Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 01-10-03

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

CONTENTS

[01] Powell, Papandreou express will for close cooperation in combating terrorism

[02] President observes final phase of "Parmenion 2001" military exercise

[03] Defense minister says integrated security policy necessary

[04] Athens dismisses Turkish military chief's claims over 'camp'

[05] Simitis receives Lebanon's Lahud

[06] Papandreou to attend Sofia conference on new republics and

[07] CoE secretary general Schwimmer in Athens

[08] Government backs Laliotis over land registry affair

[09] Athens Bar Association condemns terrorist attack in US

[10] Parliament votes for abolition of certificate of citizenship

[11] Papantoniou unveils economy's "defense line"

[12] New agency to monitor EU funds' distribution

[13] Economic sentiment unchanged in Greece

[14] European Commission urges investments in transport networks

[15] Schroder sees Greek growth at 3.6 pct in 2002

[16] Hellenic Railways take delivery of new rolling stock

[17] Development minister outlines the benefits of e-government

[18] Land registry drafting company chairman responds to criminal prosecution

[19] Olympic Airways imposes higher passenger premium

[20] New industrial zone taking shape

[21] Gov't to simplify laws on inheritance tax

[22] Trade fair of organic farm produce in Athens Oct 4-7

[23] Minister launches maritime traffic control center

[24] Athens bourse may switch to earlier trading hours next week

[25] Stocks jump on end-session buying spree

[26] Patriarch on Kastellorizo next month

[27] Tributes to Melina Mercouri films in Washington, New York

[28] International book fair in Frankfurt showcases Greek literature

[29] Archaeologists focus on destruction of Minoan Civilization

[30] Greek cinema promoted in Boston

[31] Citizen Information and Service Center launched

[32] Greece's elderly to represent 25% of the population by 2030

[33] British minister says absence of political settlement in Cyprus cannot block island republic's entry into

[34] European Commission mid-term review on Cyprus problem, Turkey

[35] Famagusta mayor strongly protests illegal construction of two minarets in the town

[01] Powell, Papandreou express will for close cooperation in combating terrorism

WASHINGTON, 03/10/2001 (ANA - T. Ellis)

Following their meeting they made the following statements:

POWELL: Good afternoon, ladies and gentle-men. It has been my great pleasure to host for a meeting my Greek colleague, George Papandreou. We meet on a very regular basis and we have a strong and cordial relationship, which really reflects the relationship between America and Greece, and the strength of the relationship that exists between our two peoples.

I expressed my thanks to George for the support we have received during this time of crisis, for the condolences that have been extended to the American people by the Greek people. I thanked him especially for the support that has been provided to our military forces, and that is a source of great comfort to us, knowing that we can count on our Greek friends.

I made the point to the Minister that America has embarked upon this campaign by pulling together a coalition of like-minded nations who are coming together to condemn terrorism. We will pursue this campaign vigorously, with patience. We will use all the elements of national and international power. We will use financial instruments, intelligence, law enforcement, military as appropriate, diplomatic and political isolation. And we are in it for the long haul.

In the first instance, we are interested in the al-Qaida organization and Usama bin Laden, currently headquartered in Afghanistan. We think they should be turned over. But the struggle is really against terrorism wherever it is throughout the world, and wherever it threatens civilized societies.

I know that Greece has had these sorts of problems in the past, and that is why we share such common views on what must be done. And so I thank the Minister and the Greek people for their support, and I thank George for having taken the time to visit with me this afternoon.

PAPANDREOU: Colin, thank you very much. I would like to thank Secretary Colin Powell for finding the time in these difficult hours.

First of all, I am here to pay my respects and bring our warmest of condolences from the Greek people and the Greek Government to the United States, and not only our sorrow but also our pledge to work together, not only strongly condemning terrorism, but in every practical way, to isolate and deal this terrible scourge a blow, so that it doesn't prevail and that our values of freedom and democracy do prevail in the world.

I also want to thank Colin because we were able to discuss some of the regional issues which are high on the agenda in Greece, issues such as the Balkans and the Middle East and Cyprus and Greek-Turkish relations, but also our cooperation within NATO and the European Union.

We again pledge to work very closely with the United States and I would say that we very much appreciate the systematic and very careful and thought through work that Secretary Powell is doing in building this coalition, and the very effective way, so that we can make sure that this is a -- we will have results, results which have to do not with fighting civilizations; we are not fighting between civilizations. We are not fighting Islam or the Arab world; we are fighting terrorists. And they have no name, they are just terrorists. And I think this is very important. So thank you very much, Colin, for this time.

Athens 2004 Olympics: Replying to a question on security issues for the Athens 2004 Olympic Games, Secretary Powell said: “We discussed the games and I was very reassured by the Minister about the efforts that are being made by the Greek Government to make sure that the games go off smoothly, safely and in the truest Olympic spirit. And, of course, you know, we have games coming up in Salt Lake City, and I was very pleased to hear about the level of coordination and cooperation that already exists between the two organizing committees so that any lessons that are developed in Salt Lake City will be used in Athens.”

Greek FM holds talks with President Bush's national security adviser: Greece's Foreign Minister George Papandreou on Tuesday expressed the Greek government's and people's solidarity with the United States during a half-hour meeting with President George Bush's adviser on national security, Condoleezza Rice, at the White House.

Rice expressed her gratitude to Papandreou for Greece's support in international fora and the operational facilities which it is offering and asked that it contributes actively in combatting terrorism.

Papandreou described as a given fact Greece's cooperation and stressed that already information is being exchanged for the detection of the suspects.

The Greek foreign minister expressed the need for cooperation in combatting international terrorism to also open the way for the solution of regional conflicts such as the Middle East, the situation in the Balkans and the Cyprus problem which continue to be centers of destabilization.

Papandreou briefed Rice on the discussions he had in Russia, Germany and Brussels on Monday, at the same time conveying to the American side the intention of Athens to use the traditional good relations it maintains with Arab and in general Moslem countries within the framework of an overall effort to combat terrorism.

Taking part in the meeting were a number of advisers, including the ambassadors of the two countries, Alexander Philon and Thomas Miller.

Earlier, Papandreou also met with the State Department's special coordinator for the Cyprus issue, Tom Weston, and members of the Senate, including the Chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee Joe Biden.

[02] President observes final phase of "Parmenion 2001" military exercise

Athens, 03/10/2001 (ANA)

Stephanopoulos, Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos, Parliament deputies of the foreign and defense affairs committee and the Armed Forces' leadership were on hand to observe the final leg of the exercise that took place in the Evros prefecture, northeastern Greece.

"We witnessed that the excellent cooperation, between the different branches of the Greek Armed Forces, is a very important element of the modern army ... I would like to thank the Armed Forces for their labor and effort and to congratulate them for the results of that labor," Stephanopoulos added.

On his part, Tsohatzopoulos expressed his satisfaction over the successful conclusion of the exercise, adding that "it is evident, any more, that the Armed Forces have moved on to a new phase of total restructuring, quality development and training reform, regarding their operation and the new technologies".

Part of the exercise, observed by the president, included an amphibious landing of troops with the use of the newly acquired "Zubr" hovercrafts, which were used for the first time by the Greek Armed Forces.

[03] Defense minister says integrated security policy necessary

Athens, 03/10/2001 (ANA)

"The new global alliance should be supported on the realistic base of common interest in confronting terrorism," he said, adding that those responsible (for the terrorist attack) should be detected and brought before justice.

"Such a thing should not happen again. The causes leading to terrorism should be found and countries, each separately and all together, should promote settlements which shall respond to the consequences of this effort to confront terrorism," he added.Tsohatzopoulos confirmed the readiness of the armed forces to contribute to this effort. He reminded that the defense ministry is having a 15-year program by which the cost of its operational expenditures will be less than 4 percent of GDP annually.

Commenting on statements by Turkish General Staff chief Hussein Kivrikoglu that Kurdish rebels are being trained at the refugee camp in Lavrio, Tsohatzopoulos said some can't see in front of them and added that the development of the world does not pass through regional confrontations.

[04] Athens dismisses Turkish military chief's claims over 'camp'

Athens, 03/10/2001 (ANA)

"It's simply a repeat of the stereotypical charges leveled by Turkey against Greece," government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said during a regular press briefing in the Greek capital.

The spokesman also called on the Turkish military chief, Gen. Hussein Kivrikoglu, to take the matter up with the United Nations' High Commission for Refugees, the organization that operates the so-called "training camp" near the port town of Lavrio - only a few kilometers from the popular archaeological site of Cape Sounion, in extreme southeast Attica prefecture.

"That's where he'll (Kivrikoglu) find the answers he is looking for," Reppas said.

Additionally, the spokesman said Turkey's military establishment should also refer to the UN's decisions and resolutions pertaining to Cyprus in regards to questions involving the island republic's long-standing problem.

[05] Simitis receives Lebanon's Lahud

Athens, 03/10/2001 (ANA)

No comments were made after the meeting, as Simitis hosted a luncheon in Lahud's honor.

[06] Papandreou to attend Sofia conference on new republics and

NATO SOFIA, 03/10/2001 (ANA - B. Borisov)

According to an ANA dispatch from the city on Tuesday, the Bulgarian government is determined to go ahead with the conference, even if a military operation against Afghanistan over the Sept. 11 strikes in the United States has been launched in the meantime.

Other dignitaries due to attend are NATO Secretary General Lord George Robertson, the supreme commander of NATO forces in Europe (SACEUR), Gen. Joseph W. Ralston, several NATO member-state officials and the presidents of 10 countries seeking to join NATO.

Speakers will include Albanian president Rexhep Mejdani, Slovenian president Milan Kucan and Turkish Foreign Minister Ismail Cem.

[07] CoE secretary general Schwimmer in Athens

Athens, 03/10/2001 (ANA)

Schwimmer arrives in Athens after stops in Bucharest, Riga, Berlin, Moscow and Brussels.

He is due to meet with Greek President Kostis Stephanopoulos, Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis, main opposition New Democracy leader Costas Karamanlis, Justice Minister Mihalis Stathopoulos, Alternate Foreign Minister Elizabeth Papazoi and Synaspismos party leader Nikos Constantopoulos.

[08] Government backs Laliotis over land registry affair

Athens, 03/10/2001 (ANA)

Laliotis is an able and effective minister, Reppas told reporters during Tuesday's regular press briefing, and his statements regarding the issue had raised questions that needed to be answered.

An Athens prosecutor on Monday initiated criminal proceedings against the board of Ktimatologio S.A. and two of the company's subcontractors, Geo Synergy S.A. and Eurodynamiki S.A., on charges of repeated malfeasance against the economic interests of the state and the European Union, which had also contributed funds for the registry.

Laliotis, whose ministry is responsible for the project, responded by saying that all the accusations were baseless, untenable and that they "will collapse like a tower of cards" in the next stage of legal proceedings.

The government spokesman followed roughly the same line in his statements on Tuesday, especially with regard to the public prosecutor involved.

Politicians could not replace public prosecutors and judges but nor could judicial functionaries take on a political role. No one was above criticism and control, he said.

The specific public prosecutor had initiated similar proceedings in the past that had led nowhere, Reppas noted, such as the charges brought against former Greek police chief Ioannis Georgakopoulos, who was eventually cleared in all three cases.

According to the spokesman, there appeared to be a pattern of legal proceedings without sufficient supporting evidence being initiated by public prosecutors at politically critical junctures.

[09] Athens Bar Association condemns terrorist attack in US

Athens, 03/10/2001 (ANA)

DSA expressed its deep sorrow for the for the thousands of victims of that criminal act and noted the "need to punish those guilty", saying that it "believes it is imperative that justice be met out, in the framework of international law".

The Association also called imperative the cooperation of international organizations, under the United Nations' guarantee of legality, in the uncovering and punishment of the culprits.

[10] Parliament votes for abolition of certificate of citizenship

Athens, 03/10/2001 (ANA)

The decision satisfies a long-term demand by Australia's Greek community. The Council of Hellenes Abroad over the past two years has strongly supported the abolition of the certificate of citizenship.

[11] Papantoniou unveils economy's "defense line"

Athens, 03/10/2001 (ANA)

These included strict adherence to fiscal stability, speedier procedures to implement a Third Community Support Frame-work and an effective completion of infrastructural changes in the economy.

Papantoniou, however, noted that although the Greek economy was resisting external pressures it could not escape the general rule and was bound to face some consequences. He added, though, that while in other EU states the impact on their economic growth rates totalled 50 percent, in Greece the impact was reduced to 10 percent.

"Our ambition is to resist strongly to a recession," Papantoniou said.

"We have completed the first phase and we are currently at the last stages to privatize Olympic Airways, ETBAbank, Public Power Corporation and Helexpo," he said.

Papantoniou was adamant that a negative economic situation abroad would not affect the course of the government's privatization drive.

[12] New agency to monitor EU funds' distribution

Athens, 03/10/2001 (ANA)

Speaking to reporters, after a meeting of the economic and social policy committee, Papantoniou said that by December 31, 2001 government agencies would have collected all money from a second EU package and noted that a third package of EU funds was implemented according to plan.

[13] Economic sentiment unchanged in Greece

Athens, 03/10/2001 (ANA)

Economic confidence in Greece was unchanged in September from the previous month although sentiment in the eurozone fell to its lowest levels in the last four years, the European Commission said on Tuesday.

The economic confidence index is a complex index, based on consumer, manufacturing, construction and retailing confidence figures.

Spain, Italy, Finland and the UK recorded increases in the economic sentiment index, with the remaining 10 EU member-states recording declines in September.

The confidence index fell in the manufacturing and retailing sectors in Greece, while it rose in the consumer sector and was unchanged in the construction sector.

The Commission said that the survey on economic confidence index was based on figures before the September 11th tragic events in the US and that it expects the impact of the terrorist attack to be clearly felt in the October survey.

[14] European Commission urges investments in transport networks

BRUSSELS, 03/10/2001 (ANA - Y. Zitouniati)

The Commission proposes the amendment of the inter-European networks program to enable efforts to concentrate on projects already decided, with the addition of certain new plans, and EU funding to increase to 20 percent (from 10 percent).

[15] Schroder sees Greek growth at 3.6 pct in 2002

Athens, 03/10/2001 (ANA)

A market report by SSSB analyst Miranda Xafa said that the government's growth targets were "very optimistic."

The government sees growth of 4.0 percent for 2002 under a contingency budget plan that would take into account more adverse repercussions on Greece from a global slowdown.

Even with a growth rate of 4.4 percent, the government's estimate of an 8.5 percent rise in direct tax revenue for 2002 was overly optimistic after a zero rise in 2001, Xafa said.

Cutbacks in spending to service the public debt were the main source of a rise in the budget surplus. If this failed, there would be no improvement, she added.

[16] Hellenic Railways take delivery of new rolling stock

Athens, 03/10/2001 (ANA)

The delivery included one diesel-electric locomotive (with seven remaining), freight cars and other rolling stocks.

Transport Minister Christos Verelis, who attended the delivery ceremony, expressed his satisfaction over progress made in the construction of a suburban train network, expected to begin operation ahead of the 2004 Athens Olympic Games.

Verelis said OSE is currently implementing a giant rolling stock supply program aimed to improve traffic in the city of Athens and to develop the country's railways network.

[17] Development minister outlines the benefits of e-government

Athens, 03/10/2001 (ANA)

Christodoulakis underlined that electronic government would make each citizen able to check the progress of specific documents that concerned him or her, thus providing a measure of control and transparency for government activity.

The minister pointed out that Greece was behind other countries in terms of demand for information technology services, and that current policies aimed to increase demand for these services.

He also said that Greece was a promising region for such strategies, given that Greeks spent much more per capita on IT products than their European counterparts.

[18] Land registry drafting company chairman responds to criminal prosecution

Athens, 03/10/2001 (ANA)

Galidakis said that all those involved with the drafting of the land registry where taken by surprise at the prosecutor's move to pronounce criminal charges against him, adding that he and the company will cooperate fully with the investigation, they will present all evidence needed, "so as for the real culprits to be found, if any exist".

Greece is the only European Union country without a comprehensive land registry. Such a registry is being drafted now, with considerable funding from the EU. The Union, however, is questioning the further funding of the project.

[19] Olympic Airways imposes higher passenger premium

Athens, 03/10/2001 (ANA)

The national carrier said this decision was taken in the wake of September 11th tragic events in the US that led to an increase of its operation costs.

[20] New industrial zone taking shape

Athens, 03/10/2001 (ANA)

Due to have a stake in the project are Corinth Pipeworks, Halcor, Sidenor, Hellenic Cables, ELVAL and ETBAbank, which own land in the area, the ministry said in a statement.

Corinth Pipeworks, which is quoted on the Athens bourse, has a large plant near the village.

An administrative and management body for the industrial zone is to be created in the next four months, the statement said.

Beyond existing infrastructure, new projects will be carried out around Thisvi for the zone that will include port facilities, roads and buildings.

In April, the ministries of development and public works approved the use of a specific tract of land for the scheme.

[21] Gov't to simplify laws on inheritance tax

Athens, 03/10/2001 (ANA)

[22] Trade fair of organic farm produce in Athens Oct 4-7

Athens, 03/10/2001 (ANA)

Officials linked to the event told a news conference on Tuesday that all domestic organic produce complied with strict European Union standards.

A shift by domestic consumers to organic products over the last three years had been noted, officials of the Union of Bio-Farmers of Greece said.

The number of stores selling organic produce also had grown, they added.

[23] Minister launches maritime traffic control center

Athens, 03/10/2001 (ANA)

Papoutsis told the ceremony that the center, part-funded by the European Union, was part of a government strategy to upgrade port services.

This is the first maritime traffic control center in Greece to operate on a national level, and it is equal to others in Europe, the minister added.

[24] Athens bourse may switch to earlier trading hours next week

Athens, 03/10/2001 (ANA)

Favored for adoption is 11:00-16:00 on a daily basis, and agreement on the new times would probably mean implementation from Monday for several months, market sources said.

As part of a plan to expand the bourse's trading hours, the session is likely to gain an extra hour from early next year, probably extending trade until 17:00, the same sources said.

The exchange has recently been operating from 12:00 to 18:00, with the following week's hours decided each Friday.

[25] Stocks jump on end-session buying spree

Athens, 03/10/2001 (ANA)

The general share index gained 1.38 percent to end at 2,230.11 points. Turnover was 110.8 million euros.

The FTSE/ASE-20 index for blue chip and heavily traded stocks ended 1.02 percent up; the FTSE/ASE-40 for medium capitalization paper 1.58 percent higher; and the FTSE/ASE-80 for small cap equities 2.23 percent up.

Advances led declines at 280 to 47 with 32 issues remaining unchanged.

The most heavily traded shares were Hellenic Telecommunications Organization, Naoussa Textiles, Rilken, Lymberis Publications and Sex Form.

Bond prices nose up in brisk trade: Bond prices in the domestic secondary market on Tuesday finished slightly higher in heavy trade focusing on 20-year paper. The Greek benchmark 10-year bond showed a yield of 5.18 percent, and the yield spread over German bunds was 45 basis points.

Turnover through the central bank's electronic system totalled 1.3 billion euros.

Buy orders accounted for just over half of turnover.

[26] Patriarch on Kastellorizo next month

Athens, 03/10/2001 (ANA)

The conference is set for Nov. 9-10, while Vartholomeos is expected to officially visit Armenia earlier in the month.

Kastellorizo is Greece's eastern-most territory, southeast of the large holiday island of Rhodes.

Rhodes Mayor and TEDKA president George Giannopoulos issued the invitation to the Patriarch, who is expected to speak at the conference on environmental and ecology issues.

[27] Tributes to Melina Mercouri films in Washington, New York

Athens, 03/10/2001 (ANA)

The film series was organized with the cooperation of the Greek Embassy in Washington, the Film Forum in New York, the Melina Mercouri Foundation and with the help of the actress' late husband, film director Jules Dassin.

The program, which started in September, featured the films 'Stella', 'He who must die', Never on Sunday, 'Phaedra', 'A dream of passion' and the documentary 'Lord Elgin and some stones of no value' filmed by the UK's Channel 4.

Mercouri will also be the central figure of a tribute planned by the Film Forum in New York after October 18.

A monumental figure in 20th-century Greece, Mercouri earned international acclaim for her acting skills, her classical beauty, her passion and her exuberant personality. She was active in the resistance against the military junta in Greece in 1967-1974 and became involved in politics in later life, serving several terms as culture minister under PASOK governments.

[28] International book fair in Frankfurt showcases Greek literature

Athens, 03/10/2001 (ANA)

During a presentation of the Greek program for the Frankfurt book exhibition, the Greek minister noted that "we achieved a perfect preparation" and thanked publicly those who worked to make it possible, "allowing us today to present ourselves to the German and international public".

The exhibition will begin in about a week in Frankfurt and will run for two weeks.

Venizelos also thanked the 87 publishers that are participating in the exhibition, as well as those who worked hard over the past few years to make this event a success.

[29] Archaeologists focus on destruction of Minoan Civilization

Athens, 03/10/2001 (ANA)

Jan Driessen and Colin MacDonald, speaking on the second day of the conference, referred to volcanic destruction and earthquakes in Minoan Crete.

In a more recent excavation in Palaiokastro layers of volcanic ashes from Santorini were revealed at more locations of the Minoan settlement.

As a result of this finding, a survey is being made of changes occurring following the creation of the specific layer, evidently linked to the explosion of the volcano on Santorini.

[30] Greek cinema promoted in Boston

BOSTON, 03/10/2001 (ANA)

The initiative for the events was taken by the Greek consulate's press office in cooperation with the film libraries of the Fine Arts Museum and the Harvard University.

Five recent films were screened at Boston's Fine Arts Museum during the last three days in September as part of the series entitled "New Greek Cinema." Five films by Jules Dassin will also be screened between October 4-24 under the title of "Dassin-Mercouri." A film by Athina Rachel Tsangari entitled "The Slow Business of Going" will also be screened in early December in the framework of the "New European Cinema" in which 12 European countries will be participating.

[31] Citizen Information and Service Center launched

Athens, 03/10/2001 (ANA)

The Center, which operates on the ground floor of the ministry’s public works general secretariat building on central Alexandras Avenue in Athens, will be open weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

A ministry announcement said that the Center aims at enabling citizens to report problems, malfunctions and illegal interventions regarding works falling under its jurisdiction, including those regarding the road networks, lighting, road signs, the sewerage system, etc.

[32] Greece's elderly to represent 25% of the population by 2030

Athens, 03/10/2001 (ANA)

According to United Nations criteria, when the percentage of a country's population above the age of 65 is more than seven percent, it is considered old.

Greece's elderly population at present represents 16 percent of the population and it is estimated that by 2030 it will climb to 25 percent.

[33] British minister says absence of political settlement in Cyprus cannot block island republic's entry into

EU LONDON, 03/10/2001 (CNA/ANA)

In his remarks at a different meeting in Brighton, EU Commissioner for enlargement Gunter Verheugen reiterated the EU Helsinki conclusions that a settlement would facilitate accession but it is not a precondition.

"We want to see a settlement. It will be in the interest of the whole island and of its different communities and indeed of Turkey and for that matter, Greece if there were such a settlement prior to the entry to the EU," Hain said at a meeting on Cyprus, on the fringes of the Labor Party conference in Brighton.

He pointed out that "nobody is going to play games with us and prevent Cyprus coming in by blocking the negotiations towards eventual settlement."

Hain said the stance Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash took on the peace talks is "very disappointing" adding that this will not discourage Britain.

[34] European Commission mid-term review on Cyprus problem, Turkey

BRUSSELS, 03/10/2001 (CNA/ANA)

In its information note to the European Council, the Commission noted that it "expects that Turkey will provide support for the current UN process in order to create the conditions for its successful conclusion" and reaffirmed that it "will work for a settlement of the Cyprus problem to be reached before Cyprus' accession to the EU, on the basis of the conclusions of the Helsinki European Council."

Referring to the priorities identified in the Accession Partnership for Turkey, the Commission recalled that these priorities include, "notably, efforts to resolve the Cyprus problem and to resolve outstanding differences with neighboring countries" and noted that "discussion with Turkey on this issue will be pursued in the framework of the enhanced political dialogue."

The Commission further noted that "with respect to the efforts of the UN Secretary General to promote a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem, the Commission considers that Turkey has a valuable contribution to make. It expects that Turkey will provide support for the current UN process in order to create the conditions for its successful conclusion."

The Commission also welcomed the steps taken by Turkey "to overcome the recent economic and financial crises, to amend the constitution in order to extend basic rights and freedoms and to adapt its laws and administrative structures to prepare for EU membership", noting that "these steps should be pursued actively, especially with a view to strengthening democracy and protecting rights."

UN-led talks to settle the Cyprus problem, that got underway in December 1999, reached an impasse last year when after five rounds of talks Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash, backed by Ankara, described them "a waste of time" and said he would no longer participate unless his illegal regime in the areas of Cyprus occupied by Turkey since 1974 is recognized.

The Cyprus Republic opened accession talks with the EU in 1998. Turkey was given a candidate status at EU Helsinki summit, where Ankara's role in the effort for peace in Cyprus was once again mentioned.

[35] Famagusta mayor strongly protests illegal construction of two minarets in the town

NICOSIA, 03/10/2001 (CNA/ANA)

"We appeal to you to take urgent and practical measures so that our land is freed of the Turkish troops and the illegal settlers," Mayor Andreas Pouyouros said in a letter to UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, the Security Council and the EU.

"This act, as well as other previous illegal acts of the Turks show to the civilized world that Turkey does not respect the relevant UN resolutions and decisions on Cyprus," Pouyouros said, calling for the "immediate" intervention of the UN and the EU to have the two minarets demolished.

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