Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 01-11-23

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

CONTENTS

[01] Simitis: Athens ready to support stable gov't in Kabul

[02] Simitis reiterates Greek support for Romania's EU, NATO prospects

[03] Romanian president calls for root causes of terrorism to be confronted

[04] Papandreou to attend Brussels meeting, Hannay due in Athens

[05] Gov't on spy case involving UK tourists; FM officials to visit female detainee

[06] PM, interior minister confer on ministry's priorities

[07] Greek-Russian defense cooperation reviewed

[08] Austrian FM to visit Athens

[09] Environment minister chairs meeting on Land Register

[10] Health ministry's 'Help at Home' program extended

[11] ND criticizes tabled 2002 budget

[12] Mitsotakis provides deposition in Mayo case

[13] Greece making up lost ground in competitiveness, EU says

[14] Greeks favor opening their own businesses, EU says

[15] EU to give extra cash for cotton, Floridis says; farmers unconvinced

[16] Family allowance for both spouses to be paid from July 2002

[17] Hotels soon to switch to international quality ranking

[18] Anomeritis to chair Cyclades regional meeting on Syros

[19] Stocks drop in edgy trade

[20] IOC's Oswald begins latest inspection of 2004 preparations

[21] ActionAid campaign to raise funds for Afghanistan refugees

[22] Prestigious Solvay scientific conference to begin in Delphi

[23] European Latsis award announced in Strasbourg

[24] Greece forms branch of world group to tax speculative capital

[25] International journalists conference in Athens in 2004

[26] European Parliament president says Cyprus will join the EU

[27] Greek Cypriot side does not want a series of endless meetings, spokesman says

[28] Cyprus offers 30 police officers for EUROPOL

[01] Simitis: Athens ready to support stable gov't in Kabul

Athens, 23/11/2001 (ANA)

In response to questions after his talks here on Thursday with visiting Romanian President Ion Iliescu, Simitis said both he and Blair agreed over the need for a political solution in the war-ravaged Central Asia country, as well as the formation of a government in Kabul that guarantees security.

“We are ready to contribute to this effort,” he stressed.

Simitis also said his British counterpart touched on a recent high-profile meeting in London of only half the EU’s leaders to discuss international developments -- an action that infuriated the member-states not invited to participate in the informal dinner hosted by Blair.

Simitis noted that it was clear such initiatives would not be repeated, whereas he added that it was agreed such issues would be discussed only within the Union’s institutional framework.

[02] Simitis reiterates Greek support for Romania's EU, NATO prospects

Athens, 23/11/2001 (ANA)

Simitis emphasized that both Balkan countries must be included in the European Union and the North Atlantic alliance in order ensure political security in the region. He also forecast that Ro-mania and Bulgaria will be included in a second wave of expansion over the next few years, “although we’re making a significant effort for them to accede sooner,” Simitis added.

On his part, Iliescu termed Greece’s role in the region as significant for stability, while calling for increased bilateral cooperation, especially in the energy, transports and technology fields.

“EU accession is a one-way street for Romania, which needs to modernize its industry and to raise the living standards of its people,” he told reporters, adding:

“We’re not rushing for accession; the government and the people’s volition is clear, however, although the economy and our institutions must adapt,” Iliescu stressed.

In supporting Bucharest’s request for the lifting of a visa requirement on Romanian citizens traveling to the EU, Simitis noted that such a development must be accompanied by efforts to quash illegal immigration, smuggling and organized crime.

Both men agreed that a constant EU and American presence is necessary in the Balkans, warning that any slackening of international interest could result in a rekindling of regional tension.

Additionally, Greek-Romanian relations were described as very good, whereas Simitis announced that he will officially visit Bucharest in February.

Finally, the Greek premier said he hoped trade relations between the two countries will surpass the one-billion-dollar mark by 2003.

[03] Romanian president calls for root causes of terrorism to be confronted

Athens, 23/11/2001 (ANA)

In light of the terrorist attacks in the United States on September 11, the Romanian president said to win the battle against international terrorism, the root causes for this violent phenomenon must be confronted.

"If we do not fight intolerance, illness and poverty, we will not win the battle against terrorism," Iliescu said in an address at an event organized in his honor by the Greek Institute on Foreign and Defense Policy at the foreign ministry's amphitheatre in Athens.

Iliescu, who was greeted by Foreign Minister George Papandreou, also referred to what he termed the excellent relations between Greece and Romania.

On another note, Iliescu said that the crisis in Yugoslavia also revealed the weaknesses in the European Union. He added that from this point of view, cooperation between Greece and Romania in the region constitutes a positive example and is directed at not giving excuses to those who want to portray the Balkans as the powder keg of Europe.

Earlier, Athens Mayor Dimitris Avramopoulos presented to Iliescu the gold medal of the city of Athens.

In his address, Avramopoulos referred to the personality and political activity of Iliescu and to his contribution towards the restoration of democracy in his country.

On his part, Iliescu said there was an identity of views on a bilateral, regional and European level on the issue of the procedure of his country's accession to the EU.

Parliament speaker meets visiting Romanian President: Parliament speaker Apostolos Kaklamanis on Thursday ex-pressed the Greek Parliament's complete support for Ro-mania's efforts to join the European Union, after a meeting with visiting Romanian President Ion Iliescu.

Iliescu called on the Greek Parliament on the second day of his three-day official visit to Greece, and thanked Greece for its assistance in Romania's European orientation.

A Parliament press release said that Kaklamanis and Iliescu discussed political developments in Romania and noted that bilateral relations between Greece and Romania were very good.

[04] Papandreou to attend Brussels meeting, Hannay due in Athens

Athens, 23/11/2001 (ANA)

While in Lausanne, Papandreou will also attend a meeting on the Olympic Truce initiative.

Meanwhile, Alternate Foreign Minister Tassos Giannitsis is due to meet Britain's special envoy for Cyprus Lord Hannay in Athens on Monday.

Following his talks in Athens, Hannay will then visit Ankara, while he is due in Nicosia at the beginning of December. His visit to Cyprus may well coincide with a face-to-face meeting between Cyprus President Glafcos Clerides and Turkish-Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash on the island, which will also be attended by the UN Secretary-General's Cyprus envoy, Alvaro de Soto.

Regarding this meeting, foreign ministry spokesman Panos Beglitis said that both Athens and Nicosia hope that it will pave the way for more substantial proximity talks.

[05] Gov't on spy case involving UK tourists; FM officials to visit female detainee

Athens, 23/11/2001 (ANA)

Spokesman Christos Protopappas did, however, confirm London’s interest in the case, while stressing that the 12 British nationals and two Dutchmen – members of an aviation enthusiasts’ club - had been warned before their arrest by Greek authorities not to photograph military installations.

In a later development, Foreign Minister George Papandreou released a written statement on the same issue, noting that he is personally following the case “because several of my counterparts from the Euro-Parliament, as well as the British House of Commons and the Netherlands’ parliament have sent me letters expressing their concern for their fellow citizens...”

A foreign ministry spokesman had earlier in the day told reporters at a regular press briefing that Papandreou would personally visit the sole female detainee of the group of 14 at the Athens-area Korydallos prison on Friday.

However, Papandreou cancelled the visit and said he would instead send two high-ranking foreign ministry officials to visit the British woman.

“I planned the visit, as you know, as a show of sensitivity to the detainee tomorrow (Friday) at Korydallos. I realized, however, that many journalists expressed concerns that this could be considered as an intervention vis-a-vis the judiciary, which it is not ... I believe we are showing our sensitivity and no intention to intervene exists,” he added.

"The foreign minister wants to show the Greek government’s interest in the conditions under which British citizens are being held," foreign ministry spokesman Panos Beglitis had earlier told reporters.

On his part, Protopappas reiterated that the government will not and cannot intervene in a matter now up before the courts.

The remaining 13 individuals – all men - are being held separately in a jail in the Peloponnese.

The group of 14 tourists, described as “plane spotters”, were arrested near the southern Peloponnese port city of Kalamata two weeks ago before being formally arraigned late last week, and after authorities ascertained that they had taken photographs of planes and facilities of several airbases around southern Greece.

All 14 have denied the espionage charges.

[06] PM, interior minister confer on ministry's priorities

Athens, 23/11/2001 (ANA)

After the talks, Skandalidis told reporters that the first bill his ministry would table in parliament would be on immigration policy, including amendments to existing Law 2910 and procedural changes for the second stage of legalization of undocumented immigrants.

A bill would follow the immigration bill on upgrading civil defense, which would in turn be followed on one pertaining to the financing of political parties, Skandalidis added.

He said he would convene an ad-hoc parliamentary inter-party committee in mid-December to review party financing and electoral procedures.

Next week the minister is expected to meet with political party leaders to designate the party representatives to the ad-hoc committee.

[07] Greek-Russian defense cooperation reviewed

Athens, 23/11/2001 (ANA)

The two ministers noted that Russian president Vladimir Putin's upcoming visit to Athens early next month would give a further boost to the defense cooperation between the two countries.

[08] Austrian FM to visit Athens

VIENNA 23/11/2001 (ANA - D. Dimitrakoudis)

Talks will also focus on the Cyprus issue and Cyprus' accession to the European Union, Greek-Turkish relations, developments in the Balkans, the international situation in the wake of the September 11 terrorist attacks, EU enlargement and the upcoming European Council in Lacken, Belgium.

Apart from talks with her Greek counterpart George Papandreou, whose visit to Vienna last March she is returning now, Waldner will be meeting President Kostis Stephanopoulos and Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis.

Waldner is also expected to raise two environmental issues interesting Austrian public opinion. The major problem of road transportation with the passing of foreign trucks through Austria and concern over the security of the future operation of the Czech nuclear energy plant at Temelin on the border with Austria.

The high level of Greek-Austrian relations and possibilities of their further development in the economic and cultural sectors had been ascertained during Papandreou's visit to Vienna, as well as possibilities of undertaking joint political initiatives.

The Austrian foreign minister had supported every effort for the finding of a solution to the Cyprus issue, if possible before the accession of Cyprus to the EU, to enable the accession of a unified Cyprus.

Waldner had mentioned as a precondition for the possible future accession of Turkey to the EU the implementation of the Copenhagen criteria, which, as she had stressed, necessitate the implementation of European models in the human rights, rule of law, democracy and minority protection sectors.

[09] Environment minister chairs meeting on Land Register

Athens, 23/11/2001 (ANA)

A two-hour meeting was held at the ministry on the Land Register, attended by Papandreou, the members of the Land Register board and by former environment minister Costas Laliotis.

[10] Health ministry's 'Help at Home' program extended

Athens, 23/11/2001 (ANA)

Tele-warning providing considerable assistance to people faced with serious health problems and living alone is also expected to be implemented soon in the framework of the program.

Deputy Health Minister Dimitris Thanos is expected to announce that over 100 billion drachmas have been earmarked for the next three years.

[11] ND criticizes tabled 2002 budget

Athens, 23/11/2001 (ANA)

In statements afterwards, a ND spokesman said nothing has changed in the government’s policy, despite that fact that a government reshuffle resulted in a change in the economy and finance ministry’s leadership.

Spokesman Theodoris Roussopoulos also said announced tax breaks were miserly, while claiming that, on average, every family will be burdened with an additional 190,000 drachmas in taxes.

He also accused the government of using trickery to cover deficits.

[12] Mitsotakis provides deposition in Mayo case

Athens, 23/11/2001 (ANA)

Exiting the prosecutor’s office, Mitsotakis said he considers it his duty to deflect what he called Laliotis’ efforts to “bring back mudslinging and slander as the primary means of political confrontation”.

Asked about the account in question, Mitsotakis said he also hoped an in-depth investigation will commence in order to get to the truth.

Another previous ND leader, high-ranking deputy Miltiades Evert, made his deposition before a prosecutor on Wednesday regarding the same claims by Laliotis.

On his part, Laliotis testified before a prosecutor on Monday, and after he repeatedly claimed that Mitsotakis and New Democracy are linked to a suspicious account, belonging to the Liberia-registered Mayo Investments Corp.

He later told reporters that he had provided "specific and revealing evidence” that proved that New Democracy members had links with the company between 1989 and 1993, as well as the company's account in a Scottish bank.

In a comment on Thursday, Laliotis said: “I hope and trust that Mr. Mitsotakis, in respecting Greek justice, will not hide any evidence about ND’s financial backers, about the Liberian company Mayo Investment Corp. and about the trafficking of undeclared cash for this account”.

[13] Greece making up lost ground in competitiveness, EU says

BRUSSELS 23/11/2001 (ANA/ B. Demiris)

The country's growth rate and productivity had risen over the last ten years at rates higher than the EU average, the annual report on competitiveness in the 15-nation bloc said.

In 1995-2001, the average annual rate of increase of Greece's gross domestic product (GDP) was higher than that of the EU, marking 3.5 percent growth against a 2.6 percent average posted by the Community.

Productivity in the same period also made headway but remained at a low level compared with other EU members, representing 59 percent of US productivity against the EU average of 73 percent of the US total.

The productivity rate in Greece rose by 2.7 percent annually, the highest rate of increase in the bloc.

Employment in Greece in the period under review rose by 0.7 percent annually against an EU average of 1.2 percent, the report said.

[14] Greeks favor opening their own businesses, EU says

BRUSSELS 23/11/2001 (ANA/M. Spinthourakis)

In its report on business activity in the 15-nation bloc, the Com-mission also said that market capitalization in the Athens Stock Market dropped to about 100 percent of gross domestic product in 2000 from 150 percent in 1999.

In addition, only 10 percent of institutional investors placed funds in the Greek market, the lowest percentage in the EU.

Furthermore, fewer than 20 percent of Greek enterprises have women directors against more than 30 percent of firms in a number of other EU countries.

Finally, Greece is lagging in the number of computers used in schools at an average of five computers per 100 pupils against an EU average of 10 computers to the same number of school children, the report said.

[15] EU to give extra cash for cotton, Floridis says; farmers unconvinced

Athens, 23/11/2001 (ANA)

Floridis made the statement while presenting the results of an EU economy ministers' council, which met in Brussels on Wednesday and Thursday to work out the Community's budget for 2002.

Greece, which was represented at the meeting by Floridis, sought additional funds for cotton subsidies, the retention of tobacco subsidies and more financial support for EU regions, which share borders with EU candidate-countries.

The deputy minister said that the EU council had approved a total increase of 252.38 million euros (86 billion drachmas) for farming subsidies in 2002 that would be given to two countries, Greece and Spain.

The meeting had also rejected a Europarliament proposal to reduce tobacco subsidies by 20 per cent every year as of 2002 and funds for this would remain the same, Floridis said.

The minister particularly hailed a decision for additional funding to EU regions bordering candidate-states, a demand strongly supported by Greece, Germany, Italy, Finland and Austria.

In Greece this benefits the regions of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, Central Macedonia, the north and south Aegean and Crete.

In his arguments on this issue, Floridis stressed the importance that Greece places on securing EU borders against the ever-growing numbers of illegal immigrants from third countries.

He noted also that the Community's budget for 2002 amounted to the relatively low figure of 1.03 per cent of the EU's total GDP, despite the fact that Community requirements were increasing.

Greece also supported the need to financially assist countries in Asia, particularly Afghanistan, due to the war and the crisis following the Sept. 11 terror attacks.

At the same time, Athens stressed the need to meet previous EU commitments and priorities abroad, such as in the Balkans.

Farmers limber up for more protests: In northern Greece, meanwhile, disgruntled farmers said they were unconvinced by what Deputy Agriculture Minister Evangelos Argyris had to say during a meeting with farmer unions on Wednesday and had decided to stay on at rally points with their tractors.

In fact, union leaders on Thursday launched a campaign to rally more support and create as big an impact as possible when the tractors occupied Greece's main road networks on Monday, when official cotton prices were announced.

Farmers in Kilkis had a 'warm up protest' on Thursday by setting up a tractor roadblock at the Polykastro flyover, on the road leading to the Evzones border post. They broke up after just an hour and a half, however, to return to their village squares, saying that their move had been "symbolic".

[16] Family allowance for both spouses to be paid from July 2002

Athens, 23/11/2001 (ANA)

The minister was speaking in an interview to the Antenna radio station.

The country's civil servants union has asked the government to make the payment retroactive for both spouses from the time of the allowance's abolition to its reinstatement.

[17] Hotels soon to switch to international quality ranking

Athens, 23/11/2001 (ANA)

Speaking after a meeting with senior state tourism officials, the minister said a presidential decree allowing the switch from the current domestic system, which uses letters of the alphabet, would soon be issued.

He added that the government's plan to lease beaches in Attica owned by the Greek National Tourism Organization was under-way, along with a tender for marinas in Attica whose second phase is to begin in about two weeks.

In addition, Greece will launch a tourism publicity campaign throughout Europe in three to four weeks in order to help boost demand. Other programs are to be implemented to draw tourists from the US and Scandinavia.

[18] Anomeritis to chair Cyclades regional meeting on Syros

Athens, 23/11/2001 (ANA)

While on Syros, Anomeritis will also attend a ceremony at the Neorio Shipyard in which the keel will be placed on the first of four cruise liners commissioned from the shipyard.

These are the first commercial ships ordered from Neorio since 1961, when the last ship built by the shipyard was launched. For the past 40 years, Neorio has confined itself to repairs, refurbishing and maintenance.

[19] Stocks drop in edgy trade

Athens, 23/11/2001 (ANA)

The general share index shed 0.64 percent to end at 2,747.91 points. Turnover topped 301 million euros.

The FTSE/ASE-20 index for blue chip and heavily traded stocks ended 1.24 percent down; the FTSE/ASE-40 for medium capitalization paper 0.57 percent higher; and the FTSE/ASE-80 for small cap equities 0.88 percent up.

Of stocks traded, advances led declines at 190 to 150 with 24 issues remaining unchanged.

The most heavily traded shares were Hellenic Textiles, Despec, Koumbas, National Bank of Greece, Alpha Bank and Naoussa Textiles.

Bond Market Close: Prices nose down in brisk trade: Bond prices in the domestic secondary market on Thursday finished lower in heavy trade focusing on ten-year paper.

The Greek benchmark 10-year bond showed a yield of around 4.93 percent, and the yield spread over German bunds was 42 basis points.

Turnover through the central bank's electronic system totalled 2.1 billion euros, slightly down due to a US market holiday.

Sell orders accounted for the bulk of turnover.

Derivatives Market Close: Equity futures drop in lower turnover: Equity futures on the Athens Derivatives Exchange on Thurs-day fell in lower turnover with a premium on blue chips slumping, traders said.

Trades on the medium capitalization index ended at a discount of up to 1.5 percent from a small premium at the start.

Changing hands were 8,117 contracts on turnover of 48.1 million euros.

The underlying FTSE/ASE-20 index for heavily traded stocks and blue chips shed 1.24% percent; and the underlying FTSE/ASE-40 for medium capitalization stocks rose by 0.57 percent.

[20] IOC's Oswald begins latest inspection of 2004 preparations

Athens, 23/11/2001 (ANA)

The IOC delegation, led by the head of the Lausanne-based organization’s coordinating commission overseeing the 2004 Games, Denis Oswald, comes a few months after the last such inspection.

Oswald is expected to meet with Greek Prime Minister on Friday morning, after a series of briefings by Cabinet ministers in charge of various 2004-related projects and sectors.

A press conference is scheduled at a downtown Athens hotel following the meetings and a tour of the Olympic Village site.

Sources close to ATHOC on Thursday, meanwhile, said they believed Oswald will express his satisfaction with preparations so far.

Conversely, he is also expected to cite the dangers from delays on certain projects and infrastructure works, as well as cautioning against any slacking off.

[21] ActionAid campaign to raise funds for Afghanistan refugees

Athens, 23/11/2001 (ANA)

The group asks people to deposit their donations in the National Bank of Greece account 127 - 480093-18 and the Alpha Bank account 107/2002/3925.

[22] Prestigious Solvay scientific conference to begin in Delphi

Athens, 23/11/2001 (ANA)

Entitled "The Physics of Communication," this is the first Solvay international conference-taking place in the 21st century and one of the few taking place outside of the organization’s base in Brussels.

It is taking place under the auspices of the Culture Ministry and will begin at Delphi's European Cultural Center before moving on to conference facilities in Lamia, where the final conclusions will be announced on Nov. 29.

Quantum computing involves using the spin of individual atoms instead of chip technology and could potentially allow the creation of computers with immense processing power and speed.

The conference will also deal with concepts relating to time.

[23] European Latsis award announced in Strasbourg

BRUSSELS 23/11/2001 (ANA - V. Demiris)

The two scientists were honored for their contribution to research on climatic changes on the planet. The awards were due to be given in a downtown hotel in the Alsatian city on Thurs-day.

The "European Latsis award", amounting to 100,000 Swiss francs, is financed by the Latsis Foundation with the purpose of backing European research.

[24] Greece forms branch of world group to tax speculative capital

Athens, 23/11/2001 (ANA)

Taking part in ATTAC-Greece's founding meeting on Wednesday were 200 people, including journalists, academics, trade unionists and politicians. Among groups represented were the General Confederation of Labor of Greece and Avghi newspaper.

Also general director of the company that publishes the Monde Diplomatique newspaper, Cassen said that ATTAC held deep-seated political beliefs but backed no political parties and did not take part in elections.

Its main target was taxation for speculative stock market capital in order to stabilize markets, known as the Tobin tax, which has been voted through in France although assent is needed in the entire European Union for implementation, he said.

Beyond Western Europe, ATTAC also has branches in Russia, the US, north Africa and Japan.

[25] International journalists conference in Athens in 2004

Athens, 23/11/2001 (ANA)

The IJF’s Executive Committee took the relevant decision and the conference is scheduled to take place in May 2004, with the participation of representatives of at least 146 journalists unions from 106 countries who represent over 500,000 members.

IJF secretary general Aidan White will visit Athens in December to examine details of the conference.

The conference will last four days and will be preceded by a session on "sports journalism and ethics."

[26] European Parliament president says Cyprus will join the EU

NICOSIA 23/11/2001 (CNA/ANA)

Speaking after being received by Cyprus President Glafcos Clerides on Thursday, Fontaine, on a two-day official visit here, said that accession to the EU could act as a catalyst for a solution, adding that Cyprus is among the countries most prepared for EU membership.

Addressing herself to the Turkish Cypriots, she appealed to them to make some kind of gesture to help find a settlement, telling them that blocking a solution does not serve their interests.

President Glafcos Clerides, welcoming Fontaine, said he briefed her on current developments in the Cyprus problem and thanked her for the positions adopted by the Parliament on Cyprus and the support it extends to the Republic's accession course.

In her initial remarks, she thanked the president for his invitation and conveyed to him "the very warm support of the Parliament at a moment which is certainly very decisive for the future of Cyprus."

"The prospect of accession is becoming closer as the EU has fixed a political framework, which means that the first countries that will accede to the EU will participate in the 2004 elections at the European Parliament," she said, adding that new members are to join at the end of 2002 or beginning of 2003 and that Cyprus is among the countries most prepared for accession.

Congratulating the president on the remarkable progress in the harmonization process, she said the EU has for a long time considered that Cyprus would have its place in the center of the EU.

"I told him that Cyprus' accession gives us hope that it will be a catalyst that will help find a solution to the problem of occupation of the northern part of the island by the Turks," Fontaine said.

Expressing her wish for a solution, she said the Parliament "will help Cyprus with all our power to find that political solution in the framework of the UN resolutions, but we also said clearly that if it is not possible to reach a solution, under no circumstances will this prevent the accession of Cyprus."

Invited to comment on Turkey's views on Cyprus' accession, she said "I cannot imagine any moment when the European Parliament can give its approval to a group of candidate countries for accession, in which Cyprus is not included."

Her remarks come in the wake of repeated threats from Ankara that it will annex the island's northern areas should Cyprus join the EU without a prior solution.

In a message to the Turkish Cypriots, she sent "an appeal that they make some gesture" to help reach a settlement, and warned them that the policy of blocking a settlement is not in their interests.

Fontaine noted with regret that since her last visit here, nothing has changed.

The French Euro MP arrived early on Thursday afternoon for a two-day official visit at the invitation of President Clerides who welcomed her at an official ceremony at the Presidential Palace, as the police band played the national anthems of Cyprus and the EU and a military guard of honor presented arms.

[27] Greek Cypriot side does not want a series of endless meetings, spokesman says

NICOSIA 23/11/2001 (CNA/ANA)

Papapetrou said that the 4th of December meeting could be followed by a second one but Rauf Denktash will then have to clarify whether he is ready to continue the UN-led talks and define the type of talks he is willing to attend, face-to- face or proximity ones.

The spokesman also said that should the Turkish Cypriot leader be negative and object to the continuation of the peace talks "then we shall carry on with our effort to join the European Union and to persuade the international community that Turkey is responsible for the current state of affairs and that we are ready for a solution any time."

Papapetrou did not rule out the possibility of a second face-to-face meeting between Clerides and Denktash, adding that "if the whole effort comes to an end at the first meeting, there will be no reason for a second one." He reiterated that December's 4 meeting would be held in the framework of the existing UN-led process and aims at giving an impetus to this process.

[28] Cyprus offers 30 police officers for EUROPOL

NICOSIA 23/11/2001 (CNA/ANA)

Koshis announced Cyprus' offer during a recent meeting in Brussels of EU Ministers responsible for police issues with their counterparts from the candidate countries.

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