Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 01-09-17

CONTENTS

[01] Papandreou meets Arafat and Peres, presses for resumption of Mideast talks

[02] US embassy: NJ suspects unrelated to terrorist attacks

[03] Miller: November 17 should beware US crackdown on terrorism

[04] Athens calls for unified airport security standards

[05] Karamanlis returns from US

[06] Constantopoulos comments on US reaction to terrorist attacks

[07] Opinion poll gauges Greek reactions to terror attacks in US

[08] KKE reiterates stance against election alliances

[09] New Patriarch of Jerusalem, Irineos I, officially installed

[10] Papantoniou warns of tempest in world economy, urges calm

[11] Nine Balkan states sign farm cooperation agreement

[12] ND delegation tours TIF

[13] Thousands of mourners attend Kazantzidis funeral

[14] Moderate quake rattles SW Peloponnese

[15] Cyprus denies allegations that Cyprus is involved in int'l terrorism

[16] US reiterates support for Cyprus solution

[01] Papandreou meets Arafat and Peres, presses for resumption of Mideast talks

JERUSALEM, 17/09/2001 (ANA – I. Afendouli)

The meeting with Peres came just hours after the Israeli government cancelled a meeting between Peres and Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat on that day.

Prior to his meeting with Peres, Papandreou had also met with Arafat, who afterwards said he was ready to return to the negotiating table with Peres at any time.

The Greek minister also expressed the view that the worldwide situation immediately after the tragedy in the United States created better conditions for dealing with the Middle East crisis.

On the other hand, he added, the difficulties should not be underestimated, as demonstrated by the cancelled Peres - Arafat meeting.

Regarding the fight against terrorism, Papandreou said there had been convergence of views with the Israeli side regarding methods.

"We agreed that the problem was very complex, related to inequalities and problems that exist in many parts of the planet, and that purely military solutions, even though they seem necessary at this time, cannot deal with the problem at its root," he said.

Yasser Arafat had also expressed readiness to fight terrorism during their earlier meeting, Papandreou said, having become the target of extremist groups on the Palestinian side who disagreed with his policies.

Arafat had reiterated on Sunday that last week’s unprecedented “air terror attacks” in Manhattan and Washington constituted a “crime against humanity and stressed that both he and the Palestinian administration were unequivocally against all terrorist action".

Lastly, the Greek minister said that he had discussed the Middle East crisis with his US counterpart Colin Powell over the phone on Saturday, as well as conveying the anguish of the Greek government over the attacks in the US. He said he would convey the results of his meetings in Jerusalem to Washington and European Union governments.

Earlier, Papandreou had announced that each of the 15 EU member-states' foreign ministers would be visiting the Middle East to press for a resumption of peace talks.

Arafat again deplores terrorist strikes, meets with Greek FM: Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat reiterated on Sunday that last week's unprecedented "air terror attacks" in Manhattan and Washington constitute a "crime against humanity".

In receiving visiting Greek Foreign Minister George Papandreou in the Gaza Strip, Arafat also stressed that both he and the Palestinian administration he leads are unequivocally against any terrorist action.

Papandreou, who arrived in the Holy Land over the weekend to attend the installation of the new Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem Irineos I along with a high-ranking Greek state delegation.

Arafat told reporters after his half-hour morning meeting with the Greek FM that he's ready to sit down at the negotiating table with Peres at any time, and at a mutually agreed to location.

In response to a press question, the veteran Palestinian leader said the prospect of holding a meeting with the Israeli foreign minister in Athens was also discussed.

On his part, Papandreou stressed that he is not only visiting the Palestinian self-rule areas as Greece's foreign minister but also as a friend of the Palestinian people and on behalf of the European Union.

Based on a recent decision taken by the EU's foreign ministers, Papandreou said, each of the 15 member-states' foreign ministers would alternately visit the Middle East to press for a resumption of the peace talks process. As it turned out, Papandreou inaugurated the EU initiative.

Finally, he again voiced the European Union's position that violence should be stopped and that the two sides meet as soon as possible.

In reiterating his stern condemnation of the shocking terrorist attacks in the US, Papandreou noted that the Sept. 11 tragedy should impel all opposing sides in the Mideast to seek a peaceful resolution to the region's problem.

Defense minister talks about terrorist strikes in US: A strike against Afghanistan should only take place when there was proof of its involvement in the terrorist strikes against the US, Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos said in an interview published by the Sunday 'Ethnos' newspaper.

Sliding into a policy of 'blind strikes' and blanket retaliation should be avoided at all costs, he added.

Tsohatzopoulos also predicted that Washington, under the pressure of public opinion in the US, would strive to be the first to react and might well not inform its allies in this case.

He hinted that the US government now had to restore the faith of the American people, shaken by Tuesday's events, in the system that defended them.

Tuesday's strike against the US, the minister added, ushered in a new era in which terrorism showed its "military and warlike character".

According to Tsohatzopoulos, the strikes against the Twin Towers and the Pentagon were the result of many years of planning and showed that "terrorism has unlimited financial resources and a large number of participants."

The defense minister expressed fears that increased security would be achieved at the expense of civil rights and liberties, and predicted greater activity for the resolution of outstanding issues such as the Mideast crisis, the Cyprus problem and elsewhere.

[02] US embassy: NJ suspects unrelated to terrorist attacks

Athens, 17/09/2001 (ANA)

At the time of the arrests, according to US law enforcement officials, one of three men detained had in his possession a stolen Greek passport. However, none of the three men is a Greek citizen.

The three, including two Syrian nationals and the unidentified man with the stolen passport, were arrested by local police in New Jersey and are currently being held by the US immigration and naturalization service on suspicion of immigration fraud.

In local press reports on Sunday, meanwhile, an Athens man whose passport was found on one of the three suspects said his travel document was stolen from his vehicle in June 2001 in the Porto Rafti resort area of eastern Attica. Additionally, Nikos Makrakis said the theft was declared the same day at the Porto Rafti police precinct. His Greek ID was also stolen, police said.

According to reports, Greek authorities informed US law enforcement agencies of the development when Makrakis contacted them.

[03] Miller: November 17 should beware US crackdown on terrorism

Athens, 17/09/2001 (ANA)

In statements to the Sunday edition of the Athens newspaper 'To Vima', Miller said that fighting terrorism would be his first priority as ambassador.

Regarding who was behind the recent terrorist attacks in the United States, Miller said it was too soon "to be certain who was responsible for this tragedy". Asked when Washington would respond, he said only that "whoever tells you he knows what is going to happen is lying."

[04] Athens calls for unified airport security standards

Athens, 17/09/2001 (ANA)

Additionally, Greek Transport Minister Christos Verelis stressed that stepped up security checks have been ordered at all Greek airports.

"There have to be uniform specifications for security systems at all airports around the world," he noted.

Regarding the prospect of armed guards during flights, Verelis said the issue would be discussed at the upcoming international general assembly of civil aviation bodies.

His comments came a day after European transport ministers in Brussels agreed to boost airline security standards throughout the 15-bloc Union.

[05] Karamanlis returns from US

Athens, 17/09/2001 (ANA)

"We witnessed an incredible crime, a terrorist attack that surpassed the boundaries of any warped fantasy," Karamanlis said upon reaching Athens' airport.

He also conveyed his condolences to the American people, while noting that there are victims from the Greek-American community as well, "their mourning is our mourning."

"Greece, where democracy and humanism were born, condemns with disdain this terror, which is aimed at freedom, open societies and against civilization," he added.

Mitsotakis comments on terrorist attacks: Former New Democracy prime minister Constantine Mitsotakis stressed over the weekend that humanity now faces its most important turning point since the end of World War II, as the aftershocks from Tuesday's shocking terrorist attacks in Manhattan and Washington continued to reverberate around the world.

In an interview published in Sunday's edition of "Eleftheros Typos", Mitsotakis said that whether "just or unjust anti-Americanism exists can be discussed ... what is unacceptable is for public opinion bodies, which mostly belong to the socialist camp, to hide a nebulous and baseless anti-Americanism."

He cited a banner headline in Wednesday's "Le Monde" reading, "We're all Americans", while adding that if the French owe their freedom to America once, "then we Greeks owe it twice".

The former premier said he believes Washington will not strike back blindly, but will proceed along a well-organized plan. He added that Greece has followed a correct course of late, whereas New Democracy fully backs the political solidarity expressed by Europe.

Finally, Mitsotakis cautioned against the Western world acting, en masse, against the Islamic world. "They will act against individuals, organizations or even countries that support terrorism."

[06] Constantopoulos comments on US reaction to terrorist attacks

Athens, 17/09/2001 (ANA)

Speaking during a festival by his party's youth organization, Constantopoulos said that the unbelievable tragedy demanded the punishment of those truly responsible.

He warned against "internationalized revenge" and the "denomination of a holy war, of good against evil, that has so often divided the world."

Wars and acts of terrorism, he added, do not push history forward but distort it and turn it back.

[07] Opinion poll gauges Greek reactions to terror attacks in US

Athens, 17/09/2001 (ANA)

At the same time, the vast majority (69.2 per cent) believed that Greece should support the US but not become involved in any military operation to retaliate against the attacks.

Only 9.5 per cent believe Greece should participate in "all actions decided by NATO" and 18.2 per cent call for Greece to differentiate its position and have no active involvement in retaliatory action.

A significant percentage, 29.4 per cent, said the attacks were "a reaction to American policies" versus 17.8 per cent who said it was a criminal act carried out by a group of fanatics.

Most were extremely cautious regarding possible US reactions: only 4 per cent said that the US and its allies should severely punish even countries considered responsible for the attacks, while 36.7 per cent believe that any reaction should be limited only to those persons that were proven to be behind the attacks.

[08] KKE reiterates stance against election alliances

Athens, 17/09/2001 (ANA)

However, the relevant decision by the party's central committee added that KKE would not oppose "partnerships" that fulfill certain conditions, before noting that "it's apparent that there can be no cooperation, at a central or local level, with which we have substantive differences on a general level and in local government".

KKE received almost 380,000 votes during the last general elections in April 2000, for 5.52 percent of the popular vote and 11 seats in Parliament.

[09] New Patriarch of Jerusalem, Irineos I, officially installed

JERUSALEM, 17/09/2001 (ANA - I. Afendouli)

In leading Greece's high-ranking delegation at the ceremony, Greek President of the Republic cited what he called the unreserved support of the Greek state towards Irineos' efforts, while expressing a hope that the "friendly states of Israel, Jordan, along with the Palestinian administration, will aid the ancient Patriarchate in its mission."

On his part, Archbishop of Athens and All Greece Christodoulos praised the new Jerusalem Patriarch, expressing his confidence that Irineos I will successful deal with the complicated issues facing the Patriarchate in the Holy Land.

Christodoulos, the high-profile head of the influential Church of Greece, also cited what he called a pending Church initiative against terrorism. In the wake of the shocking terrorist strikes in the United States, Christodoulos called for the unabashed condemnation of "those who choose violence and blind terrorism".

Finally, both Jordanian monarch Abdallah II and Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat issued decrees corroborating the election of the new Jerusalem Patriarch. Conversely, the Israeli government had still not issued such a decree by press time.

Stephanopoulos was accompanied by Greek Foreign Minister George Papandreou, Deputy FM Grigoris Niotis and a delegation from Greece's Parliament. Besides Christodoulos, a representative from the Ecumenical Patriarchate and other Orthodox Patriarchates' representatives attended as well.

Irineos, who was born on Samos, had served as Exarch of the Holy Sepulchre in Athens for several years prior to his election.

[10] Papantoniou warns of tempest in world economy, urges calm

Athens, 17/09/2001 (ANA)

The world economy was still in a state of flux and the future uncertain, following the terrorist strikes in the heart of the financial community in the US, the minister added.

According to Papantoniou, markets were still stabilizing and caution was needed, while prospects in the medium-term were uncertain until the reaction of the US economy had been ascertained.

In addition, he said, US reactions on a political level were still not known.

"All these are shadows on the global economy, and therefore great care and calmness is needed and chiefly steadiness. We do not know how the New York stock market will react but investors must not be carried away or affected by the events of a single day. We must wait and see," he said.

EU economy ministers would be meeting to assess the situation on Friday, Papantoniou concluded, while he laid emphasis on the need for steadiness, calm "and confidence in the forces of the European economy," including that of Greece.

[11] Nine Balkan states sign farm cooperation agreement

ISTANBUL, 17/09/2001 (ANA)

Ministers from Albania, Bosnia, Bulgaria, Croatia, FYROM, Greece, Romania, Turkey and the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia signed the agreement, which contained a phase stating that all the signatory states reiterated their adherence to the principles of the United Nations Charter, the Final Act of the Helsinki Agreement, the Paris Charter, as well as the recognized principles and rules of international law.

Agriculture Minister George Anomeritis represented Greece.

[12] ND delegation tours TIF

Athens, 17/09/2001 (ANA)

The visit came on the heels of a cancelled TIF visit and address by ND leader Costas Karamanlis, originally scheduled for Saturday. The main opposition leader in Greece usually gives his wide-ranging speech at Helexpo's main convention hall one week after the prime minister gives a "state-of-the-nation" address to inaugurate the Thessaloniki International Fair in early September.

Karamanlis was virtually stranded in the Boston area this week following the insidious "air terror attacks" in New York and Washington on Tuesday.

Turning again to Thessaloniki, the ND delegation asked Helexpo and TIF president Vassilis Kourtesis about ongoing speculation regarding both the state-run trade fair organization’s and TIF's future, as well as various scenarios regarding a possible sale. One of the demands repeatedly aired over the past few months by Thessaloniki's municipality - the second largest in Greece -- and other local government entities is for representation on Helexpo's board of directors.

In response to the demand, Kourtesis said any such prospect would be decided by Helexpo's primary shareholder, namely, the Greek state, while stressing that he personally believes that only a representative of the municipality of Thessaloniki should be included on Helexpo's board.

"Personally, I wouldn't put any other local government entity on the board of directors, expect the municipality (of Thessaloniki), and I wouldn't give even one share to the other local governments and agencies. They don't have any business running the exhibition. This is a job for professionals," he added.

[13] Thousands of mourners attend Kazantzidis funeral

Athens, 17/09/2001 (ANA)

Kazantzidis, who turned 70 on Aug. 29, died at an Athens hospital on Friday after a months-long battle with cancer.

Thousands of people attended a mass at the Elefsina Metropolitan Cathedral and the beloved singer funeral shortly after.

[14] Moderate quake rattles SW Peloponnese

Athens, 17/09/2001 (ANA)

The quake was recorded at 5:01 a.m. with an epicenter some 180 kilometers southwest of Athens, and 30 kilometers north of the Peloponnese port city of Kalamata.

No injuries had been reported by press time.

Communities where damages were reported include Zevgolatio, Meropi, Matzari, Malta, Polyhni, Kalliroi, Oihalia and Loutro. Churches in the latter two villages were also damaged, reports state.

A delegation from the town planning and public works ministry was dispatched to the scene.

[15] Cyprus denies allegations that Cyprus is involved in int'l terrorism

NICOSIA, 17/09/2001 (CNA/ANA)

Speaking to CNA, Papapetrou also noted that Cyprus "record in facing terrorism is and has always been absolutely clear". The Cypriot official was commenting Former NATO Supreme Commander General Wesley Clark's statements involving Cyprus in international terrorism matters.

"The allegations that Cyprus is in any way directly or indirectly connected with terrorism are absolutely unfounded and violate truth and the real facts," Papapetrou said.

He added that Clark's statements were followed by Cyprus Government's representations to the US and that after these representations circles of the State Department made it clear "that these allegations are totally unfounded."

Papapetrou welcomed this confirmation by circles of the State Department and said it was "crystal clear that Cyprus firmly stands on the side of the forces that fight against terrorism in certain parts of the world."

[16] US reiterates support for Cyprus solution

WASHINGTON, 17/09/2001 (CNA/ANA)

He also said that Turkey, through its engagement with the EU for membership, can and should contribute towards a Cyprus solution.

In a telephone interview with the CNA in Washington, Weston said "the US is completely committed to the search for a comprehensive settlement in Cyprus" and expressed America's "unwavering support for the UN process and the work UN Secretary General's Special Adviser on Cyprus Alvaro de Soto is doing."

"We are in constant touch with the UN and our effort is to support the UN efforts," he said.

Asked whether de Soto had suggested any specific moves on the part of the US in support of UN efforts at a recent meeting in Paris, Weston noted that future moves "are not to be put in the public domain" and added, "I feel confident that we are doing what the UN wants us to do."

"We have to try to find a way to pursue our goal, which is a comprehensive settlement in a reasonable time," the American official said.

De Soto and Weston met in Paris early September, after the UN diplomat had concluded an eight-day visit to Cyprus during which he extended, on behalf of the UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, invitations to the Greek and Turkish Cypriot leaders, Glafcos Clerides and Rauf Denktash "to resume the search for a comprehensive settlement under the Secretary General's auspices."

Cyprus President Glafcos Clerides accepted the invitation. Rauf Denktash, leader of the Turkish Cypriot community, turned it down saying the ground was not prepared for the resumption of talks.

Replying to questions, Weston said he had "lengthy conversations" with Cyprus' EU chief negotiator George Vassiliou, whom he met on numerous occasions in the past week in Washington.

"US policy is very clear on Cyprus' EU accession: we support Cyprus' accession and we believe the accession process offers an incentive and it is helpful to achieve a settlement in Cyprus," the US official told CNA, noting that Washington continues to back the EU Helsinki conclusions which say a political settlement in Cyprus would facilitate accession but it is not a precondition for EU membership.

Asked how he sees Turkey's role in the peace effort in relation to its European aspirations, Weston said "we believe that Turkey, through its political dialogue with the EU and the national program it has put forward, can and should contribute towards a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus question."

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