Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 01-09-27

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

CONTENTS

[01] Rogge: No one can ensure 100% security for Games

[02] Stephanopoulos, Spanish PM discuss US response to terror attacks

[03] Greek FM briefs minor parties on global anti-terrorism drive

[04] FM communicates with FYROM's president and PM

[05] Greek FM expresses solidarity with terrorism victims in US to SAE president

[06] International cooperation the key to combat terrorism, Tsohatzopoulos says

[07] Government spokesman denies U.S. TV channel report

[08] State Department says cooperation with Athens 'very close'

[09] Gov't: US requested postponement of Cyprus maneuvers

[10] Karamanlis discusses transport security with European commissioner

[11] Synaspismos voices opposition to KKE rally set for Thursday

[12] New U.S. ambassador meets Greek Orthodox Archbishop of America

[13] Memorial service held for assassinated MP Bakoyiannis

[14] Gov't: Economic downturn expected to affect Greece less

[15] Labor minister calls for dialogue over social security issue

[16] Gov't sale of privatization bonds oversold by 1.8 times

[17] More banks join latest wave of interest rate cuts

[18] Gov't cites staying power of tourism in world crises

[19] OA passenger traffic drops sharply after hijacked plane attacks in US

[20] Stocks nose down in last-minute selling

[21] Deal signed for construction of Olympics wrestling center

[22] Hundreds of events took place in major European Union cities on Wednesday marking European Day of Languages

[23] Memorial service for 'Express Samina' dead on Paros

[24] UN Security Council terms "unjustified" Turkish side's decision not to attend resumption of Cyprus peace talks

[25] Vassiliou in Brussels to discuss Cyprus' EU accession course

[26] Greek defense minister arrives in Cyprus on Sunday to attend Independence Day celebrations

[27] Annual military maneuvers to go ahead next month as planned

[28] Cyprus authorities to start conducting Republic's 6th census

[01] Rogge: No one can ensure 100% security for Games

International Olympic Committee (IOC) chief Jacques Rogge emphasized here on Wednesday that no country can ensure “100 percent” safety for the Games, hours after he was received by Greek leadership and briefed on the pace of preparations by Athens’ Olympic organizing committee (ATHOC).

Rogge arrived in Greece -- his first visit since taking over from Juan Antonio Samaranch last July -- at the head of a high-ranking IOC delegation that also included the Lausanne-based organization’s coordinating committee chairman for the Athens Games, Denis Oswald.

Speaking at a press conference after a round of meetings, Rogge again stressed that the Salt Lake City Winter Games will take place on schedule next February, while he added that the early September terrorist attacks will not dampen Olympic aficionados’ interest in coming to Athens in 2004.

As expected, security for the Games and meeting deadlines for certain 2004-related projects dominated talks between Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis and the IOC delegation, whose members also toured various sites and had briefings with Greek organizers, including ATHOC president Gianna Angelopoulos-Daskalaki.

Regarding the all-important issue of security, especially in light of the shocking Sept. 11 terrorist strikes in the United States, Rogge reiterated that security is and has been the No. 1 priority for organizing the Olympics since Munich in 1972.

He noted, however, that the IOC's security strategy remains the same, although modifications will be made in terms of its practical implementation, "with more people and stricter control."

While stressing to reporters at a press conference that no country can absolutely guarantee security, he added that "everything humanly possible will be done", and that Olympic Villages are, "in my opinion, the safest places on earth."

In terms of the budget for security, Rogge said it was "satisfactory".

On his part, Oswald said security at the Olympics is a result of international cooperation, while pegging Athens' budget for security at US$ 600 million.

Referring to project deadlines, Rogge said he urged Greek organizers to stay on schedule and avoid delays.

The issue also came up in talks with Simitis, he reminded.

"I expressed the feeling of the IOC that, more than ever, what is needed is respect for deadlines according to the master plan."

Earlier in the day, the IOC delegation met with main opposition New Democracy leader Costas Karamanlis and other ND cadres.

Afterwards, Karamanlis stressed that although only a short amount of time remains to complete projects for the Games, his party would not accept this as an excuse for budget overruns or the direct awarding of projects.

[02] Stephanopoulos, Spanish PM discuss US response to terror attacks

MADRID, 27/06/2001 (ANA - P. Dimitropoulos)

At the same time, he expressed confidence that wisdom would prevail in Washington, and that it would avoid creating greater problems than those caused by terrorism.

Aznar called for unequivocal solidarity with the US and said that US President George Bush and his administration would handle the situation in the right way.

The Greek president had also referred to the events of September 11 in statements made earlier on Wednesday, during a ceremony in which he received the golden key to Madrid.

Europe's focus on social rights, he had said, as well as democratic rights and freedoms, obliged it to oppose terrorism.

"We do not oppose terrorism out of a desire for revenge...We want to defend ourselves for the sake of our institutions, for the sake of the way of life that we have attained."

He also stressed that retaliation should not be indiscriminate:

"We do not want to ...hurt more than the guilty. We do not want to declare war against just anyone, we want to defend ourselves from an attack we received," he concluded.

Stephanopoulos arrived in Madrid on Tuesday for a three-day official visit that returned a 1998 visit to Greece by the Spanish royals, King Juan Carlos and Queen Sophia.

The president heads a delegation including Alternate Foreign Minister Elizabeth Papazoi, Deputy Economy Minister Yiannis Zaphiropoulos and a large group of Greek businessmen.

[03] Greek FM briefs minor parties on global anti-terrorism drive

Athens, 27/09/2001 (ANA)

He held talks with Democratic Social Movement (DHKKI) leader Dimitris Tsovolas, Political Spring leader Antonis Samaras and Liberals leader Stephanos Manos.

Of the three, only the Liberals party is represented in Parliament through an alliance with main opposition New Democracy, while DHKKI gained 2.69 per cent of the vote in national elections in April 2000. Political Spring did not run in the last elections.

In statements afterwards, Tsovolas urged against Greek involvement in military operations and called for resistance by Greece and the European Union to pressures from 'hotheaded' Americans.

Samaras said events marked a new era in international relations that Greece could use to its advantage, while Manos supported the government's strategy and called for increased security in view of the Olympic Games in 2004.

[04] FM communicates with FYROM's president and PM

Athens, 27/09/2001 (ANA)

Discussed at length were the political developments in FYROM, as well as the start of the second phase of the peace plan in the neighboring country, which is being implemented following the decision taken in Brussels for a new military force to be sent with the objective of protecting the international observers.

[05] Greek FM expresses solidarity with terrorism victims in US to SAE president

Athens, 27/09/2001 (ANA)

Also on Wednesday, Papandreou discussed with U.S. Senate Democrat majority leader Tom Daschle developments and after-effects of the terrorist attacks in the U.S., during a telephone conversation.

Finally, also during a telephone conference with Cyprus President Glafcos Clerides, Papandreou overviewed the recent developments, in light of the expected report of United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan on the Cyprus problem and the continued intransigence of Turkish-Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash.

[06] International cooperation the key to combat terrorism, Tsohatzopoulos says

BRUSSELS, 27/09/2201 (ANA - M. Spinthourakis)

"Terrorism has assumed a globalized form, it does not threaten one nation or a country and therefore its confrontation demands very wide forms of cooperation based on the principles of mankind and international law," Tsohatzopoulos said.

"All countries can and should participate in this cooperative effort, (countries) that can distinguish between the defense of human rights and national liberation struggles and blind violence," the defense minister said.

Tsohatzopoulos stressed that after the activation of NATO treaty's article "5", the alliance is in a position to promote measures to confront international terrorism, which, as he underlined will be compatible both with the principles of NATO and with the upholding of democratic values.

"The struggle against terrorism will be a protracted one and will be conducted on political, diplomatic, economic and military levels," Tsohatzopoulos said, noting that this struggle is not against religions or cultures.

"We want the close cooperation of the Arabic and Muslim countries," he said, underlining that a possible normalization of conditions and the achieving of peace in the Middle East would be of special importance to this struggle against terrorism.

Speaking on the positions of the U.S. delegation and especially in regards to evidence on the identity of the terrorists responsible for the attacks in the U.S. provided by them, he said that NATO's defense ministers could not possibly deal in detail with the issue of verification of evidence.

He noted that all information converge to the conclusion that there is a network of terrorist organizations on an international level.

During his stay in Brussels and on the sidelines of the NATO meetings, Tsohatzopoulos met with his Turkish counterpart Sabahattin Cakmakoglu, as well as the defense ministers of Russia Sergei Borisovich Ivanov and France Alain Richard.

Tsohatzopoulos said that his conclusions and opinions were on the same wavelength with those of his counterparts, adding that during his meeting with Cakmakoglu they discussed the issue of Confidence Building Measures (CBMs) between Greece and Turkey.

He alluded to progress made in Greek-Turkish talks, that are conducted under the auspices of NATO's Secretary General George Robertson, adding that this progress will be confirmed in the near future with a statement made by Robertson.

The Greek defense minister also said that he explained to his Turkish counterpart that international developments forced him to postpone his scheduled visit to Ankara, which, however, will be conducted in the near future.

Speaking on his meeting with Ivanov, Tsohatzopoulos said that they discussed international security issues, while the Russian defense minister briefed him on conditions in Afghanistan. According to Tsohatzopoulos, Ivanov aims to visit Athens returning the visit by Tsohatzopoulos to Moscow.

In his meeting with Richard, Tsohatzopoulos said they discussed conditions in Kosovo, as well as developments in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) and especially the issue of the continued presence of NATO forces in the region.

Responding to relevant questions by journalists, Tsohatzopoulos said that the scheduled joint Greek-Cypriot military exercises will be conducted as planned, adding that terrorist issues do not affect Greece's relations with the island republic.

He added, however, it may be necessary to make some technical changes, due to international developments, in relation to the program of the exercise, but without any essential changes to the plans.

He stressed that the military rapprochement between Greece and Cyprus will not be affected.

[07] Government spokesman denies U.S. TV channel report

Athens, 27/09/2001 (ANA)

Reppas said it is a big misunderstanding because all the Greek people, parties and the political and state leadership are positioned on the front against terrorism.

He also deplored phenomena appearing at soccer stadiums with fans jeering while a minute's silence is being observed for the victims of the terrorist attack in the United States.

"They are regrettable events and we condemn this behavior unhesitatingly which discredits our country on the international scene," he said.

Reppas reiterated that the government, parties and the Greek people are positioned irreversibly against terrorism and terrorists, adding that "our struggle against terrorism will be continuous".

He further said no evidence exists linking terrorist organizations with business activities.

[08] State Department says cooperation with Athens 'very close'

WASHINGTON, 27/09/2001 (ANA - T. Ellis)

"Greece is one of our allies in NATO. We moved together in NATO to have article 5 activated. As you are aware, we have had cooperation with Greece against terrorism from the past and we expect this cooperation to continue in this case as well," he said.

Boucher said he would not go into details on announcements and actions by specific governments on this issue and reiterated that "Greece is an ally and we are cooperating with it very, very closely, both bilaterally and in the framework of NATO."

[09] Gov't: US requested postponement of Cyprus maneuvers

Athens, 27/09/2001 (ANA)

According to a Greek government spokesman, the same US request was forwarded to Ankara.

However, spokesman Dimitris Reppas said the maneuvers on the island republic - "Toxotis-Nikiforos" -- will take place as scheduled, as they are not aimed at any other country.

Turkish forces have occupied roughly one-third of Cyprus' territory since the summer of 1974.

Additionally, Reppas said another annual military exercise by Greek armed forces, code-named "Parmenion", would also go ahead as planned.

Reppas clarified that no issue of a postponement or cancellation was made over the latter, which is set to take place in the northeast prefecture of Evros, the island of Limnos and the NE Aegean in general.

[10] Karamanlis discusses transport security with European commissioner

BRUSSELS, 27/09/2001 (ANA - V. Demiris)

Karamanlis said in statements after their meeting that following the heinous attack and the gruesome scenes in the US, transport security constituted a major priority.

Karamanlis also underlined the need for initiatives to be taken in order for the crisis in the transport sector to be overcome.

He added that it was agreed for a meeting to be held in the northern Greek city of Thessaloniki on the issue of promoting the networks of transport and energy and also to advance democracy in the western Balkans, with the participation of representatives of southeastern European countries.

It was ascertained at the meeting between Karamanlis and de Palacio that following the terrorist attack on the US, the world was now confronted with a new reality and new developments.

It was agreed that certain major deficiencies should be overcome and new demands met in order for citizens who are traveling to feel safe.

[11] Synaspismos voices opposition to KKE rally set for Thursday

Athens, 27/09/2001 (ANA)

According to an announcement made by a party official, Synaspismos will organize its own rally against terrorism and "the war hysteria" on Saturday at the central Athens Syntagma Square.

He added that the "possibility that the (KKE) rally passes before the American embassy" in Athens is "an irresponsible and opportunistic move, during a sensitive political moment for the country and for the international developments".

The official explained that Synaspismos would not participate in the Thursday rally as it does not condemn terrorism "unequivocally and without preconditions", which resulted in the death of more than 6,000 innocent victims.

Such rallies, he noted, endanger Greece's image as it may be shown as a "neurotic" society that holds Americans responsible for all the issues on the planet.

"The KKE leadership commits one of the greatest historical mistakes of that party," he concluded.

[12] New U.S. ambassador meets Greek Orthodox Archbishop of America

NEW YORK, 27/09/2001 (ANA - M. Georgiadou)

Miller was speaking after paying a courtesy call to Greek Orthodox Archbishop of America Dimitrios, whom he had met for the first time last Friday "when he allowed me to accompany him to the ruins of the World Trade Center and the Pentagon where the terrible tragedy took place."

He also thanked the Archbishop for being present during his swearing-in ceremony before U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell.

"We talked again today and primarily it was I who asked questions and the Archbishop had the kindness to advise me and give me very important and useful information," he said.

Replying to a questioner, Miller referred to the elusive November 17 terrorist organization, saying "there is no doubt that it continues to be a big problem. They hit Americans and even more Greeks and it is still a problem. However, after the events in our country two weeks ago we are a target and you are a target because we defend certain things, a way of life, certain values and certain ideas which the terrorists do not like."

Archbishop Dimitrios said that in the two meetings he had with the U.S. ambassador, in Washington last Friday and on Tuesday they had the opportunity to have a very serious and very human in-depth discussion.

He added that the new ambassador nurses a profound love for Greece and is fully committed to the principles, values and ideas which govern America and for which the country is struggling.

[13] Memorial service held for assassinated MP Bakoyiannis

Athens, 27/09/2001 (ANA)

Among those attending the service were main opposition ND leader Costas Karamanlis, former premier Constantine Mitsotakis - Bakoyiannis' father-in-law - Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis, Public Order Minister Mihalis Chrysohoidis, envoys from EU member-states, the US embassy's charge d' affaires as well as numerous MPs.

Meanwhile, in published press statements on Wednesday, Dora Bakoyianni stressed that the public's reaction against terrorism was the most effective solution for solving the insidious problem.

She also cautioned that the notorious "November 17" terrorist gang, which gunned down her husband, continues to plague the country to the detriment of Greek citizens' interests.

[14] Gov't: Economic downturn expected to affect Greece less

Athens, 27/09/2001 (ANA)

Minister Yiannos Papantoniou qualified his statement by pointing to what he said was Greece's higher annual GDP growth rate vis-a-vis other euro-zone members, as well as the disbursement of 3rd Community Support Framework funds. Additionally, he pointed to increased economic activity projected in light of the 2004 Olympics.

In terms of recent press speculation regarding a trimmed down budget, the minister said, "an alternative scenario will be formulated with the ongoing developments in mind", although he assured that no cutbacks in developmental funds or social spending is planned.

Finally, Papantoniou said Greece's euro-zone entry comprises a tremendous buffer for the country's economy.

[15] Labor minister calls for dialogue over social security issue

Athens, 27/09/2001 (ANA)

He was speaking at a national conference organized on the social security issue by the General Confederation of Workers of Greece (GSEE).

An exchange of views at the conference apparently revealed the possibility of dialogue taking place, despite a climate, which had been created by a wave of strikes last spring.

Giannitsis focused in his address on the international recession and possible unfavorable economic repercussions stemming from a crisis-rife international climate, saying there is no room for slackening.

GSEE President Christos Polyzogopoulos referred to "the shaping of preconditions for a sincere dialogue through which wider cooperation and understandings will be sought for a solution to the whole issue."

Ruling PASOK party Central Committee secretary Costas Skandalidis proposed "a national agreement for the percentage of supplementing pensions", the orientation for strengthening the weaker groups of pensioners and the creation of "a special state deposit" to secure additional funds.

Main opposition New Democracy party representative George Souflias said there is no need for special measures being taken until 2020 on condition laws implemented by ND during the 1990-1993 period are observed. He further said the state owes one trillion drachmas to the Social Security Foundation (IKA) and over 600 billion drachmas to other funds.

Communist Party of Greece (KKE) Secretary General Aleka Papariga said she is opposed to "dialogue leading to consensus" and to measures "of the system's general capitalization" and termed the minimum guaranteed pension "regulated misery."

Finally, Coalition of the Left and Progress leader Nikos Constantopoulos said his party will participate in the dialogue and added that the framework proposed by GSEE should constitute the basis for discussion.

[16] Gov't sale of privatization bonds oversold by 1.8 times

Athens, 27/09/2001 (ANA)

Available were 510 billion drachmas (1.7 billion euros) worth of three-year paper with a return of 4.128 percent, the ministry said in a statement.

The majority of convertible bonds were sold to institutional investors and banks, with a small quantity of paper destined for insurance firms abroad, the statement said.

More than 70 percent of the securities were privately placed with investors abroad, it added.

The government's underwriters were BNP Paribas, Deutsche Bank, EFG Eurobank-Ergasias and NBG International.

[17] More banks join latest wave of interest rate cuts

Athens, 27/09/2001 (ANA)

Other banks to have lowered their rates are Citibank in Greece, Laiki Bank, National Bank of Greece, EFG Eurobank Ergasias, Piraeus Bank, Alpha Bank, Commercial Bank of Greece, Attica Bank and HSBC.

Most of the rate declines come into effect on Monday.

Analysts said that interest on savings deposit accounts would come to about minus 2.0-3.0 percent on smaller amounts, taking into account a 15 percent tax on interest and an inflation rate of roughly 3.4 percent to 3.5 percent.

Returns are roughly the same in most credit institutions.

[18] Gov't cites staying power of tourism in world crises

Athens, 27/09/2001 (ANA)

Experiencing a phase of growth, domestic tourism was striving for an improvement in quality ahead of the Olympic Games to be hosted by Athens in 2004, said Christodoulakis in a message released on the eve of World Tourism Day.

"Quality will allow us to meet the repercussions of the crisis. The staying power of Greek tourism has shown itself in all adverse circumstances, like the war in Yugoslavia," he added.

[19] OA passenger traffic drops sharply after hijacked plane attacks in US

Athens, 27/09/2001 (ANA)

Kalofonos told an International Technical Conference taking place in Athens that passenger traffic on OA had declined by 10-15 percent since the September 11 hijacked plane attacks in New York and Washington D.C.

He said insurance costs for the company had jumped to six billion drachma annually from 700 million drachmas, while global insurers' decision to cap their third-party war and terrorism insurance at 50 million dollars -- had resulted in a drastic reduction in OA's risk coverage to roughly 20 billion drachmas from the previous 600 billion drachmas annually, and the prospect was being examined of the government covering the balance (some 500 billion drachmas).

Kalofonos further did not rule out the prospect of increases in ticket prices as of October 28, when the winter flight schedule went into effect.

The OA chief further said that the airline's operational costs increased by 80 billion drachmas due to "external factors" such as oil price increases and reduction of passenger traffic.

[20] Stocks nose down in last-minute selling

Athens, 27/09/2001 (ANA)

The general share index shed 0.25 percent to end at 2,158.04 points. Turnover was 127.4 million euros.

Buying interest until the end of the session focused on medium-capitalization stocks, especially metals.

The FTSE/ASE-20 index for blue chip and heavily traded stocks ended 0.44 percent lower; the FTSE/ASE-40 for medium capitalization paper 0.75 percent up; and the FTSE/ASE-80 for small cap equities fell 0.48 percent.

Declines led advances at 199 to 121 with 42 issues remaining unchanged.

The most heavily traded shares were Hellenic Telecommunications Organization, National Bank of Greece, Alpha Bank, Intracom and Giannousis.

Blue chip equity futures end at premium: Blue chip equity futures on the Athens Derivatives Exchange on Wednesday finished at a premium of up to 2.0 percent but turnover dropped with investors wary of the main market's future performance.

The underlying FTSE/ASE-20 index for heavily traded stocks and blue chips lost 0.44 percent; and the underlying FTSE/ASE-40 for medium capitalization stocks ended 0.75 percent up.

Changing hands were 5,796 contracts on turnover of 29.9 million euros, traders said.

Bond prices rise in light to heavy trade: Bond prices in the domestic secondary market on Wednesday finished higher in light to heavy trade focusing on 20-year paper.

The Greek benchmark 10-year bond showed a yield of 5.30 percent, and the yield spread over German bunds was 47 basis points.

Turnover through the central bank's electronic system totalled 940 million euros.

Buy orders accounted for around half of turnover.

[21] Deal signed for construction of Olympics wrestling center

Athens, 27/09/2001 (ANA)

The center, located in the Athens suburb of Ano Liosia, is budgeted at 28.6 billion drachmas and ranks among the largest projects for the Games.

With a capacity of 8,000 spectators, the center will meet all specifications set by international wrestling and judo federations.

The completion deadline for the project is 600 days from signature of the contract.

[22] Hundreds of events took place in major European Union cities on Wednesday marking European Day of Languages

Athens, 27/09/2001 (ANA)

The European Day of Languages constitutes a major moment of the European Year of Languages 2001, which was declared by the European Union and the Council of Europe and covers regional, minority, migratory and sign languages and a large number of official European and national languages.

Speaking on the importance of the day regarding the promotion of the learning of languages, relevant Commissioner Viviane Reding said "the learning of languages offers new opportunities and is open to all. I wish for the European Day of Languages to be a day of entertainment, during the course of which we will convey this message. I call on the public and all of Europe's mass media to contribute in the celebration of such a superb European heritage: our languages."

During the year, the European Commission organized a major briefing campaign and a "Euro-barometer" regarding the views of European citizens about languages.

According to the survey, which was published in February, 52.9 per cent of Greeks questioned said that they knew at least one language other than their own mother tongue. The corresponding EU average is 52.7 per cent.

[23] Memorial service for 'Express Samina' dead on Paros

Athens, 27/09/2001 (ANA)

After the service, local fishermen who had helped in rescue efforts and relatives of the victims threw wreaths on the waters at the site of the shipwreck.

Meanwhile, an expert report on the causes of the shipwreck was handed over to the special appeals magistrate on Tuesday.

According to the report, the main reason why the ferry went down so quickly was because the doors separating its water-tight compartments had not been closed.

[24] UN Security Council terms "unjustified" Turkish side's decision not to attend resumption of Cyprus peace talks

NICOSIA, 27/09/2001 (CNA/ANA)

The Council stressed that "progress can only be made at the negotiating table" and urged all those concerned to cooperate with Kofi Annan and his Special Adviser Alvaro de Soto to help move the peace process forward.

A statement made in New York on Wednesday by current Council president, France's permanent representative to the UN Jean-David Levitte, said that members of the Security Council heard a briefing from de Soto and commended Annan and his Advider for their efforts and the initiatives they have taken since November 1999 to move the Cyprus peace process forward, including an invitation to the leaders of the Greek Cypriot and the Turkish Cypriot sides to "resume the search for a comprehensive settlement in New York this month."

"Council members express disappointment for the unjustified decision by the Turkish side to decline that invitation," Levitte said, adding that "progress can only be made at the negotiating table."

Council members encouraged the Secretary General and his Special Adviser to "continue their efforts using the guidelines in Security Council resolutions 1250, namely that there should be no preconditions, that all issues are on the table, that both sides should make a commitment in good faith to negotiate until a settlement is reached and that there should be a full consideration of relevant UN resolutions and treaties."

They also gave their "full support to the Secretary General's efforts to achieve a comprehensive settlement to the Cyprus problem.

"They urge all concerned to cooperate with the Secretary General and his Special Adviser and to show confidence in their judgment as to the best way to move forward," Council president said.

Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash, backed by Ankara, withdrew from the peace talks last November and earlier this month rejected Annan's invitation to resume the talks on 12 September, claiming the ground had not been prepared for talks and insisting on his demand for recognition of his self-styled regime in Turkish occupied Cyprus.

Cyprus President Glafcos Clerides accepted the invitation and was on his way to New York on 11 September only to have his flight diverted to Canada because of the terrorist attacks against the US. He was due to meet Kofi Annan at the UN seat.

[25] Vassiliou in Brussels to discuss Cyprus' EU accession course

NICOSIA, 27/09/2001 (CNA/ANA)

Vassiliou, accompanied by members of the Cyprus negotiating team for accession to the EU, will meet Commissioner responsible for Common Market Frederik Bolkestein, General Director of the European Commission's General Directorate on Enlargement Eneko Landaburu and EU Chief negotiator for the accession of Cyprus Leopold Maurer.

[26] Greek defense minister arrives in Cyprus on Sunday to attend Independence Day celebrations

NICOSIA, 27/09/2001 (CNA/ANA)

The Greek minister will attend the October 1st military parade in Nicosia marking the 41th anniversary of Cyprus' independence from British colonial rule. President Glafcos Clerides will take the salute.

During his brief stay on the island, Tsohatzopoulos, who will arrive on a Greek Air force transport plane, will be received by President Clerides and have meetings with Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides and Defense Minister Socrates Hasikos. He will leave Monday afternoon.

[27] Annual military maneuvers to go ahead next month as planned

NICOSIA, 27/09/2001 (CNA/ANA)

"The maneuvers are planned in consultation with Greece in one part and nothing has changed so far from our original plans," Hasikos said speaking after a cabinet meeting.

Replying to questions, he said the ministry and the National Guard do not consider that the annual exercise is affected by worldwide developments following this month's terrorist attack against the US.

Asked if Greek participation will be the same as in the past, the minister said "nothing has changed so far and everything is taking place according to plan."

[28] Cyprus authorities to start conducting Republic's 6th census

NICOSIA, 27/09/2001 (CNA/ANA)

Director of Cyprus Statistical Services Pambis Filippides told a press conference the census would be conducted at the suggestion of EU Statistical Service, Eurostat, which urged all EU countries to conduct censuses in 2001.

It is estimated that 290,000 houses will be recorded, accounting for a population of about 700,000. Preliminary results will be ready in the first week of December. Final results will be published in May 2002.

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