olympic Airways (OA) “Airbus 340” airliner heading for New York with 260 passengers aboard was ordered to fly back to Athens on Tuesday afternoon due to the devastating World Trade Center crashes and subsequent FAA restrictions over US airspace.

The plane was flying over Britain when ordered back to Athens, reports state.

[02] Greek defense minister meets with visiting Cyprus party leader

Athens, 12/09/2001 (ANA)

Following the meeting, Tsohatzopoulos and Omirou said that they overviewed the developments of the Cyprus issue, during a time coinciding with the refusal of Turkish Cypriot community leader Rauf Denktash to attend the next round of proximity peace talks in New York.

Tsohatzopoulos stressed that Denktash’s refusal to attend the United Nations sponsored talks reaffirmed the responsibilities of Turkey as the military power maintaining occupation forces on the island republic, adding that the European Court recognized those responsibilities.

The two men also referred to the "reiterated" threat uttered by Turkish Foreign Minister Ismail Cem that if Cyprus enters the European Union there will be "reactions without limits".

They said that such threats have no place in the conditions as they have developed.

Tsohatzopoulos also said that the European Union should not the only international body involved in the Cyprus problem, rather it is the responsibility of the international community as well as that of those countries that have "strong ability to intervene", such as the USA, Russia, China and others.

On his part, Omirou, a former defense minister of Cyprus, called the island republic's accession to the Union a "hopeful strategy for Hellenism" and underlined the importance of Cyprus geopolitical position.

At the end of their impromptu press conference, Tsohatzopoulos indirectly expressed his wish to remain at his post as defense minister after a possible government reshuffle.

[03] Event focusing on Cyprus issue, EU on Wed. in Athens

Athens, 12/09/2001 (ANA)

President Kostis Stephanopoulos will be present at the event, while the foreign ministers of Greece and Cyprus, George Papandreou and Ioannis Kasoulides, respectively, are scheduled to address the audience.

The event is organized by the Paphos-Twinned Cities of Greece Network.

[04] French Eurodeputy sets deadline for Cyprus settlement

BRUSSELS, 12/09/2001 (ANA - G. Zitouniati)

The French Eurodeputy also refused to determine the timetable of Turkey's accession.

"I cannot imagine a crisis next year for Cyprus which is one of the best students in the harmonization with the acquis communautaire," he said.

He clarified that "it is not an ultimatum," stressing that the deadline derives from the agreed procedures which are commonly accepted and that it was also clear who were sabotaging the negotiations.

"It is a matter of political volition," he said, adding that "if there is good will solutions will be found."

Lamassoure on Tuesday presented to the European Parliament the annual report on the progress of the EU-Turkey partnership relation.

[05] PM sees trouble-free launch of euro on January 1, 2002

Athens, 12/09/2001 (ANA)

"A disruption in our daily lives in the first two months of 2002 should not worry us. Let's see introduction of the euro for what it is - a new, optimistic and dynamic start for the economy," Simitis told a cabinet meeting.

The eurozone's single currency and the drachma will circulate in parallel until February 28 when the former national currency will be withdrawn.

Simitis said the shift to the euro was a move that would lead to a change in attitudes and have an impact the workings of the economy, representing more than a simple change in currency.

"Our new currency, the euro, is one of the world's powerful currencies, along with the dollar and yen. Its stability and strength will protect the purchasing power of wage earners and pensioners," the prime minister said.

Also taking part in the cabinet meeting were central bank governor Lucas Papademos and his two deputy governors.

Cabinet focuses on upcoming transition to euro: The imminent transition from the drachma to the euro was the focus of a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday chaired by Prime Minister Costas Simitis.

The Greek prime minister expressed his confidence over what he predicted would be a smooth transition.

“A disruption of our daily lives in the first two months of 2002 should not worry us. Let us see the euro’s arrival for what it is: A new, optimistic and dynamic beginning for our economy,” Simitis told his ministers.

“With the euro, Greece’s economy becomes stronger, guaranteeing the conditions for more rapid growth, an increase in employment and heightened prosperity. Our new currency, the euro, is one of the strongest currencies on the planet, along with the dollar and yen. Its stability and strength protects the purchasing power of citizens’ wages and pensions,” he added.

The Bank of Greece’s leadership was also present at the meeting.

[06] Three-fourths of Greeks fear euro fraud

Athens, 12/09/2001 (ANA)

National Economy and Finance Minister Yiannos Papantoniou, who presented the report with Bank of Greece governor Lucas Papademos after a cabinet meeting to discuss euro preparations, said that the government would not allow any price rises based on the introduction of the single European currency.

"The government will be harsh on any speculative moves," Papantoniou said. He stressed that a ministry circular to all state organizations defined the period of the next six months (October 2001-March 2002) as a time to freeze all prices.

Papantoniou said that the government has reached "gentlemen's agreements" with representatives from all producing bodies to freeze price in that period.

Papantoniou also referred to two main characteristics of the euro banknotes: the first is that the euro word is written also in the Greek language and the second that Greece was given the right to use the term "lepto" instead of cent used in all other eurozone states.

Bank of Greece governor said that the central bank has already secured 85 percent of the country's needs in euro coins and notes.

Papademos said that from January 1, 2002, a total of 617 million euro banknotes and 1,600 billion coins would circulate in the Greece.

The last day of 2001 would be a special bank holiday to facilitate actions and most banks' ATMs would offer euro coins and notes to Greek citizens in the first few days of 2002, Papademos said.

[07] Negotiations for sale of OA extended a further 35 days

Athens, 12/09/2001 (ANA)

Credit Swiss First Boston in an announcement on Tuesday night said that following its recommendation to the Greek state, it has been authorized to continue its negotiations with AXON for a further 35 days starting from September.

During this period, Boston will ask for more clarifications from the other sides (Cyprus Airways and Australian Consortium) which are continuing to take part in the process.

According to an ANA dispatch from Nicosia earlier, Cyprus Airways announced on Tuesday that it was withdrawing from a Greek tender for the privatization of Olympic Airways, barring surprises.

The company's president, Haris Loizidis, said the airline had told the Greek government that it would not renew its letter of guarantee in the tender.

He also mentioned a problem of timing concerning extension of the airline's commitment in the tender.

The frontrunner in the sale, 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.

[08] Greek GDP up 4.9 percent in second quarter

Athens, 12/09/2001 (ANA)

Speaking to reporters, Papantoniou said that the country's growth rate improved sharply from a 1.6 percent rate in the first quarter of 2001 for an annual growth rate of 5.5 percent in the first half of the year.

[09] Gov't announces Dr 99 bln program for young farmers

Athens, 12/09/2001 (ANA)

The scheme is for farmers under 40 years of age who wish to set up business in ordained farming land for the first time.

Barred from the funding are the prefecture of Attica and several islands.

[10] US trade fair pavilion reopens after security check

Athens, 12/09/2001 (ANA)

The pavilion reopened after a detailed inspection revealed no suspicious devices, but visitors were to be checked with a metal detector before entry, officials said.

[11] Athens bourse may call off trade on Wednesday

Athens, 12/09/2001 (ANA)

A decision will be taken after the response of markets elsewhere in the world has been gauged, the authorities said in a statement on Tuesday.

The Athens stockbrokers trade group has recommended closure of the domestic market on fears of panic selling. Other European markets dropped on Tuesday due to adverse sentiment.

Wall Street is to remain closed on Wednesday.

A plane crashed into the Pentagon on Tuesday soon after separate crashes into New York's World Trade Center. President George W. Bush has blamed terrorists for the attacks.

[12] Wednesday will show if US mayhem to impact bourse, minister says

Athens, 12/09/2001 (ANA)

"This will emerge tomorrow morning," said Papantoniou, asked to forecast possible repercussions on Greece's stock market and economy. He said he hoped the market would emerge unscathed.

The minister, who is touring Thrace, expressed grief at the tragedy in the US.

[13] Greek stocks end nine-day fall on Tuesday

Athens, 12/09/2001 (ANA)

The general index ended 0.75 percent higher at 2,555.94 points, off the day's highs of 2,584.12 points, with turnover a low 143.71 million euros, or 48.97 billion drachmas.

The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks ended at 1,435.77 points, up 0.60 percent, the FTSE/ASE 40 index rose 0.85 percent to 277.62 points, and the Small Cap index ended at 811.98 points, up 0.69 percent.

The parallel market index for smaller capitalization stocks ended at 246.88 points, up 0.44 percent.

Broadly, advancers led decliners by 256 to 69 with another 34 issues unchanged.

ASE chairman, Panagiotis Alexakis said that the Greek market's fall was attributed, mainly, to a turmoil in international markets and urged investors to remain calm to avoid any further worsening of the climate.

Alexakis said he hoped that the situation would stabilize and that it would not last long. "We are monitoring developments and we will take measures and action if and when needed," he said.

Alexakis noted, however, that "there is not such reason at the time."

Equity futures stay higher: Equity futures on the Athens Derivatives Exchange on Tuesday maintained their new higher levels on Tuesday but turnover dropped.

Changing hands were 5,752 contracts on turnover of 37.0 million euros, the traders said.

Prices rise in heavy trade after US mayhem: Bond prices in the domestic secondary market on Tuesday finished higher in heavy trade with players seeing world bond markets as a safe haven after what appeared to be terrorist attacks on the US World Trade Center and Pentagon.

The Greek benchmark 10-year bond showed a yield of 5.26 percent, and the yield spread over German bunds was 46 basis points.

Turnover through the central bank's electronic system totalled 2.0 billion euros.

Buy orders accounted for the bulk of turnover.

[14] Parliament begins discussions on Athens 2004 Games bill

Athens, 12/09/2001 (ANA)

The bill aims to resolve a series of problems that surfaced with the efforts to organize the Games and construct the necessary infrastructures needed so they may be conducted unhindered.

[15] Athens to become greener by 2004

Athens, 12/09/2001 (ANA)

The program which will escalate until 2004 and will be completed by 2006, includes the planting of 100 million plants in 25,000 acres and estimated to cost 40 billion drachmas.

"In 2004 a new landscape will be created in Attica," Laliotis said at a press conference.

[16] Vergina archaeological site pillaged, priceless artifacts removed

Athens, 12/09/2001 (ANA)

Archaeologists reported to the local police that several artifacts of incalculable archaeological value were pillaged from the tomb of Eurydice, mother of Philip of Macedon, between August 13 and September 9.

They said the stolen articles included three 12cm-tall marble statuettes, three 12cm-tall sphynxes that retained their original colors, and two marble rosettes in the shape of daisies, which preserved their green outer layer of coloring.

The local police were investigating the incident.

Culture minister comments on theft of artifacts from Vergina archaeological site: Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos on Tuesday called a grievous criminal act the theft of invaluable ancient artifacts from the Vergina archaeological site in northern Greece.

In a press release, Venizelos said that the case would very soon be resolved.

Earlier in the day, archaeologists reported to the local police that several artifacts of incalculable archaeological value were pillaged from the tomb of Eurydice, mother of Philip the Great of Macedon, between August 13 and September 9.

They said the stolen articles included three 12cm-tall marble statuettes, three 12cm-tall sphinxes that retained their original colors, and two marble rosettes in the shape of daisies, which preserved their green outer layer of coloring.

Venizelos' press release noted that the statuettes were photographed and given identity numbers and are known internationally, as a result they can not circulate in the illegal antiquities market.

"It is a curious event, since one can not enter freely in the tomb, visits are rare, only by high ranking officials and only with archaeologist in escort. The last visit took place in Aug. 16, while a month curators enter, so as to check the microclimate of the tomb," the press release noted.

[17] Greek-Turkish joint rescue exercise in Rio on Tuesday

Athens, 12/09/2001 (ANA)

Twelve Turkish rescuers, an equal number of Greek rescuers, and another 40 Volunteer Samaritans of the Greek Red Cross, including doctors, paramedics, ambulance crews and technical and assistant personnel took part in the exercise, held near the town's western pier in an area of demolished buildings.

This is the first such joint Greek-Turkish rescue exercise to take place in Greece.

[18] Greece's new school year started on Tuesday

Athens, 12/09/2001 (ANA)

Speaking at a high school in the Athens suburb of Brahami, Efthymiou also referred to the upgrading of the country in the European world.

On his part, Athens Mayor Dimitris Avramopoulos, who also attended an opening ceremony at another Athens school, stated later that "twenty years after our entry to the European Union, Greece persistently holds last place in education." He added that it was about time "four us to give priority to Greek education."

[19] Panathinaikos beats Schalke 2-0 in Champions League match

Athens, 12/09/2001 (ANA)

Goran Vlaovic scored the Greek team’s goals in the 75th minute and by Angelos Bassinas in the 80th.

[20] Cyprus firmly condemns terrorist attacks in

US NICOSIA, 12/09/2001 (CNA/ANA)

Cyprus Acting President Demetris Christofias presided over an extraordinary meeting this evening in Nicosia, attended by members of the cabinet and other officials, who looked into the situation and measures the Cyprus authorities were taking to protect US and Israeli interests in the government-controlled areas of the island and prevent possible terrorist attacks.

Speaking after the Presidential Palace meeting Christofias expressed on behalf of the Cyprus government, the parliament and the people of Cyprus strong condemnation of all those terrible terrorist acts against the US which caused a lot of victims among innocent civilians.

"The Cyprus government denounces unreservedly these actions and expresses its deep grief and sympathy to the US administration and the American people," he added.

Christofias said Cyprus competent authorities were on alert and security measures had already been taken in Nicosia and the Republic's ports and airports.

Regarding President Clerides' trip to New York, where the president was scheduled to meet Wednesday UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, Christofias said Swiss Air aircraft carrying the Cypriot president has been diverted Canada. (It has already landed at Montreal airport).

Invited to say whether Clerides will return to Cyprus, Christofias said this was up to the president to decide.

Cyprus Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides flew to New York yesterday.

Speaking to CNA from New York, Kasoulides said he would send a message to his American counterpart Colin Powell, to denounce "the unprecedented abhorrent terrorist attacks."

An official press release in Nicosia said earlier this afternoon that Christofias contacted the US Charge D' Affaires in Nicosia to express on behalf of the people of Cyprus strong condemnation of the terrorist attacks and sincere condolences for the innocent victims.

[21] Washington reiterates support for Cyprus' EU accession course

WASHINGTON, 12/09/2001 (CNA/ANA)

The former Cypriot president, who is on a four-day visit to the US, had separate meetings with Senate Minority leader, Senator Trent Lott, and Senator Edward Kennedy, who showed particular interest in Cyprus' bid to join the EU and recent developments in the Cyprus problem.

During his meetings, Vassiliou ascertained that US policy continues to be against the status quo in Cyprus and supports a settlement for Cyprus based on a bizonal, bicommunal federation.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkish troops invaded and occupied 37 per cent of its territory.

Vassiliou also attended a working dinner with Ambassador Tom Weston, the State Department Special Coordinator for Cyprus, with whom he exchanged views on the Cyprus problem and Cyprus' EU accession course.

Cyprus opened accession negotiations with the EU in 1998 and is considered to be the front-runner among the pre-accession countries, since it has closed 23 out of 29 chapters, in its course to harmonies with EU laws and regulations.

Condoleezza Rice: National Security Affairs Assistant to US president, Condoleezza Rice, has expressed US support to the UN to convince the Turkish Cypriot side to return to the talks on Cyprus as well as support for Cyprus' bid to join the European Union, in the hope that will catalyze UN efforts to achieve an agreement.

According to a press release issued by the Cyprus Federation of America (CFA), in her response to a letter sent to her by CFA President Savas Tsivicos, Rice states that "the US will continue working actively to foster the required trust...our underlying objective is continual improvement of relations between Greece and Turkey, which will enhance prospects for a Cyprus settlement and bolster US interests."

"We look forward to working with the Cyprus Federation of America in pursuit of these goals as we strive to maintain peace and stability in the Eastern Mediterranean", Rice concludes.

[22] Defense minister says reinforcement of the republic's defense indispensable

NICOSIA, 12/09/2001 (CNA/ANA)

Hasikos said that if Turkey materialized its threats against Cyprus that would cause more losses than benefits for her and stressed that Cyprus government's main and foremost goal was to achieve a solution of the Cyprus problem by peaceful means, within the framework of UN relevant resolutions and the international law.

He added that if Cyprus people were forced to fight "for the protection of their freedom, their national and human dignity and their vital interests they would do so", with Greece's solid support within the framework of the two countries Joint Defense Pact.

In the early 1990s Cyprus and Greece agreed on a pact providing Cyprus with air, sea and land coverage in the case of a new Turkish offensive against the island.

Replying to a question, Hasikos confirmed that a Turkish war vessel carrying armament has entered the closed port of Famagusta, occupied by Turkish troops, adding that this is "a routine."

He added that the occupying forces' efforts to upgrade their military systems in the occupied north "is continuous."

Replying to another question Hasikos said "our side, as Cyprus President Glafcos Clerides himself has said, follows the whole situation and takes its own measures."

Turkish Foreign Minister Ismail Cem has threatened for unrestraint response, should Cyprus join the EU without prior solution of its political problem.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkish troops invaded and occupied 37 per cent of its territory.

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